Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Affective and Deliberative Decision-Making: Adaptation of the Columbia Card Task to Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract The ability to predict reward and punishment is essential for decision-making and the ability to learn about an ever-changing environment. Therefore, efforts have been made in understanding the mechanisms underlying decision-making, especially regarding how affective and deliberative processes interact with risk behavior. Objective: To adapt to Brazilian Portuguese the Columbia Card Task (CCT) and investigate affective and deliberative processes involved in decision-making. Methods: This study had two main phases: (1) a transcultural adaptation and (2) a pilot study. Results: The feedback manipulation among the three conditions of CCT had an effect on the risk-taking level (p < .005, ES = .201). In addition, the feedback manipulation among the three conditions of CCT had an effect on the information use at both the individual and group levels. Further, a linear regression suggested that the use of information, indicated by the advantageous level of the scenarios, predict the number of cards chosen R 2 = . 029, p < . 001, accounting for 17% of the variance. Conclusions: The Brazilian CCT performs well and is a versatile method for the assessment of affective and deliberative decision-making under risk according to different feedback manipulation scenarios. This study goes further, comparing electrodermal activity during hot and warm conditions and addressing an advantageous level index analysis to asses deliberative processing.
Oxygen consumption of the rabbit cornea.

PURPOSE Tear oxygen tension beneath contact lenses, measured in a previous study, was found to be lower than mathematical model predictions. In this study, the authors developed a phosphorescence-based technique for measuring corneal O2 consumption (QO2) to determine whether errors in previous determinations of QO2 could explain the discrepancy between measured and predicted tear oxygen tension. METHODS Corneal oxygen consumption is measured using the phosphorescence quenching of Pd-meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine by oxygen. Oxygen tension of a pH 7.5 Ringer's solution is measured in an airtight chamber that holds an excised rabbit cornea, and QO2 is calculated from the decreased PO2 in the stirred chamber solution. QO2 rates are measured for the whole trephined rabbit cornea with the epithelium, the endothelium, or both, removed, which makes possible the estimation of the consumption rates of the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium. RESULTS Control experiments indicated that the cornea QO2 was constant for 3 hours and that exposure to 2,4-dinitrophenol increased QO2. Mean QO2 rates (microliters of O2/cm2 per hour) were: whole cornea, QO2 = 7.53; epithelium, QO2 = 3.73; stroma, QO2 = 2.97; and endothelium, QO2 = 0.86. CONCLUSIONS Phosphorescence-based measurements can be used to determine the QO2 of the component layers of the cornea. Estimates of QO2 in this study were similar to previous measurements, indicating that the discrepancy of tear PO2 measures and model predictions are not a result of errors in the QO2 measurements at pH 7.5.
The effect of body size on the wing movements of pteropodid bats, with insights into thrust and lift production

SUMMARY In this study we compared the wing kinematics of 27 bats representing six pteropodid species ranging more than 40 times in body mass (Mb=0.0278–1.152 kg), to determine whether wing posture and overall wing kinematics scaled as predicted according to theory. The smallest species flew in a wind tunnel and the other five species in a flight corridor. Seventeen kinematic markers on the midline and left side of the body were tracked in three dimensions. We used phylogenetically informed reduced major axis regression to test for allometry. We found that maximum wingspan (bmax) and maximum wing area (Smax) scaled with more positive allometry, and wing loading (Qs) with more negative allometry (bmax∝Mb0.423; Smax∝Mb0.768; Qs∝Mb0.233) than has been reported in previous studies that were based on measurements from specimens stretched out flat on a horizontal surface. Our results suggest that larger bats open their wings more fully than small bats do in flight, and that for bats, body measurements alone cannot be used to predict the conformation of the wings in flight. Several kinematic variables, including downstroke ratio, wing stroke amplitude, stroke plane angle, wing camber and Strouhal number, did not change significantly with body size, demonstrating that many aspects of wing kinematics are similar across this range of body sizes. Whereas aerodynamic theory suggests that preferred flight speed should increase with mass, we did not observe an increase in preferred flight speed with mass. Instead, larger bats had higher lift coefficients (CL) than did small bats (CL∝Mb0.170). Also, the slope of the wingbeat period (T) to body mass regression was significantly more shallow than expected under isometry (T∝Mb0.180), and angle of attack (α) increased significantly with body mass [α∝log(Mb)7.738]. None of the bats in our study flew at constant speed, so we used multiple regression to isolate the changes in wing kinematics that correlated with changes in flight speed, horizontal acceleration and vertical acceleration. We uncovered several significant trends that were consistent among species. Our results demonstrate that for medium- to large-sized bats, the ways that bats modulate their wing kinematics to produce thrust and lift over the course of a wingbeat cycle are independent of body size.
Characterization of Viral Populations by Using Circular Sequencing

