Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Crucial Test of the Population Separation Model of Auditory Stream Segregation in Macaque Primary Auditory Cortex

An important aspect of auditory scene analysis is auditory stream segregation—the organization of sound sequences into perceptual streams reflecting different sound sources in the environment. Several models have been proposed to account for stream segregation. According to the “population separation” (PS) model, alternating ABAB tone sequences are perceived as a single stream or as two separate streams when “A” and “B” tones activate the same or distinct frequency-tuned neuronal populations in primary auditory cortex (A1), respectively. A crucial test of the PS model is whether it can account for the observation that A and B tones are generally perceived as a single stream when presented synchronously, rather than in an alternating pattern, even if they are widely separated in frequency. Here, we tested the PS model by recording neural responses to alternating (ALT) and synchronous (SYNC) tone sequences in A1 of male macaques. Consistent with predictions of the PS model, a greater effective tonotopic separation of A and B tone responses was observed under ALT than under SYNC conditions, thus paralleling the perceptual organization of the sequences. While other models of stream segregation, such as temporal coherence, are not excluded by the present findings, we conclude that PS is sufficient to account for the perceptual organization of ALT and SYNC sequences and thus remains a viable model of auditory stream segregation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT According to the population separation (PS) model of auditory stream segregation, sounds that activate the same or separate neural populations in primary auditory cortex (A1) are perceived as one or two streams, respectively. It is unclear, however, whether the PS model can account for the perception of sounds as a single stream when they are presented synchronously. Here, we tested the PS model by recording neural responses to alternating (ALT) and synchronous (SYNC) tone sequences in macaque A1. A greater effective separation of tonotopic activity patterns was observed under ALT than under SYNC conditions, thus paralleling the perceptual organization of the sequences. Based on these findings, we conclude that PS remains a plausible neurophysiological model of auditory stream segregation.
3-Dimensional shear wave elastography of breast lesions

AbstractColor patterns of 3-dimensional (3D) shear wave elastography (SWE) is a promising method in differentiating tumoral nodules recently. This study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of color patterns of 3D SWE in breast lesions, with special emphasis on coronal planes.A total of 198 consecutive women with 198 breast lesions (125 malignant and 73 benign) were included, who underwent conventional ultrasound (US), 3D B-mode, and 3D SWE before surgical excision. SWE color patterns of Views A (transverse), T (sagittal), and C (coronal) were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated.Distribution of SWE color patterns was significantly different between malignant and benign lesions (P = 0.001). In malignant lesions, “Stiff Rim” was significantly more frequent in View C (crater sign, 60.8%) than in View A (51.2%, P = 0.013) and View T (54.1%, P = 0.035). AUC for combination of “Crater Sign” and conventional US was significantly higher than View A (0.929 vs 0.902, P = 0.004) and View T (0.929 vs 0.907, P = 0.009), and specificity significantly increased (90.4% vs 78.1%, P = 0.013) without significant change in sensitivity (85.6% vs 88.0%, P = 0.664) as compared with conventional US.In conclusion, combination of conventional US with 3D SWE color patterns significantly increased diagnostic accuracy, with “Crater Sign” in coronal plane of the highest value.
PPARγ and LXR Signaling Inhibit Dendritic Cell-Mediated HIV-1 Capture and trans-Infection

Dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission and dissemination by capturing and transporting infectious virus from the mucosa to draining lymph nodes, and transferring these virus particles to CD4+ T cells with high efficiency. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced maturation of DCs enhances their ability to mediate trans-infection of T cells and their ability to migrate from the site of infection. Because TLR-induced maturation can be inhibited by nuclear receptor (NR) signaling, we hypothesized that ligand-activated NRs could repress DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission and dissemination. Here, we show that ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and liver X receptor (LXR) prevented proinflammatory cytokine production by DCs and inhibited DC migration in response to the chemokine CCL21 by preventing the TLR-induced upregulation of CCR7. Importantly, PPARγ and LXR signaling inhibited both immature and mature DC-mediated trans-infection by preventing the capture of HIV-1 by DCs independent of the viral envelope glycoprotein. PPARγ and LXR signaling induced cholesterol efflux from DCs and led to a decrease in DC-associated cholesterol, which has previously been shown to be required for DC capture of HIV-1. Finally, both cholesterol repletion and the targeted knockdown of the cholesterol transport protein ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) restored the ability of NR ligand treated cells to capture HIV-1 and transfer it to T cells. Our results suggest that PPARγ and LXR signaling up-regulate ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from DCs and that this accounts for the decreased ability of DCs to capture HIV-1. The ability of NR ligands to repress DC mediated trans-infection, inflammation, and DC migration underscores their potential therapeutic value in inhibiting HIV-1 mucosal transmission.
Meta analysis on mental health status of railway locomotive conductors

