Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlled saturation magnetization transfer for reproducible multivendor variable flip angle T1 and T2 mapping

The widespread clinical application of quantitative MRI has been hindered by a lack of reproducibility across sites and vendors. Previous work has attributed this to incorrect B1 mapping or insufficient spoiling conditions. We recently proposed the controlled saturation magnetization transfer (CSMT) framework and hypothesized that the lack of reproducibility can also be attributed to magnetization transfer effects. This work seeks to validate this hypothesis and demonstrate that reproducible multivendor single‐pool relaxometry can be achieved with the CSMT approach.
Cellulose-Cyclodextrin Co-Polymer for the Removal of Cyanotoxins on Water Sources

With increasing global water temperatures and nutrient runoff in recent decades, the blooming season of algae lasts longer, resulting in toxin concentrations that exceed safe limits for human consumption and for recreational use. From the different toxins, microcystin-LR has been reported as the main cyanotoxin related to liver cancer, and consequently its abundance in water is constantly monitored. In this work, we report a methodology for decorating cellulose nanofibrils with β-cyclodextrin or with poly(β-cyclodextrin) which were tested for the recovery of microcystin from synthetic water. The adsorption was followed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), allowing for real-time monitoring of the adsorption behavior. A maximum recovery of 196 mg/g was obtained with the modified by cyclodextrin. Characterization of the modified substrate was confirmed with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
Expansion coding and computation in the cerebellum: 50 years after the Marr–Albus codon theory

Fifty years ago, David Marr and James Albus proposed a computational model of cerebellar cortical function based on the pioneering circuit models described by John Eccles, Masao Ito and Janos Szentagothai. The Marr–Albus model remains one of the most enduring and influential models in computational neuroscience, despite apparent falsification of some of the original predictions. We re‐examine the Marr–Albus model in the context of the modern theory of computational neural networks and in the context of expanded interpretations of the connectivity and function of cerebellar cortex within the full motor system. By doing so, we show that the original elements of the codon theory continue to make important predictions for cerebellar mechanism, and we show that evidence appearing to contradict the original model is based on an artificially narrow interpretation of cerebellar structure and motor function.
Reversible phosphorylation of Rpn1 regulates 26S proteasome assembly and function

Significance The 26S proteasome is responsible for the degradation of the majority of cellular proteins in eukaryotes. In this study, we characterized a common and basic mechanism for proteasome regulation through reversible phosphorylation of a key proteasome subunit, Rpn1, at Ser361. Mutation of this single phosphosite impairs proteasome complex formation and perturbs cellular homeostasis. Using the genetic code expansion system, we obtained phosphorylated Rpn1 protein and provided a clear biochemical explanation of how Rpn1-S361 phosphorylation promotes proteasome assembly. We further identified the corresponding kinases and phosphatases of this site, which may lead to new approaches of manipulating proteasome activity for therapeutic purposes. The fundamental importance of the 26S proteasome in health and disease suggests that its function must be finely controlled, and yet our knowledge about proteasome regulation remains limited. Posttranslational modifications, especially phosphorylation, of proteasome subunits have been shown to impact proteasome function through different mechanisms, although the vast majority of proteasome phosphorylation events have not been studied. Here, we have characterized 1 of the most frequently detected proteasome phosphosites, namely Ser361 of Rpn1, a base subunit of the 19S regulatory particle. Using a variety of approaches including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing and quantitative mass spectrometry, we found that loss of Rpn1-S361 phosphorylation reduces proteasome activity, impairs cell proliferation, and causes oxidative stress as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. A screen of the human kinome identified several kinases including PIM1/2/3 that catalyze S361 phosphorylation, while its level is reversibly controlled by the proteasome-resident phosphatase, UBLCP1. Mechanistically, Rpn1-S361 phosphorylation is required for proper assembly of the 26S proteasome, and we have utilized a genetic code expansion system to directly demonstrate that S361-phosphorylated Rpn1 more readily forms a precursor complex with Rpt2, 1 of the first steps of 19S base assembly. These findings have revealed a prevalent and biologically important mechanism governing proteasome formation and function.
Deep Learning Classification of Neuro-Emotional Phase Domain Complexity Levels Induced by Affective Video Film Clips

