Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual Differences in Object Recognition

There is substantial evidence for individual differences in personality and cognitive abilities, but we lack clear intuitions about individual differences in visual abilities. Previous work on this topic has typically compared performance with only 2 categories, each measured with only 1 task. This approach is insufficient for demonstration of domain-general effects. Most previous work has used familiar object categories, for which experience may vary between participants and categories, thereby reducing correlations that would stem from a common factor. In Study 1, we adopted a latent variable approach to test for the first time whether there is a domain-general object recognition ability, o. We assessed whether shared variance between latent factors representing performance for each of 5 novel object categories could be accounted for by a single higher-order factor. On average, 89% of the variance of lower-order factors denoting performance on novel object categories could be accounted for by a higher-order factor, providing strong evidence for o. Moreover, o also accounted for a moderate proportion of variance in tests of familiar object recognition. In Study 2, we assessed whether the strong association across categories in object recognition is due to third-variable influences. We find that o has weak to moderate associations with a host of cognitive, perceptual, and personality constructs and that a clear majority of the variance in and covariance between performance on different categories is independent of fluid intelligence. This work provides the first demonstration of a reliable, specific, and domain-general object recognition ability, and suggest a rich framework for future work in this area.
Impact of Conversion from Laparoscopy to Open Surgery in Patients with Right Colon Cancer

Conversion to open surgery is reported in up to 20 per cent of laparoscopic colectomies for cancer. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes and survival between converted and successful laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer. Records of patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer between 2005 and 2015 were retrieved from the CLermontFerrand Ircad Mondor Hopital European Tours (CLIMHET) database. Perioperative, postoperative, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for conversion. Overall, 445 patients underwent a successfully completed laparoscopic right colectomy and 28 (5.9%) were converted to open surgery. A higher rate of minor complications was found in the conversion group, whereas patient recovery outcomes were similar. Previous open and laparoscopic surgeries were significant predictors of conversion. No significant difference was found in overall and disease-free survival rates between converted and nonconverted procedures. In the setting of laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer, the conversion rate is low and does not have an impact on patient survival. Conversion is associated with higher rates of minor postoperative complications but recovery and survival outcomes are comparable with successful laparoscopic colectomies. The present results support the use of laparoscopy for right colon resection even in patients at risk of conversion.
Instruction in Co-Teaching in the Age of Endrew F

The recent Supreme Court decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District focused attention on outcomes for students with disabilities. It is not just about participating; it is about the instruction and outcomes from those services. Co-teaching is a prevalent service delivery model for students with disabilities who access the general curriculum. Much has been written about co-teaching but not necessarily about the instruction that takes place in a co-taught classroom. In this case study, we present a preliminary investigation of a conceptual model for instruction in co-teaching. We report teacher and student behavior change as well as contextual variables that had an impact on implementation.
The m6A reader YTHDF1 regulates axon guidance through translational control of Robo3.1 expression

Abstract N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is a dynamic mRNA modification which regulates protein expression in various posttranscriptional levels. Functional studies of m6A in nervous system have focused on its writers and erasers so far, whether and how m6A readers mediate m6A functions through recognizing and binding their target mRNA remains poorly understood. Here, we find that the expression of axon guidance receptor Robo3.1 which plays important roles in midline crossing of spinal commissural axons is regulated precisely at translational level. The m6A reader YTHDF1 binds to and positively regulates translation of m6A-modified Robo3.1 mRNA. Either mutation of m6A sites in Robo3.1 mRNA or YTHDF1 knockdown or knockout leads to dramatic reduction of Robo3.1 protein without affecting Robo3.1 mRNA level. Specific ablation of Ythdf1 in spinal commissural neurons results in pre-crossing axon guidance defects. Our findings identify a mechanism that YTHDF1-mediated translation of m6A-modified Robo3.1 mRNA controls pre-crossing axon guidance in spinal cord.
The Influence of Tibial Tuberosity-trochlear Groove Distance on Development of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Background Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TGD) measurements play a decisive role in evaluating patellofemoral joint disorders. However, the prevalence of pathological TT-TGD among patients with patellofemoral pain remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the size of TT-TGD among patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and those with no history of patellofemoral pain. Methods A total of 100 cases participated in this case-control study, among whom 53 individuals were in the case group and 47 individuals were in the control group. TT-TGD was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Results The mean TT-TGD was 12.3±3.3 in patients and 9.3±2.4 in controls (P<0.001). Among patients, we had totally 34 patients with TT-TG equal or lower than 13 (64.2%) and in 18 patients, it was higher than 13 (34%). Conclusion The mean TT-TGD in patients with PFPS was greater than that in the control group (P=0.001). An increase in TT-TGD can be considered one of the factors behind the development of PFPS.
Phenotypic and morphometric differentiation of indigenous chickens from Kenya and other tropical countries augments perspectives for genetic resource improvement and conservation

