Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aftershock tectonics of the 1978 Tabas‐e‐Golshan (Iran) earthquake sequence: a documented active ‘thin‐and thick‐skinned tectonic’ case

Summary. In this study a locally recorded aftershock sequence of the 1978 Tabas-e-Golshan earthquake (M, = 7.4) was accurately located. Out of 1560 located events, 329 best-located aftershocks passed a strict quality criterion. These well-located aftershocks, which have uncertainties in epicentre and in focal depth of about 1 and 2km respectively, together with the wellconstrained focal mechanisms, provided a detailed picture of active continental deformation during an aftershock sequence. Almost all aftershocks follow very closely the pattern of the earthquake faults at the surface and lie in the hanging-wall block of the active fault. The hypocentres occurred mainly at depths less than 23 km with a high concentration of seismic activity between 8-14 km depth. The aftershocks clearly demonstrate an active imbricate listric thrust system with fault planes flattening into a basement decollement zone, and the reactivation of different basement reverse faults in response to a considerable amount of shortening of the top sedimentary cover. The sense of motion was almost universally thrusting and the aftershocks shared the same tectonic causes as the main shock. The study indicates that the development of the young fold-thrust mountain belts necessarily involves basement shortening (thin- and thick-skinned tectonics) and that the ‘frontal reverse faults’ in young active fold-thrust mountain belts are the most seismically active faults. Geological and seismic data propose that the active frontal reverse fault systems are possibly reactivated old normal faults and may add support to the contention of reversal of fault motion during rethickening of continental crust. The active ‘thinand thick-skinned tectonics’ documented in this study may prevail in other young and active fold-thrust mountain belts which are characterized by a thick sequence of telescoped top sedimentary cover over a decollement detachment zone.
Enantioselective Synthesis of β-amino acids: A Review

Muhammad Ashfaq1*, RukhsanaTabassum1, Muhammad Mahboob Ahmad2, Nagina Ali Hassan1, Hiroyuki Oku3 and Gildardo Rivera4 1Department of Chemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan 2Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan 3Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Gunma University Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan 4Centro de Biotecnología, Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, México
Destructive and Protective Roles of Cytokines in Periodontitis: A Re-appraisal from Host Defense and Tissue Destruction Viewpoints

Periodontal diseases (PD) are chronic infectious inflammatory diseases characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting structures, being the presence of periodontopathogens required, but not sufficient, for disease development. As a general rule, host inflammatory mediators have been associated with tissue destruction, while anti-inflammatory mediators counteract and attenuate disease progression. With the discovery of several T-cell subsets bearing distinct immunoregulatory properties, this pro- vs. anti-inflammatory scenario became more complex, and a series of studies has hypothesized protective or destructive roles for Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg subpopulations of polarized lymphocytes. Interestingly, the “protective vs. destructive” archetype is usually considered in a framework related to tissue destruction and disease progression. However, it is important to remember that periodontal diseases are infectious inflammatory conditions, and recent studies have demonstrated that cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) considered harmful in the context of tissue destruction play important roles in the control of periodontal infection. Therefore, in this review, the state-of-the-art knowledge concerning the protective and destructive roles of host inflammatory immune response will be critically evaluated and discussed from the tissue destruction and control-of-infection viewpoints.
Morphology and accommodative function of the vitreous zonule in human and monkey eyes.

PURPOSE To explore the attachments of the posterior zonule and vitreous in relation to accommodation and presbyopia in monkeys and humans. METHODS Novel scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) techniques were used to visualize the anterior, intermediate, and posterior vitreous zonule and their connections to the ciliary body, vitreous membrane, lens capsule, and ora serrata, and to characterize their age-related changes and correlate them with loss of accommodative forward movement of the ciliary body. alpha-Chymotrypsin was used focally to lyse the vitreous zonule and determine the effect on movement of the accommodative apparatus in monkeys. RESULTS The vitreous attached to the peripheral lens capsule and the ora serrata directly. The pars plana zonule and the posterior tines of the anterior zonule were separated from the vitreous membrane except for strategically placed attachments, collectively termed the vitreous zonule, that may modulate and smooth the forward and backward movements of the entire system. Age-dependent changes in these relationships correlated significantly with loss of accommodative amplitude. Lysis of the intermediate vitreous zonule partially restored accommodative movement. CONCLUSIONS The vitreous zonule system may help to smoothly translate to the lens the driving forces of accommodation and disaccommodation generated by the ciliary muscle, while maintaining visual focus and protecting the lens capsule and ora serrata from acute tractional forces. Stiffening of the vitreous zonular system may contribute to age-related loss of accommodation and offer a therapeutic target for presbyopia.
An Introduction to Tourism and Anthropology

