Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glial Modulation of Electrical Rhythms in a Neuroglial Network Model of Epilepsy

Objective: An important EEG-based biomarker for epilepsy is the phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling (PAC) of electrical rhythms; however, the underlying pathways of these pathologic markers are not always clear. Since glial cells have been shown to play an active role in neuroglial networks, it is likely that some of these PAC markers are modulated via glial effects. Methods: We developed a 4-unit hybrid model of a neuroglial network, consisting of 16 sub-units, that combines a mechanistic representation of neurons with an oscillator-based Cognitive Rhythm Generator (CRG) representation of glial cells—astrocytes and microglia. The model output was compared with recorded generalized tonic-clonic patient data, both in terms of PAC features, and state classification using an unsupervised hidden Markov model (HMM). Results: The neuroglial model output showed PAC features similar to those observed in epileptic seizures. These generated PAC features were able to accurately identify spontaneous epileptiform discharges (SEDs) as seizure-like states, as well as a postictal-like state following the long-duration SED, when applied to the HMM machine learning algorithm trained on patient data. The evolution profile of the maximal PAC during the SED compared well with patient data, showing similar association with the duration of the postictal state. Conclusion: The hybrid neuroglial network model was able to generate PAC features similar to those observed in ictal and postictal epileptic states, which has been used for state classification and postictal state duration prediction. Significance: Since PAC biomarkers are important for epilepsy research and postictal state duration has been linked with risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, this model suggests glial synaptic effects as potential targets for further analysis and treatment.
Redescription of common species of Diaphanosoma(Cladocean,sididae) in China

Ten species of Diaphanosoma in China were redescribed,and these species are Diaphanosoma brachyurum LieVin,1848;D. chankensis Ueno,1939;D.orghidani Negrea,1982;D.dubium Manujlova,1964;D.dumonti Korovchinsky,1996;D.excisum Sars, 1885;D.mongolianum Ueno,1938;D.sarsi Richard,1894;D.macrophtalma Korovchinsky Mirabdullaev,1995;and D.tropicum Korovchinsky,1998.The keys of these species were established,and the morphology and geographical distribution of the four common species in China(D.brachyurum Lievin,1848;D.orghidani Negrea,1982;D.dubium Manujlova,1964;and D.excisum Sars,1885) were described in details.The Diaphanosoma classification recorded in Chinese literatures was compared with the latest international literatures for correction.
Follistatin-like 1 as a novel adipo-myokine related to insulin resistance and physical activity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS FSTL-1 is considered to be an adipokine or myokine that could be a potential regulator of metabolism. Our purpose is to investigate the relationship between circulating FSTL-1 levels and insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to identify the regulatory factors. METHODS FSTL-1 expression in C57BL/6J and db/db mice was examined by qRT-PCR and Western blots. Serum FSTL-1 levels were measured by ELISA in 298 patients with T2DM and 202 healthy controls. Changes in the circulating FSTL-1 level were observed during the OGTT, EHC, lipid infusion, acute exercise, and cold-exposure test. RESULTS We found that FSTL-1 protein expression in the adipose tissue of db/db mice was significantly higher than that of WT mice. Importantly, circulating FSTL-1 levels in T2DM and overweight/obese subjects were higher than those in healthy and lean subjects, and was related to HOMA-IR, adiponectin, and obesity- and metabolism-related parameters. In the intervention study, 45 minutes of physical activity was found to significantly increase the circulating FSTL-1 concentration in young, healthy subjects. Further, FSTL-1 protein expression in adipose tissue rose dramatically in response to physical activity in mice. Hyperinsulinemia during EHC and acute elevated FFA induced by lipid infusion resulted in a significant decrease in the circulating FSTL-1 levels. However, no change was found in the circulating FSTL-1 levels in response to the oral glucose challenge or cold exposure test. CONCLUSIONS FSTL-1 may be an adipo-myokine associated with insulin resistance and physical activity, and the circulating FSTL-1 levels are increased in patients with T2DM.
UV-emission from GaN wires with m-plane core-shell GaN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells.

