Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polarized light sensitivity in Pieris rapae is dependent on both color and intensity

ABSTRACT There is an ever increasing number of arthropod taxa shown to have polarization sensitivity throughout their compound eyes. However, the downstream processing of polarized reflections from objects is not well understood. The small white butterfly, Pieris rapae, has been demonstrated to exploit foliar polarized reflections, specifically the degree of linear polarization (DoLP), to recognize host plants. The well-described visual system of P. rapae includes several photoreceptor types (red, green, blue) that are sensitive to polarized light. Yet, the roles and interaction among photoreceptors underlying the behavioral responses of P. rapae to stimuli with different DoLP remain unknown. To investigate potential neurological mechanisms, we designed several two-choice behavioral bioassays, displaying plant images on paired LCD monitors, which allowed for independent control of polarization, color and intensity. When we presented choices between stimuli that differed in either color or DoLP, both decreasing and increasing the intensity of the more attractive stimulus reduced the strength of preference. This result suggests that differences in color and DoLP are perceived in a similar manner. When we offered a DoLP choice between plant images manipulated to minimize the response of blue, red, or blue and red photoreceptors, P. rapae shifted its preference for DoLP, suggesting a role for all of these photoreceptors. Modeling of P. rapae photoreceptor responses to test stimuli suggests that differential DoLP is not perceived solely as a color difference. Our combined results suggest that P. rapae females process and interpret polarization reflections in a way different from that described for other polarization-sensitive taxa. Highlighted Article: Pieris rapae females process and interpret polarization reflections dependent on both their color and intensity and in ways different from other polarization-sensitive taxa.
Conceptualization of self-awareness in adults with acquired brain injury: A qualitative systematic review

ABSTRACT Self-awareness is an important consideration in cognitive rehabilitation for clinicians working with individuals following acquired brain injury (ABI), with impaired self-awareness linked to poor outcomes. To appropriately target assessment and intervention for self-awareness, its theoretical foundation and definition must be considered. The aim was to identify the definitions, theoretical models and conceptual frameworks of self-awareness in adults with ABI, and how self-awareness is conceptualized within those models. A qualitative systematic review was completed using search terms related to descriptions of models/frameworks, ABI and self-awareness. Data were analysed by narrative synthesis. Thirty-five papers were included in the review. Within these, 13 models, 12 conceptual frameworks and 2 theories were described. The main themes and subthemes conceptualized in the synthesis were: Clinical presentation of self-awareness (classifications and dimensions of self-awareness), development of self-awareness (knowledge, feedback mechanisms, temporal aspects, self-evaluation, enablers, barriers), understanding (dys)function (cognitive processing mechanisms, neurological foundations, causal factors), and practice guidance (assessment and intervention). This review identified an extensive theoretical basis to support conceptualization of self-awareness following ABI, underpinned by a distinction between intellectual awareness, on-line awareness, and psychological denial. Clinical application of an evaluation process that includes these elements would be beneficial to inform the rehabilitation process.
Topologies of synthetic gene circuit for optimal fold change activation

Abstract Computations widely exist in biological systems for functional regulations. Recently, incoherent feedforward loop and integral feedback controller have been implemented into Escherichia coli to achieve a robust adaptation. Here, we demonstrate that an indirect coherent feedforward loop and mutual inhibition designs can experimentally improve the fold change of promoters, by reducing the basal level while keeping the maximum activity high. We applied both designs to six different promoters in E. coli, starting with synthetic inducible promoters as a proof-of-principle. Then, we examined native promoters that are either functionally specific or systemically involved in complex pathways such as oxidative stress and SOS response. Both designs include a cascade having a repressor and a construct of either transcriptional interference or antisense transcription. In all six promoters, an improvement of up to ten times in the fold change activation was observed. Theoretically, our unitless models show that when regulation strength matches promoter basal level, an optimal fold change can be achieved. We expect that this methodology can be applied in various biological systems for biotechnology and therapeutic applications.
Recovery Problems in Gold Ore Processing with Emphasis on Heap Leaching

The present paper briefly describes the methods of gold ore processing and the associated problems are grouped into mineralogical, chemical and physical. The processing of low grade gold ores by heap leaching is an important technological development. But a major drawback in heap leaching process is low recovery of the precious metals. The problems that generally lead to a low gold recovery and the possible solutions are discussed.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the 11-Item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in Iranian Older Adults

