Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Derivation and Demonstration of a New Metric for Multitasking Performance

Objective We proposed and demonstrate a theory-driven, quantitative, individual-level estimate of the degree to which cognitive processes are degraded or enhanced when multiple tasks are simultaneously completed. Background To evaluate multitasking, we used a performance-based cognitive model to predict efficient performance. The model controls for single-task performance at the individual level and does not depend on parametric assumptions, such as normality, which do not apply to many performance evaluations. Methods Twenty participants attempted to maintain their isolated task performance in combination for three dual-task and one triple-task scenarios. We utilized a computational model of multiple resource theory to form hypotheses for how performance in each environment would compare, relative to the other multitask contexts. We assessed if and to what extent multitask performance diverged from the model of efficient multitasking in each combination of tasks across multiple sessions. Results Across the two sessions, we found variable individual task performances but consistent patterns of multitask efficiency such that deficits were evident in all task combinations. All participants exhibited decrements in performing the triple-task condition. Conclusions We demonstrate a modeling framework that characterizes multitasking efficiency with a single score. Because it controls for single-task differences and makes no parametric assumptions, the measure enables researchers and system designers to directly compare efficiency across various individuals and complex situations. Application Multitask efficiency scores offer practical implications for the design of adaptive automation and training regimes. Furthermore, a system may be tailored for individuals or suggest task combinations that support productivity and minimize performance costs.
Development and validation of a serum microRNA biomarker panel for detecting gastric cancer in a high-risk population

Objective An unmet need exists for a non-invasive biomarker assay to aid gastric cancer diagnosis. We aimed to develop a serum microRNA (miRNA) panel for identifying patients with all stages of gastric cancer from a high-risk population. Design We conducted a three-phase, multicentre study comprising 5248 subjects from Singapore and Korea. Biomarker discovery and verification phases were done through comprehensive serum miRNA profiling and multivariant analysis of 578 miRNA candidates in retrospective cohorts of 682 subjects. A clinical assay was developed and validated in a prospective cohort of 4566 symptomatic subjects who underwent endoscopy. Assay performance was confirmed with histological diagnosis and compared with Helicobacter pylori (HP) serology, serum pepsinogens (PGs), ‘ABC’ method, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 19–9 (CA19-9). Cost-effectiveness was analysed using a Markov decision model. Results We developed a clinical assay for detection of gastric cancer based on a 12-miRNA biomarker panel. The 12-miRNA panel had area under the curve (AUC)=0.93 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.95) and AUC=0.92 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.96) in the discovery and verification cohorts, respectively. In the prospective study, overall sensitivity was 87.0% (95% CI 79.4% to 92.5%) at specificity of 68.4% (95% CI 67.0% to 69.8%). AUC was 0.848 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.88), higher than HP serology (0.635), PG 1/2 ratio (0.641), PG index (0.576), ABC method (0.647), CEA (0.576) and CA19-9 (0.595). The number needed to screen is 489 annually. It is cost-effective for mass screening relative to current practice (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio=US$44 531/quality-of-life year). Conclusion We developed and validated a serum 12-miRNA biomarker assay, which may be a cost-effective risk assessment for gastric cancer. Trial registration number This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: NCT04329299).
Seasonal changes in Yuma clapper rail vocalization rate and habitat use

Yuma clapper rails (Rallus longirostris yumanensis) are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and 90% of the U.S. population occurs within 2 wetland complexes. Assessment of impacts on, and mitigation measures for, Yuma clapper rails are required by law, yet managers lack quantitative information on habitat requirements. Seasonal habitat requirements provide resource managers with the information necessary to assess effects of development and water use practices on Yuma clapper rails in the Southwest. Playback recordings are commonly used to survey rail populations, yet their accuracy has not been evaluated. Consequently, we examined survey techniques and seasonal habitat requirements of Yuma clapper rails during 1985-87 on the lower Colorado River in southwestern Arizona to provide the recovery team and resource managers with reliable population estimates and habitat requirements
A daily diary study on adolescents’ mood, empathy, and prosocial behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic

