Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The cardiac autonomic response to acute psychological stress in type 2 diabetes

Background Impaired cardiac autonomic control is common among people with type 2 diabetes. The autonomic nervous system and its regulatory influence on the cardiovascular system also play a key role in the physiological response to psychosocial stressors. It is unclear whether the disease-related impairment of cardiac autonomic control in people with type 2 diabetes affects the stress response. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the cardiac autonomic and the psychological stress response of people with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy control participants. Methods We used the trier social stress test to induce stress in n = 51 participants with type 2 diabetes and n = 47 healthy controls. We assessed heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) using six ECG samples before, during and after the stress test. We measured participants’ psychological stress response using visual analogue scales. Results Longitudinal multilevel models showed an attenuated HR increase in response to the stress test combined with a slower HR recovery after the stress test, in people with type 2 diabetes. This pattern was accompanied by significantly lower low frequency HRV but no differences in high frequency HRV between the groups. Additionally, people with type 2 diabetes showed an increased level of self-reported psychological tension 45 minutes after the stress test. Conclusions The impairment of the autonomic nervous system found in people with type 2 diabetes is reflected in the HR response to stress—but not in the HRV response—and partially mirrored in the psychological stress response. Our results underline the importance of considering the interplay of psychosocial stress and disease-related changes in the physiological stress response system in research and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
New heat-treated vs electropolished nickel-titanium instruments used in root canal treatment: Influence of autoclave sterilization on surface roughness

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments used to treat root canal infections are affected by autoclave sterilization in various ways. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of autoclave sterilization on two NiTi rotary instruments that undergo different manufacturing treatments: The electro-polished Race and the heat-treated Race Evo, using scanning electron microscope analysis. In this in-vitro study, Race and Race-Evo instruments were subjected to a number of autoclaving cycles (0, 1, 3, 5, and 10). Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained at 3 mm from the tip of the file at 450x and 1000x magnifications. Surface roughness parameters were measured using ImageJ software. The results showed that autoclave sterilization caused a significant decrease in conventional NiTi Race surface roughness. While in Race Evo, surface roughness increased following the first autoclaving cycle. After 10 autoclaving cycles, surface roughness significantly decreased for both Race and Race Evo files.
Lecturers’ information literacy experience in remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic

The advent of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, continues to trigger several important disruptions/innovations in practically every sector around the world. Additionally, the impacts are predominant in certain educational systems and in creating opportunities. Previous studies had addressed possible effective methods in handling distant learning and student interactions. This qualitative study explored lecturers’ information literacy experience during online classes as a result of the pandemic. Semi-structured interview techniques were applied among participants, made up of 15 lecturers in the Humanities Faculty, Diponegoro University, Indonesia, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data obtained. The results showed the focus of lecturers’ information literacy experience was primarily on student interactions and knowledge of various online learning platforms. However, information repackaging was a significant initial consideration during virtual classes, after identifying salient student characteristics. In summary, the present study have contributed to the theoretical understanding of information literacy and may be of benefit to the teaching faculties for enhancing teaching and learning activities, as well as providing student support.
Systematic inference identifies a major source of heterogeneity in cell signaling dynamics: The rate-limiting step number

Identifying the sources of cell-to-cell variability in signaling dynamics is essential to understand drug response variability and develop effective therapeutics. However, it is challenging because not all signaling intermediate reactions can be experimentally measured simultaneously. This can be overcome by replacing them with a single random time delay, but the resulting process is non-Markovian, making it difficult to infer cell-to-cell heterogeneity in reaction rates and time delays. To address this, we developed an efficient and scalable moment-based Bayesian inference method (MBI) with a user-friendly computational package that infers cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the non-Markovian signaling process. We applied MBI to single-cell expression profiles from promoters responding to antibiotics and discovered a major source of cell-to-cell variability in antibiotic stress response: the number of rate-limiting steps in signaling cascades. This knowledge can help identify effective therapies that destroy all pathogenic or cancer cells, and the approach can be applied to precision medicine.
Assessment of Age, Gender, Mating Status, and Size on Single and Repeat Flight Capabilities of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a specialist pest of avocado fruit and is considered an incursion risk for U.S. avocado producers. At the time work reported here was undertaken the flight capabilities of H. lauri were unknown. Consequently, proactive studies were undertaken to quantify aspects of this pest’s flight capabilities to inform potential future control efforts. Flight mill studies were conducted in a quarantine laboratory to measure the dispersal capacity of H. lauri with respect to gender, mating status, and size on the single and repeat flight capabilities of weevils. Gender, mating status, and size did not significantly affect measured flight parameters. Average total distances flown and flight velocity, and mean maximum flight bout distances and durations significantly declined as weevil age increased and when weevils engaged in repeat flights. Survivorship rates were significantly reduced as the number of successive flights undertaken increased. The distribution of total average flight distances flown and total cumulative flight distances flown was platykurtic. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of developing incursion management plans.
Root system size and root hair length are key phenes for nitrate acquisition and biomass production across natural variation in Arabidopsis.

