Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anxiety, Depression, and Social Skills in Girls with Fragile X Syndrome: Understanding the Cycle to Improve Outcomes

Abstract: Objective: Female patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a genetic condition associated with a mutation in the FMR1 gene, are at significantly elevated risk for developing anxiety and depression. This study is designed to better understand these symptoms in school-age girls, particularly as they relate to age, social skills, and functional outcomes. Methods: We compared 58 girls aged 6 to 16 years with FXS with 46 age-matched, sex-matched, and developmentally matched peers without FXS on measures of anxiety, depression, social skills, adaptive behavior, and quality of life. Results: Girls with FXS 10.5 years and older demonstrated significantly higher levels of depression, withdrawal, and social avoidance than girls younger than 10.5 years with FXS (p-values < 0.01). Girls in the comparison group did not show any age-related differences on these measures. The older FXS cohort also showed associations between social communication and interaction skills, adaptive behavior, and measures of anxiety and depression (p-values < 0.05) not seen in the comparison group, regardless of age. Conclusion: We found that age seems to play an important role in the development of mood symptoms and that such symptoms are uniquely correlated with social communication and reciprocal social interaction behaviors and adaptive functioning in girls with FXS after puberty. These data suggest a critical window of intervention for girls with FXS in the improvement of social interaction skills and the prevention of social avoidance and symptoms of anxiety and depression, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life and promoting greater independence.
On the mechanisms of ion adsorption to aqueous interfaces: air-water vs. oil-water

Significance The Gibbs free energy of adsorption and interfacial electronic spectra of SCN− (thiocyanate) ions at two water-liquid hydrophobe interfaces, water-toluene and water-decane, were measured with surface-sensitive spectroscopic techniques. Computer simulations revealed that the mechanism of ion adsorption to these interfaces is drastically different from those for other water-hydrophobe interfaces, viz. air-water and graphene-water.
Laser‐based sample preparation for high‐resolution X‐ray‐computed tomography of glasses and glass ceramics

X‐ray‐computed tomography with sub‐micron resolution (nano‐CT) is one of the most useful techniques to examine the 3D microstructure of materials down to voxel sizes 10 nm. However, since size and shape of samples have considerable influence on acquisition time and data quality, adapted and universally applicable workflows are needed. Three novel workflows for sample preparation using ultra‐short pulsed lasers are presented which allow for reproducible fabrication, safe extraction and mounting of samples. Their application potential is illustrated via nano‐CT measurements of glass ceramics as well as a laser‐modified glass. Since the according sample geometries take also the requirements of other analytical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy into account, samples prepared according to the new workflows can be furthermore seen as a starting point for correlative microstructural analyses involving multiple techniques.
Etudes biophysiques et structurales du complexe de réplication des Rhabdoviridae: La phosphoprotéine et ses interactions avec la nucléoprotéine

Le virus de la stomatite vesiculaire (VSV) et le virus de la rage (RV) appartiennent a la famille des Rhabdoviridae et sont les representants prototypiques respectifs des genres Vesiculovirus et Lyssavirus. Ces virus sont enveloppes, et leur genome est compose d’une molecule d’ARN de polarite negative qui encode successivement cinq proteines virales dont la nucleoproteine (N) et la phosphoproteine (P), qui forment, avec l’ARN polymerase ARN dependante virale (L), le complexe de transcription et de replication des Rhabdoviridae. L’objectif de mon travail de these consistait a obtenir des informations structurales concernant la phosphoproteine et plusieurs de ses fragments, a l’etat libre en solution, ou en complexe avec N, et ce afin de mieux comprendre les mecanismes impliques dans la multiplication virale. La proteine P interagit avec N en formant deux types de complexes distincts : le complexe N-ARN-P, resultant de l’association de P avec les complexes N-ARN, qui constituent la matrice utilisee pour la transcription et la replication virale, et le complexe N0-P, qui correspond a la fixation par P d’une molecule de nucleoproteine N0 monomerique, empechant ainsi la fixation non specifique de N a l’ARN et permettant l’encapsidation des genomes et anti-genomes neo-synthetises lors de la replication virale. Les travaux realises ont permis de mettre en evidence la nature modulaire des dimeres de phosphoproteine, et de caracteriser la region N-terminale intrinsequement desordonnee de P (PNTD) impliquee dans la fixation a N0. Nous avons montre que le domaine C-terminal implique dans la fixation a N-ARN (PCTD) constituait un module structural independant, et modelise a l’echelle atomique la structure multi-domaine partiellement desordonnee de P en solution. Nous avons egalement construit un modele atomique in silico de l’interaction entre N-ARN et P, valide experimentalement, et enfin resolus par diffraction des rayons X la structure du complexe N0-PNTD a l’etat cristallin. Les travaux presentes concernant la structure de la phosphoproteine libre ou en complexe avec la nucleoproteine permettent de mieux comprendre le role de P dans le complexe de replication, et soulignent l’importance du desordre moleculaire et des changements conformationnels dans les processus de reconnaissance moleculaire impliquant N et P. Les modeles structuraux des complexes N-ARN-P et N0-P constituent par ailleurs des nouvelles cibles interessantes pour le developpement de composes antiviraux.
Screening of potential antiplasmodial agents targeting cysteine protease-Falcipain 2: a computational pipeline

