Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychological and Physiological Effects of the Mindful Lovingkindness Compassion Program on Highly Self-Critical University Students in South Korea

Objectives Self-critical behavior is especially relevant for university students who face academic and non-academic stressors, leading to negative outcomes such as mental distress and psychopathologies. To address this behavior, mindfulness and compassion are important factors to decrease self-criticism and ensure positive outcomes. This study examined the psychological and physiological effects of an intervention, the Mindful Lovingkindness Compassion Program (MLCP), on highly self-critical university students in South Korea. Methods Thirty-eight university students with a high level of self-criticism were assigned to an MLCP group (n = 18) or waitlist (WL) group (n = 20). Self-report measures of self-criticism, self-reassurance, psychological distress, and other mental health variables were completed, and the physiological measure of heart rate variability (HRV) was conducted before and after the intervention with both groups. In addition, 1- and 3-month follow-up assessments were conducted using self-report measurements. Results Compared to the WL group, participants in the MLCP group experienced significantly greater reductions in self-criticism and psychological distress, and a greater increase in self-reassurance, mental health, and HRV. The improvements in the self-report measures were maintained when assessed 1 and 3 months later. Conclusions MLCP could be a promising intervention for alleviating self-criticism and increasing self-reassurance among self-critical individuals.
Increased Hydrostatic Pressure Promotes Primary M1 Reaction and Secondary M2 Polarization in Macrophages

Patients with chronic anterior uveitis are at particularly high risk of developing secondary glaucoma when corticosteroids [e.g., dexamethasone (Dex)] are used or when inflammatory activity has regressed. Macrophage migration into the eye increases when secondary glaucoma develops and may play an important role in the development of secondary glaucoma. Our aim was to evaluate in vitro if increased hydrostatic pressure and corticosteroids could induce changes in macrophages phenotype. By using a pressure chamber cell culture system, we assessed the effect of increased hydrostatic pressure (HP), inflammation, and immunosuppression (Dex) on the M1/M2 phenotype of macrophages. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated with medium, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/ml), Dex (200 ng/ml), or LPS + Dex and incubated with different HP (0, 20, or 60 mmHg) for 2 or 7 days. The numbers of CD86+/CD206− (M1 phenotype), CD86–/CD206+ (M2 phenotype), CD86+/CD206+ (intermediate phenotype), F4/80+/TNF-α+, and F4/80+/IL-10+ macrophages were determined by flow cytometry. TNF-α and IL-10 levels in cell culture supernatants were quantified by ELISA. TNF-α, IL-10, fibronectin, and collagen IV expression in BMDMs were detected by immunofluorescence microscopy. Higher HP polarizes macrophages primarily to an M1 phenotype (LPS, 60 vs. 0 mmHg, d2: p = 0.0034) with less extra cellular matrix (ECM) production and secondary to an M2 phenotype (medium, 60 vs. 0 mmHg, d7: p = 0.0089) (medium, 60 vs. 20 mmHg, d7: p = 0.0433) with enhanced ECM production. Dex induces an M2 phenotype (Dex, medium vs. Dex, d2: p < 0.0001; d7: p < 0.0001) with more ECM production. Higher HP further increased M2 polarization of Dex-treated macrophages (Dex, 60 vs. 0 mmHg, d2: p = 0.0417; d7: p = 0.0454). These changes in the M1/M2 phenotype by high HP or Dex treatment may play a role in the pathogenesis of secondary uveitic glaucoma- or glucocorticoid (GC)-induced glaucoma.
Simulation of Large Scale Neural Models With Event-Driven Connectivity Generation

Accurate simulations of brain structures is a major problem in neuroscience. Many works are dedicated to design better models or to develop more efficient simulation schemes. In this paper, we propose a hybrid simulation scheme that combines time-stepping second-order integration of Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) type neurons with event-driven updating of the synaptic currents. As the HH model is a continuous model, there is no explicit spike events. Thus, in order to preserve the accuracy of the integration method, a spike detection algorithm is developed that accurately determines spike times. This approach allows us to regenerate the outgoing connections at each event, thereby avoiding the storage of the connectivity. Consequently, memory consumption is significantly reduced while preserving execution time and accuracy of the simulations, especially the spike times of detailed point neuron models. The efficiency of the method, implemented in the SiReNe software1, is demonstrated by the simulation of a striatum model which consists of more than 106 neurons and 108 synapses (each neuron has a fan-out of 504 post-synaptic neurons), under normal and Parkinson's conditions.
Statistical Learning Model of the Sense of Agency