Adolescence is a formative phase for social development. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated regulations have led to many changes in adolescents’ lives, including limited opportunities for social interactions. The current exploratory study investigated the effect of the first weeks of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on Dutch adolescents’ (N = 53 with attrition, N = 36 without attrition) mood, empathy, and prosocial behavior. Longitudinal analyses comparing pre-pandemic measures to a three-week peri-pandemic daily diary study showed (i) decreases in empathic concern, opportunities for prosocial actions, and tension, (ii) stable levels of social value orientation, altruism, and dire prosociality, and (iii) increased levels of perspective-taking and vigor during the first weeks of lockdown. Second, this study investigated peri-pandemic effects of familiarity, need, and deservedness on giving behavior. To this end, we utilized novel hypothetical Dictator Games with ecologically valid targets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents showed higher levels of giving to a friend (a familiar other, about 51% of the total share), a doctor in a hospital (deserving target, 78%), and individuals with COVID-19 or a poor immune system (targets in need, 69 and 63%, respectively) compared to an unfamiliar peer (39%) This suggests that during the pandemic need and deservedness had a greater influence on adolescent giving than familiarity. Overall, this study demonstrates detrimental effects of the first weeks of lockdown on adolescents’ empathic concern and opportunities for prosocial actions, which are important predictors of healthy socio-emotional development. However, adolescents also showed marked resilience and a willingness to benefit others as a result of the lockdown, as evidenced by improved perspective-taking and mood, and high sensitivity to need and deservedness in giving to others.
Insect distribution in bulk-stored wheat in relation to detection or estimation of abundance

A stratified sampling plan demonstrated that pattern of distribution of insects among nine regions of a bin (center and edge or midway in four compass directions) differed between bins of wheat. Within a bin, variation between two samples taken at a site was generally the largest, followed by variation between regions and then variation within a region between two sites 30 cm apart. The five most common species were most abundant in the center of the bin and another four species were most common along the bin wall. The negative binomial best described distribution of all species and variance increased more rapidly than the mean. Probability of detection increased with density, although progressively more slowly as density increased. Increase in number of samples with insects as a function of increasing density was apparently reduced by a disproportionate increase in number of insects per sample as density increased. Sampling effort required for detection or estimation of abundance was modeled as a function of insect density, sample-to-sample variation, and acceptable accuracy or confidence levels.
Sex Differences in Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common complication of athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. It is estimated that about 90% of patients with underlying asthma (a sexually dimorphic disease) experience EIB; however, sex differences in EIB have not been studied extensively. With the goal of better understanding the prevalence of EIB in males and females, and because atopy has been reported to occur at higher rates in athletes, in this study, we investigated sex differences in EIB and atopy in athletes. A systematic literature review identified 60 studies evaluating EIB and/or atopy in post-pubertal adult athletes (n = 7501). Collectively, these studies reported: (1) a 23% prevalence of EIB in athletes; (2) a higher prevalence of atopy in male vs. female athletes; (3) a higher prevalence of atopy in athletes with EIB; (4) a significantly higher rate of atopic EIB in male vs. female athletes. Our analysis indicates that the physiological changes that occur during exercise may differentially affect male and female athletes, and suggest an interaction between male sex, exercise, and atopic status in the course of EIB. Understanding these sex differences is important to provide personalized management plans to athletes with underlying asthma and/or atopy.
Deciphering the Relationship Between the Trough Concentration of Posaconazole and Its Efficacy and Safety in Chinese Patients With Hematological Disorders