ABSTRACT Indigenous chickens at the Swahili coast and other traditional migratory corridors in Kenya represent important populations that are inconclusively characterized. Using a comprehensive dataset of Kenyan indigenous chickens and additional mined data of chickens from 8 African and 5 Asian countries, we performed univariate and multivariate assessments to uncover the underlying phenotypic and morphometric variability. Kenyan indigenous chickens expressed differentiation of several qualitative and quantitative traits, both among different counties in the Swahili coast, and among coastal, western, and northern migratory corridors. There was a substantial population stratification of these chickens, particularly distinctive clustering of chickens from Marsabit, Lamu, and Kilifi counties. The pooled dataset further clarified a closer phenotypic and morphometric proximity of chickens within different geographical regions. We additionally revealed a preponderance of bantam and rumpless traits to hot and humid locales, and feathered shanks to cooler regions. Currently, most chicken breeding programs in developing countries rely on phenotypic and morphometric properties. Hence, the high chicken diversity and population stratification observed in our study, possibly shaped by natural and artificial selective pressures, reveal opportunities for complementary phenotypic and genotypic assessments to identify resources for effective breed improvement and conservation strategies of indigenous chickens in the tropics.
Mechanisms of Iodide–Triiodide Exchange Reactions in Ionic Liquids: A Reactive Molecular-Dynamics Exploration

Efficient charge transport has been observed in iodine-doped, iodide-based room-temperature ionic liquids, yielding high ionic conductivity. To elucidate preferred mechanistic pathways for the iodide (I−)-to-triiodide (I3−) exchange reactions, we have performed 10 ns reactive molecular-dynamics calculations in the liquid state for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([BMIM][I]) at 450 to 750 K. Energy-barrier distributions for the iodine-swapping process were determined as a function of temperature, employing a charge-reassignment scheme drawn in part from electronic-structure calculations. Bond-exchange events were observed with rate-determining energy barriers ranging from ~0.19 to 0.23 ± 0.06 eV at 750 and 450 K, respectively, with an approximately Arrhenius temperature dependence for iodine self-diffusivity and reaction kinetics, although diffusion dominates/limits the bond-exchange events. This charge transfer is not dissimilar in energetics to those in solid-state superionic conductors.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Improves Cisplatin-Induced Muscle Atrophy Without Accompanying Body Weight Gain

Abstract Introduction: Cisplatin (CDDP) induces loss of muscle mass by activating the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which inhibits NF-κB activation, on CDDP-induced loss of muscle mass in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received a single dose of CDDP and olive oil, linseed oil, or EPA daily for 4 days. Body weight and food intake were recorded daily for 5 days. Forelimb grip strength was determined using a strain gauge on the fourth day. The mice were killed 24 h after the final dose of fatty acid and the wet weight of their gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles measured. Results: Olive oil, linseed oil, and EPA all failed to prevent decrease in food intake and loss of body weight. However, only EPA prevented loss of muscle mass and strength. Conclusion: EPA prevents CDDP-related loss of muscle mass and muscle but not CDDP-related loss of body weight.
Factors Influencing Legionella Contamination of Domestic Household Showers