Loneliness is usually a chronic condition which may lead to physical and psychological undesirable consequences, and requires measurement and intervention. This study was conducted with the aim of preparing a Persian version of the 11-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and evaluating its psychometric properties among the Iranian older adults. After applying the translation-back translation method, the prepared script was subjected to the face and content validity evaluations and a Persian version of the scale was prepared. Factor analysis, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest methods were used to validate the scale. The Persian version of the 11-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale showed acceptable content validity. The negative and significant correlations between the loneliness scores and the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale indicated that the questionnaire had acceptable concurrent validity. The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed two factors for the scale. Also, the results of the intra-class correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient demonstrated that the scale had acceptable reliability. The Persian version of the 11-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale is an appropriate tool for measuring loneliness in the Iranian older adults.
Artificial intelligence extension of the OSCAR‐IB criteria

Artificial intelligence (AI)‐based diagnostic algorithms have achieved ambitious aims through automated image pattern recognition. For neurological disorders, this includes neurodegeneration and inflammation. Scalable imaging technology for big data in neurology is optical coherence tomography (OCT). We highlight that OCT changes observed in the retina, as a window to the brain, are small, requiring rigorous quality control pipelines. There are existing tools for this purpose. Firstly, there are human‐led validated consensus quality control criteria (OSCAR‐IB) for OCT. Secondly, these criteria are embedded into OCT reporting guidelines (APOSTEL). The use of the described annotation of failed OCT scans advances machine learning. This is illustrated through the present review of the advantages and disadvantages of AI‐based applications to OCT data. The neurological conditions reviewed here for the use of big data include Alzheimer disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson disease, and epilepsy. It is noted that while big data is relevant for AI, ownership is complex. For this reason, we also reached out to involve representatives from patient organizations and the public domain in addition to clinical and research centers. The evidence reviewed can be grouped in a five‐point expansion of the OSCAR‐IB criteria to embrace AI (OSCAR‐AI). The review concludes by specific recommendations on how this can be achieved practically and in compliance with existing guidelines.
Synthesis of N‐Alkenyl and N‐Alkynyl S‐Perfluoroalkylated Sulfoximines by Copper Catalysis

The introduction of a double or triple bond to the nitrogen atom of S-perfluoroalkyl sulfoximines is described. We propose a simple catalytic system based on copper iodide for the reaction with bromoalkenes and bromoalkynes, and based on copper dichloride for the coupling with terminal alkynes. The fluorinated chain was varied from perfluorobutyl to monofluoromethyl. The reaction proceeds efficiently when the unsaturated system is substituted by an aryl or alkyl group. In particular, aliphatic terminal alkynes are efficient substrates for this transformation.
The effect of COVID-19 public health restrictions on the health of people with musculoskeletal conditions and symptoms: the CONTAIN study

Abstract Objective To quantify the change in quality of life, disease-specific indicators, health and lifestyle before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with musculoskeletal diagnoses and symptoms. Methods We undertook an additional follow-up of two existing UK registers involving people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and participants in a trial in the UK who had regional pain and were identified at high risk of developing chronic widespread pain. Participants completed the study questionnaire between July and December 2020, throughout which time there were public health restrictions in place. Results The number of people taking part in the study was 1054 (596 axSpA, 162 PsA, 296 regional pain). In comparison with their previous (pre-pandemic) assessment, there was an age-adjusted significant, small decrease in quality of life measured by EQ-5D [−0.020 (95% CI −0.030, −0.009)] overall and across all population groups examined. This was primarily related to poorer mental health and pain. There was a small increase in fibromyalgia symptoms, but a small decrease in sleep problems. There was a small deterioration in axSpA disease activity, and disease-specific quality of life and anxiety in PsA participants. Predictors of poor quality of life were similar pre- and during the pandemic. The effect of lockdown on activity differed according to age, gender and deprivation. Conclusion Important lessons include focusing on addressing anxiety and providing enhanced support for self-management in the absence of normal health care being available, and awareness that all population groups are likely to be affected.
Nitric oxide coordinates growth, development, and stress response via histone modification and gene expression

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule with multiple regulatory functions in plant physiology and stress response. In addition to direct effects on transcriptional machinery, NO executes its signaling function via epigenetic mechanisms. We report that light intensity-dependent changes in NO correspond to changes in global histone acetylation (H3, H3K9, and H3K9/K14) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) wild-type leaves, and that this relationship depends on S-nitrosoglutathione reductase and histone deacetylase 6 (HDA6). The activity of HDA6 was sensitive to NO, demonstrating that NO participates in regulation of histone acetylation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA-seq analyses revealed that NO participates in the metabolic switch from growth and development to stress response. This coordinating function of NO might be particularly important in plant ability to adapt to a changing environment, and is therefore a promising foundation for mitigating the negative effects of climate change on plant productivity.
'Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis', a novel taxon associated with a lethal wilt disease of palms in Australia.

