Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Fluorescence Quantum Yield of Gd1－xEuxOOH Crystals

Eu3+-doped gadolinium oxyhydroxide Gd1-xEuxOOH crystals were synthesized by the flux method. The X-ray diffraction data for the crystals were well refined assuming a monoclinic structure with the P21/m space group. Gd1-xEuxOOH (x ≤ 0.2) crystals showed strong red emission, and the highest fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) was 0.27, obtained for x = 0.10. Φf decreased rapidly as the Eu3+ content x increased above 0.2, owing to concentration quenching. Analysis with a percolation model indicated three-dimensional energy transfer between the Eu3+ ions.
Renal response following perioperative ketorolac analgesia in living kidney donation.

E ffective postoperative analgesia involves using a combination of pharmacologic options in a multimodal approach. Therapy that combines opioids (OPIs) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has demonstrated a decrease in 20% to 50% of OPI use which may help improve OPI-associated nausea, respiratory depression, and constipation. Significant side effects are associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicity and the longterm effects of ketorolac (KET) usage in patients undergoing living donor nephrectomy (LDN) for transplantation remain unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LDN at 2 different institutions with institutional review board approval. Two hundred ninety-eight patients treated with inpatient perioperative KET (~24 hours) (center, 1; January 3, 2001 to December 4, 2006) were compared with 163 patients that were primarily treated with post-operative OPIs (center 2; January 4, 2006 to August 5, 2013). Typically, intravenous KET was administered at the termination of the operation (15 mg 1) and every 6 hours thereafter for 24 hours. Charts were analyzed for demographic data including age, race, sex, height, and weight. Serum creatinine (SCr) was reviewed before and at varying time points up to three years after the operation. Using SCr, % change in Cr, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated with the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation, analysis of postdonation renal function was measured. Linear regression models with repeated measures compared patients managed with KET versus OPIs. These tests also analyzed interactions between treatment and demographic variables. Demographic variables between groups were studied using t tests. In addition, a power analysis was conducted for each timepoint. Mean and median follow-up were calculated based on a minimum of 3 months after the operation. Statistical analyses were performed with
Shading and Watering as a Tool to Mitigate the Impacts of Climate Change in Sea Turtle Nests

Increasing sand temperatures resulting from climate change may negatively impact sea turtle nests by altering sex ratios and decreasing reproductive output. We analyzed the effect of nest shading and watering on sand temperatures as climate mitigation strategies in a beach hatchery at Playa Grande, Costa Rica. We set up plots and placed thermocouples at depths of 45cm and 75cm. Half of the plots were shaded and half were exposed to the sun. Within these exposure treatments, we applied three watering treatments over one month, replicating local climatic conditions experienced in this area. We also examined gravimetric water content of sand by collecting sand samples the day before watering began, the day after watering was complete, and one month after completion. Shading had the largest impact on sand temperature, followed by watering and depth. All watering treatments lowered sand temperature, but the effect varied with depth. Temperatures in plots that received water returned to control levels within 10 days after watering stopped. Water content increased at both depths in the two highest water treatments, and 30 days after the end of water application remained higher than plots with low water. While the impacts of watering on sand temperature dissipate rapidly after the end of application, the impacts on water content are much more lasting. Although less effective at lowering sand temperatures than shading, watering may benefit sea turtle clutches by offsetting negative impacts of low levels of rain in particularly dry areas. Prior to implementing such strategies, the natural conditions at the location of interest (e.g. clutch depth, environmental conditions, and beach characteristics) and natural hatchling sex ratios should be taken into consideration. These results provide insight into the effectiveness of nest shading and watering as climate mitigation techniques and illustrate important points of consideration in the crafting of such strategies.
Self‐recruitment and sweepstakes reproduction amid extensive gene flow in a coral‐reef fish

Identifying patterns of larval dispersal within marine metapopulations is vital for effective fisheries management, appropriate marine reserve design, and conservation efforts. We employed genetic markers (microsatellites) to determine dispersal patterns in bicolour damselfish (Pomacentridae: Stegastes partitus). Tissue samples of 751 fish were collected in 2004 and 2005 from 11 sites encompassing the Exuma Sound, Bahamas. Bayesian parentage analysis identified two parent–offspring pairs, which is remarkable given the large population sizes and 28 day pelagic larval duration of bicolour damselfish. The two parent–offspring pairs directly documented self‐recruitment at the two northern‐most sites, one of which is a long‐established marine reserve. Principal coordinates analyses of pair‐wise relatedness values further indicated that self‐recruitment was common in all sampled populations. Nevertheless, measures of genetic differentiation (FST) and results from assignment methods suggested high levels of gene flow among populations. Comparisons of heterozygosity and relatedness among samples of adults and recruits indicated spatially and temporally independent sweepstakes events, whereby only a subset of adults successfully contribute to subsequent generations. These results indicate that self‐recruitment and sweepstakes reproduction are the predominant, ecologically‐relevant processes that shape patterns of larval dispersal in this system.
The antibody-mediated targeted delivery of interleukin-10 inhibits endometriosis in a syngeneic mouse model.

