Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of hypoglycin A and MCPA-carnitine in equine serum and muscle tissue: optimisation and validation of a LC-MS based method without derivatisation.

BACKGROUND Measurement of hypoglycin A (HGA) and its toxic metabolite, methylenecyclopropylacetic acid (MCPA), in equine serum confirms a diagnosis of atypical myopathy (AM), a pasture-associated toxic rhabdomyolysis with high mortality linked to the ingestion of Acer trees plant material. Supportive diagnostic tests include plasma acyl-carnitine profiling and urine organic acid testing, but these are not specific for AM. Previously reported HGA and MCPA analytical techniques used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with a derivatising step, but the latter prolongs testing and increases costs. OBJECTIVES To develop a rapid LCMS method for detection of serum and tissue HGA and MCPA that enables expedited diagnosis for horses with AM. STUDY DESIGN Analytical test validation. METHODS Validation parameters to industry standards using as criteria precision, accuracy, linearity, reproducibility and stability in analyte-spiked samples were calculated on 9-calibration points and 3 different validation concentrations in both serum and muscle tissue. RESULTS The test was successfully validated for the detection of HGA and MCPA-carnitine in horse serum and muscle. Test linearity was excellent (r2 =0.999), accuracy was very good for both analytes (93-108%), precision did not exceed 10% coefficient of variation and reproducibility met the requirements of the Horwitz equation. Stability was unaffected by storage at a range of temperatures. MAIN LIMITATIONS The spectrum of the tested analytes was limited to only two relevant analytes in favour of a quick and easy analysis. Linearity of the muscle method was not evaluated as calibration curves were not produced in this matrix. CONCLUSION We report an optimised, simplified and validated method for detection of HGA and MCPA-carnitine in horse serum and muscle suitable for rapid diagnosis of suspected AM cases. The serum based test should also enable risk assessment of toxin exposure in co-grazing horses and assessment of horses with undiagnosed myopathies, while the tissue detection test should help to confirm cases post-mortem and to determine toxin distribution, metabolism and clearance across different tissues.
Free Fatty Acid Receptors 2 and 3 as Microbial Metabolite Sensors to Shape Host Health: Pharmacophysiological View

The role of the gut microbiome in human health is becoming apparent. The major functional impact of the gut microbiome is transmitted through the microbial metabolites that are produced in the gut and interact with host cells either in the local gut environment or are absorbed into circulation to impact distant cells/organs. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major microbial metabolites that are produced in the gut through the fermentation of non-digestible fibers. SCFAs are known to function through various mechanisms, however, their signaling through free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR2/3; type of G-coupled protein receptors) is a new therapeutic approach. FFAR2/3 are widely expressed in diverse cell types in human and mice, and function as sensors of SCFAs to change several physiological and cellular functions. FFAR2/3 modulate neurological signaling, energy metabolism, intestinal cellular homeostasis, immune response, and hormone synthesis. FFAR2/3 function through Gi and/or Gq signaling, that is mediated through specific structural features of SCFAs-FFAR2/3 bindings and modulating specific signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss the wide-spread expression and structural homologies between human and mice FFAR2/3, and their role in different human health conditions. This information can unlock opportunities to weigh the potential of FFAR2/3 as a drug target to prevent human diseases.
Multi-Stage Pedestrian Positioning Using Filtered WiFi Scanner Data in an Urban Road Environment

Since widespread applications of wireless sensors networks, low-speed traffic positioning based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) from personal devices with WiFi broadcasts has attracted considerable attention. This study presents a new range-based localization method for outdoor pedestrian positioning by using the combination of offline RSSI distance estimation and real-time continuous position fitting, which can achieve high-position accuracy in the urban road environment. At the offline stage, the piecewise polynomial regression model (PPRM) is proposed to formulate the Euclidean distance between the targets and WiFi scanners by replacing the common propagation model (PM). The online stage includes three procedures. Firstly, a constant velocity Kalman filter (CVKF) is developed to smooth the real-time RSSI time series and estimate the target-detector distance. Then, a least squares Taylor series expansion (LS-TSE) is developed to calculate the actual 2-dimensional coordinate with the replacement of existing trilateral localization. Thirdly, a trajectory-based technique of the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is introduced to smooth estimated positioning points. In tests that used field scenarios from Guangzhou, China, the experiments demonstrate that the combined CVKF and PPRM can achieve the highly accurate distance estimator of <1.98 m error with the probability of 90% or larger, which outperforms the existing propagation model. In addition, the online method can achieve average positioning error of 1.67 m with the much better than classical methods.
Hiking Time Trial Performance in the Heat with Real-Time Observation of Heat Strain, Hydration Status and Fluid Intake Behavior

