Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Quest for Anti-α-Synuclein Antibody Specificity—Lessons Learnt From Flow Cytometry Analysis

The accumulation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is the hallmark of a group of neurodegenerative conditions termed synucleopathies. Physiological functions of aSyn, including those outside of the CNS, remain elusive. However, a reliable and reproducible evaluation of aSyn protein expression in different cell types and especially in low-expressing cells is impeded by the existence of a huge variety of poorly characterized anti-aSyn antibodies and a lack of a routinely used sensitive detection methods. Here, we developed a robust flow cytometry-based workflow for aSyn detection and antibody validation. We test our workflow using three commercially available antibodies (MJFR1, LB509, and 2A7) in a variety of human cell types, including induced pluripotent stem cells, T lymphocytes, and fibroblasts, and provide a cell- and antibody-specific map for aSyn expression. Strikingly, we demonstrate a previously unobserved unspecificity of the LB509 antibody, while the MJFR1 clone revealed specific aSyn binding however with low sensitivity. On the other hand, we identified an aSyn-specific antibody clone 2A7 with an optimal sensitivity for detecting aSyn in a range of cell types, including those with low aSyn expression. We further utilize our workflow to demonstrate the ability of the 2A7 antibody to distinguish between physiological differences in aSyn expression in neuronal and non-neuronal cells from the cortical organoids, and in neural progenitors and midbrain dopaminergic neurons from healthy controls and in patients with Parkinson's disease who have aSyn gene locus duplication. Our results provide a proof of principle for the use of high-throughput flow cytometry-based analysis of aSyn and highlight the necessity of rigorous aSyn antibody validation to facilitate the research of aSyn physiology and pathology.
Thinking rhythm objects

The focus of this mini-review is on rhythm objects, defined as strongly coherent chunks of combined sound and body motion in music, typically in the duration range of a few seconds, as may for instance be found in a fragment of dance music, in an energetic drum fill, in a flute ornament, or in a cascade of sounds of a rapid harp glissando. Although there has been much research on rhythm in continuous musical sound and its links with behavior, including the neurocognitive aspects of periodicity, synchrony, and entrainment, there has been much less focus on the generation and perception of singular coherent rhythm objects. This mini-review aims to enhance our understanding of such rhythm objects by pointing to relevant literature on coherence-enhancing elements such as coarticulation, i.e., the fusion of motion events into more extended rhythm objects, and intermittent motor control, i.e., the discontinuous, instant-by-instant control and triggering of rhythm objects.
Mentoring and Tacit Knowledge Transfer in Novice Teachers From Chinese Middle Schools: Mediating Effect of Job Crafting

In this study, we explore how mentoring relates to tacit knowledge transfer among middle school novice teachers in China and how job crafting mediates this relationship. In total, 465 Chinese novice teachers participated in this study and completed a set of self-reports measuring the mentoring function, tacit knowledge transfer, and job crafting. An analysis of the reports indicated that: (1) Mentoring, job crafting, and tacit knowledge transfer were positively correlated; (2) Four sub-factors of the mentoring function and five sub-factors of job crafting were significantly related to tacit knowledge transfer; (3) job crafting played a mediating role between mentoring and tacit knowledge transfer; (4) the mediating path of task crafting and skill crafting (two sub-factors of job crafting) between mentoring and tacit knowledge transfer was significant, while the mediating effect of role crafting, cognitive crafting, and relationship crafting (the other three sub-factors of job crafting) was not significant.
Detection of Genomic Imprinting for Carcass Traits in Cattle Using Imputed High-Density Genotype Data

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon defined as the silencing of an allele, at least partially, at a given locus based on the sex of the transmitting parent. The objective of the present study was to detect the presence of SNP-phenotype imprinting associations for carcass weight (CW), carcass conformation (CC) and carcass fat (CF) in cattle. The data used comprised carcass data, along with imputed, high-density genotype data on 618,837 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 23,687 cattle; all animal genotypes were phased with respect to parent of origin. Based on the phased genotypes and a series of single-locus linear models, 24, 339, and 316 SNPs demonstrated imprinting associations with CW, CC, and CF, respectively. Regardless of the trait in question, no known imprinted gene was located within 0.5 Mb of the SNPs demonstrating imprinting associations in the present study. Since all imprinting associations detected herein were at novel loci, further investigation of these regions may be warranted. Nonetheless, knowledge of these associations might be useful for improving the accuracy of genomic evaluations for these traits, as well as mate allocations systems to exploit the effects of genomic imprinting.
The convergence of AI, IoT, and big data for advancing flood analytics research

