Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coral Disease Time Series Highlight Size-Dependent Risk and Other Drivers of White Syndrome in a Multi-Species Model

Coral diseases contribute to the decline of reef communities, but factors that lead to disease are difficult to detect. In the present study, we develop a multi-species model of colony-scale risk for the class of coral diseases referred to as White Syndromes, investigating the role of current or past conditions, including both environmental stressors and biological drivers at the colony and community scales. Investigating 7 years of coral survey data at five sites in Guam we identify multiple environmental and ecological associations with White Syndrome, including a negative relationship between short-term heat stress and White Syndrome occurrence, and strong evidence of increasing size-dependent White Syndrome risk across coral species. Our findings result in a generalized model used to predict colony-scale White Syndrome risk for multiple species, highlighting the value of long-term monitoring efforts to detect drivers of coral disease.
Psychosocial Adjustment and Sociometric Status in Primary Education: Gender Differences

The acceptance or rejection of classmates is one of the most widely recognized determinants of wellbeing in childhood. This study analyses psychosocial adjustment and sociometric status in primary education pupils, and possible differences by gender. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Huelva (Spain). The surveyed schools were selected using a stratified random sampling technique with both public and private elementary schools. Sample was composed of 247 4th grade students. Data revealed gender differences in psychosocial adjustment, particularly in terms of prosocial behavior in girls and behavioral problems in boys. Popular and rejected statuses presented opposing adjustment profiles, particularly in hyperactive symptoms and behavioral problems. When the sample was separated by gender, the differences between the types of status in emotional symptomatology and prosocial behavior disappeared. In addition, the differences between statuses were greater in boys, and were defined mainly by hyperactivity, whilst for girls these differences were more apparent in behavioral problems.
Biomechanical Forces Regulate Gene Transcription During Stretch-Mediated Growth of Mammalian Neurons

At birth, there are 100 billion neurons in the human brain, with functional neural circuits extending through the spine to the epidermis of the feet and toes. Following birth, limbs and vertebrae continue to grow by several orders of magnitude, forcing established axons to grow by up to 200 cm in length without motile growth cones. The leading regulatory paradigm suggests that biomechanical expansion of mitotic tissue exerts tensile force on integrated nervous tissue, which synchronizes ongoing growth of spanning axons. Here, we identify unique transcriptional changes in embryonic rat DRG and cortical neurons while the corresponding axons undergo physiological levels of controlled mechanical stretch in vitro. Using bioreactors containing cultured neurons, we recapitulated the peak biomechanical increase in embryonic rat crown-rump-length. Biologically paired sham and “stretch-grown” DRG neurons spanned 4.6- and 17.2-mm in length following static or stretch-induced growth conditions, respectively, which was associated with 456 significant changes in gene transcription identified by genome-wide cDNA microarrays. Eight significant genes found in DRG were cross-validated in stretch-grown cortical neurons by qRT-PCR, which included upregulation of Gpat3, Crem, Hmox1, Hpse, Mt1a, Nefm, Sprr1b, and downregulation of Nrep. The results herein establish a link between biomechanics and gene transcription in mammalian neurons, which elucidates the mechanism underlying long-term growth of axons, and provides a basis for new research in therapeutic axon regeneration.
The Relationship Between Penumbral Tissue and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Acute Stroke Patients Presenting in an Extended Time Window

Background: Penumbral brain tissue identified with multimodal imaging can be salvaged with reperfusion in an extended time window. The risk of severe hemorrhagic complications after reperfusion therapy increases with worsening disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The relationship between penumbral tissue and BBB disruption has not been previously studied. Methods: Stroke patients presenting in an extended time window without a large vessel occlusion who underwent diffusion-perfusion MRI within 24 h of last-seen-normal were included. The volume of penumbral tissue was calculated using mismatch on MRI. Mean permeability derangement (MPD) of the BBB was measured within the ischemic lesion. A target profile (TP) for treatment was defined based on the EXTEND trial. Results: 222 patients were included with a median age of 73 and 55% women. The median NIHSS was 6, the mean core volume was 14 ml, the mean ischemic volume was 47 mL and the mean mismatch volume was 33 mL. Higher MPD was significantly associated with less mismatch volume (p = 0.001). A target profile was associated with lower MPD (OR 0.97; CI 0.96:0.99; p < 0.001). Of the 105 patients who had a TP, 31 (30%) had a MPD > 20% suggesting an increased risk of hemorrhage. Thus, 33% (74/222) of patients had a favorable profile for benefit and safety. Conclusions: Patients presenting in an extended time window with a favorable penumbral profile for treatment have less severe BBB disruption. Up to a third of patients who currently go untreated could be considered for enrollment in a clinical trial of thrombolysis in an extended time window.
Sorting Sox: Diverse Roles for Sox Transcription Factors During Neural Crest and Craniofacial Development

