Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variable Statistical Structure of Neuronal Spike Trains in Monkey Superior Colliculus

Popular models of decision-making propose that noisy sensory evidence accumulates until reaching a bound. Behavioral evidence as well as trial-averaged ramping of neuronal activity in sensorimotor regions of the brain support this idea. However, averaging activity across trials can mask other processes, such as rapid shifts in decision commitment, calling into question the hypothesis that evidence accumulation is encoded by delay period activity of individual neurons. We mined two sets of data from experiments in four monkeys in which we recorded from superior colliculus neurons during two different decision-making tasks and a delayed saccade task. We applied second-order statistical measures and spike train simulations to determine whether spiking statistics were similar or different in the different tasks and monkeys, despite similar trial-averaged activity across tasks and monkeys. During a motion direction discrimination task, single-trial delay period activity behaved statistically consistent with accumulation. During an orientation detection task, the activity behaved superficially like accumulation, but statistically consistent with stepping. Simulations confirmed both findings. Importantly, during a simple saccade task, with similar trial-averaged activity, neither process explained spiking activity, ruling out interpretations based on differences in attention, reward, or motor planning. These results highlight the need for exploring single-trial spiking dynamics to understand cognitive processing and raise the interesting hypothesis that the superior colliculus participates in different aspects of decision-making depending on task differences. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT How are decisions based on sensory information transformed into actions? We report that single-trial neuronal activity dynamics in the superior colliculus of monkeys show differences in decision-making tasks depending on task idiosyncrasies and requirements and despite similar trial-averaged ramping activity. These results highlight the importance of exploring single-trial spiking dynamics to understand cognitive processing and raise the interesting hypothesis that the superior colliculus participates in different aspects of decision-making depending on task requirements.
miR-520h inhibits cell survival by targeting mTOR in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy due to abnormal maternal glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-520h and its potential target gene on the progression of GDM. The blood samples were taken from healthy pregnant women and GDM patients. Human villous trophoblasts HTR-8/SVNEO cells were treated with 25 mM glucose and were considered as the GDM cell model. The miR-520h level was detected using qRT-PCR in the serum and GDM cell model. The correlation analysis between fasting blood-glucose (FBG) level and miR-520h expression was analyzed. The target relationship between miR-520h and mTOR was verified using dual luciferase reporter assay. HG-induced cells were transfected with miR-520h mimic or miR-520h inhibitor and pCDNA3-mTOR vector or their NCs. Cell viability, apoptosis and mTOR expression level were detected using CCK-8, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. The results showed that the miR-520h serum level was up-regulated in the GDM patients' serum and GDM cell model, and was positively correlated with FBG of GDM patients. High glucose (HG) inhibited HTR-8/SVNEO cell viability and decreased mTOR expression, while it promoted apoptosis. Then, the effects of HG on HTR-8/SVNEO cells were reversed by miR-520h inhibitor. Moreover, mTOR was identified as a target gene downstream of miR-520h. The overexpression of mTOR alleviated miR-520h mimic-induced reduction in cell viability and enhancement in cell apoptosis in the GDM cell model. In conclusion, miR-520h could inhibit cell viability and promote cell apoptosis by regulating mTOR expression in the GDM cell model. Hence, miR-520h might be a potential and important marker for the diagnosis and treatment of GDM.
Adaptive Learning and Sampled-Control for Nonlinear Game Systems Using Dynamic Event-Triggering Strategy

Static event-triggering-based control problems have been investigated when implementing adaptive dynamic programming algorithms. The related triggering rules are only current state-dependent without considering previous values. This motivates our improvements. This article aims to provide an explicit formulation for dynamic event-triggering that guarantees asymptotic stability of the event-sampled nonzero-sum differential game system and desirable approximation of critic neural networks. This article first deduces the static triggering rule by processing the coupling terms of Hamilton–Jacobi equations, and then, Zeno-free behavior is realized by devising an exponential term. Subsequently, a novel dynamic-triggering rule is devised into the adaptive learning stage by defining a dynamic variable, which is mathematically characterized by a first-order filter. Moreover, mathematical proofs illustrate the system stability and the weight convergence. Theoretical analysis reveals the characteristics of dynamic rule and its relations with the static rules. Finally, a numerical example is presented to substantiate the established claims. The comparative simulation results confirm that both static and dynamic strategies can reduce the communication that arises in the control loops, while the latter undertakes less communication burden due to fewer triggered events.
A molecular modelling approach for identifying antiviral selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds that inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2: an in silico investigation

