Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) behavior in a multi-destination route: Evidence for planning ahead when heuristics fail

Animal paths are analogous to intractable mathematical problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the shortest path problem (SPP). Both the TSP and SPP require an individual to find the shortest path through multiple targets but the TSP demands a return to the start, while the SPP does not. Vervet monkeys are very efficient in solving TSPs but this species is a multiple central place forager that does not always return to the same sleeping site and thus theoretically should be selected to find solutions to SPPs rather than TSPs. We examined path choice by wild vervets in an SPP experimental array where the shortest paths usually differed from those consistent with common heuristic strategies, the nearest-neighbor rule (NNR–go to the closest resource that has not been visited), and the convex hull (put a mental loop around sites, adding inner targets in order of distance from the edge)–an efficient strategy for TSPs but not SPPs. In addition, humans solving SPPs use an initial segment strategy (ISS–choose the straightest path at the beginning, only turning when necessary) and we looked at vervet paths consistent with this strategy. In 615 trials by single foragers, paths usually conformed to the NNR and rarely the slightly more efficient convex hull, supporting that vervets may be selected to solve SPPs. Further, like humans solving SPPs, vervets showed a tendency to use the ISS. Paths consistent with heuristics dropped off sharply, and use of the shortest path increased, when heuristics led to longer paths showing trade-offs in efficiency versus cognitive load. Two individuals out of 17, found the shortest path most often, showing inter-individual variation in path planning. Given support for the NNR and the ISS, we propose a new rule-of-thumb termed the “region heuristic” that vervets may apply in multi-destination routes.
Covalent linkage of the DNA repair template to the CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease enhances homology-directed repair

The CRISPR-Cas9 targeted nuclease technology allows the insertion of genetic modifications with single base-pair precision. The preference of mammalian cells to repair Cas9-induced DNA double-strand breaks via error-prone end-joining pathways rather than via homology-directed repair mechanisms, however, leads to relatively low rates of precise editing from donor DNA. Here we show that spatial and temporal co-localization of the donor template and Cas9 via covalent linkage increases the correction rates up to 24-fold, and demonstrate that the effect is mainly caused by an increase of donor template concentration in the nucleus. Enhanced correction rates were observed in multiple cell types and on different genomic loci, suggesting that covalently linking the donor template to the Cas9 complex provides advantages for clinical applications where high-fidelity repair is desired.
INVESTIGATION ON THE BEHAVIOURS OF TiB 2 REINFORCED B 4 CSiC COMPOSITES AGAINST Co-60 GAMMA RADIOISOTOPE SOURCE