Objective To understand the status of mental health in domestic railway locomotive conductors,thereby providing a scientific basis for the psychologial assessment and intervention on it.Methods A computerized literature search was carried out in CNKI to collect the articles published in domestic journals during recent ten years concerning the study on mental health status of locomotive conductors.The adopted papers were analyzed by Metaanalysis,two norms such as national male norm and the normal male populations of three provinces or regions in 2006 were used as controls,and RevMan 4.2 software was applied for data processing.Results Eleven papers were collected,and 4681 locomotive conductors were analyzed in the survey.According to the statistic results,only the scores of interpersonal relationship showed no significant difference compared with the norms(Z=1.31,P0.05),however,the other scores were all significantly higher than that of the norms(P0.01). Conclusion The mental health status in domestic locomotive conductors is not so good,and the SCL-90 norm for them should be set up.
Predictors for Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture in a Hong Kong Population

Background. Observational studies of smoking cessation with acupuncture have been reported widely; however, few researchers have focused on its predictors. Objective. This paper attempts to explore the predictors for smoking cessation with acupuncture in a Hong Kong population, aiming to provide references for clinical treatment in the future. Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of data from our observational study “Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation (2011–2014)” in Hong Kong. A total of 23 indexes were selected as possible predictors, and study participants with complete information of 23 indexes were included. By taking 8-week and 52-week smoking cessation results as dependent variables, binary logistic regression method was used to identify the predictors. Additionally, based on an M5P decision-tree algorithm, an equation of “successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture” was calculated. Results. (1) 2,051 study participants were included in total. (2) According to the results of binary logistic regression, variables including treatment location, total number of acupuncture sessions received, and whether the study participants received at least 6 sessions of acupuncture were taken as the short-term predictors; gender, treatment location, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and total number of acupuncture sessions received were taken as the long-term predictors. (3) According to study participants' FTND, treatment location, and number of cigarettes smoked/day, the equation of “successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture” was established. Conclusion. Receiving sufficient and qualified acupuncture is the leading factor for short-term smoking cessation with acupuncture, whereas individual factors and smoking background play a more important role in long-term smoking cessation with acupuncture.
Co-Activation of PKC-δ by CRIF1 Modulates Oxidative Stress in Bone Marrow Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells after Irradiation by Phosphorylating NRF2 Ser40

The high mortality associated with pancytopenia and multi-organ failure resulting from hematopoietic disorders of acute radiation syndrome (h-ARS) creates an urgent need for developing more effective treatment strategies. Here, we showed that bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) effectively regulate oxidative stress following radiative injury, which might be on account of irradiation-induced elevation of protein levels of CR6-interacting factor 1(CRIF1) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(NRF2). Crif1-knockdown BMMSCs presented increased oxidative stress and apoptosis after irradiation, which were partially due to a suppressed antioxidant response mediated by decreased NRF2 nuclear translocation. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments indicated that CRIF1 interacted with protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ). NRF2 Ser40 phosphorylation was inhibited in Crif1-deficient BMMSCs even in the presence of three kinds of PKC agonists, suggesting that CRIF1 might co-activate PKC-δ to phosphorylate NRF2 Ser40. After radiative injury, the supporting effect of BMMSCs for the colony forming ability of HSCs in vitro was reduced, and the deficiency of CRIF1 aggravated such damage. Thus, CRIF1 plays an essential role in PKC-δ/NRF2 pathway modulation to alleviate oxidative stress in BMMSCs after irradiative injury, and at some level it may maintain the HSCs-supporting effect of BMMSCs after radiative injuries.
Vaccinia virus protein N2 is a nuclear IRF3 inhibitor that promotes virulence

Vaccinia virus (VACV) expresses many proteins that are non-essential for virus replication but promote virulence by inhibiting components of the host immune response to infection. These immunomodulators include a family of proteins that have, or are predicted to have, a structure related to the B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 protein. Five members of the VACV Bcl-2 family (N1, B14, A52, F1 and K7) have had their crystal structure solved, others have been characterized and a function assigned (C6, A46), and others are predicted to be Bcl-2 proteins but are uncharacterized hitherto (N2, B22, C1). Data presented here show that N2 is a nuclear protein that is expressed early during infection and inhibits the activation of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3. Consistent with its nuclear localization, N2 inhibits IRF3 downstream of the TANK-binding kinase (TBK)-1 and after IRF3 translocation into the nucleus. A mutant VACV strain Western Reserve lacking the N2L gene (vΔN2) showed normal replication and spread in cultured cells compared to wild-type parental (vN2) and revertant (vN2-rev) viruses, but was attenuated in two murine models of infection. After intranasal infection, the vΔN2 mutant induced lower weight loss and signs of illness, and virus was cleared more rapidly from the infected tissue. In the intradermal model of infection, vΔN2 induced smaller lesions that were resolved more rapidly. In summary, the N2 protein is an intracellular virulence factor that inhibits IRF3 activity in the nucleus.
Treatment-completion rates with olanzapine long-acting injection versus risperidone long-acting injection in a 12-month, open-label treatment of schizophrenia: indirect, exploratory comparisons