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the situation worsens daily, associated with acute increases in case fatality rates. The main protease (Mpro) enzyme produced by SARS-CoV-2 was recently demonstrated to be responsible for not only viral reproduction but also impeding host immune responses. The element selenium (Se) plays a vital role in immune functions, both directly and indirectly. Thus, we hypothesised that Se-containing heterocyclic compounds might curb the activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We performed a molecular docking analysis and found that several of the selected selenocompounds showed potential binding affinities for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, especially ethaselen (49), which exhibited a docking score of −6.7 kcal/mol compared with the −6.5 kcal/mol score for GC376 (positive control). Drug-likeness calculations suggested that these compounds are biologically active and possess the characteristics of ideal drug candidates. Based on the binding affinity and drug-likeness results, we selected the 16 most effective selenocompounds as potential anti-COVID-19 drug candidates. We also validated the structural integrity and stability of the drug candidate through molecular dynamics simulation. Using further in vitro and in vivo experiments, we believe that the targeted compound identified in this study (ethaselen) could pave the way for the development of prospective drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections and trigger specific host immune responses.
Activation of the orbitofrontal cortex by both meditation and exercise: A near-infrared spectroscopy study

In some types of meditation, such as mindfulness and Zen, breathing is the focus of attention, whereas during an excessive, short-period of anaerobic exercise, the muscles become the focus of attention. Thus, during both efforts, one’s attention is focused on a certain feature of the body. Both meditation and exercise generally provide mental refreshment to humans. We hypothesized that the same brain regions are activated by both efforts in humans. To examine this hypothesis, we engaged participants in 3 tasks: meditation, exercise, and a control task. After each task, the participants underwent a 2-back test to concentrate their thoughts, while changes in their blood hemoglobin levels were simultaneously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Seventeen participants (20–24 years of age; 11 men, 6 women) were enrolled. We applied a fast-Fourier transform (FFT) analysis to the NIRS wave data and calculated the correlation coefficients of the FFT data between (1) meditation and control, (2) exercise and control, and (3) meditation and exercise, at the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), brain areas that are generally involved in mental refreshment. A significant difference in the correlation coefficients between the OFC and DLPFC was detected in the meditation and exercise analysis, and signal source analysis confirmed that the NIRS waves spread from the right and left OFC edges (i.e., right and left temples) toward the center. Our results suggest that both meditation and exercise activate the OFC, which is involved in emotional reactions and motivation behavior, resulting in mental refreshment.
Relationship of ITPKA expression with the prognosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) represents a most common cancer among women worldwide. The outcomes of this disease remain dismal due to frequent recurrence and metastasis. Inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐3‐kinase‐A (ITPKA) plays an important role in regulating calcium signaling and actin dynamics. The dysregulation of ITPKA has been observed in several human cancers. The present study aimed to assess ITPKA expression and its prognostic value in BC.
The Accuracy of Traumatic Memories in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract This review sought to investigate the accuracy of traumatic memories in persons with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched for articles, and 11 studies were included. Three different methods of studying memory accuracy were identified in the included articles: coherence, change in recollection of trauma over time, and remembering details of trauma. Three studies found a deficiency in the accuracy of traumatic memory. Despite some inconsistencies, most of the studies concluded that the memory of trauma is as accurate in people with as in those without PTSD. The only recurring difference identified across studies was in recollection of trauma over time. The findings are of importance both clinically and for the legal system.
Characteristics of Aerococcus viridans isolated from porcine fetuses in Korean farms

Abstract Swine abortion caused by viruses as well as bacteria has caused many economic losses in domestic farms over the years; however, bacterial abortion has not yet been studied in Korea. Several bacterial species were isolated from aborted fetuses (n = 103) for which the cause of death was not viral abortion. Among them, we focused on Aerococcus viridans, which had the highest positive rate within three provinces (Gangwon, Jeonnam and Gyeongnam). A total of 16 isolates were identified as A. viridans by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), and 13 were characterized by both antibiotic resistance and 16S rRNA gene analysis. Based on antibiotic susceptibility testing result, eight antimicrobials could not effectively eliminate the present isolation (more than 40% of isolates can resist these antibiotics), while all except two strains were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Molecular analysis indicated genetic variation among these strains. This study is the first report detecting A. viridans from aborted fetuses in Korean domestic farms.
In-silico based identification of phytochemicals from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. as potential inhibitors for overexpressed HER2 and VEGFR2 cancer genes

