Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of cognitive reserve in ischemic stroke prognosis: A systematic review

Objective This systematic review was performed to identify the role of cognitive reserve (CR) proxies in the functional outcome and mortality prognostication of patients after acute ischemic stroke. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched by two independent reviewers from their inception to 31 August 2022, with no restrictions on language. The reference lists of reviews or included articles were also searched. Cohort studies with a follow-up period of ≥3 months identifying the association between CR indicators and the post-stroke functional outcome and mortality were included. The outcome records for patients with hemorrhage and ischemic stroke not reported separately were excluded. The Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Results Our search yielded 28 studies (n = 1,14,212) between 2004 and 2022, of which 14 were prospective cohort studies and 14 were retrospective cohort studies. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 36 years, and the mean or median age varied from 39.6 to 77.2 years. Of the 28 studies, 15 studies used the functional outcome as their primary outcome interest, and 11 of the 28 studies included the end-point interest of mortality after ischemic stroke. In addition, two of the 28 studies focused on the interest of functional outcomes and mortality. Among the included studies, CR proxies were measured by education, income, occupation, premorbid intelligence quotient, bilingualism, and socioeconomic status, respectively. The quality of the review studies was affected by low to high risk of bias. Conclusion Based on the current literature, patients with ischemic stroke with higher CR proxies may have a lower risk of adverse outcomes. Further prospective studies involving a combination of CR proxies and residuals of fMRI measurements are warranted to determine the contribution of CR to the adverse outcome of ischemic stroke. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022332810, https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/.
Lateral bed load experiments in a flume with strong initial transversal slope, in sub‐ and supercritical conditions

The role of lateral slope in the generation of bed load transport and bed evolution is investigated. Because of the substantial lack of detailed laboratory or field data, we designed new tests specifically devoted to acquiring accurate measurements in transient flows where the bed surface gradient has a dominant effect on the direction and magnitude of the bed load. The bed was prepared with well‐sorted sand and constant nonzero slopes, both longitudinally and transversally over the flume. The flow in each experiment evolved to steady‐uniform conditions characterized by a horizontal bed profile in each section and unchanged longitudinal slope. Both sub‐ and supercritical conditions were investigated. The bounding edges of the bed profile were surveyed on a selected transversal section. Some detailed kinematic description of the grain motion in the bed load layer has been pursued. A shallow‐water model for mobile bed, able to include the most recent theories for the treatment of lateral bed load, was developed and numerically applied to the experimental tests. Comparison between measured and calculated data, and between sub‐ and supercritical conditions, offers several points of interest.
Probabilistic surface reconstruction of coastal sea level rise during the twentieth century

We present a new surface reconstruction procedure based on the Bayesian inference method for coastal relative sea level variation during the twentieth century. Average rates are computed from tide gauge records. Models based on a Voronoi tessellation adapt to the level of information which proves well suited to the strong heterogeneity of data. Each point of the reconstructed surface is defined through a probability density function, a format particularly well adapted to this climate‐related datum. The resolution of reconstructed surfaces strongly varies among the six large regions considered and within a given region. Anomalous sea level variations recorded locally are shown to reflect either anthropogenic effects or well‐identified fast tectonics. For a poor data coverage, these can cause a problematic distortion of the reconstructed surface. Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa present a single trend with a decreasing precision of the reconstructed surface as a function of resolution of the tide gauge record. The most prominent feature in Europe is the pronounced uplift of Fennoscandia. Coasts of United States have the best resolution in North America and present stronger rates of sea level rise on the Atlantic than their European counterparts. Australia (especially in the North) and Africa are poorly resolved. Asia and South America depart clearly from this trend: a relatively uniform rise is obtained for Asia in spite of a good tide gauge record. Conversely, the reconstructed surface for South America presents an exceptional degree of roughness, at odds with a relatively poor record. Overall, this method not only offers a new assessment of sea level change (validating earlier results) but also quantifies the reliability of estimates.
Applying Standard Digital Map Data in Map-aided, Lane-level GNSS Location

Urban positioning using the Global Positioning System (GPS) is challenging because of multipath. Urban canyons limit open sky visibility, and cause signal reflection and diffraction, resulting in significant satellite range measurement errors. The investigations reported here have been carried out in a French project called Inturb (an acronym derived from integrity and urban positioning). So far, the project has had two phases: first, a simple Three-Dimensional (3D) geometrical city modelling, called “Urban Trench”, has been developed and engineered manually from data sets collected in different cities. Positioning improvement in terms of accuracy was quantified where the model could be applied. Second, this modelling has been automated, based on the standard national BD Topo ® map database for France, with promising results. This geometrical modelling makes it possible to distinguish between line-of-sight satellite signals and those from non-line-of-sight. The latter, apparently bona fide, signals are caused by strong reflections, usually from buildings with a lot of steel and glass in their construction. A correction of the pseudo-range measurements of the latter is also computed and applied in the position estimator. Positioning accuracy is improved, whilst availability is kept at its maximum. In the study both manual and automatic 3D models are used in extensive experimental campaigns. Results are: first, the possibility to cover entirely any urban area in the country; second, the reduction of the median error in 3D by more than 50% on data collected in Nantes, Paris and Toulouse for a total duration of nearly ten hours; third, the compliance with standards used in most embedded maps and geographical information systems, including an assessment of the trade-off between the model simplicity and the positioning improvement.
nnSVG for the scalable identification of spatially variable genes using nearest-neighbor Gaussian processes