An Introduction to Tourism and Anthropology explains how anthropology is the window through which tourism dynamics may be properly analysed and evaluated. Starting with an overview of the development of anthropology as a social science, the author moves on to examine: the definition and characteristics of tourism definitions and typologies of tourists tourism and culture key themes and writers in the anthropology of tourism issues in the anthropology of tourism globalisation, tourism and anthropology the relationship between development and underdevelopment theories and the anthropology of tourism It features a wealth of international case studies from the UK, USA, Fiji, Australia, Indonesia and Tanzania.
CNVmap: a method and software to detect copy number variants from linkage mapping data

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are widely used for detecting quantitative trait loci or for searching for causal variants of diseases. Nevertheless, structural variations such as copy-number variants (CNVs) represent a large part of natural genetic diversity and contribute significantly to trait variation. Over the past decade, numerous methods and softwares have been developed to detect CNVs. Since all such approaches are based on exploiting sequencing data, they bypass a wealth of tools such as SNP arrays. We thus propose here an original method to both detect and genetically map CNVs using mapping panels. Specifically, we exploit the apparent heterozygous state of duplicated loci: peaks in the associated genome-wide allelic profiles provide highly specific signatures that identify the nature and position of the CNVs. Our original method and software can detect and map automatically up to 33 different types of CNVs based on segregation data only. We validate this approach on simulated and experimental bi-parental mapping panels in two maize and one wheat populations. Most of the events found correspond to having just one extra copy in one of the parental lines but the corresponding allelic value can be that of either parent. We also find cases with two or more additional copies, especially in wheat where these copies locate to homeologues. More generally, our computational tool can be used by the community to give additional value, at no cost, to many datasets produced over the past decade from genetic mapping panels.
Clinical Effectiveness of CRT and ICD Therapy in Heart Failure Patients by Racial/Ethnic Classi ﬁ cation Insights From the IMPROVE HF Registry

BACKGROUND Clinical trials have demonstrated bene ﬁ t for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and implantable cardioverter-de ﬁ brillator (ICD) therapies in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); yet, questions have been raised with regard to the bene ﬁ t of device therapy for minorities. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of CRT and ICD therapies as a function of race/ethnicity in outpatients with HFrEF (ejection fraction # 35%). METHODS Data from IMPROVE HF (Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting) were analyzed by device status and race/ethnicity among guideline-eligible patients for mortality at 24 months. Multivariate Generalized Estimating Equations analyses were conducted, adjusting for patient and practice characteristics. RESULTS The ICD/cardiac resynchronization de ﬁ brillator (CRT-D) – eligible cohort (n ¼ 7,748) included 3,391 (44%) non-Hispanic white, 719 (9%) non-Hispanic black, and 3,638 (47%) other racial/ethnic minorities or race-not-documented patients. The cardiac resynchronization pacemaker (CRT-P)/CRT-D – eligible cohort (n ¼ 1,188) included 596 (50%) non-Hispanic white, 99 (8%) non-Hispanic black, and 493 (41%) other/not-documented patients. There was clinical bene ﬁ t associated with
A study of lateral inhomogeneities in the upper mantle by multiple Scs travel‐time residuals

An analysis of records of multiply reflected ScS phases from ten deep-focus earthquakes yields near-vertical one-way travel-time residuals varying from +5.0 to −3.5 s. Continental and oceanic residuals overlap and both indicate large lateral variations. Similar values are found for the older oceanic basins and for continental shields. Most, if not all, of the variations can be attributed to differences in the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The mantle under Hawaii, Iceland and Trindade (South Atlantic) Islands is anomalously slow, all being postulated hotspots. In the case of Trindade, petrological data is consistent with a pronounced low-velocity zone and large S delays. Some recent studies assumed that stations on oceanic islands were representative of the ocean as a whole and it has been suggested that continent-ocean differences extend deeper than 400 km. The present results indicate that oceanic islands are anomalous, and that differences between oceans and continents need not extend below 200 km. This does not rule out the existence of deep lateral inhomogeneities, but only the proposal that continents, in general, are faster than oceans to depths greater than 400 km.
Plants and Temperature--CO2 Uncoupling

In the recent geological past, temperature and atmospheric COconcentrations have been coupled: Cooling generally coincides with low COand warming with high COconcentrations. However, some geological records indicate that in the more distant geological past, temperature and COmay have been uncoupled. Such temperature-COuncoupling, if confirmed by further studies, may influence our ideas about climate-forcing mechanisms and about functioning of paleoecosystems.
Ppeciation of Black－necked Crane