Abstract Human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2) and Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2) – a tyrosine kinase receptors play a key role in breast and stomach cancers. The overexpression of HER2 and VEGFR2 genes increases the number of HER2 and VEGFR2 in the cell which initiates breast and stomach cancer respectively. The phytochemicals from traditional medicinal herb Houttuynia cordata Thunb. are reported to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential. However, isolation of phytochemicals from this herb is fraught with uncertainly and time-consuming. Here, a molecular docking approach provides probable binding affinities between the receptors and phytochemicals (ligands) which initiate the first step of anticancer drug discovery and development. In the present study, In-silico docking approaches were used to identify the top-hit phytochemicals from H. cordata as potential inhibitors for overexpressed HER2 (breast) and VEGFR2 (stomach) cancer genes. A total of 100 biologically active phytochemicals from H. cordata were screened and docked against the ligand-binding pocket of HER2 and VEGFR2 kinase domains. Docking results revealed only a few phytochemicals (molecules) which appropriately fit into the ligand-binding pocket with higher binding affinity than the natural ATP ligand. A competitive docking was used to ascertain the top-hit phytochemicals that bind perfectly to the ATP ligand-binding pocket. Among the top-hit phytochemicals docked from H. cordata, the β-sitosterol and Quercetin showed highest binding affinity towards HER2 and VEGFR2 receptors using both hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. This study confirmed β-sitosterol and Quercetin as potential drug candidates against breast and stomach cancer. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma Graphical Abstract
Comparison of the clinical characteristics and mortality in ARDS due to COVID-19 versus ARDS due to Influenza A-H1N1pdm09

Abstract Importance: Infection with the SARS-Cov-2 and Influenza A-H1N1 viruses is responsible for the first pandemics of the 21st century. Both of these viruses can cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The clinical differences and mortality associated with these two pandemic pneumonias in patients with ARDS are not well established Objective: To compare case-fatality between ARDS-Covid-19 and ARDS-Influenza A (H1N1), adjusting for known prognostic risk factors. Design, Setting and Participants: One hundred forty-seven patients with COVID-19 were compared with 94 with Influenza A-H1N1, all of these were admitted to the intensive care unit of the Referral Center for Respiratory Diseases and COVID-19 in Mexico City and fulfilled the criteria of ARDS. Results: Patients arrived at the hospital after 9 days of symptoms. Influenza patients had more obesity, more use of Norepinephrine, and higher levels of lactic dehydrogenase and glucose, and fewer platelets and lower PaO2/FIO2. Crude mortality was higher in COVID than in influenza (39% vs. 22%; p = 0.005). In a Cox proportional hazard model, patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 had a hazard ratio (HR) = 3.7; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.9-7.4, adjusted for age, gender, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, ventilatory ratio, and prone ventilation. In the fully adjusted model, the ventilatory ratio and the absence of prone-position ventilation were also predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) had a 3.7 times higher risk of death than similar patients with Influenza A-H1N1, after adjusting for SOFA score and other relevant risk factors for mortality.
Predicting Sexual Risk Behavior in British and European Union University Students in the United Kingdom

Abstract Drawing on the Health Adversity Risk Model, this study examines the relationship between mental health and sexual risk behaviors in British and European Union (EU) university students in the United Kingdom. Four hundred and thirty-one undergraduate students completed a cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, multiple regression and structural equation modeling. Results showed that female students and British students exhibited higher levels of psychological distress, self-harm and sexual risk behaviors than males and EU students; and that female and EU students were more likely to adopt adaptive coping styles than male and British students, respectively. The structural equation model suggests that the relationship between gender and citizenship and sexual risk-taking is mediated by identity threat, psychological distress, coping styles and self-harm. Adaptive coping styles are not necessarily protective against sexual risk-taking but rather determine the type of sexual risk behavior: re-thinking/planning is associated with volitional risk behaviors and social engagement with non-volitional behaviors. Social and cultural norms may shed light on mental health outcomes and sexual risk-taking in university students.
Preparation and characterization of R2CoMnO6 (R=La, Nd) via PVA sol-gel route

ABSTRACT La2CoMnO6 and Nd2CoMnO6 powders were successfully synthesized by applying the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sol-gel method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by DSC, TG, FT-IR, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. XRD analysis revealed that single phase La2CoMnO6 powders was directly synthesized through the charring procedure and no intermediate phase appeared. However, the well-crystallized monophasic Nd2CoMnO6 was synthesized at a calcination temperature of 600°C for 2 h. La2CoMnO6 and Nd2CoMnO6 powders showed paramagnetic behaviors at room temperature.
Rubidium doped nano-hydroxyapatite with cytocompatibility and antibacterial

