Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Leader Motivating Language on Employee Task and Contextual Performance: The Mediating Role of Feedback Quality

This research examined the relationships between leader motivating language and employee task and contextual performance using the psychological mechanism of feedback quality. We obtained a sample of 237 supervisor–subordinate dyads. Our research findings showed that feedback quality had a positive mediating role in the relationship between leader motivating language and contextual performance. The relationship between leader motivating language and task performance was statistically significant; however, feedback quality had little effect in mediating the direct relationship between leader motivating language and task performance.
Early Time-Restricted Feeding Reduces Appetite and Increases Fat Oxidation but Does Not Affect Energy Expenditure in Humans

Eating earlier in the daytime to align with circadian rhythms in metabolism enhances weight loss. However, it is unknown whether these benefits are mediated through increased energy expenditure or decreased food intake. Therefore, this study performed the first randomized trial to determine how meal timing affects 24‐hour energy metabolism when food intake and meal frequency are matched.
The Effect of Speed of Normal Saline Injection on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND Intracranial pressure (ICP) is affected after epidural saline solution or local anesthetic injection. Both ICP and epidural pressures have been shown to reach peak pressure just after epidural injection and begin decline thereafter. Measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) through ultrasonography is one of the noninvasive methods used for ICP assessment. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the speed of epidural saline injection on the ONSD under awake conditions. STUDY DESIGN Prospective randomized trial. SETTING An interventional pain management practice in South Korea. METHODS This study included 40 patients receiving thoracic epidural catheterization for pain management after upper abdominal or thoracic surgery. Following successful epidural space confirmation, patients were randomized to receive epidural saline infusion with a speed of either 1 mL/second (slow speed, A group) or 3 mL/second (rapid speed, B group), respectively. For the measurement of ONSD, transorbital sonography was performed and ONSD was measured at 3 mm posterior to the optic nerve head. RESULTS The A and B groups showed significant increases in ONSD according to time. Post hoc analysis of this result revealed that ONSD at T10 and T30 were significantly increased from baseline values (T0) (*P < 0.05 vs. T0; +P < 0.001 vs. T0). The mean values at any of the time points and degree of changes (T1-T0, T10-T0, and T30-T0) in ONSD between groups A and B did not show any significance. LIMITATIONS We could not confirm the time of normalization of ONSD after the end of epidural injection of normal saline. CONCLUSIONS Thoracic epidural injection of 10 mL of normal saline solution resulted in a significant increase of ONSD compared to baseline, however, the speed of injection did not affect the increase of ONSD. KEY WORDS Epidural, saline, optic nerve, diameter. Trial registry number: Clinical trial registry information service (NCT03362255).
Fluensulfone and 1,3-dichloroprene for plant-parasitic nematode management in potato production

Abstract Florida produces 35% of the spring potato (Solanum tuberosum) crop in the USA, but plant-parasitic nematodes suppress yield in the region. The stubby-root nematodes, Paratrichodorus (Nanidorus) spp. and Trichodorus spp. , vectors for corky ringspot disease, and sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) are among the most damaging nematodes in Florida potato production. Nematicide application is an important component of nematode management in this system, but relatively few nematicides are currently available. Therefore, pre-plant applications of fluensulfone nematicide at various rates (3, 4, 6, and 8 l/ha) and the commercial standard fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) were tested for management of plant-parasitic nematodes in three field trials from 2016 to 2018. Both fluensulfone, at all rates, and 1,3-D consistently decreased sting nematode abundance relative to the untreated control at harvest. Neither fluensulfone nor 1,3-D affected stubby-root nematode abundances at harvest. Efficacy of fluensulfone and 1,3-D for lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp.) management varied by year. In 2016 and 2018, fluensulfone at most rates and 1,3-D increased marketable potato yield relative to the untreated control with increases by 49 to 66% and 33 to 55% in 2016 and 2018, respectively. In 2017, fluensulfone at lower rates (3, 4, and 6 l/ha) increased marketable potato yield relative to the untreated control by 41 to 61%, but fluensulfone at 8 l/ha and 1,3-D had similar yields to the untreated control. Results suggest that nematicidal activity of fluensulfone and 1,3-D varies by target nematode with both products effective against sting nematode, ineffective against stubby-root nematodes, and inconsistent against lesion nematode. In conclusion, fluensulfone and 1,3-D are effective options for sting nematode management in Florida potato production.
SCF(FBXW7)‐mediated degradation of p53 promotes cell recovery after UV‐induced DNA damage

