Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gray matter differences in the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex of young adults with Internet gaming disorder: Surface-based morphometry

Background and aims Altered risk/reward decision-making is suggested to predispose individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) to pursue short-term pleasure, despite long-term negative consequences. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) play important roles in risk/reward decision-making. This study investigated gray matter differences in the ACC and OFC of young adults with and without IGD using surface-based morphometry (SBM). Methods We examined 45 young male adults with IGD and 35 age-matched male controls. We performed region of interest (ROI)-based analyses for cortical thickness and gray matter volume (GMV) in the ACC and OFC. We also conducted whole-brain vertex-wise analysis of cortical thickness to complement the ROI-based analysis. Results IGD subjects had thinner cortices in the right rostral ACC, right lateral OFC, and left pars orbitalis than controls. We also found smaller GMV in the right caudal ACC and left pars orbitalis in IGD subjects. Thinner cortex of the right lateral OFC in IGD subjects correlated with higher cognitive impulsivity. Whole-brain analysis in IGD subjects revealed thinner cortex in the right supplementary motor area, left frontal eye field, superior parietal lobule, and posterior cingulate cortex. Conclusions Individuals with IGD had a thinner cortex and a smaller GMV in the ACC and OFC, which are critical areas for evaluating reward values, error processing, and adjusting behavior. In addition, in behavioral control-related brain regions, including frontoparietal areas, they also had thinner cortices. These gray matter differences may contribute to IGD pathophysiology through altered risk/reward decision-making and diminished behavioral control.
Ethylene Permeability of Commercial Plastic Films and its Effect on Quality Stability of Broccoli during Storage

低密度ポリエチレン (LDPE) の30μmおよび50μm厚を対照にして, 市販の「機能性フィルム」6種類のエチレン透過性を簡易なパウチ法とLyssy法で, また窒素・酸素・二酸素, 二酸化炭素透過性もLyssy法で測定し, 併せて20℃の貯蔵条件下で個別包装したプロッコリーの品質安定性を検討した。 1) エチレン, 酸素, 二酸化炭素ともガス透過性の高いフィルムは, EVAフィルム, 無機多孔質混入フィルム1種類および対照のLDPE (30μm) であった。 代表的な無機多孔質混入フィルムのエチレン透過性は, LDPE (50μm) とほぼ同じ値であった。 2) 簡易法とLyssy法で得られたエチレン透過性の値はほぼ同程度であり, 本簡易法が有用であることを示した。 3) エチレン, 酸素等の透過性の高いフィルムが, 貯蔵中におけるブロッコリーの異臭の発生が少なく, 総合的な官能評点も他のフィルムより高かった。 以上の結果から, 市販「機能性フィルム」のエチレン透過性とブロッコリーの品質安定性をガス透過性との関連で考察した。
Sodium balance, circadian BP rhythm, heart rate variability, and intrarenal renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and dopaminergic systems in acute phase of ARB therapy

We have revealed that even in humans, activated intrarenal renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) enhances tubular sodium reabsorption to facilitate salt sensitivity and nondipper rhythm of blood pressure (BP), and that angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) could increase daytime urinary sodium excretion rate (UNaV) to produce lower sodium balance and restore nondipper rhythm. However, the sympathetic nervous system and intrarenal dopaminergic system can also contribute to renal sodium handling. A total of 20 patients with chronic kidney disease (61 ± 15 years) underwent 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring before and during two‐day treatment with ARB, azilsartan. Urinary angiotensinogen excretion rate (UAGTV, μg/gCre) was measured as intrarenal RAAS; urinary dopamine excretion rate (UDAV, pg/gCre) as intrarenal dopaminergic system; heart rate variabilities (HRV, calculated from 24‐h Holter‐ECG) of non‐Gaussianity index λ25s as sympathetic nerve activity; and power of high‐frequency (HF) component or deceleration capacity (DC) as parasympathetic nerve activity. At baseline, glomerular filtration rate correlated inversely with UAGTV (r = −0.47, P = 0.04) and positively with UDAV (r = 0.58, P = 0.009). HF was a determinant of night/day BP ratio (β = −0.50, F = 5.8), rather than DC or λ25s. During the acute phase of ARB treatment, a lower steady sodium balance was not achieved. Increase in daytime UNaV preceded restoration of BP rhythm, accompanied by decreased UAGTV (r = −0.88, P = 0.05) and increased UDAV (r = 0.87, P = 0.05), but with no changes in HRVs. Diminished sodium excretion can cause nondipper BP rhythm. This was attributable to intrarenal RAAS and dopaminergic system and impaired parasympathetic nerve activity. During the acute phase of ARB treatment, cooperative effects of ARB and intrarenal dopaminergic system exert natriuresis to restore circadian BP rhythm.
Influence of iron doping on tetravalent nickel content in catalytic oxygen evolving films