A phytoplasma was initially detected in Dypsis poivriana by nested and real-time PCR from the botanical gardens in Cairns, Queensland, Australia in 2017. Further surveys in the Cairns region identified phytoplasma infections in eight additional dying ornamental palm species (Euterpe precatoria, Cocos nucifera, Verschaffeltia splendida, Brassiophoenix drymophloeodes, Burretiokentia hapala, Cyrtostachys renda, Reinhardtia gracilis, Carpoxylon macrospermum), a Phoenix species, a Euterpe species and two native palms (Archontophoenix alexandrae). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this phytoplasma is distinct as it shared less than 97.5 % similarity with all other 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' species. At 96.3 % similarity, the most closely related formally described member of the provisional 'Ca. Phytoplasma' genus was 'Ca. Phytoplasma noviguineense', a novel taxon from the island of New Guinea found in monocotyledonous plants. It was slightly more closely related (96.6-96.8 %) to four palm-infecting strains from the Americas, which belong to strain group 16SrIV and which have not been assigned to a formal 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' species taxon. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and ribosomal protein genes of the phytoplasma isolate from a dying coconut palm revealed that the phytoplasma represented a distinct lineage within the phytoplasma clade. As the nucleotide identity with other phytoplasmas is less than 97.5 % and the phylogenetic analyses show that it is distinct, a novel taxon 'Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis' is proposed for the phytoplasma found in Australia. Strain RID7692 (GenBank accession no. MT536195) is the reference strain. The impact and preliminary aspects of the epidemiology of the disease outbreak associated with this novel taxon are described.
LXR directly regulates glycosphingolipid synthesis and affects human CD4+ T cell function

Significance This work shows that the liver X receptor (LXR) regulates glycosphingolipid biosynthesis expression in primary human T cells, thereby influencing T cell plasma membrane lipid composition, subsequent immune synapse formation, and T cell receptor-mediated signaling and function. Furthermore, we show LXR actions are differentially regulated in functional T cell subsets, supporting an important role for lipid metabolism in human T cell homeostasis. This new mode of action for LXR could be of therapeutic relevance to disorders characterized by defects in T cell signaling and metabolism, including autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The liver X receptor (LXR) is a key transcriptional regulator of cholesterol, fatty acid, and phospholipid metabolism. Dynamic remodeling of immunometabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism, is a crucial step in T cell activation. Here, we explored the role of LXR-regulated metabolic processes in primary human CD4+ T cells and their role in controlling plasma membrane lipids (glycosphingolipids and cholesterol), which strongly influence T cell immune signaling and function. Crucially, we identified the glycosphingolipid biosynthesis enzyme glucosylceramide synthase as a direct transcriptional LXR target. LXR activation by agonist GW3965 or endogenous oxysterol ligands significantly altered the glycosphingolipid:cholesterol balance in the plasma membrane by increasing glycosphingolipid levels and reducing cholesterol. Consequently, LXR activation lowered plasma membrane lipid order (stability), and an LXR antagonist could block this effect. LXR stimulation also reduced lipid order at the immune synapse and accelerated activation of proximal T cell signaling molecules. Ultimately, LXR activation dampened proinflammatory T cell function. Finally, compared with responder T cells, regulatory T cells had a distinct pattern of LXR target gene expression corresponding to reduced lipid order. This suggests LXR-driven lipid metabolism could contribute to functional specialization of these T cell subsets. Overall, we report a mode of action for LXR in T cells involving the regulation of glycosphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism and demonstrate its relevance in modulating T cell function.
Cardiac output estimation based on arterial and venous blood gas analysis: proposal of a monitoring method

Hemodynamic optimization is vital in high risk surgical patients or in high risk surgical procedures. The main objective of hemodynamic management is to maintain tissue perfusion and preserve aerobic metabolism through a cardiac output coupled with the metabolic demand. The technologies used for cardiac output monitoring use special techniques (e.g. lithium dilution or transpulmonary thermodilution) or implementation of dedicated devices with considerable rates of potential complications (pulmonary artery catheter). Thus, we propose a novel method to estimate cardiac output through the analysis of arteriovenous blood gases which could be an alternative to more expensive methods (minimally invasive devices, pulmonary artery catheter). A review of several formulas described in the literature to compute the variables needed to calculate cardiac output with the Fick principle was carried out. These formulas estimate the oxygen consumption using the O2 sensor integrated in the anesthesia workstation. The other variables in the Fick equation are derived from the arterial and venous blood gas analysis and parameters obtained from mechanical ventilators. By integrating the data gathered from the publications found, the authors created a comprehensive formula for calculation of cardiac output and the cardiac index using the parameters obtained from blood gas analysis. The presented method provides a more accessible and affordable way to monitor cardiac output in surgical high-risk patients in an environment with limited resources.
Climate‐Simulated culturing suggests high microalgal biomass and oil productivities in most of the South American continent