Sox transcription factors play many diverse roles during development, including regulating stem cell states, directing differentiation, and influencing the local chromatin landscape. Of the twenty vertebrate Sox factors, several play critical roles in the development the neural crest, a key vertebrate innovation, and the subsequent formation of neural crest-derived structures, including the craniofacial complex. Herein, we review the specific roles for individual Sox factors during neural crest cell formation and discuss how some factors may have been essential for the evolution of the neural crest. Additionally, we describe how Sox factors direct neural crest cell differentiation into diverse lineages such as melanocytes, glia, and cartilage and detail their involvement in the development of specific craniofacial structures. Finally, we highlight several SOXopathies associated with craniofacial phenotypes.
Patterns of Infarction on MRI in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cardio-Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cardioembolic strokes are common however atrial fibrillation, the most common cause, is often asymptomatic and difficult to detect. There is evidence that infarct topography and volume on magnetic resonance imaging may be associated with specific stroke etiologies. Aim: A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to summarize the available evidence on the association between stroke etiology, infarct topography, and volume. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), and PubMed databases. Hand searches of the gray literature and of reference lists in relevant articles were also performed. A quality assessment was undertaken, based on the STROBE checklist. For each study, the number of patients with and without a CE source of stroke and infarct topography was collected and outcomes presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI and p-values. Results: Four thousand eight hundred and seventy-three patients with ischemic stroke were included, of whom 1,559 were determined to have a CE source. Bilateral infarcts (OR 3.41; 95% CI 2.20–5.29; p < 0.0001) and multiple territory infarcts (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12–2.21; p = 0.009) were more common in patients with a CE source of stroke, than patients without a CE source. Lacunar infarcts (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.31–0.80; p = 0.004) were more likely to occur in patients without a CE source. No significant difference between the frequency of multiple infarcts (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.57–1.61; p = 0.87) anterior circulation (OR 1.45; 95% CI 0.83–2.53; p = 0.19) or posterior circulation infarcts (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.72–1.57; p = 0.75), between the two groups were identified. Three out of four studies examining volume, found a significant association between increased infarct volume and CE source of stroke. A sensitivity analysis with cryptogenic and undetermined stroke sources assumed to be cardioembolic, did not alter the associations observed. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis are broadly consistent with previous literature and provide more robust evidence on the association between infarct topography, volume and stroke etiology. Our findings may assist with refining cardiac investigations for patients with cryptogenic stroke, based on infarct topography.
Three-Compartment Model for Contaminant Accumulation by Semipermeable Membrane Devices

Passive sampling of dissolved hydrophobic contaminants with lipid (triolein)-containing semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) has been gaining acceptance for environmental monitoring. Understanding of the accumulation process has employed a simple polymer film-control model of uptake by the polymer-enclosed lipid, while aqueous film control has been only briefly discussed. A more complete three-compartment model incorporating both aqueous film (turbulent-diffusive) and polymer film (diffusive) mass transfer is developed here and is fit to data from accumulation studies conducted in constant-concentration, flow-through dilutors. This model predicts aqueous film control of the whole device for moderate to high Kow compounds, rather than polymer film control. Uptake rates for phenanthrene and 2,2‘,5,5‘-tetrachlorobiphenyl were about 4.8 and 4.2 L/day/standard SPMD, respectively. Maximum 28 day SPMD concentration factors of 30 000 are predicted for solutes with log Kow values of >5.5. Effects of varying aque.
Ketamine Modulates the Neural Correlates of Reward Processing in Unmedicated Patients in Remission from Depression

Ketamine as an antidepressant improves anhedonia, a pernicious symptom of depression as early as 2h post-infusion. The effects of ketamine on anhedonia are thought to be exerted via actions on reward-related brain areas yet, these actions remain largely unknown. This study examines ketamine's effects during the anticipation and receipt of an expected reward, after the psychotomimetic effects of ketamine have passed, when early antidepressant effects are reported. In order to identify brain areas that are modulated by the drug per se and are not linked to symptom changes, we have recruited 37 participants who remitted from depression and were free from symptoms and antidepressant treatments at the time of the scan. Participants were scanned while performing a monetary reward task and we examined ketamine's effects on pre-defined brain areas that are part of the reward circuit. An overall effect of ketamine was observed during the anticipation and feedback phases of win and no-win trials. The drug effects were particularly prominent in the nucleus accumbens and putamen, upon the receipt of smaller rewards and the levels of (2R,6R)-HNK, 2h post infusion, significantly correlated with the activation observed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) for that contrast. These findings demonstrate that ketamine can produce detectable changes in reward-related brain areas, 2h after infusion, which occur without symptom changes and support the idea that ketamine might improve reward-related symptoms via modulation of response to feedback.
Loudspeaker defect detection and classification using Support Vector Machine

