jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Comparing perceived affordances to size and distance estimates in a virtual environment

Multiple studies have reported that visually directed actions beyond near-space are performed in virtual environments (VEs) as if distances were perceived as 20%–50% smaller than intended. Although there is a general subjective sense that VE spaces seem smaller than real spaces, there has been little systematic work looking at other spatial dimensions in VEs beyond distance. Measuring perceived affordances is a way to assess body-based space perception in the context of action without requiring real movement. We demonstrate the feasibility of using affordance judgments to probe spatial perception in VEs and compare perceived affordances with perceived size and distance to the same targets. Judgments were made in a virtual classroom viewed through a head-mounted display. Two poles were always present, varying on each trial in diameter, spacing, and distance from the viewpoint. In a within-subject design, standing participants first performed a size judgment by holding out their hands to indicate the apparent spacing between the columns. The screen was blanked, new columns appeared at a different distance with either very narrow or wide spacing, and subjects requested the columns to be moved closer together or farther apart until they felt that they were just wide enough to walk through without turning their shoulders. After another screen blank, a third set of poles appeared. Participants closed their eyes and walked to the apparent location between the two poles. Affordance judgments of passability averaged 1.3× actual shoulder width, a ratio more conservative than that seen in comparable real world results (Warren and Whang, 1987, 1.16× shoulder width). Size judgments averaged 13% overestimation and were constant across distance. Consistent with prior work, distance was underestimated by about 20%. The utility of using affordance judgments in VEs and implications of the apparent discrepancy between scaling of size and distance judgments will be discussed.

Topic: Visual perception and processing mechanisms
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Low nitrogen fertilization enriches nitrogen‐fixing bacteria in the <i>Brassica</i> seed microbiome of subsequent generations

Abstract Introduction The consequences of overfertilization on agricultural and native ecosystems are well‐documented, but the impact of reduced fertilization on plant–microbe interactions is less understood. Here, we analysed the impact of different nitrogen (N) fertilization regimes over two subsequent growing seasons on the seed microbiome of winter oilseed rape ( Brassica napus L.). Materials and Methods Seed microbial diversity, composition, and abundance were analysed by a combined approach of amplicon sequencing, quantitative real‐time PCR, and microscopy. A germination assay was conducted to quantify bacteria and nifH genes in roots. Results Two consecutive years of either low or high N fertilization resulted in a significant shift in seed microbiota; nine discriminating bacterial orders and 32 bacterial features were identified. Among them, potentially N‐fixing bacteria (Rhizobiales and Rhizobium ) were identified as biomarkers for low N fertilization. Moreover, quantitative measurements revealed that 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and bacterial nifH gene counts were significantly higher under lower N availability. Relative to total 16S rRNA genes, seeds and roots contained 0.002% and 0.3% nifH genes on average, respectively. The alternation of N levels between the first and the second growing season (high to low, or low to high) had, however, no impact on seed microbiota, suggesting that a low N availability for at least two generations is required to enrich N‐fixing taxa in seeds. Conclusion Our study revealed a flexible, environmentally influenced seed microbiome assembly and suggests innovative microbiome management via biological nitrogen fixation to optimize fertilization regimes in future agriculture.

Topic: Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis
Subfield: Plant Science
Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Domain: Life Sciences
Treatment resistant postherpetic neuralgia - new treatments, better outcome

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic and painful condition characterized by persistent pain following resolution of a Herpes zoster infection. Management of PHN can be challenging as this disorder is difficult to treat and many strategies have been described to reduce such pain.

Topic: Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Evidence-based grounds of the efficacy of simvastatin (zocor): 15 years later

The review describes the history of hypolipidemic therapy with statins. It gives the results of studies of the primary prevention of atherosclerosis and the treatment of hyperlipidemias with lovastatin, pravastatin, and fluvastatin. Emphasis is laid on trial data on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of simvastatin (zocor). The results of studies, including regression ones, of this drug in different doses, controlled by biochemical, clinical, magnet resonance imaging, and ultrasonic data are summarized. There is a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular, coronary, and overall deaths and in that of stroke. There is evidence for the successful use of simvastatin (zocor) in combined therapy with fibrates, nicotinic acid, and ezetrol.