Eukaryotic cells have developed sophisticated mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the genome and prevent the transmission of altered genetic information to daughter cells. If this control system fails, accumulation of mutations would increase risk of diseases such as cancer. Ubiquitylation, an essential process for protein degradation and signal transduction, is critical for ensuring genome integrity as well as almost all cellular functions. Here, we investigated the role of the SKP1–Cullin‐1–F‐box protein (SCF)‐[F‐box and tryptophan‐aspartic acid (WD) repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7)] ubiquitin ligase in cell proliferation by searching for targets implicated in this process. We identified a hitherto‐unknown FBXW7‐interacting protein, p53, which is phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase 3 at serine 33 and then ubiquitylated by SCF(FBXW7) and degraded. This ubiquitylation is carried out in normally growing cells but primarily after DNA damage. Specifically, we found that SCF(FBXW7)‐specific targeting of p53 is crucial for the recovery of cell proliferation after UV‐induced DNA damage. Furthermore, we observed that amplification of FBXW7 in wild‐type p53 tumors reduced the survival of patients with breast cancer. These results provide a rationale for using SCF(FBXW7) inhibitors in the treatment of this subset of tumors. —Galindo‐Moreno, M. , Giráldez, S. , Limón‐Mortés, M. C. , Belmonte‐Fernández, A. , Reed, S. I. , Sáez, C. , Japón, M. Á. , Tortolero, M. , Romero, F. SCF(FBXW7)‐mediated degradation of p53 promotes cell recovery after UV‐induced DNA damage. FASEB J. 33, 11420–11430 (2019). www.fasebj. org
So Close, yet so Far: Discrepancies between Uveal and Other Melanomas. A Position Paper from UM Cure 2020

Despite much progress in our understanding of uveal melanoma (UM) over the past decades, this rare tumour is still often misclassified. Although UM, like other melanomas, is very probably derived from melanocytes, it is drastically different from cutaneous melanoma and most other melanoma subtypes in terms of epidemiology, aetiology, biology and clinical features, including an intriguing metastatic hepatotropism. UM carries distinctive prognostic chromosome alterations, somatic mutations and gene expression profiles, allowing an active tailored surveillance strategy and dedicated adjuvant clinical trials. There is no standard systemic treatment for disseminated UM at present. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, UMs are not BRAF-mutated, thus curtailing the use of B-Raf inhibitors. Although these tumours are characterised by some immune infiltrates, immune checkpoint inhibitors are rarely effective, possibly due to a low mutation burden. UM patients across the world not only face rare cancer-related issues (e.g., specific management strategies, access to information and to expert centres), but also specific UM problems, which can be exacerbated by the common misconception that it is a subtype of cutaneous melanoma. As a European Consortium dedicated to research on UM and awareness on the disease, “UM Cure 2020” participants urge medical oncologists, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies to acknowledge UM as a melanoma with specific issues, in order to accelerate the development of new therapies for patients.
Thermal Stability and Flammability Behavior of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) Based Composites

A series of samples based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) containing five different additives were prepared and their thermal stability and flammability were discussed. The samples first underwent flammability screening by using Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimeter (PCFC) analyses. Then, four samples were selected for further investigations. PHB composites containing sepiolite (Sep.) inorganic nanofiller, and also organic ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were examined for flammability and thermal behavior using PCFC, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), flame test, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Moreover, burning behavior of samples were captured on a digital camera to give a deeper sense of their flammability character for comparison. The results revealed a significant improvement of flammability and thermal stability of composites, particularly in the presence of sepiolite with respect to the value obtained for unfilled PHB. Regarding TGA results, the char residue yield was increased to ca. 20.0 wt. % in the presence of sepiolite, while 0.0 wt. % was observed for PHB. PCFC measurements uncovered higher performance of PHB-Sep. sample as signaled by 40% reduction in the peak of heat release rate with respect to PHB. According to observations, PHB-Sep. sample showed non-dripping behavior with high capacity of charring in the presence of Sep. in a vertical flame test.
A case–control study

We evaluated the clinical value of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting neonatal acidosis according to the gestational weeks in late pregnancy. From July 2016 to June 2017, 1018 neonates without acidosis and 218 neonates with acidosis (confirmed postpartum) underwent a prenatal examination and hospital delivery at 28 to 41 weeks in our hospital. The CPR was calculated as the ratio of the prenatal middle cerebral artery-pulsation index (MCA-PI) to the umbilical artery-pulsation index (UA-PI). In neonates without acidosis, the fetal UA-PI decreased with increased gestational age during late pregnancy. Similarly, the MCAPI decreased with increased gestational age, and decreased significantly during the full pregnancy term. Additionally, the CPR peaked in the middle of the late pregnancy period and then decreased. In contrast, in neonates with acidosis, the prenatal UA-PI increased significantly, MCA-PI declined significantly, and CPR declined significantly in relation to normal values (P< .05). For the prediction of neonatal acidosis, the UA-PI was suitable after 32 weeks and the MCA-PI was suitable before 37 weeks. The cutoff values of the CPR for the prediction of neonatal acidosis at 28 to 31 weeks, 32 to 36 weeks, and 37 to 41 weeks were 1.29, 1.36, and 1.22, respectively. Unlike the UA-PI andMCA-PI, the CPRwas suitable as an independent predictor of neonatal acidosis at all late pregnancy weeks. In neonates with acidosis, the z score of the UA-PI increased significantly, whereas the z scores of theMCAPI and CPR decreased significantly, in relation to normal values (P< .05). The CPR can be used to evaluate the adverse status of fetuses during late pregnancy, providing an early prediction of neonatal acidosis. Abbreviations: AUC = the area under the curve, CI = confidence interval, CPR = cerebroplacental ratio, MCA =middle cerebral artery, OR = odds ratio, PI = pulsation index, ROC = receiver-operating characteristic, SD = standard deviation, UA = umbilical artery.
Open chromatin landscape of rat microglia upon proinvasive or inflammatory polarization