Based on the concepts of species and speciation,the speciation of Black-necked Grane(Grus nigricollis)wa discussed using bio-geographic principles and some evidences suggest that Black-necked Grane had a close relationship with Red-crowned Crane(Grus japonensis). The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau uplift may be the most important factor in allopatric speciation for Black-necked Crane.
Factors Associated With Trial Completion and Adherence in App-Based N-of-1 Trials: Protocol for a Randomized Trial Evaluating Study Duration, Notification Level, and Meaningful Engagement in the Brain Boost Study

Background N-of-1 trials promise to help individuals make more informed decisions about treatment selection through structured experiments that compare treatment effectiveness by alternating treatments and measuring their impacts in a single individual. We created a digital platform that automates the design, administration, and analysis of N-of-1 trials. Our first N-of-1 trial, the app-based Brain Boost Study, invited individuals to compare the impacts of two commonly consumed substances (caffeine and L-theanine) on their cognitive performance. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate critical factors that may impact the completion of N-of-1 trials to inform the design of future app-based N-of-1 trials. We will measure study completion rates for participants that begin the Brain Boost Study and assess their associations with study duration (5, 15, or 27 days) and notification level (light or moderate). Methods Participants will be randomized into three study durations and two notification levels. To sufficiently power the study, a minimum of 640 individuals must begin the study, and 97 individuals must complete the study. We will use a multiple logistic regression model to discern whether the study length and notification level are associated with the rate of study completion. For each group, we will also compare participant adherence and the proportion of trials that yield statistically meaningful results. Results We completed the beta testing of the N1 app on a convenience sample of users. The Brain Boost Study on the N1 app opened enrollment to the public in October 2019. More than 30 participants enrolled in the first month. Conclusions To our knowledge, this will be the first study to rigorously evaluate critical factors associated with study completion in the context of app-based N-of-1 trials. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04056650; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04056650 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/16362
Altered oceanic crust as an inorganic record of paleoseawater Sr concentration

The minimum Sr content of seawater at 90–95 Ma is determined from the Sr content and Sr isotopic composition of the sheeted dike complex of oceanic crust that was hydrothermally altered at this time on the basis of simple mass and heat balances. When this approach is applied to sheeted dike complexes that were hydrothermally altered by modern seawater a minimum fluid Sr content of <3 μg g−1 is calculated. This is substantially less than the modern ocean Sr content of ∼7.8 μg g−1 supporting the arguments that the approach provides a robust minimum Sr content of the ocean at the time of crust formation. Applying the same approach to the sheeted dike complexes in the Cretaceous Troodos and Oman ophiolites gives minimum Sr contents for the ocean at this time of 27 and 38 μg g−1, respectively. These values are consistent with previous studies of biomineralized carbonate that suggest higher Sr/Ca in seawater at this time and fluid inclusion analyses that suggest higher Ca contents in the ocean at this time. The Ca content of the ocean must have been at the upper end of the range suggested by fluid inclusion analyses (≥30 mmol kg−1). The high Ca and Sr content of seawater at 90–95 Ma was, at least partially, due to enhanced submarine hydrothermal circulation which leaches Sr from the basaltic crust because it coincides with a time of low seawater 87Sr/86Sr. Elevated Sr contents at this time may have impacted the evolution and/or biogeochemical role of the Acantharians which secrete a SrSO4 skeleton.
Scaling of phloem structure and optimality of photoassimilate transport in conifer needles

The phloem vascular system facilitates transport of energy-rich sugar and signalling molecules in plants, thus permitting long-range communication within the organism and growth of non-photosynthesizing organs such as roots and fruits. The flow is driven by osmotic pressure, generated by differences in sugar concentration between distal parts of the plant. The phloem is an intricate distribution system, and many questions about its regulation and structural diversity remain unanswered. Here, we investigate the phloem structure in the simplest possible geometry: a linear leaf, found, for example, in the needles of conifer trees. We measure the phloem structure in four tree species representing a diverse set of habitats and needle sizes, from 1 (Picea omorika) to 35 cm (Pinus palustris). We show that the phloem shares common traits across these four species and find that the size of its conductive elements obeys a power law. We present a minimal model that accounts for these common traits and takes into account the transport strategy and natural constraints. This minimal model predicts a power law phloem distribution consistent with transport energy minimization, suggesting that energetics are more important than translocation speed at the leaf level.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes adaptive plasticity within the spinal cord and mediates the beneficial effects of controllable stimulation

, Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been characterized as a potent modulator of neural plasticity in both the brain and spinal cord. The present experiments use an in viv o model system to demonstrate that training with controllable stimulation increases spinal BDNF expression and engages a BDNF-dependent process that promotes adaptive plasticity. Spinally transected rats administered legshock whenever one hindlimb is extended (controllable stimulation) exhibit a progressive increase in flexion duration. This simple form of response-outcome (instrumental) learning is not observed when shock is given independent of leg position (uncontrollable stimulation). Uncontrollable electrical stimulation also induces a lasting effect that impairs learning for up to 48 hrs. Training with controllable shock can counter the adverse consequences of uncontrollable stimulation, to both prevent and reverse the learning deficit. Here it is shown that the protective and restorative effect of instrumental training depends on BDNF. Cellular assays showed that controllable stimulation increased BDNF mRNA expression and protein within the lumbar spinal cord. These changes were associated with an increase in the BDNF receptor TrkB protein within the dorsal horn. Evidence is then presented that these changes play a functional role in vivo . Application of a BDNF inhibitor (TrkB-IgG) blocked the protective effect of instrumental training. Direct (intrathecal) application of BDNF substituted for instrumental training to block both the induction and expression of the learning deficit. Uncontrollable stimulation also induced an increase in mechanical reactivity (allodynia) and this too was prevented by BDNF. TrkB-IgG blocked the restorative effect of instrumental training and intrathecal BDNF substituted for training to reverse the deficit. Taken together, these findings outline a critical role for BDNF in mediating the beneficial effects of controllable stimulation on spinal plasticity. CA). Ratios of the densitometry intensity of BDNF, full-length and truncated TrkB to β actin (loading control) were calculated, normalized to unshocked controls and averaged for animals within each group.
Prevalence of Inadequate and Excessive Iodine Intake in a US Pregnancy Cohort

Background: US iodine intake, estimated from the median urinary iodine concentration of population representative data, has declined by half since the 1970s which is problematic because maternal iodine intake is critical for fetal neurodevelopment. Relying on median urinary concentrations to assess iodine intake of populations is standard practice but does not describe the number of individuals with insufficient intake. Prevalence estimates of inadequate and excessive intake are better for informing public health applications but require multiple urine samples per person; such estimates have been generated in pediatric populations but not yet among pregnant women. Corresponding Author: Jean M Kerver, MSU/CHM Research, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, 231-392-8227 (work), 517-281-8569 (cell), kerverje@msu.edu. Authors’ Contributions: JMK, NP, ENP, and MRE designed the research and provided study oversight; MRE, TM, and MG performed the statistical analyses; JMK, NP, ENP, and MRE wrote the paper; JMK had primary responsibility for final content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Disclosure Statement: The authors report no conflicts of interest. Disclaimers: The authors have no disclaimers or conflicts of interest to declare. HHS Public Access Author manuscript Am J Obstet Gynecol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2022 January 01. Published in final edited form as: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 January ; 224(1): 82.e1–82.e8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog. 2020.06. 052. A uhor M anscript
EFFECTIVENESS, BEHAVIOR, AND TOXICITY OF DISPERSANTS

ABSTRACT Three key issues must be addressed when deciding on the desirability of using chemical dispersants for mitigating the adverse effects of oil spills: (1) how effective a given dosage of dispersant will be on a given oil slick; (2) how the dispersed oil and dispersant diffuse into the water column, dissolve, volatilize, degrade, and interact with suspended and bottom sediments; and (3) what effects the dissolved and particulate oil and dispersant will have on water column and benthic biota. It is essential that the first two areas (physical and chemical studies) relate closely to the third (biological aspects) in order that bioassay exposure (in terms of concentration of dispersant, classes of and individual hydrocarbons, and duration) addressing the toxicity issue be realistic. Here, we review the current status of a research program which addresses these issues. Under the program, attempts are being made to quantify dispersant effectiveness (including consideration of effectiveness testing using .
Nrf2 deficiency impairs the barrier function of mouse esophageal epithelium

Objective— As a major cellular defense mechanism, the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway regulates expression of genes involved in detoxification and stress response. Our previous study revealed activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway at the maturation phase during mouse esophageal development, suggesting a potential function in epithelial defense. Here we hypothesize that Nrf2 is involved in the barrier function of esophageal epithelium, and plays a protective role against gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Design— Human esophageal biopsy samples, mouse surgical models and Nrf2 -/- mice were used to assess the role of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in esophageal mucosal barrier function. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured with mini-Ussing chambers. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine cell morphology, while gene microarray, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and ChIP analysis were used to assess the expression of pathway genes. Results— Nrf2 was expressed in normal esophageal epithelium and activated in GERD of both humans and mice. Nrf2 deficiency and gastroesophageal reflux in mice, either alone Conclusion— Nrf2 deficiency impairs esophageal barrier function through disrupting energy-dependent tight junction. Elucidating the role of this pathway in GERD has potential implications for the pathogenesis and therapy of the disease.