Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micromilieu-controlled glauconitization in fecal pellets at Oker (Central Germany)

Abstract Although numerous models for the formation of glauconite have been presented, the precise process and micro-environment of glauconitization are still poorly constrained. We characterize the special micromilieu of glauconitization developed during early diagenesis and present a model for glauconite formation in fecal pellets. Glauconitization at Oker (Central Germany) occurred predominantly in fecal pellets deposited in a shallow marine-lagoonal environment during the Kimmeridgian. Within the fecal pellets, rapid oxidation of organic matter provides the post-depositional, physicochemical conditions favourable for glauconitization. Replacements of matrix calcite, dissolution of detrital quartz, K-feldspar, and clay minerals, and Fe redox reactions were observed within the early micro-environment, followed by the precipitation of euhedral pyrite, matrix-replacive dolomite, and megaquartz accompanied by IS formation as thin section analyses and SEM observations show. Carbonate geochemical compositions based on ICP-OES and stable oxygen and carbon isotope signatures demonstrate that glauconite formation started in a suboxic environment at a pH of 7−8 and a temperature of 22 ± 3ºC to 37 ± 2ºC at maximum. TEM-EDX-SAED and XRD analyses on separated glauconite fecal pellets and on the <2 μm clay mineral fraction reveal the predominance of authigenic 1Md-glauconite, 1Md-glauconite-smectite, and 1Md cis-vacant I-S, besides accessory detrital 2M1-illite and montmorillonite. Kinetic modelling of the glauconite (93−94% Fe-illite layers and 6−7% Fe-smectite layers, R3) and of I-S (66−68% Al-illite layers and 32−34% Al-smectite layers, R1) leads us to conclude that the I-S formed solely by slow burial diagenesis, whereas the glauconite formed close to the seafloor, suggesting significantly faster kinetics of the glauconitization reaction compared with smectite-illitization related to burial diagenesis. Thermodynamically, the substitution of octahedral Al3+ for Fe3+ and Mg2+ during the Fe-Mg-smectite to glauconite reaction via the formation of glauconite-smectite mixed-layered clay minerals may have resulted in a higher reaction rate for this low-temperature glauconitization process.
Biostratigraphical and sequence correlation of the Cenomanian successions in Mangyshlak (W. Kazakhstan) and Crimea (Ukraine) with those in southern England

Cenomanian successions in southern England (UK), Crimea (Ukraine) and Mangyshlak (Western Kazakhstan) are briefly described and the evidence for biostratigraphical correlation, based on ammonites and inoceramid bivalves is reviewed in the light of new discoveries. Our conclusions differ significantly from those of previous authors in that: i) we date the base of the Cenomanian in Crimea as early M. dixoni Zone age, rather than M. mantelli Zone age, and ii) most of the supposed Middle Cenomanian in Mangyshlak is more correctly placed within the Lower Cenomanian M dixoni Zone. Sedimentological evidence from the Crimea and Mangyshlak is used to construct a sequence stratigraphical interpretation for each of these regions. The sequences thus identified are correlated by ammonite and inoceramid biostratigraphy with those described previously (1-6) from the Anglo-Paris Basin. The Crimean succession is very similar in both facies development and the distribution and extent of hiatuses to the marly chalk succession of the northern Anglo-Paris Basin, and sequences 3-6 are identified. In the shallower water sandy and marly successions in Mangyshlak sequences 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are identified. 4 is missing within a major hiatus which extends across Mangyshlak.
Field programmable gate array implementation of edge detection system based on an improved sobel edge detector

Field programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit consisting of internal hardware blocks with programmable link connections for users to customize operations for a particular application. Link connections can be easily reprogrammed, allowing the FPGA to adapt to changes to the design or even support a new application throughout the department's uptime. One of the important tasks in image processing is image edge detection image, with computer aided, image recognition is concerned with the recognition and classification of objects in an image, so edge detection is an important tool. In this paper, we design filter for edge detection in image processing using FPGA kit. We analysis and implementation of algorithm for image processing on FPGA, load the code and run the results. Comparative analysis with images processed by MATLAB software.
Cytologic surveillance versus immediate colposcopy for women with a cervical smear diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in a poor setting in Nigeria

