Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Cognitive Performance Among Infants Treated for Brain Tumors: Findings From a Multisite, Prospective, Longitudinal Trial

PURPOSE Infants treated for CNS malignancies experience a significantly poorer response to treatment and are particularly at risk for neuropsychological deficits. The literature is limited and inconsistent regarding cognitive outcomes among this group. We investigated predictors of cognitive outcomes in children treated for brain tumors during infancy as part of a large, prospective, multisite, longitudinal trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred thirty-nine infants with a newly diagnosed CNS tumor were treated with chemotherapy, with or without focal proton or photon radiation therapy (RT). Cognitive assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually for 5 years. The median length of follow-up was 816 days (26.8 months). Neurocognitive testing included assessment of intellectual functioning (intellectual quotient [IQ]), parent ratings of executive functioning and emotional and behavioral functioning, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS At baseline, IQ, parent-reported working memory, and parent-reported adaptive functioning were worse than normative expectations. Baseline cognitive difficulties were associated with younger age at diagnosis and lower socioeconomic status. Linear mixed models did not demonstrate a decline in IQ over time. There were increased parent-reported attention and executive problems over time. Increased concerns were related to supratentorial tumor location and CSF diversion. There were no differences in cognitive outcomes based on treatment exposure (chemotherapy-only v chemotherapy with RT and proton v photon focal RT). CONCLUSION Even before adjuvant therapy, young children with brain tumors experience cognitive difficulties that can affect quality of life. Changes in cognitive functioning over time were dependent on tumor location and surgical factors rather than adjuvant therapy. These findings may serve to guide treatment planning and indicate targets for cognitive monitoring and intervention.
Synthesis-Driven Stereochemical Assignment of Marine Polycyclic Ether Natural Products

Marine polycyclic ether natural products have gained significant interest from the chemical community due to their impressively huge molecular architecture and diverse biological functions. The structure assignment of this class of extraordinarily complex natural products has mainly relied on NMR spectroscopic analysis. However, NMR spectroscopic analysis has its own limitations, including configurational assignment of stereogenic centers within conformationally flexible systems. Chemical shift deviation analysis of synthetic model compounds is a reliable means to assign the relative configuration of “difficult” stereogenic centers. The complete configurational assignment must be ultimately established through total synthesis. The aim of this review is to summarize the indispensable role of organic synthesis in stereochemical assignment of marine polycyclic ethers.
Sequential Modulation of the Equine Fecal Microbiota and Fibrolytic Capacity Following Two Consecutive Abrupt Dietary Changes and Bacterial Supplementation

Simple Summary The equine hindgut is colonized by microorganisms, some of which are involved in fiber digestion and are crucial for the horse’s nutrition and health. These key microorganisms are very sensitive to dietary changes, which have been identified as a risk factor for colics. This study assessed the stressful effect of two consecutive abrupt dietary changes on the diversity, the composition, and the activity of fecal microorganisms focusing on fibrolytic bacteria. Twelve horses were subjected to an abrupt change from forage to a concentrate-rich diet, followed by a second change from a concentrate to forage-rich diet 5 days later. Half of the horses were given a supplement of living bacteria as a probiotic. Two days after the sudden change from forage to concentrate diet, the proportions and types of microorganisms were altered drastically, as was their capacity to degrade fibers. After this dietary stress, it took 3–4 weeks of a high-fiber diet to recover the basal state. Supplementation with probiotics promoted an earlier recovery of fibrolytic bacteria after the dietary stress. Abrupt dietary changes should be limited in horse management to protect the hindgut microorganisms and their capacity to use forage fibers, and consequently to limit the development of colic. Abstract In horses, abrupt changes from high-fiber (HF) to high-starch (HS) diets can affect the cecal and colonic microbiota. This study investigated modifications and recovery of fecal microbiota after two consecutive abrupt dietary changes. Twelve horses fed HF for 2 weeks were changed to HS for 5 days then returned to HF for 7 weeks. Six received lactic acid bacteria supplementation. Bacterial population diversity, structure, and activity, especially fibrolysis, were assessed to obtain an overview of alteration in hindgut microbiota. Two days after the abrupt change from HF to HS, the findings in feces were consistent with those previously reported in the cecum and colon, with a decrease in fibrolytic activity and an increase in amylolytic activity. Fecal parameters stabilized at their basal level 3–4 weeks after the return to HF. A bloom of cellulolytic bacteria and lower pH were observed after 1.5 weeks, suggesting a higher level of fiber degradation. In supplemented horses the relative abundance of potentially fibrolytic genera was enhanced 2 days after HS and 2 days to 2–3 weeks after the return to HF. Fecal analysis could be a promising technique for monitoring hindgut microbial variations accompanying dietary changes.
Bootstrapping and Pinning down the Root Meristem; the Auxin–PLT–ARR Network Unites Robustness and Sensitivity in Meristem Growth Control

