Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Carbonylation Contributes to Prothrombotic Fibrin Clot Phenotype in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Clinical Associations

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with enhanced oxidative stress and unfavorably altered fibrin clot properties. We investigated determinants of plasma protein carbonylation (PC) in AIS, its impact on the prothrombotic state, and prognostic value during follow-up. METHODS: We included 98 consecutive AIS patients aged 74±12 years (male:female ratio, 50:48 [51%:49%]) at the Neurology Center in Warsaw, Poland, between January and December 2014. As many as 74 (75.5%) patients underwent thrombolysis, and 24 were unsuitable for thrombolysis. We determined plasma PC, along with thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeability, and clot lysis time on admission, at 24 hours, and 3 months. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and stroke outcome with the modified Rankin Scale. Hemorrhagic transformation was assessed on the computed tomography scan within 48 hours from the symptom onset, while stroke-related mortality was evaluated at 3 months. RESULTS: On admission, PC levels (median, 4.61 [3.81–5.70] nM/mg protein) were associated with the time since symptom onset (r=0.41; P<0.0001) and with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (P=0.36; P=0.0003). Higher PC levels on admission correlated with denser fibrin clot formation and prolonged clot lysis time but not with thrombin generation. In thrombolysed patients, lower PC levels were observed after 24 hours (−34%) and at 3 months (−23%; both P<0.001). PC levels at baseline and after 24 hours predicted the modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 3 months (OR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.21–3.00]; OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.39–3.44], respectively). Higher PC at baseline predicted hemorrhagic transformation of stroke (OR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.02–3.74]) and stroke-related mortality (OR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.08–3.79]), while higher PC at 24 hours predicted solely stroke-related mortality (OR, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.28–3.46]). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma PC levels in patients with AIS, related to prothrombotic fibrin clot properties, are associated with stroke severity. Thrombolysis reduces the extent of PC. The current study suggests a prognostic value of PC in AIS.
Investigations of belukha whales in coastal waters of western and northern Alaska, 1982-1983: marking and tracking of whales in Bristol Bay

A 2-year study was conducted in Bristol Bay, Alaska, to develop and test techniques for marking belukha whales with visual and radio tags. Information was also gathered on belukha distribution and abundance, foods and feeding, and rates and causes of mortality. Two types of radio packages were developed: an OAR backpack designed to be bolted through the dorsal ridge, and a Telonics barnacle tag with an umbrella-stake attachment. Testing of tags and attachments revealed that the more-powerful OAR radio could be received at longer distances and lower antenna heights, and the the umbrella-stake attachment penetrated too deeply for reliable use on belukhas.
Temporal variation of seismicity and spectrum of small earthquakes preceding the 1952 Kern County, California, earthquake

The spatio-temporal variation of seismicity in the epicentral area of the 1952 Kern County California, earthquake (M_s = 7.7, 34°58.6′N; 119°02′W) was examined for the period prior to the main shock. Most of the events that occurred in the epicentral area were relocated by using the main shock as a master event. A large part of the fault plane of the Kern County earthquake had been seismically quiet for nearly 15 yr before the main shock. However, the activity in the immediate vicinity of the epicenter had been very high during the same period. The temporal variation of the activity in the vicinity of the epicentral area exhibits a pattern very similar to that found for the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. During the 1 1/2 yr period immediately before the main shock, tight clustering of activity around the main-shock epicenter occurred. This clustering may be considered to be foreshock activity. This period of increased activity was preceded by a quiet period for 2 yr from 1949 to 1950; no event was located on the fault plane of the Kern County earthquake during this period. This pattern, quiescence followed by clustering, seems to have repeated several times prior to 1949. Thus, this pattern alone cannot be used as a definite indicator of a large earthquake, but in terms of a fault model with asperities, it can be a manifestation of progressive stress concentration toward the eventual hypocenter. Spectral analyses of the Pasadena Wood-Anderson seismograms of the events that occurred near the epicentral area showed that the frequency of the spectral peak is systematically higher for the foreshocks than the events prior to 1949. A similar trend was found for the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. These results are consistent with the model of stress concentration around the eventual hypocenter.
Experimental study of knickpoint and longitudinal profile evolution in cohesive, homogeneous material: Discussion and reply