Feature selection to identify spatially variable genes or other biologically informative genes is a key step during analyses of spatially-resolved transcriptomics data. Here, we propose nnSVG, a scalable approach to identify spatially variable genes based on nearest-neighbor Gaussian processes. Our method (i) identifies genes that vary in expression continuously across the entire tissue or within a priori defined spatial domains, (ii) uses gene-specific estimates of length scale parameters within the Gaussian process models, and (iii) scales linearly with the number of spatial locations. We demonstrate the performance of our method using experimental data from several technological platforms and simulations. A software implementation is available at https://bioconductor.org/packages/nnSVG.
Lipids in Health and Disease

Background: Dietary intervention trials rely on self-reported measures of intake for assessment of energy and macronutrient composition. Dietary fat intake is of particular interest due to strong associations with pathophysiology. In epidemiological trials phospholipid fatty acid composition may reflect composition of habitual diet, although strong correlations have been identified only for essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Preliminary evidence shows that saturated fatty acids (SFA) C15:0 and C17:0 may be acceptable biomarkers. This study measured changes in erythrocyte membrane fatty acids during a period of strictly controlled fat feeding to investigate their use as a short-term marker of compliance, particularly for intake of SFAs. Results: This was a randomised cross-over trial in which diet was provided and strictly controlled. 20 healthy, male subjects were given a 40 energy % (en%) fat diet, high in saturated (high-SFA, 20 en%) or unsaturated (high-USFA, 24 en%) fatty acids for 2 periods of 3 weeks. Subjects were residential during intervention with all food and beverages provided. Dietary composition was verified by direct chemical analysis. Blood samples were collected on days 1,7,14, 21 and analysed for red blood cell (RBC) membrane fatty acid composition. Pearson correlation showed RBC fatty acid composition to mimic dietary composition by 3 weeks, but the relationships were weak. Of the SFAs only RBC C16:0 decreased in response to decreased dietary content on high-USFA treatment (ANOVA, diet, P < 0.05). Of the USFAs, higher levels of C18:1 MUFA, C20:4 and C22:6 long chain PUFA on high-USFA diet lead to higher C18:1, C20:4 and C22:6 within RBCs (ANOVA, time*diet, P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation was significant between dietary and RBC fatty acids during the 21d dietary manipulation for C18:1, and C20:5, C22:6 only (P < 0.05). Conclusion: RBC membrane fatty acids cannot reliably be used as an independent measure of compliance for dietary SFA intake in short-term studies. The MUFA oleic acid and PUFAs EPA and DHA may be more useful as markers of compliance during short term intervention trials. Published: 05 December 2005 Lipids in Health and Disease 2005, 4:30 doi:10.1186/1476-511X-4-30 Received: 08 November 2005 Accepted: 05 December 2005 This article is available from: http://www.lipidworld. com/content/4/1/30 © 2005 Poppitt et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Distinct mechanisms mediate speed-accuracy adjustments in cortico-subthalamic networks

Optimal decision-making requires balancing fast but error-prone and more accurate but slower decisions through adjustments of decision thresholds. Here, we demonstrate two distinct correlates of such speed-accuracy adjustments by recording subthalamic nucleus (STN) activity and electroencephalography in 11 Parkinson’s disease patients during a perceptual decision-making task; STN low-frequency oscillatory (LFO) activity (2–8 Hz), coupled to activity at prefrontal electrode Fz, and STN beta activity (13–30 Hz) coupled to electrodes C3/C4 close to motor cortex. These two correlates differed not only in their cortical topography and spectral characteristics but also in the relative timing of recruitment and in their precise relationship with decision thresholds. Increases of STN LFO power preceding the response predicted increased thresholds only after accuracy instructions, while cue-induced reductions of STN beta power decreased thresholds irrespective of instructions. These findings indicate that distinct neural mechanisms determine whether a decision will be made in haste or with caution. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.21481. 001
Degassing of the H2O-rich rhyolites of the Okataina Volcanic Center, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

The Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand, is the most active region of rhyolitic volcanism on Earth, with >50 rhyolitic eruptions and ∼780 km3 of magma erupted in the past 60 k.y. Here we use analyses of quartz-hosted melt inclusions from eight eruptions in the Okataina Volcanic Center (OVC) of the TVZ to constrain magmatic volatile contents, pressures, and temperatures of quartz crystallization, and degassing of H2O, Cl, and minor CO2 from the rhyolitic magmas. The OVC melt inclusions trapped volatile-rich melts with ≤6 wt% H2O and ≤0.27 wt% Cl. Our data indicate that vapor-saturated crystallization of quartz occurred at low temperatures (760–805 °C) over a wide range of pressures (50–200 MPa). For some eruptions, variations in volatiles and major and trace elements provide evidence for simultaneous crystallization and partial loss of H2O, Cl, and CO2 into a vapor phase. Using the combination of melt inclusion and pumice glass volatile contents, we calculate minimum volatile emissions of ∼3 × 1011 to 8 × 1012 kg H2O and ∼7 × 109 to 4 × 1010 kg Cl during the OVC eruptions. We estimate that emissions from the smaller volume ( 100% of the global arc H2O flux and as much as 90% of the global arc Cl flux. These results underscore the importance of individual magmatic provinces in creating large temporal variations in global arc volatile fluxes to Earth's hydrosphere
El Niño–Southern Oscillation Simulation at 6000 Years before Present with the MRI-CGCM2.3: Effect of Flux Adjustment

Abstract Modulation of El Nino–Southern Oscillation at the mid-Holocene [6000 yr before present (6 ka)] is investigated with a coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model. The model is integrated for 300 yr with 6-ka and present (0 ka) insolation both with and without flux adjustment, and the effect of flux adjustment on the simulation of El Nino is investigated. The response in the equatorial Pacific Ocean in 6 ka is in favor of weaker El Nino variability resulting from lowered sea surface temperature (SST) and a more diffuse thermocline. Atmospheric sensitivity in 6 ka is larger than that in 0 ka because of increased trade winds, while oceanic sensitivity in 6 ka is weaker than that in 0 ka, resulting from destabilization of the upper ocean, both in the flux- and non-flux-adjusted experiments. However, the use of flux adjustment causes a difference in the total response. El Nino variability in 6 ka does not change much from that in 0 ka with the flux-adjusted case, while the 6-ka El Nino variabil.
Relationship between photolysis frequencies derived from spectroscopic measurements of actinic fluxes and irradiances during the IPMMI campaign

[1] The relationship between photolysis frequencies derived from spectroscopic measurements of actinic fluxes and irradiances was determined during a coordinated measurement campaign (International Photolysis Frequency Measurement and Modeling Intercomparison campaign (IPMMI)). When differences in viewing geometries are taken into account, the measurements are in close agreement. An empirical relationship, which is useful for high sun (noon) conditions or for daily integrals, was found to convert irradiance data to photolysis frequencies. For low-sun conditions (large solar zenith angle), model calculations were shown to improve the accuracy. However, the input parameters to the model are site specific and the conversion depends on diffuse/direct ratios. During cloudy conditions, significant improvements in the conversion can be achieved by assuming the radiation field to comprise entirely diffuse isotropic radiation when the UVA transmission by cloud is less than 0.8. Changing cloud conditions remain the greatest limitation, but they tend to bias the results away from the clear-sky case in a systematic way. Furthermore, although the cloud effects on the photolysis rates of nitrogen dioxide (J(NO2)) are rather large, they are much smaller for ozone photolysis (J(O3 → O(1D))), which is of prime importance in tropospheric chemistry. The study shows the potential for deriving historical and geographical differences in actinic fluxes from the extensive records of ground-based measurements of spectral irradiance.
Resplendent Sites, Discordant Voices: Sri Lankans and International Tourism

Anthropology and the study of tourism - theoretical and personal reflections the development of international tourism in Sri Lanka - an economic, social and political portrait tourism in Kandy - a historical and contemporary portrait images and representations of tourism in Kandy - a study of different viewpoints roles, relationships and representations in the informal sector - street guides and unlicensed guesthouses in Kandy tourism in troubled times - 1982 to the present.
Association of Blood Levels of Vitamin D and Its Binding Protein with Clinical Phenotypes of Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Low vitamin D levels may synergize with changing levels of the vitamin D binding protein (DBP) to precipitate in the development and clinical progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, this hypothesis was explored in groups of Kuwaiti healthy controls and patients with different clinical phenotypes of MS. Methods: Fasting serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and DBP were measured in 146 healthy controls and 195 patients with MS. The latter were classified according to the duration, type, and onset of the disease and the mode of treatment. Factors such as relapse/remitting, and the use of nutritional supplements were also considered. Results: The DBP levels were significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. This was more evident in newly diagnosed drug-naïve patients than in those patients with more established MS. MS status and severity were negatively impacted by concurrently low levels of 25(OH)D and DBP. This was most clearly expressed in drug-naïve patients and in those with a disease in relapse. It was also established that the 25(OH)D level had a significant positive correlation with the duration of the disease. Conclusion: Lower levels of 25(OH)D and DBP appear to have a synergistic effect on MS status. This was most clearly demonstrated in patients who were newly diagnosed (drug-naïve) and in those patients who were in relapse.
Diachronic Cartography and Spatial Pattern Assessment in Coastal Habitats: The Case of Torredembarra (Northeast Spain)

