Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Makes Her a Material Girl?: The Influence of Childhood Economic Background and Sex Ratio on Female Preference for Male Resource Availability

Drawing on life history theory, this research explores the moderating role of childhood economic background in the relationship between sex ratio and the female’s mate preference for male resource availability. Using different priming materials, three experiments consistently found that women with a rich childhood economic background showed a stable level of mate preference for good resource—this applied regardless of male- or female-biased sex ratio. But females with a poor childhood economic background showed a higher level of preference for male resource availability under the condition of female-biased sex ratio (vs. the condition of male-biased sex ratio). These findings support the moderating role of female childhood economic background in the relationship between sex ratio and their mating preference of good resources.
Ribosomal RNA genes shape chromatin domains associating with the nucleolus

ABSTRACT Genomic interactions can occur in addition to those within chromosome territories and can be organized around nuclear bodies. Several studies revealed how the nucleolus anchors higher order chromatin structures of specific chromosome regions displaying heterochromatic features. In this review, we comment on advances in this emerging field, with a particular focus on a recent study published by Quinodoz et al., that developed a new method to characterize simultaneous genomic interactions in the same cell. Highlighting studies conducted in animal and plant cells, we then discuss the establishment of inactive chromatin at nucleolus organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosomes.
Innovative antigen carrier system for the development of tuberculosis vaccines

A major obstacle to tuberculosis (TB)‐subunit–vaccine development has been the induction of inadequate levels of protective immunity due to the limited breadth of antigen in vaccine preparations. In this study, immunogenic mycobacterial fusion peptides Ag85B‐TB10.4 and Ag85B‐TB10.4‐Rv2660c were covalently displayed on the surface of self‐assembled polyester particles. This study investigated whether polyester particles displaying mycobacterial antigens could provide augmented immunogenicity (i.e., offer an innovative vaccine formulation) when compared with free soluble antigens. Herein, polyester particle–based particulate vaccines were produced in an endotoxin‐free Escherichia coli strain and emulsified with the adjuvant dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide. C57BL/6 mice were used to study the immunogenicity of formulated particulate vaccines. The result of humoral immunity showed the antibodies only interacted with target antigens and not with PhaC and the background proteins of the production host. The analysis of T helper 1 cellular immunity indicated that a relatively strong production of cellular immunity biomarkers, IFN‐γ and IL‐17A cytokines, was induced by particulate vaccines when compared with the respective soluble controls. This study demonstrated that polyester particles have the potential to perform as a mycobacterial antigen–delivery agent to induce augmented antigen‐specific immune responses in contrast to free soluble vaccines. —Chen, S. , Sandford, S. , Kirman, J. R. , Rehm, B. H. A. Innovative antigen carrier system for the development of tuberculosis vaccines. FASEB J. 33, 7505–7518 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Evaluation of the sentinel surveillance system for influenza-like illnesses in the Greater Accra region, Ghana, 2018

Background Influenza-like Illness (ILI) is a medical diagnosis of possible influenza or another respiratory illness with a common set of symptoms. The deaths of four schoolchildren, during a pandemic influenza outbreak in December 2017 in Ghana, raised doubts about the ILI surveillance system’s performance. We evaluated the ILI surveillance system in the Greater Accra region, Ghana, to assess the system’s attributes and its performance on set objectives. Methods CDC guidelines were used to evaluate the data of the ILI surveillance system between 2013 and 2017. We interviewed the surveillance personnel on the system’s description and operation. Additionally, routinely entered ILI data from the National Influenza Center provided by the six sentinel sites in Accra was extracted. We sampled and reviewed 120 ILI case-investigation forms from these sites. Surveillance activities were examined on system’s performance indicators, each being scored on a scale of 1 to 3 (poorest to best performance). Results All population and age groups were under ILI surveillance over the period evaluated. Overall, 2948 suspected case-patients, including 392 (13.3%) children under-five were reported, with 219 being positive for influenza virus (Predictive value positive = 7.4%). The predominant influenza subtype was H3N2, recorded in 90 (41.1%) of positive case-patients. The system only met two out of its four objectives. None of the six sentinel sites consistently met their annual 260 suspected case-detection quota. Samples reached the laboratory on average 48 hours after collection and results were disseminated within 7 days. Of 120 case-investigation forms sampled, 91 (76.3%) were completely filled in. Conclusions The ILI surveillance system in the Greater Accra region is only partially meeting its objectives. While it is found to be sensitive, representative and timely, the data quality was sub-optimal. We recommend the determination of thresholds for alert and outbreak detection and ensuring that sentinel sites meet their weekly case-detection targets.
Learned Predictiveness Models Predict Opposite Attention Biases in the Inverse Base-Rate Effect

