Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Reproductive Traits in Hanwoo (Korean Cattle)

Simple Summary Due to the extensive marbling of its beef, Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) has continuously gained popularity and has become a mainstay in South Korea’s animal industry. In any beef cattle production system, reproductive performance is one of the main economic aspects taken into consideration. Therefore, genetic parameter estimates are necessary to obtain indices in order to maximize the response to selection, which in turn could lead to higher profitability. To date, knowledge on the genetic parameters for reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle is still limited. Therefore, this study estimated the variance components, heritability, phenotypic, and genetic correlations of age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and gestation length (GL) of Hanwoo cattle. This was done using single-trait and multi-trait animal models. Results revealed the low heritability estimates for AFC, CI, DO, and GL in both single-trait and multi-trait models, which indicated the probable slow response of these traits due to direct selection. Moreover, phenotypic and genetic correlations varied from low to high among the reproductive traits of interest. Nevertheless, heritability estimates and genetic correlations shown in this study will prove to be vital as initial estimates are considered in the genetic improvement program of Hanwoo cattle. Abstract Genetic parameters for the reproductive traits of Hanwoo cattle were estimated using data obtained from 15,355 cows in 92 herds across South Korea, which were inseminated from May 1997 to July 2016. An “average information” restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure that fit in single-trait and multi-trait animal models was used to estimate the variance components of age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and gestation length (GL). Results showed the low estimates of heritability for all reproductive traits from both single-trait and multi-trait models. Estimates of heritability for AFC were 0.08 and 0.10 with single-trait and multi-trait models, respectively, while the estimates of heritability using the same animal models ranged from 0.01 to 0.07, 0.01 to 0.09, and 0.10 to 0.16 for CI, DO, and GL, accordingly. While AFC showed positive genetic correlations of 0.52 and 0.46 with CI and DO, respectively, the estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations of GL with AFC were close to zero. Moreover, phenotypic correlations of GL with CI and DO were also close to zero; however, the corresponding genetic correlations were 0.13 and –0.38 for CI and DO, respectively. These estimated variance components and genetic correlations for reproductive traits can be utilized for genetic improvement programs of Hanwoo cattle.
Activity-Based Protein Profiling Identifies ATG4B as a Key Host Factor for Enterovirus 71 Proliferation

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), one of the major pathogens of human HFMD, has caused outbreaks worldwide. How EV71 efficiently assesses its life cycle with elaborate interactions with multiple host factors remains to be elucidated. In this work, we deconvoluted that the host ATG4B protein processes the viral polyprotein with its cysteine protease activity and helps EV71 replicate through a chemical biology strategy. Our results not only further the understanding of the EV71 life cycle but also provide a sample for the usage of activity-based proteomics to reveal host-pathogen interactions. ABSTRACT Virus-encoded proteases play diverse roles in the efficient replication of enterovirus 71 (EV71), which is the causative agent of human hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). However, it is unclear how host proteases affect viral proliferation. Here, we designed activity-based probes (ABPs) based on an inhibitor of the main EV71 protease (3Cpro), which is responsible for the hydrolysis of the EV71 polyprotein, and successfully identified host candidates that bind to the ABPs. Among the candidates, the host cysteine protease autophagy-related protein 4 homolog B (ATG4B), a key component of the autophagy machinery, was demonstrated to hydrolytically process the substrate of EV71 3Cpro and had activity comparable to that of the viral protease. Genetic disruption of ATG4B confirmed that the enzyme is indispensable for viral proliferation in vivo. Our results not only further the understanding of host-virus interactions in EV71 biology but also provide a sample for the usage of activity-based proteomics to reveal host-pathogen interactions. IMPORTANCE Enterovirus 71 (EV71), one of the major pathogens of human HFMD, has caused outbreaks worldwide. How EV71 efficiently assesses its life cycle with elaborate interactions with multiple host factors remains to be elucidated. In this work, we deconvoluted that the host ATG4B protein processes the viral polyprotein with its cysteine protease activity and helps EV71 replicate through a chemical biology strategy. Our results not only further the understanding of the EV71 life cycle but also provide a sample for the usage of activity-based proteomics to reveal host-pathogen interactions.
Systemic and CSF Interleukin-1α Expression in a Rabbit Closed Cranium Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model: An Exploratory Study