ABSTRACT Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a widely used biomaterial because it is the main inorganic component of human bone and teeth. Rubidium (Rb) is a vital trace metal element in human body, and has been reported to possess antibacterial ability and can promote osteoblasts proliferation and differentiation. In this work, nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles doped with different contents of Rb (Rb-nHAp) were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized Rb-nHAp. XRD and FT-IR results show that the powders were pure HAp with good crystal structure and no other phase or impurity. SEM and TEM observations indicate that Rb-nHAp powders exhibit a homogeneous rod-like morphology, which were 50 ~ 300 nm in size. The in vitro results show that 3% and 5% Rb-nHAp exhibited enhanced proliferation and differentiation to MG-63 cells than pure HAp at day 7 or longer. In vitro bacterial proliferation assay shows that Rb-nHAp powders exhibit higher inhibition against the both bacteria. In conclusion, doping Rb could simultaneously endow nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) with favorable cytocompatibility and antibacterial capacity. Rb-nHAp can be a promising material for biomedical applications.
The (anti) politics of central banking: Monetary policy, class conflict and the limits of sovereignty in South Africa

Abstract During the transition to democracy in the 1990s, the departing apartheid regime granted political power to the black majority but kept the main levers of economic policy insulated from the revolution. Control over the South African Reserve Bank (SARB; hereafter also Reserve Bank) was central to this strategy. The SARB was made private and independent, its mandate limited to maintaining ‘price stability’, and the financial sector was liberalized – all in line with neoliberal principles. The SARB represents itself as ‘apolitical’, and claims that independence is necessary to build investor trust. But since 2009, left-wing movements have argued that central bank policy is in fact political; that it ultimately benefits the rich at the expense of the poor. They want to renationalize the SARB and establish democratic control over finance and monetary policy, thus completing the revolution. This paper explores the history and politics of central banking in South Africa, including the role of African National Congress (ANC) decision-makers, to determine how and why the SARB become independent during the transition, and who benefits from this arrangement. I find that the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy does indeed have uneven distributional effects, and serves the interests of some class factions (specifically, speculative finance) over others. But I argue that the vision for a more democratic financial system may be difficult to actualize. Not because it is unrealistic, but because it fails to address the external pressures that overdetermine SARB policy. Ultimately, the Reserve Bank is beholden to powers that lie beyond the borders of the domestic political economy. Integration into global financial markets, and dependence on foreign investment, has severely curtailed South Africa’s economic sovereignty.
Selective lithium encapsulation in aqueous solution by the new cage 4,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10,15-pentaazabicyclo[5.5.5]heptadecane (L). Synthesis, characterization, and structural aspects. Crystal structures of [LiL](ClO4) and [CuL]Br2.cntdot.3H2O

The cage selectively encapsulates Li + , and the inclusion [LiL] + complex formation equilibrium has been investigated by potentiometry (log K=4.8) and 7 Li NMR techniques. The molecular structure of the complex [LiL] [ClO 4 ] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The compound crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell (space group P2 1 /n) with lattice constants a=15.046 (11) A, b=8.893 (4) A, c=15.305 (8) A, and β=113.58 (4)°, with Z=4. Least-squares refinement converged at R=0.065 for 1385 observed reflections of I>3 σ(I). Li + is wholly enclosed in the cage cavity and adopts a five-coordinate geometry, with a short Li-N mean distance of 2.04 A. The molecular structure of the complex [CuL] [Br 2 ]•3H 2 O has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The compound crystallises in an orthorhombic unit cell (space group Cmc2 1 ) with lattice constants a=11.629 (1) A, b=13.031 (1) A, and c=14.702 (1) A, with Z=4. Least-squares refinement converged at R=0.068 for 542 observed reflections of I>3 σ (I)
Growth of Si and C δ‐doped nipi doping superlattices in GaAs by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy

We have optimized growth conditions of metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) in order to grow Si and C δ‐doped nipi doping superlattices in GaAs. Trimethylaluminium (TMAl) and silane (SiH4) were used as p‐type and n‐type doping precursors, respectively. We report that at 630 °C, full compensation of free electrons and holes can be obtained in the MOVPE‐grown Si and C δ‐doped nipi doping superlattices over a very wide range of the sheet carrier densities (1012–1013 cm−2) by choosing proper TMAl flow rate and Si δ‐doping time or SiH4 flow rate. The experimental results on electrical and optical characterization of Si and C δ‐doped nipi doping superlattices in GaAs with 150 A thick undoped spacer layers are presented.