In the present article, a novel emotional complexity marker is proposed for classification of discrete emotions induced by affective video film clips. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is applied to full-band specific phase space trajectory matrix (PSTM) extracted from short emotional EEG segment of 6 s, then the first principal component is used to measure the level of local neuronal complexity. As well, Phase Locking Value (PLV) between right and left hemispheres is estimated for in order to observe the superiority of local neuronal complexity estimation to regional neuro-cortical connectivity measurements in clustering nine discrete emotions (fear, anger, happiness, sadness, amusement, surprise, excitement, calmness, disgust) by using Long-Short-Term-Memory Networks as deep learning applications. In tests, two groups (healthy females and males aged between 22 and 33 years old) are classified with the accuracy levels of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{68.52}{\%}$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{79.36}{\%}$</tex-math></inline-formula> through the proposed emotional complexity markers and and connectivity levels in terms of PLV in amusement. The groups are found to be statistically different (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p\ll 0.5$</tex-math></inline-formula>) in amusement with respect to both metrics, even if gender difference does not lead to different neuro-cortical functions in any of the other discrete emotional states. The high deep learning classification accuracy of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{98.00}{\%}$</tex-math></inline-formula> is commonly obtained for discrimination of positive emotions from negative emotions through the proposed new complexity markers. Besides, considerable useful classification performance is obtained in discriminating mixed emotions from each other through full-band connectivity features. The results reveal that emotion formation is mostly influenced by individual experiences rather than gender. In detail, local neuronal complexity is mostly sensitive to the affective valance rating, while regional neuro-cortical connectivity levels are mostly sensitive to the affective arousal ratings.
Associations between work satisfaction, engagement and 7-day patient mortality: a cross-sectional survey

Objective This study examines the association between profession-specific work environments and the 7-day mortality of patients admitted to these units with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke and hip fracture. Design A cross-sectional study combining patient mortality data extracted from the South-Eastern Norway Health Region, and the work environment scores at the hospital ward levels. A case-mix adjustment model was developed for the comparison between hospital wards. Setting Fifty-six patient wards in 20 hospitals administered by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. Participants In total, 46 026 patients admitted to hospitals with AMI, stroke and hip fracture, and supported by 8800 survey responses from physicians, nurses and managers over a 3-year period (2010–2012). Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome measures were the associations between the relative mortality rate for patients admitted with AMI, stroke and hip fractures and the profession-specific (ie, nurses, physicians, middle managers) mean scores on the 19 organisational factors in a validated cross sectional, staff survey conducted annually in Norway. The secondary outcome measures were the mean scores with SD on the organisational factors in the staff survey reported by each profession. Results The Nurse workload (beta 0.019 (95% CI0.009–0.028)) and middle manager engagement (beta 0.024 (95% CI0.010–0.037)) levels were associated with a case-mix adjusted 7-day patient mortality rates. There was no significant association between physician work environment scores and patient mortality rates. Conclusion 7-day mortality rates in hospital wards were negatively correlated with the nurse workload and manager engagement levels. A deeper understanding of the relationships between patient outcomes, organisational structure and their underlying cultural barriers is needed because they may provide a better understanding of the harm and death risks for patients due to organisational characteristics.
A Modified Aging Kinetics Model for Aging Condition Prediction of Transformer Polymer Insulation by Employing the Frequency Domain Spectroscopy

The aging kinetics model is of great interest to scholars since it is capable of describing the variation law between the degree of polymerization (DP) and the aging duration of transformer polymer (cellulose) insulation. However, it is difficult to determine the moisture content inside the transformer polymer insulation without destroying it, so that the model parameters cannot be confirmed. Such limitation greatly restricts its application. It is interesting to note that as long as the moisture content of the transformer polymer insulation could be characterized (replaced) by a certain feature parameter, the above issue will be solved naturally. The existing researches indicate that the Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) is sensitive to moisture. Consequently, the feature parameter that could characterize the moisture inside transformer polymer insulation (extracted from the FDS curve) can be used to report a modified aging kinetics model, which could perform the aging condition prediction of transformer polymer insulation under various test conditions, including aging duration, aging temperature, and initial moisture. In that respect, the average relative error of prediction results of prepared samples is equal to 7.41%, which reveals that the reported model might be serviced as a potential tool for the aging condition prediction of transformer polymer insulation.
Implications of monocular vision for racing drivers

We performed two experiments to investigate how monocular vision and a monocular generalized reduction in vision (MRV) impact driving performance during racing. A total of 75 visually normal students or professional racing drivers, were recruited for the two experiments. Driving performance was evaluated under three visual conditions: normal vision, simulated monocularity and simulated monocular reduction in vision. During the driving scenario, the drivers had to detect and react to the sudden intrusion of an opponent’s racing car into their trajectory when entering a turn. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) and ANOVA were then used to explore how monocular vision and monocular reduction in vision affect drivers’ performance (crash and reaction time) while confronting them with critical situations. The results show that drivers under monocular condition are from 2.1 (95% CI 1.11–4.11, p = .024) to 6.5 (95% CI 3.91–11.13; p = .0001) times more likely to collide with target vehicles compared with their baseline (binocular) condition, depending on the driving situation. Furthermore, there was an average increase in reaction time from 64 ms (p = .029) to 126 ms (p = .015) under monocular condition, depending on the critical driving situation configuration. This study objectively demonstrates that monocularity has a significant impact on driving performance and safety during car racing, whereas performance under monocular reduction in vision conditions is less affected.
Higher neuron densities in the cerebral cortex and larger cerebellums may limit dive times of delphinids compared to deep-diving toothed whales