The present work reports high quality non-polar GaN/Al0.6Ga0. 4N multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown in core-shell geometry by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on the m-plane sidewalls of c ̅-oriented hexagonal GaN wires. Optical and structural studies reveal UV emission originating from the core-shell GaN/AlGaN MQWs. Tuning the m-plane GaN QW thickness from 4.3 to 0.7 nm leads to a shift of the emission from 347 to 292 nm, consistent with Schrödinger-Poisson calculations. The evolution of the luminescence with temperature displays signs of strong localization, especially for samples with thinner GaN QWs and no evidence of quantum confined Stark effect, as expected for non-polar m-plane surfaces. The internal quantum efficiency derived from the photoluminescence intensity ratio at low and room temperature is maximum (~7.3 %) for 2.6 nm-thick quantum wells, emitting at 325 nm and shows a large drop for thicker QWs. An extensive study of the PL quenching with temperature is presented. Two non-radiative recombination paths are activated at different temperatures. The low temperature path is found to be intrinsic to the heterostructure, whereas the process that dominates at high temperature depends on the QW thickness and is strongly enhanced for QWs larger than 2.6 nm, causing a drop of the internal quantum efficiency.
Natural history of burnout, stress, and fatigue in a pediatric resident cohort over three years

ABSTRACT Background Burnout is known to be high amongst physician trainees. Factors such as stress, fatigue, social environment, and resilience could affect burnout. Cross-sectional data describe burnout in pediatric residents, but the trajectory of burnout in a cohort of residents followed longitudinally through the full course of residency training has not been reported. We prospectively examined the prevalence and trajectory of burnout, stress, fatigue, social connectedness, and resilience in a pediatric resident cohort from orientation through three years of residency. The cohort (N = 33) was surveyed six times between 2015–2018 using the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (AMBI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-R), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC10). Data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed effects models. Significant change from baseline was considered to be adjusted p < 0.05. Response rate was >50% at each timepoint; 69% of trainees completed surveys ≥4 times. Scores were significantly worse than baseline in all surveys, at every timepoint, with the exception of AMBI-PA (personal accomplishment) at the PGY1/PGY2 transition and SCS-R and CD-RISC10 at the end of training. The most significant changes from baseline occurred mid-PGY1 to mid-PGY2. At least 65% of residents demonstrated worse scores than baseline on 36/40 (90%) follow-up surveys. Furthermore, ≥65% met criteria for emotional exhaustion and moderate stress at every timepoint. SCS-R was the only survey measure to improve at residency completion compared to baseline. Conclusion Within 6 months of starting residency this pediatric resident cohort became burned out, stressed, fatigued, less socially connected, and less resilient. Burnout is only one factor that indicates impaired resident well-being. To fully address this, a comprehensive examination of how residents are trained is needed to identify effective interventions. Abbreviations MBI – Maslach Burnout Inventory; AMBI – Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory; AMBI-EE – Emotional Exhaustion; AMBI-D – Depersonalization; AMBI-PA – Personal Accomplishment; AMBI-SAT – Satisfaction with Medicine; LCH – Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago/Lurie Children’s Hospital; P/CN – Pediatrics/Child Neurology; PSS – Perceived Stress Scale; ESS – Epworth Sleepiness Scale; CD-RISC10 – Resilience; SCS-R – Social Connectedness Scale Revised; PGY – Post-Graduate Year
Courtship displaying and intrasexual competition in the bronzed cowbird