A sense of agency (SoA) is the experience of subjective awareness regarding the control of one's actions. Humans have a natural tendency to generate prediction models of the environment and adapt their models according to changes in the environment. The SoA is associated with the degree of the adaptation of the prediction models, e.g., insufficient adaptation causes low predictability and lowers the SoA over the environment. Thus, identifying the mechanisms behind the adaptation process of a prediction model related to the SoA is essential for understanding the generative process of the SoA. In the first half of the current study, we constructed a mathematical model in which the SoA represents a likelihood value for a given observation (sensory feedback) in a prediction model of the environment and in which the prediction model is updated according to the likelihood value. From our mathematical model, we theoretically derived a testable hypothesis that the prediction model is updated according to a Bayesian rule or a stochastic gradient. In the second half of our study, we focused on the experimental examination of this hypothesis. In our experiment, human subjects were repeatedly asked to observe a moving square on a computer screen and press a button after a beep sound. The button press resulted in an abrupt jump of the moving square on the screen. Experiencing the various stochastic time intervals between the action execution (button-press) and the consequent event (square jumping) caused gradual changes in the subjects' degree of their SoA. By comparing the above theoretical hypothesis with the experimental results, we concluded that the update (adaptation) rule of the prediction model based on the SoA is better described by a Bayesian update than by a stochastic gradient descent.
Modulation of Lipid Transport and Adipose Tissue Deposition by Small Lipophilic Compounds

Small lipophilic molecules present in foods of plant origin have relevant biological activities at rather low concentrations. Evidence suggests that phytosterols, carotenoids, terpenoids, and tocopherols can interact with different metabolic pathways, exerting beneficial effects against a number of metabolic diseases. These small molecules can modulate triacylglycerol absorption in the intestine and the biosynthesis of chylomicrons, the lipid carriers in the blood. Once in the bloodstream, they can impact lipoprotein clearance from blood, thereby affecting fatty acid release, incorporation into adipocytes and triglyceride reassembling and deposit. Consequently, some of these molecules can regulate pathophysiological processes associated to obesity and its related conditions, such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. The protective capacity of some lipophilic small molecules on oxidative and chemotoxic stress, can modify the expression of key genes in the adaptive cellular response, such as transcription factors, contributing to prevent the inflammatory status of adipose tissue. These small lipophilic compounds can be incorporated into diet as natural parts of food but they can also be employed to supplement other dietary and pharmacologic products as nutraceuticals, exerting protective effects against the development of metabolic diseases in which inflammation is involved. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the influence of dietary lipophilic small biomolecules (phytosterols, carotenoids, tocopherols, and triterpenes) on lipid transport, as well as on the effects they may have on pathophysiological metabolic states, related to obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation, providing an evidence-based summary of their main beneficial effects on human health.
Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Affects Rumen Microbiota in Grazing Ewes at Gestation and Lactation

Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) is a cool-season perennial grass that is widely used as a forage for many livestock species including sheep. An endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) in tall fescue produces ergot alkaloids that enhance plant survival but produce toxicosis in animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen microbiota from gestation and lactation in ewes grazing tall fescue pastures with high (HA) or moderate (MA) levels of endophyte infection, and their relationship with serum parameters. Data were collected at the beginning of the study (d1), the week before initiation of lambing (d51), and at the end of the trial (d115). The rumen microbiota was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Ewes grazing HA had greater serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) (P = 0.024) levels compared with ewes in MA pasture at d115. Both the number of observed OTUs and Shannon diversity index tended (P = 0.08, P = 0.06) to be greater for HA than for MA on d115. At the genus level, Prevotella relative abundance increased with time in both MA and HA (on d1, d51, and d115: 15.17, 25.59, and 24.78% in MA; 14.17, 18.10, and 19.41% in HA). Taxa unclassified at the genus level including (unclassified) Lachnospiraceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Veillonellaceae exhibited higher abundances in HA at d51 (3.72, 2.07, and 11.22%) compared with MA (2.06, 1.28, and 7.42%). The predictor microbiota for HA and MA were identified by a random forest classification model. The HA predictors included bacteria associated with unclassified Coriobacteriaceae and Ruminococcaceae. Other OTUs classified as Prevotella and Clostridiales could be microbial predictors for MA. The OTUs classified as Prevotella and Lachnospiraceae were negatively correlated with serum concentration of prolactin. Negative correlations with NEFA were observed in the microbiota such as species affiliated to unclassified Clostridiales and Prevotella. OTUs classified as Bacteroidetes and Coriobacteriaceae exhibited a positive correlation with NEFA. Our study confirmed that the rumen microbiota populations were affected by high levels of toxins in endophyte-infected tall fescue and were associated with host hormone and energy metabolism.
Distinct Subgroups of Patients With Lung Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Latent Transition Analysis