Floods are among the most destructive natural hazards that affect millions of people across the world leading to severe loss of life and damage to properties, critical infrastructure, and the environment. The combination of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoTs), has the potential to more accurately predict these extreme events and accelerate the convergence of advanced techniques for flood analytics research. This convergence—so called the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT)—is transformational for both technologies and science-based decision making since AI adds value to IoT through interpretable machine learning (ML) while IoT leverages the power of AI via connectivity and data intelligence. The aim of this research is to discuss the workflow of a Flood Analytics Information System (FAIS; version 4.00) as an example of AIoT prototype to advance and drive the next generation of flood informatics systems. FAIS integrates crowd intelligence, ML, and natural language processing (NLP) to provide flood warning with the aim of improving flood situational awareness and risk assessments. Various image processing algorithms, i.e., Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), were also integrated with the FAIS prototype for image label detection, and floodwater level and inundation areas calculation. The prototype successfully identifies a dynamic set of at-risk locations/communities using the USGS river gauge height readings and geotagged tweets intersected with watershed boundary. The list of prioritized locations can be updated, as the river monitoring system and condition change over time (typically every 15 min). The prototype also performs flood frequency analysis (FFA) by fitting multiple probability distributions to the annual flood peak rates and calculates the uncertainty associated with the model. FAIS was operationally tested (beta-tested) during multiple hurricane driven floods in the US and was recently released as a national-scale flood data analytics pipeline.
Measuring Immersion, Involvement, and Attention Focusing Tendencies in the Mediated Environment: The Applicability of the Immersive Tendencies Questionnaire

This study explores the personal predispositions and dependencies while individuals use digital media and communication devices and analyses the statistical features of the Immersive Tendencies Questionnaire (ITQ) that is popular in assessing the personality trait-dependent reaction to mediated environments. The study evaluated 781 healthy graduates and postgraduates, of which 192 were men (average age: 28.6 years) and 589 were women (average age: 28.4 years). We applied several questionnaires to measure immersive tendencies in a mediated environment, adaptive and maladaptive personality predispositions, and problematic Internet use and Facebook addiction scales. We analyze the statistical features of the long and short forms of the Immersive Tendencies Questionnaire. The data obtained support the reliable usage of the short form of the instrument. The factor structure of the questionnaire presents dual facets. First, it indicates an absorptive and immersive tendency in any case of maladaptive tendencies. Second, it reflects an intensive capability to focus on the mediated environment with adequate cognitive control to avoid any contingency of being addicted. The short form of the ITQ is reliable and adequate to assess the relationship between the self-referred and environment-dependent psychological functions.
Switching MIMO System with Adaptive OFDM Modulation for Indoor Visible Light Communication

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a switching multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) system combining with adaptive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation for high-speed indoor visible light communications. The adaptive OFDM modulation, which is realized by power and bit allocation on OFDM subchannels, is utilized to achieve the maximum channel capacity under a given target bit error rate (BER). Meanwhile, the MIMO mode switches between spatial multiplexing and transmit diversity adapting to the channel correlation, where the modulation order solved by adaptive OFDM modulation is chosen as the switching criterion. Experimental results validate data rates improvement over the pure spatial multiplexing and the pure transmit diversity system, where BERs are all below the 7% preforward error correction (pre-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3 in experiments.
Toward an Adapted Neurofeedback for Post-stroke Motor Rehabilitation: State of the Art and Perspectives

Stroke is a severe health issue, and motor recovery after stroke remains an important challenge in the rehabilitation field. Neurofeedback (NFB), as part of a brain–computer interface, is a technique for modulating brain activity using on-line feedback that has proved to be useful in motor rehabilitation for the chronic stroke population in addition to traditional therapies. Nevertheless, its use and applications in the field still leave unresolved questions. The brain pathophysiological mechanisms after stroke remain partly unknown, and the possibilities for intervention on these mechanisms to promote cerebral plasticity are limited in clinical practice. In NFB motor rehabilitation, the aim is to adapt the therapy to the patient’s clinical context using brain imaging, considering the time after stroke, the localization of brain lesions, and their clinical impact, while taking into account currently used biomarkers and technical limitations. These modern techniques also allow a better understanding of the physiopathology and neuroplasticity of the brain after stroke. We conducted a narrative literature review of studies using NFB for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. The main goal was to decompose all the elements that can be modified in NFB therapies, which can lead to their adaptation according to the patient’s context and according to the current technological limits. Adaptation and individualization of care could derive from this analysis to better meet the patients’ needs. We focused on and highlighted the various clinical and technological components considering the most recent experiments. The second goal was to propose general recommendations and enhance the limits and perspectives to improve our general knowledge in the field and allow clinical applications. We highlighted the multidisciplinary approach of this work by combining engineering abilities and medical experience. Engineering development is essential for the available technological tools and aims to increase neuroscience knowledge in the NFB topic. This technological development was born out of the real clinical need to provide complementary therapeutic solutions to a public health problem, considering the actual clinical context of the post-stroke patient and the practical limits resulting from it.
Assessing the Impact of Culture: A Systematic Analysis of Culture-Based Interventions and Evaluations