A series of experiments were conducted in homogeneous bedrock to study knickpoint and longitudinal-profile evolution. Knickpoints are created by successive drops in base level, which simulate intermittent uplift. Channel morphology and flow characteristics vary systematically along a knickpoint reach. As the knickpoint lip is approached, width decreases, but depth, velocity, and bottom shear stress increase. As a result, knickpoints are rapidly destroyed through the process of (1) knickpoint replacement and (2) subsequent knickpoint inclination. Knickpoint replacement consists of two morphologically distinct, erosional reaches: the knickpoint face below the knickpoint lip, which decreases in slope, and an incising reach above the knickpoint lip, which increases in slope. Knickpoint replacement is a significant process in the evolution of knickpoints in homogeneous bedrock. Within experimental limits, this study supports the notion that knickpoints do not undergo parallel head-ward retreat in homogeneous bedrock, given intermittent uplift, except in those possible cases of extensive and pervasive bedrock jointing. Only the erosional sediment-transport discontinuity above the knickpoint is developed in cohesive sediments. Below the knickpoint, a steep, bedrock channel slope, low sediment load, and rapid decrease in grain size of sediment load preclude development of the aggradational sediment-transport discontinuity. Knickpoint evolution can be characterized by three general models: parallel retreat, replacement, and inclination. These models are based on the following criteria within the knickpoint reach: (1) relationship between bottom shear stress, τ 0 , and critical shear stress needed to initiate motion, τ c ; (2) nature of the bed-load transport discontinuities; and (3) spatial variability of bedrock resistance to fluvial erosion.
Skewness in Body fat Distribution Pattern Links to Specific Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Profiles

Abstract Objective Fat distribution pattern could help determine cardiometabolic risk profile. This study aimed to evaluate the association of balance/imbalance between visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT), and liver fat (LF) with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. Methods Magnetic resonance images of 40 174 participants were analyzed for VAT, aSAT, and LF using AMRA® Researcher. To assess fat distribution patterns independent of body mass index (BMI), fat z-scores (z-VAT, z-aSAT, z-LF) were calculated. Participants without prevalent T2D/CVD (N = 35 138) were partitioned based on balance between (1) z-VAT and z-LF (z-scores = 0 as cut-points for high/low), (2) z-VAT and z-aSAT, and (3) z-LF and z-aSAT. Associations with T2D/CVD were investigated using Cox regression (crude and adjusted for sex, age, BMI, lifestyle, arterial hypertension, statin treatment). Results T2D was significantly associated with z-LF (hazard ratio, [95% CI] 1.74 [1.52-1.98], P < .001) and z-VAT (1.70 [1.49-1.95], P < .001). Both remained significant after full adjustment. For z-scores balance, strongest associations with T2D were z-VAT > 0 and z-LF > 0 (4.61 [2.98-7.12]), z-VAT > 0 and z-aSAT < 0 (4.48 [2.85-7.06]), and z-LF > 0 and z-aSAT < 0 (2.69 [1.76-4.12]), all P < . 001. CVD was most strongly associated with z-VAT (1.22 [1.16-1.28], P < .001) which remained significant after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, and lifestyle. For z-scores balance, strongest associations with CVD were z-VAT > 0 and z-LF < 0 (1.53 [1.34-1.76], P < .001) and z-VAT > 0 and z-aSAT < 0 (1.54 [1.34-1.76], P < .001). When adjusted for sex, age, and BMI, only z-VAT > 0 and z-LF < 0 remained significant. Conclusion High VAT in relation to BMI (z-VAT > 0) was consistently linked to both T2D and CVD; z-LF > 0 was linked to T2D only. Skewed fat distribution patterns showed elevated risk for CVD (z-VAT > 0 and z-LF < 0 and z-VAT > 0 and z-aSAT < 0) and T2D (z-VAT > 0 and z-aSAT < 0).
Ten2Twenty-Ghana: a randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of multiple micronutrient-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of adolescent girls