After germination, the meristem of the embryonic plant root becomes activated, expands in size and subsequently stabilizes to support post-embryonic root growth. The plant hormones auxin and cytokinin, together with master transcription factors of the PLETHORA (PLT) family have been shown to form a regulatory network that governs the patterning of this root meristem. Still, which functional constraints contributed to shaping the dynamics and architecture of this network, has largely remained unanswered. Using a combination of modeling approaches we reveal how the interplay between auxin and PLTs enables meristem activation in response to above-threshold stimulation, while its embedding in a PIN-mediated auxin reflux loop ensures localized PLT transcription and thereby, a finite meristem size. We furthermore demonstrate how this constrained PLT transcriptional domain enables independent control of meristem size and division rates, further supporting a division of labor between auxin and PLT. We subsequently reveal how the weaker auxin antagonism of the earlier active Arabidopsis response regulator 12 (ARR12) may arise from the absence of a DELLA protein interaction domain. Our model indicates that this reduced strength is essential to prevent collapse in the early stages of meristem expansion while at later stages the enhanced strength of Arabidopsis response regulator 1 (ARR1) is required for sufficient meristem size control. Summarizing, our work indicates that functional constraints significantly contribute to shaping the auxin–cytokinin–PLT regulatory network.
Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian framework.

Several studies have shown how COrona-VIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well-being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty-three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session (Online Counselling Group; OCG= 26) or to act as controls (Waiting List Group; WLG= 27). In the post-assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04±6.30 vs 30.26±8.61; F1:47 = 29.448; p< .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65±8.35 vs 48.04±11.51; F1:47 = 17.857; p< .001; dppc2 = .49). Considering the cyclical nature of COVID-19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to examine the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID-19 related distress.
SOUND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE SWEDISH VERSION OF THE SPINAL CORD INDEPENDENCE MEASURE SELF-REPORT

Objective To describe data completeness, targeting and reliability of the Swedish version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report (s-SCIM-SR). Design Translation and reliability study. Subjects Programme participants (n = 48) and peer mentors (n = 42) with spinal cord injury enrolled in the INTERnational Project for the Evaluation of “activE Rehabilitation” (inter-PEER). Methods The translation process was based on guidelines/recommendations, and involved expert competence, including consumers. The s-SCIM-SR was distributed online, once for programme participants and twice for peer mentors. Results Sixty-nine individuals (77%) obtained a total score. Most missing data were found in the items Respiration and Using the toilet. Cronbach’s alpha for the full scale was 0.89, for Self-care 0.92, for Respiration and sphincter management 0.37 and for Mobility 0.86. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent for all subscales and the full scale. Measures of variability showed high sensitivity to changes and Bland Altman analyses revealed no systematic changes between evaluation points. Conclusion These results support the data completeness, targeting and reliability of the Swedish version of the SCIM-SR. However, some problems were found in the subscale Respiration and sphincter management. The s-SCIM-SR can be considered psychometrically sound and suitable to assess physical independence among persons with spinal cord injury in Swedish community settings. LAY ABSTRACT After spinal cord injury, an important goal in rehabilitation is to attain a high level of physical independence. In Sweden, no spinal cord injury-specific assessment tool to evaluate physical independence has previously been nationally available. This study presents the translation process and evaluation of the measurement properties of the Swedish version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report (s-SCIM-SR) in a community rehabilitation setting. The translation process involved expert competence, including consumers, and resulted in minor cultural adaptations. The s-SCIM-SR was distributed online to 90 persons with chronic spinal cord injury. Overall, the s-SCIM-SR performed equally as well as the original version in terms of missing data, general agreement between items, and agreement between 2 evaluation points. However, some problems were found in the subscale Respiration and sphincter management. In conclusion, the s-SCIM-SR can be considered psychometrically sound and suitable to assess physical independence among persons with spinal cord injury in Swedish community settings.
Genome-Wide Association and Prediction of Male and Female Floral Hybrid Potential Traits in Elite Spring Bread Wheat Genotypes