Background Ideally, all patients with abnormal Papanicolaou smear cytology results should undergo colposcopic examination of the cervix, but low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) can also be followed up with further Papanicolaou smear surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of cytologic surveillance versus immediate colposcopy in women with a cervical smear diagnosis of LSIL. Methods This was a prospective comparative study of 240 eligible consenting women consecutively grouped into cervical surveillance for 6 months versus immediate colposcopy at a ratio of 1:1. Free cervical smear cytology, colposcopy, and biopsy, as well as histology, were provided for all study participants. Results The regression, persistence, and progression rates with 6 months of cytologic surveillance of LSIL were 46.1%, 43.4%, and 3.9%, respectively. The difference between the proportions of women who had an eventual histologic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ in both groups was not statistically significant (4.9% versus 8.7%; P=0.68). The default rates among women on cytologic surveillance and immediate colposcopy were 37% and 12.5%, respectively (P=0.0002). Conclusion Although the progression rate of LSIL is low, a high persistence rate and higher default rate from cytologic surveillance highlight the need to consider immediate referral for colposcopy, where available, for all women with a Papanicolaou smear diagnosis of LSIL in this environment.
Structural and Physiological Modeling (SAPM) for the Analysis of Functional MRI Data Applied to a Study of Human Nociceptive Processing

A novel method has been developed for analyzing connectivity between regions based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. This method, termed structural and physiological modeling (SAPM), combines information about blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) responses, anatomy, and physiology to model coordinated signaling across networks of regions, including input and output signaling from each region and whether signaling is predominantly inhibitory or excitatory. The present study builds on a prior proof-of-concept demonstration of the SAPM method by providing evidence for the choice of network model and anatomical sub-regions, demonstrating the reproducibility of the results and identifying statistical thresholds needed to infer significance. The method is further validated by applying it to investigate human nociceptive processing in the brainstem and spinal cord and comparing the results to the known neuroanatomy, including anatomical regions and inhibitory and excitatory signaling. The results of this analysis demonstrate that it is possible to obtain reliable information about input and output signaling from anatomical regions and to identify whether this signaling has predominantly inhibitory or excitatory effects. SAPM provides much more detailed information about neuroanatomy than was previously possible based on fMRI data.
Memory T Cells Discrepancies in COVID-19 Patients

The immune response implicated in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis remains to be fully understood. The present study aimed to clarify the alterations in CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells’ compartments in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, with an emphasis on various comorbidities affecting COVID-19 patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 35 COVID-19 patients, 16 recovered individuals, and 25 healthy controls, and analyzed using flow cytometry. Significant alterations were detected in the percentage of CD8+ T cells and effector memory-expressing CD45RA CD8+ T cells (TEMRA) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, altered percentages of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T effector (TEff), T naïve cells (TNs), T central memory (TCM), T effector memory (TEM), T stem cell memory (TSCM), and TEMRA T cells were significantly associated with the disease severity. Male patients had more CD8+ TSCMs and CD4+ TNs cells, while female patients had a significantly higher percentage of effector CD8+CD45RA+ T cells. Moreover, altered percentages of CD8+ TNs and memory CD8+CD45RO+ T cells were detected in diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients, respectively. In summary, this study identified alterations in memory T cells among COVID-19 patients, revealing a sex bias in the percentage of memory T cells. Moreover, COVID-19 severity and comorbidities have been linked to specific subsets of T memory cells which could be used as therapeutic, diagnostic, and protective targets for severe COVID-19.
Microbe-associated molecular pattern recognition receptors have little effect on endophytic Arabidopsis thaliana microbiome assembly in the field

Plant microbiome structure affects plant health and productivity. A limited subset of environmental microbes successfully establishes within plant tissues, but the forces underlying this selectivity remain poorly characterized. Transmembrane pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), used by plants to detect microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), are strong candidates for achieving this selectivity because PRRs can potentially interact with many members of the microbiome. Indeed, MAMPs found in many microbial taxa, including beneficials and commensals, can instigate a robust immune response that affects microbial growth. Surprisingly, we found that MAMP-detecting PRRs have little effect on endophytic bacterial and fungal microbiome structure in the field. We compared the microbiomes of four PRR knockout lines of Arabidopsis thaliana to wild-type plants in multiple tissue types over several developmental stages and detected only subtle shifts in fungal, but not bacterial, β-diversity in one of the four PRR mutants. In one developmental stage, lore mutants had slightly altered fungal β-diversity, indicating that LORE may be involved in plant-fungal interactions in addition to its known role in detecting certain bacterial lipids. No other effects of PRRs on α-diversity, microbiome variability, within-individual homogeneity, or microbial load were found. The general lack of effect suggests that individual MAMP-detecting PRRs are not critical in shaping the endophytic plant microbiome. Rather, we suggest that MAMP-detecting PRRs must either act in concert and/or are individually maintained through pleiotropic effects or interactions with coevolved mutualists or pathogens. Although unexpected, these results offer insights into the role of MAMP-detecting PRRs in plant-microbe interactions and help direct future efforts to uncover host genetic elements that control plant microbiome assembly.
Willingness to Pay for COVID-19 Vaccines in Japan