This study investigated the real-time progression of heat strain in mountain hikers during time trials (TT). Participants (n = 12; 7M/5F; age 21.6 ± 2.47) attempted to climb Tempe Butte (~1.1 mi) four times in HOT and MOD trials (wet bulb globe temperature 31.6 °C vs. 19.0 °C). Performance, physiological outcomes, and fluid intake behavior were measured in real-time. Hot conditions significantly impaired hiking TT performance by 11%, reduced aerobic capacity by 7%, increased peak rate of perceived exertion (RPE) by 19%, and elevated core temperature (Tc) by 0.7 °C compared to MOD (all p < 0.03). Less-aerobically-fit participants were most negatively-affected by heat stress. Based on sweat lost, participants in HOT required 2.26 ± 0.91 L of fluids, brought 1.52 ± 0.83 L, and consumed 1.54 ± 0.49 L, losing an average of 1.1% ± 1.0%BM. Participants in MOD required 1.28 ± 0.39 L of fluids, brought 1.57 ± 1.09 L, and consumed 0.79 ± 0.57 L, losing an average of 1.0% ± 0.8%BM. Morning-after urine specific gravity (USG) values revealed 75% of hikers were hypohydrated (USG ≥ 1.020) after HOT; 67% after MOD. Heat stress impairs hiking TT performance while increasing RPE and Tc. Fitter participants showed less performance and physiological impairment from heat stress. Although hikers in both conditions lost similar body weight, hikers were limited in HOT by fluid availability, whereas in MOD, fluid was available and dehydration was voluntary.
Effects of size, competition and altitude on tree growth

1 Understanding the factors influencing tree growth is central to forest ecology because of the significance of growth to forest structure and biomass. One of the simplest, yet most controversial growth models, proposed by Enquist and colleagues, predicts that stem‐diameter growth scales as the one‐third power of stem diameter. Recent analyses of large‐scale data sets have challenged the generality of this theory and highlighted the influence of resource competition on the scaling of growth with size. 2 Here we explore the factors regulating the diameter growth of 3334 trees of mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) growing in natural single‐species forests in New Zealand. Maximum‐likelihood modelling was used to quantify the influences of tree size, altitude, the basal area of taller neighbours (BL) and the basal area of all neighbours (BT) on growth. Our interpretation of the models assumed that taller neighbours compete for light whereas all neighbours compete for nutrients. 3 The regression analyses indicate that competition for light has a strong influence on the growth of small trees, whereas competition for nutrients affects trees of all sizes. These findings are consistent with experimental manipulation studies showing that competition for light and nutrients inhibits the growth of small mountain beech trees, and fertilizer application studies showing that nitrogen limits the growth of large trees. 4 Tree growth declined with altitude. The regression analyses suggest that the intensity of light competition also declines with altitude, when trees with similar BT and BL values were compared along the gradient. These results are consistent with observations that trees become stunted and have more open canopies at high altitudes. 5 Our study is the first to build the effects of competition and environment into Enquist's model of tree growth. We show that competitive interactions alter the scaling of mean growth rate with size, whereas altitude does not influence the scaling of potential growth rate with size.
A taxonomic revision of the species of Alloclemensia n.gen. (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae s. str.)

The genus Alloclemensia n.gen. (type-species: Alloclemensia maculata n.sp.), with four species in the Palaearctic region and one species in the Nearctic region, is described and its species are revised. The genus comprises five species: mesospilella (Herrich-Schaffer) [= trimaculella (Herrich-Schaffer)], devotella (Rebel) [= muchei (Soffner), n.syn. ] and three new species: americana from North America and unifasciata and maculata from Japan. The monophyly of the genus is demonstrated and the primary dichotomy within the genus is considered to lie between the two western Palaearctic species plus the North American species and the two eastern Palaearctic species. Keys to the species are provided and all species and their genitalia are described and illustrated. Two new combinations and one new synonymy are established and two lectotypes are designated.
Shifting Baselines in a California Oak Savanna: Nineteenth Century Data to Inform Restoration Scenarios