Significance Iron-doped nickel oxide films are the most active nonnoble metal oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in alkaline electrolyte. Since Corrigan’s original discovery of enhanced activity with Fe doping in nickel oxides, the chemical basis for this synergy remains unclear. Recent studies suggest iron to assume a high valent oxidation state, thus promoting OER. We provide evidence for an alternative role of Fe3+ as a Lewis acid in the host nickel oxide. We observe that Fe3+ promotes the formation of Ni4+, which leads to enhanced catalytic activity. This result is consistent with Fe3+ to be one of the strongest Lewis acidic metals by any measure of Lewis acidity, including hard–soft acid base theory, metal ion pKas, and chemical inertness. Iron doping of nickel oxide films results in enhanced activity for promoting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Whereas this enhanced activity has been ascribed to a unique iron site within the nickel oxide matrix, we show here that Fe doping influences the Ni valency. The percent of Fe3+ doping promotes the formation of formal Ni4+, which in turn directly correlates with an enhanced activity of the catalyst in promoting OER. The role of Fe3+ is consistent with its behavior as a superior Lewis acid.
Estradiol induces C-type natriuretic peptide gene expression in mouse uterus.

Previous experiments have demonstrated that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) expression in the uterus varies during the estrous cycle with maximal expression at proestrus. The present study was designed to determine whether exogenous steroid hormones regulate uterine CNP expression in ovariectomized mice. Estradiol increased significantly (3-fold) uterine immunoreactive CNP (irCNP) rapidly and dose dependently in ovariectomized mice as measured by radioimmunoassay. Other steroids produced either no significant change (testosterone, 1 mg; 2-methoxyestradiol, 1 μg) or weak induction (estriol, 1 μg) from vehicle controls. Progesterone (1 mg) significantly attenuated the estrogen-stimulated irCNP response by 50% when injected 30 min before estrogen (1 μg) in estrogen-primed ovariectomized mice. Estrogen-stimulated increases in uterine CNP transcripts detected by ribonuclease protection analyses were blocked by actinomycin D (160 μg) or ICI-164,384 (20 μg), a specific nuclear estrogen receptor antagonist. These results indicate that a nuclear estrogen receptor is required for estrogen to stimulate uterine CNP transcription and that progesterone negatively regulates estrogen-stimulated CNP expression.
Effect of cutting width and cutting height on the size distribution of black spruce pulp chips produced by a chipper-canter

