Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subnormal GM1 in PBMCs: Promise for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease?

The fact that Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathologies are well advanced in most PD patients by the time of clinical elucidation attests to the importance of early diagnosis. Our attempt to achieve this has capitalized on our previous finding that GM1 ganglioside is expressed at subnormal levels in virtually all tissues of sporadic PD (sPD) patients including blood cells. GM1 is present in most vertebrate cells, is especially abundant in neurons where it was shown essential for their effective functioning and long term viability. We have utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which, despite their low GM1, we found to be significantly lower in sPD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls. To quantify GM1 (and GD1a) we used high performance thin-layer chromatography combined with cholera toxin B linked to horseradish peroxidase, followed by densitometric quantification. GM1 was also deficient in PBMCs from PD patients with mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (PD-GBA), apparently even lower than in sPD. Reasons are given why we believe these results obtained with patients manifesting fully developed PD will apply as well to PD patients in preclinical stages—a topic for future study. We also suggest that these findings point to a potential disease altering therapy for PD once the early diagnosis is established.
Effect of Selenium-Enriched Yeast Supplementation on Serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Levels in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: In the subclinical hypothyroidism, T4 or T3 levels are normal and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is slightly high. Selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction. The present study aims to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the thyroid hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO AB) levels. Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 42 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive 200 μg selenium or placebo for 8 weeks. In the both groups, the serum TSH and anti-TPO antibody levels were measured and assessed before and after the intervention. Results: After the interventions, the mean serum TSH reduction in the intervention and placebo groups was −10.98 ± 33.31 and −3.20 ± 38.36, respectively, which were not statistically significant. However, the mean serum anti-TPO Ab concentration increased in the intervention and placebo groups (109.81 ± 51.49% vs. 173.17 ± 96.26%), between which the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05) despite a slight increase in the mean anti-TPO level in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that selenium supplementation has no significant effect on serum anti-TPO Ab and TSH levels in the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Studies with larger sample size and with different doses of selenium are needed to reach more precise results.
Impacts of Mobility Dogs on Kinematics during Ambulation: A Quantitative Study

While prior research has explored various physiological consequences associated with assistive device use for ambulation, limited research has specifically explored the impact of mobility dog partnership on human kinematics. This descriptive study examined the impact of mobility dog partnership on kinematics of individuals in the normal young adult population. Sixteen participants were video recorded while walking in a straight line for 3.7 m (12 feet) under three different conditions (ambulating with no device, ambulating with a standard cane on the left side, and ambulating with a mobility dog on the left side). Differences between joint angles under each of the conditions were analyzed. Statistically significant differences were found in left elbow flexion when comparing ambulating with a cane versus ambulating with no device; left shoulder abduction when comparing ambulating with a cane versus ambulating with a mobility dog, ambulating with a mobility dog versus no device, and ambulating with a cane versus no device; and left hip extension when comparing ambulating with a mobility dog versus no device, and when ambulating with a mobility dog versus a cane. These findings suggest that providers should evaluate and monitor potential negative impacts of assistive devices such as mobility dogs on human kinematics.
Evaluation of sample cell materials for aqueous solutions used in quasi-elastic neutron scattering measurements

For quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) studies, sample cells made of pure or alloyed aluminium are frequently employed. Although the Al surface is protected by a passivating film, this film is not robust. Therefore, when the sample is an aqueous solution, chemical interactions between the Al surface and sample, promoted by corrosive entities such as chloride ions and certain conditions of pH, can compromise the integrity of the cell and interfere with the experiment. In this study, the corrosion susceptibilities of Al and its alloys were investigated by subjecting them to various treatments; the results were compared with those of other candidate materials with low chemical reactivity. This work showed that alloys with higher Al content and boehmite-coated surfaces are resistant to corrosion. In particular, for Al, the resistance is due to a reduction in the contact area achieved by reducing the surface roughness. QENS measurements of empty sample cells made of these materials revealed two results: (1) the profile of the cell fabricated with a copper-free Al alloy showed a minor dependence on the scattering vector magnitude Q and (2) reducing the real surface area of Al effectively suppresses its scattering intensity, while boehmite coating strengthens the scattering. Cells fabricated with Mo, Nb and single-crystal sapphire can be used as alternatives to Al because of their low scattering intensity and reduced dependence on Q.
PENGARUH PENGUNGKAPAN KINERJA EKONOMI, LINGKUNGAN DAN SOSIAL TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA PERUSAHAAN YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2016-2018