Several attention-based models of associative learning are built upon the learned predictiveness principle, whereby learning is optimized by attending to the most predictive features and ignoring the least predictive features. Despite their functional similarity, these models differ in their formal mechanisms and thus may produce very different predictions in some circumstances. As we demonstrate, this is particularly evident in the inverse base-rate effect. Using simulations with a modified Mackintosh model and the EXIT model, we found that models based on the learned predictiveness principle can account for rare-outcome choice biases associated with the inverse base-rate effect, despite making opposite predictions for relative attention to rare versus common predictors. The models also make different predictions regarding changes in attention across training, and effects of context associations on attention to cues. Using a human causal learning task, we replicated the inverse base-rate effect and a recently reported reduction in this effect when the context is not predictive of the common outcome and used eye-tracking to test model predictions about changes in attention both prior to making a decision, and during feedback. The results support the predictions made by EXIT, where the rare predictor commands greater attention than the common predictor throughout training. In addition, patterns of attention prior to making a decision differed to those during feedback, where effects of using a partially predictive context were evident only prior to making a prediction.
Mechanical Behaviors of Flax Fiber-Reinforced Composites at Different Strain Rates and Rate-Dependent Constitutive Model

Flax fiber-reinforced composites (FFRCs) exhibit excellent environmentally friendly qualities, such as light weight, low cost, recyclability, and excellent mechanical properties. Understanding the dynamic mechanical behavior of FFRCs could broaden their potential applications in lightweight, crashworthy, and impact-critical structures. This study presents a study on the fabrication of FFRCs by vacuum-assisted resin infusion. The dynamic stress–strain responses of the fabricated specimens at strain rates ranging from 0.006 s−1 to 2200 s−1 were evaluated using quasi-static tests and the Split–Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The results indicated that the FFRC exhibited superior strain rate sensitivity. Final deformation photographs and scanning electron micrographs clearly revealed the damage evolution of the FFRC specimens, as well as various failure mechanisms, including fiber–matrix debonding, fiber pull-out, and fiber fracture at different strain rates. On the basis of the experimental results, a simplified Johnson–Cook model was established to describe the strain-rate dependent constitutive model of FFRC. The validation of the suggested constitutive model was embedded in the finite element simulations and could well repeat the strain wave observed from the experiment results. Finally, the quasi-static compression and drop-hammer impact of pyramidal lattice structures with FFRC cores were investigated both numerically and experimentally, proving the effectiveness of the simplified Johnson–Cook model. This study could potentially contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic mechanical behavior of FFRCs and provide fundamental experimental data for future engineering applications.
Prediction of treatment outcome and relapse in inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prediction of treatment outcome and clinical relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), is particularly important because therapeutics for IBD are not always effective and patients in remission could frequently relapse. Because undergoing endoscopy for the purpose is sometimes invasive and burdensome to patients, the performance of surrogate biomarkers has been investigated. Areas covered: We particularly featured the performance of patient symptoms, blood markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal markers including fecal calprotectin (Fcal) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for prediction of endoscopic mucosal healing (MH) and prediction of relapse. Studies of other modalities and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) have also been explored. Expert opinion: Meticulous evaluation of patient symptoms could be predictive for MH in UC. CRP and Fcal may be accurate in prediction of MH of CD when MH is evaluated throughout the entire intestine including the small bowel. Repeated measurements of fecal markers including Fcal and FIT in patients with clinical remission would raise predictability of relapse. Prediction of treatment outcome by monitoring with blood markers including CRP, fecal markers including Fcal, and TDM has frequently been performed in recent clinical trials and shown to be effective.
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels for Risk Prediction in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction According to Atrial Fibrillation Status

