Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional brain networks of individual differences in trait anger and anger control: An unsupervised machine learning study

The ability to experience, use and eventually control anger is crucial to maintain well‐being and build healthy relationships. Despite its relevance, the neural mechanisms behind individual differences in experiencing and controlling anger are poorly understood. To elucidate these points, we employed an unsupervised machine learning approach based on independent component analysis to test the hypothesis that specific functional and structural networks are associated with individual differences in trait anger and anger control. Structural and functional resting state images of 71 subjects as well as their scores from the State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory entered the analyses. At a structural level, the concentration of grey matter in a network including ventromedial temporal areas, posterior cingulate, fusiform gyrus and cerebellum was associated with trait anger. The higher the concentration, the higher the proneness to experience anger in daily life due to the greater tendency to orient attention towards aversive events and interpret them with higher hostility. At a functional level, the activity of the default mode network (DMN) was associated with anger control. The higher the DMN temporal frequency, the stronger the exerted control over anger, thus extending previous evidence on the role of the DMN in regulating cognitive and emotional functions in the domain of anger. Taken together, these results show, for the first time, two specialized brain networks for encoding individual differences in trait anger and anger control.
Using Public Deliberation to Set Priorities: The Case of COVID-19 Vaccine Access in New York City

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a record number of deaths in the United States and tremendous economic and personal strain. During 2020, in anticipation of a vaccine to slow the spread of disease, local and state governments in the United States developed plans for vaccine prioritization, given a limited initial supply. Recognizing the challenges inherent in prioritization, the New York City (NYC) health department sought guidance from members of the public about the fairest approach to early-stage vaccine distribution. Objective: To solicit recommendations from NYC residents on priorities regarding vaccine access for essential worker occupations, considering risk factors and preferred approaches to fairness. Implementation: Five public deliberations were conducted with NYC residents (N = 91). Participants heard presentations on the COVID-19 vaccine, the local distribution of illness and death, and approaches to fairness in the context of deliberating on priorities for 6 essential worker occupations and 4 risk factors. Discussions were transcribed, and transcriptions were coded and analyzed using preidentified and emergent themes. Pre- and post-surveys, focused on factors relevant to prioritization, were administered during each public deliberation. Results: Recommendations for prioritization emphasized risk of severe morbidity and mortality, and work and neighborhood conditions with fewer protections (eg, in-person work, exposure to many people). Participants prioritized elementary schoolteachers, grocery store workers, and bus drivers, underlying health conditions, and neighborhood of residence. Participants focused on equity, recognizing that those at highest risk were largely low-income populations of color and individuals living in low-resourced neighborhoods. Conclusions: Participants' focus on equity, and acknowledgment of racial and ethnic disparities, revealed a nuanced understanding of the broader determinants of health. Recommendations reinforced the NYC health department's approach to vaccine distribution. Public Health Implications: Results from these public deliberations confirmed community support for approaches prioritizing health equity, recognizing both societal and personal factors affecting vulnerability to poor health.
Differentiation of aspirated nasal air from room air using analysis with a differential mobility spectrometry-based electronic nose: a proof-of-concept study

Over the last few decades, breath analysis using electronic nose (eNose) technology has become a topic of intense research, as it is both non-invasive and painless, and is suitable for point-of-care use. To date, however, only a few studies have examined nasal air. As the air in the oral cavity and the lungs differs from the air in the nasal cavity, it is unknown whether aspirated nasal air could be exploited with eNose technology. Compared to traditional eNoses, differential mobility spectrometry uses an alternating electrical field to discriminate the different molecules of gas mixtures, providing analogous information. This study reports the collection of nasal air by aspiration and the subsequent analysis of the collected air using a differential mobility spectrometer. We collected nasal air from ten volunteers into breath collecting bags and compared them to bags of room air and the air aspirated through the device. Distance and dissimilarity metrics between the sample types were calculated and statistical significance evaluated with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. After leave-one-day-out cross-validation, a shrinkage linear discriminant classifier was able to correctly classify 100% of the samples. The nasal air differed (p < 0.05) from the other sample types. The results show the feasibility of collecting nasal air by aspiration and subsequent analysis using differential mobility spectrometry, and thus increases the potential of the method to be used in disease detection studies.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain LRH05 intervention ameliorated body weight gain and adipose inflammation via modulating the gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