Since the work of Tower in the 1950s, we have come to expect lower neuron density in the cerebral cortex of larger brains. We studied dolphin brains varying from 783 to 6215g. As expected, average neuron density in four areas of cortex decreased from the smallest to the largest brain. Despite having a lower neuron density than smaller dolphins, the killer whale has more gray matter and more cortical neurons than any mammal, including humans. To begin a study of non-dolphin toothed whales, we measured a 596g brain of a pygmy sperm whale and a 2004g brain of a Cuvier’s beaked whale. We compared neuron density of Nissl stained cortex of these two brains with those of the dolphins. Non-dolphin brains had lower neuron densities compared to all of the dolphins, even the 6215g brain. The beaked whale and pygmy sperm whale we studied dive deeper and for much longer periods than the dolphins. For example, the beaked whale may dive for more than an hour, and the pygmy sperm whale more than a half hour. In contrast, the dolphins we studied limit dives to five or 10 minutes. Brain metabolism may be one feature limiting dolphin dives. The brain consumes an oversized share of oxygen available to the body. The most oxygen is used by the cortex and cerebellar gray matter. The dolphins have larger brains, larger cerebellums, and greater numbers of cortex neurons than would be expected given their body size. Smaller brains, smaller cerebellums and fewer cortical neurons potentially allow the beaked whale and pygmy sperm whale to dive longer and deeper than the dolphins. Although more gray matter, more neurons, and a larger cerebellum may limit dolphins to shorter, shallower dives, these features must give them some advantage. For example, they may be able to catch more elusive individual high-calorie prey in the upper ocean.
Comparative Mitogenomic Analysis of the Eurydema Genus in the Context of Representative Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) Taxa

Abstract The family Pentatomidae, the largest within the superfamily Pentatomoidae, comprises about 5,000 species; many of which are economically important pests. Although the phylogeny of Pentatomidae species has been studied using various molecular markers, their phylogenetic relationships remain controversial. Recently, mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been extensively employed to examine the phylogenetics and evolution of different insects, and in this study, we sequenced complete/near-complete mitochondrial genomes from five shield bug species of Eurydema to gain a better understanding of phylogenetic relationships in the Pentatomidae. The five mitogenomes ranged in length from 15,500 to 16,752 bp and comprised 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a control region. We compared mitogenomic characteristics of the Pentatomidae and constructed phylogenetic trees using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Our results showed that gene arrangements, base composition, start/stop codons, gene overlaps, and RNA structures were conserved within the Pentatomidae and that congeneric species shared more characteristics. Saturation and heterogeneity analyses revealed that our PCGs and PCGRNA datasets were valid for phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analyses showed consistent topologies based on BI and ML methods. These analyses strongly supported that Eurydema species belong to the tribe Strachiini, and formed a sister group with Pentatomini. The relationships among Eurydema species were shown to be consistent with their morphological features. (Strachiini + Pentatomini) was found to be a stable sibling of the clade comprising Cappaeini, Graphosomini, and Carpocorini. Furthermore, our results indicated that Graphosoma rubrolineatum (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) belongs to the Pentatominae and not the Podopinae.
Bitter melon fruit extract has a hypoglycemic effect and reduces hepatic lipid accumulation in ob/ob mice

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is a vegetable and has been used as traditional medicine. Recently, we reported that bitter melon fruit extracts and its ethyl acetate (EtOAc)‐soluble fraction markedly suppressed the expression of proinflammatory genes, including the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene. However, it is unclear whether bitter melon exhibits antidiabetic effects. In this study, we showed that cucurbitacin B, a cucurbitane‐type triterpenoid, was present in an EtOAc‐soluble fraction and suppressed nitric oxide production in hepatocytes. When the EtOAc‐soluble fraction was administered for 7 days to ob/ob mice, a type 2 diabetes mellitus model, the mice fed with this fraction exhibited a significant decrease in body weight and blood glucose concentrations compared with the mice fed without the fraction. The administration of the fraction resulted in significant increases in serum insulin concentrations and the levels of both insulin receptor mRNA and protein in the ob/ob mouse liver. The EtOAc‐soluble fraction decreased the interleukin‐1β mRNA expression, as well as hepatic lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that administration of an EtOAc‐soluble fraction improved hyperglycemia and hepatic steatosis, suggesting that this fraction may be responsible for both the antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory effects of bitter melon fruit.
A Critical Comparison between Flow-through and Lateral Flow Immunoassay Formats for Visual and Smartphone-Based Multiplex Allergen Detection