Adolescent girls are an important target group for micronutrient interventions particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where adolescent pregnancy and micronutrient deficiencies are common. When consumed in sufficient amounts and at levels appropriate for the population, fortified foods may be a useful strategy for this group, but little is known about their effectiveness and timing (regarding menarche), particularly in resource-poor environments. We evaluated the effect of consuming multiple micronutrient-fortified biscuits (MMB), sold in the Ghanaian market, 5 d/week for 26 weeks compared with unfortified biscuits (UB) on the micronutrient status of female adolescents. We also explored to what extent the intervention effect varied before or after menarche. Ten2Twenty-Ghana was a 26-week double-blind, randomised controlled trial among adolescent girls aged 10–17 years (n 621) in the Mion District, Ghana. Biomarkers of micronutrient status included concentrations of Hb, plasma ferritin (PF), soluble transferrin receptor (TfR) and retinol-binding protein (RBP), including body-iron stores. Intention-to-treat analysis was supplemented by protocol-specific analysis. We found no effect of the intervention on PF, TfR and RBP. MMB consumption did not affect anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies at the population level. MMB consumption increased the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency by 6·2 % (95 % CI (0·7, 11·6)) among pre-menarche girls when adjusted for baseline micronutrient status, age and height-for-age Z-score, but it decreased the prevalence of deficient/low vitamin A status by −9·6 % (95 % CI (−18·9, −0·3)) among post-menarche girls. Consuming MMB available in the market did not increase iron status in our study, but reduced the prevalence of deficient/low vitamin A status in post-menarcheal girls.
A review of Holocene avulsions of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and possible effects on the evolution of civilizations in lower Mesopotamia

The role of avulsion in the evolution of civilization in lower Mesopotamia is widely recognized. Ancient settlements are closely associated with abandoned courses of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. This paper discusses avulsion history, controls of avulsions, their effects on civilization evolution from 7000 to 1000 yr B.P., and interactions between human activity and channel‐network evolution based on previous archaeological and geomorphological surveys, analysis of cuneiform texts, maps, satellite photos, and limited geological data. Settlement distribution in ancient Mesopotamia is modeled in relation to avulsion styles, as well as channel and sedimentation patterns. Avulsion belts are suggested as places where urban settlements emerged and were sustained. Multiple channel networks and avulsion belts created large, naturally irrigated areas, fostering the efficient agriculture needed to sustain dense rural and urban settlements. After channel networks were abandoned during delta evolution, largescale canal construction was required to sustain settlements but still could not prevent their decline. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Storm surges in the southern North Sea and River Thames

A numerical model has been formulated to provide predictions of surge levels in the southern North Sea and River Thames. The model has been used to simulate the disastrous surge of January-February 1953. It is shown that the major surge component along the east coast of England was that propagating from the northern North Sea, whereas along the Dutch coast the major component was due to the wind effect over the southern North Sea. During the course of the storm there was a large net transport of water southwards through the Dover Strait. This residual flow was found to affect the surge levels at Southend. An investigation has been made of the effect of deploying the future Thames Barrier during the course of the storm. At Southend the amplitude of the reflected wave from the barrier was found to be negligible. The distribution of energy during the storm has been examined and a plot made of the spatial variation in energy dissipation by bed friction.
Predictors of Hyporesponsiveness to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents in Patients with Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease (RADIANCE-CKD Study)

Introduction: Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has been associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease. We hypothesized that the prediction of ESA resistance during ESA administration would be very useful in deciding on a treatment plan. Methods: Patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate renal prognosis in anemic patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease with hyporesponsiveness to ESA were included; the patients had different target hemoglobin levels. A landmark analysis was performed at 3 months into the study. To construct a predictive model for the severe ESA hypo-responder group, in which there was no increase in hemoglobin even with active treatment, background factors and serum test items that affect anemia at study entry were included in a logistic regression model, the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. This study was a post hoc sub-analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Results: The AUC for the 19 existing risk factors as predictors was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.711–0.855). Among the 19 risk factors, the combination of six factors (hemoglobin level, systolic blood pressure, weight, gender, smoking status, and hypertensive retinopathy) with the largest χ2 statistics were selected by multiple logistics regression. The AUC for these 6 predictors was 0.716 (95% CI: 0.634–0.799). To the six existing risk factors, five serum test items that affect anemia (vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D) were added, for a total of 11 risk factors, with a similar AUC of 0.736 (95% CI: 0.655–0.817), sufficient to predict ESA resistance. Conclusions: Our results suggest that existing risk factors and serum test items can be used to predict ESA resistance in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease on ESA.
Ophthalmologic and neuro‐ophthalmologic findings in children with Down syndrome

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder associated with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability, delays in growth, and characteristic facial features. A wide range of ocular complications are seen in children with Down syndrome, including strabismus, nystagmus, refractive errors, congenital cataracts, the presence of keratoconus, and decreased visual acuity. Early ophthalmic examination is needed for early diagnosis and treatment in patients. This narrative review examines ocular manifestations in children with Down syndrome and the importance of prompt ophthalmic interventions for treatment.
Exercise‐induced hypoalgesia with end‐stage knee osteoarthritis during different blood flow restriction levels: Sham‐controlled crossover study