Bu çalışmada titanyum diborür (TiB2) katkılı bor karbür (B4C)-silisyum karbür (SiC) kompozit malzemelerin Co-60 gama radyoizotop kaynağı karşısındaki radyasyon zayıflatma davranışları incelenmiştir. Deneylerde TiB2 katkısı olmayan B4C-SiC kompozit malzeme ile hacimce %2 ve %4 TiB2 katkılı B4C-SiC kompozit malzemeler kullanılmıştır. Bütün malzemelerde hacimce B4C/SiC oranı 6/4’tür. İki farklı enerji pikine sahip olan (1.17 ve 1.33 MeV) Co-60 gama radyoizotop kaynağına ilişkin malzemelerin zayıflatma eğrileri çizilmiş ve lineer zayıflatma katsayıları hesaplanmıştır. Buradan hareketle malzemelerin kütle zayıflatma katsayıları ve yarı-değer kalınlıkları (YDK) elde edilmiştir. Deneylerden elde edilen kütle zayıflatma katsayıları, XCOM bilgisayar programı kullanılarak hesaplanan teorik kütle zayıflatma katsayıları ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca elde edilen yarı-değer kalınlıkları birbirleri ile mukayeseli olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bu bağlamda deneysel kütle zayıflatma katsayılarının, teorik olarak (XCOM) hesaplanan değerler ile uyumlu olduğu ve farkın %10’un altında kaldığı görülmüştür. Ayrıca TiB2 katkılı B4C-SiC kompozit malzemelerin katkısız olanlara göre daha düşük YDK değerlerine sahip olduğu ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Ek olarak %4 TiB2 katkılı B4C-SiC kompozit malzemelerin %2 TiB2 katkılı B4C-SiC kompozit malzemelere göre daha düşük YDK değerlerine sahip olduğu gözlenmiştir. TiB2 katkısının yapılmasının ve TiB2 oranının artırılmasının B4C-SiC kompozit malzemelerin Co-60 gama kaynağı karşısındaki radyasyon zırhlama kabiliyetini artırdığı ortaya çıkarılmıştır. In the present study, the gamma attenuation behaviours of the Titanium diboride (TiB2) reinforced boron carbide (B4C)-silicon carbide (SiC) composite materials were investigated against Co-60 gamma radioisotope source. In the experiments TiB2 unreinforced and 2% and 4% TiB2 (by volume) reinforced B4C-SiC composite materials were used. In the composite materials B4C/SiC ratio has been realized as 6/4 by volume. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were carried out for Co60 gamma radioisotope source which has two energy peaks (1.17 and 1.33 MeV). Then mass attenuation coefficients and half-value thicknesses (HVT) of the materials were calculated. Experimental mass attenuation coefficients were compared with the theoretical values which were calculated from XCOM computer code. Furthermore HVTs of the samples were evaluated and compared each other. It has been seen that the experimental and theoretical mass attenuation coefficients are closed to each other and differences are under 10 percent. In addition, TiB2 reinforced B4C-SiC composites have smaller HVTs than unreinforced one. Moreover 4% TiB2 reinforced B4C-SiC composite has smaller HVT than the 2% reinforced sample. Reinforcing TiB2 and increasing TiB2 ratio increase the gamma attenuation property of the B4C-SiC composites against Co-60 gamma radioisotope source.
Review of implementation strategies to change healthcare provider behaviour in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES Advances in emergency medicine research can be slow to make their way into clinical care, and implementing a new evidence-based intervention can be challenging in the emergency department. The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Knowledge Translation Symposium working group set out to produce recommendations for best practice in the implementation of a new science in Canadian emergency departments. METHODS A systematic review of implementation strategies to change health care provider behaviour in the emergency department was conducted simultaneously with a national survey of emergency physician experience. We summarized our findings into a list of draft recommendations that were presented at the national CAEP Conference 2017 and further refined based on feedback through social media strategies. RESULTS We produced 10 recommendations for implementing new evidence-based interventions in the emergency department, which cover identifying a practice gap, evaluating the evidence, planning the intervention strategy, monitoring, providing feedback during implementation, and desired qualities of future implementation research. CONCLUSIONS We present recommendations to guide future emergency department implementation initiatives. There is a need for robust and well-designed implementation research to guide future emergency department implementation initiatives.
Chronic Consumption of Sweeteners and Its Effect on Glycaemia, Cytokines, Hormones, and Lymphocytes of GALT in CD1 Mice

Background The consumption of sweeteners has increased in recent years, being used to control body weight and blood glucose. However, they can cause increased appetite, modification of immune function, and secretion of hormones in the GALT. Objective To assess the effect of chronic sweetener consumption on glycaemia, cytokines, hormones, and GALT lymphocytes in CD1 mice. Material and Methods 72 CD1 mice divided into 3 groups were used: (a) baseline, (b) middle, and (c) final. Groups (b) and (c) were divided into 4 subgroups: (i) Control, (ii) Sucrose, (iii) Sucralose, and (iv) Stevia. The following were determined: body weight, hormones (GIP, insulin, and leptin), lymphocytes CD3+T cells and CD19+B cells, IgA+ plasma cells, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). Results Sucralose reduces secretion of GIP and glycaemia but does not modify insulin concentration, increases body weight, and reduces food intake. Stevia increases the secretion of GIP, insulin, leptin, body weight, and glycaemia but keeps food consumption normal. Sucralose and Stevia showed a higher percentage of CD3+T cells, CD19+B cells, and IgA+ plasma cells in Peyer's patches, but only Stevia in lamina propria. Conclusion Sweeteners modulate the hormonal response of cytokines and the proliferation of lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa.
Pseudopregnancy in goats: Sonographic prevalence and associated risk factors in Khartoum State, Sudan