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengungkapan kinerja ekonomi, lingkungan dan sosial terhadap kinerja keuangan pada perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI). Populasi dalam penelitian ini merupakan semua perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama tahun 2016-2018. Teknik pengumpulan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel 23 perusahaan. Data diperoleh dari Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2016-2018. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah regresi linear berganda dengan tingkat signifikan 5%. Hasil uji secara parsial menunjukkan bahwa Kinerja Ekonomi dan Kinerja Sosial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Keuangan dan Kinerja Lingkungan tidak berpengaruh terhadap Kinerja Keuangan. Dimana ketika Kinerja Ekonomi berpengaruh positif terhadap Kinerja Keuangan maka kinerja Keuangannya naik. Dan ketika Kinerja Sosial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Keuangan maka Kinerja Keuangan naik. Hasil uji secara simultan menunjukkan bahwa Kinerja Ekonomi, Kinerja lingkungan dan kinerja sosial secara bersama-sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja keuangan.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Agricultural Land-Use Change, and Associated Factors, in Nigeria

Agricultural Land-Use Change (ALUC) is a major driver of global environmental change, not least via its direct impact on the sustainability and resilience of the rural economy. Its drivers are complex and have remained contentious, necessitating further empirical study. This study aims to derive context-specific evidence on the driving factors and effects of ALUC from different stakeholders’ perceptions. We carried out household surveys and participatory rural appraisal across Benue State, Nigeria. ALUC has economic, social, ecological, and institutional implications for farmers and on agricultural productivity. Farmers perceived that the main factors driving ALUC were land conflict, government land-use policies and infrastructural development. Stakeholders’ perceptions revealed that although the factors driving ALUC are diverse in nature, they are somewhat embedded within the broader issue of land-use conflict, which has led to cropland abandonment, clearing of forest vegetation, soil degradation, changes from large scale to subsistence farming, and farmers’ eventual loss of interest in agriculture. This suggest that the drivers and implications of ALUC go beyond simple changes to the extent of land used for agriculture, but also incorporates other regional socio-ecological changes. Our study highlights the importance of stakeholders’ perceptions in understanding complex socio-ecological issues if we are to provide clear direction into areas where policy interventions are most needed.
Reproducibility in Subsurface Geoscience

Reproducibility, the extent to which consistent results are obtained when an experiment or study is repeated, sits at the foundation of science. The aim of this process is to produce robust findings and knowledge, with reproducibility being the screening tool to benchmark how well we are implementing the scientific method. However, the re-examination of results from many disciplines has caused significant concern as to the reproducibility of published findings. This concern is well-founded—our ability to independently reproduce results build trust within the scientific community, between scientists and policy makers, and the general public. Within geoscience, discussions and practical frameworks for reproducibility are in their infancy, particularly in subsurface geoscience, an area where there are commonly significant uncertainties related to data (e.g., geographical coverage). Given the vital role of subsurface geoscience as part of sustainable development pathways and in achieving Net Zero, such as for carbon capture storage, mining, and natural hazard assessment, there is likely to be increased scrutiny on the reproducibility of geoscience results. We surveyed 346 Earth scientists from a broad section of academia, government, and industry to understand their experience and knowledge of reproducibility in the subsurface. More than 85% of respondents recognised there is a reproducibility problem in subsurface geoscience, with >90% of respondents viewing conceptual biases as having a major impact on the robustness of their findings and overall quality of their work. Access to data, undocumented methodologies, and confidentiality issues (e.g., use of proprietary data and methods) were identified as major barriers to reproducing published results. Overall, the survey results suggest a need for funding bodies, data providers, research groups, and publishers to build a framework and a set of minimum standards for increasing the reproducibility of, and political and public trust in, the results of subsurface studies.
Radiotherapy and High-Dose Interleukin-2: Clinical and Immunological Results of a Proof of Principle Study in Metastatic Melanoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma

High-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) has curative potential in metastatic melanoma (MM) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Radiotherapy (RT) kills cancer cells and induces immunomodulatory effects. Prospective trials exploring clinical and immunological properties of combined RT/HD IL-2 are still needed. We designed a phase II, single-arm clinical trial for patients with MM and RCC. The treatment schedule consisted of 3 daily doses of 6-12 Gy of RT to 1-5 non-index metastatic fields, before IL-2 at the first and third treatment cycle. HD IL-2 was administered by continuous infusion for 72 hours and repeated every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles, thereafter every 4 weeks for a maximum of 2 cycles. The primary endpoint was the immunological efficacy of the combined RT/HD IL-2 treatment (assessed by IFN-γ ELISPOT). Nineteen out of 22 patients were evaluable for immunological and clinical response. Partial response occurred in 3 (15.7%) patients and stable disease was observed in 7 (36.8%). The disease control rate was 52.6% after a median follow up of 39.2 months. According to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 4.0 (CTCAE 4.0), the majority of toxicities were grade 1-2. Immunological responses were frequent and detected in 16 (84.2%) patients. Increased levels of IL-8 and IL-10 in melanoma, circulating effector memory CD4+ and intratumoral CD8+ T cells in both tumor types were detected after therapy. Overall the treatment was well tolerated and immunologically active. Immunomonitoring and correlative data on tumor and peripheral blood cell subsets suggest that this combination treatment could be a promising strategy for patients progressing after standard treatments.
Differences in the Cognitive Processes of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students in Understanding Mathematical Problems Based on the Level of Intelligence