Background Little is known about the comparative effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics in long-acting injection formulation. Due to the absence of head-to-head studies comparing olanzapine long-acting injection and risperidone long-acting injection, this study was intended to make exploratory, indirect, cross-study comparisons between the long-acting formulations of these two atypical antipsychotics in their effectiveness in treating patients with schizophrenia. Methods Indirect, cross-study comparisons between olanzapine long-acting injection and risperidone long-acting injection used 12-month treatment-completion rates, because discontinuation of an antipsychotic for any cause is a recognized proxy measure of the medication’s effectiveness in treating schizophrenia. Following a systematic review of the literature, two indirect comparisons were conducted using open-label, single-cohort studies in which subjects were stabilized on an antipsychotic medication before depot initiation. The first analysis compared olanzapine long-acting injection (one study) with pooled data from nine identified risperidone long-acting injection studies. The second analysis was a “sensitivity analysis,” using only the most similar studies, one for olanzapine long-acting injection and one for risperidone long-acting injection, which shared near-identical study designs and involved study cohorts with near-identical patient characteristics. Pearson Chi-square tests assessed group differences on treatment-completion rates. Results Comparison of olanzapine long-acting injection data (931 patients) with the pooled data from the nine risperidone long-acting injection studies (3950 patients) provided almost identical 12-month treatment-completion rates (72.7% versus 72.4%; P = 0.87). When the two most similar studies were compared, the 12-month completion rate for olanzapine long-acting injection was significantly higher than for risperidone long-acting injection (81.3% versus 47.0%; P < 0.001). However, any conclusions drawn from this comparison may be limited by differences in the studies’ geographic catchment areas. Conclusion Using treatment-completion rates as a proxy measure of medication effectiveness, olanzapine long-acting injection did not differ significantly from risperidone long-acting injection when including all eligible studies. However, the findings of this exploratory analysis should be interpreted with caution, considering the methodological limitations of these indirect, cross-study comparisons.
Different Implications of Heart Failure, Ischemic Stroke, and Mortality Between Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter—a View From a National Cohort Study

Background Atrial flutter (AFL) has been identified to be equivalent to atrial fibrillation (AF) in terms of preventing ischemic stroke, although differences exist in atrial rate, substrate, and electrophysiological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate differences in clinical outcomes between nonvalvular AF and AFL. Methods and Results AF and AFL patients without any prescribed anticoagulation were enrolled from a 13‐year national cohort database. Under series exclusion criteria, ischemic stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality were compared between the groups in real‐world conditions and after propensity score matching. We identified 175 420 patients in the AF cohort and 6239 patients in the AFL cohort, and the prevalence of most comorbidities and frequency of medications were significantly higher in the AF group than the AFL group. In the real‐world setting the AF patients had higher incidence rates of ischemic stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality than the AFL patients (all P<0.001). After propensity score matching, the incidence rate of ischemic stroke in the AF cohort was 1.63‐fold higher than in the AFL cohort (P<0.001), the incidence rate of heart failure hospitalization in the AF cohort was 1.70‐fold higher than in the AFL cohort (P<0.001), and the incidence rate of all‐cause mortality in the AF cohort was 1.08‐fold higher than in the AFL cohort (P=0.002). Conclusions There were differences between AF and AFL in comorbidities and prognosis with regard to ischemic stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality.
Exploring diagnostic and therapeutic implications of endoscopic mucosal resection in EUS-staged T2 esophageal adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background and study aims Treatment strategies for clinical (c)T2N0M0 esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are subject to debate owing to the relative inaccuracy of tumor staging by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), with profound implications in overstaged patients. We aimed to evaluate the final histological diagnosis of patients initially staged as having a cT2 tumor by EUS, and to assess the value of endoscopic reassessment by an interventional endoscopist, followed by an endoscopic resection when deemed feasible. Patients and methods Two distinct cohorts of patients with cT2 EAC as determined by EUS were included: a retrospective surgical cohort of patients treated by primary esophagectomy, and a prospective cohort of patients who underwent an endoscopic reassessment by an interventional endoscopist. The main outcome measure was the final pathological (p)T stage. Results We identified 134 patients with stage T2 EAC from the surgical cohort. In 72 patients treated by primary esophagectomy, 32/72 (44 %) were downstaged to a pT1 tumor. In 12/72 (17 %), the surgical resection specimen showed tumor characteristics that fulfilled the current criteria for a curative endoscopic resection. In 13 prospectively identified patients with cT2N0M0 EAC, an expert endoscopic reassessment was done. In 11/13 (85 %) the lesion appeared endoscopically resectable and a complete endoscopic resection was performed. Histology revealed a pT1 tumor in all 11 patients, with 5/13 (38 %) fulfilling current criteria for a curative endoscopic resection. Conclusions In this study, 44 % of cT2 EACs were in fact pT1 tumors. Curative treatment by endoscopic resection was achieved in more than a third of these cases. To avoid an unnecessary esophagectomy, an endoscopic reassessment by an interventional endoscopist is recommended for all patients with cT2N0M0 EAC.
Salmonella Infection Induces Recruitment of Caspase-8 to the Inflammasome To Modulate IL-1β Production