A new method for detecting and classifying loudspeaker faults is presented in this paper. Total response of high-order harmonics groups is measured and used as defect features of loudspeaker. Based on support vector machine (SVM), we built a classification system combined with one-class SVM and Directed Acyclic Graphic SVM (DAGSVM). Comparing with K-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classifier, the accuracy of the method is higher in the experiment.
Engineered Porous Carbon for High Volumetric Methane Storage

This paper covers the optimization of methane volumetric storage capacity by controlling the sub-nanometre (<1 nm) and supra-nanometre (1–5 nm) pore volumes. Nanospace engineering of KOH activated carbon generates an ideal structure for methane storage in which gas molecules are adsorbed as a high-density fluid by strong van der Waals forces into pores that are a few molecules in diameter. High specific surface areas, porosities, sub-nanometre (<1 nm) and supra-nanometre (1–5 nm) pore volumes are quantitatively selected by controlling the degree of carbon consumption and metallic potassium intercalation into the carbon lattice during the activation process. The formation of tuneable sub-nanometre and supra-nanometre pores is validated by sub-critical nitrogen adsorption. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy data show the atomic structure of high-surface-area activated carbon (2600 m2/g). While high surface area and high porosity are optimal for gravimetric methane storage, the results indicate that an exclusive sub-nanometre region, a low porosity and an acceptable surface area (approximately 2000 m2/g) are ideal for methane volumetric storage, storing 120 g CH4/l (184 vol/vol) at 35 bar and room temperature (22 °C). High-pressure methane isotherms up to 150 bar at 30, −25 and −50 °C on optimal activated carbons are presented. Methane volumetric storage capacity at 35 bar reaches 176 g/l (269 vol/vol) and 202 g/l (309 vol/vol) at −25 and −50 °C, respectively.
Geodesic path differences in neural networks in the Alzheimer's disease connectome project

Neural networks derived from diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) may shed light on disease progression and pathology propagation in Alzheimer’s disease in vivo. In this work analysis of the path properties of such networks are presented. Geodesic or shortest paths are fundamental in understanding key network phenomenon such as the propagation rates of information, infection or pathology. For example, the ubiquitous small‐worldness property of natural occurring biological and social networks is based on having short paths between any pair of entities in the network.
Sidewall passivation assisted by a silicon coverplate during Cl2–H2 and HBr inductively coupled plasma etching of InP for photonic devices

Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy coupled to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to analyze the passivation layer deposited on the sidewall of InP submicron patterns etched in Cl2–H2 and HBr inductively coupled plasmas. It is shown that a thin Si-containing layer is deposited on the sidewalls of the etched patterns, resulting from the reaction of Cl2 or HBr with the Si wafer used as the sample tray. For Cl2-containing plasma, the deposition layer becomes thicker when hydrogen is added to the gas mixture, leading to highly anisotropic InP etching at an optimized H2 percentage. A similar effect is obtained in HBr plasma by increasing the ICP power. When O2 is added to the gas mixture, the deposited layer is changed from Si rich to more stoichiometric silicon oxide (SiO2) and the passivation effect is enhanced. EDX-TEM analysis has also been carried out on InP samples etched in Cl2–N2 plasma for comparison. A similar impact of the coverplate material on the sidewall profile is evidenced, .
Three-Dimensional Asymmetric Flow and Temperature Fields in Cracking Furnaces†

Three-dimensional flue gas flow fields and temperature profiles are calculated in a 4/2/1 split coil naphtha-cracking furnace with long flame burners and an asymmetric flue gas outlet. The heat streams in the furnace connected to the asymmetric flue gas flow fields are found to be compensated for by a net radiative heat transfer in the opposite direction. As a result, the temperature distribution in the furnace remains nearly symmetrical. A furnace simulation under conditions of nonuniform heating confirms the compensating nature of radiative heat streams in the furnace. Furthermore, nonuniform heating was found to improve the thermal efficiency of the furnace and the cracking results. Optimization of heating conditions remains a point of interest.
Surface-Enhanced Raman of Dopamine and Neurotransmitters Using Sol-Gel Substrates and Polymer-Coated Fiber-Optic Probes

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is used to detect catecholamines—viz., dopamine, norepinephrine, epinine, and isoproterenol—using a new substrate prepared with sol-gel technology. Catecholamines are complexed at the surface by iron(III) ions, which were introduced during the reduction of the silver ions embedded inside the sol-gel matrix. With the use of a He-Ne laser at a power of only 12 mW, it is possible to measure dopamine in the micromolar concentration range. A single-fiber SERS probe system was also introduced that has great potential for sampling in microenvironment applications such as in vivo measurements of dopamine. In this microprobe design both excitation and SERS signals are transmitted through the same fiber simultaneously. The tips of tapered fibers were coated with a polyvinyl alcohol polymer doped with metallic silver particles. The potential of the SERS method and microprobes for medical diagnostics is discussed.
What Should We Teach in High School Chemistry