The effect of the log diameter on the size distribution of black spruce Picea mariana) chips produced by a chipper-canter was evaluated. Three diameter classes, each processed using two cutting widths, were studied. The rotation and feed speeds, kept at 783 rpm and 197 m/minute, yielded a nominal chip length of 31.5 mm. Twelve logs for each cutting condition were fragmented under frozen and unfrozen wood temperatures (winter and summer). The results showed a significant effect of the cutting width and a negligible effect of the cutting height on the chip size distribution. The chip thickness decreased when the maximum cutting width (as measured at the small-end diameter of the log) decreased from 25 mm to 12.5 mm. There was an increase in acceptable chips (2 to 8 mm thick), a decrease in overthick chips (more than 8 mm thick), but an increase in the fines, pin chips, and fragile or thin chips. Furthermore, for a given cutting width, a temperature decrease produced more fines, pin chips, and fragile or thin chips, but at the same time increased the acceptable chip fraction at the expense of the overthick proportion. The effect of the temperature was more pronounced for the smaller cutting width than for the larger cutting width. Differences in sapwood thickness and moisture content are consistent and can explain these observations. These results give useful information to estimate the changes in chip size distribution that could occur within the range of cutting widths and heights studied here.
Ascorbate deficiency and oxidative stress in the alveolar type II cell.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of limited ascorbate (Asc) availability on type II cell sensitivity to oxidant stress. Guinea pigs were fed diets with or without Asc for 18 days, and type II cells were isolated. Although lung Asc was decreased by 90% in deficient animals (scorbutic), type II cell Asc was decreased by 50%. Upon treatment with 250 μM H2O2, the necrotic injury was twofold greater in scorbutic cells compared with control cells. With 100 μM H2O2treatment, apoptotic injury was twofold greater in scorbutic cells compared with control cells. Although there was less necrotic injury in cells exposed to 95% O2, the scorbutic cells were more sensitive than control cells. Asc pretreatment protected against necrosis and apoptosis. The Asc analog isoascorbate provided partial protection and suggested that part of the protection was not chemical detoxification but was Asc specific. We conclude that limited Asc availability resulted in a functional type II cell but a cell more sensitive to oxidant-induced injury.
Shaping light beams with dielectric metasurfaces

With the advent of techniques such as Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy (STED) and light sheet microscopy, the generation of specialised light beams has become an exciting field. However, while very effective methods of generating such beams exist, the components necessary to do so are generally large and cumbersome. Metasurfaces promise the replacement of these traditional bulky optical elements with sub-wavelength thick and flat alternatives, paving the way for integration into microscale form factors. Metasurfaces commonly use a distribution of nanoscale resonant elements to engineer a phase plate that shapes light through the Huygens' principle, allowing them to mimic and improve upon traditional optics. Initially, plasmonic resonant elements were explored by the community, but their dissipative losses have severely limited the efficiency of these devices. Here I discuss my work on the development of dielectric sub-wavelength grating based metasurfaces. Four types of metasurface, each using a different manifestation of grating physics are explored: direct phase, polarisation conversion, geometric phase, and active metasurfaces. I show that these different types of metasurface together allow the shaping of a wide variety of beams under a large range of different conditions, while retaining efficiencies on the order of 80-90%. Examples of the beam shapes explored include focused beams, vortex beams, Bessel beams and cylindrical vector beams. The development of high efficiency dielectric metasurfaces brings ultrathin optics closer to practical applications. Their materials and sizes facilitate the integration into previously unavailable form factors, including applications in microfluidics.
Prototheca zopfii Induced Ultrastructural Features Associated with Apoptosis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Prototheca zopfii infections are becoming global concerns in humans and animals. Bovine protothecal mastitis is characterized by deteriorating milk quality and quantity, thus imparting huge economic losses to dairy industry. Previous published studies mostly focused on the prevalence and characterization of P. zopfii from mastitis. However, the ultrastructural pathomorphological changes associated with apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) are not studied yet. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the in vitro comparative apoptotic potential of P. zopfii genotype-I and -II on bMECs using flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed fast growth rate and higher adhesion capability of genotype-II in bMECs as compared with genotype-I. The viability of bMECs infected with P. zopfii genotype-II was significantly decreased after 12 h (p < 0.05) and 24 h (p < 0.01) in comparison with control cells. Contrary, genotype-I couldn't show any significant effects on cell viability. Moreover, after infection of bMECs with genotype-II, the apoptosis increased significantly at 12 h (p < 0.05) and 24 h (p < 0.01) as compared with control group. Genotype-I couldn't display any significant effects on cell apoptosis. The host specificity of P. zopfii was also tested in mouse osteoblast cells, and the results suggest that genotype-I and -II could not cause any significant apoptosis in these cell lines. SEM interpreted the pathomorphological alterations in bMECs after infection. Adhesion of P. zopfii with cells and further disruption of cytomembrane validated the apoptosis caused by genotype-II under SEM. While genotype-1 couldn't cause any significant apoptosis in bMECs. Furthermore, genotype-II induced apoptotic manifested specific ultrastructure features, like cytoplasmic cavitation, swollen mitochondria, pyknosis, cytomembrane disruption, and appearance of apoptotic bodies under TEM. The findings of the current study revealed that genotype-II has the capability to invade and survive within the bMECs, thus imparting significant damages to the mammary cells which result in apoptosis. This study represents the first insights into the pathomorphological and ultrastructure features of apoptosis in bMECs induced by P. zopfii genotype-II.
Mold performance of some construction products with and without borates