The role of root phenes in nitrogen (N) acquisition and biomass production was evaluated in ten contrasting natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Seedlings were grown on vertical agar plates with two divergent nitrate supplies. The low N treatment increased the root-to-shoot biomass ratio and promoted the proliferation of lateral roots and root hairs. The cost of a larger root system did not impact shoot biomass. Greater biomass production could be achieved through increased root length or through specific root hair characteristics. Greater number of root hairs may provide a low-resistance pathway under elevated N conditions, while root hair length may enhance root zone exploration under low N conditions. The variability of N uptake and the expression levels of genes encoding nitrate transporters were measured. A positive correlation was found between root system size and high-affinity nitrate uptake, emphasizing the benefits of an exploratory root organ in N acquisition. The expression levels of NRT1.2/NPF4.6, NRT2.2, and NRT1.5/NPF7.3 negatively correlated with some root morphological traits. Such basic knowledge in Arabidopsis demonstrates the importance of root phenes to improve N acquisition and paves the way to design Brassica and other eudicot ideotypes.
A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF INTERNAL PHYSICAL EFFECTS IN A HALL THRUSTER

We use fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulation to analyze performance and complement existing experimental data for the high power (-3kW) P5 Stationary Plasma Thruster (SPT), designed by Gulczinski [3]. The used kinetic model was originally developed by Szabo for a mini Thruster with Anode Layer (TAL) [8]. It was successfully applied to optimize the 50W mini-TAL performance at both nominal [8], and very high operational voltages [l]. However, the predictive simulation of a SPT thruster required sizable modifications of the existing model. Firstly, P5 has -5000 times larger discharge chamber, which is characterized with completely different geometry and magnetic field structure. Other important additions include ceramic wall effects, third order ionization of a Xenon atom, ion excitation by electron impact, etc. Our initial goal is the reproducing of the existing experimental data for the P5 stationary operation by the improved kinetic model and PIC code. The ultimate goal is to simulate its operation at progressively higher voltages to track trends for higher Isp thrusters [ 1,5].
The role of preoperative optimization of the nutritional status on the improvement of short‐term outcomes after liver transplantation? A review of the literature and expert panel recommendations

Malnutrition is a known risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT). Malnutrition is a potentially reversible risk factor, though there are no clear guidelines on the best mechanism for an improvement. It also remains unclear if preoperative nutritional interventions have benefits to post‐transplant outcomes for transplant recipients.
Decomposition of variation of mixed variables by a latent mixed Gaussian copula model

Many biomedical studies collect data of mixed types of variables from multiple groups of subjects. Some of these studies aim to find the group‐specific and the common variation among all these variables. Even though similar problems have been studied by some previous works, their methods mainly rely on the Pearson correlation, which cannot handle mixed data. To address this issue, we propose a latent mixed Gaussian copula (LMGC) model that can quantify the correlations among binary, ordinal, continuous, and truncated variables in a unified framework. We also provide a tool to decompose the variation into the group‐specific and the common variation over multiple groups via solving a regularized M‐estimation problem. We conduct extensive simulation studies to show the advantage of our proposed method over the Pearson correlation‐based methods. We also demonstrate that by jointly solving the M‐estimation problem over multiple groups, our method is better than decomposing the variation group by group. We also apply our method to a Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection study to demonstrate how it can be used to discover informative biomarkers that differentiate patients.
Brain activity patterns underlying memory confidence

The primary aim of this review is to examine the brain activity patterns that are related to subjectively perceived memory confidence. We focus on the main brain regions involved in episodic memory: the medial temporal lobe (MTL), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and relate activity in their subregions to memory confidence. How this brain activity in both the encoding and retrieval phase is related to (subsequent) memory confidence ratings will be discussed. Specifically, encoding related activity in MTL regions and ventrolateral PFC mainly shows a positive linear increase with subsequent memory confidence, while dorsolateral and ventromedial PFC activity show mixed patterns. In addition, encoding‐related PPC activity seems to only have indirect effects on memory confidence ratings. Activity during retrieval in both the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex increases with memory confidence, especially during high‐confident recognition. Retrieval‐related activity in the PFC and PPC show mixed relationships with memory confidence, likely related to post‐retrieval monitoring and attentional processes, respectively. In this review, these MTL, PFC, and PPC activity patterns are examined in detail and related to their functional roles in memory processes. This insight into brain activity that underlies memory confidence is important for our understanding of brain–behaviour relations and memory‐guided decision making.
Observations on the distribution and control of Salmonella in commercial broiler hatcheries in Great Britain