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is still a highly underdiagnosed disease, and the current medical and surgical treatment of endometriosis is associated with a high recurrence rate. This study investigates the use of derivatives of the human antibody F8, specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain A of fibronectin (Fn), for the imaging and treatment of endometriosis. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate antigen expression in endometriotic tissue of human endometriosis and of a syngeneic mouse model of the disease. The in vivo targeting performance of a fluorescent derivative of the F8 antibody was assessed by imaging mice with endometriosis using a near-infrared fluorescence imager, 24 h following i.v. injection of the antibody conjugate. Furthermore, the mouse model was used for therapy experiments using two recombinant F8-based immunocytokines [F8-interleukin-10 (IL10) and F8-IL2] or saline for the treatment groups. RESULTS A very strong vascular expression of splice isoforms of Fn and of tenascin-C was observed in human endometriotic lesions by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. After i.v. administration, a selective accumulation of the F8 antibody in endometriotic lesions could be observed in a syngeneic mouse model. These targeting data were used as a basis for therapy experiments with a pro-inflammatory (F8-IL2) and an anti-inflammatory (F8-IL10) cytokine fusion protein of the F8 antibody. The average lesion size in the F8-IL10 treatment group was clearly reduced compared with the saline control group and with the F8-IL2 group, for which no therapeutic effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS The F8 antibody targets endometriotic lesions in vivo in a mouse model of endometriosis and may be used for the non-invasive imaging of the disease and for the pharmacodelivery of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL10.
Genetic variation of wild and hatchery populations of the catla Indian major carp (Catla catla Hamilton 1822: Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) revealed by RAPD markers

Genetic variation is a key component for improving a stock through selective breeding programs. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic variation in three wild population of the catla carp (Catla catla Hamilton 1822) in the Halda, Jamuna and Padma rivers and one hatchery population in Bangladesh. Five decamer random primers were used to amplify RAPD markers from 30 fish from each population. Thirty of the 55 scorable bands were polymorphic, indicating some degree of genetic variation in all the populations. The proportion of polymorphic loci and gene diversity values reflected a relatively higher level of genetic variation in the Halda population. Sixteen of the 30 polymorphic loci showed a significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) departure from homogeneity and the FST values in the different populations indicated some degree of genetic differentiation in the population pairs. Estimated genetic distances between populations were directly correlated with geographical distances. The unweighted pair group method with averages (UPGMA) dendrogram showed two clusters, the Halda population forming one cluster and the other populations the second cluster. Genetic variation of C. catla is a useful trait for developing a good management strategy for maintaining genetic quality of the species.
Draft Genome Sequences of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Subclinical Bovine Mastitis in Brazil

ABSTRACT Here, we present the draft genome sequences of four Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from mastitic milk collected from animals with subclinical manifestations. Three of them were typed as sequence type 126 (ST126), a genotype with no genome sequence available. ST126 is found in several herds of southern Brazil and is described as a bovine pathogen strongly associated with milk around the world.
On the Blink: The Importance of Target-Distractor Similarity in Eliciting an Attentional Blink with Faces

Temporal allocation of attention is often investigated with a paradigm in which two relevant target items are presented in a rapid sequence of irrelevant distractors. The term Attentional Blink (AB) denotes a transient impairment of awareness for the second of these two target items when presented close in time. Experimental studies reported that the AB is reduced when the second target is emotionally significant, suggesting a modulation of attention allocation. The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the influence of target-distractor similarity on AB magnitude for faces with emotional expressions under conditions of limited attention in a series of six rapid serial visual presentation experiments. The task on the first target was either to discriminate the gender of a neutral face (Experiments 1, 3–6) or an indoor/outdoor visual scene (Experiment 2). The task on the second target required either the detection of emotional expressions (Experiments 1–5) or the detection of a face (Experiment 6). The AB was minimal or absent when targets could be easily discriminated from each other. Three successive experiments revealed that insufficient masking and target-distractor similarity could account for the observed immunity of faces against the AB in the first two experiments. An AB was present but not increased when the facial expression was irrelevant to the task suggesting that target-distractor similarity plays a more important role in eliciting an AB than the attentional set demanded by the specific task. In line with previous work, emotional faces were less affected by the AB.
Commercially available blood-gas quality controls compared with tonometered blood.