More than 80% of the Japanese population had received the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination by the end of April 2023; however, this vaccination rate continues to decline along with the need for booster shots. Further, the vaccines may not permanently be available free of charge. This study conducted a survey to determine the public’s willingness to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan. Using an internet research panel, the questionnaire collected data on various sociodemographic variables and the respondents’ willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccines. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the respondents’ answers. The results showed that of 1100 respondents, 55.2% would not want to receive the vaccine if it was paid for. A total of 44.8% respondents expressed willingness to pay, with most (170 respondents) willing to pay for 1000–1999 JPY (7.1–14.2 USD). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, educational status, history of contracting COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccination frequency were significantly associated with those who were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it was free (p < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for the Japanese government in determining appropriate pricing strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination effectively.
Mylohyoid Muscle: Current Understanding for Clinical Management—Part I: Anatomy and Embryology

The mylohyoid is one of the suprahyoid muscles, along with the geniohyoid, digastric, and stylohyoid muscles. It lies between the anterior belly of the digastric muscle inferiorly and the geniohyoid superiorly. In Part I, the anatomy and embryology of the mylohyoid muscle will be reviewed in preparation for the clinical discussion in Part II.
Perspectives on Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Qualitative Study of Early Diagnosis and Treatment and the Impact of Health Disparities

Lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries of the legs, causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Frequent under- and delayed diagnosis result in poor outcomes, disproportionately affecting individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups. To understand barriers to early detection and treatment and factors contributing to disparities, American Medical Group Association (AMGA) conducted roundtable discussions and semistructured interviews in 2021. Eighteen participants discussed PAD evaluation, diagnosis, early medical management, and disparities in care. A qualitative case study approach and data reduction methods were used to generate themes, draw conclusions, and make actionable recommendations. Identified themes included lack of (1) prioritization of PAD for population health; (2) engagement of primary care providers in early evaluation and referral; (3) “ownership” of lower-extremity PAD within health systems; and (4) focus on disparities in care. Participant solutions included (1) financial impact of early PAD management, in the context of value-based payment; (2) embedding an advanced practice provider into a vascular surgery practice to facilitate evaluation and provide medical therapy; and (3) leveraging care coordination, multidisciplinary clinics, and telehealth technology to provide comprehensive care for patients with PAD and address disparities. A deliberate focused effort is necessary to close gaps and the accompanying disparities in early evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for people with lower-extremity PAD. The authors describe 3 models that can be emulated to improve care for this high-risk population. With improved reimbursement and better medical therapies, now is the time to focus on early diagnosis and management of PAD.
A Lightweight Hybrid Model Using Multiscale Markov Transition Field for Real-Time Quality Assessment of Photoplethysmography Signals

Objective: The proliferation of wearable devices has escalated the standards for photoplethysmography (PPG) signal quality. This study introduces a lightweight model to address the imperative need for precise, real-time evaluation of PPG signal quality, followed by its deployment and validation utilizing our integrated upper computer and hardware system. Methods: Multiscale Markov Transition Fields (MMTF) are employed to enrich the morphological information of the signals, serving as the input for our proposed hybrid model (HM). HM undergoes initial pre-training utilizing the MIMIC-III and UCI databases, followed by fine-tuning the Queensland dataset. Knowledge distillation (KD) then transfers the large-parameter model's knowledge to the lightweight hybrid model (LHM). LHM is subsequently deployed on the upper computer for real-time signal quality assessment. Results: HM achieves impressive accuracies of 99.1% and 96.0% for binary and ternary classification, surpassing current state-of-the-art methods. LHM, with only 0.2 M parameters (0.44% of HM), maintains high accuracy despite a 2.6% drop. It achieves an inference speed of 0.023 s per image, meeting real-time display requirements. Furthermore, LHM attains a 97.7% accuracy on a self-created database. HM outperforms current methods in PPG signal quality accuracy, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach. Additionally, LHM substantially reduces parameter count while maintaining high accuracy, enhancing efficiency and practicality for real-time applications. Conclusion: The proposed methodology demonstrates the capability to achieve high-precision and real-time assessment of PPG signal quality, and its practical validation has been successfully conducted during deployment. Significance: This study contributes a convenient and accurate solution for the real-time evaluation of PPG signals, offering extensive application potential.
The COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions to maternal and child health services in public primary care Malaysia: a retrospective time-series analysis