Background: The inflammatory pathway in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leads to delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The role of IL-1α has never been evaluated in a rabbit SAH model. The aim of our study is to analyze systemic and CSF changes of IL-1α, and to evaluate potential associations with the onset of DCVS in a rabbit closed cranium SAH model. Methods: 17 New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into two groups, SAH (n = 12) and sham (n = 5). In the first group, SAH was induced by extracranial-intracranial shunting from the subclavian artery into the cerebral cistern of magna under intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. The sham group served as a control. The CSF and blood samples for IL-1α measurement were taken at day zero before SAH induction and at day three. Results: There was a significant increase of ICP (p = 0.00009) and a decrease of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) (p = 0.00089) during SAH induction. At follow up, there was a significant increase of systemic IL-1α in the SAH as compared with the sham group (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in the CSF values in both groups. The CSF IL-1α values showed a correlation trend of DCVS. Conclusions: Systemic IL-1α levels are elevated after SAH induction in a rabbit SAH model.
Multicultural Counseling in South Korea: Exploration and Development of Culture-Specific Competence Indicators

Researchers primarily have studied multicultural counseling (MC) in the context of the United States. Research is scarce regarding other countries. This paper presents a twofold exploratory study to examine the multicultural competencies that counselors need to assist the emerging diverse population in South Korea. We first generated seven competency indicators from a thorough literature review. In the second stage of the study, the seven indicators were used to develop a scale to measure MC competence specific to South Korea. Statistical analyses indicated that the seven items are a useful tool to measure counselors’ self-perceived competence to help diverse clients in South Korea. Additionally, our results indicated that counselors who received multicultural training expressed higher competence than those who have not. Implications for future research, practice, and training are discussed.
Testing the Vygotskian Model of Double Stimulation in a Formative Intervention. The contribution of educational research

Double stimulation is currently acknowledged as a foundational issue in contemporarystudies, commentaries and interpretations of Vygotsky’s work.This paper sheds light on how double stimulation works outside experimentalsettings. While many authors have advocated for double stimulation asone of the epistemic principles characterising formative intervention, noscholar has tried so far to interrogate this relationship with a detailed analysisof the transcripts of the workshops. This paper applies Sannino’s model ofdouble stimulation to formative interventions and tests it to a specificChange Laboratory with in-service teachers. The analyses of the transcriptsat the level of the workshops shows the presence of all the four phases ofthe double stimulation model. Moreover, the findings support the theory ofexpansive learning that formative interventions are based on.
A Neuropilin-1 Antagonist Exerts Antitumor Immunity by Inhibiting the Suppressive Function of Intratumoral Regulatory T Cells

T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a common immune suppressive cell in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting suppressive intratumoral Tregs with an NRP1 antagonist improves antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses and inhibits tumor growth. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are targeted for cancer immunotherapy because they suppress antitumor immunity. Although the importance of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) in the stability and function of intratumoral Tregs is well-documented, targeting of NRP1+ Tregs for anticancer immunotherapy has not been well explored. Here, we found that an NRP1 antagonist [Fc(AAG)-TPP11], generated by fusion of the NRP1-specific binding peptide TPP11 with the C-terminus of an effector function–deficient immunoglobulin Fc(AAG) variant, inhibits intratumoral NRP1+ Treg function and stability. Fc(AAG)-TPP11 triggered the internalization of NRP1, reducing its surface expression on Tregs and thereby inhibiting the suppressive function of Tregs. In two murine syngeneic tumor models, Fc(AAG)-TPP11 retarded tumor growth, comparable with a Treg-depleting anti–CTLA-4 antibody, without noticeable toxicity. Fc(AAG)-TPP11 inhibited NRP1-dependent Treg function, inducing unstable intratumoral Tregs, with reduced expression of Foxp3 and enhanced production of IFNγ, which subsequently increased the functionality and frequency of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. We also observed selective expression of NRP1 on Tregs isolated from human tumors, but not from the blood of healthy donors and patients with cancer, as well as ex vivo inhibition of intratumoral NRP1+ Treg function by Fc(AAG)-TPP11. Our results suggest that the NRP1 antagonist Fc(AAG)-TPP11 has therapeutic potential for the inhibition of intratumoral NRP1+ Tregs with limited unfavorable effects on peripheral Tregs.
Simultaneous Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Angelica keiskei Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (A. keiskei), as a Japanese edible herbal plant, enjoys a variety of biological activities due to the presence of numerous active compounds, especially flavonoids. This study aims for the optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for flavonoids in A. keiskei and their antioxidant activity by using the response surface methodology (RSM). Single-factor experiments and a four-factor three-level Box–Behnken design (BBD) were performed to explore the effects of the following parameters on flavonoid extraction and antioxidant activity evaluation: ultrasonic temperature (X1), ultrasonic time (X2), ethanol concentration (X3) and liquid–solid ratio (X4). The optimum conditions of the combination of total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity (DPPH-RSC) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were as follows: X1 = 80 °C, X2 = 4 min, X3 = 78%, X4 = 35 mL/g, respectively. The experimental results provide a theoretical basis for the extensive utilization of A. keiskei and flavonoids extraction from A. keiskei as a potential source of antioxidants.
High School Discipline Policies and the Teacher-Student Relationship