Current production costs of microalgal biomass indicate that only highly‐productive cultivation facilities will approach commercial feasibility. Geographical site selection for siting those facilities is critical for achieving target productivities. The aim of this study was to provide a semi‐empirical estimation of microalgal biomass and lipids productivity in South America.
The chloroplast genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Ulmus bergmanniana

Abstract In this study, the whole chloroplast genome of Ulmus bergmanniana was sequenced, assembled, annotated and characterized for the first time. The results showed that the total length of U. bergmanniana chloroplast genome was 160,060 bp and the GC content was 35.52%, which had the typical circular double-stranded tetrad structure of angiosperm chloroplast genome. It includes a large single-copy region (LSC), a small single-copy region (SSC), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRa/IRb), with lengths of 88,161 bp, 19,029 bp, and 26,435 bp, respectively. A total of 131 genes were annotated, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Based on the chloroplast genome sequences of 14 plants in U. bergmanniana and NCBI database, the phylogenetic tree was constructed, and the phylogenetic position of U. bergmanniana in Ulmaceae was determined. The results will provide a theoretical basis for molecular identification and resource development and utilization of U. bergmanniana.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don (Juglandaceae)

Abstract Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don is a slow-growing valuable tree in the family Juglandaceae. In this research, we first reported the chloroplast genome sequence of C. laciniosa. The chloroplast genome was a circular form with 160,832 bp in size, comprising four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 90,065 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,791 bp, and two copies of inverted repeats (IRs; IRa and IRb) of 25,988 bp each. A total of 132 genes were annotated in the chloroplast genome of C. laciniosa, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome was 36.14%. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that C. laciniosa was closely related to C. ovata.
Supporting Young Offenders to Communicate in the Youth Justice System: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Young offenders disproportionately present with Developmental Language Disorder and are likely to struggle with the communication demands of the justice system. Professional guidance outlines strategies for facilitating successful communication, but it is unknown to what extent recommendations are substantiated by evidence. This review mapped academic and grey literature regarding the communication requirements, barriers and recommendations for routine youth justice interactions, such as forensic interview and courtroom testimony. Academic papers were identified through searches of five online databases, and OpenGrey, Google Scholar and organizational websites were searched to identify grey literature. 75 of 505 retrieved papers met inclusion criteria. Extracted data were presented regarding a) requirements and barriers a young person would encounter in the youth justice system, b) communication recommendations made for each stage of this journey, and c) type of evidence underlying the outlined findings. Communication barriers included exposure to unfamiliar vocabulary, repairing misunderstandings, constructing narratives and displaying the appropriate attitude. Recommendations were wide-ranging and broadly consistent, though very few had been evaluated for effectiveness. Some papers queried the practicality and effectiveness of recommendations such as rephrasing difficult terminology. A relatively small number of papers considered the views of young offenders or observed real youth justice interactions. Future research should include observational studies of real youth justice interactions to evaluate the effectiveness of widely recommended strategies. Policymakers may wish to consider concerns raised that rephrasing the language used in the youth justice system is not practical or sufficiently effective, and that broader changes to the communication environment are required.
Strategies for Implementing High-Intensity Functional Training Into High School Physical Education

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) has become a popular mode of exercise. HIFT is a training style that involves performance of coordinated, whole-body exercises at high relative intensities. Research has shown that there are numerous health benefits from performing HIFT. This article addresses how to incorporate HIFT into a high school physical education program, suggests some HIFT exercises that may be utilized by high school physical education teachers, offers simple program options high school physical education teachers may want to incorporate in their curriculum, provides some HIFT exercises that can be incorporated in high school, and provides practical options to overcome some potential roadblocks.
Integrating Strength and Conditioning Into a High School Physical Education Curriculum: A Case Example

The goal of physical education (PE) is to assist students in the development of physical activity habits that will last a lifetime. To achieve this, PE teachers must shift beyond only teaching sports and games during instructional periods. Strength and conditioning programming is one alternative available to PE teachers. This article provides an overview of the benefits of strength and conditioning for youth and an example of one high school implementing strength and conditioning as part of its PE program while following the guidelines laid out in the two position statements on youth resistance training.