Background NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) is useful in diagnosis and prognostication in heart failure (HF). We examined the relationship between NT-proBNP and outcomes in patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction, with and without atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results Among 3835 HF with preserved ejection fraction patients enrolled in the I-Preserve (Irbesartan in Heart Failure With Preserved Systolic Function trial) or TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function in Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist), 719 (19%) patients had AF on their baseline ECG. Median (Q1–Q3) levels of NT-proBNP were 1286 pg/mL (778–2072) in those with AF and 288 pg/mL (122–704) in those without (P<0.001). We analyzed patients using 4 NT-proBNP bands: <400, 400 to 999 (reference), 1000 to 1999, and ≥2000 pg/mL. The event rates for the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization were higher in patients with AF versus patients without or those without without AF in the lowest NT-proBNP band (<400 pg/mL; 8.0 versus 3.2 per 100 patient-years), whereas for the higher bands the opposite was true (1000–1999 pg/mL; 11.4 versus 13.2 per 100 patient-years and ≥2000 pg/mL; 17.4 versus 25.6 per 100 patient-years). In adjusted analyses, higher NT-proBNP levels were less predictive of HF hospitalization than mortality in patients with AF compared with those without. Conclusions Event rates in HF with preserved ejection fraction patients without AF and with NT-proBNP <400 pg/mL are low. Among patients with NT-proBNP ≥400 pg/mL, the relationship between NT-proBNP and outcomes differs with lower absolute risk in patients who have AF compared with those who do not have AF. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00094302 and NCT00095238.
Systematic Review of Capnography with Mask Ventilation during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Maneuvers

The latest guidelines identify capnography as an instrument used to assess bag-valve-mask ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In this review, we analyzed the feasibility and reliability of capnography use with face mask ventilation during CPR maneuvers in adults and children. This systematic review was completed in December 2018; data for the study were obtained from the following databases: EBSCOhost, SCOPUS, PubMed, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), TESEO, and Cochrane Library Plus. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of the articles; we analyzed publications from different sources and identified studies that focused on the use of capnography with a face mask during CPR maneuvers in order to describe the capnometry value and its correlation with resuscitation outcomes and the assistance of professionals. A total of 888 papers were collected, and 17 papers were included that provided objective values for the use of capnography with a mask for ventilation. Four were randomized clinical trials (RCT) and the rest were observational studies. Four studies were completed in adults and 13 were completed in newborns. After the analysis of the papers, we recommended a capnographic level of C in adults and B in newborns. Despite the little evidence obtained, capnography has been demonstrated to facilitate the advanced clinical practice of mask ventilation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, to be reliable in the early detection of heart rate increase in newborns, and to asses in-airway patency and lung aeration during newborn resuscitation.
Secreted PD-L1 variants mediate resistance to PD-L1 blockade therapy in non–small cell lung cancer

Immune checkpoint blockade against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 often induces durable tumor responses in various cancers, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, therapeutic resistance is increasingly observed, and the mechanisms underlying anti–PD-L1 (aPD-L1) antibody treatment have not been clarified yet. Here, we identified two unique secreted PD-L1 splicing variants, which lacked the transmembrane domain, from aPD-L1–resistant NSCLC patients. These secreted PD-L1 variants worked as “decoys” of aPD-L1 antibody in the HLA-matched coculture system of iPSC-derived CD8 T cells and cancer cells. Importantly, mixing only 1% MC38 cells with secreted PD-L1 variants and 99% of cells that expressed wild-type PD-L1 induced resistance to PD-L1 blockade in the MC38 syngeneic xenograft model. Moreover, anti–PD-1 (aPD-1) antibody treatment overcame the resistance mediated by the secreted PD-L1 variants. Collectively, our results elucidated a novel resistant mechanism of PD-L1 blockade antibody mediated by secreted PD-L1 variants.
N-terminal degradation activates the NLRP1B inflammasome

Degradation triggers the alarm Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that orchestrate proinflammatory cytokine secretion and cell death. Proteases such as anthrax lethal factor can activate an inflammasome known as NLRP1B, but the mechanism for this activation has been unclear. Chui et al. used genome-wide knockout screens to show that proteolysis of NLRP1B by lethal factor induces proteasomal degradation of the amino-terminal domains of NLRP1B and eventual cell death. Sandstrom et al. found that degradation of the amino-terminal domains of NLRP1B resulted in the release of a carboxyl-terminal fragment that activates caspase-1. This process, called “functional degradation,” allows the immune system to detect pathogen-associated activities, much as it recognizes pathogen-associated antigens. Science, this issue p. 82, p. eaau1330 Pathogen-associated proteosomal degradation is detected by innate immune sensor NLRP1B. Intracellular pathogens and danger signals trigger the formation of inflammasomes, which activate inflammatory caspases and induce pyroptosis. The anthrax lethal factor metalloprotease and small-molecule DPP8/9 inhibitors both activate the NLRP1B inflammasome, but the molecular mechanism of NLRP1B activation is unknown. In this study, we used genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens to identify genes required for NLRP1B-mediated pyroptosis. We discovered that lethal factor induces cell death via the N-end rule proteasomal degradation pathway. Lethal factor directly cleaves NLRP1B, inducing the N-end rule–mediated degradation of the NLRP1B N terminus and freeing the NLRP1B C terminus to activate caspase-1. DPP8/9 inhibitors also induce proteasomal degradation of the NLRP1B N terminus but not via the N-end rule pathway. Thus, N-terminal degradation is the common activation mechanism of this innate immune sensor.
Leukocyte Profiles Reflect Geographic Range Limits in a Widespread Neotropical Bat

