Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Control Depletion Leads to Increased Risk Taking

Previous research has found that individuals low in trait self-control are more likely to take excessive risks than individuals high in trait self-control. The authors expand on this by examining the causal effects of state fluctuations in self-control on subsequent risk taking. Using the self-control strength model, the authors predicted that depleted individuals would take more risks than individuals who did not exert self-control initially. This was tested in two experiments, using both self-reports and performance on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. In both experiments, greater risk taking by depleted participants was related only to the amount of self-control previously exerted. This suggests that situational decrements in self-control strength lead to greater risk taking. Additional data suggest that the effects of depletion on taking chances are above and beyond the effects of trait self-control. This may help to explain situational effects, such as why conscientious people sometimes take unnecessary risks.
Reducing Effect of Ingesting Tannic Acid on the Absorption of Iron, but Not of Zinc, Copper and Manganese by Rats

Interest in the beneficial effects of polyphenols, including tannic acid (TA), is increasing, although, these compounds also have adverse effects; for example, on the absorption of iron (Fe), and possibly other trace minerals. We examined the effect of a graded dose of TA on the absorption of Fe and compared with that of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) in rats. We also investigated the effect of TA on cecal fermentation which plays a role in absorption. In Experiment 1, to set the optimum dose of Fe, male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 70–90 g) after acclimatization were fed with different levels of dietary Fe (5, 10, 20, 30 and 35 mg/kg). We observed that the hematocrit (Ht), serum Fe concentration and transferrin saturation (%) were each reduced in those rats fed less than 20 mg/kg Fe in a dose-dependant manner. In Experiment 2, the rats were fed with test diets containing the minimum required level of Fe, 30 mg/kg diet, with (5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg diet) or without TA for a period of three weeks. Feeding a diet containing more than 10 g TA/kg diet, but not 5 g TA/kg diet, reduced the hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Ht and serum Fe concentration due to decreased Fe absorption. In contrast, the Zn, Cu and Mn absorption was not affected by TA feeding. It is also demonstrated that liver Fe, but not the Zn, Cu and Mn contents, were lower in the TA groups than in the TA-free control group. Feeding TA slightly decreased the pH value of the cecal contents with an increase in the major short-chain fatty acid pool. About 15% of the ingested TA were recovered in the feces of each TA-fed group. Our results demonstrate that more than 10 g TA/kg diet induced anemia by reducing the Fe absorption, although there was no effect on the absorption of other important trace minerals. Our findings suggest that the usual intake of polyphenols is relatively safe, but that a high intake by supplementation or by dietary habit of tannin affects only the Fe level.
Comparison of Morphological Characteristics of Carob Tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Pods and Seeds of Populations Collected from Two Distant Croatian Islands: Drvenik Mali and Mali Lošinj

It is well-known that carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is not overspread in Croatian north Adriatic islands and coast. It is hardly possible to fi nd spontaneous (not planted) trees of Ceratonia siliqua northern from the island of Dugi Otok and Zadar coast. During the fi rst investigated year of research project TEUCLIC fi nanced by Croatian Foundation for Science, we found the northernmost habitat of carob tree on the island of Mali Losinj. Th is paper deals with the results of morphometric analysis of carob tree pods and seeds of Mali Losinj population, compared with the same analysis of carob tree population of Drvenik Mali, island placed in middle-Dalmatian archipelago, in order to fi nd the possible diff erences of most important morphological traits between these two relatively distant populations. Aft er provided morphometric research the diff erences in length and thickness of carob pods between these two populations were not signifi cant. However, the pods of carob trees of Mali Losinj population had signifi cantly smaller weight and smaller number of seeds per pod in the comparison with Drvenik Mali population. Also, width of carob pods of Mali Losinj population was signifi cantly smaller in the comparison with Drvanik Mali population, as well as weight and average number of seeds per pod. The carob seeds of Drvenik Mali population are signifi cantly longer, wider and heavier in the comparison with the Mali Losinj population, in spite of the fact that the seeds of population of Mali Losinj were signifi cantly thicker in the comparison with seeds of Drvenik Mali population. Th e diff erences between these morphometric traits cannot be explained by environmental conditions. Diff erences in morphometric traits of carob pods and seeds between these two populations are primarily caused by genetic factors, which have to be confi rmed by the analysis of genomic DNA isolated from the leaves.
Flight Capability and Fatty Acid Level in Triacylglycerol of Long-distance Migratory Adults of the Common Cutworm, Spodoptera litura