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal pneumonia like infection caused by inhalation or aspiration of water particles contaminated with pathogenic Legionella spp. Household showers have been identified as a potential source of sporadic, community-acquired Legionnaires’ disease. This study used qPCR to enumerate Legionella spp. and Legionella pneumophila in water samples collected from domestic showers across metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. A survey was used to identify risk factors associated with contamination and to examine awareness of Legionella control in the home. The hot water temperature was also measured. A total of 74.6% (50/68) and 64.2% (43/68) showers were positive for Legionella spp. and L. pneumophila, respectively. Statistically significant associations were found between Legionella spp. concentration and maximum hot water temperature (p = 0.000), frequency of shower use (p = 0.000) and age of house (p = 0.037). Lower Legionella spp. concentrations were associated with higher hot water temperatures, showers used at least every week and houses less than 5 years old. However, examination of risk factors associated with L. pneumophila found that there were no statistically significant associations (p > 0.05) with L. pneumophila concentrations and temperature, type of hot water system, age of system, age of house or frequency of use. This study demonstrated that domestic showers were frequently colonized by Legionella spp. and L. pneumophila and should be considered a potential source of sporadic Legionnaires’ disease. Increasing hot water temperature and running showers every week to enable water sitting in pipes to be replenished by the municipal water supply were identified as strategies to reduce the risk of Legionella in showers. The lack of public awareness in this study identified the need for public health campaigns to inform vulnerable populations of the steps they can take to reduce the risk of Legionella contamination and exposure.
Prevalence and risk factors of anaemia in hospitalised HIV-infected patients in southeast China: a retrospective study

Abstract The association between opportunistic infection (OI) and anaemia among HIV-infected patients remains to be studied. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of anaemia in hospitalised HIV-infected patients to reveal the association between OI and anaemia. We conducted a retrospective study of HIV-positive hospitalised patients from June 2016 to December 2017 in Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Patients’ information on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were carefully collected. The comparison of anaemia prevalence between groups was conducted with χ2 test. A logistic regression model was carried out to analyse the predictors of anaemia. The total prevalence of anaemia in hospitalised HIV-infected patients was 55.15%. The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia was 41.42%, 11.08% and 2.64%, respectively. Predictors independently associated with anaemia were: CD4 counts <50 cells/μl (odds ratio (OR): 6.376, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.916–21.215, P = 0.003), CD4 counts 50–199 cells/μl (OR: 6.303, 95% CI = 1.874–21.203, P = 0.003), co-infection with tuberculosis (TB) (OR: 2.703, 95% CI = 1.349–5.414, P = 0.005) or Penicillium marneffei (PM) (OR: 7.162, 95% CI = 3.147–15.299, P < 0.001). In Fujian, China, more than half inpatients with HIV were anaemic, but severe anaemia is infrequent. Lower CD4 counts, co-infection with TB or PM were independent risk factors for anaemia. Chinese HIV patients especially with TB, PM infection and low CD4 level should be routinely detected for anaemia to improve therapy.
The relationship of blood cell-associated inflammatory indices and diabetic retinopathy: a Meta-analysis and systematic review.

AIM To explore the correlation between several blood cell-associated inflammatory indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS We searched for eligible studies from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI up to December 13, 2017. Standardized mean difference (SMD) calculated with confidence interval (CI) of 95% was used to estimate the values of those indices. RESULTS A total of 31 studies were included in the present Meta-analysis. As compared with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without DR, the values of MPV, PDW, NLR, and PLR were higher in patients with DR (SMD=0.67; 95%CI: 0.36 to 0.98; SMD=0.51; 95%CI: 0.27 to 0.75; SMD=0.77; 95%CI: 0.49 to 1.05 and SMD=1.18; 95%CI: 0.07 to 2.28). Additionally, it was also observed that MPV was closely correlated with the severity of DR. CONCLUSION MPV, PDW, NLR, and PLR could be recommended as diagnostic biomarkers for DR, and MPV could be applied to assess the severity of DR.
Soybean Cultivar Responses to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Field and Controlled Environment Studies.