Abstract Quantifying how the environment shapes host immune defense is important for understanding which wild populations may be more susceptible or resistant to pathogens. Spatial variation in parasite risk, food and predator abundance, and abiotic conditions can each affect immunity, and these factors can also manifest at both local and biogeographic scales. Yet identifying predictors and the spatial scale of their effects is limited by the rarity of studies that measure immunity across many populations of broadly distributed species. We analyzed leukocyte profiles from 39 wild populations of the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) across its wide geographic range throughout the Neotropics. White blood cell differentials varied spatially, with proportions of neutrophils and lymphocytes varying up to six-fold across sites. Leukocyte profiles were spatially autocorrelated at small and very large distances, suggesting that local environment and large-scale biogeographic factors influence cellular immunity. Generalized additive models showed that bat populations closer to the northern and southern limits of the species range had more neutrophils, monocytes, and basophils, but fewer lymphocytes and eosinophils, than bats sampled at the core of their distribution. Habitats with access to more livestock also showed similar patterns in leukocyte profiles, but large-scale patterns were partly confounded by time between capture and sampling across sites. Our findings suggest that populations at the edge of their range experience physiologically limiting conditions that predict higher chronic stress and greater investment in cellular innate immunity. High food abundance in livestock-dense habitats may exacerbate such conditions by increasing bat density or diet homogenization, although future spatially and temporally coordinated field studies with common protocols are needed to limit sampling artifacts. Systematically assessing immune function and response over space will elucidate how environmental conditions influence traits relevant to epidemiology and help predict disease risks with anthropogenic disturbance, land conversion, and climate change.
Rapid loss of self‐incompatibility in experimental populations of the perennial outcrossing plant Linaria cavanillesii

Transitions from self‐incompatibility to self‐compatibility in angiosperms may be frequently driven by selection for reproductive assurance when mates or pollinators are rare, and are often succeeded by loss of inbreeding depression by purging. Here, we use experimental evolution to investigate the spread of self‐compatibility from one such population of the perennial plant Linaria cavanillesii into self‐incompatible (SI) populations that still have high inbreeding depression. We introduced self‐compatible (SC) individuals at different frequencies into replicate experimental populations of L. cavanillesii that varied in access to pollinators. Our experiment revealed a rapid shift to self‐compatibility in all replicates, driven by both greater seed set and greater outcross siring success of SC individuals. We discuss our results in the light of computer simulations that confirm the tendency of self‐compatibility to spread into SI populations under the observed conditions. Our study illustrates the ease with which self‐compatibility can spread among populations, a requisite for species‐wide transitions from self‐incompatibility to self‐compatibility.
Comparison of Amplitude Modulated Sounds and Pure Tones at the Tinnitus Frequency: Residual Tinnitus Suppression and Stimulus Evaluation

Recent studies have compared tinnitus suppression, or residual inhibition, between amplitude- and frequency-modulated (AM) sounds and noises or pure tones (PT). Results are indicative, yet inconclusive, of stronger tinnitus suppression of modulated sounds especially near the tinnitus frequency. Systematic comparison of AM sounds at the tinnitus frequency has not yet been studied in depth. The current study therefore aims at further advancing this line of research by contrasting tinnitus suppression profiles of AM and PT sounds at the matched tinnitus frequency (i.e., 10 and 40 Hz AM vs. PT). Participants with chronic, tonal tinnitus (n = 29) underwent comprehensive psychometric, audiometric, tinnitus matching, and acoustic stimulation procedures. Stimuli were presented for 3 minutes in two loudness regimes (60 dB sensation level [SL], minimum masking level [MML] + 6 dB, control sound: SL −6 dB) and amplitude modulated with 0, 10, or 40 Hz. Tinnitus loudness suppression was measured after the stimulation every 30 seconds. In addition, stimuli were rated regarding their valence and arousal. Results demonstrate only trends for better tinnitus suppression for the 10 Hz modulation and presentation level of 60 dB SL compared with PT, whereas nonsignificant results are reported for 40 Hz and MML + 6 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the 10 Hz AM at 60 dB SL and the 40 Hz AM at MML + 6 dB (trend) stimuli were better tolerated as elicited by valence ratings. We conclude that 10 Hz AM sounds at the tinnitus frequency may be useful to further elucidate the phenomenon of residual inhibition.