High school chemistry teachers differ widely about on what they believe should be taught in the traditional high school chemistry course. Some teachers believe it is necessary to prepare students for college-level chemistry while others feel that it is more important to introduce students to the scientific method of discovery and to engage students in discussions about the world around them. This article reports findings of an email survey of college professors that asked them to report the top five skills necessary for students to master before entering college-level chemistry.
Radiation-Induced Graft Polymerization of Acrylic Acid onto Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) and Its Copolymer

A typical hydrophilic monomer, acrylic acid (AAc), was graft polymerized onto poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and its copolymer poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) |P (HB-HV)| by 60Co-γ-rays preirradiation technique. Degree of grafting (Xg) of PHB was higher than that of the copolymer of 24 mol% HV content (24M sample). The grafting was mainly introduced into the amorphous regions of the whole samples, while the crystalline regions remained almost unchanged. The Xg of the grafted sample estimated by the thermogravimetry was very close to that estimated from weight increase. Biodegradability steeply increased by introduction of small amount of grafted AAc because of the improvement of wettability between the polymer and an enzyme solution, then decreased as Xg increased much more.
The formation of meta-stable sodium sulfate heptahydrate in porous materials as studied by NMR

ABSTRACT. Salt weathering is a major cause of deterioration of porous building materials. Of the salts responsible, especially sodium sulfate is seen as very damaging. However many questions arise concerning which sodium sulfate phase will crystallize out during salt weathering and is responsible for the damage seen in situ. In this study we focused on crystallization by cooling of sodium sulfate solutions in different environmental conditions, i.e., inbulk, solution with powder and inpore crystallization. The salt concentration in samples was measured using a nondestructive technique: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. In the NMR experiments we observed the formation of a metastable phase of sodium sulfate: the heptahydrate (Na2SO4.7H2O).
Antiatherosclerotic effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors captopril and fosinopril in hypercholesterolemic minipigs

We evaluated the two angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors captopril and fosinopril with regard to possible antiatherosclerotic effects in minipigs. Experimental hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis was produced in 33 minipigs of the Gottingen strain by an egg yolk/cholesterol-enriched diet for 1 year. One group (n = 11) was fed the atherogenic diet alone and served as a control. A second group (n = 11) received captopril (80 mg/kg/day) added to the atherogenic diet, and a third group (n = 11) was treated in the same manner but with fosinopril (8 mg/kg/day). The drug treatments produced significant reduction in serum ACE activity associated with a reactive increase in plasma renin activity (PRA), but had only minor effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. At the end of the treatment period, all animals were killed and examined for degree of atherosclerosis. The percentage of atherosclerotic area in the abdominal aorta was significantly lower in both drug-treated groups as compared with controls. Furthermore, accumulation of cholesterol in the thoracic and abdominal aorta was inhibited by drug treatment. Finally, the percentage of intimal thickening in abdominal aorta was significantly reduced in the drug-treated groups. In conclusion, the ACE inhibitors captopril and fosinopril inhibited development of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic minipigs.
SUccessful Caregiver Communication and Everyday Situation Support in dementia care (SUCCESS): Using technology to support caregivers

Caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) are diverse—they live in urban and rural locations, have varying educational backgrounds, different access to resources, different relationships to the care recipient, etc. However, one common feature of all caregivers is the need to have access to education and support on their caregiving journey. Technology provides a feasible way to reach such a large and diverse population. SUccessful Caregiver Communication and Everyday Situation Support in dementia care (SUCCESS) provides an innovative training and coaching application on a mobile device (an App) to support formal and informal caregivers of PwD. Through the use of an affective avatar, the SUCCESS App aims to help caregivers better understand dementia and related behaviours and learn communication methods grounded on the principle that opinions and needs of PwD should be acknowledged, respected, and addressed. The avatar also assists caregivers in focussing on the remaining abilities of the PwD; thereby, helping to support PwDs’ continued engagement in meaningful activities. Finally, the avatar acts as a wellness coach to help ensure caregivers remain as resilient as possible by encouraging caregivers to actively engage in individualized self‐care activities.
Optical activation of excitable cells: application of photosynthetic reaction centers

Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain ? You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us at vbn@aub.aau. dk providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim.
Explainable deep learning models for dementia identification via magnetic resonance imaging

Today, to diagnose dementia, clinicians evaluate cognitive tests performed by patients and briefly analyze brain imaging data to look for biomarkers. While valuable information is present in MRI scans, these latter remain challenging to analyze and interpret. Artificial intelligence models have shown promising results to improve the current practice by supporting practitioners in the evaluation of imaging data. Nonetheless, the majority of developed statistical models are more often than not black‐box systems that issue predictions without any clear interpretability, hindering their practical applications.