The responses of 12 soybean cultivars to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were evaluated under field and controlled environment conditions. The 12 cultivars were planted in fields naturally or artificially infested with S. sclerotiorum and evaluated for disease incidence. In controlled environment studies, the cultivars were compared with respect to lesion size on detached leaves and stems inoculated with mycelial disks, incidence of stem rot following mycelial inoculation of foliage, lesion lengths on stems discolored by oxalic acid, and levels of soluble pigment(s) in stems. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in disease incidence, lesion sizes, and levels of soluble pigment(s) were detected among the 12 cultivars in all evaluations, but ranking of cultivars varied among methods and experiments within methods. Corsoy 79 and S19-90 were consistently most resistant in all methods; whereas Kenwood, A2242, Bell, and Williams 82 were least resistant. Pearson correlation coefficients (R) for disease incidence between location years in field experiments (FE) ranged from 0.86 to 0.95. R values between FE and controlled environment experiments (CEE) ranged from 0.01 to 0.62 for detached leaf assays (DLA), -0.20 to 0.47 for lesion lengths on stems inoculated with mycelial disks (LLM), 0.38 to 0.45 for incidence of stem rot from mycelial inoculation of foliage (MIF), 0.08 to 0.66 for lesion lengths on stems discolored by oxalic acid (LLO), and -0.55 to -0.37 for levels of soluble stem pigment(s) (SSP). Absolute values of R between FE and CEE were 0.40 or greater in 40, 17, 33, 29, and 83% of all correlation analyses for DLA, LLM, MIF, LLO, and SSP, respectively. Spearman's coefficients of rank correlation (r s) between FE and CEE based on average performance were 0.55, -0.20, 0.40, 0.42, and -0.44 for DLA, LLM, MIF, LLO, and SSP, respectively. Disease development was slow when foliage was inoculated with a mycelial suspension. Based on experiment (E) by cultivar (C) interaction and rs values between replicate experiments within each method, determination of soluble stem pigment levels (0.86 ≤ rs ≤ 0.97; P < 0.001 for 100% of six analyses; P = 0.98 for E × C interaction) and measurement of lesion lengths on stems discolored by oxalic acid (0.27 ≤ rs ≤ 0.85; rs ≥ 0.58 and P ≤ 0.05 for 68% of 28 analyses; P = 0.07 for E × C interaction) were the most repeatable methods. The results from this study suggest that determination of levels of soluble pigments in stems, measurement of lesion lengths on stems discolored by oxalic acid, and the detached leaf assay may be better than mycelial inoculation of stems or foliage in evaluating soybean cultivars for field resistance to S. sclerotiorum.
On a Cold Night: Transcriptomics of Grapevine Flower Unveils Signal Transduction and Impacted Metabolism

Low temperature is a critical environmental factor limiting plant productivity, especially in northern vineyards. To clarify the impact of this stress on grapevine flower, we used the Vitis array based on Roche-NimbleGen technology to investigate the gene expression of flowers submitted to a cold night. Our objectives were to identify modifications in the transcript levels after stress and during recovery. Consequently, our results confirmed some mechanisms known in grapes or other plants in response to cold stress, notably, (1) the pivotal role of calcium/calmodulin-mediated signaling; (2) the over-expression of sugar transporters and some genes involved in plant defense (especially in carbon metabolism), and (3) the down-regulation of genes encoding galactinol synthase (GOLS), pectate lyases, or polygalacturonases. We also identified some mechanisms not yet known to be involved in the response to cold stress, i.e., (1) the up-regulation of genes encoding G-type lectin S-receptor-like serine threonine-protein kinase, pathogen recognition receptor (PRR5), or heat-shock factors among others; (2) the down-regulation of Myeloblastosis (MYB)-related transcription factors and the Constans-like zinc finger family; and (3) the down-regulation of some genes encoding Pathogen-Related (PR)-proteins. Taken together, our results revealed interesting features and potentially valuable traits associated with stress responses in the grapevine flower. From a long-term perspective, our study provides useful starting points for future investigation.
Light‐controlled carotenoid transfer between water‐soluble proteins related to cyanobacterial photoprotection

Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments with multiple biological functions from coloration to vision and photoprotection. Still, the number of water‐soluble carotenoid‐binding proteins described to date is limited, and carotenoid transport and carotenoprotein maturation processes are largely underexplored. Recent studies revealed that CTDHs, which are natural homologs of the C‐terminal domain (CTD) of the orange carotenoid protein (OCP), a photoswitch involved in cyanobacterial photoprotection, are able to bind carotenoids, with absorption shifted far into the red region of the spectrum. Despite the recent discovery of their participation in carotenoid transfer processes, the functional roles of the diverse family of CTDHs are not well understood. Here, we characterized CTDH carotenoproteins from Anabaena variabilis (AnaCTDH) and Thermosynechococcus elongatus and examined their ability to participate in carotenoid transfer processes with a set of OCP‐derived proteins. This revealed that carotenoid transfer occurs in several directions guided by different affinities for carotenoid and specific protein–protein interactions. We show that CTDHs have higher carotenoid affinity compared to the CTD of OCP from Synechocystis, which results in carotenoid translocation from the CTD into CTDH via a metastable heterodimer intermediate. Activation of OCP by light, or mutagenesis compromising the OCP structure, provides AnaCTDH with an opportunity to extract carotenoid from the full‐length OCP, either from Synechocystis or Anabaena. These previously unknown reactions between water‐soluble carotenoproteins demonstrate multidirectionality of carotenoid transfer, allowing for efficient and reversible control over the carotenoid‐mediated protein oligomerization by light, which gives insights into the physiological regulation of OCP activity by CTDH and suggests multiple applications.
Atomic Layer Deposited TiO2 and Al2O3 Thin Films as Coatings for Aluminum Food Packaging Application

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coatings have been investigated in a wide range of bio-applications due to their biodegradation and biocompatibility properties, that are key parameters for their use in the food packaging and biomedical devices fields. The present study evaluates and compares the electrochemical behavior of the non-coated, commercial resin-coated, TiO2-coated and Al2O3-coated aluminum in commercial beer electrolyte. For this, TiO2 and Al2O3 thin films were deposited on aluminum (Al) substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The evaluation of the corrosion barrier layer properties was performed by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) during 10 min and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, profilometry, grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry (GIXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were performed to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the pristine and / or corroded samples. TiO2 and Al2O3 films presented an amorphous structure, a morphology that follows Al substrate surface, and a thickness of around 100 nm. Analysis of LSV data showed that ALD coatings promoted a considerable increase in corrosion barrier efficiency being 86.3% for TiO2-coated Al and 80% for Al2O3-coated Al in comparison with 7.1% of commercial resin-coated Al. This is mainly due to the lower electrochemical porosity, 11.4% for TiO2-coated Al and 20.4% for Al2O3-coated Al in comparison with 96% of the resin-coated Al, i.e. an increase of up to twofold in the protection of Al when coated with TiO2 compared to Al2O3. The EIS results allow us to complement the discussions about the reduced corrosion barrier efficiency of the Al2O3 film for beer electrolyte once SEM and FT-IR analyzes did not show drastic changes in both investigated ALD films after the corrosion assays. The above results indicate that ALD TiO2 and Al2O3 films may be a viable alternative to replace the synthetic resin coatings frequently used in aluminum cans of use in the food industry.