Aim This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pseudopregnancy in goats and to investigate potential risk factors associated with the condition in Khartoum State. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2015 to February 2016. A total of 378 female goats which presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, for routine ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis were examined. Ultrasound scanning was performed using a real-time scanner equipped with dual-frequency (3.5-5 MHz) curvilinear transducer. Results The results showed that the prevalence of pseudopregnancy in goats in Khartoum State was 10.6%. Risk factors such as general body condition (χ2=5.974; p=0.05), age (χ2=11.760; p=0.0129), type of estrus (χ2=12.794; p=0.000), and previous reproductive performance (χ2=13.397; p=0.020) showed significant association (p≤0.05) with the occurrence of pseudopregnancy in the univariate analysis. Breed (χ2=12.627; p=0.082), milk yield (χ2=5.951; p=0.114), type of feeding (χ2=1.721; p=0.190), season (χ2=2.661; p=0.264), locality (χ2=7.66; p=0.264), parity number (χ2=0.451; p=0.767), and rearing system (χ2=1.593; p=0.451) were not significantly associated with pseudopregnancy. Conclusion The prevalence of pseudopregnancy in goats in Khartoum State was 10.6%. Pseudopregnancy in goats is significantly associated with age, type of estrus, general body condition, and previous reproductive performance. This study showed for the first time that pseudopregnancy is a real reproductive problem in goats in Khartoum State.
Post-fledging survival and dispersal of shy albatross from three breeding colonies in Tasmania

Limited knowledge of the movements of post-fledging albatross represents a significant gap in understanding albatross biology and conservation. Without clearer understanding of at-sea distribution and mortality during this life-history stage, the threats to albatrosses cannot be managed appropriately. We investigated this early at-sea behaviour of shy albatrosses Thalassarche cauta, which breed only in Tasmania. We deployed 48 satellite transmitters on fledgling birds from each of the 3 Tasmanian populations over 4 separate seasons. We observed population differences in the at- sea distribution, with the northern Albatross Island population foraging exclusively in southern Aus- tralian shelf waters to the west of the breeding colony. Birds from the 2 populations in southern Tas- mania (Mewstone and Pedra Branca) also favoured these areas; however, they showed greater tendency to traverse the high seas and forage further west. These differences in spatial distribution mean populations have different exposure to fisheries and consequent risk of bycatch. Analysis of the satellite data and supporting evidence from band recoveries showed that juvenile mortality is high- est in the period immediately after fledging. We speculate that this is related to foraging failure of naive birds. Differences between the 3 populations in post-fledging mortality were apparent. Alba- tross Island birds have greater chance of surviving the crucial initial learning period after fledging than either of the 2 southern populations, possibly due to proximity to food resources.
MicroRNA‐1 overexpression increases chemosensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy related 3‐mediated autophagy

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major type of lung cancer. Drug resistance is a enormous obstacle for cancer treatment. Copious microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to be implicated in drug resistance in NSCLC. In the present study, RT‐qPCR assay revealed that microRNA‐1 (miR‐1) expression was downregulated in DDP resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Western blot assay presented a remarkable increase of LC3B‐II/LC3B‐I ratio and a notable decline of p62 level in DDP resistant NSCLC cells, while these effects were weakened by miR‐1. GFP‐LC3 puncta experiment showed that ectopic expression of miR‐1 induced a noticeable downregulation of GFP‐LC3 positive cell percentage in DDP resistant NSCLC cells. Bioinformatical analysis and luciferase assay revealed that autophagy related 3 (ATG3) was a target of miR‐1. Also, Western blot and RT‐qPCR assays manifested that ATG3 was highly expressed in DDP resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Additionally, miR‐1 inhibited ATG3 expression and ATG3 upregulation abolished miR‐1‐meidated autophagy inhibition in DDP resistant NSCLC cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin (DDP) was reduced in miR‐1‐enforced DDP resistant NSCLC cells, but was restored following the overexpression of ATG3. Flow cytometry experiments further showed that miR‐1 overexpression induced a significant upregulation of apoptotic rate and ATG3 restoration weakened miR‐1‐induced apoptosis in DDP resistant NSCLC cells. Collectively, our study validated that miR‐1 overexpression improved DDP sensitivity of NSCLC cells by inhibiting ATG3‐mediated autophagy, providing a potential therapeutic target for easing chemoresistance of anti‐tumor drugs.
An Experimental Approach to the Synthesis and Optimisation of a ‘Green’ Nanofibre