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptors (NLRs) detect pathogens and danger-associated signals within the cell. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, an intracellular pathogen, activates caspase-1 required for the processing of the proinflammatory cytokines, pro–IL-1β and pro–IL-18, and pyroptosis. In this study, we show that Salmonella infection induces the formation of an apoptosis-associated specklike protein containing a CARD (ASC)–Caspase-8–Caspase-1 inflammasome in macrophages. Caspase-8 and caspase-1 are recruited to the ASC focus independently of one other. Salmonella infection initiates caspase-8 proteolysis in a manner dependent on NLRC4 and ASC, but not NLRP3, caspase-1 or caspase-11. Caspase-8 primarily mediates the synthesis of pro-IL-1β, but is dispensable for Salmonella-induced cell death. Overall, our findings highlight that the ASC inflammasome can recruit different members of the caspase family to induce distinct effector functions in response to Salmonella infection.
Authentic leadership, work engagement and organizational citizenship behaviors in petroleum company

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between authentic leadership (AL), work engagement (WE), and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) among United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals working in the petroleum sector. This study further intends to examine the mediating effect of psychological empowerment (PE) on above mentioned relationship. Design/methodology/approach - – Quantitative method involving self-reported questionnaire was used in this study. Data were collected from 189 UAE national employees from one of the major petroleum companies in the UAE. An extensive online questionnaire consisting of 70 questions was designed in Version 2.05+ of LimeSurvey, an open source-based survey tool. Structural equation modeling using Lisrel was deployed to examine the relationship between AL, PE, WE, and OCB. Findings - – The results revealed that AL significantly increases WE and OCB. Results also indicated that PE increases the strength of relationship between AL with WE and OCB while acting as a mediator. Practical implications - – The research results suggested that leaders and discussion makers in the petroleum sector in UAE should encourage their managers to adopt a more AL style. Given that AL is strongly related to WE, PE, and OCB, AL training programs is consequently important in building employees that would be more empowered and engaged. Originality/value - – This study contributes to organizational behavior and industrial psychology literature. The study is unique in respect to the research model that was developed and validated. It’s one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the direct relationship among AL, PE, WE, and OCB in Middle-East context. This study was conducted in UAE, where AL concept has been rarely investigated and finding from this study may help in filling up the gap in knowledge.
Interplay Between Conceptual Expectations and Movement Predictions Underlies Action Understanding.

Recent accounts of understanding goal-directed action underline the importance of a hierarchical predictive architecture. However, the neural implementation of such an architecture remains elusive. In the present study, we used functional neuroimaging to quantify brain activity associated with predicting physical movements, as they were modulated by conceptual-expectations regarding the purpose of the object involved in the action. Participants observed object-related actions preceded by a cue that generated both conceptual goal expectations and movement goal predictions. In 2 tasks, observers judged whether conceptual or movement goals matched or mismatched the cue. At the conceptual level, expected goals specifically recruited the posterior cingulate cortex, irrespectively of the task and the perceived movement goal. At the movement level, neural activation of the parieto-frontal circuit, including inferior frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobe, reflected unpredicted movement goals. Crucially, this movement prediction error was only present when the purpose of the involved object was expected. These findings provide neural evidence that prior conceptual expectations influence processing of physical movement goals and thereby support the hierarchical predictive account of action processing.
Predicting Computer Task Performance: Personal Goal and Self-Efficacy

Computer task performance is an essential driver of end user productivity. Recent research indicates that computer self-efficacy (CSE) is an important determinant of computer task performance. Contrary to the significant interest in understanding the role of CSE in predicting computer task performance, little attention has been given to understanding the role of personal goal (PG), which can be as powerful as or more powerful than CSE in predicting and determining computer task performance. Employing CSE and PG, the present research develops and validates a theoretical model that predicts individual computer task performance. The model was tested using PLS on data from an intensive software (Microsoft Excel) training program, in which forty-one MBA students participated. Results largely support the theorized relationships of the proposed model and provide important insights on how individual motivational beliefs influence computer skill acquisition and task performance. Implications are drawn for future research and