(1) Background: The lack of globally standardized allergen labeling legislation necessitates consumer-focused multiplexed testing devices. These should be easy to operate, fast, sensitive and robust. (2) Methods: Herein, we describe the development of three different formats for multiplexed food allergen detection, namely active and passive flow-through assays, and lateral flow immunoassays with different test line configurations. (3) Results: The fastest assay time was 1 min, whereas even the slowest assay was within 10 min. With the passive flow approach, the limits of detection (LOD) of 0.1 and 0.5 ppm for total hazelnut protein (THP) and total peanut protein (TPP) in spiked buffer were reached, or 1 and 5 ppm of THP and TPP spiked into matrix. In comparison, the active flow approach reached LODs of 0.05 ppm for both analytes in buffer and 0.5 and 1 ppm of THP and TPP spiked into matrix. The optimized LFIA configuration reached LODs of 0.1 and 0.5 ppm of THP and TPP spiked into buffer or 0.5 ppm for both analytes spiked into matrix. The optimized LFIA was validated by testing in 20 different blank and spiked matrices. Using device-independent color space for smartphone analysis, two different smartphone models were used for the analysis of optimized assays.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Is Not Induced in Artificial Human Inflammation and Is Not Correlated with Inflammatory Response

Lipoproteins, as well as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), have been shown to play a key role in the innate immune response. However, knowledge about the role and kinetics of PCSK9 in human inflammation is currently insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between inflammation and lipid metabolism, including the possible role of PCSK9. A single-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study using the human endotoxin model was performed. ABSTRACT Lipoproteins, as well as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), have been shown to play a key role in the innate immune response. However, knowledge about the role and kinetics of PCSK9 in human inflammation is currently insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between inflammation and lipid metabolism, including the possible role of PCSK9. A single-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study using the human endotoxin model was performed. Ten healthy men received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or placebo on two different study days after overnight fasting. Lipoproteins as well as PCSK9 were measured repetitively over 48 h. PCSK9 plasma concentrations were not induced by LPS infusion, and no correlation between PCSK9 plasma concentrations and the degree of inflammation could be identified. The observed low-density lipoprotein (LDL) response to inflammation was more complex than anticipated, especially in the very early phase after the inflammatory stimulus. Baseline concentrations of LDL, as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), correlated negatively with inflammatory response. Our data suggest that the lipoprotein response to inflammation is independent of PCSK9. The proposed elevations of PCSK9 and suspected correlations between PCSK9 levels and inflammatory response are not supported by our data. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT03392701.)
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of SODs in Zhikong Scallop Reveals Gene Expansion and Regulation Divergence after Toxic Dinoflagellate Exposure

As filter-feeding animals mainly ingesting microalgae, bivalves could accumulate paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced by harmful algae through diet. To protect themselves from the toxic effects of PSTs, especially the concomitant oxidative damage, the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is the only eukaryotic metalloenzyme capable of detoxifying superoxide, may assist with toxin tolerance in bivalves. To better understand this process, in the present study, we performed the first systematic analysis of SOD genes in bivalve Chlamys farreri, an important aquaculture species in China. A total of six Cu/Zn-SODs (SOD1-6) and two Mn-SODs (SOD7, SOD8) were identified in C. farreri, with gene expansion being revealed in Cu/Zn-SODs. In scallops exposed to two different PSTs-producing dinoflagellates, Alexandrium minutum and A. catenella, expression regulation of SOD genes was analyzed in the top ranked toxin-rich organs, the hepatopancreas and the kidney. In hepatopancreas, which mainly accumulates the incoming PSTs, all of the six Cu/Zn-SODs showed significant alterations after A. minutum exposure, with SOD1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 being up-regulated, and SOD4 being down-regulated, while no significant change was detected in Mn-SODs. After A. catenella exposure, up-regulation was observed in SOD2, 4, 6, and 8, and SOD7 was down-regulated. In the kidney, where PSTs transformation occurs, SOD4, 5, 6, and 8 were up-regulated, and SOD7 was down-regulated in response to A. minutum feeding. After A. catenella exposure, all the Cu/Zn-SODs except SOD1 were up-regulated, and SOD7 was down-regulated in kidney. Overall, in scallops after ingesting different toxic algae, SOD up-regulation mainly occurred in the expanded Cu/Zn-SOD group, and SOD6 was the only member being up-regulated in both toxic organs, which also showed the highest fold change among all the SODs, implying the importance of SOD6 in protecting scallops from the stress of PSTs. Our results suggest the diverse function of scallop SODs in response to the PST-producing algae challenge, and the expansion of Cu/Zn-SODs might be implicated in the adaptive evolution of scallops or bivalves with respect to antioxidant defense against the ingested toxic algae.