Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerosity and cumulative surface area are perceived holistically as integral dimensions.

Human and nonhuman animals have a remarkable capacity to rapidly estimate the quantity of objects in the environment. The dominant view of this ability posits an abstract numerosity code, uncontaminated by nonnumerical visual information. The present study provides novel evidence in contradiction to this view by demonstrating that number and cumulative surface area are perceived holistically, classically known as integral dimensions. Whether assessed explicitly (Experiment 1) or implicitly (Experiment 2), perceived similarity for dot arrays that varied parametrically in number and cumulative area was best modeled by Euclidean, as opposed to city-block, distance within the stimulus space, comparable to other integral dimensions (brightness/saturation and radial frequency components) but different from separable dimensions (shape/color and brightness/size). Moreover, Euclidean distance remained the best-performing model, even when compared to models that controlled for other magnitude properties (e.g., density) or image similarity. These findings suggest that numerosity perception entails the obligatory processing of nonnumerical magnitude. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Thyroid hormones concentration in portal and peripheral blood in patients with pancreatic cancer: Preliminary study.

BACKGROUND The prognostic value of D-dimers concentration in portal blood in patients with pancreatic cancer has been established in several studies. Thyroid hormones and their receptors, especially T3 also seems to have a specific role in process of neoplasia and metastatic spread. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to look for changes of thyroid hormones concentration between portal and peripheral blood. METHODS We included prospectively 8 patients with pancreatic cancer, without liver dysfunction, qualified to surgical treatment. D-dimers, THS, fT3, fT4 concentration was determined in blood samples from portal and peripheral vein taken intraoperatively. RESULTS The difference and quotient of portal and peripheral concentration of D-dimers, THS, fT3 and fT4 was calculated (D-dimer-; THS-; fT3-; fT4-d and -q). The level of D-dimers measured in portal blood was > 2700 ng/mL in 3 patients. The peripheral fT3 level was significantly higher In high portal D-dimers group. FT3 change coefficients showed strong statistically significant negative correlation with portal D-dimer concentration level. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that fT3 or its receptors can influence progression of pancreatic malignancies. The results of this study are also a new evidence that both fT3 and portal D-dimers are biologically linked to intensity of local neoplastic process. Nevertheless, deeper knowledge about portal circulation probably constitute missing part in understanding nature of pancreatic neoplasia. Investigations both on larger group and in the field of basic sciences are needed.
The hen's egg: Estimation of shell superficial area and egg volume, using measurements of fresh egg weight and shell length and breadth alone or in combination

1. Shell superficial area (S, mm2) and volume (V, mm3) of an egg can be estimated from any one or a combination of the following measurements: fresh egg weight (W, g), shell length (L, mm) and maximum shell breadth (B, mm). 2. Estimation equations and their error standard deviations are given. 3. The random error of the estimate is smallest when estimation is based on L, B and W together: 0.4% for S and 0.6% for V. 4. Estimation of S based on L and B together has the advantage over that based on W alone that it is unnecessary to measure the egg soon after lay; the random error is the same (0.7%).
Internet‐delivered insomnia intervention improves sleep and quality of life for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Insomnia is common among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Cognitive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) is considered the gold standard treatment. Standard CBT‐I was designed for adults and not adapted to the unique medical, psychosocial, and developmental needs of AYA cancer survivors, which can exacerbate their insomnia. Further, the vast majority of cancer centers do not have a behavioral sleep medicine expert on staff. Our study objective was to examine the efficacy of an Internet‐delivered CBT‐I program that was tailored for AYA cancer survivors (NCT03279055).
Thematic analysis of acceptability and fidelity of engagement for behaviour change interventions: The Let's Move It intervention interview study.

OBJECTIVES Intervention participants' responses to and engagement with interventions are a key intermediate step between interventions and intended outcomes. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate crucial aspects of engagement, namely acceptability (experienced cognitive and emotional responses to the intervention), receipt (comprehension of intervention content), and skill enactment (skill performance in target settings), within the Let's Move It, a multi-component school-based physical activity intervention. DESIGN A longitudinal qualitative study embedded in a cluster-randomized trial, with individual interviews of purposefully sampled intervention participants immediately post-intervention (n = 21) and at 14 months (n = 14). METHODS Semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Abductive coding process was taken to identify categories for themes. RESULTS The analysis resulted in 12 themes and 18 subthemes. Overall, participants reported perceived effectiveness of and affective attitude towards the intervention (acceptability) and understood the main messages and skills (receipt). For example, findings indicated comprehension of the non-judgemental nature and choice-providing messages of the intervention underpinned by self-determination theory. Despite reporting understanding how and why to perform the skills, not using them was a highlighted theme (skill enactment), particularly for self-regulatory techniques such as planning. Friends' role as key self-motivation technique was a prevalent theme. In the within-individual analysis, three different engager types were identified: positive, ambivalent, and negative. CONCLUSION Identifying misunderstandings and difficulties in skill acquisition can help interpret main trial outcomes and inform further intervention optimization. This study provides an example of how to use thematic analysis to assess acceptability, receipt, and enactment in interventions.
Ethnobotanical profile of some plant resources in Malam Jabba valley of Swat, Pakistan