Over the last 20 years, transportation agencies have added culture-based approaches to the existing education, engineering, and enforcement (3E) strategies being used as a means of reducing traffic related injuries and fatalities. Despite this increased interest, there have been comparatively few evaluations of these interventions. At the same time, many other organizational types have adopted culture-based strategies either to improve safety or to enhance other elements of organizational performance. In aggregate, the evaluations of culture-focused interventions across a range of settings offer an untapped body of information about the models of culture being leveraged to affect change, the intervention strategies used to impact culture, the impacts of these strategies, and more. The research presented here used a systematic analysis of published, peer-reviewed evaluations of culture-based interventions designed to enhance traffic safety, safe workplaces, and effective practices more broadly, in order to more comprehensively understand the current state and impacts of culture-based theory and practices. This study seeks to build a clearer picture of the presence and robustness of current models of culture being utilized, as well as what evaluation strategies and designs are being used to assess culture-based initiatives, and further, what the robustness of the existing models and evaluation designs reveal about the efficacy of the original, culture-based interventions. Lastly, this analysis includes a preliminary examination of links between culture-based initiatives and systems theory/thinking, in an effort to identify conceptual ties between and/or empirical evidence supporting a relationship between the “Safe System” approach and traffic safety culture or other culture-based efforts. It is hoped that with a clearer understanding of the status of the field, it will be possible to make further progress in crafting, assessing, and refining theoretically robust and empirically grounded efforts to advance the efficacy of traffic safety culture and safe systems approaches.
Microbial volatile organic compounds: Antifungal mechanisms, applications, and challenges

The fungal decay of fresh fruits and vegetables annually generates substantial global economic losses. The utilization of conventional synthetic fungicides is damaging to the environment and human health. Recently, the biological control of post-harvest fruit and vegetable diseases via antagonistic microorganisms has become an attractive possible substitution for synthetic fungicides. Numerous studies have confirmed the potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for post-harvest disease management. Moreover, VOC emission is a predominant antifungal mechanism of antagonistic microorganisms. As such, it is of great significance to discuss and explore the antifungal mechanisms of microbial VOCs for commercial application. This review summarizes the main sources of microbial VOCs in the post-harvest treatment and control of fruit and vegetable diseases. Recent advances in the elucidation of antifungal VOC mechanisms are emphasized, and the applications of VOCs produced from antagonistic microorganisms are described. Finally, the current prospects and challenges associated with microbial VOCs are considered.
Parental homework-help profiles throughout grades 6 – 9: Relations to motivation and mathematics skills

This study aimed to examine how parental profiles during homework help (supportive versus controlling) for children in Grades 6 and 9 change over time and relate to children’s motivation and math skills. Participants included 719 mother–child dyads. Children’s perceptions of parental help and math skills were assessed in both grades; children’s math-related self-concept, interest, and mother-rated task persistence were assessed only in Grade 6. Three similar profiles of parental help appeared in both grades. Most mothers and children belonged to the Average support and control profile (around 60% in both grades); 29–33% belonged to the Average support, high control profile; and 8–11% belonged to the Low support, below average control profile. Profiles differed based on children’s self-concept, task persistence, and math skills in Grade 6. Transitions of parental homework help predicted children’s math skills in Grade 9. These findings help to conceptualize parental homework help as a multidimensional construct that may manifest in three different profiles which differentially relate to the child’s skills and motivation.
Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Total Testosterone in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Men With Coronary Heart Disease