The larvae of Spodoptera litura were reared on an artificial diet, and the flight capability, and triacylglycerol (TG) level plus its fatty acid composition in 3-day-old sexually mature and non-fed adults were compared. In males, during 3 hr of tethered flight, the levels of abdominal TG and its fatty acid components did not change. But thereafter the TG and fatty acids, significantly unsaturated fatty acids in TG declined in their levels with the prolongation of flight, unsaturated fatty acids being exhausted preceding saturated fatty acid decline. When males were tested by tethered flight for 20 hr, some could fly for nearly the whole period, and were judged to be able to fly for approximately 24 hr, depending on the level of residual TG. Fatty aids in TG decreased in females similarly to males during tethered flight and some females with fully developed ovaries deposited eggs after 12 hr of flight similarly to non-flown individuals, which supports the long-distance flight capability even in sexually mature females. These results are discussed with regard to the overseas migration of this moth.
Discrimination of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules by Molecular Profiling

Background:The evaluation of thyroid nodules by fine-needle aspiration has been the standard for almost 30 years, despite significant shortcomings in sensitivity and specificity. Recent data from our laboratory have suggested that molecular profiling permits the discrimination of specific types of thyroid nodules. These studies were undertaken to determine whether molecular profiling can discriminate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules with the necessary sensitivity and specificity required of a screening test. Methods:Molecular profiles of 11 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 13 follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas, 9 follicular thyroid carcinomas, and 26 benign tumors (follicular adenomas and hyperplastic nodules) were analyzed by oligonucleotide microarray analysis. A gene list was created based on 45 samples. Seventeen samples were then added to the analysis as unknowns. A hierarchical clustering analysis was performed on all 62 samples to examine the groups for potential differences and the ability of the gene list to distinguish tumor types. Results:Cluster analysis of all 62 samples produced 2 distinct groups, 1 containing the carcinomas and 1 containing the benign lesions. The sensitivity for a diagnosis of cancer was 91.7% with a specificity of 96.2% (3 follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas clustered with the benign lesions). The cancer gene profiles contained both known cancer-associated genes (MET, galectin-3) and previously unidentified genes. Conclusions:Molecular profiling readily distinguishes between benign and malignant thyroid tumors with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Elucidated genes may provide insight into the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. Gene profiling may significantly enhance the evaluation of thyroid nodules in the future.
Effect of an orally active progestin on follicular dynamics in cycling and anestrous postpartum beef cows.