Objectives To identify subgroups of patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy based on the severity dimension of symptom experience, and to examine changes in membership between these subgroups over time. Methods Patients who were scheduled to receive chemotherapy completed the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and the revised lung cancer module with a total of 19 symptom items. Data were collected at three time points: two weeks before chemotherapy (T1), after chemotherapy cycle 1 (T2), and after chemotherapy cycle 3 or above (T3). The latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis were used to identify underlying subgroups and describe changes in subgroup membership over time. Results From the total sample (N = 195), 160 patients completed the symptom assessment at T1, T2, and T3. Two distinct latent symptom profiles of patients could be identified at T1, T2, and T3, which were classified as “Mild” and “Moderate-Severe” profiles. From T1 to T2 and T3, members in the Mild profile were more likely to move to the Moderate-Severe profile. Chemotherapy protocols, prior surgery treatment, and level of education can predict the transitions. Conclusion Results provide a better understanding of the patient’s different symptom experiences and characteristics. These could help clinicians to anticipate symptom patterns and develop interventions in lung cancer patients who were scheduled to receive chemotherapy for the first time.
Animal-Free Human Whole Blood Sepsis Model to Study Changes in Innate Immunity

Studying innate immunity in humans is crucial for understanding its role in the pathophysiology of systemic inflammation, particularly in the complex setting of sepsis. Therefore, we standardized a step-by-step process from the venipuncture to the transfer in a human model system, while closely monitoring the inflammatory response for up to three hours. We designed an animal-free, human whole blood sepsis model using a commercially available, simple to use, tubing system. First, we analyzed routine clinical parameters, including cell count and blood gas analysis. Second, we demonstrated that extracellular activation markers (e.g., CD11b and CD62l) as well as intracellular metabolic (intracellular pH) and functional (generation of radical oxygen species) features remained stable after incubation in the whole blood model. Third, we mimicked systemic inflammation during early sepsis by exposure of whole blood to pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide revealed the capability of the model system to evoke a sepsis-like inflammatory phenotype of innate immunity. In summary, the presented model serves as a convenient, economic, and reliable platform to study innate immunity in human whole blood, which may yield clinically important insights.
PHYLOGENY OF THE SCITAMINEAE—MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL CONSIDERATIONS

This article is a brief summary of the major results from recent studies on the anatomy and morphology of the vegetative organs of the Scitamineae (Tomlinson, 1956, 1959, 1960, 1961a and b), and permits an introduction of ideas which originated only as the survey was completed. Some of these ideas derived from a study of the individual families in the Scitamineae have a wider implication and should be brought to the attention of all botanists concerned with the phylogeny of angiosperms. The Scitamineae is a very natural order of monocotyledons, somewhat comparable in its homogeneity to grasses, palms, or orchids. Use of information on anatomy and floral morphology in the order makes possible very reasonable taxonomic subdivision, and provides a logical explanation of the presumed phylogeny of the order. This phylogenetic interpretation allows an explanation of many unusual distributions of structural features within the order.
A Neural Network Model With Gap Junction for Topological Detection

Visual information processing in the brain goes from global to local. A large volume of experimental studies has suggested that among global features, the brain perceives the topological information of an image first. Here, we propose a neural network model to elucidate the underlying computational mechanism. The model consists of two parts. The first part is a neural network in which neurons are coupled through gap junctions, mimicking the neural circuit formed by alpha ganglion cells in the retina. Gap junction plays a key role in the model, which, on one hand, facilitates the synchronized firing of a neuron group covering a connected region of an image, and on the other hand, staggers the firing moments of different neuron groups covering disconnected regions of the image. These two properties endow the network with the capacity of detecting the connectivity and closure of images. The second part of the model is a read-out neuron, which reads out the topological information that has been converted into the number of synchronized firings in the retina network. Our model provides a simple yet effective mechanism for the neural system to detect the topological information of images in ultra-speed.
An approach how to automate labeling data for the training ANN models for page layout analysis

Object detection and recognition is an important task in many document analysis applications. It is a diﬃcult problem due to diﬀerent page layouts and representation formats. Recently the deep learning in computer vision has signiﬁcantly boosted the data-driven image-based approaches for page layout analysis. In this paper, we consider open formats of electronic documents to generate training datasets. Formats of these documents should contain markup allowing obtaining information about page layout regions. It will allow us to generate a training dataset automatically for training ANN models of page layout analysis.
Inhibitory effects of salicylic acid on Meloidogyne javanica reproduction in tomato plants