We compared three commercially supplied blood-gas quality control solutions ("contrIL," "G.A.S.," and "Quantra") and tonometered whole blood under research and service conditions in four hospital laboratories. In some situations Quantra and tonometered blood were comparably sensitive to problems with blood-gas instrument malfunctions (e.g., hydraulics or temperature control) but the aqueous buffer-based materials were less sensitive. Within-day precision for all control materials was similar. The precision of pCO2 determinations in long-term studies was also similar for all control materials, as were pH determinations on commercial controls. For pO2 (especially at O2 < 50 mmHg), sample handling technique influenced the precision and accuracy of Quantra more than the other materials. The variability in pO2 determination with Quantra seems primarily to result from sensitivity in incubation temperature (3% change per degree C at 145 mmHg and 7% change per degree C at 43 mmHg). This study identifies some of the limitations of blood-gas control materials per se and some limitations related to specific blood-gas instruments that affect interpretation of results from them.
Pegaptanib and ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review

Aims: To assess the clinical effectiveness of pegaptanib sodium and ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) identified through searching 12 electronic databases, bibliographies and consultation with experts and manufacturers. RCTs were eligible if they assessed the effects of pegaptanib or ranibizumab with best supportive care, sham injection or photodynamic therapy (PDT) on patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation associated with wet AMD and examined outcomes including visual acuity and adverse events. Results: Three RCTs of ranibizumab (MARINA, ANCHOR, FOCUS) and two of pegaptanib (VISION study) met the inclusion criteria. The RCTs included patients with different lesion types. The studies showed statistically significant benefit on different measures of visual acuity for patients receiving pegaptanib, ranibizumab or ranibizumab with PDT compared to control (sham injection, PDT or sham injection with PDT) after 12 months. These differences appeared to be clinically significant. Although adverse events were common among those receiving pegaptanib or ranibizumab, they were considered mild to moderate in nature. Meta-analysis of ranibizumab trials and indirect comparison of the two drugs were not possible due to differences in the study populations’ lesion types. However, results from the RCTs of ranibizumab tended to show a greater effect on visual acuity than results from the RCT of pegaptanib. Conclusions: Pegaptanib and ranibizumab appear to slow or stop the progression of neovascular AMD. Uncertainty remains over the relative benefits of pegaptanib compared with ranibizumab and other unlicensed drugs (eg, Avastin), due to the nature of the evidence. Head-to-head RCTs and economic evaluations comparing these alternatives are needed.
Compliance on the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying Examination and the Importance of Location and Size on Pass Rates

Objective. To describe residency program compliance to a 60% pass rate and 80% eligibility standard outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) on the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying Examination. The hypothesis is that larger programs will have higher pass rates. Methods. Pediatric residency programs were retrospectively evaluated from 2008 to 2010 regarding the ACGME standards. Simple linear regression was performed to see if program pass rates were dependent on program size. Results. A total of 162/163 (83.4%) programs had first-time examinee pass rates of 60%. A total of 179/193 (92.7%) programs satisfied the 80% eligibility standard. The Northeast performed lower than Midwest, Southern, and Western states (P < .001). The West performed higher than the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern states (p < 0.05). Simple linear regression showed that performance depends on program size (P < .001). Conclusions. A majority of programs satisfy the minimum ACGME standards. Program performance is associated with program size and location. These findings may alter application patterns to pediatric residency programs.
The Genome of the Generalist Plant Pathogen Fusarium avenaceum Is Enriched with Genes Involved in Redox, Signaling and Secondary Metabolism

Fusarium avenaceum is a fungus commonly isolated from soil and associated with a wide range of host plants. We present here three genome sequences of F. avenaceum, one isolated from barley in Finland and two from spring and winter wheat in Canada. The sizes of the three genomes range from 41.6–43.1 MB, with 13217–13445 predicted protein-coding genes. Whole-genome analysis showed that the three genomes are highly syntenic, and share>95% gene orthologs. Comparative analysis to other sequenced Fusaria shows that F. avenaceum has a very large potential for producing secondary metabolites, with between 75 and 80 key enzymes belonging to the polyketide, non-ribosomal peptide, terpene, alkaloid and indole-diterpene synthase classes. In addition to known metabolites from F. avenaceum, fuscofusarin and JM-47 were detected for the first time in this species. Many protein families are expanded in F. avenaceum, such as transcription factors, and proteins involved in redox reactions and signal transduction, suggesting evolutionary adaptation to a diverse and cosmopolitan ecology. We found that 20% of all predicted proteins were considered to be secreted, supporting a life in the extracellular space during interaction with plant hosts.
Local exact controllability to the trajectories of the Navier-Stokes system with nonlinear Navier-slip boundary conditions