Although treatment of cycling cows with low concentrations of melengesterol acetate (MGA) results in formation of persistent follicles, in the absence of corpora lutea, it is not known whether persistent follicles form in anestrous cows in response to a similar treatment. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of long-term MGA treatment (14 d) on follicular dynamics and the secretion of estradiol in anestrous postpartum beef cows. Treatment groups (replicated over 2 yr) included the following: anestrous control (AC; n = 11), anestrous MGA (AM; n = 16), and cycling MGA (CM; positive control; n = 16). Angus-crossbred cows were assigned to treatment by age, cow body condition, and days postpartum. Cows were fed carrier (AC group) or 0.5 mg MGA x animal(-1) x d(-1) (AM and CM groups) for 14 d beginning approximately 38 d postpartum. Cows allotted to the CM group were injected with PGF2alpha, on the first day of MGA treatment to induce luteolysis. The preceding treatment (CM) results in formation of persistent follicles and secretion of elevated concentrations of estradiol. Ovaries of each cow were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography beginning 5 to 7 d preceding the initiation of feeding MGA or carrier and continued until ovulation or 7 d following MGA feeding. There was no difference among groups in the stage of follicular wave or diameter of the largest follicle at the start of carrier or MGA feeding. The length of the follicular wave present at the start of MGA feeding was greater (P < 0.01) for cows in the CM (14.5 d, yr 1; 18.3 d, yr 2) group compared to the AM (9.4 d, yr 1; 7.9 d, yr 2) or AC (9.7 d, yr 1; 10.7 d, yr 2) groups. Maximum follicular diameter over both years was greater (P < 0.01) for the CM (20.6 mm) group than the AM (15.1 mm) or AC (16.4 mm) groups. Circulating concentrations of estradiol were also increased (P < 0.05) in the CM group compared to the AM or AC groups. However, MGA appeared to have no effect (P > 0.05) on the number of follicles recruited, growth rate of the dominant follicle during the first 6 d oftreatment, or growth rate to the maximum follicular diameter. In summary, MGA treatment did not increase the duration ot the follicular wave, maximum follicular diameter, or secretion of estradiol in anestrous postpartum cows, nor did MGA affect the number of follicles recruited or growth rate of dominant follicles in cycling or anestrous animals.
Studies on the Safety of Chronically Administered Intrathecal Neostigmine Methylsulfate in Rats and Dogs

Background The spinal delivery of the cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine yields analgesia in rats and augments the analgesic effects of alpha2 agonists in sheep. To assess its activity in humans, preclinical toxicology studies to define its safety were required in two species. Methods Rats with chronic intrathecal catheters received daily injections of saline (vehicle) or 5 micro gram/10 micro liter or 10 micro gram/10 micro liter neostigmine HCl (n = 6/group) for 4 days and were observed for general behavior and nociception (52.5 degrees Celsius hot plate). On day 6, rats were anesthetized and submitted to whole body perfusion/fixation. For dog studies, male beagles were prepared following rigid aseptic precautions with catheters passed from the cisterna magna to the lumbar intrathecal space. Catheters were connected to an external vest‐mounted pump. Based on preliminary studies, ten implanted dogs were randomly assigned to receive infusions of neostigmine for 28 days (4 mg/4 ml/day; n = 6) or saline (4 ml/day; n = 4). At 28 days, dogs were anesthetized, cisternal cerebrospinal fluid was obtained, and dogs were submitted to perfusion‐fixation. Rat and dog spinal cords were embedded, sectioned, stained, and assessed by the pathologist without knowledge of treatment. Results In rats, neostigmine produced a dose‐dependent increase in hot plate latency, and no tolerance was observed. Mild tremor was observed but was not debilitating. Histopathology revealed a mild fibrotic reaction to the catheter with mixed signs of moderate, acute, and chronic inflammation with no differences between saline or drug groups. In dogs, neostigmine had no effect on blood pressure or on the skin twitch response but produced bradycardia and an increase in muscle tone. At sacrifice, cerebrospinal fluid protein, specific gravity, and glucose were elevated in both saline and neostigmine groups. Histopathology displayed a local reaction to the spinal catheter and a mixed acute and chronic inflammatory reaction. No group differences were observed. These results suggest that, at the neostigmine concentration of 1 mg/ml in the rat and dog and in doses up to 4 mg/day in the dog, there is no evidence of spinal tissue toxicity that can be attributed to the drug. This result, observed in two species, suggests that intrathecal neostigmine given in this manner is without distinguishable toxicity in these two models.
Cryo-EM visualization of transfer messenger RNA with two SmpBs in a stalled ribosome