Root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.), play a major role in loss of agricultural production . Natural substances , such as salicylic acid (SA) could possibly be involved in inducing host plant resistance against nematodes. The present study is concerned with exploring the effects of varying concentrations of SA as seed priming and soil drench on tomato growth parameters and the reproduction of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica . SA at 50 μM concentration caused only 2% of juvenile mortality under in vitro conditions. SA applied as 50 μM seed treatment caused 95% and, as a soil drench, 78% reduction in the number of egg masses that formed on tomato plants. The numbers of galls were reduced to a lesser extent. Final nematode density per gram of soil was reduced to less than 1 by the 50 μM SA seed treatment, and in other treatments decreased by between 70 and 88% compared with control plants. Our results indicate SA has potential to lower root knot nematode reproduction in tomato, and seed priming is a fairly easy method to work with.
PREPARATION OF ONION POWDER BY MEANS OF OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION AND ITS PACKAGING AND STORAGE

Onion powder prepared from 5 mm thick osmotically dehydrated onion slices after drying in a cabinet dryer at 60°C for 10 h, grinding in a laboratory powder mill and sieving with 30 mesh sieve, can be stored up to 6 months in 400 gauge LDPE or 200 gauge HDPE pouches at 7°C compared to 4 months at ambient condition with better pungency. Retention of colour and pungency as pyruvic acid was found to be more in the samples packed in 200 gauge HDPE pouches followed by 400 gauge and 200 gauge low density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches, stored at 7°C. For storage of the product having 3.85 % moisture, the optimum RH was found to be 47.5 % and the critical and danger points as 9.14% and 6.75% moisture respectively. The product was stable at low temperature as compared to high temperature in respect of colour and flavour. Une poudre d'oignon preparee a partir de tranches deshydratees osmotiquement apres un sechage a 60°C pendant 10h, moulues et passees dans un tamis de 30 mesh, peut etre stockee jusqu'a 6 mois dans des poches en polyethylene (PE) basse densite de 400 gauge ou en PE haute densite 200 gauge a 7°C. La retention de la couleur et de la flaveur piquante est mieux preservee dans un emballage PE haute densite 200 gauge.
Cognitive Predictors of Self‐Reported Camouflaging in Autistic Adolescents

Camouflaging involves masking and/or compensating for autistic characteristics and has been identified in autistic individuals through a variety of different methods. Individual variation in the extent, processes and outcomes of camouflaging has been reported in autistic adults, and there has been some investigation of camouflaging by autistic adolescents. This study was conducted to better understand how some of these individual differences emerge, by examining potential mechanisms (theory of mind, executive function, intelligence quotient and age) involved in camouflaging by 58 autistic adolescents aged 13–18 years (29 females, 29 males). Fewer executive function difficulties predicted greater use of total camouflaging strategies and the compensation subscale, but not the masking or assimilation subscales; no other predictors reached statistical significance. These findings suggest that individual differences in executive function ability may underlie variation in the use of camouflaging by adolescents. The total variance explained in the model was small, suggesting the need to examine other factors which may underpin camouflaging. The implications of this finding for the relationship between camouflaging and well‐being are discussed, along with the distinction between attempts to camouflage and the efficacy of those attempts.
The correlation of in vitro mushroom tyrosinase activity with cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin formation in melanoma cells A2058

The inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro has commonly been employed for evaluation of the whitening effects of various drugs and cosmetic products because tyrosinase is the limiting enzyme in melanin formation in skin. However, questions remain as to whether the in vitro inhibition of tyrosinase activity adequately represents the whiting effects since it does not account for cellular uptake of test samples. We therefore evaluated the correlations of the inhibition of cell-free mushroom tyrosinase activity with that of cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin formation in A2058 melanoma cell line using kojic acid, ascorbic acid and water extracts of seven Chinese herbs and seven mixtures of these herbs extracted with water, ethanol or ethyl acetate at different temperatures. No significant correlation was found for the inhibition of: (1) mushroom tyrosinase activity vs. cellular tyrosinase activity (r=0.37, p=0.25, n=16) or vs. cellular melanin formation (r=0.32, p=0.28); and (2) cellular tyrosinase activity vs. cellular melanin formation (r=0.18, p=0.43). Ultraviolet A irradiation of melanoma cells A2058 markedly improved the correlation between the inhibition of cellular tyrosinase and of melanin formation of these samples (r=0.97, p＜0.001). The results suggest that UVA irradiation of melanoma A2058 cells be a useful screening method for evaluating the potential whitening effect of Chinese herbs.