Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noradrenergic regulation of two-armed bandit performance.

Reversal learning depends on cognitive flexibility. Many reversal learning studies assess cognitive flexibility based on the number of reversals that occur over a test session. Reversals occur when an option is repeatedly chosen, e.g., eight times in a row. This design feature encourages win-stay behavior and thus makes it difficult to understand how win-stay decisions influence reversal performance. We used an alternative design, reversals over blocks of trials independent of performance, to study how perturbations of the medial orbital cortex and the noradrenergic system influence reversal learning. We found that choice accuracy varies independently of win-stay behavior and the noradrenergic system controls sensitivity to positive feedback during reversal learning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
A transformer protective relaying algorithm using the ratio of the flux linkages

The ratio of the increments of the primary and secondary winding flux linkages (RIFL) is the same as the turns ratio during normal operating conditions such as magnetic inrush, overexcitation and external faults. For an internal fault, the RIFL is not equal to the turns ratio. This paper proposes a transformer protective relaying algorithm using the RIFL. For a single-phase or a three-phase Y-Y transformer, the increments of the flux linkages are calculated. For a three-phase Y-/spl Delta/ transformer, the differences between the two phases of the increments of the flux linkages are calculated to use the line currents, because the delta winding current is unavailable. The RIFL is compared against the turns ratio; if they are different, it is an internal fault. Test results indicate that the proposed algorithm successfully discriminates between internal winding faults and magnetic inrush. This work also describes the results of implementation of the algorithm into a digital signal processor based prototype relay.
Rationalizing the design of a broad coverage Shigella vaccine based on evaluation of immunological cross-reactivity among S. flexneri serotypes

No vaccine to protect against an estimated 238,000 shigellosis deaths per year is widely available. S. sonnei is the most prevalent Shigella, and multiple serotypes of S. flexneri, which change regionally and globally, also cause significant disease. The leading Shigella vaccine strategies are based on the delivery of serotype specific O-antigens. A strategy to minimize the complexity of a broadly-protective Shigella vaccine is to combine components from S. sonnei with S. flexneri serotypes that induce antibodies with maximum cross-reactivity between different serotypes. We used the GMMA-technology to immunize animal models and generate antisera against 14 S. flexneri subtypes from 8 different serotypes that were tested for binding to and bactericidal activity against a panel of 11 S. flexneri bacteria lines. Some immunogens induced broadly cross-reactive antibodies that interacted with most of the S. flexneri in the panel, while others induced antibodies with narrower specificity. Most cross-reactivity could not be assigned to modifications of the O-antigen, by glucose, acetate or phosphoethanolamine, common to several of the S. flexneri serotypes. This allowed us to revisit the current dogma of cross-reactivity among S. flexneri serotypes suggesting that a broadly protective vaccine is feasible with limited number of appropriately selected components. Thus, we rationally designed a 4-component vaccine selecting GMMA from S. sonnei and S. flexneri 1b, 2a and 3a. The resulting formulation was broadly cross-reactive in mice and rabbits, inducing antibodies that killed all S. flexneri serotypes tested. This study provides the framework for a broadly-protective Shigella vaccine which needs to be verified in human trials.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates biopolymers toward decarbonizing economy and sustainable future

Abstract Polymers are synonymous with the modern way of living. However, polymers with a large carbon footprint, especially those derived from nonrenewable petrochemical sources, are increasingly perceived as detrimental to the environment and a sustainable future. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a microbial biopolymer and a plausible alternative for renewable sources. However, PHA in its monomeric forms has very limited applications due to its limited flexibility, tensile strength, and moldability. Herein, the life cycle of PHA molecules, from biosynthesis to commercial utilization for diverse applications is discussed. For clarity, the applications of this bioplastic biocomposite material are further segregated into two domains, namely, the industrial sector and the medical sector. The industry sectors reviewed here include food packaging, textiles, agriculture, automotive, and electronics. High-value addition of PHA for a sustainable future can be foreseen in the medical domain. Properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility make PHA a suitable candidate for decarbonizing biomaterials during tissue repair, organ reconstruction, drug delivery, bone tissue engineering, and chemotherapeutics. Graphical Abstract
Diversity and Composition of Microbial Communities in an Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Bed in Tokyo Bay, Japan