ABSTRACT With the enormous sizes viral populations reach, many variants are at too low a frequency to be detected by conventional next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. Circular sequencing (CirSeq) is a method by which the error rate of next-generation sequencing is decreased so that even low-frequency viral variants can be accurately detected. The ability to visualize almost the entire genetic makeup of a viral swarm has implications for epidemiology, viral evolution, and vaccine design. Here we discuss experimental planning, analysis, and recent insights using CirSeq.
Semen characterization, seasonality of production, and in vitro sperm quality after chilled storage and cryopreservation in the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus).

Research was conducted to examine seasonal seminal traits and to establish short-term and long-term sperm preservation methods in the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) for use in genome banking and artificial insemination (AI). Spermic ejaculates (n = 87) obtained using a cooperative method were collected across multiple (n = 6, Male 1) and a single (Male 2) breeding season(s). Non-contaminated ejaculates (n = 69) were 0.36 ± 0.32 ml at 56.3 ± 62.7 × 10(7) sperm/ml with 85.3 ± 10.6% total motility (TMot), 52.5 ± 12.9% progressive motility (PMot), 86.6 ± 24.3 µm/sec average path velocity (VAP) and 92.3 ± 3.7% plasma membrane intact. In vitro quality of chilled semen was best maintained over 48 hr at 5°C than 21°C, with decreased (P < 0.05) motility and morphology parameters observed by 24 and 6 hr, respectively. A comparison of two freezing methods (straw [STR] vs. directional [DF]) demonstrated similar effects on post-thaw quality at 0 and 3 hr, with the exception of plasma membrane integrity which was higher (P < 0.05) at 0 hr for DF (48.7 ± 6.5%) than STR (41.2 ± 7.0%). At 0 hr post-thaw, DF samples retained 46%, 69%, and 52% of their initial PMot, VAP, and plasma membrane integrity, respectively. Normal morphology of motile cells was reduced (P < 0.05) during freeze-thawing from 84% post-collection to 37% and 34% at 0 and 3 hr post-thaw, respectively. Results indicate that chilled and cryopreserved semen from the king penguin has potential for use in AI.
Case Studies of Hispanic Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: Reconciliation of Self

An interpretive phenomenology perspective is used to explore the lived experience of two Hispanic caregivers and the phenomenon of mastery. The analysis showed how theses caregivers derive meaning of their experience through a process of reconciliation of self between the roles of parental caretaker, respectful daughter, and caregiver. This reconciliation of self is a form of mastery, and the process of reconciliation is grounded in cultural values of intergenerational reciprocity and familism. Nurses have the unique opportunity to support a caregiver in his or her interaction with the person with dementia. The implications for practice include the need for nurses to acknowledge, validate, and support caregiver’s experience of reconciling self as a form of health promotion.
Molecular and morphological evidence for the occurrence of Anisakis sp. A (Nematoda, Anisakidae) in the Blainville's beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris

Abstract Twenty-three adults (only one male) and two fourth-stage larvae of Anisakis, recovered from the stomach of a Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) stranded in Galicia (NW Spain), were studied morphologically and molecularly. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing studies carried out on the ribosomal DNA spacers and on the cox2 mitochondrial gene confirm that these nematodes belong to the taxon Anisakis sp. A, which was previously detected as a larval stage in fishes from Madeiran waters. In addition, our molecular studies demonstrate that Anisakis sp. A and the taxon Anisakis sp. , previously found in other Mesoplodon spp. , are the same species. The adults of Anisakis sp. A are morphologically similar to A. ziphidarum but with a shorter body length and longer spicules (right spicule 2.42 mm, left spicule 2.30 mm). Since the poor condition of the male tail cuticle prevented a proper description of the caudal plates and the pattern of caudal papillae, we propose to retain the name Anisakis sp. A until new males are described correctly.
Hypothesis-based weight-of-evidence evaluation of the neurodevelopmental effects of chlorpyrifos

We used a hypothesis-based weight-of-evidence (HBWoE) approach to analyze the evidence regarding the hypothesis that chlorpyrifos can cause neurodevelopmental effects below the threshold for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the nervous system, which is an established mode of action for chlorpyrifos neurotoxicity. The epidemiology data do not consistently demonstrate associations between chlorpyrifos exposure and neurodevelopmental toxicity, and the animal toxicity data do not provide clear evidence that neurodevelopmental effects occur at doses below the threshold for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The alternative mechanisms proposed to underlie potential neurodevelopmental effects in humans have been observed in the absence of acetylcholinesterase inhibition in a few in vitro studies but not in the developing brain in vivo. We provide perspective on the HBWoE approach compared with frameworks developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals. We suggest that our HBWoE approach offers advantages over these frameworks in providing a better perspective on how to integrate all of the relevant data and how to use each line of evidence to inform the integration of other kinds of data or compare alternative hypotheses. Based on an HBWoE analysis, we conclude that a causal association between chlorpyrifos exposure and neurodevelopmental effects in the absence of acetylcholinesterase inhibition in the brain is not plausible in humans, and the few positive associations observed in epidemiology studies are most likely attributable to alternative explanations.
Configuration-interaction calculations on the fractional quantum Hall effect.

With the use of Haldane's spherical model, the fractional quantum Hall effect is studied by means of large-scale configuration-interaction calculations. The exact wave function and the ground-state energy are computed numerically up to ten electrons for filling \ensuremath{\nu}=(1/3), and up to seven electrons for filling \ensuremath{\nu}=(1/5). Quasiparticle, quasihole, and exciton energies are computed. The mutual relation between wave functions on the sphere and wave functions on the disk is fully analyzed. A wave function originally proposed by Halperin for the disk geometry is tested on the sphere; the numerical results up to six electrons for \ensuremath{\nu}=(2/5) and \ensuremath{\nu}=(2/9) are favorable.
Interleukin-18 controls energy homeostasis by suppressing appetite and feed efficiency

Circulating levels of the cytokine interleukin 18 (IL-18) are elevated in obesity. Here, we show that administration of IL-18 suppresses appetite, feed efficiency, and weight regain in food-deprived male and female C57BL/6J mice. Intraperitoneal vs. intracerebroventricular routes of IL-18 administration had similar potency and did not promote formation of a conditioned taste aversion (malaise-like behavior). Mice partially (Il18+/−) or totally (Il18−/−) deficient in IL-18 were hyperphagic by young adulthood, with null mutants then becoming overweight by the fifth month of life. Adult Il18−/− mice gained 2- to 3-fold more weight than WT mice per unit energy consumed of low- or high-fat diet. Indirect calorimetry revealed reduced energy expenditure in female Il18−/− mice and increased respiratory exchange ratios [volume of carbon dioxide production (VCO2)/volume of oxygen consumption (VO2)] in mutants of both sexes. Hyperphagia continued in maturity, with overeating greatest during the mid- to late-dark cycle. Relative white fat-pad mass of Il18−/− mice was ≈2- to 3-fold greater than that of WT, with gonadal, mesenteric, and inguinal depots growing most. The data suggest that endogenous IL-18 signaling modulates food intake, metabolism, and adiposity during adulthood and might be a central or peripheral pharmacological target for controlling energy homeostasis.
Behavioral Disturbances and Pharmacological Treatment of Patients With Dementia in Family Caregiving: A 2-Year Follow-Up