Salmonella can enter hatcheries via contaminated eggs and other breaches of biosecurity. The study examined the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella in commercial hatcheries and assessed the effects of providing advice on Salmonella control. Intensive swab sampling was performed throughout 23 broiler hatcheries in Great Britain (GB). Swabs were cultured using a modified ISO6579:2017 method. After each visit, tailored advice on biosecurity and cleaning and disinfection procedures was provided to the hatchery managers. Repeat sampling was carried out in 10 of the 23 hatcheries. Salmonella prevalence ranged between 0% and 33.5%, with the chick handling areas, hatcher areas, macerator area, tray wash/storage areas, external areas and other waste handling areas being more contaminated than the setter areas. Salmonella Senftenberg and Salmonella 13,23:i:‐ were the most commonly isolated serovars. There was a reduction in Salmonella prevalence at the second visit in eight out of 10 premises, but prevalence values had increased again in all of the improved hatcheries that were visited a third time. One hatchery harboured a difficult‐to‐control resident Salmonella 13,23:i:‐ strain and was visited six times; by the final visit, Salmonella prevalence was 2.3%, reduced from a high of 23.1%. In conclusion, the study found low‐level Salmonella contamination in some GB broiler hatcheries, with certain hatcheries being more severely affected. Furthermore, it was shown that Salmonella typically is difficult to eradicate from contaminated hatcheries, but substantial reductions in prevalence are possible with improvements to biosecurity, cleaning and disinfection.
Kona: A Parallel Optimization Library for Engineering-Design Problems

Kona is a Python library targeting partial-differential-equation (PDE) governed optimization problems. To address the high computational cost of such problems, Kona permits parallel execution of linear algebra and optimization operations while remaining agnostic to the implementation details of the underlying PDE solver. To accomplish this, Kona adopts a reverse-communication-inspired interface where the optimization algorithm requests the PDE solver to perform a predetermined set of tasks on solver-generated memory. Consequently, the optimization itself is parallelized as long as the user defines parallel data structures within an abstract vector interface and performs the requested tasks in parallel. This abstraction layer also facilitates the rapid development of new optimization algorithms independently from the underlying PDE solvers. In this paper we describe Kona’s software design in detail, and demonstrate its use on test cases, ranging from analytical verification problems to a PDE-constrained engineering system.
Modelling the temperature suitability for the risk of West Nile Virus establishment in European Culex pipiens populations

Abstract Increases in temperature and extreme weather events due to global warming can create an environment that is beneficial to mosquito populations, changing and possibly increasing the suitable geographical range for many vector‐borne diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus, maintained in a mosquito–avian host cycle that is usually asymptomatic but can cause primarily flu‐like symptoms in human and equid accidental hosts. In rare circumstances, serious disease and death are possible outcomes for both humans and horses. The main European vector of WNV is the Culex pipiens mosquito. This study examines the effect of environmental temperature on WNV establishment in Europe via Culex pipiens populations through use of a basic reproduction number (R0) model. A metric of thermal suitability derived from R0 was developed by collating thermal responses of different Culex pipiens traits and combining them through use of a next‐generation matrix. WNV establishment was determined to be possible between 14°C and 34.3°C, with the optimal temperature at 23.7°C. The suitability measure was plotted against monthly average temperatures in 2020 and the number of months with high suitability mapped across Europe. The average number of suitable months for each year from 2013 to 2019 was also calculated and validated with reported equine West Nile fever cases from 2013 to 2019. The widespread thermal suitability for WNV establishment highlights the importance of European surveillance for this disease and the need for increased research into mosquito and bird distribution.
The Effect of Three Different Resistance Training Programming Approaches on Strength Gains and Jumping Performance