A study on the economically important plants was carried during summer 2007 in various parts of Malam Jabba valley, Swat. The principal aim of the study was to prepare an enthnobotanical inventory of the plant resources of the area, as well as to evaluate the conservation status of important medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The study documented 90 species of ethnobotanical importance, out of these 71 spp used as medicinal plants, 20 spp fodder plant, 10 spp vegetables,14 spp wild fruit, 18 spp fuel wood, 9 spp furniture and agricultural tools, 9 spp thatching, fencing and hedges, 4 spp honey bee, 2 spp evil eyes, 2 spp religious and 3 spp as poison. The current study suggests improvement in the ill effects of resources misuse especially of MAPs. This type of study may help in better understanding of local forest resources and potential MAPs. Key words: Malam Jabba valley, medicinal and aromatic plants recourses, conservation, market study, traditional uses.
Observation Regarding Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) in Dogs

Blood coagulation is part of an important host def ence mechanism termed hemostasis. In vitro evaluation of this complex process implies assessm ent of several factors and proteins generally known as coagulation profile. Th e purpose of this study was to determine the reference rage values for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in normal dogs. These determinations were made on 40 healthy male and female dogs from various breeds, which were divided in two groups based on t heir age: under 1.5 years old (n=15) and over 1.5 years old (n=25). The PT and aPTT values were established using a KC-1A semiautomatic coagulometer and commercially available kit for human medicine. The rage value for aPTT in 1.5 years old dogs was 16.74± 0.35 sec, while for the a dult dogs it was 12.36 ± 0.68 sec. Also, PT rage value was 5.3±0.63 sec in adult dogs and 5.7±0.4 se c in young dogs. In the experimental conditions mentioned previously, the human commercial kits proved their utility in establishing reference values of two coagulation parameters in dog.
Physiological response of two species of datura to uniconazole and salt stress

The effect of different concentrations of NaCl (0, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mM) and the plant growth regulator uniconazole on protein and amino acid levels, nitrate reductase and protease activities in roots and shoots of two species of datura (Datura innoxia and Datura stramonium) was investigated. Salt stress imposed by NaCI induced a significant decrease in protein content along with the activity of nitrate reductase in the developed seedlings. It also significantly enhanced protease activity and increased amino acid levels. These changes were more significant at higher salinity levels. Pre-soaking seeds in uniconazole counteracted the adverse effects of salinity. It significantly increased protein levels and stimulated nitrate reductase activity, particularly at lower NaCI concentrations. It also decreased amino acid levels and repressed the activity of protease. Roots were more significantly affected by salt stress than shoots, and less affected by the combined treatment. The studied species exhibited almosta similar response to the different treatments. The importance of uniconazole in inducing salinity tolerance in datura plants is discussed.
Family Communication Patterns and Challenges of Huntington's Disease Risk, the Decision to Pursue Presymptomatic Testing, and Test Results.

BACKGROUND Communicating genetic information within families can provide individuals with the emotional support, alert family members to their own potential risk, and strengthen relationships. However, these communications have the potential to cause emotional distress to individuals and family members if family members are informed of a risk they do not wish to know or discuss. Communication about the decision to pursue testing and test results are especially sensitive in Huntington's disease (HD), where individuals often feel strongly about either knowing or not knowing their genetic status. OBJECTIVE To examine family communication patterns of genetic risk, the decision to pursue testing, and test results not just years, but decades after testing for HD, and examine how family communication of genetic risk information affects family relationships over the long-term. METHODS In this qualitative study, 39 semi-structured interviews were conducted with probands who went through genetic testing for HD. Clinic notes from these individuals were also analyzed. RESULTS Family communication patterns varied based on relation (e.g., significant others, child, extended family) and were influenced by a variety of factors. Sharing with spouses and children had a positive influence on the relationship in most cases. Sharing with extended family members had varying effects on relationships. Negative effects were more likely when family members were in denial, had not pursued testing for themselves, or did not support testing. CONCLUSION Communication to significant others and children, should be discussed with and supported in individuals seeking testing for HD, but for extended family members, potential effects on the relationship, emotional distress, and benefits should be discussed and weighed.
Effects of Feeding High Tryptophan GM-Rice on Growth Performance of Chickens