Topic: Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Surgical repair of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement

We report the case of a patient with a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aortic clinically diagnosed 5 months after surgical replacement of the aortic valve. Diagnosis was confirmed with the aid of two-dimensional echocardiography and helicoidal angiotomography. The corrective surgery, which consisted of a reinforced suture of the communication with the ascending aorta after opening and aspiration of the cavity of the pseudoaneurysm, was successfully performed through a complete sternotomy using extracorporeal circulation, femorofemoral cannulation, and moderate hypothermia, with no aortic clamping.

Topic: Aortic Disease and Treatment Approaches
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Aerobic and anaerobic capacity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: evaluation of the cardiorespiratory response

Objectives: To compare the cardiac response during maximal aerobic exercise in JIA with healthy children. Methods: Thirteen children aged 10 to 17 years with JIA and 9 controls (CON) participated. All performed maximal VO2 and Wingate tests on a cycle ergometer. Cardiac output (CO) was measured during exercise with Doppler echocardiography. Arterial – mixed venous oxygen index (A-VO2) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were calculated. Results: JIA subjects had decreased aerobic fitness (VO2 31.3, CON 47.9 ml/kg/min p = 0.013]. There was no significant difference in CO, A-VO2 or SVR but we observed trends towards lower CO and higher SVR in JIA. During anaerobic exercise JIA subjects completed less total work. Conclusions: Children with JIA have moderate impairment in aerobic fitness. CO and A-VO2 during aerobic exercise did not differ between JIA subjects and CON. Further research with is required to determine factors contributing to limited fitness in JIA. CONTRIBUTING INSTITUTIONS Divisions of Rheumatology and Cardiology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Topic: Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders Research
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Box 8, Neg. No. 3154: Benton Family

This black and white photograph features a portrait of the Benton family - Mrs. Benton, wearing a light blouse and a dark colored skirt, is sitting with her four granddaughters next to her; the two girls sitting in front are wearing dark colored dresses and the two girls standing in back are wearing light dresses. All the girls have bows in their hair. Mrs. Benton and grandchildren ordered the photograph.

Topic: Magnetic confinement fusion research
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
The Modern U.S. High School Astronomy Course, its Status and Makeup, and the Effects of No Child Left Behind

A 2007 nationwide mixed-methods survey of high school astronomy teachers reports on its current characteristics and its changes over intervening decades that included the introduction of standards and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Some changes found include section enrollments trending downward even while the total number of courses offered and attending students are actually increasing. The teacher gender gap has been dramatically reduced; most teachers come from geosciences and biosciences. 15% of them have never had an astronomy course. The majority of teachers say NCLB has had no direct effect, but 40% report indirect effects. These are mostly negative reactions to school-wide adequate yearly progress status: teacher redeployment, funding diversions, students tracked into the traditional three sciences, course cancellations, and teacher job loss. Some positive NCLB effects are increased math and literacy rigor and, paradoxically in some places, enrollment increases. A stereotypical picture of a high school astronomy course is developed noting some changes in the 22 years since the last study of the field.

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Oxidized Cell‐Free Hemoglobin Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Activation of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in the Pulmonary Microvasculature

ABSTRACT Objective Cell‐free hemoglobin (CFH) is released into the circulation during sepsis where it can redox cycle from the ferrous 2+ to ferric 3+ and disrupt endothelial function, but the mechanisms of CF‐mediated endothelial dysfunction are unknown. We hypothesized that oxidized CFH induces mitochondrial dysfunction via the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in pulmonary endothelial cells, leading to the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Methods Human lung microvascular endothelial cells were treated with CFH2+/CFH3+. We measured mitochondrial mPTP activation (flow cytometry), network and mass (immunostaining), structure (electron microscopy), mtDNA release (PCR), and oxygen consumption rate (OCR; Seahorse). Plasma from critically ill patients and conditioned cell media were quantified for mtDNA and CFH. Results CFH3+ disrupted the mitochondrial network, activated the mPTP (1434 (874–1642) vs. 2302 (1729–2654) mean fluorescent intensity, p = 0.02), increased the spare respiratory capacity (30.61 (29.36–37.78) vs. 7.83 (3.715–10.63) OCR, p = 0.004), and caused the release of mtDNA. CFH was associated with circulating mtDNA ( R 2 = 0.1912, p = 0.0077) in plasma from critically ill patients. Conclusion CFH3+, not CFH2+, is the primary driver of CFH‐induced lung microvascular mitochondrial dysfunction. Activation of the mPTP and the release of mtDNA are a feature of CFH3+ mediated injury.