For centuries humans have reduced and transformed Mediterranean‐climate oak woodland and savanna ecosystems, making it difficult to establish credible baselines for ecosystem structure and composition that can guide ecological restoration efforts. We combined historical data sources, with particular attention to mid‐1800s General Land Office witness tree records and maps and twentieth century air photos, to reconstruct 150 years of decline in extent and stand density of Valley oak (Quercus lobata Neé) woodlands and savannas in the Santa Clara Valley of central coastal California. Nineteenth century Valley oak woodlands here were far more extensive and densely stocked than early twentieth century air photos would suggest, although reconstructed basal areas (7.5 m2/ha) and densities (48.9 trees/ha) were not outside the modern range reported for this ecosystem type. Tree densities and size distribution varied across the landscape in relation to soil and topography, and trees in open savannas were systematically larger than those in denser woodlands. For the largest woodland stand, we estimated a 99% decline in population from the mid‐1800s to the 1930s. Although most of the study area is now intensely developed, Valley oaks could be reintroduced in urban and residential areas as well as in surrounding rangelands at densities comparable to the native oak woodlands and savannas, thereby restoring aspects of ecologically and culturally significant ecosystems, including wildlife habitat and genetic connectivity within the landscape.
A Journey to the Conformational Analysis of T-Cell Epitope Peptides Involved in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious central nervous system (CNS) disease responsible for disability problems and deterioration of the quality of life. Several approaches have been applied to medications entering the market to treat this disease. However, no effective therapy currently exists, and the available drugs simply ameliorate the destructive disability effects of the disease. In this review article, we report on the efforts that have been conducted towards establishing the conformational properties of wild-type myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) epitopes or altered peptide ligands (ALPs). These efforts have led to the aim of discovering some non-peptide mimetics possessing considerable activity against the disease. These efforts have contributed also to unveiling the molecular basis of the molecular interactions implicated in the trimolecular complex, T-cell receptor (TCR)–peptide–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or human leucocyte antigen (HLA).
Clustering of functioning and disability profile based on the WHO disability assessment schedule 2.0 – a nationwide databank study

Abstract Objective To compare and cluster the health status and disability restrictions associated with eight major physiological functions of body systems, using functioning domains of WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Design Retrospective analyses of a nation-wide disability database. Setting Population-based study. Participants Records from patients >18 years of age with disability were obtained from the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability (July 2012–November 2017). Disability functioning profile of the following diagnosis were analyzed: stroke, schizophrenia, hearing loss, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, burn, head and neck cancer. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Demographic data, severity of impairment, and Disability Assessment Scale scores were obtained and analyzed. Radar charts were constructed using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. functioning domain score. Degree of similarity between any two given diagnosis was assessed by cluster analysis, comparing the Euclidean distances between radar chart data points among the six domains. Results Based on cluster analysis of similarities between functioning domain profiles, the eight diagnoses were grouped into different disability clusters. Four clusters of disability were named according to the type restriction patterns: global-impact cluster (stroke); interaction-restriction cluster (schizophrenia, hearing loss); physical-limitation cluster, (liver cirrhosis, CKD, and congestive heart failure); and specific-impact cluster (burn, head and neck cancer). The rates of institutionalization and unemployment differed between the four clusters. Conclusion We converted WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. functioning domain scores into six-dimensioned radar chart, and demonstrate disability restrictions can be further categorized into clusters according to similarity of functioning impairment. Understanding of disease-related disabilities provides an important basis for designing rehabilitation programs and policies on social welfare and health that reflect the daily-living needs of people according to diagnosis. Implication for Rehabilitation The use of radar charts provided a direct visualization of the scope and severity of disabilities associated with specific diagnoses. Diagnosis-related disabilities can be organized into clusters based on similarities in WHODAS 2.0 disability domain profiles. Knowledge of the characteristics of disability clusters is important to understand disease-related disabilities and provide a basis for designing rehabilitation.
Engaging African American Parents to Develop a Mobile Health Technology for Breastfeeding: KULEA-NET

Background African Americans breastfeed less than other groups, which has implications for health throughout the life course. Little is known about mobile health technologies to support breastfeeding. Research aims This study proceeded in two phases. The aim of Phase 1 was to identify ideal technological components and content of a mobile health intervention. The aim of Phase 2 was to determine the usability of a prototype, KULEA-NET, based on the Phase 1 findings. Methods For this mixed-methods study, we used community-based participatory research methods and user-centered technology design methods. We used open coding in NVivo 11 to organize data from focus groups and in-depth interviews, then we analyzed the data. We then developed a prototype and tested the prototype’s usability with the System Usability Scale. Fifty pregnant and postpartum African Americans from the District of Columbia participated. Results Participants preferred an app with text messaging technology and identified areas for intervention: self-efficacy, parent-child attachment beliefs, social support, public breastfeeding and social desirability, and returning to work. Desired features included local resources, support person access, baby care logs, identification of public breastfeeding venues, and peer discussions. The System Usability Scale score was 73.8, which indicates above average usability. Conclusions A mobile health technology like KULEA-NET can be used to meet the breastfeeding needs of African Americans, build social desirability, and complement traditional health care. The appeal of an African American-specific intervention is unclear. Responding to mixed feeding practices is challenging. KULEA-NET is a mobile breastfeeding intervention guided by the preferences of African American parents and offers promising usability metrics.
Demographic Differences in Youth Perceptions of Staff: A National Evaluation of Adjudicated Youth