This note reports observations of courtship behavior in Bronzed Cowbirds (Molothrus aeneus) and uses these observations to test predictions regarding mate choice and intrasexual competition. Little is known of the social behavior of this obligate brood parasite, but they are thought to be promiscuous (Carter 1984). Female home ranges greatly overlap one another, and males defend localized areas of dominance analogous to exploded leks (Bradbury 1981, Carter 1984). Recent observations (Clotfelter, unpubl. data), including some of those reported here, support Carter's (1984) conclusions.
Ontogeny and Dynamics of the Gonadal Development, Embryogenesis, and Gestation in Xenotoca eiseni (Cyprinodontiformes, Goodeidae)

We characterized the ontogeny and dynamics of gonadal development, embryogenesis, and gestation in captive stocks of the viviparous redtail splitfin, Xenotoca eiseni. Using histology, we showed that gonads were fully differentiated at the time of birth with a male:female sex ratio of 1:1 in the captive stock. External secondary sex features included a modified anal fin and a distinctive orange tail coloration. These features first appeared at 4 weeks after birth and were discriminative for males thereafter. There was no sex-related dichotomy in body size, and X. eiseni reached sexual maturity at approximately 12 weeks of age. We found no evidence for sperm storage in females. Gestation normally took 6 weeks, and there was a positive correlation between female body size and the number of offspring produced, with up to 27 offspring for a single pregnancy. Yolk is the main food source for developing embryos for the period up to 2 weeks, and thereafter, trophotaeniae in embryos act as nutrient exchange surfaces in the ovarian lumen, which subsequently undergo complete regression within 2 weeks of birth. In our final analysis, we discuss the great potential of X. eiseni as a model for studying the effects of chemicals on sexual development.
Relative and absolute cancer risks among Nordic kidney transplant recipients—a population‐based study

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have an increased cancer risk compared to the general population, but absolute risks that better reflect the clinical impact of cancer are seldom estimated. All KTRs in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, with a first transplantation between 1995 and 2011, were identified through national registries. Post‐transplantation cancer occurrence was assessed through linkage with cancer registries. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR), absolute excess risks (AER), and cumulative incidence of cancer in the presence of competing risks. Overall, 12 984 KTRs developed 2215 cancers. The incidence rate of cancer overall was threefold increased (SIR 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–3.4). The AER of any cancer was 1560 cases (95% CI: 1468–1656) per 100 000 person‐years. The highest AERs were observed for nonmelanoma skin cancer (838, 95% CI: 778–901), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (145, 95% CI: 119–174), lung cancer (126, 95% CI: 98.2–149), and kidney cancer (122, 95% CI: 98.0–149). The five‐ and ten‐year cumulative incidence of any cancer was 8.1% (95% CI: 7.6–8.6%) and 16.8% (95% CI: 16.0–17.6%), respectively. Excess cancer risks were observed among Nordic KTRs for a wide range of cancers. Overall, 1 in 6 patients developed cancer within ten years, supporting extensive post‐transplantation cancer vigilance.
Reliability and Validity of Commercially Available Wearable Devices for Measuring Steps, Energy Expenditure, and Heart Rate: Systematic Review

Background Consumer-wearable activity trackers are small electronic devices that record fitness and health-related measures. Objective The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the validity and reliability of commercial wearables in measuring step count, heart rate, and energy expenditure. Methods We identified devices to be included in the review. Database searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus, and only articles published in the English language up to May 2019 were considered. Studies were excluded if they did not identify the device used and if they did not examine the validity or reliability of the device. Studies involving the general population and all special populations were included. We operationalized validity as criterion validity (as compared with other measures) and construct validity (degree to which the device is measuring what it claims). Reliability measures focused on intradevice and interdevice reliability. Results We included 158 publications examining nine different commercial wearable device brands. Fitbit was by far the most studied brand. In laboratory-based settings, Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Samsung appeared to measure steps accurately. Heart rate measurement was more variable, with Apple Watch and Garmin being the most accurate and Fitbit tending toward underestimation. For energy expenditure, no brand was accurate. We also examined validity between devices within a specific brand. Conclusions Commercial wearable devices are accurate for measuring steps and heart rate in laboratory-based settings, but this varies by the manufacturer and device type. Devices are constantly being upgraded and redesigned to new models, suggesting the need for more current reviews and research.
RDA and REA Values of Commercially Available Toothpastes Utilising Diamond Powder and Traditional Abrasives.