Microglia are brain‐resident, myeloid cells that play important roles in health and brain pathologies. Herein, we report a comprehensive, replicated, false discovery rate‐controlled dataset of DNase‐hypersensitive (DHS) open chromatin regions for rat microglia. We compared the open chromatin landscapes in untreated primary microglial cultures and cultures stimulated for 6 hr with either glioma‐conditioned medium (GCM) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Glioma‐secreted factors induce proinvasive and immunosuppressive activation of microglia, and these cells then promote tumor growth. The open chromatin landscape of the rat microglia consisted of 126,640 reproducible DHS regions, among which 2,303 and 12,357 showed a significant change in openness following stimulation with GCM or LPS, respectively. Active genes exhibited constitutively open promoters, but there was no direct dependence between the aggregated openness of DHS regions near a gene and its expression. Individual regions mapped to the same gene often presented different patterns of openness changes. GCM‐regulated DHS regions were more frequent in areas away from gene bodies, while LPS‐regulated regions were more frequent in introns. GCM and LPS differentially affected the openness of regions mapped to immune checkpoint genes. The two treatments differentially affected the aggregated openness of regions mapped to genes in the Toll‐like receptor signaling and axon guidance pathways, suggesting that the molecular machinery used by migrating microglia is similar to that of growing axons and that modulation of these pathways is instrumental in the induction of proinvasive polarization of microglia by glioma. Our dataset of open chromatin regions paves the way for studies of gene regulation in rat microglia.
Risk factors associated with recurrent referral to the emergency room following surgical treatment of Bartholin’s gland abscess

Abstract There is no consensus regarding the best surgical modality for the treatment of Bartholin’s gland abscess. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the recurrent referral of the emergency room (ER) following surgical treatment for a Bartholin’s gland abscess. A retrospective cohort study was done. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were retrieved from the patients’ hospital records. A univariate analysis was followed using multiple logistic regression model. During the study period, 320 women were managed surgically, of those 54 (37.0%) had had a recurrent referral to the ER. The rate of positive previous cultured abscesses was significantly higher among patients with a recurrent referral to the ER (66.7% vs. 51.3%, p value < .05). The mode of a previous abscess drainage (Word catheterisation or marsupialisation) was not associated with recurrent referral to the ER or with recurrent hospitalisation. The possible association between positive cultures and recurrence warrants re-consideration of routine antimicrobial administration for Bartholin’s gland abscess. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? A recurrence of a Bartholin’s gland abscess following surgical treatment varies greatly and there is no consensus regarding the best surgical modality for treatment. None of the studies have examined a recurrent referral to the emergency room (ER) as a primary outcome. What do the results of this study add? Our study strengthens previous studies and reassures that recurrence is not associated with surgical modality. Specifically, a recurrent referral to the ER and hospitalisation were not found to be associated with surgical modality, both which may be attributed to various reasons other than the recurrence of the abscess. An association was found between positive culture results and a recurrent referral to the ER. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The association found that positive results warrant further larger studies in order to determine which of the patients may benefit from antibiotic treatment in addition to the surgical treatment.
Monocular Robust Depth Estimation Vision System for Robotic Tasks Interventions in Metallic Targets †

Robotic interventions in hazardous scenarios need to pay special attention to safety, as in most cases it is necessary to have an expert operator in the loop. Moreover, the use of a multi-modal Human-Robot Interface allows the user to interact with the robot using manual control in critical steps, as well as semi-autonomous behaviours in more secure scenarios, by using, for example, object tracking and recognition techniques. This paper describes a novel vision system to track and estimate the depth of metallic targets for robotic interventions. The system has been designed for on-hand monocular cameras, focusing on solving lack of visibility and partial occlusions. This solution has been validated during real interventions at the Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) accelerator facilities, achieving 95% success in autonomous mode and 100% in a supervised manner. The system increases the safety and efficiency of the robotic operations, reducing the cognitive fatigue of the operator during non-critical mission phases. The integration of such an assistance system is especially important when facing complex (or repetitive) tasks, in order to reduce the work load and accumulated stress of the operator, enhancing the performance and safety of the mission.
Aflatoxin in Chili Peppers in Nigeria: Extent of Contamination and Control Using Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Genotypes as Biocontrol Agents

