Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Harm to self outweighs benefit to others in moral decision making

Significance Principles guiding decisions that affect both ourselves and others are of prominent importance for human societies. Previous accounts in economics and psychological science have often described decision making as either categorically egoistic or altruistic. Instead, the present work shows that genuine altruism is embedded in context-specific egoistic bias. Participants were willing to both forgo monetary reward to spare the other from painful electric shocks and also to suffer painful electric shocks to secure monetary reward for the other. However, across all trials and conditions, participants accrued more reward and less harm for the self than for the other person. These results characterize human decision makers as egoistically biased altruists, with important implications for psychology, economics, and public policy. How we make decisions that have direct consequences for ourselves and others forms the moral foundation of our society. Whereas economic theory contends that humans aim at maximizing their own gains, recent seminal psychological work suggests that our behavior is instead hyperaltruistic: We are more willing to sacrifice gains to spare others from harm than to spare ourselves from harm. To investigate how such egoistic and hyperaltruistic tendencies influence moral decision making, we investigated trade-off decisions combining monetary rewards and painful electric shocks, administered to the participants themselves or an anonymous other. Whereas we replicated the notion of hyperaltruism (i.e., the willingness to forego reward to spare others from harm), we observed strongly egoistic tendencies in participants’ unwillingness to harm themselves for others’ benefit. The moral principle guiding intersubject trade-off decision making observed in our study is best described as egoistically biased altruism, with important implications for our understanding of economic and social interactions in our society.
Stress, sex, and addiction: potential roles of corticotropin-releasing factor, oxytocin, and arginine-vasopressin

Stress sensitivity and sex are predictive factors for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Life stresses are not only risk factors for the development of addiction but also are triggers for relapse to drug use. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between stress and drug abuse, as an understanding of this may help in the development of novel and more effective therapeutic approaches to block the clinical manifestations of drug addiction. The development and clinical course of addiction-related disorders do appear to involve neuroadaptations within neurocircuitries that modulate stress responses and are influenced by several neuropeptides. These include corticotropin-releasing factor, the prototypic member of this class, as well as oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin that play important roles in affiliative behaviors. Interestingly, these peptides function to balance emotional behavior, with sexual dimorphism in the oxytocin/arginine-vasopressin systems, a fact that might play an important role in the differential responses of women and men to stressful stimuli and the specific sex-based prevalence of certain addictive disorders. Thus, this review aims to summarize (i) the contribution of sex differences to the function of dopamine systems, and (ii) the behavioral, neurochemical, and anatomical changes in brain stress systems.
Synchronization Performance Improvement on Motion Canceling Bilateral Control Using an Extended Dual Sampling Rate Observer

Motion canceling bilateral control (MCBC) is a method to synchronize motion of a teleoperation robot and a target, while an operator can obtain tactile sensation of the remote target. This interface helps the operator by taking a task and reduces his/her workload. However, the delay caused by the sensors deteriorates the synchronization performance and transparency of the MCBC. Therefore, synchronization performance improving method for MCBC utilizing an extended dual sampling rate observer (EDSR observer) is proposed in this research. The target motion is modeled as a motion with constant acceleration and the EDSR observer is utilized to estimate the present position of the target. The experimental results indicated that the synchronization performance was improved by 12.2 % in maximum error ratio and 14.8 % in root mean square error ratio. The experimental results indicate an improvement of the target operationality, which suggests the clear tactile sense transmission was achieved.
Food fortification to reduce vitamin A deficiency: International Vitamin A Consultative Group recommendations.

In developed countries, food fortification has proven an effective and low-cost way to increase the micronutrient supply and reduce the consequences of micronutrient deficiencies. It has been rarely used in the developing world, but general conclusions can be drawn. The biological efficacy, but not the effectiveness, of fortifying oil and hydrogenated oil products as well as cereal flours and meals with vitamin A has been shown. Sugar has been fortified with vitamin A in Central American countries for years, and biological efficacy and program effectiveness are well established. Efficacy of fortifying monosodium glutamate with vitamin A was demonstrated but a program has not been established. Fortification with vitamin A in the developing world should satisfy certain elements for success. a) A potential food matrix (a food regularly consumed, produced by a few centralized factories, without sensorial changes compared with the nonfortified equivalent, and nutrient remains bioavailable and in a sufficient amount) is required. b) Fortified foods should provide at least 15% of the recommended daily intakes for the target group (e.g., individuals consuming the lowest amount of the fortified food). c) Voluntary fortification of processed foods should be regulated to prevent excessive consumption of vitamin A. d) Neighboring countries should harmonize technical standards, facilitate compliance and minimize conflicts over global trade laws. e) A practical monitoring system should be instituted. f) Social marketing activities should be permanent and aimed at industry, government and consumers. g) Food fortification should be combined with other strategies (e.g., supplementation) to reach those not adequately covered by fortification alone. Infants and small children, whose dietary habits differ from those of adults, require special attention. Fortification of food commodities is a very attractive and economic way to prevent and control vitamin A deficiency. Effective food fortification might make supplementation of postpartum women and older children unnecessary.
The Impact of Microbial Communities on Wound Healing: A Review