Abstract During the last 50 years, the Spanish Mediterranean coast has experienced a massive influx of tourism that has affected the ecosystems adjacent to the coastline, triggering processes of regression and fragmentation. The changes between 1956 and 1996 are characterized and quantified here in a part of the coast next to Torredembarra (NE Spain) that occupies 470 ha. For this zone, maps of vegetation for 1956, 1985, and 1996 were prepared with a common legend of 14 units. A numerical matrix was generated with the Geographic Information System to detect the spatial-temporal variations between units; furthermore, several landscape indicators and parameters were assessed. All of them show evidence of the accelerated substitution of an agricultural landscape and extensive areas of coastal vegetation by an urban landscape: agricultural land diminished by 64.3% and coastal vegetation by 55.3%, whereas urban areas increased by 2326.5%. If present conditions persist, in the next 30 years urban areas will occupy 87% to 100% of the territory. We also emphasize the importance of a reserve zone (natural area of interest) of 45 ha in the conservation of some coastal natural habitats listed in directive 92/43/EC. At present, this reserve creates a “buffer” effect that restrains the regression of these habitats and shows in addition a spatial continuity lacking in unprotected sectors. We also warn of the risk of disappearance of unprotected natural habitats in the short term due to urban growth and summer tourism.
A sensitivity analysis of the land‐surface scheme JULES conducted for three forest biomes: Biophysical parameters, model processes, and meteorological driving data

We conduct a sensitivity/uncertainty analysis of the land‐surface scheme JULES focusing on biophysical parameters and model processes that govern light propagation and canopy photosynthesis. We find that current simulations of productivity/energy‐exchange are limited as much by their approximate representation of complex physical processes as they are by the accuracy to which their biophysical parameters can be specified. This inference is made for three forest biomes: sparse, boreal needleleaf; dense, tropical broadleaf; and temperate broadleaf of intermediate density. Within the present study, the most influential biophysical parameters are light‐limited quantum efficiency (α), the Rubisco‐limited rate of photosynthesis at the top of the canopy (Vcmax) and the near‐infrared transmittance of vegetation (TNIR). Assuming respective, current uncertainties of 0.02, 20 μmol/m2/s and 0.16 in these aforementioned parameters, predictions of Gross Photosynthetic Product (GPP), latent heat (LE), sensible heat (H) and upwelling thermal radiation (R) vary by ∼20%, ∼10%, ∼35% and ∼0.3%, respectively. Current representations of canopy photosynthesis and stomatal conductance yield comparable uncertainties in simulated GPP and LE and a ∼60% uncertainty in H. For canopy photosynthesis, explicit treatment of sunfleck penetration and leaf orientation are important elements in the calculation. Of the meteorological variables that drive the land‐surface scheme, the downwelling fluxes of radiation in the shortwave and longwave vie in importance with the most influential biophysical parameters. The results from our study are partly biome‐dependent. Thus ground albedo and leaf area index (LAI) assume greater importance in sparsely vegetated systems.
Macroscopic Modeling of Plant Water Uptake in a Forest Stand Involving Root‐Mediated Soil Water Redistribution

One of the principal components of mass exchange within the soil−plant−atmosphere system is soil water extraction by plant roots. Adequate evaluation of water extraction is a prerequisite for correct predictions of plant transpiration and soil water distribution in the root zone. The main objective of the present study is to contribute to the development of sufficiently realistic, yet algorithmically simple models of water exchange between soil and plant roots applicable for numerical simulation of soil water responses to atmospheric forcing. In our case, a simple macroscopic, vertically distributed plant root water uptake approximation based on a traditional water‐potential‐gradient (WPG) formulation was adopted and implemented in a one‐dimensional dual‐continuum model of soil water flow based on the Richards' equation. This combined model was used to simulate soil water movement at a forested site. The results were compared with observations (sap flow, soil water pressure, and soil water content) as well as with simulations produced using the standard semi‐empirical model of Feddes. Principal aspects of the WPG prediction, such as root‐mediated soil water redistribution, compensation for local water scarcity, and transpiration reduction, are exposed and discussed.