Zostera marina (eelgrass) is a widespread seagrass species that forms diverse and productive habitats along coast lines throughout much of the northern hemisphere. The present study investigated the microbial consortia of Z. marina growing at Futtsu clam-digging beach, Chiba prefecture, Japan. The following environmental samples were collected: sediment, seawater, plant leaves, and the root-rhizome. Sediment and seawater samples were obtained from three sampling points: inside, outside, and at the marginal point of the eelgrass bed. The microbial composition of each sample was analyzed using 16S ribosomal gene amplicon sequencing. Microbial communities on the dead (withered) leaf surface markedly differed from those in sediment, but were similar to those in seawater. Eelgrass leaves and surrounding seawater were dominated by the bacterial taxa Rhodobacterales (Alphaproteobacteria), whereas Rhodobacterales were a minor group in eelgrass sediment. Additionally, we speculated that the order Sphingomonadales (Alphaproteobacteria) acts as a major degrader during the decomposition process and constantly degrades eelgrass leaves, which then spread into the surrounding seawater. Withered eelgrass leaves did not accumulate on the surface sediment because they were transported out of the eelgrass bed by wind and residual currents unique to the central part of Tokyo Bay.
Novel role of STAT3 in microglia-dependent neuroinflammation after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage

Background and purpose Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) may contribute to the proinflammation in the central nervous system diseases by modulating the microglial responses. Thus, this study was intended to investigate the effect of STAT3 on microglia-dependent neuroinflammation and functional outcome after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Methods The SAH model was established by endovascular perforation in the mouse. Real-time PCR (RtPCR) and western blot were used to examine the dynamic STAT3 signalling pathway responses after SAH. To clarify the role of the STAT3 signalling pathway in the microglia-dependent neuroinflammation after SAH, the microglia-specific STAT3 knockout (KO) mice were generated by the Cre-LoxP system. The neurological functions were assessed by Catwalk and Morris water maze tests. Neuronal loss after SAH was determined by immunohistochemistry staining. Microglial polarisation status after STAT3 KO was then examined by RtPCR and immunofluorescence. Results The STAT3 and Janus kinase-signal transducer 2 activated immediately with the upregulation and phosphorylation after SAH. Downstream factors and related mediators altered dynamically and accordingly. Microglial STAT3 deletion ameliorated the neurological impairment and alleviated the early neuronal loss after SAH. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we examined the microglial reaction after STAT3 KO. STAT3 deletion reversed the increase of microglia after SAH. Loss of STAT3 triggered the early morphological changes of microglia and primed microglia from M1 to M2 polarisation. Functionally, microglial STAT3 deletion suppressed the SAH-induced proinflammation and promoted the anti-inflammation in the early phase. Conclusions STAT3 is closely related to the microglial polarisation transition and modulation of microglia-dependent neuroinflammation. Microglial STAT3 deletion improved neurological function and neuronal survival probably through promoting M2 polarisation and anti-inflammatory responses after SAH. STAT3 may serve as a promising therapeutic target to alleviate early brain injury after SAH.
Consensus statement on measures to promote equitable authorship in the publication of research from international partnerships

Despite the acknowledged injustice and widespread existence of parachute research studies conducted in low‐ or middle‐income countries by researchers from institutions in high‐income countries, there is currently no pragmatic guidance for how academic journals should evaluate manuscript submissions and challenge this practice. We assembled a multidisciplinary group of editors and researchers with expertise in international health research to develop this consensus statement. We reviewed relevant existing literature and held three workshops to present research data and holistically discuss the concept of equitable authorship and the role of academic journals in the context of international health research partnerships. We subsequently developed statements to guide prospective authors and journal editors as to how they should address this issue. We recommend that for manuscripts that report research conducted in low‐ or middle‐income countries by collaborations including partners from one or more high‐income countries, authors should submit accompanying structured reflexivity statements. We provide specific questions that these statements should address and suggest that journals should transparently publish reflexivity statements with accepted manuscripts. We also provide guidance to journal editors about how they should assess the structured statements when making decisions on whether to accept or reject submitted manuscripts. We urge journals across disciplines to adopt these recommendations to accelerate the changes needed to halt the practice of parachute research.
Molecular characterization of biosurfactant producing Bacillus cereus strain DRDU1 for its potential application in bioremediation and further EOR studies