PURPOSE To investigate whether toothpastes with diamond powder vs those with traditional abrasives abrade dentin and enamel differently and to determine the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) and relative enamel abrasivity (REA) values of those toothpastes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dentin and enamel samples of bovine permanent incisors were randomly allocated into groups of eight, brushed with 20 different toothpastes (three of which contained diamond powder) and analysed for their RDA and REA values. RESULTS Toothpastes with diamond powder exhibit low RDA values but high REA values. Some RDA values exceeded the ones declared by the manufacturer. CONCLUSION Diamond powder as an abrasive might have a mild action on dentin, but it is highly abrasive on enamel.
[Influence of group sample size on statistical power of tests for quantitative data with an imbalanced design].

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between sample size in the groups and statistical power of ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis H test with an imbalanced design. METHODS The sample sizes of the two tests were estimated by SAS program with given parameter settings, and Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine the changes in power when the total sample size varied or remained fixed. RESULTS In ANOVA, when the total sample size was fixed, increasing the sample size in the group with a larger mean square error improved the statistical power, but an excessively large difference in the sample sizes between groups led to reduced power. When the total sample size was not fixed, a larger mean square error in the group with increased sample size was associated with a greater increase of the statistical power. In Kruskal-wallis H test, when the total sample size was fixed, increasing the sample size in groups with large mean square errors increased the statistical power irrespective of the sample size difference between the groups; when total sample size was not fixed, a larger mean square error in the group with increased sample size resulted in an increased statistical power, and the increment was similar to that for a fixed total sample size. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between statistical power and sample size in groups is affected by the mean square error, and increasing the sample size in a group with a large mean square error increases the statistical power. In Kruskal-Wallis H test, increasing the sample size in a group with a large mean square error is more cost- effective than increasing the total sample size to improve the statistical power.
Genomic epidemiology of emerging ESBL-producing Salmonella Kentucky blaCTX-M-14b in Europe

ABSTRACT Global dissemination of ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella Kentucky has been observed over the past decades. In recent years, there have been reports of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing S. Kentucky. Routine surveillance at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) detected cases with a ciprofloxacin-resistant S. Kentucky with the ESBL-gene bla CTX-M-14b. Ensuing research identified 78 cases in 2013–2018 in eight European countries. Compared to other S. Kentucky and non-typhoidal Salmonella infections, reported to the European Surveillance System, these cases were more likely to be elderly and to present urinary-tract infections. Bayesian time-scaled phylogeny on whole genome sequences of isolates from these cases and supplementary isolates from public sequence databases was used to infer the origin and spread of this clone. We dated the origin of the bla CTX-M-14b clone to approximately 2005 in Northern Africa, most likely in Egypt. The geographic origin predicted by the phylogenetic analysis is consistent with the patients’ travel history. Next to multiple introductions of the clone to Europe from Egypt, our analysis suggests that in some parts of Europe the clone might have formed a stable population, from which further spread has occurred. Comparative genomics indicated that the bla CTX-M-14b gene is present on the bacterial chromosome, within the type VI secretion system region. The bla CTX-M-14b gene is integrated downstream of the hcp1 gene, on a 2854 bp plasmid fragment containing also ISEcp1. This is the first report of a chromosomally integrated CTX-M gene in Salmonella spp. in Europe, previous studies having identified similar genes only on plasmids.
Detection, identification and characterization of Phytophthora spp. infecting citrus in India.