SCOPE This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of a specific probiotic strain on suppression of adipogenesis and inflammatory response in white adipose tissue (WAT) of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Eight strains were screened in vitro for candidates of potential probiotics. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH05 and Lactobacillus reuteri LR47 were screened out with lower triglyceride expression in vitro. The mice were fed a control diet (CD), high-fat diet, or HFD supplemented with a dose of LRH05 or LR47 at 109 CFU per mouse per day for 10 weeks (n = 8), respectively. The results demonstrated that LRH05, but not LR47, significantly reduced body weight gain and the weight of WAT, as well as improved hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance. LRH05 regulated the Mogat1, Igf-1, Mcp-1, and F4/80 mRNA expression and decreased macrophage infiltration in WAT. LRH05 showed an increase in butyric and propionic acid-producing bacteria, including Lachnoclostridium, Romboutsia and Fusobacterium that was coincident with the increased fecal propionic acid and butyric acid levels. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved CONCLUSION: LRH05 showed a strain-specific effect on ameliorating the pro-inflammatory process by reducing inflammatory macrophage infiltration and the expression of inflammation-related genes in mice. Thus, LRH05 could be considered a potential probiotic strain to prevent obesity.
Dynamic Design of Modular Bridge Expansion Joints by the Finite Element Method

Although it is not unusual for modular bridge expansion joints (MBEJ’s) to be designed using the Finite Element Method, it appears that designers have been more concerned with quasi-static modelling rather than the development of a fully dynamic model that reproduces all of the characteristics of an operational MBEJ. The paper reports the calibration of a finite element model of both single support bar and multiple support bar design MBEJ’s using experimental modal analysis and strain gauge data. Once calibrated, the models accurately reproduce the empirical vibrational modes and dynamic strains of the operational joints. Modelled results display acceptable variation with the measured data. As motor vehicle excitation is transient, a unique procedure was developed that utilised measured strain data to simulate the force-time history of a vehicle pass-by. This is described as a ‘virtual dynamic truck pass-by’ and its application to the models permitted the accurate reproduction of all the dynamic characteristics including the dynamic amplification factor. The experimental modal analysis results of the single support bar MBEJ strongly suggested that in some regions, the dynamic response was linear and in other regions, non-linear. A moderately successful attempt was made to reproduce this effect by introducing non-linear stiffness into the model by way of the elastomeric bearings.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of GS‐441524, the active metabolite of remdesivir, in Japanese COVID‐19 patients with renal dysfunction

Remdesivir, a prodrug of the nucleoside analog GS‐441524, plays a key role in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, owing to limited information on clinical trials and inexperienced clinical use, there is a lack of pharmacokinetic (PK) data in patients with COVID‐19 with special characteristics. In this study, we aimed to measure serum GS‐441524 concentrations and develop a population PK (PopPK) model. Remdesivir was administered at a 200 mg loading dose on the first day followed by 100 mg from day 2, based on the package insert, in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than or equal to 30 ml/min. In total, 190 concentrations from 37 Japanese patients were used in the analysis. The GS‐441524 trough concentrations were significantly higher in the eGFR less than 60 ml/min group than in the eGFR greater than or equal to 60 ml/min group. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in four patients hardly affected the total body clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd) of GS‐441524. A one‐compartment model described serum GS‐441524 concentration data. The CL and Vd of GS‐441524 were significantly affected by eGFR readjusted by individual body surface area and age, respectively. Simulations proposed a dose regimen of 200 mg on day 1 followed by 100 mg once every 2 days from day 2 in patients with an eGFR of 30 ml/min or less. In conclusion, we successfully established a PopPK model of GS‐441524 using retrospectively obtained serum GS‐441524 concentrations in Japanese patients with COVID‐19, which would be helpful for optimal individualized therapy of remdesivir.
Gatekeeper and process promotor: key persons in agile and innovative organizations

A characteristic of agile organizations is the development of innovative products and processes. It has been shown that a key factor of success in managing innovative projects is the existence of key persons. Empirical studies on innovation management show that key persons who are able to overcome existing innovation barriers play a decisive role for innovation success. The basic theoretical concepts behind these findings are the “gatekeeper concept” and the “promotor model”. The two concepts are compared under a static and a dynamic perspective. It will be shown that under a dynamic view, one can combine the gatekeeper concept and the promotor model to a powerful management concept for supporting agility in organizations.
Studying Motivation in ADHD: The Role of Internal Motives and the Relevance of Self Determination Theory