Relationships play a central role of human development by fostering connection and growth in individuals (Josselson, 1992). Adolescence is a stage of development in which relationships are perhaps most integral because they help youth navigate the changes that come with this developmental phase. Teacher-student relationships are one of the most influential relationships for youth because teacher-student relationships impact students’ academic achievement and educational experience (Ellerbrock et al., 2015; Wilkins, 2014). There are many factors that contribute to positive teacher-student relationships. An area of research that has not gained as much attention regarding teacher-student relationships is discipline in schools. High schools are moving away from zero-tolerance discipline policies but are faced with a new set of challenges regarding the enforcement of the disciplinary protocol. The present study sheds light on how high school discipline policies impact the teacher-student relationship using a social constructionist paradigm and a basic interpretative qualitative design. Research questions were: a) How do teachers navigate any ambiguities surrounding the school discipline protocol? b) What role does inconsistency of enforcement of discipline policies play in the teacher-student relationship quality? And c) How do discipline policies impact the teacher-student relationship from the perspective of both teachers and students? Results indicate that inconsistent enforcement of these policies is impacting the teacher-student relationship
Associations of Urine Biomarkers with Kidney Function Decline in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Men

Background: HIV-infected (HIV+) persons are at increased risk of chronic kidney disease, but serum creatinine does not detect early losses in kidney function. We hypothesized that urine biomarkers of kidney damage would be associated with subsequent changes in kidney function in a contemporary cohort of HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV–) men. Methods: In the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, we measured baseline urine concentrations of 5 biomarkers from 2009 to 2011 in 860 HIV+ and 337 HIV– men: albumin, alpha-1-microglobulin (α1m), interleukin-18 (IL-18), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP). We evaluated associations of urine biomarker concentrations with annual changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using multivariable linear mixed models adjusted for demographics, traditional kidney disease risk factors, HIV-related risk factors, and baseline eGFR. Results: Over a median follow-up of 4.8 years, the average annual eGFR decline was 1.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/year in HIV+ men and 1.22 mL/min/1.73 m2/year in HIV– men. Among HIV+ men, the highest vs. lowest tertiles of albumin (–1.78 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, 95% CI –3.47 to –0.09) and α1m (–2.43 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, 95% CI –4.14 to –0.73) were each associated with faster annual eGFR declines after multivariable adjustment. Among HIV– men, the highest vs. lowest tertile of α1m (–2.49 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, 95% CI –4.48 to –0.50) was independently associated with faster annual eGFR decline. Urine IL-18, KIM-1, and PIIINP showed no independent associations with eGFR decline, regardless of HIV serostatus. Conclusions: Among HIV+ men, higher urine albumin and α1m are associated with subsequent declines in kidney function, independent of eGFR.
The Association of Dietary Intake of Calcium and Vitamin D to Colorectal Cancer Risk among Iranian Population

Background: Vitamin D and Calcium have a possible protective impact versus rectal neoplasm. Vitamin D, an important nutrient, is vital to regulate the absorption of calcium and bone mineralization; nevertheless, in a case-control study in Iran, we investigated the relationship among the dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium with the hazard of rectal neoplasm. Methods: 363 subjects (162 cases and 201 controls) participated in the case- control Study from March 2017 to November 2018. Dietary intake of Calcium and Vitamin D was calculated using a 148-items food-frequency questionnaire. Results: Since altering the strong confounding agents, the multivariate risk proportion within the dietary vitamin D intake was OR=0.2, 95%CI 0.1-0.5, P-value <0.001 among cases. There was no association in case of calcium and rectal cancer. Conclusions: Taken together, a possible reduction in the hazard of rectal neoplasm with dietary intake of Vitamin D within Iranian patients was observed.
Evaluation of visceral fat mass in dogs by computed tomography

