Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Minimally-Invasive Oral Glucose Minimal Model: Estimation of Gastric Retention, Glucose Rate of Appearance, and Insulin Sensitivity From Type 1 Diabetes Data Collected in Real-Life Conditions

<italic>Objective:</italic> Modeling the effect of meal composition on glucose excursion would help in designing decision support systems (DSS) for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. In fact, macronutrients differently affect post-prandial gastric retention (GR), rate of appearance (R<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{a}$</tex-math></inline-formula>), and insulin sensitivity (S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{I}$</tex-math></inline-formula>). Such variables can be estimated, in inpatient settings, from plasma glucose (G) and insulin (I) data using the Oral glucose Minimal Model (OMM) coupled with a physiological model of glucose transit through the gastrointestinal tract (reference OMM, R-OMM). Here, we present a model able to estimate those quantities in daily-life conditions, using minimally-invasive (MI) technologies, and validate it against the R-OMM. <italic>Methods:</italic> Forty-seven individuals with T1D (weight<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=78\pm$</tex-math></inline-formula>13 kg, age<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=42\pm$</tex-math></inline-formula>10 yr) underwent three 23-hour visits, during which G and I were frequently sampled while wearing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump (IP). Using a Bayesian Maximum A Posteriori estimator, R-OMM was identified from plasma G and I measurements, and MI-OMM was identified from CGM and IP data. <italic>Results:</italic> The MI-OMM fitted the CGM data well and provided precise parameter estimates. GR and R<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{a}$</tex-math></inline-formula> model parameters were not significantly different using the MI-OMM and R-OMM (p<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$>$</tex-math></inline-formula>0.05) and the correlation between the two S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{I}$</tex-math></inline-formula> was satisfactory (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\rho$</tex-math></inline-formula><inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$=$</tex-math></inline-formula>0.77). <italic>Conclusion:</italic> The MI-OMM is usable to estimate GR, R<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{a}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, and S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{I}$</tex-math></inline-formula> from data collected in real-life conditions with minimally-invasive technologies. <italic>Significance:</italic> Applying MI-OMM to datasets where meal compositions are available will allow modeling the effect of each macronutrient on GR, R<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{a}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, and S<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\text{I}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. DSS could finally exploit this information to improve diabetes management.
Human‐biased TMEM25 expression promotes expansion of neural progenitor cells to alter cortical structure in the developing brain

Cortical expansion has occurred during human brain evolution. By comparing human and mouse RNA‐seq datasets, we found that transmembrane protein 25 (TMEM25) was much more highly expressed in human neural progenitors (NPCs). Overexpression of either human TMEM25 or mouse Tmem25 similarly promoted mouse NPC proliferation in vitro. Mimicking human‐type expression of TMEM25 in mouse ventricular cortical progenitors accelerated proliferation of basal radial glia (bRG) and increased the number of upper‐layer neurons in vivo. By contrast, RNA‐seq analysis, and pharmacological assays showed that knockdown of TMEM25 in cultured human NPCs compromised the effects of extracellular signals, leading to cell cycle inhibition via Akt repression. Thus, TMEM25 can receive extracellular signals to expand bRG in human cortical development.
Worsening psychological wellbeing of Australian hospital clinical staff during three waves of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess and compare the psychological wellbeing of Australian hospital clinical staff at three timepoints during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsAn anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was conducted at three timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic (T1: May-June 2020; T2: October-December 2020; T3: November 2021-January 2022). The surveys were completed by nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health staff employed at a large metropolitan tertiary health service located in Melbourne, Australia. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) assessed respondents' psychological wellbeing in the past week. General linear models were used to measure the effects of survey timepoint on DASS-21 subscale scores, adjusting for selected sociodemographic and health characteristics.ResultsA total of 1470 hospital clinical staff completed at least one survey (T1: 668 (14.7%), T2: 358 (7.9%) and T3: 444 (9.8%)). Respondents' sociodemographic characteristics were similar across the three timepoints and within professional discipline groups. Respondents' psychological wellbeing was worse at T3 compared to the earlier survey timepoints. Adjusting for respondent characteristics, depression, anxiety and stress scores were significantly higher for respondents of the third survey compared to the first (P < 0.001). ConclusionsThere was a significant and persistent negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of hospital clinical staff in Australia across waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital clinical staff would benefit from ongoing and continued wellbeing support during and after pandemic waves.
Dormant tumors circumvent tumor-specific adaptive immunity by establishing a Treg-dominated niche via DKK3