SUMMARY Phytophthora species that cause root rot, foot rot, gummosis and decline of citrus in India were characterized by morphological and molecular means. P. nicotianae was found to be the predominant species followed by P. palmivora and P. citrophthora in the 28 nurseries and 174 orchards of five major citrus growing states of the country viz . Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim . Morphological characterization of 100 Phytophthora spp. isolates revealed 12 different types of colony pattern on V8 agar and 9 isolates of P. nicotianae were observed as A2 mating type and rest all the 91 isolates of Phytophthora spp. were of A1 mating type, while no self-fertile isolate was observed. The species P. nicotianae, P. palmivora, and P. citrophthora could all be clearly identified by PCR amplification of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region followed by restriction analysis with Msp I, Alu I and Rsa I. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region, beta tubulin gene, translation Elongation factor 1 alpha and the region containing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 gene fragment also confirmed the identity of these species. The phylogenetic groups did not correlate with geographic origin of the isolates. Additionally, isolates of P. nicotianae and P. palmivora were identified using species-specific PCR primers. The identification tools described in this study accurately detected the species of Phytophthora affecting citrus in nurseries and orchards in India.
Offspring sex ratios are stable across the life course in Drosophila simulans

Within populations, adult sex ratios influence population growth and extinction risk, mating behaviours and parental care. Sex ratio adjustment can also have pronounced effects on individual fitness. Accordingly, it is important that we understand how often, and why, offspring sex ratios deviate from parity. In Drosophila melanogaster, females appear to improve their fitness by producing fewer sons when paired with older males. However, facultative sex ratio adjustment in D. melanogaster is controversial, and our understanding of how sex ratio skew affects fitness is hampered by pronounced sexual conflict in this species. Additionally, it is unclear whether maternal age or quality interacts with paternal age to influence offspring sex ratios. Here, we test whether offspring sex ratios vary as a function of maternal quality, and maternal and paternal age in Drosophila simulans, a sister species of D. melanogaster that lacks overt sexual conflict. We find that offspring sex ratios are slightly male‐biased overall, but constant across the female life course, and independent of female quality, or paternal age. To really understand if, how and when females skew offspring sex ratios, we need studies linking offspring sex ratios to paternal and maternal phenotypes that are predicted to shift optimal investment in sons and daughters.
A Unified Linear Free Energy Relationship for Abiotic Reduction Rate of Nitroaromatics and Hydroquinones Using Quantum Chemically Estimated Energies

Determining the fate of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) in the environment requires the use of predictive models for compounds and conditions for which experimental data are insufficient. Previous studies have developed linear free energy relationships (LFERs) that relate the thermodynamic energy of NAC reduction to its corresponding rate constant. We present a comprehensive LFER that incorporates both the reduction and oxidation half‐reactions through quantum chemically calculated energies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2389–2395. © 2020 SETAC
Inflammatory bowel diseases among first-generation and second-generation immigrants in Denmark: a population-based cohort study

Objective Our objective was to estimate the relative risk of IBD among first-generation and second-generation immigrants in Denmark compared with native Danes. Design Using national registries, we established a cohort of Danish residents between 1977 and 2018. Cohort members with known country of birth were followed for Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnoses. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) served as measures of relative risk and were calculated by log-linear Poisson regression, using rates among native Danes as reference, stratified by IBD risk in parental country of birth, and among first-generation immigrants by age at immigration and duration of stay in Denmark. Results Among 8.7 million Danes, 4156 first-generation and 898 second-generation immigrants were diagnosed with CD or UC. Overall, comparing first-generation immigrants with native Danes, the IRR was 0.80 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.84) for CD and 0.74 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.77) for UC. The IRR of IBD increased with ≥20 years stay in Denmark. The IRR of CD increased with immigration at ≥40 years of age. Comparing second-generation immigrants with native Danes, the IRR of IBD was 0.97 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.04). There was significant interaction with sex, with higher IRR of IBD in male than in female immigrants. Conclusion Relative to native Danish men and women, IBD risk among first-generation immigrants was lower, reflected the risk in their parental country of birth and increased with ≥20 years stay in Denmark. For second-generation immigrants, relative risk of IBD was lower only among women. These complex patterns suggest the role of environmental IBD risk factors.