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Maintaining essential health services, including maternal and child health (MCH), while addressing the pandemic is an enormous task. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilisation of MCH services in Malaysian public primary care. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using national administrative data from 1124 public primary care clinics. Eight indicators were selected to measure service utilisation covering antenatal, postnatal, women’s health, child health, and immunisation services. Interrupted time-series analysis was used to evaluate changes in levels and trends of indicators during four different periods: pre-pandemic (January 2019–February 2020), during pandemic and first lockdown (March–May 2020), after the first lockdown was lifted (June–December 2020) and after the second lockdown was implemented (January–June 2021). Results Most indicators showed no significant trend in monthly utilisation prior to the pandemic. The onset of the pandemic and first lockdown implementation were associated with significant decreasing trends in child health (−19.23%), women’s health (−10.12%), antenatal care (−8.10%), contraception (−6.50%), postnatal care (−4.85%) and postnatal care 1-week (−3.52%) indicators. These indicators showed varying degrees of recovery after the first lockdown was lifted. The implementation of the second lockdown caused transient reduction ranging from −11.29% to −25.92% in women’s health, contraception, child and two postnatal indicators, but no sustained reducing trend was seen afterwards. Two immunisation indicators appeared unaffected throughout the study period. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted MCH services utilisation in Malaysia. While most MCH services were negatively affected by the lockdown implementation with varying degrees of recovery, infant immunisation showed resilience throughout. This highlights the need for a targeted preparedness plan to ensure the resilience of MCH services in future crises.
Application of a distributed hydrological model and weather radar observations for flood management in the upper Tone River of Japan

Through utilizing weather radar measurements, the present research explores the possibility of applying a coupled distributed hydrological model with reservoir operations to flood forecasting and control in the Okutone basin, located in the upstream region of the Tone River. The Tone River basin often suffers from heavy rainfall events as a result of rainy season frontal activity, typhoons and cumulus cloud activity associated with the local circulation. The reservoirs located in the Okutone basin play an important role in flood regulation. The simulation of a flood event in August 2001 shows the potential applicability of the distributed hydrological model and weather radar measurements for real‐time flood control. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors on Cognition in the HAILO Cohort

Background: Integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) have been associated with poorer cognition in people with HIV (PWH). We examined the impact of switching to INSTIs on neuropsychological (NP) outcomes in PWH 40 years of age and older. Methods: From the AIDS Clinical Trials Group observational cohort study, HAILO, we identified PWH who switched to INSTIs, had ≥2 NP assessments before and at least 1 after switch, and maintained viral suppression while on INSTIs. NP performance was assessed with a composite score (NPZ4) including Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT-R), Digit Symbol test (DSY), Trail Making A, and Trail Making B, while adjusting for covariates and learning effects. Outcomes changes from preswitch and postswitch periods were estimated using piecewise linear mixed models. Results: Among 395 PWH (mean age 54 years, 81% male, 20% Hispanic, and 29% Black) NPZ4 increased preswitch and postswitch. There was no difference in slopes between periods for NPZ4 [preswitch 0.036/year (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.043); postswitch 0.022/year (95% CI: 0.006 to 0.005); P = 0.147]. All tests scores improved preswitch (P < 0.01). Postswitch, Trail Making A and DSY increased (all P < 0.01) without differences in rate of change (all P > 0.05). HVLT-R had a nonsignificant decrease postswitch (P = 0.22), resulting in a significant preswitch vs postswitch difference in slopes (P = 0.03). Conclusions: NP performance improved regardless of INSTI use. There was an attenuation of improvement in verbal memory in the postswitch vs preswitch period. The clinical significance of these changes is unclear but, overall, INSTIs did not have a consistent detrimental effect on NP outcomes.
How low can you go? Using drought indices to protect environmental flows in Scottish rivers.

Prolonged dry spells in a maritime climate such as Scotland are rare. The corollary of this is that when they do occur, riverine ecosystems are poorly adapted and are vulnerable to the impacts of reduced flows. A set of drought and low flow indices have been developed for use by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to quantify the severity and duration of dry spells. These indices provide a robust and consistent method of assessing imminent drought conditions using both rainfall and flow time series to quantify the range of drought types which can occur in Scotland. This paper demonstrates the efficacy of these indices using case studies from the years 1976, 1984, 2003 and 2010. The indices are tested for their ability to accurately represent the regional patterns, timing of initiation and severity of droughts using quantitative and anecdotal information from water resource managers. SEPA’s operational use of these indices is discussed in relation to how water resource can be managed during dry spells to optimise the balance between socio-economic demands and the needs of the aquatic environment.