Behavioral disturbances are common in dementia. Polypharmacy due to progression of disease and fluctuation of symptoms among patients might increase risk of overtreatment and/or undertreatment. Drug prescription habits were studied in relationship to symptoms of dementia after relocation of patients to group-living care units (GC). Seventy-six demented patients (mean age 81 years) were assessed before, 12 months after, and 24 months after relocation to GC. Vascular dementia was found in 47%, Alzheimer's dementia in 46%, and other dementias in 7%. Medications, regular or as required, were recorded from medication lists. Repeated observations of symptoms like depressive mood and lack of vitality were made with validated scales. Eighty percent of the patients were prescribed drugs; 40% were given neuroleptics and 9% were given antidepressants. During the 2-year follow-up, polypharmacy increased; patients with five drugs or more increased from 15% to 35%; usage of neuroleptics or sedatives, as required, increased from 8% to 25%, p < . 01. Depressive mood was noted in 86% after 2 years and 74% showed aggressiveness and anxiety, but only 12% of the patients with depressive symptoms were on antidepressants. Analgesics were prescribed to 26% of patients. In conclusion, a high proportion of patients with dementia had depressive mood and undertreatment of depressive disorder might be suspected. Polypharmacy increased during the 2-year follow-up; this finding calls for careful monitoring of adverse drug reactions, because of the deteriorating cognitive function of these patients.
Speech pathologists’ current practice with cognitive-communication assessment during post-traumatic amnesia: A survey

Abstract Primary objective: To investigate speech pathologists’ current practice with adults who are in post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Method: Speech pathologists with experience of adults in PTA were invited to take part in an online survey through Australian professional email/internet-based interest groups. Results: Forty-five speech pathologists responded to the online survey. The majority of respondents (78%) reported using informal, observational assessment methods commencing at initial contact with people in PTA or when patients’ level of alertness allowed and initiating formal assessment on emergence from PTA. Seven respondents (19%) reported undertaking no assessment during PTA. Clinicians described using a range of techniques to monitor cognitive-communication during PTA, including static, dynamic, functional and impairment-based methods. Conclusions: The study confirmed that speech pathologists have a key role in the multidisciplinary team caring for the person in PTA, especially with family education and facilitating interactions with the rehabilitation team and family. Decision-making around timing and means of assessment of cognitive-communication during PTA appeared primarily reliant on speech pathologists’ professional experience and the culture of their workplace. The findings support the need for further research into the nature of cognitive-communication disorder and resolution over this period.
Surface chemical immobilization of bioactive peptides on synthetic polymers for cardiac tissue engineering

The aim of this work was the development of new synthetic polymeric systems, functionalized by surface chemical modification with bioactive peptides, for myocardial tissue engineering. Polycaprolactone and a poly(ester-ether-ester) block copolymer synthesized in our lab, polycaprolactone–poly(ethylene oxide)–polycaprolactone (PCL–PEO–PCL), were used as the substrates to be modified. Two pentapeptides, H-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-OH (GRGDS) from fibronectin and H-Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg-OH (YIGSR) from laminin, were used for the functionalization. Polymeric membranes were obtained by casting from solutions and then functionalized by means of alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent coupling of the bioactive molecules through 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. The hydrolysis conditions, in terms of hydrolysis time, temperature, and sodium hydroxide concentration, were optimized for the two materials. The occurrence of the coupling reaction was demonstrated by infrared spectroscopy, as the presence on the functionalized materials of the absorption peaks typical of the two peptides. The peptide surface density was determined by chromatographic analysis and the distribution was studied by infrared chemical imaging. The results showed a nearly homogeneous peptide distribution, with a density above the minimum value necessary to promote cell adhesion. Preliminary in vitro cell culture studies demonstrated that the introduction of the bioactive molecules had a positive effect on improving C2C12 myoblasts growth on the synthetic materials.
Consumer Interaction Strength May Limit the Diversifying Effect of Intraspecific Competition: A Test in Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)