Approximately 30% of breast cancer survivors deemed free of disease will experience locoregional or metastatic recurrence even up to 30 years after initial diagnosis, yet how residual/dormant tumor cells escape immunity elicited by the primary tumor remains unclear. We demonstrate that intrinsically dormant tumor cells are indeed recognized and lysed by antigen-specific T cells in vitro and elicit robust immune responses in vivo. However, despite close proximity to CD8+ killer T cells, dormant tumor cells themselves support early accumulation of protective FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs), which can be targeted to reduce tumor burden. These intrinsically dormant tumor cells maintain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state that is associated with immune dysfunction, and we find that the tumor-derived, stem cell/basal cell protein Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3 (DKK3) is critical for Treg inhibition of CD8+ T cells. We also demonstrate that DKK3 promotes immune-mediated progression of proliferative tumors and is significantly associated with poor survival and immunosuppression in human breast cancers. Together, these findings reveal that latent tumors can use fundamental mechanisms of tolerance to alter the T cell microenvironment and subvert immune detection. Thus, targeting these pathways, such as DKK3, may help render dormant tumors susceptible to immunotherapies.
Direct Observations of the Ekman Balance at 10°N in the Pacific

Abstract The wind-driven transport and velocity structure are estimated from direct current measurements and geostrophic shears along a transpacific section at 10°N. The total velocity field is dominated by the North Equatorial Current and its eddies, while the shear features near-inertial oscillations and a wind-driven current spiral. The section-averaged cross-track ageostrophic shear can be approximated as a slab layer 30–40 m thick with a velocity of 0.05 m s−1 overlying a sheared layer in which the velocity goes to zero below 80 m. The resulting zonally integrated ageostrophic mass transport is 62 (±10) × 109 kg s−1 northward, similar to the estimate of 52 (±10) × 109 kg s−1 predicted by the Ekman balance using winds measured from the ship. Climatological winds yield similar transport. The zonally averaged velocity relative to the top of the thermocline forms a clockwise spiral, decaying with depth. As has been found at higher latitudes, this mean wind-driven spiral results from the diurnal cycling o.
Research on the efficiency and performance of camera traps and dome system for wild goat inventory

This study, carried out in 2009-2010, aims to use imaging technology for wild goat inventory in the study area, because direct counts done by means of labor intensive techniques give high error rates. Camera traps and dome systems are used to investigate the replacement of direct counts done by authorized institutions, using manpower in vast and rough terrains for Capra aegagrus. In a total area of 555 hectares, of which 50 were for establishing dome and camera traps, the monitoring system recorded images in predefined hours (07.00 to 09.00; 17.00 to 19.00). These periods also coincide with the selected hours for point counts during periodical inventories for wild goat by the relevant official department. The group size of wild goat was determined as 18. 1, which was captured by the dome camera or camera traps. While dome camera system was not able to monitor the entire group, significant information on the number of the wild goats was via camera system. As a result, if used together, camera traps and dome camera system could contribute effectively to wildlife inventory work, providing 70% of the need for the inventory. The study has shown that it is possible to transfer load of manmade inventory to technology and to achieve much more economical inventories by eliminating the risks and disadvantages caused by human factor Key words : Wild goat (Capra aegagrus), inventory, direct counts, camera traps, dome system.
Interdisciplinary perspectives on soil protection in a sustainability context: Using the material and energy flow (MEFA) approach in studying land use

In recent years a consensus seems to have emerged to regard sustainability as a problem of society-nature interaction. A “new field of sustainability science is emerging that seeks to understand the fundamental character of interactions between nature and society” (KATES et al., 2001). The challenge this concept poses is that it requires interdisciplinary cooperation of scientists from various disciplines across the social/natural sciences divide. On the other hand, conceptualising sustainability as a problem of society-nature interaction offers a new perspective beyond the simplistic idea that sustainability can be achieved by adding a third, “environmental” dimension to the classical policy goals of improving economic performance and social well-being. Such a perspective is indispensable for the integrated analysis of sustainability problems, and thus a prerequisite for the search of solutions that might eventually succeed in reconciling economic, social, and environmental goals. If sustainability is a problem of society-nature interaction, then observing progress towards sustainability requires us to observe societies, natural systems, and their interaction over time and to ask the following questions: (1) Which changes do socioeconomic activities cause in natural systems? (2) Which socioeconomic forces drive these changes, and what can we do to change them? (3) How do changes in natural systems impact on society? (4) How, if at all, can society cope with the changes it has set in motion? (HABERL et al., 2004). There is ample evidence that natural systems undergo pervasive changes naturally. Global average temperature,
Virtual reality and augmented reality smartphone applications for upskilling care home workers in hand hygiene: a realist multi-site feasibility, usability, acceptability, and efficacy study

