Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Physiological and Proteomic Analysis Reveals Different Involvement of Proteins during Artificial Aging of Siberian Wildrye Seeds

Seed aging has an important effect on the germplasm preservation and industrialized production of Siberian wildrye (Elymus sibiricus) in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, so far its underlying molecular mechanisms still largely remain unknown. To shed light on this topic, one-year stored seeds of E. sibiricus were exposed to artificial aging treatments (AAT), followed by seed vigor characteristics and physiological status monitoring. Then global proteomics analysis was undertaken by the tandem mass tags (TMT) technique, and the proteins were quantified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry on three aging time points (0 h, 36 h and 72 h). Finally, we verified the expression of related proteins by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Our results demonstrated that the seed vigor decreased remarkably in response to artificial aging, but the relative ion-leakage and malondialdehyde content, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide showed the opposite situation. Proteomic results showed that a total of 4169 proteins were identified and quantified. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that a series of key pathways including carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity were severely damaged by aging treatments. Numerous key proteins such as glyceraldehyde triphosphate glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, lipoxygenase, peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and late embryogenesis abundant proteins were significantly down-regulated. However, the up-regulation of the heat shock protein family has made a positive contribution to oxidative stress resistance in seeds. This study provides a useful catalog of the E. sibiricus proteomes with insights into the future genetic improvement of seed storability.
Conditional protein tagging methods reveal highly specific subcellular distribution of ion channels in motion-sensing neurons

Neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels shape the biophysical properties of neurons, from the sign of the response mediated by neurotransmitter receptors to the dynamics shaped by voltage-gated ion channels. Therefore, knowing the localizations and types of receptors and channels present in neurons is fundamental to our understanding of neural computation. Here, we developed two approaches to visualize the subcellular localization of specific proteins in Drosophila: The flippase-dependent expression of GFP-tagged receptor subunits in single neurons and ‘FlpTag’, a versatile new tool for the conditional labelling of endogenous proteins. Using these methods, we investigated the subcellular distribution of the receptors GluClα, Rdl, and Dα7 and the ion channels para and Ih in motion-sensing T4/T5 neurons of the Drosophila visual system. We discovered a strictly segregated subcellular distribution of these proteins and a sequential spatial arrangement of glutamate, acetylcholine, and GABA receptors along the dendrite that matched the previously reported EM-reconstructed synapse distributions.
Single versus dual-rate learning when exposed to Coriolis forces during reaching movements

When we reach for an object during a passive whole body rotation, a tangential Coriolis force is generated on the arm. Yet, within a few trials, the brain adapts to this force so it does not disrupt the reach. Is this adaptation governed by a single-rate or dual-rate learning process? Here, guided by state-space modeling, we studied human reach adaptation in a fully-enclosed rotating room. After 90 pre-rotation reaches (baseline), participants were trained to make 240 to-and-fro reaches while the room rotated at 10 rpm (block A), then performed 6 reaches under opposite room rotation (block B), and subsequently made 100 post-rotation reaches (washout). A control group performed the same paradigm, but without the reaches during rotation block B. Single-rate and dual-rate models can be best dissociated if there would be full un-learning of compensation A during block B, but minimal learning of B. From the perspective of a dual-rate model, the un-learning observed in block B would mainly be caused by the faster state, such that the washout reaches would show retention effects of the slower state, called spontaneous recovery. Alternatively, following a single-rate model, the same state would govern the learning in block A and un-learning in block B, such that the washout reaches mimic the baseline reaches. Our results do not provide clear signs of spontaneous recovery in the washout reaches. Model fits further show that a single-rate process outperformed a dual-rate process. We suggest that a single-rate process underlies Coriolis force reach adaptation, perhaps because these forces relate to familiar body dynamics and are assigned to an internal cause.
Switching from IFX originator to biosimilar CT-P13 does not impact effectiveness,safety and immunogenicity in a large cohort of IBD patients