The porpose of this study is to determine differences in the cognitive processes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) students in understanding mathematical problems based on different levels of intelligence. The subjects of this study consisted of 3 ASD high school students who had high, medium and low intelligence respectively. Data obtained through task-based interviews using triangulation. ASD subjects with a high intelligence level (ASDH) received information by reading the problem softly, applying voice pressure to certain words, interspersed with laughing and smiling to themselves, repeating certain words and muttering to say an unclear sentence. Whereas ASD subject with a medium intelligence level (ASDM) received information by reading the problem out loud with a rather rapid intonation of voice, without any eye contact with blank eyes. Whereas ASD subject with a low intelligence level (ASDL) received information by reading the problem rather loudly and reading piecemeal sentences. ASDH subject can store information and call back in three forms of visual representation, images, verbal and symbols. Information recalled by ASDM subject in two forms of visual representation, images and verbal. Information recalled by ASDL subject is only in one form of visual representation, in the form of images. ASDH subjects were able to understand well the meaning of the symbols that exist in the problem, while ASDM and ASDL subjects were not able to understand it. ASDH and ASDM subjects can understand well the adequacy of information in the problem, while ASDL subjects are unable to understand it. ASDH subjects were able to reduce information in the questions, while ASDM and ASDL subjects were not able. ASDH and ASDM subjects were able to understand well the patterns of the images in the problem while ASDL subjects were not able to understand them.
Long‐term (1979–2019) dynamics of protected orchid bees in Panama

Plants and pollinators are linked but their dynamics are scarcely known. Chemical monitoring of male “orchid bees” at two sites revealed 75% of species were stable or increasing. Forest bees of 33 species, with live sighting at Pipeline Road (PR), and trapping on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), included 132,000 individuals. No species or community changes occurred in strong El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate events, which lasted 145 total months during more than 70 bee generations. Parasite and host bees fluctuated in unison. A few very common species, adapted to relatively disturbed habitat, diminished over time at PR, while sightings and traps revealed stable abundance ranks in Euglossa 40 years on BCI. Bee abundance and biomass were stable but 50% of species had few records. Orchid bees appear more stable in older forest, they were evidently insulated from ENSO disturbance, and probably benefit from the increasing abundance of flowering lianas and vines.
Predicting burrowing crab impacts on salt marsh plants

Burrowing animals profoundly in ﬂ uence plant communities, and changes in the burrower and plant communities together with changing abiotic parameters can shift the in ﬂ uence of burrowers on plants. However, we lack an ability to predict when, where, and how burrowers will in ﬂ uence vegetation. To begin to understand how naturally, varying environmental conditions in ﬂ uence the impacts of burrowers, we need to examine how burrower impacts on marsh plants differ across sites differing in environmental conditions. We manipulated crab presence for multiple years and measured the responses of the dominant plants, Paci ﬁ c cordgrass ( Spartina foliosa ) and perennial pickleweed ( Sarcocornia paci ﬁ ca ), at three sites in northern California and two sites in southern California. Southern California (Point Conception, CA, to the U.S. – Mexico border) experiences higher air and water temperatures, lower precipitation, and higher porewater salinity levels. Combining data from these ﬁ eld studies with laboratory studies allowed us to generate predictions about burrowing crab effects in salt marshes. Our models included (1) an estimate of grazing pressure on marsh plants by the dominant burrowing crab ( Pachygrapsus crassipes ) and (2) several soil biogeochemical measurements. Crab effects varied from strongly positive to strongly negative and depended upon estimated crab grazing pressure and edaphic conditions (salinity, ammonium, and nitrate). Relative to crabs at other sites, crabs enhanced cordgrass at sites with intermediate levels of ammonium and extreme salinities. The dependence of crab effects on edaphic conditions suggests that projected interannual variability in temperature, precipitation, and nutrients could lead to more temporally variable impacts of crabs on cordgrass. Understanding the environmental controls on these interactions will help promote cordgrass productivity and stabilize salt marsh ecosystems.
On the relation between architectural smells and source code changes