Posaconazole (PCZ) is effective in preventing and salvage treatment invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic disorders. However, PCZ displays highly variable individual pharmacokinetics affecting its efficacy and safety. To investigate the correlation between PCZ concentration and efficacy and safety, the following key influencing factors were explored. A total of 285 trough plasma concentrations (Cmin) of 81 Chinese patients receiving PCZ oral suspension for prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections were collected in this study. The relationships between Cmin values and clinical response and hepatotoxicity were investigated as well as the incidence of clinical response under different Cmin values of PCZ with a logistic regression model. The concentration of PCZ showed remarkable differences among patients with haematologic disorders. PCZ Cmin values of 0.76 and 1.0 µg/mL were both associated with an over 80% probability of successful response to prophylaxis and treatment of fungal infections, respectively. No association between Cmin values and hepatotoxicity was noted (P > 0.05). Gender, albumin, and co-administration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) were identified as independent factors influencing PCZ Cmin by multiple linear regression analysis. Furthermore, patients’ C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and co-administration of PPI exhibited significant effects on the therapeutic window of patients receiving PCZ for prophylaxis. The plasma concentration is closely associated with therapeutic efficacy of PCZ. It is necessary to adjust the dosing regimens based on PCZ Cmin to obtain an optimal therapeutic response.
Giardia and Chilomastix from Monkeys, Giardia from the Wild Cat and Balantidium from the Sheep.

Among the most interesting of the intestinal flagellates are the species belonging to the genus Giardia. Careful studies of the size and shape of the body, of the nuclei, and of the parabasal bodies, and the size and internal structure of the cysts indicate that a very high degree of specificity with respect to hosts exists within this genus. The following have been described as distinct species: from mammals, (1) Giardia lamblia, from man; (2) G. muris from rats and mice; (3) G. microti, from field mice; (4) G. duodenalis, from rabbits; (5) G. canis, from dogs; (6) G. caviae, from guinea-pigs; (7) G. pitymysi, from field mice; (8) G. viscaciae, from the viscacha; and possibly others from cats and sheep; from birds; (9) G. sanguinis, from the falcon; (10) G. ardeae, from the heron, and possibly two other species from the red-backed shrike and the avocet; (11) G. varani, from the lizard (Varanus niloticus); and from the tadpoles of frogs, (12) G. agilis. The writer and his colleague, Dr. C. E. Simon, have examined the species listed above as numbers 1 to 6, and 12, and feel certain that they are distinct species. The others, numbers 7 to 11, have not been so carefully studied and their specific rank is still to be established (Simon, 1921, 1922; Hegner, 1922, 1923).
Narrative Voice Matters! Improving Smoking Prevention with Testimonial Messages through Identification and Cognitive Processes

Narrative messages are increasingly being used in the field of tobacco prevention. Our study is based on narrative persuasion and aims to analyze the psychological mechanisms that explain why the narrative voice is relevant to promote persuasive impact. An online experiment with a 2 (narrative voice) × 2 (message) factorial design was carried out. Participants (525 adult smokers) were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions (first-person versus third-person narrative message). To increase the external validity of the study, two different messages were used within each condition. After reading the narrative message the mediating and dependent variables were evaluated. Participants who read the narrative in the first person experienced greater identification. Moreover, mediational analysis showed that both counterarguing and cognitive elaboration played a significant role in the relationship between narrative voice, identification, and persuasive impact. This study confirm that narrative voice is not only an anecdotal formal choice but that it indirectly affects variables related to tobacco prevention, due to the fact that first-person messages activate a mechanism of affective connection with the message (increasing the identification with the protagonist) that decreases resistance to prevention (the counterarguing process) while simultaneously stimulating reflection or cognitive elaboration.
Bipolar disorder: Trimodal age‐at‐onset distribution

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental health disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Age at onset (AAO) may be a key variable in delineating more homogeneous subgroups of BD patients. However, no known research has systematically assessed how BD age‐at‐onset subgroups should be defined.
Anti-Zika virus and anti-Usutu virus activity of human milk and its components