Topic: Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
The Optical and Electrical Properties of Low Density Polyethylene Films in CUSO+ Solution

The optical and electrical properties of pure and treated low density polyethylene (LDpE) were investigated. These measurements have been carried out at various times of immersion for LDPE films in 10% solution of CuSO+. The optical absorption spectra were measured in the wavelength range 200—► ll00 nm. The optical energy gaps and energy bandwidth of the tall of localized state (Eoo1 and AE) were calculated at different times of exposure to CuSOa. The a.c. conductivity was studied in frequency range 102 —&gt; I}s Hz. The data of a.c. conductivity were analyzed. to obtain the d.c. conductivity (o'6") and the optical dielectric constant (e'-). The results of this study show that: (1) Direct and indirect optical transitions exist, (2) Direct and indirect energy gaps increase as the exposure time increases, (3) The Urbach energy band tail decreases as time increases, (4) The d.c. conductivity decreases, while the dielectric constant increases as time increases. These results could be explained by the fact that sulfate ions have caused formation of voids and degradation of the LDPE as time increased.

Topic: Polymer Nanocomposite Synthesis and Irradiation
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
I A.3 State Council “Official Reply to the Maritime Administrative Region Boundary Line between Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region” State Document (2011) No. 153, 11 December 2011, “State Council Communique” 2012 No. 1.

"I A.3 State Council “Official Reply to the Maritime Administrative Region Boundary Line between Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region” State Document (2011) No. 153, 11 December 2011, “State Council Communique” 2012 No. 1.." Chinese Law & Government, 50(3-4), p. 174

Topic: Economic Zones and Regional Development
Subfield: General Economics, Econometrics and Finance
Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance
Domain: Social Sciences
Psychological distress and streamlined BreastScreen follow‐up assessment versus standard assessment

There was no evidence that attending streamlined StepDown assessments had different outcomes in terms of distress than attending standard assessment clinics for women with a BreastScreen-detected abnormality. However, unease about attending future screening was generally associated with less willingness to do so in both groups; thus, there is a role for psycho-educational intervention to address these concerns.

Topic: Global Cancer Incidence and Screening
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
ADRENAL VIRILISM

The virilizing syndrome in children is characterized by the masculinization of the female and the attainment of precocious puberty in the male. There are some variations in the clinical syndrome that depend on the age of onset of the disease and the endocrine gland responsible. In the female, infantile virilism presents the clinical picture of pseudohermaphroditism and subsequent early masculinization. If the disease has its onset later in childhood, there is superimposed masculinization of the normal female genitalia. In the male, on the other hand, the precocity is along isosexual lines with the resultant clinical picture of macrogenitosomia precox. The virilizing syndrome may be associated with hypothalamic disease, constitutional precocity (both of which occur in boys along isosexual lines), and testicular or ovarian tumors, and, most frequently of all, may be due to hyperadrenalism. Because of this commoner occurrence, the syndrome has been called adrenal virilism. Adrenal virilism may be

Topic: Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Analgesic alternatives for labour pain

Introduction: Currently there has been an increased interest from mothers and their environment, by the application of other non-invasive analgesic methods. Therefore, it is a major issue for health professionals related to delivery care, which should develop the skills necessary to help those women who choose childbirth alternative promoted by the application of analgesic action. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the main alternatives analgesic delivery that literature offers us.

Topic: Anesthesia and Pain Management
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
New Wave Italian Style

An investigation of the long controversy around the definition of an Italian New Wave cinema of the 1960s, this essay engages (and takes issue) with the reasons behind the critics’ reluctance to recognise its existence. After establishing a theoretical and historical framework for a transnational under- standing of the phenomenon of the European and World New Waves, it offers a reasoned analysis of the multiple industrial and artistic attempts at a generational renewal of Italian cinema that were made in Italy during the 1960s. Ultimately, the essay suggests that it would not only be appropriate, but also highly productive to reconsider the vibrant and heterogeneous young Italian cinema of the 1960s under the generational and transnational New Wave label, instead of continuing to approach the decade exclusively in the light of Neorealism.