Currently, green-based materials are receiving attention in a quest to achieve a sustainable environment for human life. Herein, we report an investigation of developing a simple novel green nanofibre by using H2O2-assisted water soluble chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (WSCHT/PVA) in the presence of water as an eco-friendly solvent. The effect of various process parameters on the mean fibre diameter was investigated based on the Taguchi L9 (34) orthogonal array experimental design. Optimal process parameters were determined using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of diameter according to the ‘smaller-the-better’ concept. Accordingly, the smallest fibre diameter observed was 122 nm and it was yielded at solution concentration of 10%; a voltage of 16 kV; a flow rate of 0.7 mL h−1; and a collection distance of 8 cm. The implications of a green environmentally sustainable material impact on a number of diverse end uses.
Effect of Different Sources of Sulphur on Growth, Productivity and Oil Content of Brassica campestris var. toria in the Red Soil of Odisha

A field experiment of two years was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Instructional Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Nabarangpur), Umerkote, Nabarangpur, Odisha, India to study the effect of different sources with the graded doses of sulphur on growth, productivity and the oil content of Mustard (Brassica camprestris var. toria). The experiment was laid out in the randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments viz; T1 30 kg S ha-1 as SSP, T2 45 kg S ha-1 as SSP, T3 60 kg S ha-1 as SSP, T4 30 kg S ha-1 as Gypsum, T5 45 kg S ha-1 as Gypsum, T6 60 kg S ha-1 as Gypsum, T7 30 kg S ha-1 as Elemental sulphur, T8 45 kg S ha-1 as Elemental sulphur, T9 60 kg S ha-1 as Elemental sulphur along with an untreated control. Significantly highest seed yield (12. 47 qha-1) resulted under the application of sulphur @ 60 kgha-1 as Single Super Phosphate (SSP ) due to the significant increment in the yield attributes studied when compared to control (7.15 q ha-1). The sulphur application @ 45 kgha-1 as SSP which had given the seed yield 12.47 q ha-1 was at par with the seed yield of sulphur application @ 60 kgha-1 as SSP. Yield advantages due to the application of Gypsum @ 45 kgha-1, 60 kgha-1 and Elemental sulphur 45 kgha-1, 60 kgha-1 were 60.69%, 62.09% and 47.13%, 57.90%, respectively over control (7.15 q ha-1). The oil content in the seed was highest with the application of sulphur @ 60 kgha-1 (44.62%). The oil content of mustard was almost at par with both the sources of sulphur viz; SSP and Gypsum.
Intersectional health-related stigma in persons living with HIV and chronic pain: implications for depressive symptoms