Abstract The spread of antimalarial drug resistance is a substantial challenge in achieving global malaria elimination. Consequently, the identification of novel therapeutic candidates is a global health priority. Malaria parasite necessitates hemoglobin degradation for its survival, which is mediated by Falcipain 2 (FP2), a promising antimalarial target. In particular, FP2 is a key enzyme in the erythrocytic stage of the parasite’s life cycle. Here, we report the screening of approved drugs listed in DrugBank using a computational pipeline that includes drug-likeness, toxicity assessments, oral toxicity evaluation, oral bioavailability, docking analysis, maximum common substructure (MCS) and molecular dynamics (MD) Simulations analysis to identify capable FP2 inhibitors, which are hence potential antiplasmodial agents. A total of 45 drugs were identified, which have positive drug-likeness, no toxic features and good bioavailability. Among these, six drugs showed good binding affinity towards FP2 compared to E64, an epoxide known to inhibit FP2. Notably, two of them, Cefalotin and Cefoxitin, shared the highest MCS with E64, which suggests that they possess similar biological activity as E64. In an investigation using MD for 100 ns, Cefalotin and Cefoxitin showed adequate protein compactness as well as satisfactory complex stability. Overall, these computational approach findings can be applied for designing and developing specific inhibitors or new antimalarial agents for the treatment of malaria infections. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Structure and deformations of strongly magnetized neutron stars with twisted torus configurations

We construct general relativistic models of stationary, strongly magnetized neutron stars. The magnetic field configuration, obtained by solving the relativistic GradShafranov equation, is a generalization of the twisted torus model recently proposed in the literature; the stellar deformations induced by the magnetic field are computed by solving the perturbed Einstein’s equations; stellar matter is modeled using realistic equations of state. We find that in these configurations the poloidal field dominates over the toroidal field and that, if the magnetic field is sufficiently strong during the first phases of the stellar life, it can produce large deformations.
HOW MANY ULTRA-HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS COULD WE EXPECT FROM CENTAURUS A?

The Pierre Auger Observatory has associated a few ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) with the direction of Centaurus A. This source has been deeply studied in radio, infrared, X-ray, and γ-rays (MeV–TeV) because it is the nearest radio-loud active galactic nucleus. Its spectral energy distribution or spectrum shows two main peaks, the low-energy peak, at an energy of 10−2 eV, and the high-energy peak, at about 150 keV. There is also a faint very high energy (VHE; E ⩾ 100 GeV) γ-ray emission fully detected by the High Energy Stereoscopic System experiment. In this work, we describe the entire spectrum: the two main peaks with a synchrotron/synchrotron self-Compton model, and the VHE emission with a hadronic model. We consider pγ and pp interactions. For the pγ interaction, we assume that the target photons are those produced at 150 keV in leptonic processes. On the other hand, for the pp interaction we consider as targets the thermal particle densities in the lobes. Requiring a satisfactory description of the spectra at very high energies with pγ interaction, we obtain an excessive luminosity in UHECRs (even exceeding the Eddington luminosity). However, when considering the pp interaction to describe the γ-spectrum, the number of UHECRs obtained is in agreement with Pierre Auger observations. We also calculate the possible neutrino signal from pp interactions on a Km3 neutrino telescope using Monte Carlo simulations.
A call to resist occupational therapy’s promotion of ableism

Abstract Background Critical occupational therapists have exhorted their profession to engage with disability studies’ scholarship, curtail occupational therapy’s promotion of ableism and amend its disabling practices. These appeals have largely been ignored despite their importance for a profession that researches, theorizes, assesses, and intervenes in the lives of disabled people. Aims and objectives To interrogate occupational therapy’s collusion with an ableist neoliberal agenda; and call for occupational therapists to resist their profession’s disabling practices. Material and methods This paper draws from critical disability scholarship to expose, critique and contest the ableist ideology underpinning occupational therapy. Results Interlinked with racism, heteronormativity and gender binarism, ableism upholds certain bodies as normal and appropriate. Ableist values shape occupational therapy, with clients classified according to their proximity to ‘normality’, and exhorted to minimize their occupational performance deviations from dominant norms. Conclusions Collusion with colonialism’s binary classificatory systems and neoliberal ableist norms, and avowed aspirations to improve bodies, ‘normalize’ performances, promote individualism, self-reliance, independence, self-care, and productivity contribute to the perception that ours is a disabling profession. Significance This paper calls for occupational therapists to resist their profession’s promotion of ableism, and refuse to collude with colonial practices that contribute to the oppression of disabled people.
Computer-based Eye-tracking Analysis of King-Devick Test Differentiates Persons With Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus From Cognitively Unimpaired

