Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing Methods for Modeling Acquiescence in Multidimensional Partially Balanced Scales.

BACKGROUND The inclusion of direct and reversed items in scales is a commonly-used strategy to control acquiescence bias. However, this is not enough to avoid the distortions produced by this response style in the structure of covariances and means of the scale in question. This simulation study provides evidence on the performance of two different procedures for modelling the influence of acquiescence bias on partially balanced multidimensional scales: a method based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with target rotation, and a method based on random intercept factor analysis (RIFA). METHOD The independent variables analyzed in a simulation study were sample size, number of items per factor, balance of substantive loadings of direct and reversed items, size and heterogeneity of acquiescence loadings, and inter-factor correlation. RESULTS The RIFA method had better performance over most of the conditions, especially for the balanced conditions, although the variance of acquiescence factor loadings had a certain impact. In relation to the EFA method, it was severely affected by a low degree of balance. CONCLUSIONS RIFA seems the most robust approach, but EFA also remains a good alternative for medium and fully balanced scales.
Evaluation of genetic diversity of Rubus hyrcanus using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and morphological markers

Abstract Rubus hyrcanus is considered as an important wild blackberry species scattered around the Caspian Sea. In this research, ISSR and morphological markers were used to assess genetic diversity in several populations of R. hyrcanus from various geographical regions of Caspian Sea in Iran. Twenty-five populations of R. hyrcanus from three regions (North- Western (NW), North- Eastern (NE) and Central (C)) and one population from R. discolor were applied in this research. Ten primers were used to amplify bands out of which 157 (77.13%) were polymorphic. Cluster and Principle coordinate analyses (PCoA) showed the higher similarity of NE and NW populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the differences among three collection regions only accounted for 28.09% of the total variation, whereas differences among populations within groups were 66.03%. Analyses among three regions showed that the minimum gene diversity over loci was observed in NW (0.16) and NE (0.17), while the highest one was found in C (0.238) region. Furthermore, narrow genetic base and relatively high genetic differentiation obtained for studied R. hyrcanus genotypes. The results of morphological analysis in most cases corresponded to those obtained through molecular analyses.
Morphological and physiological characteristics in vitro anthurium plantlets exposed to silicon

The objective was to evaluate morphological and physiological differences in anthurium plants in vitro, with the use of silicon added to the culture medium. Nodal segments were inoculated in Pierik with different sodium silicate concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg L-1). After 100 days in a growth room, phytotechnical characteristics were evaluated, physiological concentrations of silicon, photosynthetic pigments and microanalysis X-ray. A higher yield of chlorophyll a and b, was observed in plants supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 of sodium silicate. Anthurium plants showed better growth development with an increase in the number of leaves, dry weight and length of the aereal part in plants supplemented with 0.5 and 2.0 mg L-1 sodium silicate. It was also observed an increase in the number of roots of plants supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 of sodium silicate. The use of sodium silicate in culture medium improves the quality of plantlets with an increased absorption of nutrients in the plant Anthurium.
Ingestion and Dermal Cancer Risk via Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon–Contaminated Soils in an Oil‐Producing Community, Niger Delta, Nigeria

There is an intrinsic link between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulated in soils and increased health risk to humans after exposure to contaminated soil via ingestion, inhalation of particulates carrying PAHs, and direct contact with polluted soils. However, the assessment of PAH contamination in most developing countries fails to consider health risk assessment. Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to determine the concentration, source, toxicity, and human health risks of 16 PAHs in an urban area in Warri, Delta State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The results showed varying contamination levels for PAH in soil samples from all sampling points, with benzo[a]anthracene (BaP; at 338.81 μg/kg) being the most abundant at all 9 sampling stations. The highest total concentration of PAH was observed at station 5 (1230.98 μg/kg), which was closest to a flow station. Further comparison with PAH contamination standards showed that soils from stations 1 and 2 were weakly contaminated (<600 μg/kg), and soil samples from stations 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 were moderately contaminated (<1000 μg/kg). Soil samples from stations 5 and 8 were observed to be heavily contaminated (>1000 μg/kg). The BaP estimates for soil samples obtained for stations 3 to 9 were higher than the BaP soil screening value (15 μg/kg), indicating a carcinogenic potential of soil samples. The results also showed that the incremental lifetime cancer risk estimates for PAH in the soil for adults and children were above the recommended threshold (10−4) for ingestion and dermal contact, implying that exposure to contaminated soil could lead to cancers in adults and children. Currently, there are no regional or national standards for PAHs in soil that would indicate an increased likelihood for human exposure and subsequent health issues. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:261–271. © 2020 SETAC
Effects of water column processes on the use of sediment traps to measure zooplankton non-predatory mortality: a mathematical and empirical assessment