Objective: Motivation is what moves us to act, what engages us in goal-directed behavior. The Self Determination Theory (SDT) is a motivational framework conceptualizing motivation—or internal motives—as a continuum of motivation qualities fueled by satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence. ADHD has been associated with motivational alterations that contribute to academic difficulties. However, ADHD theories and research are mainly focused on the effects of reinforcement on behavior, with little attention for the broader definition of motivation, that is, internal motives. Therefore, the main objective here was to introduce the SDT as theoretical framework within which we can develop relevant research questions about motivation in the field of ADHD. Method: To this end, we (i) present the SDT as a comprehensive motivational framework, and (ii) describe current motivation-related ADHD theories and research. Results: Based on this, we suggest how SDT can be used as a guiding framework in generating relevant research questions that can help broaden our understanding of the role motivation plays in individuals with ADHD. Conclusion: We conclude that ADHD research on motivation would benefit from (i) including internal motives as potential key mediators in the relation between environmental factors and behavior/symptoms; (ii) studying potential negative effects of external reinforcers intrinsic motivation, affect, and well-being. Finally, we conclude that this framework carries value for further development of clinical interventions for those with ADHD.
Dysregulation of miR-21-associated miRNA regulatory networks by chronic ethanol consumption impairs liver regeneration

Impaired liver regeneration has been considered as a hallmark of progression of alcohol-associated liver disease. Our previous studies demonstrated that in vivo inhibition of the microRNA (miRNA) miR21 can restore regenerative capacity of the liver in chronic ethanol-fed animals. The present study focuses on the role of microRNA regulatory networks that are likely to mediate the miR-21 action. Rats were chronically fed an ethanol-enriched diet along with pair-fed control animals and treated with AM21 (anti-miR-21), a locked nucleic acid antisense to miR-21. Partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed and miRNA expression profiling over the course of liver regeneration was assessed. Our results showed dynamic expression changes in several miRNAs after PHx, notably with altered miRNA expression profiles between ethanol and control groups. We found that in vivo inhibition of miR-21 led to correlated differential expression of miR-340-5p and anticorrelated expression of miR-365, let-7a, miR-1224, and miR-146a across all sample groups after PHx. Gene set enrichment analysis identified a miRNA signature significantly associated with hepatic stellate cell activation within whole liver tissue data. We hypothesized that at least part of the PHx-induced miRNA network changes responsive to miR-21 inhibition is localized to hepatic stellate cells. We validated this hypothesis using AM21 and TGF-β treatments in LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells in culture and measured expression levels of select miRNAs by quantitative RT-PCR. Based on the in vivo and in vitro results, we propose a hepatic stellate cell miRNA regulatory network as contributing to the restoration of liver regenerative capacity by miR-21 inhibition.
Facilities performance measurement

States that performance measurement is a technique often used throughout organizations, particularly in manufacturing. However, it is not used that frequently, or particularly well, throughout facilities management. Seeks to address this missed opportunity by presenting in outline the principles and process of performance measurement and the benefits it can bring when used in an appropriate way. Sets out some examples of its use in facilities management, together with an introduction to the work of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) in establishing a Measurement Protocol.
Clutch may predict growth of hatchling Burmese pythons better than food availability or sex

ABSTRACT Identifying which environmental and genetic factors affect growth pattern phenotypes can help biologists predict how organisms distribute finite energy resources in response to varying environmental conditions and physiological states. This information may be useful for monitoring and managing populations of cryptic, endangered, and invasive species. Consequently, we assessed the effects of food availability, clutch, and sex on the growth of invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus Kuhl) from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem in Florida, USA. Though little is known from the wild, Burmese pythons have been physiological model organisms for decades, with most experimental research sourcing individuals from the pet trade. Here, we used 60 hatchlings collected as eggs from the nests of two wild pythons, assigned them to High or Low feeding treatments, and monitored growth and meal consumption for 12 weeks, a period when pythons are thought to grow very rapidly. None of the 30 hatchlings that were offered food prior to their fourth week post-hatching consumed it, presumably because they were relying on internal yolk stores. Although only two clutches were used in the experiment, we found that nearly all phenotypic variation was explained by clutch rather than feeding treatment or sex. Hatchlings from clutch 1 (C1) grew faster and were longer, heavier, in better body condition, ate more frequently, and were bolder than hatchlings from clutch 2 (C2), regardless of food availability. On average, C1 and C2 hatchling snout-vent length (SVL) and weight grew 0.15 cm d−1 and 0.10 cm d−1, and 0.20 g d−1 and 0.03 g d−1, respectively. Additional research may be warranted to determine whether these effects remain with larger clutch sample sizes and to identify the underlying mechanisms and fitness implications of this variation to help inform risk assessments and management. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Nomogram to predict contralateral breast cancer risk in breast cancer survivors