Across sub-Saharan Africa, chili peppers are fundamental ingredients of many traditional dishes. However, chili peppers may contain unsafe aflatoxin concentrations produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. Aflatoxin levels were determined in chili peppers from three states in Nigeria. A total of 70 samples were collected from farmers’ stores and local markets. Over 25% of the samples contained unsafe aflatoxin concentrations. The chili peppers were associated with both aflatoxin producers and atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus genotypes. Efficacy of an atoxigenic biocontrol product, Aflasafe, registered in Nigeria for use on maize and groundnut, was tested for chili peppers grown in three states. Chili peppers treated with Aflasafe accumulated significantly less aflatoxins than nontreated chili peppers. The results suggest that Aflasafe is a valuable tool for the production of safe chili peppers. Use of Aflasafe in chili peppers could reduce human exposure to aflatoxins and increase chances to commercialize chili peppers in premium local and international markets. This is the first report of the efficacy of any atoxigenic biocontrol product for controlling aflatoxin in a spice crop.
Insights into the Periplasmic Proteins of Acinetobacter baumannii AB5075 and the Impact of Imipenem Exposure: A Proteomic Approach

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains cause life-threatening infections due to the lack of therapeutic options. Although the main mechanisms underlying antibiotic-resistance have been extensively studied, the general response to maintain bacterial viability under antibiotic exposure deserves to be fully investigated. Since the periplasmic space contains several proteins with crucial cellular functions, besides carbapenemases, we decided to study the periplasmic proteome of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii AB5075 strain, grown in the absence and presence of imipenem (IMP). Through the proteomic approach, 65 unique periplasmic proteins common in both growth conditions were identified: eight proteins involved in protein fate, response to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, antibiotic-resistance, were differentially expressed. Among them, ABUW_1746 and ABUW_2363 gene products presented the tetratricopeptide repeat motif, mediating protein-protein interactions. The expression switch of these proteins might determine specific protein interactions to better adapt to changing environmental conditions. ABUW_2868, encoding a heat shock protein likely involved in protection against oxidative stress, was upregulated in IMP-exposed bacteria. Accordingly, the addition of periplasmic proteins from A. baumannii cultured with IMP increased bacterial viability in an antioxidant activity assay. Overall, this study provides the first insights about the composition of the periplasmic proteins of a MDR A. baumannii strain, its biological response to IMP and suggests possible new targets to develop alternative antibiotic drugs.
Tibiotalar cartilage stress corresponds to T2 mapping: application to barefoot running in novice and marathon-experienced runners

Abstract A 3D anatomically-based finite-element foot model was adopted for predicting von Mises stresses within tibiotalar cartilage following 5 km barefoot running. To compare this predicted stress with T2 maps, magnetic resonance scans of the right ankle and plantar pressure were obtained from ten novices and ten marathon-experienced runners before and after running. Following running, tibiotalar cartilage stress was decreased in experienced runners. This corresponded with T2 values that did not change between pre- and post-running suggesting no increase in cartilage fluid levels. In contrast, novices maintained the same level of von Mises stress and this corresponded with a significant T2 increase in tibiotalar cartilage.
Supplementing preservation solution with mitochondria‐targeted H2S donor AP39 protects cardiac grafts from prolonged cold ischemia–reperfusion injury in heart transplantation

Heart transplant has been accepted as the standard treatment for end‐stage heart failure. Because of its susceptibility to ischemia–reperfusion injury, the heart can be preserved for only 4 to 6 hours in cold static preservation solutions. Prolonged ischemia time is adversely associated with primary graft function and long‐term survival. New strategies to preserve donor hearts are urgently needed. We demonstrate that AP39, a mitochondria‐targeting hydrogen sulfide donor, significantly increases cardiomyocyte viability and reduces cell apoptosis/death after cold hypoxia/reoxygenation in vitro. It also decreases gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and preserves mitochondria function. Using an in vivo murine heart transplant model, we show that preserving donor hearts with AP39‐supplemented University of Wisconsin solution (n = 7) significantly protects heart graft function, measured by quantitative ultrasound scan, against prolonged cold ischemia–reperfusion injury (24 hours at 4°C), along with reducing tissue injury and fibrosis. Our study demonstrates that supplementing preservation solution with AP39 protects cardiac grafts from prolonged ischemia, highlighting its therapeutic potential in preventing ischemia–reperfusion injury in heart transplant.