Many construction products contain borates to improve physical and processing characteristics or to impart flame retardancy. In other construction products, they are used for biodeterioration control giving performance against decay fungi and wood-destroying insects. In this study, solid wood, wood composites, and gypsum wallboard treated with various borate loadings were tested, and work on cellulose insulation was reviewed. The objective was to ascertain whether current commercial levels of borates used in these construction materials would also render them resistant to mold growth. It was found that the presence of borates significantly decreases the amount of mold growth. These results could be important due to the rising concerns regarding illnesses associated with sick building syndrome' caused by in-house toxic mold growth. While borate-containing materials should not be considered as a substitute for good design and maintenance that prevents moisture ingress, they could be considered as a part of an integrated strategy for the control of mold infestation.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, androgen excess, and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in women: A longitudinal study based on a United Kingdom primary care database

Background Androgen excess is a defining feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 10% of women and represents a lifelong metabolic disorder, with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular events. Previous studies have suggested an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in individuals with PCOS and implicated androgen excess as a potential driver. Methods and findings We carried out a retrospective longitudinal cohort study utilizing a large primary care database in the United Kingdom, evaluating NAFLD rates in 63,120 women with PCOS and 121,064 age-, body mass index (BMI)-, and location-matched control women registered from January 2000 to May 2016. In 2 independent cohorts, we also determined the rate of NAFLD in women with a measurement of serum testosterone (n = 71,061) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; n = 49,625). We used multivariate Cox models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for NAFLD and found that women with PCOS had an increased rate of NAFLD (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.86–2.66, p < 0.001), also after adjusting for BMI or dysglycemia. Serum testosterone >3.0 nmol/L was associated with an increase in NAFLD (HR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.16–4.53, p = 0.017 for 3–3.49 nmol/L and HR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.24–4.66, p = 0.009 for >3.5 nmol/L). Mirroring this finding, SHBG <30 nmol/L was associated with increased NAFLD hazard (HR = 4.75, 95% CI 2.44–9.25, p < 0.001 for 20–29.99 nmol/L and HR = 4.98, 95% CI 2.45–10.11, p < 0.001 for <20 nmol/L). Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, absence of detailed information on criteria used to diagnosis PCOS and NAFLD, and absence of data on laboratory assays used to measure serum androgens. Conclusions We found that women with PCOS have an increased rate of NAFLD. In addition to increased BMI and dysglycemia, androgen excess contributes to the development of NAFLD in women with PCOS. In women with PCOS-related androgen excess, systematic NAFLD screening should be considered.
Adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine release to hypoglycemia measured by microdialysis in conscious rats.