Hybrid wheat breeding is one of the most promising technologies for further sustainable yield increases. However, the cleistogamous nature of wheat displays a major bottleneck for a successful hybrid breeding program. Thus, an optimized breeding strategy by developing appropriate parental lines with favorable floral trait combinations is the best way to enhance the outcrossing ability. This study, therefore, aimed to dissect the genetic basis of various floral traits using genome-wide association study (GWAS) and to assess the potential of genome-wide prediction (GP) for anther extrusion (AE), visual anther extrusion (VAE), pollen mass (PM), pollen shedding (PSH), pollen viability (PV), anther length (AL), openness of the flower (OPF), duration of floret opening (DFO) and stigma length. To this end, we employed 196 ICARDA spring bread wheat lines evaluated for three years and genotyped with 10,477 polymorphic SNP. In total, 70 significant markers were identified associated to the various assessed traits at FDR ≤ 0.05 contributing a minor to large proportion of the phenotypic variance (8–26.9%), affecting the traits either positively or negatively. GWAS revealed multi-marker-based associations among AE, VAE, PM, OPF and DFO, most likely linked markers, suggesting a potential genomic region controlling the genetic association of these complex traits. Of these markers, Kukri_rep_c103359_233 and wsnp_Ex_rep_c107911_91350930 deserve particular attention. The consistently significant markers with large effect could be useful for marker-assisted selection. Genomic selection revealed medium to high prediction accuracy ranging between 52% and 92% for the assessed traits with the least and maximum value observed for stigma length and visual anther extrusion, respectively. This indicates the feasibility to implement genomic selection to predict the performance of hybrid floral traits with high reliability.
Does Environmental Regulation Improve the Green Total Factor Productivity of Chinese Cities? A Threshold Effect Analysis Based on the Economic Development Level

Improvement of green total factor productivity (GTFP) through environmental regulation is of great practical significance in promoting the high-quality development of urban economies. Based on panel data for 163 cities in China from 2003 to 2016, five indicators were selected to quantify the effects of environmental regulation: the SO2 removal rate, smoke and dust removal rate, solid waste utilization rate, domestic sewage treatment rate, and waste harmless treatment rate. This study evaluated the impact of environmental regulation on urban GTFP, and analyzed the threshold effect of urban economic development levels. The research results showed that the impact of environmental regulations on GTFP changed as the level of urban economic development increases. When the economic development level was low, environmental regulation had a significant positive effect on GTFP, especially the SO2 removal rate. When the economy developed to reach a medium level, the impact of environmental regulation on GTFP was negative. When the economic development level was high, the SO2 removal rate still had a significant positive impact on GTFP. The solid waste utilization rate had a significant negative impact on GTFP. It was concluded that the government should consider the local economic development level when formulating environmental regulation policies.
Deep learning: step forward to high-resolution in vivo shortwave infrared imaging

Shortwave infrared window (SWIR: 1000-1700 nm) represents a major improvement compared to the NIR-I region (700-900 nm) in terms of temporal and spatial resolutions in depths down to 4 mm. SWIR is a fast and cheap alternative to more precise methods such as X-ray and opto-acoustic imaging. Main obstacles in SWIR imaging are the noise and scattering from tissues and skin that reduce the precision of the method. We demonstrate that the combination of SWIR in vivo imaging in the NIRIIb region (1500-1700 nm) with advanced deep learning image analysis allows to overcome these obstacles and making a large step forward to high resolution imaging: it allows to precisely segment vessels from tissues and noise, provides morphological structure of the vessels network, with learned pseudo-3D shape, their relative position, dynamic information of blood vascularization in depth in small animals and distinguish the vessels types: artieries and veins. For demonstration we use neural network IterNet that exploits structural redundancy of the blood vessels, which provides a useful analysis tool for raw SWIR images.
How Environmental Knowledge Management Promotes Employee Green Behavior: An Empirical Study

As environmental protection has gradually become the focus of enterprises’ development, employee green behavior becomes an important and key antecedent to study this issue, but there have been less studies conducted with knowledge management. As a result, drawing on the theory of planned behavior and the organizational support theory, this study investigates how environmental knowledge practices (environmental knowledge sharing and environmental knowledge application) affect employee green behavior by using a questionnaire survey administered to 266 employees in China to reveal their complex relationship mechanism. The results show that environmental knowledge application and environmental knowledge sharing have a positive effect on employee green behavior; environmental behavioral intention mediates the relationship between environmental knowledge application and employee green behavior, and between environmental knowledge sharing and employee green behavior; green perceived organizational support positively moderates the relationship between environmental behavioral intention and employee green behavior. The findings shed new light on the development of employee green behavior literature and provide practical reference for strategies related to environmental protection for managers.
Social Inequities in Urban Heat and Greenspace: Analyzing Climate Justice in Delhi, India