Abstract Chronic, nonhealing wounds place an enormous burden on both the health care system and patients, with no definitive treatments available. There has been increasing evidence that the microbial composition of wounds may play an important role in wound healing. Culture-independent methods for bacterial detection and analysis have revealed the wound microbiome to be much more diverse and complex than culture alone. Such methods primarily rely on targeted amplification and sequencing of various hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA for phylogenetic analysis. To date, there have been several studies utilizing culture-independent methods to investigate the microbiome of a variety of chronic wounds, including venous insufficiency ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. Major bacteria found include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, and various anaerobes. Current studies suggest that improved healing and outcomes may be correlated with increased bacterial diversity and instability of the microbiome composition of a wound. However, the exact role of the microbiome in wound healing remains poorly understood. While the current research is promising, studies are very heterogeneous, hindering comparisons of findings across different research groups. In addition, more studies are needed to correlate microbiome findings with clinical factors, as well as in the relatively unexplored fields of acute wounds and nonbacterial microbiomes, such as the wound mycobiome and virome. Better understanding of the various aspects of the microorganisms present in wounds may eventually allow for the manipulation of the wound microbiota in such a way as to promote healing, such as through bacteriophage therapies or probiotics.
DELTA: Data Extraction and Logging Tool for Android

In recent years, the use of smartphones has increased exponentially, and so have their capabilities. Together with an increase in processing power, smartphones are now equipped with a variety of sensors and provide an extensive set of API. These capabilities allow us to extract data related to environment, user habits, and operating system itself. This data is extremely valuable in many research fields such as user authentication, intrusion, and information leaks detection. For these reasons, researchers need a solid and reliable logging tool to collect data from mobile devices. In this paper, we first survey the existing logging tools available on the Android platform, comparing their features and their impact on the system. Then, we present DELTA - Data Extraction and Logging Tool for Android, which improves the existing Android logging solutions in terms of flexibility, fine-grained tuning capabilities, extensibility, and available set of logging features. We fully implement DELTA and we run a thorough performance evaluation. The results show that our tool has a low impact on the performance of the system, on battery consumption, and on user experience. Finally, we make the DELTA source code available to the research community.
Effects of an Integrated Scratch and Project-Based Learning Approach on the Learning Achievements of Gifted Students in Computer Courses

Fostering students' computer programming ability has been recognized as being an important and challenging educational issue which is highly related to the process of problem solving. However, most existing computer programming instruction mainly focuses on the training of programming language syntax and programming skills, while the problem-solving concepts are often ignored. Thus, in this study, an integrated Scratch and project-based learning approach is proposed to embed problem-solving scenarios in programming learning tasks. To test the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a total of 91 secondary school students, including 43 average students and 48 mathematics gifted students, participated in a project-based learning activity. The experimental results showed that the proposed learning approach could be fitted to all types of students. However, the mathematics gifted students outperformed the average students in terms of problem-solving performance, learning attitude and learning motivation. Furthermore, both average and mathematics gifted students showed significant progress after the learning activity, implying that the proposed approach benefited all of the students, no matter whether they tended to be gifted in mathematics or not.
PERSPECTIVE:EVOLUTION AND DETECTION OF GENETIC ROBUSTNESS

Abstract Robustness is the invariance of phenotypes in the face of perturbation. The robustness of phenotypes appears at various levels of biological organization, including gene expression, protein folding, metabolic flux, physiological homeostasis, development, and even organismal fitness. The mechanisms underlying robustness are diverse, ranging from thermodynamic stability at the RNA and protein level to behavior at the organismal level. Phenotypes can be robust either against heritable perturbations (e.g., mutations) or nonheritable perturbations (e.g., the weather). Here we primarily focus on the first kind of robustness—genetic robustness—and survey three growing avenues of research: (1) measuring genetic robustness in nature and in the laboratory; (2) understanding the evolution of genetic robustness; and (3) exploring the implications of genetic robustness for future evolution.
The efficiency of lipid nanoparticles with an original cationic lipid as a siRNA delivery system for macrophages and dendritic cells