Abstract Environmental pollution by crude oil during petroleum exploration is a global issue of concern. It largely alters the physicochemical property of soil and water which makes them toxic for crops and aquatic organisms to survive. Bacillus cereus strain DRDU1 (Genbank accession no. KF273330.1) is an endospore forming potential hydrocarbon degrader which was isolated from an automobile engine. The isolate could achieve up to 96 and 84% kerosene and crude oil degradation with respective cfu of (6.3 ± 2.31) × 109 and (13.67 ± 2.52) × 108 cells/mL. On the other hand it also showed its potential to degrade 74 and 67% of kerosene and crude oil in nitrate (N) and phosphate (P) deficient media with corresponding cfu (10 ± 1.73) × 108 and (6 ± 2.65) × 106 cells/mL. This indicates its potential to survive under nutrient stress condition. The strain was reported to be capable of producing biosurfactant which may play role in petroleum biodegradation and may be a potential tool for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) studies in future. Herein the presence of sfp gene in the isolate was confirmed which may be responsible for its ability to synthesize biosurfactant for hydrocarbon degradation and also for its stress tolerant potential. It was further characterized and the hypothetical protein sequence encoded by this gene is also proposed.
Home language maintenance in bilingual children with normal hearing and with hearing loss who use cochlear implants

ABSTRACT We investigated home language (Spanish) maintenance in Spanish- and English-speaking bilingual children with normal hearing (NH) and their peers with hearing loss (HL) who used cochlear implants (CIs) at two time points about 7 months apart. Twenty-two bilingual children (11 with NH and 11 with CIs) between the ages of 4;6 and 7;11 participated in the study, who were matched as closely as possible on chronological age, time elapsed between the first and the second sample, gender, and age of exposure to their languages across groups. We compared group performance on the Preschool Language Scales – 5th edition (PLS-5) and the Word Intelligibility Picture Identification at each time point as well as home language maintenance calculated based on item responses on the PLS-5. Our results indicated differences on all measures at both time points between the performance of children with NH and their peers with HL who used CIs in that the former group outperformed the latter. We also found that bilingual children with NH maintained their home language at a higher level than their peers with HL who used CIs. Further, the data also showed that despite the group differences, both groups displayed maintenance of their home language and that individual variability was more prevalent in the CI group. We conclude that home language maintenance is not only possible, but it should be encouraged for both bilingual children with NH and their peers with HL who used CIs.
In vitro primary porcine alveolar macrophage cell toxicity and African swine fever virus inactivation using five commercially supply compound disinfectants under various condition

Efficacy of African swine fever virus (ASFV) inactivation using five commercially supply compound disinfectants was evaluated under various condition. Virucidal efficacy demonstrated that products A and E could inactivate at 1:800 within 1 min for both temperatures, while products B, C and D inactivated at 1:400. However, product D could inactivate at 1:800 when the exposure time was extended to 30 min and effected only 20°C. In addition, the cytotoxicity demonstrated that products A, B, C, D and E did not significantly affect to cell at 1:51,200, 1:12,800, 1:12,800, 1:25,600 and 1:12,800 dilution, respectively. In conclusion, these disinfectants could inactivate ASFV, however, the application of these products should be performed under safety precautions to prevent cytotoxicity in humans and animals.
Proteomic determinants of uterine receptivity for pregnancy in early and mid-postpartum dairy cows

Abstract Dairy cow subfertility is a worldwide issue arising from multiple factors. It manifests in >30% early pregnancy losses in seasonal pasture-grazed herds, especially when cows are inseminated in the early post-partum period. Most losses occur before implantation, when embryo growth depends on factors present in maternal tract fluids. Here we examined the proteomic composition of early and mid-postpartum uterine luminal fluid (ULF) in crossbred lactating dairy cows to identify molecular determinants of fertility. We also explored changes in ULF from first to third estrus cycles postpartum in individual cows, linking those changes with divergent embryo development. For this, we flushed uteri of 87 cows at Day 7 of pregnancy at first and third estrus postpartum, recovering, and grading their embryos. Out of 1563 proteins detected, 472 had not been previously reported in this fluid, and 408 were predicted to be actively secreted by bioinformatic analysis. The abundance of 18 proteins with roles in immune regulation and metabolic function (e.g. cystatin B, pyruvate kinase M2) was associated with contrasting embryo quality. Matched-paired pathway analysis indicated that, from first to third estrus postpartum, upregulation of metabolic (e.g. creatine and carbohydrate) and immune (e.g. complement regulation, antiviral defense) processes were related to poorer quality embryos in the third estrus cycle postpartum. Conversely, upregulated signal transduction and protein trafficking appeared related to improved embryo quality in third estrus. These results advance the characterization of the molecular environment of bovine ULF and may aid understanding fertility issues in other mammals, including humans. Summary sentence Bovine early embryo quality appears governed by differential abundance of specific proteins and by postpartum dysregulation of both metabolic and immune pathways in uterine fluid. Graphical Abstract
Postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 Alpha (B.1.1.7) lineage infection among healthcare workers on the background of IgG antibodies