In eubacterial translation, lack of a stop codon on the mRNA results in a defective, potentially toxic polypeptide stalled on the ribosome. Bacteria possess a specialized mRNA, called transfer messenger RNA (tmRNA), to rescue such a stalled system. tmRNA contains a transfer RNA (tRNA)-like domain (TLD), which enters the ribosome as a tRNA and places an ORF into the mRNA channel. This ORF codes for a signal marking the polypeptide for degradation and ends in a stop codon, leading to release of the faulty polypeptide and recycling of the ribosome. The binding of tmRNA to the stalled ribosome is mediated by small protein B (SmpB). By means of cryo-EM, we obtained a density map for the preaccommodated state of the tmRNA·SmpB·EF-Tu·70S ribosome complex with much improved definition for the tmRNA–SmpB complex, showing two SmpB molecules bound per ribosome, one toward the A site on the 30S subunit side and the other bound to the 50S subunit near the GTPase-associated center. tmRNA is strongly attached to the 30S subunit head by multiple contact sites, involving most of its pseudoknots and helices. The map clarifies that the TLD is located near helix 34 and protein S19 of the 30S subunit, rather than in the A site as tRNA for normal translation, so that the TLD is oriented toward the ORF.
The circadian output gene takeout is regulated by Pdp1ε

The circadian clock controls many circadian outputs. Although a large number of transcripts are affected by the circadian oscillator, very little is known about their regulation and function. We show here that the Drosophila takeout gene, one of the output genes of the circadian oscillator, is regulated similarly to the circadian clock genes Clock (Clk) and cry. takeout RNA levels are at constant high levels in ClkJRK mutants. The circadian transcription factor PAR domain protein 1 (Pdp1ε) is a transcription factor that had previously been postulated to control clock output genes, particularly genes regulated similarly to Clk. In agreement with this, we show here that Pdp1ε is a regulator of takeout. Takeout levels are low in flies with reduced Pdp1ε and high in flies with increased amounts of Pdp1ε. Furthermore, flies with reduced or elevated Pdp1ε levels in the fat body display courtship defects, identifying Pdp1ε as an important transcriptional regulator in that tissue.
Musical Creativity in Twentieth-Century China: Abing, His Music, and Its Changing Meanings

Introduction: the individual in ethnomusicology blind Abing ethnomusicology and history Chinese music research ethnography and fieldwork ethnomusicology and music analysis structure note on romanization and translation periodization of Chinese history. Part 1 China and the city of Wuxi from the 1890s to 1950: the city of Wuxi, origins to 1950 China in turmoil, 1890-1912 China in development and disarray, 1912-1937 China at war, 1937-1950. Part 2 Narrative, ideology and the life of Abing: Yang Yinliu's official biography of Abing rival biographies a patriotic and revolutionary street-singer - the construction of a text issues of source and identity - the case of "The Moon Reflected on the Second Springs" further biographical details - music, marriage and death. Part 3 Musical life in early-20th-century Wuxi: musical instruments - erhu, pipa, sanxian, di and xiao, luogu and ban notation musical genres - dramatic and narrative genres, instrumental ensemble genres, solo music for erhu and pipa, new musical forms. Part 4 Music for erhu: introductory passages low-register melodies middle-register melodies high-register melodies codettas other material summary of related material locally-specific variation techniques large-scale constructive techniques musical structure as a result of performance decisions the case of "Listening to the Pines". Part 5 Music for pipa. Part 6 Musical creativity, identity and meaning in 20th-century China: the conservatory tradition - nationalist establishment 1920s-1949, communist consolidation 1949-1994 musical meaning. Appendices: erhu music - "Cold Spring Wind", "Listening to the Pines" pipa music - "Dragon Boats", "Great Waves Washing the Sand", "Zhaojun Crosses the Border".
A Multiscale Deeply Described Correlatons-Based Model for Land-Use Scene Classification

Research efforts in land-use scene classification is growing alongside the popular use of High-Resolution Satellite (HRS) images. The complex background and multiple land-cover classes or objects, however, make the classification tasks difficult and challenging. This article presents a Multiscale Deeply Described Correlatons (MDDC)-based algorithm which incorporates appearance and spatial information jointly at multiple scales for land-use scene classification to tackle these problems. Specifically, we introduce a convolutional neural network to learn and characterize the dense convolutional descriptors at different scales. The resulting multiscale descriptors are used to generate visual words by a general mapping strategy and produce multiscale correlograms of visual words. Then, an adaptive vector quantization of multiscale correlograms, termed multiscale correlatons, are applied to encode the spatial arrangement of visual words at different scales. Experiments with two publicly available land-use scene datasets demonstrate that our MDDC model is discriminative for efficient representation of land-use scene images, and achieves competitive classification results with state-of-the-art methods.
Rotation and Locking of Magnetic Islands