BRANCH OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, / AKADEMGORODOK, KRASNOYARSK , RUSSIA, INSTITUTE OF FUNDAMENTAL BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, SIBERIAN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY,  SVOBODNY AVENUE, KRASNOYARSK , RUSSIA, DEPARTMENT OF ECOHYDROLOGY, LEIBNIZINSTITUTE OF FRESHWATER ECOLOGY AND INLAND FISHERIES, MÜGGELSEEDAMM , BERLIN , GERMANY, DEPARTMENT OF HYDROBIOLOGY, PRACTICAL CENTER OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF BELARUS FOR BIORESOURCES,  AKADEMICHESKAYA STREET,  MINSK, BELARUS AND
Unraveling the glucocorticoid receptor pathway in zebrafish

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is versatile and plays an essential role in the survival and well-being of organisms. Glucocorticoids are also widely used clinically in order to combat inflammatory medical conditions. In the present thesis we aimed at studying the GR pathway by means of stimulation with synthetic GCs and genetic manipulation. Since the GR is a transcription factor, our main readout for GR function in most of our experimental settings was transcriptome analysis. By gathering whole transcriptome information, we aimed at unraveling the molecular pathways affected by GR signaling in different physiological conditions, thus exploring its functional role. As a model organism we employed the zebrafish, since it allows fine genetic, molecular and cellular experimental approaches and its GR pathway closely resembles that of humans. Our aim was also to further characterize the function of this versatile signaling cascade in zebrafish, in order to establish this animal model as a valid system for detailed as well as high throughput research on GR, enabling us to test hypotheses and complement results obtained from other well-established experimental animal models such as rodents.
Regulatory Roles of Essential Amino Acids, Energy, and Insulin in Mammary Cell Protein Synthesis

Dairy cows inefficiently convert dietary protein to milk protein causing economic and environmental costs. Amino acids (AA), insulin, and glucose significantly enhance muscle protein synthesis efficiencies. The objectives of this research project were 1) to investigate the regulatory effects of essential AA (EAA) and their interactions with insulin, glucose and acetate on mammary protein synthesis rates, 2) to investigate whether branched chain amino acids (BCAA): leucine , isoleucine , and valine , become limiting for milk protein synthesis when Met and Lys supply were not limiting, and 3) to develop a mathematical representation for the EAA and insulin effects on cellular signals for protein synthesis. MAC-T cells were treated with EAA, insulin, glucose, and acetate to observe their individual and interactive effects on phosphorylation of mTOR, rpS6, S6K1, 4EBP1, eEF2, eIF2α, Akt, and AMPK. These signaling effects on protein synthesis rates were examined with mammary tissue slices. A mathematical representation of the insulin and EAA effects was developed. The effects of supplementing BCAA on milk protein synthesis were investigated using nine Holstein cows, assigned to 7 d continuous jugular infusions of saline, Met and Lys, and Met and Lys plus BCAA. Multiple essential amino acids, Leu, Ile, Met, and Thr were able to substantially regulate protein synthesis rates in bovine mammary cells by increasing (P < 0.05)
Comprehensive Profiling of Immune Responses in MARV Survivors Demonstrates Robust Th1-Skewing with Short-Lived Neutralizing Antibody Responses

Abstract : The genera Marburgvirus and Ebolavirus comprise the family Filoviridae, which contains the etiological agents that cause Marburg virus disease and Ebola virus disease, respectively. Ebola virus (EBOV) recently caused an outbreak of truly unprecedented scale, spanning two years and infecting more than 28,000 individuals. Previously, the largest filovirus outbreaks had numbered in the tens to hundreds. While EBOV is responsible for the greatest number of human filovirus infections, Marburg virus (MARV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) have all caused outbreaks that numbered over 100 cases twice, in the cases of MARV and SUDV. EBOV may garner much of the attention, but it is only one of several filoviruses that could potentially kindle outbreaks of massive scale. To date, there have been 11 incidences of MARV transmission to the human population. While many outbreaks have been of limited scale, afflicting fewer than 5 individuals per instance, two outbreaks alone account for 406 cases of MARV infections that had fatality rates of 83 and 90 (Bausch et al., 2006; Towner et al., 2006).
High pressure pretreatment in albacore (Thunnus alalunga) for reducing freeze-driven weight losses with minimal quality changes.