Abstract Small interfering of RNA (siRNA) technology has the potential to be a next-generation therapy. However, naked siRNA does not have high transfection efficiency and is rapidly degraded after systemic injection, so an appropriate drug delivery system (DDS) is required for clinical use. Several potential systems have been assessed, clinically focusing on hepatocyte or cancer tissue using siRNA. However, targeting immune cells using siRNA is still challenging, and a new DDS is required. In this study, we prepared lipid nanoparticles (LNP) composed of original cationic lipid, neutral lipid of DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) and PEG2000-DMPE (N-(carbonyl-methoxypolyethyleneglycol 2000)-1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, sodium salt). Our LNP encapsulating siRNA (LNP/siRNA) exerted a knock-down (KD) effect on mouse inflammatory peritoneal macrophages in vitro. In addition, an in vivo KD effect by systemic administration of LNP/siRNA was observed in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) in mice. Furthermore, our LNP/siRNA showed in vitro KD effects not only on murine cells but also on human cells like monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs). These results indicate the potential utility of our LNP for siRNA-based therapy targeting macrophages and DCs. Because these cells are known to have a significant role in several kinds of diseases, and siRNA can specifically suppress target genes that are closely associated with disease states and are untreatable by small molecules or antibodies. Therefore, delivering siRNA by our LNP to macrophages and DCs could provide novel therapies.
Chlamydia trachomatis In Vivo to In Vitro Transition Reveals Mechanisms of Phase Variation and Down-Regulation of Virulence Factors

Research on the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis demands culture in cell-lines, but the adaptive process behind the in vivo to in vitro transition is not understood. We assessed the genomic and transcriptomic dynamics underlying C. trachomatis in vitro adaptation of strains representing the three disease groups (ocular, epithelial-genital and lymphogranuloma venereum) propagated in epithelial cells over multiple passages. We found genetic features potentially underlying phase variation mechanisms mediating the regulation of a lipid A biosynthesis enzyme (CT533/LpxC), and the functionality of the cytotoxin (CT166) through an ON/OFF mechanism. We detected inactivating mutations in CT713/porB, a scenario suggesting metabolic adaptation to the available carbon source. CT135 was inactivated in a tropism-specific manner, with CT135-negative clones emerging for all epithelial-genital populations (but not for LGV and ocular populations) and rapidly increasing in frequency (~23% mutants per 10 passages). RNA-sequencing analyses revealed that a deletion event involving CT135 impacted the expression of multiple virulence factors, namely effectors known to play a role in the C. trachomatis host-cell invasion or subversion (e.g., CT456/Tarp, CT694, CT875/TepP and CT868/ChlaDub1). This reflects a scenario of attenuation of C. trachomatis virulence in vitro, which may take place independently or in a cumulative fashion with the also observed down-regulation of plasmid-related virulence factors. This issue may be relevant on behalf of the recent advances in Chlamydia mutagenesis and transformation where culture propagation for selecting mutants/transformants is mandatory. Finally, there was an increase in the growth rate for all strains, reflecting gradual fitness enhancement over time. In general, these data shed light on the adaptive process underlying the C. trachomatis in vivo to in vitro transition, and indicates that it would be prudent to restrict culture propagation to minimal passages and check the status of the CT135 genotype in order to avoid the selection of CT135-negative mutants, likely originating less virulent strains.
Controlled Release of Strontium through Neutralization Reaction within a Methoxy(Polyethylene Glycol)-Polyesterc hydrogel

Background The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive hydrogel system that can release strontium ions, an element that has been shown to increase osteoblast proliferation and prohibit bone resorption, in a controlled manner. Methods SrCO3 was selected as the salt of choice due to potential acid neutralization reaction between SrCO3 and degradation by-products of methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-co-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG-PLGA): namely, lactic acid and glycolic acid. SrCO3 was incorporated into mPEG-PLGA hydrogel, and the system was assessed for gelation properties, drug release and biocompatibility. Results SrCO3 incorporation at hydrogel to SrCO3 ratios of 5:1, 3:1 and 1:1 (wt%) did not compromise the thermosensitivity of mPEG-PLGA hydrogels. Furthermore, incorporation of SrCO3 at 1:1 ratio prevented copolymer self-catalysis and decreased hydrogel weight loss from 85% to 61% in vitro after 30 days. During the 30-day time frame, zero-order strontium release was observed and was correlated to hydrogel degradation and acidity. The addition of SrCO3 also improved in vivo hydrogel biocompatibility, due to moderation of acidic microenvironment and amelioration of inflammatory response. Conclusions These results showed that the described system is suitable for the extended release of strontium and exhibits potential for localized treatment for osteoporosis or as a bone void filler.
The predictive validity of kindergarten readiness judgments: Lessons from one state