In this paper we deal with the local exact controllability of the Navier-Stokes system with nonlinear Navier-slip boundary conditions and distributed controls supported in small sets. In a first step, we prove a Carleman inequality for the linearized Navier-Stokes system, which leads to null controllability of this system at any time T>0 . Then, fixed point arguments lead to the deduction of a local result concerning the exact controllability to the trajectories of the Navier-Stokes system.
Loxosceles gaucho Venom-Induced Acute Kidney Injury – In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Background Accidents caused by Loxosceles spider may cause severe systemic reactions, including acute kidney injury (AKI). There are few experimental studies assessing Loxosceles venom effects on kidney function in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings In order to test Loxosceles gaucho venom (LV) nephrotoxicity and to assess some of the possible mechanisms of renal injury, rats were studied up to 60 minutes after LV 0.24 mg/kg or saline IV injection (control). LV caused a sharp and significant drop in glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow and urinary output and increased renal vascular resistance, without changing blood pressure. Venom infusion increased significantly serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. In the LV group renal histology analysis found acute epithelial tubular cells degenerative changes, presence of cell debris and detached epithelial cells in tubular lumen without glomerular or vascular changes. Immunohistochemistry disclosed renal deposition of myoglobin and hemoglobin. LV did not cause injury to a suspension of fresh proximal tubules isolated from rats. Conclusions/Significance Loxosceles gaucho venom injection caused early AKI, which occurred without blood pressure variation. Changes in glomerular function occurred likely due to renal vasoconstriction and rhabdomyolysis. Direct nephrotoxicity could not be demonstrated in vitro. The development of a consistent model of Loxosceles venom-induced AKI and a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the renal injury may allow more efficient ways to prevent or attenuate the systemic injury after Loxosceles bite.
Alpha-COPI Coatomer Protein Is Required for Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Whorl Formation in Mosquito Midgut Epithelial Cells

Background One of the early events in midgut epithelial cells of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is the dynamic reorganization of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) whorl structures coincident with the onset of blood meal digestion. Based on our previous studies showing that feeding on an amino acid meal induces TOR signaling in Ae. aegypti, we used proteomics and RNAi to functionally identify midgut epithelial cell proteins that contribute to RER whorl formation. Methodology/Principal Findings Adult female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were maintained on sugar alone (unfed), or fed an amino acid meal, and then midgut epithelial cells were analyzed by electron microscopy and protein biochemistry. The size and number of RER whorls in midgut epithelial cells were found to decrease significantly after feeding, and several KDEL-containing proteins were shown to have altered expression levels. LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry was used to analyze midgut microsomal proteins isolated from unfed and amino acid fed mosquitoes, and of the 127 proteins identified, 8 were chosen as candidate whorl forming proteins. Three candidate proteins were COPI coatomer subunits (alpha, beta, beta'), all of which appeared to be present at higher levels in microsomal fractions from unfed mosquitoes. Using RNAi to knockdown alpha-COPI expression, electron microscopy revealed that both the size and number of RER whorls were dramatically reduced in unfed mosquitoes, and moreover, that extended regions of swollen RER were prevalent in fed mosquitoes. Lastly, while a deficiency in alpha-COPI had no effect on early trypsin protein synthesis or secretion 3 hr post blood meal (PBM), expression of late phase proteases at 24 hr PBM was completely blocked. Conclusions alpha-COPI was found to be required for the formation of RER whorls in midgut epithelial cells of unfed Aa. aegypti mosquitoes, as well as for the expression of late phase midgut proteases.
A role for post-transcriptional control of endoplasmic reticulum dynamics and function in C. elegans germline stem cell maintenance

Membrane-bound receptors, which are crucial for mediating several key developmental signals, are synthesized on endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The functional integrity of ER must therefore be important for the regulation of at least some developmental programs. However, the developmental control of ER function is not well understood. Here, we identify the C. elegans protein FARL-11, an ortholog of the mammalian STRIPAK complex component STRIP1/2 (FAM40A/B), as an ER protein. In the C. elegans embryo, we find that FARL-11 is essential for the cell cycle-dependent morphological changes of ER and for embryonic viability. In the germline, FARL-11 is required for normal ER morphology and for membrane localization of the GLP-1/Notch receptor involved in germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance. Furthermore, we provide evidence that PUF-8, a key translational regulator in the germline, promotes the translation of farl-11 mRNA. These findings reveal that ER form and function in the C. elegans germline are post-transcriptionally regulated and essential for the niche-GSC signaling mediated by GLP-1. Summary: PUF-8 promotes germline stem cell proliferation by promoting the expression of FARL-11, an ER protein that facilitates the membrane localization of GLP-1 /Notch.