ABSTRACT Background Switching from IFX originator to CT-P13 is safe; however, little data on immunogenicity exists. Research design and methods Consecutive IBD patients on IFX originator were switched to CT-P13 and followed-up for 12 months. Clinical activity, infliximab trough levels (ITLs), anti-drug antibodies (ATIs), and adverse events were recorded at predefined timepoints (baseline, second CT-P13 infusion, 6 and 12 months). The outcomes investigated were immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, effectiveness and safety. Results 119 patients were switched to CT-P13 after a median time with IFX of 5.8 years. No changes in mean ITLs were observed. ATIs were detected in 30 patients (25.2%): 14 before and 16 after switch. Mean persistent ATIs were significantly higher compared to mean transient ones (109.74 ng/mL ±84.70 vs 18.22 ng/mL ±11.37, p < 0.001), with significantly lower ITLs associated (mean 0.32 µg/mL ±0.6 vs 3.08 µg/mL ±3.22, p < 0.001). A significant decrease of patients in steroid-fee clinical remission was observed after the switch (p = 0.004), with subsequent improvement at 6 months (p = 0.005). Eighteen patients (15.1%) discontinued IFX, only 6 (5%) for loss of response. Conclusions Switching from infliximab originator to CT-P13 seems safe and effective, without differences in immunogenicity. A temporary reduction of clinical benefit after switching could be potentially explained by a ‘nocebo-effect response’.
A Comparative Study of the Effect of Financial Development on Economic Growth under Asymmetric Information

This paper studies the relationship between the development of financial sector and the real growth of an economy under asymmetric information, because real growth depends on the financial structure development, so that countries with more developed financial structure enjoy a higher growth rate than other countries. This study introduces the economic growth rate as the measure for real sector development, and the variables such as the stock market value to GDP as measures of financial sector development. The standard deviation logarithm of the stock exchange stock price index and bank credit proxy to the private sector are used as the measures of asymmetric information in financial and monetary markets. Using the panel data for selected developed and developing countries during 1993 -2008, the target model is estimated. The results indicate that the financial market is more effective than the monetary market in developed countries. The financial structure of developed countries is also different from that of developing countries, and this is due to the high degree of symmetric information in the former countries, but the monetary market is more powerful than the financial market in developing countries. [Khan A. K, Youngjin Z. A Comparative Study of the Effect of Financial Development on Economic Growth under Asymmetric Information. Life Sci J 2016;13(11):12-23]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 3. doi:10.7537/marslsj131116.03.
Déterminants du succès reproducteur chez les béliers du mouflon d'Amérique (Ovis Canadensis)

In males, the acquisition and development of behavioral and morphological secondary sexual traits typically depends on testosterone and correlates with mating success. Testosterone level could affect competition for mates and thus be a target of sexual selection. We sought to relate testosterone levels to male mating competitiveness, by teasing apart the relationships between testosterone, behavior, and growth before the mating period. We monitored 24 adult bighorn rams (Ovis canadensis) at Ram Mountain, Alberta, from 2008 to 2011. Using linear mixed models, we tested the relationships between testosterone metabolites in feces, social rank, and both growth and size of two sexually selected traits: horns and body mass. The correlation between testosterone and social rank varied with age. Testosterone and rank were weakly and negatively correlated for young rams, positively correlated for prime-aged rams, and negatively correlated for older rams. Although testosterone had an increasingly positive effect on total horn length until 8 years of age, we could not detect any effects on annual growth rate of horns or body mass. Testosterone may be related to male’s ability to compete for mates through its relationship with behaviors determining social rank, rather than by influencing the development of morphological traits. Differences in testosterone levels among competitors may be a proximate cause of variance in fitness.
Piagetian Tasks and Psychometric Intelligence: Different or Similar Constructs?

Research on cognitive ability is done in different paradigms. In the Piagetian paradigm, cognitive ability focuses on cognitive development along qualitative stages. Interactive real scenarios, “Piagetian tasks”, are constructed for measurement. According to age, tasks differing in complexity are applied in individual measurements. In the psychometric paradigm, the investigation of cognitive ability focuses on individual differences. Intelligence is seen as a quantitative construct with gradual differences between persons and ages. Paper-and-pencil tests with items differing in difficulty are used for IQ measurement of single persons or school classes. However, do those tasks measure two distinct cognitive abilities? Solving tasks in both approaches requires basic (speed, working memory) and complex cognitive abilities (reasoning, understanding). Regarding empirical relationships, we used three Austrian samples (in kindergarten four to six years old N = 40, in primary school six to eight years old N = 40, and nine to ten years old N = 41). They were tested with psychometric tests (Raven CPM or SPM) and Piagetian tasks. In addition, mental speed (ZVT) was measured in the two school samples. The average observed correlation between IQ and Piagetian tasks was r = . 51. In factor analyses, the tests loaded on a common factor of general intelligence. Further analyses revealed that mental speed is correlated more strongly with psychometric (r = .50) than with Piagetian tasks (r = .39), while Piagetian tasks are more related to parental education indicators (speed: r = .11, Raven: r = .20, Piaget: r = .25).
The complex network of ship movements in Europe submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of master of science