Abstract Objectives To assess the feasibility and implementation, usability, acceptability and efficacy of virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) smartphone applications for upskilling care home workers in hand hygiene and to explore underlying learning mechanisms. Materials and Methods Care homes in Northwest England were recruited. We took a mixed-methods and pre-test and post-test approach by analyzing uptake and completion rates of AR, immersive VR or non-immersive VR training, validated and bespoke questionnaires, observations, videos, and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed using a combined inductive and deductive approach. Results Forty-eight care staff completed AR training (n = 19), immersive VR training (n = 21), or non-immersive VR training (n = 8). The immersive VR and AR training had good usability with System Usability Scale scores of 84.40 and 77.89 (of 100), respectively. They had high acceptability, with 95% of staff supporting further use. The non-immersive VR training had borderline poor usability, scoring 67.19 and only 63% would support further use. There was minimal improved knowledge, with an average of 6% increase to the knowledge questionnaire. Average hand hygiene technique scores increased from 4.77 (of 11) to 7.23 after the training. Repeated practice, task realism, feedback and reminding, and interactivity were important learning mechanisms triggered by AR/VR. Feasibility and implementation considerations included managerial support, physical space, providing support, screen size, lagging Internet, and fitting the headset. Conclusions AR and immersive VR apps are feasible, usable, and acceptable for delivering training. Future work should explore whether they are more effective than previous training and ensure equity in training opportunities.
Integration and segregation manifolds in the brain ensure cognitive flexibility during tasks and rest

Adapting to a constantly changing environment requires the human brain to flexibly switch among many demanding cognitive tasks, processing both specialized and integrated information associated with the activity in functional networks over time. In this study, we investigated the nature of the temporal alternation between segregated and integrated states in the brain during rest and six cognitive tasks using functional MRI. We employed a deep autoencoder to explore the 2D latent space associated with the segregated and integrated states. Our results show that the integrated state occupies less space in the latent space manifold compared to the segregated states. Moreover, the integrated state is characterized by lower entropy of occupancy than the segregated state, suggesting that integration plays a consolidating role, while segregation may serve as cognitive expertness. Comparing rest and the tasks, we found that rest exhibits higher entropy of occupancy, indicating a more random wandering of the mind compared to the expected focus during task performance. Our study demonstrates that both transient, short‐lived integrated and segregated states are present during rest and task performance, flexibly switching between them, with integration serving as information compression and segregation related to information specialization.
Differentiating between intrapsychic symptoms and behavioral expressions of borderline personality disorder in relation to childhood emotional maltreatment and emotion dysregulation: an exploratory investigation

ABSTRACT Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder, characterized by pronounced instability in emotions, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. Experiences of childhood maltreatment are among the risk factors for BPD. While self-damaging and aggressive acts often occur, not every person with the disorder shows markedly dysregulated behaviour. Internalized symptoms, such as shame, loneliness, and self-disgust tend to be more pervasive and persist after clinical remission. Objective: Here we investigated associations between BPD symptom severity, childhood maltreatment, and emotion regulation difficulties. We further explored if the Borderline Symptom List (BSL) could potentially be used to differentiate between internalized symptoms (intrapsychic strain) and externalized symptoms (dysregulated behaviours) in future research. Method: 187 women with at least mild BPD symptoms (65% having a diagnosis of BPD) completed the BSL 23 including its 11-item supplement (BSL-S), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Participants further underwent a semi-structured clinical interview to assess BPD criteria (International Personality Disorder Examination, IPDE). Multivariate models and regression-based bootstrapping analyses were performed to test direct and indirect effects. Results: Childhood trauma severity, especially emotional abuse, positively predicted BPD symptom severity. A significant indirect effect through emotion regulation difficulties was found (k2=.56). When exploring associations with BPD criteria (IPDE), the BSL-23 mean significantly correlated with separation anxiety, identity and mood problems, chronic emptiness, suicidal ideation, and dissociation, while the BSL-S correlated with self-harming impulsive behaviour and anger outbursts. Conclusions: Findings complement previous research, highlighting the role of childhood maltreatment and emotion regulation difficulties in BPD. While our findings need to be seen as preliminary and interpreted with caution, they suggest that the BSL may be used to differentiate between internalized symptoms and behavioural expressions of BPD in future research. Such a distinction might help to deepen the understanding of this complex heterogenous disorder. Highlights Severity of borderline personality disorder was related to experiences of childhood maltreatment, mediated by emotion regulation difficulties. The Borderline Symptom List might be useful to differentiate between internalizing symptoms and externalizing symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder.
Draft genome sequence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain D1418m22 isolated from human wound pus