Background Fibroblast growth factor 21 increased in population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while serum total testosterone often decreased in men with T2DM. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and circulating FGF21 concentrations and serum testosterone in T2DM men. Methods 490 men with T2DM from January 2021 to December 2021 were recruited from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, and they were divided into CAD group (n=248) and control group (n=242). FGF21 were determined based on ELISA principle and serum total testosterone was measured in a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer LC/MS-8050 (Shimadzu, Japan). Logistic and restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to examine the association between the prevalence of CAD and circulating FGF21 concentrations and serum testosterone in T2DM men. The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to explore the predictive performance. Results Circulating FGF21 levels were higher in T2DM men with CAD compared with those without CAD [214.63 (121.82, 348.64) pg/ml vs 166.55 (94.81,254.48) pg/ml, p<0.001], while serum total testosterone was lower [3.08 ± 0.07 ng/ml vs 3.76 ± 0.09 ng/ml, p<0.001]. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) was 2.956(1.409,6.201) for those in quartile 4 of FGF21 versus quartile 1 and the fully adjusted OR (95%CI) was 0.346(0.174,0.686) for those in quartile 4 of testosterone versus quartile 1. The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of combination of FGF21 and testosterone for predicting the occurrence of CAD in men with T2DM was 0.702 (95% CI: 0.667-0.741). Conclusion Circulating FGF21 levels were positively associated with CAD in men with T2DM, whereas serum total testosterone levels showed an inverse correlation with CAD in diabetic men.
Research Progress on the Corrosive Environment Large-Scale Evolution for Nuclear Waste Container

After a nuclear waste container buried 500–1,000 m underground, it gradually experiences the dual effects of groundwater infiltration and the decay heat of radioactive nuclear waste. The decay and heat release of nuclear waste will also result in temperature stress. At the same time, the groundwater will gradually saturate the buffer/backfill materials which will produce expansion stress, thus forming a typical thermal–water–stress multi-coupling environment in the geological disposal, forming the environment where the corrosion could happen. In comparison, the information obtained through laboratories, field tests, and natural simulations are limited. However, numerical simulation is very important to predict the changes of a near-field environment. On one hand, the numerical simulation can verify the corresponding experimental data in the early stages; on the other hand, it can also predict the long-term corrosion environment change. This article mainly summarizes the large-scale evolution of a typical corrosion environment obtained by numerical simulation under different deep geological conditions in various countries, focusing on the effects of temperature, saturation, oxygen content, and radiation, which provide a reference for the research on the evolution of important corrosion environments on the surface of a nuclear waste container.
The Association Between Internet Gaming Disorder and Sensation Seeking Among Arab Adolescents

Research on internet gaming disorder (IGD) has increased considerably over the last decade. Although most IGD research has focused on Western or South Asian samples, it is critical to understand and assess this disorder among other populations. The present study investigated the association between IGD and sensation seeking among Arab adolescents. An online survey consisting of the short internet gaming disorder short scale (IGDSS) and brief sensation seeking scale (B-SSS) was completed by 260 participants (mean age = 14.61, SD = 2.43). The results showed that sensation seeking behaviours were associated with higher gaming hours and greater chances of exhibiting IGD. The findings support the current perspective of understanding this disorder from a disease framework as it highlights the relevance of behavioural components in gaming addiction. Importantly, the results will further aid the development of reliable diagnosis and efficacious treatments within clinical practices.
POTASSIUM MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO NERVE ACTIVITY* BY ABRAHAM M. SHANES (From the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases of the National Imtitutes of Health, Public Health Service, Bethesda,~ Department of Physiology

A tentative generalization, proposed on the basis of a number of bioelectrical studies, is that changes of potassium concentration at the nerve fiber surfaces-resulting from imbalance between conditions tending to cause intracellular potassium escape and metabolic reactions leading to uptake--are a major factor in the fluctuations of potential level (7-9, 13). This has been confirmed for anoxia and postanoxic recovery through establishment of predicted correlations with potassium movement by direct analytical methods in crab (10) and in frog nerve (3, 11, 12). The primary purpose of the present study has been to test in several ways the validity of the proposal that the polarization changes during and following repetitive activity (viz., the negative and positive after-potentials) are likewise the consequence of potassium release and reabsorption (9). To this end, electrical changes and potassium shifts have been studied under conditions as similar as practicable. Crab nerve was selected for experiment because its very long after-potentials (1, 4, 6, 9) gave promise of permitting the detection of related potassium transfer if such should occur. The specificity of veratrine with respect to the after-potentials is well known; therefore, its effect on ionic displacement as well as the electrical changes of activity also has been examined. Still another test of the hypothesis has been sought in observations of the effect on potassium movement of large and small volumes of medium in contact with the fibers; this will be compared with corresponding effects on electrical behavior (9). A corollary of the working hypothesis, which has served as a basis for experimental design, is that functional changes may be a result in part of the postulated extraceUular accumulation of potassium. The limited nature of the
Distribution of Municipal Services Access Points over a Territory in a Scenario with Restricted Information

—In developing countries we face not only technical issues, but also the lack of basic data that we are obly to obtain by using alternative paths. In the context of a local government on a developing country, this work shows two results. The ﬁrst one is the procedure to obtain or deduce the needed information from alternative data sources. The second one is how to use genetic algorithms (whose input is obtained from the ﬁrst result) to conﬁgure a distribution of access points for eGovernment services