The polarization drifts arising from the acceleration of plasma flowing alongside a magnetic island are shown to be destabilizing. A critical island width is found above which the polarization drifts (inertial forces) defeat the stabilizing effect of the viscous forces and prevent islands from being unlocked by increasing the plasma rotation. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Nocturnal haemodialysis: An Australian cost comparison with conventional satellite haemodialysis (Review Article)

SUMMARY: Dialysis is an expensive therapy, particularly considering its recurrent, protracted nature while patient numbers are also increasing. To afford dialysis for those in need, smarter, more efficient use of limited funds is mandatory. Newer techniques and improved equipment now permit safe, highly effective haemodialysis (HD) at home, alone and while asleep. Indeed, the increase in treatment hours and frequency achieved through nocturnal HD both increase HD efficiency and reduce cardiovascular stress when comparing nocturnal HD (6 nights/week for 8 h/treatment) to conventional daytime HD (4 h/treatment, three times/week). This study compares the expenditure of two distinct HD programmes in the same renal service during the Australian financial year 2003/2004. A conventional satellite HD unit (SHDU) and a nocturnal home HD programme (NHHD6) are compared, with both programmes ‘notionalised’ to 30 patients. The state‐derived funding models under which these programmes operate are explained. All wage costs, recurrent expenditure, fixed costs and the estimated costs of building and infrastructure are included. The total NHHD6 programme expenditure was $A33 392/patient per year ($103.82/treatment) and was $3892/patient per year less (a 10.75% saving) when compared with the SHDU expenditure of $36 284/patient per year ($232.58/treatment). This represented an annual $116 750 programme saving for a 30 patient cohort. Potential additional NHHD6 savings in erythropoietin, hospitalization and social security dependence were also identified. Home‐based therapies are clinically sound, effective and fiscally prudent and efficient. Funding models should reward home‐based HD. Health services should encourage home training and support systems, sustaining patients at home wherever possible.
The evolution of parental care in stochastic environments

Parental care is of fundamental importance to understanding reproductive strategies and allocation decisions. Here, we explore how parental care strategies evolve in variable environments. Using a set of life‐history trait trade‐offs, we explore the relative costs and benefits of parental care in stochastic environments. Specifically, we consider the cases in which environmental variability results in varying adult death rates, egg death rates, reproductive rate and carrying capacity. Using a measure of fitness appropriate for stochastic environments, we find that parental care has the potential to evolve over a wide range of life‐history characteristics when the environment is variable. A variable environment that affects adult or egg death rates can either increase or decrease the fitness of care relative to that in a constant environment, depending on the specific costs of care. Variability that affects carrying capacity or adult reproductive rate has negligible effects on the fitness associated with care. Increasing parental care across different life‐history stages can increase fitness gains in variable environments. Costly investment in care is expected to affect the overall fitness benefits, the fitness optimum and rate of evolution of parental care. In general, we find that environmental variability, the life‐history traits affected by such variability and the specific costs of care interact to determine whether care will be favoured in a variable environment and what levels of care will be selected.
Designing Game-Based Myoelectric Prosthesis Training

A myoelectric prosthesis (myo) is a dexterous artificial limb controlled by muscle contractions. Learning to use a myo can be challenging, so extensive training is often required to use a myo prosthesis effectively. Signal visualizations and simple muscle-controlled games are currently used to help patients train their muscles, but are boring and frustrating. Furthermore, current training systems require expensive medical equipment and clinician oversight, restricting training to infrequent clinical visits. To address these limitations, we developed a new game that promotes fun and success, and shows the viability of a low-cost myoelectric input device. We adapted a user-centered design (UCD) process to receive feedback from patients, clinicians, and family members as we iteratively addressed challenges to improve our game. Through this work, we introduce a free and open myo training game, provide new information about the design of myo training games, and reflect on an adapted UCD process for the practical iterative development of therapeutic games.