Although architectural smells are one of the most studied type of architectural technical debt, their impact on maintenance effort has not been thoroughly investigated. Studying this impact would help to understand how much technical debt interest is being paid due to the existence of architecture smells and how this interest can be calculated. This work is a first attempt to address this issue by investigating the relation between architecture smells and source code changes. Specifically, we study whether the frequency and size of changes are correlated with the presence of a selected set of architectural smells. We detect architectural smells using the Arcan tool, which detects architectural smells by building a dependency graph of the system analyzed and then looking for the typical structures of the architectural smells. The findings, based on a case study of 31 open‐source Java systems, show that 87% of the analyzed commits present more changes in artifacts with at least one smell, and the likelihood of changing increases with the number of smells. Moreover, there is also evidence to confirm that change frequency increases after the introduction of a smell and that the size of changes is also larger in smelly artifacts. These findings hold true especially in Medium–Large and Large artifacts.
Second-Hand Smoke Exposure Associated with Risk of Respiratory Symptoms, Asthma, and COPD in 20,421 Adults from the General Population

Rationale Individuals exposed to second-hand smoking may be more susceptible to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We investigated the risk of respiratory symptoms, asthma, and COPD in adults exposed to second-hand smoking at different stages of life in the general population. Methods We identified individuals who had been exposed to second-hand smoking in childhood only, adulthood only, or lifelong in a cohort of 20,421 adults from the Danish General Suburban Population Study and recorded respiratory symptoms, lung function, asthma, and COPD as outcomes. Results Among 20,421 adults from the general population, 2,551 (12%) had been lifelong exposed to second-hand smoking, 459 (2%) had been exposed in adulthood only, and 13,998 (69%) had been exposed in childhood only; the mean ages of the three groups were 54 years, 55 years, and 57 years, respectably, compared with 56 years in non-exposed individuals (P<0.001). Equivalent values for the prevalence of current smoking were 25%, 20%, and 18% versus 12% (P<0.001). After adjustment for age, smoking, and sex, the odds ratios for wheezing, severe dyspnoea, cough on exertion, and asthma increased as a function of second-hand smoke exposure (Ps≤0.004); individuals who had been exposed to second-hand smoking lifelong, in adulthood only, or in childhood only versus non-exposed had increased odds ratios for wheezing of 1.62 (95% CI=1.41–1.87), 1.50 (1.15–1.94), and 1.16 (1.04–1.30). Corresponding values were 2.08 (1.52–2.85), 2.05 (1.22-3-44), and 1.23 (0.95–1.59) for severe dyspnoea, 1.56 (1.33–1.83), 1.53 (1.15–2.02), and 1.19 (1.05–1.35) for cough on exertion, 1.36 (1.14–1.63), 1.49 (1.09–2.05), and 1.13 (0.99–1.30) for asthma, and 1.24 (1.03–1.48), 1.25 (0.90–1.74), and 1.09 (0.96–1.24) for COPD. The population attributable fractions of asthma and COPD due to lifelong second-hand smoke exposure were 4.3% and 2.9%. Conclusion Individuals exposed to lifelong second-hand smoking have increased risks of respiratory symptoms, asthma, and COPD, and may account for 4.3% and 2.9% of people with asthma and COPD in the general population.
Fasting Plastic—The Role of Media Reports in a ‘Window of Opportunity’ to Reduce Plastic Consumption

To tackle the problems of plastic pollution in the environment, the reduction of plastic consumption plays a major role. To initiate behavior changes in consumption patterns, the content and time point of interventions are key factors. Furthermore, current studies have outlined the effect of role models on others’ behavior. Thus, this paper investigates the impact of role models in media reports on efficacy beliefs and consumption behavior using an intervention. Two online studies with quoted samples, in the fasting period Lent (Study 1: n = 656) and a random period (Study 2: n = 947), were conducted. Both studies included two measurement points to investigate the change in plastic consumption over time. In study 1 (during the Lent period), participants were divided into one experimental group that viewed a media report including information on the plastic problem and role-model-like behavior for reducing plastic consumption and one control group that viewed a media report including only information on the plastic problem. In study 2 (during a random period), an additional control group was added where participants did not view a media report at all. Results revealed that a decrease in plastic consumption during the fasting period could be found; however, a decrease in plastic consumption outside of the fasting period could not be found. Media reports that addressed plastic pollution and role models avoiding plastic had no relevant impact on participants’ efficacy beliefs or plastic consumption intention or behavior.
A study on the effects of rotenone on the midbrain in the adult male albino rats

Background aims. Rotenone is a widely used insecticide has a neurodegenerative effect on the dopaminergic cells of substantia nigra (SN) of midbrain producing Parkinsonism. The aim of this study is to study the effects of rotenone when injected subcutaneously on the dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Methods. The effects of rotenone on the SN of midbrain and the were determined histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and by transmission electron microscopy. Results. Subcutaneous rotenone produced Parkinsonism through producing degeneration of the dopaminergic cells of SN of the midbrain. Conclusion. These results indicate that, rotenone has a neurodegenerative effect on the dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra of the midbrain producing parkinsonism.