ABSTRACT Background: A main goal of programming is to structure the optimal variations in training factors to optimize athletes’ adaptations. Nevertheless, it remains unknown the optimal programming model leading to greater neuromuscular adaptations. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of three different magnitudes of variability within resistance training programs on performance adaptations. Methods: Forty participants were assigned to three different groups differing in the frequency of change in training contents: a weekly model (WM; n = 12), a daily model (DM; n= 14), and a session model (SM; n = 14). The training intervention lasted for six weeks, performing two sessions per week of back-squat exercise. Total training load (volume and intensity) of the six-week intervention was equated for all groups. Maximum dynamic strength (1RM) in the back-squat, countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) were measured pre- and post-training intervention. Results: All groups showed significant increases (p< .05) in 1RM, with the SM showing greater increases than the WM (20.5 vs 13.6%; p= .022). Although not reaching statistical significance, the magnitude of the increases in CMJ tended to be greater for DM and SM group (9.5% and 8.1%, respectively,) than in the WM (4.4%). All groups showed similar increases in the SJ (7.7–9.9%). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the use of more frequent stimuli variations within resistance training programming is a key factor to achieve concomitant increases in strength and jumping performance.
NGF-p75 signaling coordinates skeletal cell migration during bone repair

Bone regeneration following injury is initiated by inflammatory signals and occurs in association with infiltration by sensory nerve fibers. Together, these events are believed to coordinate angiogenesis and tissue reprogramming, but the mechanism of coupling immune signals to re-innervation and osteogenesis is unknown. Here, we found that NGF is expressed following cranial bone injury and signals via p75 in resident mesenchymal osteogenic precursors to impact their migration into the damaged tissue. Mice lacking Ngf in myeloid cells demonstrated reduced migration of osteogenic precursors to the injury site with consequently delayed bone healing. These features were phenocopied by mice lacking p75 in Pdgfra+ osteoblast precursors. Single-cell transcriptomics identified mesenchymal subpopulations with potential roles in cell migration and immune response, altered in the context of p75 deletion. Together, these results identify the role of p75 signaling pathway in coordinating skeletal cell migration during early bone repair.
Current research overstates American support for political violence

Significance Recent political events show that members of extreme political groups support partisan violence, and survey evidence supposedly shows widespread public support. We show, however, that, after accounting for survey-based measurement error, support for partisan violence is far more limited. Prior estimates overstate support for political violence because of random responding by disengaged respondents and because of a reliance on hypothetical questions about violence in general instead of questions on specific acts of political violence. These same issues also cause the magnitude of the relationship between previously identified correlates and partisan violence to be overstated. As policy makers consider interventions designed to dampen support for violence, our results provide critical information about the magnitude of the problem.
Vasoinhibin is Generated and Promotes Inflammation in Mild Antigen-Induced Arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis defines a family of diseases influenced by reproductive hormones. Vasoinhibin, a fragment of the hormone prolactin (PRL), has antiangiogenic and proinflammatory properties. We recently showed that vasoinhibin reduces joint inflammation and bone loss in severe antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) by an indirect mechanism involving the inhibition of pannus vascularization. This unexpected finding led us to hypothesize that a severe level of inflammation in AIA obscured the direct proinflammatory action of vasoinhibin while allowing the indirect anti-inflammatory effect via its antiangiogenic properties. In agreement with this hypothesis, here we show that the intra-articular injection of an adeno-associated virus type-2 vector encoding vasoinhibin (AAV2-Vi) reduced joint inflammation in a severe AIA condition, but elevated joint inflammation in a mild AIA model. The proinflammatory effect, unmasked in mild AIA, resulted in joint swelling, enhanced leukocyte infiltration, and upregulation of expression of genes encoding proinflammatory mediators (Il1b, Il6, Inos, Mmp3), adhesion molecule (Icam1), and chemokines (Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Ccl2). Furthermore, vasoinhibin induced the expression of proinflammatory mediators and chemokines in cultured synovial fibroblasts through NFκB. Finally, matrix metalloproteases and cathepsin D, upregulated in the arthritic joint, cleaved PRL to vasoinhibin, and vasoinhibin levels increased in the circulation of mice subjected to AIA. We suggest that vasoinhibin is generated during inflammatory arthritis and acts on synovial fibroblasts and endothelial cells to initially promote and later inhibit inflammation, respectively. These opposite effects may work together to help keep joint inflammation under balance.
The 103,200-arm acceleration dataset in the UK Biobank revealed a landscape of human sleep phenotypes

Significance Human sleep phenotypes are diversified by genetic and environmental factors, and a quantitative classification of sleep phenotypes would lead to the advancement of biomedical mechanisms underlying human sleep diversity. To achieve that, a pipeline of data analysis, including a state-of-the-art sleep/wake classification algorithm, the uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimension reduction method, and the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering method, was applied to the 100,000-arm acceleration dataset. This revealed 16 clusters, including seven different insomnia-like phenotypes. This kind of quantitative pipeline of sleep analysis is expected to promote data-based diagnosis of sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders that tend to be complicated by sleep disorders.