Climate change and rapid urbanization currently pose major challenges for equitable development in megacities of the Global South, such as Delhi, India. This study considers how urban social inequities are distributed in terms of burdens and benefits by quantifying exposure through an urban heat risk index (UHRI), and proximity to greenspace through the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), at the ward level in Delhi. Landsat derived remote sensing imagery for May and September 2011 is used in a sensitivity analysis of varying seasonal exposure. Multivariable models based on generalized estimating equations (GEEs) reveal significant statistical associations (p < 0.05) between UHRI/NDVI and several indicators of social vulnerability. For example, the proportions of children (β = 0.922, p = 0.024) and agricultural workers (β = 0.394, p = 0.016) are positively associated with the May UHRI, while the proportions of households with assets (β = −1.978, p = 0.017) and households with electricity (β = −0.605, p = 0.010) are negatively associated with the May UHRI. In contrast, the proportions of children (β = 0.001, p = 0.633) and agricultural workers (β = 0.002, p = 0.356) are not significantly associated with the May NDVI, while the proportions of households with assets (β = 0.013, p = 0.010) and those with electricity (β = 0.008, p = 0.006) are positively associated with the May NDVI. Our findings emphasize the need for future research and policies to consider how socially vulnerable groups are inequitably exposed to the impact of climate change-related urban heat without the mitigating effects of greenspace.
Graphitized-rGO/Polyimide Aerogel as the Compressible Thermal Interface Material with Both High in-Plane and through-Plane Thermal Conductivities

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels with a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected network provides continuous heat transport paths in multi-directions. However, the high porosity of rGO aerogels commonly leads to very low thermal conductivity (TC), and defects and grain boundaries of rGO sheets result in a high extent of phonon scattering, which is far from satisfying the requirement of thermal interface materials (TIMs). Here, a compressible graphitized-rGO/polyimide (g-rGO/PI) aerogel was prepared by the ice-template method and “molecular welding” strategy. The regular cellular structure and closely packed cell walls bring the g-rGO/PI aerogel high compressibility, which made the aerogel can maintain the continuous thermal transport paths well even in highly compacted status. The rGO sheets in the cell wall surface are welded up by g-PI during imidization and graphitization treatment, providing efficient channels for phonon transportation in the 3D network. The g-rGO/PI aerogel in a compressive strain of 95% has a high TC in the plane of 172.5 W m−1k−1 and a high TC through the plane of 58.1 W m−1k−1, which is superior to other carbon-based TIMs previously reported.
Control of Polymorphism in Continuous Crystallization via Mixed Suspension Mixed Product Removal Systems Cascade Design

Control of polymorphism of the enantiotropic p-aminobenzoic acid at either the α or β polymorph while maintaining high yield was achieved by mixed suspension mixed product removal (MSMPR) cascade design. A systematic approach was developed to identify the operational window of the process variables, stage temperature and residence time, in which the stringent polymorph purity criterion (>95 wt %) and high yield were met. The comprehensive understanding of the polymorphism of the model compound, p-aminobenzoic acid, was the key for the identification of the operational window. On the basis of single-stage MSMPR experiments, three temperature regimes—thermodynamic control, energy barrier control, and kinetic competition—were identified, and the interplay between the crystallization kinetics and the thermodynamics in each regime was elucidated. Experimental studies also demonstrated the first polymorph specific MSMPR for enantiotropic systems. Single-stage MSMPRs at low temperature, e.g., 5 °C, were found to.
Weapons Evolve Faster Than Sperm in Bovids and Cervids

In polyandrous species, males face reproductive competition both before and after mating. Sexual selection thus shapes the evolution of both pre- and postcopulatory traits, creating competing demands on resource allocation to different reproductive episodes. Traits subject to strong selection exhibit accelerated rates of phenotypic divergence, and examining evolutionary rates may inform us about the relative importance and potential fitness consequences of investing in traits under either pre- or postcopulatory sexual selection. Here, we used a comparative approach to assess evolutionary rates of key competitive traits in two artiodactyl families, bovids (family Bovidae) and cervids (family Cervidae), where male–male competition can occur before and after mating. We quantified and compared evolutionary rates of male weaponry (horns and antlers), body size/mass, testes mass, and sperm morphometrics. We found that weapons evolve faster than sperm dimensions. In contrast, testes and body mass evolve at similar rates. These results suggest strong, but differential, selection on both pre- and postcopulatory traits in bovids and cervids. Furthermore, we documented distinct evolutionary rates among different sperm components, with sperm head and midpiece evolving faster than the flagellum. Finally, we demonstrate that, despite considerable differences in weapon development between bovids and cervids, the overall evolutionary patterns between these families were broadly consistent.