ABSTRACT “Intersectional health-related stigma” (IHRS) refers to stigma that arises at the convergence of multiple health conditions. People living with HIV (PLWH) and chronic pain have two highly stigmatized health conditions, and thus may be at especially high risk for internalizing these stigmas and consequently experiencing depression. This study examined the intersectionality of internalized HIV and chronic pain stigma in relation to depressive symptoms in a sample of PLWH and chronic pain. Sixty participants were recruited from an HIV clinic in the Southeastern United States. Chronic pain was defined as pain that has been present for at least three consecutive months, and that has been an ongoing problem for at least half the days in the past six months. All participants completed the HIV Stigma Mechanisms Scale, Internalized Stigma in Chronic Pain Scale, the Short-Form Brief Pain Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale. Clinical data was collected from medical records. An intersectional HIV and chronic pain composite variable was created and participants were categorized as either high (28%), moderate (32%), or low (40%). Results revealed that intersectional HIV and chronic pain stigma was significantly associated with severity of depressive symptoms (p = .023). Pairwise contrasts revealed that participants with high (p = .009) and moderate (p = .033) intersectional stigma reported significantly greater mean depressive symptom severity than those with low intersectional stigma. Participants who reported the highest levels of internalized HIV and chronic pain stigma also reported the greatest severity of depressive symptoms. This suggests that the experience of both HIV and chronic pain stigma (i.e., IHRS) among PLWH and chronic pain may synergistically perpetuate negative mood in a more profound manner than experiencing either one stigma alone.
How I treat older patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal malignant proliferation of myeloid blast cells affecting primarily older adults, with a median age of onset of 68 years. The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program estimates 21,380 new AML cases will have been diagnosed and 10,590 AML-related deaths will have occurred in the United States in 2017. The main risk factor for the development of AML is increasing age, and although there rarely are other identifiable predisposing factors, there is an increasing number of AML cases after exposure to chemotherapy or radiotherapy (collectively referred to as “therapy-related AML” [t-AML]). There also is a distinct highrisk category of secondary AML (s-AML) after antecedent hematological disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or myeloproliferative neoplasms. Outcomes of AML in older adults (aged >60 years) are dismal, with survival rates reported to be <10% at 3 years and<5% at 5 years. Therapeutic challenges include both a more aggressive biology of the disease as well as a patient that is more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Disappointingly, only 40% of patients with AML who are aged>65 years are offered chemotherapy within 3 months of diagnosis. Moreover, elderly patients with AML who receive treatment have a 33% lower risk of AML-related death compared with their untreated counterparts. Compared with untreated elderly patients with AML, those who are offered treatment tend to be younger, are less likely to have s-AML, and are more likely to have a good performance status (PS). Furthermore, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is feasible and can offer a survival benefit for selected Medicareage patients. Although it generally is accepted that older patients with AML can benefit from treatment, there is clearly a need for riskadapted treatment strategies for elderly patients with AML. We herein discuss 3 cases that illustrate some of the complexities in treatment planning, review the literature, and highlight new treatments for older patients with AML.
A Bestiary of Blocking: The Motivations and Modes behind Website Unavailability

This paper examines different reasons the websites may vary in their availability by location. Prior works on availability mostly focus on censorship by nation states. We look at three forms of server-side blocking: blocking visitors from the EU to avoid GDPR compliance, blocking based upon the visitor's country, and blocking due to security concerns. We argue that these and other forms of blocking warrant more research.
The Genomic Consultation Service: A clinical service designed to improve patient selection for genome‐wide sequencing in British Columbia

Access to clinical diagnostic genome‐wide sequencing (GWS; exome or whole genome sequencing) is limited in British Columbia. The establishment of a translational research initiative (CAUSES) to provide diagnostic genome‐wide sequencing for 500 children necessitated the development of a genomic consultation service, a clinical service established to provide consultation for physicians considering GWS for their pediatric patients throughout British Columbia. The Genomic Consultation Service provides patient‐specific genomic advice that may include: GWS, multi‐gene panel, single gene test, referral to medical genetics for clinical evaluation, or no genetic testing. Here, we describe and evaluate this service.
Dietary Patterns and Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review

Background/Aim: The association of dietary patterns representing multiple dietary components and breast cancer risk is not clearly understood. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the association between dietary patterns and breast cancer risk. Materials and Methods: The original articles included, were published between January 2013 and May 2017 and characterized diets using a priori and posteriori approaches to examine associations between dietary patterns and breast cancer risk. A novel scoring matrix was used to grade posteriori dietary pattern alignment with the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines. Results: Seventeen case-control and nested case-control studies identified 15 healthy, and 10 unhealthy, dietary patterns determined posteriori, and 7 dietary indices determined a priori. Vegetables were consistently found in breast cancer protective patterns whereas saturated fat and red and processed meats were consistently found in patterns associated with increased breast cancer risk. Conclusion: Findings suggest that dietary patterns that include vegetables and limit saturated fat and red and processed meats may lower breast cancer risk.