Intraspecific competition is considered a principal driver of dietary variation, but empirical studies provide mixed support for this mechanism. Here we link comparative and experimental work testing the effects of competition and resource availability on the dietary variation of the alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). The alewife, a consumer with extreme effects on its resources, was specifically utilized to additionally test the idea that strong interactions between a consumer and its resources can diminish the diversifying effect of competition. First, we compared the short- and long-term diet measures of wild populations across a wide range of densities. Second, in a pair of large-scale field mesocosm experiments, we explored the influence of competition and interaction strength on alewife dietary variation. Results from a whole-lake comparison and field experiments indicated that increasing competition was negatively correlated with population dietary variation. Further, altering the strength of the interaction between the alewife and its prey via prey supplementation eliminated this negative relationship. Collectively, our results suggest that competitive interactions may not drive dietary diversification in the alewife and, potentially, in other highly effective consumers. Our results also indicate that further consideration of the strength of species interactions (and the consumer traits that underlie them) would improve our understanding of the link between intraspecific competition and variation.
Genetic Evidence for Involvement of Classical Complement Pathway in Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis 1

Abs to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and complement are the major constituents of pathogenic events causing neuromuscular junction destruction in both myasthenia gravis (MG) and experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG). To analyze the differential roles of the classical vs alternative complement pathways in EAMG induction, we immunized C3−/−, C4−/−, C3+/−, and C4+/− mice and their control littermates (C3+/+ and C4+/+ mice) with AChR in CFA. C3−/− and C4−/− mice were resistant to disease, whereas mice heterozygous for C3 or C4 displayed intermediate susceptibility. Although C3−/− and C4−/− mice had anti-AChR Abs in their sera, anti-AChR IgG production by C3−/− mice was significantly suppressed. Both C3−/− and C4−/− mice had reduced levels of B cells and increased expression of apoptotis inducers (Fas ligand, CD69) and apoptotic cells in lymph nodes. Immunofluorescence studies showed that the neuromuscular junction of C3−/− and C4−/− mice lacked C3 or membrane attack complex deposits, despite having IgG deposits, thus providing in vivo evidence for the incapacity of anti-AChR IgGs to induce full-blown EAMG without the aid of complements. The data provide the first direct genetic evidence for the classical complement pathway in the induction of EAMG induced by AChR immunization. Accordingly, severe MG and other Ab- and complement-mediated diseases could be effectively treated by inhibiting C4, thus leaving the alternative complement pathway intact.
Which patients experience improved quality of life (QOL) and mood from early palliative care (PC)?

16 Background: Prior research has demonstrated improved patient outcomes with early PC integrated with standard oncology care (SC), but it is not clear if these associations exist in all patient demographic groups. This study examined whether early integrated PC was associated with improvements in QOL and mood in different demographic groups. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of 151 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer presenting to an outpatient cancer center from June 2006 to July 2009. Patients received either early PC integrated with SC or SC alone. QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung [FACT-L] and Trial Outcome Index [TOI]) and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression subscale [HADS-D] and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 [PHQ-9], scored categorically) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed to assess relationships between outcome variables and patient demographic characteristics (age and gender). RESULTS At baseline, QOL and mood outcomes did not differ significantly between treatment groups for age or gender. At 12 weeks, the PC group showed better QOL and lower rates of depressive symptoms for males and those < age 65. In comparison, QOL and mood did not differ significantly between study groups for females and those ≥ age 65. CONCLUSIONS Males and patients < age 65 experienced improved QOL and mood with early, integrated PC. However, these outcomes did not differ significantly between treatment groups for patients ≥ age 65 or for females. Further research should confirm these findings and tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of all patients with cancer. [Table: see text].