The benefits of human milk are mediated by multiple nutritional, trophic, and immunological components, able to promote infant’s growth, maturation of its immature gut, and to confer protection against infections. Despite these widely recognized properties, breast-feeding represents an important mother-to-child transmission route of some viral infections. Different studies show that some flaviviruses can occasionally be detected in breast milk, but their transmission to the newborn is still controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the antiviral activity of human milk (HM) in its different stages of maturation against two emerging flaviviruses, namely Zika virus (ZIKV) and Usutu virus (USUV) and to verify whether HM-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) contribute to the milk protective effect. Colostrum, transitional and mature milk samples were collected from 39 healthy donors. The aqueous fractions were tested in vitro with specific antiviral assays and EVs and GAGs were derived and characterized. HM showed antiviral activity against ZIKV and USUV at all the stages of lactation with no significant differences in the activity of colostrum, transitional or mature milk. Mechanism of action studies demonstrated that colostrum does not inactivate viral particles, but it hampers the binding of both flaviviruses to cells. We also demonstrated that HM-EVs and HM-GAGs contribute, at least in part, to the anti-ZIKV and anti-USUV action of HM. This study discloses the intrinsic antiviral activity of HM against ZIKV and USUV and demonstrates the contribution of two bioactive components in mediating its protective effect. Since the potential infectivity of HM during ZIKV and USUV infection is still unclear, these data support the World Health Organization recommendations about breast-feeding during ZIKV infection and could contribute to producing new guidelines for a possible USUV epidemic.
Toward the Growth of Self-Catalyzed ZnO Nanowires Perpendicular to the Surface of Silicon and Glass Substrates, by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Vertically-oriented zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were synthesized on glass and silicon substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition and without the use of a catalyst. An intermediate c-axis oriented nanotextured ZnO seed layer in the form of nanowall network with honey comb structure allows the growth of high quality, self-forming, and vertically-oriented nanowires at relatively low temperature (<400 °C) and under argon atmosphere at high pressure (>5 Torr). Many parameters were shown to affect the growth of the ZnO nanowires such as gas pressure, substrate–target distance, and laser energy. Growth of a c-axis-crystalline array of nanowires growing vertically from the energetically favorable sites on the seed layer is observed. Nucleation occurs due to the matching lattice structure and the polar nature of the ZnO seed layer. Morphological, structural, and optical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed highly c-axis aligned nanowires along the (002) crystal plane. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed a strong and narrow bandwidth of Ultraviolet (UV) emission, which shifts to lower wavelength with the increase of pressure.
Influence of Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization and Growth Stage of Plants for Hays and Silages on Digestibility and Nutrient Intake by Cows and Sheep