Inspections of marine ships play a pivotal role in maintaining a clean and safe worldwide environment. In this work, we will contribute to insight regarding the inspection regime by examining ship movements in Europe using network analysis. This research will focus on the connection between ships, ports, and inter-ship timing. From a data set encompassing more than 3 million measurements of ships calling at more than 2000 ports in Europe between 2015-2019, we extract four different kinds of networks. First, in the ship-visiting network, nodes are ports and edges represent ships sailing between two ports. The obtained ship-visiting network has various properties common to the global ship network. Also, regional communities were found in the ship-visiting network, indicating ships have a preference for sailing in specific regions in Europe. Second, in the port-sharing network, nodes are ships and edges represent two ships visiting the same ports. Third, in the route-sharing network nodes are ships and edges represent two ships sailing the same routes. The port-sharing network and routesharing network show ships tend to be selective in the ports they visit. Lastly, in the co-sailing network nodes are ships and edges represent pairs of ships that are systematically sailing together. There is some form of co-sailing behaviour present in Europe. This study improved understanding of ship traffic behaviour, which has implications for society and the environment. The results obtained can give suggestions on more effectively covering every ship during inspections. European collaboration between inspectorates is key to use limited inspection capacity to target the whole shipping industry.
Macroecological conclusions based on IUCN expert maps: A call for caution

Aim International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) expert maps are increasingly used in macroecological research. However, they have not been produced for this purpose. Macroecological insights based exclusively on this type of data could therefore be misleading. Here we compare, for a large taxonomic group (bats) and an entire biogeographical realm (Africa), the species-specific discrepancies between IUCN maps and species distribution models (SDMs) that approximate the complete geographical range of species. We then examine the implications for a typical macroecological analysis that explores environmental correlates of species richness. Location Continental Africa. Time period Around 2000. Taxa Bats (Chiroptera). Methods We measure disagreement between IUCN expert maps and SDMs at both the species (geographical ranges) and the aggregated level (range size–frequency distributions and species richness). We further quantify the difference in absolute and relative weight assigned to three variables hypothesized to drive species richness: primary productivity, climatic seasonality and environmental heterogeneity. Results Location, shape and size of individual species’ ranges, derived richness patterns and range size–frequency distributions differ substantially. SDMs predict larger and more complex geographical ranges, and species’ range sizes vary less. The spatial congruence of richness hotspots among both datasets is only 42%. These discrepancies are large enough to alter the absolute explanatory power of environmental correlates, whereas the redundancy in the variation explained increases markedly when richness is inferred using SDM-based estimates of complete species ranges. Main conclusions IUCN expert maps differ considerably and systematically from SDMs built to estimate complete species ranges, primarily because of their intentional greater sensitivity to geographical sampling bias. This property is desirable in a conservation context but unwanted in most macroecological analyses. We therefore caution against the use of IUCN expert maps in macroecology and recommend at least gauging the robustness of results using additional range estimates designed to approximate the complete geographical range of species.
[The prediction of hospitalization in triage: a comparison of instruments and methods of evaluation. A systematic revision].

The prediction fo Hospitalization in triage: a comparison of instruments and methods of evaluation. A systematic revision. INTRODUCTION Overcrowding in the emergency department causes called-boarding, in addition to the increase of the waiting times, high costs and unsatisfied patients. Boarded patients are those admitted to an inpatient unit in the hospital that continue to wait in the emergency department for a bed to become available. The adoption of tools and methods to help the clinician to predict the admission in the triage phase could significantly improve patients flow. AIM To analyze and compare different tools and methods and to predict the hospitalization in the triage phase for adult patients. METHODS A systematic review was conducted by querying the PubMed and Cochrane databases, limited to the last 10 years articles. RESULTS Ten longitudinal observational studies analyzed the variables associated with admission, predictive ability of the clinical judgment of the triage nurse, predictive ability of validated objective scores, and cross compared the various methods of predicting admission. The variable most associated with admission was advanced age; both the clinical judgment of the triage nurse and the various scores showed a good predictive ability; the association of the clinical judgment of the triage nurse with one of the scores would offer more accurate predictions. DISCUSSION The ability to predict admission in the triage, through the use of validated scores and the clinical judgment of the triage nurse, could be the first step to reduce the boarding phenomenon and to improve the flow in the emergency department.
Management of stage II endometrial cancer and subsequent oncologic outcomes: a National Cancer Database study