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to build a prediction model for patients with contralateral breast cancer (CBC) using competing risks methodology. The aim is to help clinicians predict the probability of CBC in breast cancer (BC) survivors. We reviewed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of 434,065 patients with BC. Eligible patients were used to quantify the association between the development of CBC and multiple characteristics of BC patients using competing risk models. A nomogram was also created to facilitate clinical visualization and analysis. Finally, the stability of the model was verified using concordance index and calibration plots, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the model by calculating the net benefit. Four hundred thirty-four thousand sixty-five patients were identified, of whom 6944 (1.6%) developed CBC in the 10 years follow-up. The 10-year cumulative risk of developing CBC was 2.69%. According to a multivariate competing risk model, older patients with invasive lobular carcinoma who had undergone unilateral BC surgery, and whose tumor was better differentiated, of smaller size and ER-negative/PR-positive, had a higher risk of CBC. The calibration plots illustrated an acceptable correlation between the prediction by nomogram and actual observation, as the calibration curve was closed to the 45° diagonal line. The concordance index for the nomogram was 0.65, which indicated it was well calibrated for individual risk of CBC. Decision curve analysis produced a wide range of risk thresholds under which the model we built would yield a net benefit. BC survivors remain at high risk of developing CBC. Patients with CBC have a worse clinical prognosis compared to those with unilateral BC. We built a predictive model for the risk of developing CBC based on a large data cohort to help clinicians identify patients at high risk, which can then help them plan individualized surveillance and treatment.
Inulin-grown Faecalibacterium prausnitzii cross-feeds fructose to the human intestinal epithelium

ABSTRACT Many chronic diseases are associated with decreased abundance of the gut commensal Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. This strict anaerobe can grow on dietary fibers, e.g., prebiotics, and produce high levels of butyrate, often associated to epithelial metabolism and health. However, little is known about other F. prausnitzii metabolites that may affect the colonic epithelium. Here, we analyzed prebiotic cross-feeding between F. prausnitzii and intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells in a “Human-oxygen Bacteria-anaerobic” coculture system. Inulin-grown F. prausnitzii enhanced Caco-2 viability and suppressed inflammation- and oxidative stress-marker expression. Inulin-grown F. prausnitzii produced excess butyrate and fructose, but only fructose efficiently promoted Caco-2 growth. Finally, fecal microbial taxonomy analysis (16S sequencing) from healthy volunteers (n = 255) showed the strongest positive correlation for F. prausnitzii abundance and stool fructose levels. We show that fructose, produced and accumulated in a fiber-rich colonic environment, supports colonic epithelium growth, while butyrate does not.
The influence of probiotics on gastrointestinal tract infections among children attending childcare: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Current literature related to the impact of probiotics on the incidence of gastrointestinal tract infections (GITIs) has shown mixed results and no systematic review available with pooled analysis exists. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to provide contemporary evidence regarding the overall and strain‐specific influence of probiotics in preventing GITIs among infants and children attending childcare centres. The review shortlisted 18 RCTs after screening through the initial search results of 779 articles. However, only 15 trials were deemed eligible, addressing at least one outcome in the pooled analysis. It is concluded that the supplementation of probiotics (overall effect) may reduce the risk of GITI episode by 26%, with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG being specifically potent probiotic strains in reducing GITI episode, duration of infection and absence from childcare respectively. There is insufficient evidence to determine the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 based on the findings of the trials included in this review.
Corticospinal and intracortical excitability is modulated in the knee extensors after acute strength training

ABSTRACT The corticospinal responses to high-intensity and low-intensity strength-training of the upper limb are modulated in an intensity-dependent manner. Whether an intensity-dependent threshold occurs following acute strength training of the knee extensors (KE) remains unclear. We assessed the corticospinal responses following high-intensity (85% of maximal strength) or low-intensity (30% of maximal strength) KE strength-training with measures taken during an isometric KE task at baseline, post-5, 30 and 60-min. Twenty-eight volunteers (23 ± 3 years) were randomized to high-intensity (n = 11), low-intensity (n = 10) or to a control group (n = 7). Corticospinal responses were evoked with transcranial magnetic stimulation at intracortical and corticospinal levels. High- or low-intensity KE strength-training had no effect on maximum voluntary contraction force post-exercise (P > 0.05). High-intensity training increased corticospinal excitability (range 130–180%) from 5 to 60 min post-exercise compared to low-intensity training (17–30% increase). Large effect sizes (ES) showed that short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) was reduced only for the high-intensity training group from 5–60 min post-exercise (24–44% decrease) compared to low-intensity (ES ranges 1–1.3). These findings show a training-intensity threshold is required to adjust CSE and SICI following strength training in the lower limb.