Topic: Italian Fascism and Post-war Society
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
T-Rex: Task-Adaptive Spatial Representation Extraction for Robotic Manipulation with Vision-Language Models

Building a general robotic manipulation system capable of performing a wide variety of tasks in real-world settings is a challenging task. Vision-Language Models (VLMs) have demonstrated remarkable potential in robotic manipulation tasks, primarily due to the extensive world knowledge they gain from large-scale datasets. In this process, Spatial Representations (such as points representing object positions or vectors representing object orientations) act as a bridge between VLMs and real-world scene, effectively grounding the reasoning abilities of VLMs and applying them to specific task scenarios. However, existing VLM-based robotic approaches often adopt a fixed spatial representation extraction scheme for various tasks, resulting in insufficient representational capability or excessive extraction time. In this work, we introduce T-Rex, a Task-Adaptive Framework for Spatial Representation Extraction, which dynamically selects the most appropriate spatial representation extraction scheme for each entity based on specific task requirements. Our key insight is that task complexity determines the types and granularity of spatial representations, and Stronger representational capabilities are typically associated with Higher overall system operation costs. Through comprehensive experiments in real-world robotic environments, we show that our approach delivers significant advantages in spatial understanding, efficiency, and stability without additional training.

Topic: Multimodal Machine Learning Applications
Subfield: Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Fine-tuning a method for DNA-extraction of myxomycetes

In this paper we describe in detail the procedure for a genomic DNA extraction method from spores of myxomycetes that was inspired by the direct PCR technique. We include results of <strong>small-scale</strong> tests that were set up for the optimization of this extraction method. These tests were performed to select the grinding breads, assess the result of different estimated spore quantities, compare the extraction medium, evaluate the temperature to weaken the cell walls of amoeboflagellates<strong>,</strong> and to ascertain whether the storage method of the extract is appropriate. The results are presented as agarose gel images of either crude genomic DNA extracts or PCR products of partial SSU and<strong> are </strong>discussed in detail. From the tests the following combination was withheld: extraction solution TE pH: 8, grinding with 1 mm Zirconia/Silica beads during 60 sec at 30 Hz, cell weakening at 90°C and storage at -20°C. The specimens that were used for the tests are listed in this paper along with collection data and the GenBank accession numbers for the submitted SSU sequences. This simple approach can serve as a fast, <strong>cheap,</strong> and cleaner alternative to other extraction <strong>protocols,</strong> or it can be used as a preparation phase for <strong>such</strong> established methods.

Topic: Slime Mold and Myxomycetes Research
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Variety Identification of Tomato by Electrophoregram of Seed Protein and Comparison of Digitally Processed SEM Images of Stomata

In agriculture and horticulture, the genetic purity of cultivars is critical to farmers, plant breeders, and seed producers as well as regulatory agencies. Cultivar identification by seed protein polymorphism and computer analysis of images of plant characters is an alternative method for cultivar identification. Comparison of the efficiency and precision of identification of varieties of tomato by gel electrophoresis of seed protein and digital processing of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of stomata were made. The sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) technique for seed protein profile was useful in distinguishing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties. Digital processing of SEM images of stomata created four clusters depending on the percentage circularity, or how well the image fits a circle, of the stomata. Both methods could identify varieties with high contrast in stomatal characters and protein banding pattern, although digital processing of SEM images of stomata was less precise in distinguishing varieties with less contrast. Protein markers and digital processing of important plant morphological images may be utilized to distinguish varieties of tomato.

Topic: Banana Cultivation and Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Domain: Life Sciences
Review on the effects of phosphorus on growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.)

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are biennial herbaceous plant of the family Alliaceous that are typically grown as annuals. Globally, onions were produced at nearly 35 millions tones per annuals. In Ethiopia, it is widely grown in the rift valley and lakes regions of the country. The objective of this seminar is to review the effects of different level of phosphorus on growth and yield of onion. Phosphorus fertilizer is one the most complex production in many tropical soils, owing to low native content and phosphorus immobilization with the soil. In onion, phosphorus deficiencies reduced root and leaf growth, bulb size and yield and also delay maturation. In the soil the amount of phosphorus is moderately low. Onion growth and yield can be enhanced by applying phosphorus. The use of optimum phosphorus fertilizer is one of the prominent to increase production. Still optimum rate of phosphorus fertilizer is not well identified. To optimize phosphorus availability through phosphorus addition, soil factors must be considered and research should be focused on the level of phosphorus on growth and yield of onion.

Topic: Garlic and Onion Studies
Subfield: Plant Science
Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Domain: Life Sciences