Like most vaccines, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines developed so far is not 100% and a small percentage of fully vaccinated individuals still develop symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. 1 In addition, the emerging of novel mutations is likely to help the virus evade vaccines especially in regions with low vaccination coverage. 2 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A systematic review of the relationship between night shift work and oxidative stress

ABSTRACT Night shift workers make up an essential part of the modern workforce. However, night shift workers have higher incidences of late in life diseases and earlier mortality. Night shift workers experience circadian rhythm disruption due to working overnight. Sleep disruption is thought to increase oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance of excess pro-oxidative factors and reactive oxygen species over anti-oxidative activity. Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins and DNA and can eventually lead to varied chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia. This review aimed to understand whether night shift workers were at greater risk of oxidative stress. Twelve correlational studies published in 2001–2019 were included in the review that measured the levels of oxidative stress indicators from working a single night shift as well as comparisons between those who regularly work night shifts and only day shifts. All studies had evi7dence to support the relationship between working night shifts and increased oxidative stress indicators. Specifically, night shift work was associated with increased DNA damage, reduced DNA repair capacity, increased lipid peroxidation, higher levels of reactive oxygen species, and to a lesser extent, a reduction in antioxidant defence. These results suggest a potential link between circadian rhythm disruption in night shift workers with oxidative stress and therefore disease. However, this review is limited by having no longitudinal or experimental studies. Further research is required to infer causality. This further research is recommended to promote the long-term health of night shift workers.
Religiosity and life satisfaction: evidence from the Russian data

ABSTRACT Does religiosity make people happy? Many studies document positive associations between religiosity and various forms of subjective well-being. This holds true for general life satisfaction as well, both under normal economic conditions and in the case of economic shocks. However, both life satisfaction and religiosity may be correlated with unobserved individual and household traits or unobserved life shocks, which can relate to reverse causality. These facts result in endogeneity problems and make ordinary least square estimates biased. Endogeneity problems refer to situations in which an explanatory variable is correlated with the error term. They usually happen when an unobserved or omitted variable affects both independent and dependent variables. In this study, we employed two methods to avoid possible endogeneity issues: fixed effects and instrumental variable estimations. Using data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS-HSE) and different econometric models, we document positive associations between religiosity and life satisfaction. In particular, fixed effect and instrumental variable regressions provide evidence for a positive effect of religiosity.
Electronic tools in clinical laboratory diagnostics: key examples, limitations, and value in laboratory medicine

Abstract Electronic tools in clinical laboratory diagnostics can assist laboratory professionals, clinicians, and patients in medical diagnostic management and laboratory test interpretation. With increasing implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and laboratory information systems worldwide, there is increasing demand for well-designed and evidence-based electronic resources. Both complex data-driven and simple interpretative electronic healthcare tools are currently available to improve the integration of clinical and laboratory information towards a more patient-centered approach to medicine. Several studies have reported positive clinical impact of electronic healthcare tool implementation in clinical laboratory diagnostics, including in the management of neonatal bilirubinemia, cardiac disease, and nutritional status. As patients have increasing access to their medical laboratory data, it is essential that accessible electronic healthcare tools are evidence-based and user-friendly for individuals of varying digital and medical literacy. Indeed, studies suggest electronic healthcare tool development processes significantly lack the involvement of relevant healthcare professionals and often present misinformation, including erroneous calculation algorithms or inappropriate interpretative recommendations. The current review provides an overview of the utility of available electronic healthcare tools in clinical laboratory diagnostics and critically reviews potential limitations and benefits of their clinical implementation. The Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) online database is also detailed as an example of a pediatric diagnostic tool with widespread global impact.
A renaissance in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease, hypertension in chronic kidney disease, and beyond

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of the US population and is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The two leading causes of end stage kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes mellitus, both of which are modifiable risk factors. The cornerstones of CKD care include early detection, management of associated risk factors, modification of cardiovascular disease risk, slowing progression of disease, and management of complications including anemia, acid base disturbance, and mineral and bone disorders. For the last 20 years, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors were the mainstay treatment for proteinuric diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease. Recently, new therapies such as sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors, have emerged as powerful tools in the treatment of CKD with indications in both diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease. In this article, we define CKD staging, review new hypertension and diabetic guidelines for CKD patients, and discuss major trials for new potential therapies in CKD, particularly diabetic kidney disease. We will provide practical guidance for primary care physicians to diagnose CKD and implement these agents early in the disease course to prevent the progression of disease and reduce the morbidity and mortality of this vulnerable population.