ABSTRACT Recent federal investments in early childhood assessment systems are the result of a national need for developmentally appropriate, psychometrically sound instruments to monitor young children and evaluate the effectiveness of their learning programs. In this paper, we examined the association between teachers’ perceptions of their students at the start of kindergarten and academic achievement in Grade 3 with hierarchical linear modeling using state-level data from nearly 30,000 students. The analyses showed that such an association exists even after accounting for student-level and school-level demographic variables and is moderated by the percentage of free-lunch-eligible students in a given school. Implications of these findings related screening and assessment at kindergarten entry are discussed.
Using Statistical Models of Morphology in the Search for Optimal Units of Representation in the Human Mental Lexicon

Determining optimal units of representing morphologically complex words in the mental lexicon is a central question in psycholinguistics. Here, we utilize advances in computational sciences to study human morphological processing using statistical models of morphology, particularly the unsupervised Morfessor model that works on the principle of optimization. The aim was to see what kind of model structure corresponds best to human word recognition costs for multimorphemic Finnish nouns: a model incorporating units resembling linguistically defined morphemes, a whole-word model, or a model that seeks for an optimal balance between these two extremes. Our results showed that human word recognition was predicted best by a combination of two models: a model that decomposes words at some morpheme boundaries while keeping others unsegmented and a whole-word model. The results support dual-route models that assume that both decomposed and full-form representations are utilized to optimally process complex words within the mental lexicon.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for the management of brain metastases.

A fifty-year-old man with a history of locally advanced non-smal-cell lung cancer presents with moderately severe headaches and mils numbness of the right arm. He is functionnaly independent and has no coexisting medical conditions. His neurologic examination is normal except for some diminished sensation in the right arm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain reveals a single lesion, 2,5 cm in diameter, in the left parietal region, with a moderate amount of edema. Aditional testing shows no evidence of extracranial disease. He is treated with dexamethasone, with rapid improvement oh his symptoms. His physicians recommend whole-brain radiation therapy followed by stereotactic radiosurgery.
The Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on a Physical Activity Intervention: Impact on Physical Function, Adherence, and Safety

Background Because chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with muscle wasting, older adults with CKD are likely to have physical function deficits. Physical activity can improve these deficits, but whether CKD attenuates the benefits is unknown. Our objective was to determine if CKD modified the effect of a physical activity intervention in older adults. Methods This is an exploratory analysis of the LIFE-P study, which compared a 12-month physical activity program (PA) to a successful aging education program (SA) in older adults. CKD was defined as a baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. We examined the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included serious adverse events (SAE) and adherence to intervention frequency. Linear mixed models were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, CKD, intervention, site, visit, baseline SPPB, and interactions of intervention and visit and of intervention, visit, and baseline CKD. Results The sample included 368 participants. CKD was present in 105 (28.5%) participants with a mean eGFR of 49.2 ± 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2. Mean SPPB was 7.38 ± 1.41 in CKD participants; 7.59 ± 1.44 in those without CKD (p = 0.20). For CKD participants in PA, 12-month SPPBs increased to 8.90 (95% CI 8.32, 9.47), while PA participants without CKD increased to 8.40 (95% CI 8.01, 8.79, p = 0.43). For CKD participants in SA, 12-month SPPBs increased to 7.67 (95% CI 7.07, 8.27), while participants without CKD increased to 8.12 (95% CI 7.72, 8.52, p = 0.86). Interaction between CKD and intervention was non-significant (p = 0.88). Number and type of SAEs were not different between CKD and non-CKD participants (all p > 0.05). In PA, adherence for CKD participants was 65.5 ± 25.4%, while for those without CKD was 74.0 ± 22.2% (p = 0.12). Conclusion Despite lower adherence, older adults with CKD likely derive clinically meaningful benefits from physical activity with no apparent impact on safety, compared to those without CKD.
RADIATION INDUCED ACRYLAMIDE/CITRIC ACID HYDROGELS AND THEIR SWELLING BEHAVIORS

Citric acid (CAc) moieties containing acrylamide (AAm) hydrogels were prepared by gamma irradiation of their aqueous solutions. A possible polymerization and crosslinking mechanism for acrylamide/citric acid (AAm/CAc) hydrogels is proposed. The effects of irradiation dose and citric acid content on swelling behavior were investigated. Swelling took place in water at 25°C and was followed gravimetrically. Incorporation of a relatively low amount of citric acid to acrylamide hydrogel increased its swelling up to 950% from 700%. The diffusion of water into AAm/CAc hydrogels was found to be a non-Fickian type. Diffusion coefficients of AAm/CAc hydrogels found as 5 × 10−7− 10 × 10−7 cm2 sec−1. It has also been found that the number average molar mass between crosslinks is increased with the CAc content and decreased with irradiation dose.