Recently, high tryptophan genetically modified (GM)-rice has been newly developed and its tryptophan content was 50% higher than conventional rice. The goal of this experiment was to clarify the nutritive value of high tryptophan GM-rice on chicken growth performance. Experimental treatments were the following, 1) NB (control) group; brown rice (Nihonbare) based low protein diet in which all the deficient essential amino acids except tryptophan were added to meet the nutritional requirement, 2) NB+Trp group; control diet+crystalline tryptophan, 3) HW-1 (GM Trp) group; GM-brown rice (high tryptophan) based low protein diet in which all the deficient essential amino acids except tryptophan were added. Twenty one birds of Boris brown male chickens (7 days of age and 80±2 g of initial body weight) were used. They were assigned to three experimental groups, each of which contained 7 birds. The birds were individually housed in electrically heated battery cages maintained in temperature constant (24 degrees) room. They had free access to experimental diet and water during an experimental period of three weeks. Body weight gain in NB+Trp group and HW-1 group were significantly higher than that in control group. Similarly, higher feed intake in NB+Trp group and HW-1 group compared with control group were observed. Feed efficiency (gain/feed) in HW-1 group was significantly higher than in control group. These results show that the nutritional value of high tryptophan GM-Rice is similar to that of non-GM rice supplemented with crystalline tryptophan.
Distribution, Size, and Origin of Juvenile Chinook Salmon in Shallow-Water Habitats of the Lower Columbia River and Estuary, 2002–2007

Abstract We monitored fish assemblages monthly at estuarine and tidal freshwater sites in the lower Columbia River and estuary from January 2002 through September 2007 in order to identify specific salmon stocks and migration stages that may benefit from habitat restoration initiatives. We report landscape-scale and seasonal variation in abundance, size, hatchery production (based on adipose fin clips), and genetic stock of origin of juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. From fish implanted with coded wire tags (CWTs), we also determined the sites of release and inferred migration patterns. Chinook salmon were found in diverse life history stages and forms, including fry migrants, fingerlings, and (fewer) yearlings. Abundance increased in February and decreased in August, but salmon were present in all months each year. Spatial gradients in abundance and size were strong, with fewer but larger fish in brackish than in tidal freshwater zones. Overall, 30% of the Chinook salmon measured were fry (≤60 mm) that were likely naturally produced fish. These occurred at higher mean monthly proportions in tidal freshwater than in estuarine zones. In contrast, most larger fish were probably raised in hatcheries. Genetic stock assessment revealed that the majority of the Chinook salmon analyzed were from fall-run stock groups originating in the lower Columbia River, with 15% originating from other stock groups. Of these minority contributors, about 6% were identified as upper Columbia River summer-fall-run Chinook salmon while seven other stock groups accounted for the remainder, including 3% from transplants originating in southern Oregon's Rogue River. Recaptures of tagged fish revealed maximum migration times of 143 d for subyearlings and 52 d for yearlings, and both CWT and genetic data indicated that fall Chinook salmon from coastal rivers occasionally entered the estuary. These data demonstrated a widespread temporal and spatial distribution of subyearling Chinook salmon in shallow-water habitats of the lower Columbia River and estuary.
A biomechanical analysis of 3D stress and strain patterns in patellar tendon during knee flexion

Patellar tendinopathy is among the most widespread patellar tendon diseases in athletes that participate in activities involving running and jumping. Although their symptoms can be detected, especially at the inferior pole of the patella, their biomechanical cause remains unknown. In this study, a three‐dimensional finite element model of knee complex was developed to investigate principal stress and strain distributions in the patellar tendon during 0° to 90° knee flexion and slow and fast level‐ground walking. Results indicate that the patellar tendon is subjected to tensile stress and strains during all three activities. During flexion, its central proximal posterior region exhibited highest peak stress and strain, followed by central distal posterior, central distal anterior and central proximal anterior region. Similar trends and magnitudes were reported during slow and fast walking. The region with highest principal stresses and strains, central proximal anterior region, also corresponds to the most commonly reported patellar tendinopathy lesion site, suggesting that principal stress and strain are good indicators of lesion site location. Additional factors such as regional variations in material properties and frequency and duration of cyclic loading also need to be considered when determining the biomechanical aetiology of patellar tendinopathy.
Study of in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics of sour grape pomace ensiled with some additives in ruminants

This study was conducted to assess the impact of 3 types of additives and ensiling process on nutritive value of sour grape pomace (SGP) by the in vitro techniques. In vitro gas production parameters and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) were determined for total ensiled SGP. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and organic matter (OM) increased with supplementation of 3 additives to the silages than control group (p<0.05), while neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash decreased (p<0.05). The highest microbial protein (MP), metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acids (SCFA), IVDMD and in vitro cumulative gas production (IVCGP; after 24, 48 and 96 h incubation) observed for SGP ensiled with 1% urea (P<0.05). Supplementation of SGP with different additives affected chemical composition and in vitro fermentation, but there was no significant affect on pH after opening the silages. All estimated parameters (SCFA, MP, ME and DDM) were lowest for control group. This paper, suggests that farmers in Iran can efficiently use different additives (especially molasses and urea) before ensiling of SGP to improve nutritive value of it and finally ruminant’s productivity, if ensiled at good conditions.
Molecular Mechanisms of HIV Nef-induced Src Kinase Activation and Survival Signaling in Myeloid Cells