BACKGROUND This research evaluates the application of High Pressure Processing (HPP) before freezing for reducing weight losses related to thawing and cooking processes of frozen albacore steaks (Thunnus alalunga) with a minimal impact on fish quality (color, texture, soluble protein, lipids oxidation). Albacore steaks were HPP pretreated (200, 250 and 300 MPa for 0, 2, 4 and 6 min), frozen (-20 °C, 5 m/s), thawed (4 °C; 24h) and then analyzed. RESULTS At lower pressures (200 MPa), there was a clear effect of pressurization time on most of the fish quality parameters tested (thawing loss, L* value, b* value, ΔE, adhesiveness, springiness, salt-soluble protein content), whereas at higher pressures (300 MPa), similar changes took place independently of the pressurization time. Non-impact of HPP was determined on lipid oxidation. 200 MPa for 6 min decreased thawing, cooking and total weight losses (53.7, 55.4, and 51.0 % lower than the frozen control, respectively) although it led to noticeable changes in color. 200 MPa for 2 min decreased thawing, cooking and total weight losses by 23.2, 44.0 and 33.7 % with respect to the frozen control, respectively, with only minor changes in color. CONCLUSION HPP pretreatment could be a promising tool for reducing weight losses in frozen fish when HPP conditions are properly selected. 200 MPa for 2 min could be a good compromise treatment, allowing to decrease thawing and cooking losses in albacore, reducing HPP-mediated color alterations and the related possible consumer rejection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Contrasting phylogeography of two Western Palaearctic fish parasites despite similar life cycles

We used comparative phylogeography of two intestinal parasites of freshwater fish to test whether similarity in life cycle translates into concordant phylogeographical history. The thorny‐headed worms Pomphorhynchus laevis and P. tereticollis (Acanthocephala) were formerly considered as a single species with a broad geographical and host range within the Western Palaearctic.
Investigating the Effects of Four Auditory Profiles on Speech Recognition, Overall Quality, and Noise Annoyance With Simulated Hearing-Aid Processing Strategies

Effective hearing aid (HA) rehabilitation requires personalization of the HA fitting parameters, but in current clinical practice only the gain prescription is typically individualized. To optimize the fitting process, advanced HA settings such as noise reduction and microphone directionality can also be tailored to individual hearing deficits. In two earlier studies, an auditory test battery and a data-driven approach that allow classifying hearing-impaired listeners into four auditory profiles were developed. Because these profiles were found to be characterized by markedly different hearing abilities, it was hypothesized that more tailored HA fittings would lead to better outcomes for such listeners. Here, we explored potential interactions between the four auditory profiles and HA outcome as assessed with three different measures (speech recognition, overall quality, and noise annoyance) and six HA processing strategies with various noise reduction, directionality, and compression settings. Using virtual acoustics, a realistic speech-in-noise environment was simulated. The stimuli were generated using a HA simulator and presented to 49 habitual HA users who had previously been profiled. The four auditory profiles differed clearly in terms of their mean aided speech reception thresholds, thereby implying different needs in terms of signal-to-noise ratio improvement. However, no clear interactions with the tested HA processing strategies were found. Overall, these findings suggest that the auditory profiles can capture some of the individual differences in HA processing needs and that further research is required to identify suitable HA solutions for them.
The Impact of Alternative Oxidase on Nitrogen Stress in Nicotiana tabacum

The alternative oxidase (AOX) is a stress response protein that is thought to safely dissipate excess reductant that accumulates when certain plant species are supplied with low concentrations of nitrate, or high concentrations of ammonium. To investigate whether AOX has an impact on these “nitrogen stress” scenarios wild-type Nicotiana tabacum, in addition to AOX knockdown and overexpression lines, were grown hydroponically in varying concentrations of nitrate or ammonium. Using gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence, in addition to qRTPCR and western blotting, we demonstrate that AOX was imposing photosystem stoichiometry adjustments in plants grown in low nitrate. All plant lines displayed symptoms of ammonium toxicity when grown in high ammonium; however, AOX expression was significantly positively correlated with photosynthetic capacity in later parts of the day. These results demonstrate that AOX is an important component of the nitrogen stress response in plants and could even be beneficial under extreme nitrogen stress conditions.
Enhancing dissemination of Beauveria bassiana with host plant base incision trapfor the management of the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus

The banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of highland banana in East and central Africa. It causes yield loss of up to 100% in heavily infested fields. Studies were carried out in Uganda to evaluate the efficacy of the the plant base incision trap in attracting C. sordidus and to determine the potential of using the trap in enhancing dissemination of the entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana for the pest control. Field experiments were carried out in an established banana field of C. sordidus susceptible East African Highland Banana cultivar, Nabusa (AAA-EA). There were significantly more weevils recaptured in the incision trap (14.4%) than the conventional pseudostem trap (4.7%). After laboratory incubation, more weevils died due to pathogen infection from plots where the incision trap was used in combination with B. bassiana (25.9%) compared to where the pathogen was applied around the plant base without the incision (15.9%). Weevils showing signs of mycosis were recovered at 6 and 9 m from the pathogen release point, suggesting that the weevils can pick the pathogen from the aggregation point and disperse it. This data demonstrates that the incision trap is more attractive to C. sordidus than the conventional pseudostem trap and might be used to enhance dissemination of B. bassiana among adults. Key words: Entomopathogenic fungi, horizontal transmission, pseudostem trap.
Habitat Selection By Bristle-Thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) Breeding Within The Southern Nulato Hills, Alaska

ABSTRACT Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis, hereafter ‘curlews') breed only on low Arctic tundra in the southern Nulato Hills of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. Curlews use several distinct habitat types on the breeding grounds; however, quantified data of habitat use by curlews exist only for the Seward Peninsula. We investigated which available habitats on the breeding grounds were used most often by curlews in the Nulato Hills and compared availability with use to determine habitat selection using a land cover layer created in ArcGIS based on aerial photography and ground referenced locations. We also compared curlew habitat usage at our study site to habitats used on the Seward Peninsula. We used vegetation quadrats to determine plant composition within each habitat. We also determined percentage of habitat and plant composition within curlew territories. Curlews preferred shrub meadow tundra which consisted primarily of lichens (>50%), mixed with graminoid/herbaceous plants (∼13%) and few dwarf shrubs. Medium/tall shrub habitats, especially tall shrub thickets, were generally avoided by curlews on the ground, but the curlews were commonly observed flying and displaying over the shrubs. Low shrub tussock tundra and sedge wet meadows were occasionally used by curlews but not to the extent of shrub meadow tundra. The avoidance by curlews of areas with medium to tall shrubs was probably related to potential predation risks associated with reduced visibility in these habitats. Habitat selection was similar for both breeding populations of curlews, except curlews at our study site used shrub meadow tundra more frequently and low shrub tussock tundra and sedge wet meadow to a lesser degree than on the Seward Peninsula. Habitats differed in number of berry-producing plants. Berry-producing plants were predicted to be highest in the habitat curlews selected most (i.e., shrub meadow tundra); however, they were most abundant in habitats associated with tussocks.
Exploring the Link Between the Hazards and Value of Work, and Overcoming Risk for Community-Based Health Interventions for Immigrant Latinx Low-Wage Workers

Few studies integrate work and immigration as intersecting social determinants of health. We synthesize data from 12 focus groups (N = 97) originating from two separate community-engaged studies that originally centered on exploring barriers to health and hazards of work among immigrant Latinx women and men to explore the role of work in their overall health and well-being. The three major interrelated themes we drew from this research—hazards of work, value of work, and building agency to overcome risk—provide insights that can help to reframe and begin to operationalize how community-based health promotion practice might better incorporate workplace issues for Latinx low-wage workers. The value of work, and its subtheme, pride in performing well specifically, could be engaged by workers to actively change conditions for themselves and others. We discuss findings in light of previous occupational health research and implications for community-based intervention design and practice.
Cutaneous side effects in a cohort of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: General description and further characterization, correlation with photoexposition and study of hypopigmentation as treatment's prognostic factor

Cutaneous adverse effects (AE) related to tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs have been mainly described as case reports. We have characterized their appearance and correlation with patient's photoexposition habits and, further, with treatment response, in 61 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) treated with TKI drugs. We have found hypopigmentation in 49.2% of the cases and a statistically significant association with interferon (IFN) intake. Eyelid edema's frequency was 45.4%. Mean photo‐exposure was 1.95 h/day and only 8.3% of the patients used sunscreen daily. 44.3% of the patients reported a lighter skin color with the treatment and a statistically significant relationship with conjunctival hemorrhage was also found. Concordance between patients and dermatologist was moderate (kappa index 0.41). We found xerosis (21.3%), eczematous eruptions (21.3%), melasma (4.9%) and other isolated skin problems (ie, granulomatous panniculitis) in up to 16.4% of cases. Appearance of hypopigmented macules is associated to vascular conjunctival fragility and these patients need a slightly longer time to reach a complete molecular response, but without additional changes in survival or relapse frequency. We have stablished a specific dermatologic diagnosis in all the cases and we have not found the previously published as maculopapular rashes. Hypopigmentation, the more frequent AE, was not perceived as a relevant side effect. Photosensitivity, in our cases, was not reported, although imatinib‐treated patients avoided sun‐exposure. In addition, we identified some nonpreviously described dermatologic conditions in patients taking TKI drugs, like granulomatous panniculitis tufted folliculitis or oral spindle cell lipoma.