Background: Functional defects in eye movements and reduced reading speed in neurodegenerative diseases represent a potential new biomarker to support clinical diagnosis. We investigated whether computer-based eye-tracking (ET) analysis of the King-Devick (KD) test differentiates persons with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) from cognitively unimpaired [control (CO)] and persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: We recruited 68 participants (37 CO, 10 iNPH, and 21 AD) who underwent neurological examination, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological test battery (CERAD-NB), and a Clinical Dementia Rating interview. The KD reading test was performed using computer-based ET. We analyzed the total time used for the reading test, number of errors, durations of fixation and saccade, and saccade amplitudes. Results: The iNPH group significantly differed from the CO group in the KD test mean total time (CO 69.3 s, iNPH 87.3 s; P≤0.009) and eye-tracking recording of the mean saccade amplitude (CO 3.6 degree, iNPH 3.2 degree; P≤0.001). The AD group significantly differed from the CO group in each tested parameter. No significant differences were detected between the iNPH and AD groups. Conclusion: For the first time, we demonstrated altered reading ability and saccade amplitudes in patients with iNPH.
Stable coexistence or competitive exclusion? Fern endophytes demonstrate rapid turnover favouring a dominant fungus

Fungal endophytes are critical members of the plant microbiome, but their community dynamics throughout an entire growing season are underexplored. Additionally, most fungal endophyte research has centred on seed‐reproducing hosts, while spore‐reproducing plants also host endophytes and may be colonized by unique community members. In order to examine annual fungal endophyte community dynamics in a spore‐reproducing host, we explored endophytes in a single population of ferns, Polystichum munitum, in the Pacific Northwest. Through metabarcoding, we characterized the community assembly and temporal turnover of foliar endophytes throughout a growing season. From these results, we selected endophytes with outsized representations in sequence data and performed in vitro competition assays. Finally, we inoculated sterile fern gametophytes with dominant fungi observed in the field and determined their effects on host performance. Sequencing demonstrated that ferns were colonized by a diverse community of fungal endophytes in newly emerged tissue, but diversity decreased throughout the season leading to the preponderance of a single fungus in later sampling months. This previously undescribed endophyte appears to abundantly colonize the host to the detriment of other microfungi. Competition assays on a variety of media types failed to demonstrate that the dominant fungus was competitive against other fungi isolated from the same hosts, and inoculation onto sterile fern gametophytes did not alter growth compared to sterile controls, suggesting its effects are not antagonistic. The presence of this endophyte in the fern population probably demonstrates a case of repeated colonization driving competitive exclusion of other fungal community members.
Adverse events after administration of the first and second doses of messenger RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines in Japanese subjects aged 12–18 years

Objective Using a prospective observational design, we assessed adverse events (AEs) after COVID-19 vaccination in Japanese patients. Methods Two doses of the mRNA-1273 (SPIKEVAX®) or BNT162b2 (COMIRNATY®) vaccine were administered to participants aged 12 to 18 years, and AEs after each dose were recorded for 14 days. Data on the duration and nature (local vs. systemic) of AEs were collected using a questionnaire. Sex-based differences in AE frequency were also analyzed. Results After the first and second doses, 152 and 135 vaccinees were enrolled, respectively. After the first dose, fever (>37.1°C) occurred in 38.9% of males and 50.0% of females, whereas local pain occurred in 89.8% and 97.7% of males and females, respectively (only SPIKEVAX® was used as the first dose). After the second dose, fever (>37.1°C) occurred in 77.8% and 82.6% of males vaccinated with COMIRNATY® and SPIKEVAX®, respectively, and 82.6% of females (all received SPIKEVAX®). The local pain rates in these groups were 80.6%, 76.3%, and 100%, respectively. After the second dose, local pain, fever (>38.1°C) and headache were significantly more common in female participants, and the median symptom duration was 3 days. Conclusions AEs were more frequent after the second dose and in females.
Allele-specific expression and chromatin accessibility contribute to heterosis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis).