The nef gene of HIV encodes a small myristylated protein that is required for viral replication and pathogenesis. Nef lacks intrinsic catalytic activity and has been postulated to function through binding to cellular proteins and altering signaling pathways. Nef binds to the macrophage-specific Src family member Hck through its SH3 domain with the highest affinity reported for an SH3-mediated protein-protein interaction. Studies presented in this dissertation characterized the interface constituting this unusually strong interaction by comparing the ability of different Nef alleles to bind and activate Hck in cells. By aid of molecular modeling and mutational analysis, we found the residues in the Nef hydrophobic pocket critically contributing to high affinity interaction with Hck. This is the first study to show that the HIV-1 Nef hydrophobic pocket is critical for SH3-mediated Hck activation in vivo and identified the pocket as a rational target for drug design to selectively disrupt Nef-Hck signaling in HIV-infected cells. We also investigated the role of HIV Nef in survival signaling in myeloid cells, which is a more relevant cell type for HIV infection. Recently, Nef has been demonstrated to be an important factor in promoting the survival of HIV-infected T cells. Since macrophages serve as HIV viral reservoirs, suppression of apoptosis of infected macrophages could have more impact on persistent virus infection in the host. In this study, we demonstrate that Nef protects the macrophage precursor cell line, TF-1 from apoptosis by upregulating the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-XL. In addition, the survival signal and Bcl-XL induction by Nef require Erk MAPK activation. This study provides the first evidence that Nef generates anti-apoptosis signals in cells of the myelomonocytic lineage and adds important evidence to the hypothesis that Nef may contribute to the establishment and maintenance of an HIV reservoir by conferring a survival advantage on HIV-infected macrophages
Heartland Virus in Humans and Ticks, Illinois, USA, 2018–2019

In 2018, Heartland disease virus infected 2 persons in Illinois, USA. In 2019, ticks were collected at potential tick bite exposure locations and tested for Heartland and Bourbon viruses. A Heartland virus–positive pool of adult male Amblyomma americanum ticks was found at 2 locations, 439 km apart, suggesting widespread distribution in Illinois.
Pylons ablaze: Examining the role of 5G COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs and support for violence

Amid increased acts of violence against telecommunication engineers and property, this pre‐registered study (N = 601 Britons) investigated the association between beliefs in 5G COVID‐19 conspiracy theories and the justification and willingness to use violence. Findings revealed that belief in 5G COVID‐19 conspiracy theories was positively correlated with state anger, which in turn, was associated with a greater justification of real‐life and hypothetical violence in response to an alleged link between 5G mobile technology and COVID‐19, alongside a greater intent to engage in similar behaviours in the future. Moreover, these associations were strongest for those highest in paranoia. Furthermore, we show that these patterns are not specific to 5G conspiratorial beliefs: General conspiracy mentality was positively associated with justification and willingness for general violence, an effect mediated by heightened state anger, especially for those most paranoid in the case of justification of violence. Such research provides novel evidence on why and when conspiracy beliefs may justify the use of violence.
Characterizing and Comparing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Commercially Available Biosolid and Organic Nonbiosolid-based Products.

Concerns of the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids are increasing while sales in commercially available biosolid-based products used as soil-amendments are also increasing. Seventeen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in 13 commercially available biosolid-based products, 6 organic composts (manure, mushroom, peat and untreated wood), and one food and yard wastes compost. PFAA concentration ranges observed are as follows: biosolid-based products (9.0 - 199 µg/kg) > food and yard waste (18.5 µg/kg) > other organic products (0.1 - 1.1 µg/kg). Analysis of 2014, 2016 and 2018 bags from one product line showed temporally decreasing PFAA totals (181 µg/kg, 101 µg/kg and 74 µg/kg, respectively). The total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay revealed PFAA precursor presence in the biosolid-based products with much higher levels were evident when soluble carbon was removed with ENVI-Carb cleanup prior to the TOP assay. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of three sulfonamides, two fluorotelomer sulfonates and several polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diesters. Pore-water concentrations of water-saturated products were primarily of short-chain PFAAs and increased with increasing PFAA concentrations in the products. A strong positive log-linear correlation between organic-carbon (OC) normalized PFAA partition coefficients and the number of CFn units indicating OC is a good predictor of PFAA release concentrations.