ABSTRACT This study reveals the complete genome sequence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain d1418m22, sourced from a Karnal, Haryana, human skin wound. Classified as community-associated MRSA, it features a 2.78-MB genome harboring Staphylococcus-specific genetic elements, encompassing 2,625 protein-coding genes and 18 antimicrobial resistance genes.
The HACE1 E3 ligase mediates RAC1‐dependent control of mTOR signaling complexes

HACE1 is a HECT family E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase with broad but incompletely understood tumor suppressor activity. Here, we report a previously unrecognized link between HACE1 and signaling complexes containing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). HACE1 blocks mTORC1 and mTORC2 activities by reducing mTOR stability in an E3 ligase‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, HACE1 binds to and ubiquitylates Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) when RAC1 is associated with mTOR complexes, including at focal adhesions, leading to proteasomal degradation of RAC1. This in turn decreases the stability of mTOR to reduce mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity. HACE1 deficient cells show enhanced mTORC1/2 activity, which is reversed by chemical or genetic RAC1 inactivation but not in cells expressing the HACE1‐insensitive mutant, RAC1K147R. In vivo, Rac1 deletion reverses enhanced mTOR expression in KRasG12D‐driven lung tumors of Hace1−/− mice. HACE1 co‐localizes with mTOR and RAC1, resulting in RAC1‐dependent loss of mTOR protein stability. Together, our data demonstrate that HACE1 destabilizes mTOR by targeting RAC1 within mTOR‐associated complexes, revealing a unique ubiquitin‐dependent process to control the activity of mTOR signaling complexes.
Hierarchical temporal prediction captures motion processing along the visual pathway

Visual neurons respond selectively to features that become increasingly complex from the eyes to the cortex. Retinal neurons prefer flashing spots of light, primary visual cortical (V1) neurons prefer moving bars, and those in higher cortical areas favor complex features like moving textures. Previously, we showed that V1 simple cell tuning can be accounted for by a basic model implementing temporal prediction – representing features that predict future sensory input from past input (Singer et al., 2018). Here, we show that hierarchical application of temporal prediction can capture how tuning properties change across at least two levels of the visual system. This suggests that the brain does not efficiently represent all incoming information; instead, it selectively represents sensory inputs that help in predicting the future. When applied hierarchically, temporal prediction extracts time-varying features that depend on increasingly high-level statistics of the sensory input.
Urban Water Conservation

According to its abstract, this book attempts ‘an assessment of various water conservation measures aimed at reducing residential water usage. ’ Its intent is to develop a research program whose ‘ultimate goal is to engender a conservation ethic among water users and managers and develop a predictable array of conservation methodologies. …’ Professor Flack indeed has presented an excellent assessment of conservation methodologies, but I believe that the proposed research program is too limited. Following a brief introductory chapter, chapter II presents an extensive review of the water conservation literature published in the 1970's and earlier. It and chapter III, which describes Flack's systematic comparison of the technical, economic, and political aspects of each conservation methodology, are the heart of the book. Chapter IV is a brief discussion and analysis of conservation programs (with examples) that a water utility might adopt. Chapter V is essentially a pilot study of methods of assessing political and social feasibility. Finally, a set of recommendations is presented in chapter VI. All in all, this book is a nice blend of literature review and original research that deals with an important issue.
Structured, nurse-led ward rounds to improve interprofessional communication and optimize care of vascular surgery patients: a best practice implementation project

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ward rounds are crucial inpatient activities during which patients’ conditions are discussed. Team-based models such as nurse-led ward rounds (NLWRs) have been conceptualized and trialled, with positive results. Methods: An evidence-based quality improvement pilot project to introduce NLWRs was implemented at a cardiovascular medical-surgical unit in a Singapore tertiary hospital. The JBI Evidence Implementation Framework was used to guide the project. The evidence-based NLWR format incorporated stakeholder feedback on NLWR frequency, preparation, coordination, and content. Baseline and 6-month post-implementation audits were carried out. Results: The 4 audit criteria improved from baseline, reaching 100% compliance for criteria 1, 2, and 3 associated with interprofessional communication and collaboration. An improvement from baseline (30% to 46.7%) was also observed for criterion 4 on patient involvement during medical ward rounds. Moreover, there were improvements in clinical outcome data such as patient hospitalization length, “best medical therapy” rates, and inpatient complications. A statistically significant improvement in nurses’ confidence to lead discussions during medical rounds was also observed (p = 0.026). Conclusions: This project promoted greater compliance with NLWR criteria through audit and feedback cycles and the contextualization of implementation strategies. A well-supported program that prepares nurses for interprofessional communication also improves nurses’ confidence in team communication, bolstering their ability to provide high-quality patient care.