In human medicine, computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for visceral fat measurement. Research shows that the visceral fat area (VFA) of the umbilical slice is significantly correlated with the visceral fat volume (VFV). In veterinary medicine, however, few studies have evaluated visceral fat using CT. This study aimed to evaluate the visceral fat in dogs using CT images, and determine if the slice significantly correlated with VFV to simplify visceral fat measurements. This retrospective study includes data on 90 dogs that underwent whole-body CT scans for diagnostic purposes. VFV was calculated as the product of VFA and thickness in each CT slice; the correlation between VFV and VFA was analyzed at the level of each lumbar vertebra. Visceral fat percentage (VF%) was calculated as the ratio of the product of VFV and fat density to the body weight. Visceral fat area percentage (VFA%) was calculated as the ratio of VFA to the body area, and its correlation with the VF% and the body condition score (BCS) was analyzed. VFA was highly correlated with VFV at the level of each lumbar vertebra, with the highest correlation (r=0.964) at the L3 level. VFA% was significantly correlated with VF% (r=0.930) and weakly correlated with BCS (r=0.523). This study demonstrates that it is sufficient to use only the L3 slice for visceral fat evaluation and that the evaluation can be based on VFA% of the L3 level.
PENGARUH KEPERCAYAAN, PERSEPSI KEGUNAAN, DAN PERSEPSI KEMUDAHAN PENGGUNAAN TERHADAP NIAT BERPERILAKU DALAM MENGADOPSI FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (FINTECH)

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh kepercayaan, persepsi kegunaan, dan persepsi kemudahan penggunaan terhadap niat berperilaku dalam mengadopsi financial technology (fintech). Penelitian ini menggunakan Teori Technology Accaptance Model (TAM) yang dimodifikasi dengan kepercayaan (trust). Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode non-probability sampling dengan teknik purposive sampling. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 100 responden dengan kriteria para generasi millenial yang mengadopsi financial technology (fintech). Alat analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1). Kepercayaan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat berperilaku dalam mengadopsi fintech (2). Persepsi kegunaan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat berperilaku dalam mengadopsi fintech (3). Persepsi kemudahan penggunaan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat berperilaku dalam mengadopsi fintech. Kata kunci: Kepercayaan, Persepsi Kegunaan, Persepsi Kemudahan Penggunaan, Niat Berperilaku, Financial Technology (Fintech). This study aims to examine the effects of trust, perceived usefulness, And perceived ease of use on behavioral intention in adopting financial technology (fintech). This study used the theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) modified by trust. This research method uses non-probability sampling method with purposive sampling technique. The number of samples used in this study were 100 respondents with the criteria of millenial generation that adopt Ffnancial technology (fintech). The data analysis tool used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study showed that: (1). Trust has a significant effect on behavioral intention in adopting fintech (2). Perceived Usefulness has a significant effect on behavioral intention in adopting fintech (3). Perceived Ease of Use has a significant effect on behavioral intention in adopting fintech. Key words: Trust, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Behavioral Intention, Financial Technology (Fintech).
Prevalence of Post Donation Adverse Donor Reactions in a Medical College Hospital at Dhaka

Objectives: Adequate blood supply that must be safe depends on healthy and also with altruistic volunteers who are inclined to donate blood regardless of the potential risk of discomfort or adverse reactions. Blood donation has an tremendous safety record and most of the donors have a good experience or only a mild symptoms after donation. Although even a very low rate of reactions may pessimistic affect their inclination to donate again. The main aim of our study was to calculate the adverse donor reactions among the blood donors in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: We conducted a prospective study between January to December of 2018 in Department of Transfusion Medicine of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Knowledgeable medical attendants drew blood from selected donors under guidance of a Medical Officer. All donors were observed during and after the procedure of blood donation for any adverse effect up to 30 minutes. Donors were asked to contact the department if they fill any adverse reaction afterwards. Results: A total of 10056 blood donors were registered to donate blood and of them 9453 (94.004%) were eligible for donation. Among 9453 eligible donors a total of 360 (3.8%) donors experienced adverse reactions. The incidence was 1 in every 27 donations. Majority of donors 101 (28.05%) who experienced adverse effect is of age group of 18-25 years with female predominance 192 (53.33%). Among the 360 donors 151(41.94%) developed vasovagal reactions, 83(23.05%) felt nauseated or vomited, 51(14.1%) hyperventilated, 25 (6.94%) cope with delayed syncope, 22 (6.11%) felt dizziness, 18 (5%) formed a hematoma around site of needle prick and 10 (2.77%) others developed problems with blood flow. No delayed donor reactions were recorded. First time donors have higher frequency 479 (79.43%) of adverse reactions than repeat donors. Conclusion: The prevalence was reasonably low in this study of tertiary center. But still it is a potential problem for the donors, especially the new donors. All donors should be briefed prior to donation about the probable side effects of donation. Donation related adverse reactions are often a multifactorial process and can further be minimized by using previous knowledge to prevent it. Donors with adverse effects must be encouraged for future donations along with donor education.