Objective The management of stage II endometrial cancer (EC) is challenging due to the wide variation in surgical practice and adjuvant treatment recommendations. We sought to describe the treatment patterns for patients with stage II EC and to evaluate the association between surgical management and adjuvant therapy on survival outcomes in a large cohort of patients with stage II EC. Methods Using data from the National Cancer Database, we identified 9,690 women with stage II EC. We used logistic regression to identify association of sociodemographic and tumor characteristics with surgery type and receipt of adjuvant therapy. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between adjuvant therapy, hysterectomy type, and overall survival. Results Almost 11% of the cohort underwent radical hysterectomy; however, there was no difference in survival between surgical types even when adjusted for adjuvant therapy (HR=0.94; 95% CI=0.82–1.07). Compared to no adjuvant treatment, radiation only (HR=0.66; 95% CI=0.61–0.73) and combination radiation and chemotherapy (HR=0.53; 95% CI=0.45–0.62) were associated with lower risk of death. There was no survival benefit of chemotherapy alone even when separated by histologic subtype (HR range, 0.55–1.46). Conclusions Women with stage II EC do not appear to benefit from routine radical hysterectomy though all patients appear to benefit from receipt of radiation therapy (RT), regardless of modality. Additionally, there may be an added survival benefit with the combination of computed tomography and RT in patients with non-endometrioid, high-risk histologies.
Predictors of health care practitioners’ normative attitudes and practices towards sexual and reproductive health and rights: a cross-sectional study of participants from low-income countries enrolled in a capacity-building program

ABSTRACT Background: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a concept of human rights applied to sexuality and reproduction. Suboptimal access to SRHR services in many low-income countries results in poor health outcomes. Sustainable development goals (3.7 and 5.6) give a new impetus to the aspiration of universal access to high-quality SRHR services. Indispensable stakeholders in this process are healthcare practitioners who, through their actions or inactions, determine a population’s health choices. Often times, healthcare practitioners’ SRHR decisions are rooted in religious and cultural influences. We seek to understand whether religious and cultural influences differ significantly according to individuals’ characteristics and work environment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of healthcare practitioners’ individual characteristics and their work environment in predicting normative SRHR attitudes and behaviours (practices). We hypothesized that religion and culture could be significant predictors of SRHR attitudes and practices. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study of 115 participants from ten low-income countries attending a capacity-building programme at Lund University Sweden was conducted. Linear regression models were used to assess for the predictive values of different individual characteristics and workplace environment factors for normative SRHR attitudes and SRHR practices. Results: Self-rated SRHR knowledge was the strongest predictor for both normative SRHR attitudes and normative SRHR practices. However, when adjusted for other individual characteristics, self-rated knowledge lost its significant association with SRHR practices, instead normative SRHR attitudes and active knowledge-seeking behaviour independently predicted normative SRHR practices. Contrary to our hypothesis, importance of religion or culture in an individual’s life was not correlated with the measured SRHR attitudes and practices. Conclusion: Healthcare practitioners’ cultural and religious beliefs, which are often depicted as barriers for implementing full coverage of SRHR services, seem to be modified by active knowledge-seeking behaviour and accumulated working experience with SRHR over time.
Subclinical Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Correlates and Hippocampal Volume Features of Brain White Matter Hyperintensity in Healthy People

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with brain aging and behavioral symptoms as a possible consequence of disrupted white matter pathways. In this study, we investigated, in a cohort of asymptomatic subjects aged 50 to 80, the relationship between WMH, hippocampal atrophy, and subtle, preclinical cognitive and neuropsychiatric phenomenology. Thirty healthy subjects with WMH (WMH+) and thirty individuals without (WMH−) underwent comprehensive neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluations and 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. The presence, degree of severity, and distribution of WMH were evaluated with a semi-automated algorithm. Volumetric analysis of hippocampal structure was performed through voxel-based morphometry. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that phenomenology of subclinical apathy and anxiety was associated with the presence of WMH. ROI-based analyses showed a volume reduction in the right hippocampus of WMH+. In healthy individuals, WMH are associated with significant preclinical neuropsychiatric phenomenology, as well as hippocampal atrophy, which are considered as risk factors to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.