Experiments were conducted in conscious male rats to determine whether hypoglycemia induced by insulin administration preferentially stimulated epinephrine (Epi) or norepinephrine (NE) adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. The release of Epi and NE from the adrenal medulla was continuously monitored using a microdialysis probe of novel design that had been inserted in the adrenal medulla ∼16 h before the administration of insulin. Following insulin, 3 U/kg iv, blood glucose declined and dialysate Epi levels rose. No measurable increment in dialysate NE was obtained. Similarly, plasma Epi increased with no detectable change in NE. Patterns of dialysate and plasma catecholamine changes were similar in two groups of animals that had been fed or fasted overnight before insulin treatment. However, the magnitude of the Epi increase was greater in the fasted animals. After recovery of the blood glucose concentration to preinsulin levels, dialysate and plasma catecholamine concentrations returned to control values. These experiments clearly demonstrate that adrenal medullary chromaffin cells that produce Epi are preferentially stimulated in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
Toxicity and Outcome of Radiotherapy with Concomitant and Adjuvant Temozolomide in Elderly Patients with Glioblastoma: A Retrospective Study

Radiation therapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard therapy for nonelderly patients with glioblastoma. However, TMZ-based chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with glioblastoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits and adverse effects of this combined therapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma. Of the 76 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who were treated with standard radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions) and TMZ, treatment toxicity and therapeutic outcome were evaluated in 27 elderly patients (age 65 years or older) and compared with those of 49 nonelderly counterparts (age younger than 65 years). The incidence of common toxicity criteria Grade 4 adverse events during the concomitant course was higher in the elderly group than that in the nonelderly group (26% versus 8%; p = 0.046). Cognitive dysfunction was observed only in the elderly group (p = 0.042). The median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival in the elderly group were 15.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]; 12.9–18.5) and 8.4 months (95% CI; 5.1–11.7), respectively. OS was significantly shorter in the elderly group than in the nonelderly group (p = 0.021). The recursive partitioning analysis score was a prognostic factor for OS. TMZ-based chemoradiotherapy was associated with an increased risk of Grade 4 adverse events in the elderly patients during concomitant use. Thus, elderly patients who undergo a concomitant course of TMZ must be closely monitored for adverse events. Treatment of glioblastoma in elderly patients must be optimized to reduce toxicity to acceptable levels and to maintain efficacy.
Dietary and nutrition interventions for the therapeutic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review

Abstract Background Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is characterised by unexplained fatigue for at least 6 months accompanied by a diverse but consistent set of symptoms. Diet modification and nutritional supplements could be used to improve patient outcomes, such fatigue and quality of life. We reviewed and discussed the evidence for nutritional interventions that may assist in alleviating symptoms of CFS/ME. Methods Medline, Cinahl and Scopus were systematically searched from 1994 to May 2016. All studies on nutrition intervention were included where CFS/ME patients modified their diet or supplemented their habitual diet on patient‐centred outcomes (fatigue, quality of life, physical activity and/or psychological wellbeing). Results Seventeen studies were included that meet the inclusion criteria. Of these, 14 different interventions were investigated on study outcomes. Many studies did not show therapeutic benefit on CFS/ME. Improvements in fatigue were observed for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH), probiotics, high cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate, and a combination of NADH and coenzyme Q10. Conclusions This review identified insufficient evidence for the use of nutritional supplements and elimination or modified diets to relieve CFS/ME symptoms. Studies were limited by the number of studies investigating the interventions, small sample sizes, study duration, variety of instruments used, and studies not reporting dietary intake method. Further research is warranted in homogeneous CFS/ME populations.
Matings Systems and the Evolution of Niche Breadth

Several theoretical studies of niche breadth evolution have shown that niche breadth expansion can only occur under a limited set of conditions. These studies have assumed that mating pairs form at random within spatial subpopulations. I show here that nonrandom mating within spatial subpopulations can greatly alter niche breadth evolution. Niche breadth expansion is restricted by assortative mating but is permitted by sexual selection. When new populations are formed by a single pulse of immigrants, the ability to persist in novel but similar environments is enhanced by sexual selection. When new populations receive a constant stream of immigrants, sexual selection allows the evolution of increased niche breadth even when the novel environment is very different from the ancestral environment. These results suggest that species lineages that exhibit sexual selection will have broader niches than species lineages that mate randomly or assortatively.