チモシー主体の乾草とサイレージの消化率および乳牛の養分摂取量に及ぼす窒素施肥水準(10aあたり12kgと3kg)の影響を,刈取時期(穂孕期と出穂揃期)との関連で検討した結果,次の知見を得た. 1. 窒素多肥により牧草の粗蛋白質含量が著しく高くなったが,NFEおよび可溶性炭水化物含量は低下した. 2. 窒素多肥により両刈取時期において,乾草,サイレージ共通して,粗蛋白質消化率およびDCP含量が有意(P<.01)に高くなった. 乾物消化率およびTDN含量は,穂孕期で差はなく,出穂揃期で有意(P<.01)に高くなった. 3. サイレージの品質は,窒素多肥により穂孕期において低下した. 4. 乳牛による乾物およびTDN摂取量は,窒素多肥により乾草,サイレージ共通して,穂孕期において低下し,出穂揃期において増加する傾向が認められた. DCP摂取量は,窒素多肥により両刈取時期において有意(P<.01)に増加した.
Predictors of Resumption of Menses in Anorexia Nervosa: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Objective Amenorrhea is a disabling medical consequence of anorexia nervosa (AN); therefore, resumption of menses (ROM) represents an important goal in the treatment for these patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible clinical, psychopathological, and biological predictors of ROM, including age, body mass index (BMI), AN subtype, childhood abuse, duration of illness, general and eating disorder (ED)–specific psychopathology, and sex hormones. Methods Fifty amenorrheic patients with AN were enrolled. Baseline clinical data and information on childhood abuse were collected. Questionnaires to evaluate general and ED-specific psychopathology were administered, and blood samples were drawn. All patients received treatment as usual and underwent regular follow-up visits for 4 years or until ROM. Time to ROM, BMI at last evaluation, and data regarding diagnostic crossover into bulimia nervosa were collected. Results Twenty-nine (58.0%) patients recovered menses. Diagnostic crossover was associated with a higher probability of ROM (odds ratio = 10.3, p = .030). Time-to-event analysis showed that a shorter duration of illness (χ2(1) = 11.00, p = . 001), binge-eating/purging subtype (χ2(1) = 7.01, p = . 008), and history of childhood abuse (χ2(1) = 4.03, p = . 045) were associated with an earlier ROM. Furthermore, higher baseline ED-specific psychopathology was associated with a reduced likelihood for ROM, whereas higher general psychopathology and follicle-stimulating hormone levels predicted an earlier ROM (all, p < .050). Age, BMI, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen hematic levels had no predictive value with respect to ROM. Conclusions The present study provides data in support of an integrated model, emphasizing the importance of duration of illness, childhood abuse, and psychopathological characteristics of amenorrheic patients with AN in predicting ROM.
FSH RECEPTOR AND FSH BETA CHAIN POLYMORPHISM INVOLVEMENT IN INFERTILITY AND ENDOMETRIOSIS DISEASE.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (c.-29G>A) and FSH beta chain (c.-280G>T) polymorphisms and endometriosis in Romanian women. Material and methods We performed the polymorphic analysis of the FSH receptor gene and FSH beta chain in 44 patients with endometriosis and 34 controls. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood and polymorphisms were investigated using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP). Results There were no significant differences in genotype frequencies of FSH receptor gene between endometriosis patients and controls. For the heterozygous type of the FSH receptor polymorphism (c.-29G>A) we did not find a significant difference in its frequency between patients with minimal/mild and moderate/severe endometriosis (p = 0.136). Also, the FSH beta chain (c.-280G> T) polymorphism frequency was not significantly associated with the severity of endometriosis (p = 0.966). Conclusions FSH receptor and FSH beta chain polymorphisms do not seem to influence the severity of endometriosis, but they could be correlated with female infertility (primary or secondary), therefore further studies are required to debate this topic.
The randomised Oslo study of renal denervation vs. Antihypertensive drug adjustments: efficacy and safety through 7 years of follow-up

Abstract Purpose The blood pressure (BP) lowering effect of renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) in treatment-resistant hypertension shows variation amongst the existing randomised studies. The long-term efficacy and safety of RDN require further investigation. For the first time, we report BP changes and safety up to 7 years after RDN, compared to drug adjustment in the randomised Oslo RDN study. Materials and methods Patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, defined as daytime systolic ambulatory BP ≥135 mmHg after witnessed intake of ≥3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic, were randomised to either RDN (n = 9) or drug adjustment (n = 10). The initial primary endpoint was the change in office BP after 6 months. The RDN group had their drugs adjusted after 1 year using the same principles as the Drug Adjustment group. Both groups returned for long-term follow-up after 3 and 7 years. Results The decrease in office BP and ambulatory BP (ABPM) after 6 months did not persist, but gradually increased in both groups. From 6 months to 7 years follow-up, mean daytime systolic ABPM increased from 142 ± 10 to 145 ± 15 mmHg in the RDN group, and from 133 ± 11 to 137 ± 13 mmHg in the Drug Adjustment group, with the difference between them decreasing. In a mixed factor model, a significantly different variance was found between the groups in daytime systolic ABPM (p = .04) and diastolic ABPM (p = .01) as well as office diastolic BP (p<.01), but not in office systolic BP (p = .18). At long-term follow-up we unveiled no anatomical- or functional renal impairment in either group. Conclusions BP changes up to 7 years show a tendency towards a smaller difference in BPs between the RDN and drug adjustment patients. Our data support RDN as a safe procedure, but it remains non-superior to intensive drug adjustment 7 years after the intervention.