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training could be a valuable treatment to induce exercise‐induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in patients with end‐stage knee osteoarthritis. However, the use of BFR in these patients is poorly explored and there is no evidence about the training dosage needed.
Caste And Class In A Southern Town

An extraordinary powerful exposition of social patterns in a small town, "Caste and Class in a Southern Town "has become a benchmark in social science methodology and a classic in American studies. Now fifty years after its original publication, John Dollard's most famous work offers timeless insights and remains essential to those interested in race-related social issues. In 1937, W. E. B. Du Bois observed, "Dr. Dollard's study is one of the most interesting and penetrating that has been made concerning the South and is marked by courage and real insight. Dr. Dollard's book marks a distinct advance in the study of the Southern scene. "
Land Use, Geology, Enrichment, and Stream Biota in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Ecoregion: Implications for Nutrient Criteria Development 1

Abstract: The eastern panhandle region of West Virginia is entirely within the Appalachian Ridge and Valley ecoregion. It is underlain by limestone in the eastern part and by shale and sandstone in the western part. Agricultural and urban development has affected the condition of the streams of this region. We examined samples from 165 stations in the Ridge and Valley, collected from 1998 to 2004. Land use, geological characteristics, physical and chemical parameters, and algal and macroinvertebrate assemblages were used to identify potential stressors that affect streams in the region. Our analyses indicated that both human land uses and ecoregional differences led to elevated nutrient concentrations in streams of the study areas. Multiple regression analyses indicated that both agricultural and urban land use in the watershed were associated with high nutrient concentrations (NO2+3, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) in streams. These elevated nutrient concentrations have led to increased algal biomass, increased trophic state, and degradation of macroinvertebrate community in the streams. Values of the West Virginia Stream Condition Index, as well as several other benthic macroinvertebrate metrics, decreased with increased nutrient concentrations and conductivity, especially in the limestone region. When regional differences were partitioned out in the analysis, nutrient concentrations became the strongest stressor in the limestone region while conductivity exhibited less of an effect on macroinvertebrate metrics. Meanwhile, periphyton diagnostic metrics also responded to increased nutrient concentrations, suggesting nutrients could be a cause of biological degradation in the Eastern Ridge and Valley region. Multiple approaches and multiple lines of evidence (reference approach and stressor‐response approach) were applied to develop nutrient benchmarks for different geological regions in the study watershed.
DualSort: online spike sorting with a running neural network

Objective. Spike sorting, i.e. the detection and separation of measured action potentials from different extracellularly recorded neurons, remains one of the bottlenecks in deciphering the brain. In recent years, the application of neural networks (NNs) for spike sorting has garnered significant attention. Most methods focus on specific sub-problems within the conventional spike sorting pipeline, such as spike detection or feature extraction, and attempt to solve them with complex network architectures. This paper presents DualSort, a simple NN that gets combined with downstream post-processing for real-time spike sorting. It shows high efficiency, low complexity, and requires a comparatively small amount of human interaction. Approach. Synthetic and experimentally obtained extracellular single-channel recordings were utilized to train and evaluate the proposed NN. For training, spike waveforms were labeled with respect to their associated neuron and position in the signal, allowing the detection and categorization of spikes in unison. DualSort classifies a single spike multiple times in succession, as it runs over the signal in a step-by-step manner and uses a post-processing algorithm that transmits the network output into spike trains. Main results. With the used datasets, DualSort was able to detect and distinguish different spike waveforms and separate them from background activity. The post-processing algorithm significantly strengthened the overall performance of the model, making the system more robust as a whole. Although DualSort is an end-to-end solution that efficiently transforms filtered signals into spike trains, it competes with contemporary state-of-the-art technologies that exclusively target single sub-problems in the conventional spike sorting pipeline. Significance. This work demonstrates that even under high noise levels, complex NNs are not necessary by any means to achieve high performance in spike detection and sorting. The utilization of data augmentation on a limited quantity of spikes could substantially decrease hand-labeling compared to other studies. Furthermore, the proposed framework can be utilized without human interaction when combined with an unsupervised technique that provides pseudo labels for DualSort. Due to the low complexity of our network, it works efficiently and enables real-time processing on basic hardware. The proposed approach is not limited to spike sorting, as it may also be used to process different signals, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), which needs to be investigated in future research.