Despite the large societal and personal cost associated with the detainment of juvenile offenders in residential facilities, little is known about the factors that contribute to youth behavior while incarcerated. One factor that may be of importance to maintaining security within facilities and improving rehabilitation efforts is youth’s perceptions of correctional staff, namely, youth’s perceptions of positive staff characteristics (e.g., friendliness; helpfulness) and staff behavior toward youth (e.g., fair punishments). Accordingly, the current study used the National Survey of Youth in Custody across two cohorts to better understand youth perceptions about staff by examining rates of these perceptions within juvenile detention centers nationwide. Furthermore, given the overrepresentation of marginalized groups in the justice system, systematic differences in youth’s perceptions about staff were evaluated based on demographic characteristics, including age, race, sex, and sexual orientation, to better understand how these characteristics influence youth perceptions. Results suggested several significant differences based on demographic characteristics, with the most prominent and consistent differences associated with race and age, with Black youth and older youth having the least positive views of staff. Interestingly, non-heterosexual youth were more likely to view staff characteristics as positive than heterosexual youth. Implications of findings are discussed.
Peptide-oleate complexes create novel membrane-bound compartments.

A challenging question in evolutionary theory is the origin of cell division and plausible molecular mechanisms involved. Here, we made the surprising observation that complexes formed by short alpha-helical peptides and oleic acid can create multiple membrane-enclosed spaces from a single lipid vesicle. The findings suggest that such complexes may contain the molecular information necessary to initiate and sustain this process. Based on these observations, we propose a new molecular model to understand protocell division.
Suicide Risk and Protective Factors: A Network Approach

Abstract Objective Suicide is a complex phenomenon, with numerous factors contributing to an individual’s risk of suicide. The aim of the present study was to explore how risk and protective factors for suicide interact with one another in a network sense and to determine which factors were most central to a network of these factors. Method Using an online survey, cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 515 individuals who lived in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Participants were recruited through either social media or Prolific Academic. A network of 18 risk and protective factors for suicide was estimated using network analysis. Analyses were preregistered on the Open Science Framework. Results Factors that had the highest strength centrality were feeling depressed, feeling hopeless, perceived burdensomeness, self-esteem, and social support. Factors that were directly associated with suicidal ideation included feeling depressed, perceived burdensomeness, feeling hopeless, self-esteem, resilience, access to mental health services and a positive attitude toward these services. Conclusion This research demonstrates the importance of examining protective factors as well as risk factors when estimating an individual’s suicide risk. The results suggest that interventions targeting depression may be particularly beneficial in reducing suicide risk, but further longitudinal research is required. HIGHLIGHTS The network analyses estimated depression to be the most central risk factor. Depression and perceived burdensomeness were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Self-esteem and resilience were protective against suicidal ideation.
Epi-Intra neural probes with glassy carbon microelectrodes help elucidate neural coding and stimulus encoding in 3D volume of tissue

Objective. In this study, we demonstrate practical applications of a novel 3-dimensional neural probe for simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from the surface of the brain as well as deep intra-cortical tissue. We used this 3D probe to investigate signal propagation mechanisms between neuronal cells and their responses to stimuli in a 3D fashion. Approach. This novel probe leverage 2D thin-film microfabrication technique to combine an epi-cortical (surface) and an intra-cortical (depth) microelectrode arrays (Epi-Intra), that unfold into an origami 3D-like probe during brain implantation. The flexible epi-cortical component conforms to the brain surface while the intra-cortical array is reinforced with stiffer durimide polymer layer for ease of tissue penetration. The microelectrodes are made of glassy carbon material that is biocompatible and has low electrochemical impedance that is important for high fidelity neuronal recordings. These recordings were performed on the auditory region of anesthetized European starling songbirds during playback of conspecific songs as auditory stimuli. Main results. The Epi-Intra probe recorded broadband activity including local field potentials (LFPs) signals as well as single-unit activity and multi-unit activity from both surface and deep brain. The majority of recorded cellular activities were stimulus-locked and exhibited low noise. Notably, while LFPs recorded on surface and depth electrodes did not exhibit strong correlation, composite receptive fields (CRFs)—extracted from individual neuron cells through a non-linear model and that are cell-dependent—were correlated. Significance. These findings demonstrate that CRFs extracted from Epi-Intra recordings are excellent candidates for neural coding and for understanding the relationship between sensory neuronal responses and their stimuli (stimulus encoding). Beyond CRFs, this novel neural probe may enable new spatiotemporal 3D volumetric mapping to address, with cellular resolution, how the brain coordinates function.