Heterosis is extensively used to improve crop productivity, yet its allelic and chromatin regulation remains unclear. Based on our resolved genomes of the maternal TGY and paternal HD, we analyzed the contribution of allele-specific expression (ASE) and chromatin accessibility of JGY and HGY, the artificial hybrids of oolong tea with the largest cultivated area in China. The ASE genes (ASEGs) of tea hybrids with maternal-biased were mainly related to the energy and terpenoid metabolism pathways, whereas the ASEGs with paternal-biased tend to be enriched in glutathione metabolism, and these parental bias of hybrids may coordinate and lead to the acquisition of heterosis in more biological pathways. ATAC-seq results showed that hybrids have significantly higher accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) compared to their parents, which may confer broader and stronger transcriptional activity of genes in hybrids. The number of ACRs with significantly increased accessibility in hybrids was much greater than decreased, and the associated alleles were also affected by differential ACRs across different parents, suggesting enhanced positive chromatin regulation and potential genetic effects in hybrids. Core ASEGs of terpene and purine alkaloid metabolism pathways with significant positive heterosis have greater chromatin accessibility in hybrids and were potentially regulated by several members of the MYB, DOF, and TRB families. The binding motif of CsMYB85 in the promoter ACR of the rate-limiting enzyme CsDXS was verified by DAP-seq. These results suggest that higher numbers and more accessible ACRs in hybrids contribute to the regulation of ASEGs, thereby affecting the formation of heterotic metabolites.
Source integrals for multipole moments in static and axially symmetric spacetimes

In this article, we derive source integrals for multipole moments in axially symmetric and static spacetimes. The multipole moments can be read oﬀ the asymptotics of the metric close to spatial inﬁnity in a hypersurface, which is orthogonal to the timelike Killing vector. Whereas for the evaluation of the source integrals the geometry needs to be known in a compact region of this hypersurface, which encloses all source, i.e. matter as well as singularities. The source integrals can be written either as volume integrals over such a region or in quasi-local form as integrals over the surface of that region.
Research funders should be more transparent: a plea for open applications

Transparency is increasingly becoming the new norm and modus operandi of the global research enterprise. In this mini-review, we summarize ongoing initiatives to increase transparency in science and funding in particular. Based on this, we make a plea for the next step in funders' compliance with the principles of Open Science, suggesting the adoption of open applications. Our proposed model includes a plea for the publication of all submitted grant applications; open sharing of review reports, argumentations for funding decisions and project evaluation reports; and the disclosure of reviewers' and decision committee members' identities. In line with previous calls for transparency and the available evidence about these measures' effectiveness, we argue that open applications could lead to more diverse collaboration, recognition of research ideas, fairer procedures for grant allocation, more research on funding practices and increased trust in the funding allocation process.
Towards a holographic model of color superconductivity

In this paper, we discuss the basic elements that should appear in a gravitational system that is dual to a confining gauge theory displaying color superconductivity at large baryon density. We consider a simple system with these minimal elements and show that for a range of parameters, the phase structure of this model as a function of temperature and baryon chemical potential exhibits phases that can be identified with confined, deconfined and color superconducting phases in the dual field theory. We find that the critical temperature at which the superconducting phase disappears is remarkably small (relative to the chemical potential). This small number arises from the dynamics and is unrelated to any small parameter in the model that we study. We discuss similar models that exhibit flavor superconductivity.
Hidden Conformal Symmetry of the Kerr Black Hole

Extreme and very-near-extreme spin $J$ Kerr black holes have been conjectured to be holographically dual to two-dimensional (2D) conformal field theories (CFTs) with left and right central charges ${c}_{L}={c}_{R}=12J$. In this paper it is observed that the 2D conformal symmetry of the scalar wave equation at low frequencies persists for generic nonextreme values of the mass $M\ensuremath{\ne}\sqrt{J}$. Interestingly, this conformal symmetry is not derived from a conformal symmetry of the spacetime geometry except in the extreme limit. The $2\ensuremath{\pi}$ periodic identification of the azimuthal angle $\ensuremath{\phi}$ is shown to correspond to a spontaneous breaking of the conformal symmetry by left and right temperatures ${T}_{L}={M}^{2}/2\ensuremath{\pi}J$ and ${T}_{R}=\sqrt{{M}^{4}\ensuremath{-}{J}^{2}}/2\ensuremath{\pi}J$. The well-known low-frequency scalar-Kerr scattering amplitudes coincide with correlators of a 2D CFT at these temperatures. Moreover, the CFT microstate degeneracy inferred from the Cardy formula agrees exactly with the Bekenstein-Hawking area law for all $M$ and $J$. These observations provide evidence for the conjecture that the Kerr black hole is dual to a ${c}_{L}={c}_{R}=12J$ 2D CFT at temperatures (${T}_{L},{T}_{R}$) for every value of $M$ and $J$.
Gd5(Si,Ge)4 and Gd2C compounds: Candidates for hyperthermia treatment of cancer

A number of Gd based compounds have been investigated for their potential for use in hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The use of magnetic nanoparticles for producing local heating via alternating magnetic fields in cancer affected areas of the body has been an object of numerous studies in recent years. Whereas most studies have focused on using Fe and Co based nanoparticles, we have investigated a number of Gd compounds and alloys for their possible applications in hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Our results suggest that several of these alloys exhibit desired properties for such applications and may have advantages over Fe and Co based alloys for such applications.