Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Midazolam-induced Amnesia Reduces Memory for Details and Affects the ERP Correlates of Recollection and Familiarity

Dual process models suggest that recognition memory is supported by familiarity and recollection processes. Previous research administering amnesic drugs and measuring ERPs during recognition memory have provided evidence for separable neural correlates of familiarity and recollection. This study examined the effect of midazolam-induced amnesia on memory for details and the proposed ERP correlates of recognition. Midazolam or saline was administered while subjects studied oriented pictures of common objects. ERPs were recorded during a recognition test 1 day later. Subjects' discrimination of old and new pictures as well as orientation discrimination was worse when they were given midazolam instead of saline. As predicted, the parietal old/new effect was decreased with the administration of midazolam. However, weaker effects on FN400 old/new effects were also observed. These results provide converging pharmacological and electrophysiological evidence that midazolam primarily affects recollection as indexed by parietal ERP old/new effects and memory for orientation, while also exerting some weaker effects on familiarity as indexed by FN400 old/new effects.
MS-1 magA

Bacterial genes involved in the biomineralization of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetotactic bacteria have recently been proposed as reporters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In such systems, the expression of the bacterial genes in mammalian cells purportedly leads to greater concentrations of intracellular iron or the biomineralization of iron oxides, thus leading to an enhancement in relaxation rate that is detectable via MRI. Here, we show that the constitutive expression of the magA gene from Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum is tolerated by human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells but induces a strong toxic effect in murine mesenchymal/stromal cells and kidney-derived stem cells, severely restricting its effective use as a reporter gene for stem cells. Although it has been suggested that magA is involved in iron transport, when expressed in HEK cells, it does not affect the transcription of endogenous genes related to iron homeostasis. Furthermore, the magA-induced enhancement in iron uptake in HEK cells is insignificant, suggesting this gene is a poor reporter even for cell types that can tolerate its expression. We suggest that the use of magA for stem cells should be approached with caution, and its efficacy as a reporter gene requires a careful assessment on a cell-by-cell basis.
In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial effect of miswak against common oral pathogens

Background and Objective: Miswak is a natural tooth cleaning tool which is being used in many parts of the world since ancient times. It is known to be useful in prevention of dental caries. But still it is not used as frequently as other oral hygiene tools. This research was designed to scientifically establish antimicrobial effect of miswak in vitro against common oral pathogens. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 100 health care workers. This research was carried out in Microbiology section of Dow Diagnostic Research & Reference Laboratory. A questionnaire was designed to test oral hygiene habits of study subjects. Oral swabs were taken and microorganisms were identified by standard bacteriological methods. Test material included four different types of miswaks i.e. (1) root of the peelu (Salvadora persica) tree (in packing) (2) root of the peelu tree (without packing) (3) stem of the peelu tree & (4) stem of the neem (Azadirechta indica) tree. These miswaks were tested against three different types of microorganisms isolated from oral swabs: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans & Candida albicans by agar diffusion method. Inhibition zone was measured after 24 hrs of incubation at 37oC. Results: Among the miswaks used, root of the peelu tree in both packing and without packing exhibited strong antimicrobial effect against all three tested microorganisms. However miswak taken from the stem of the peelu and neem tree did not show any antimicrobial activity against all three types of the tested microorganisms. Conclusion: Miswak taken from the root of the peelu tree exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the common oral pathogens and could be a good oral hygiene tool in combating dental caries.
Relationship between Cytomegalovirus DNA Load in Epithelial Lining Fluid and Plasma of Lung Transplant Recipients and Analysis of Coinfection with Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Herpesvirus 6 in the Lung Compartment

ABSTRACT Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). The aim of the present study was to elucidate the relationship between the CMV DNA load in the lung compartment and that in plasma. For CMV load determination, the level of CMV DNA in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples was measured in a total of 97 paired BAL and plasma samples obtained from 25 LTRs. The original virus concentration in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) was calculated from the BAL samples by correcting for dilution using the urea dilution method. In addition, the load of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and that of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) DNA also were determined in BAL samples, recalculated for their concentrations in the ELF, and compared with the CMV DNA load. CMV DNA was found more frequently and at significantly higher levels in the lung compartment than in plasma (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon test), and the CMV load in the ELF was associated with symptomatic CMV disease. EBV and HHV-6 were detected in 43.6% and 21.7% of the ELF samples, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between the CMV and EBV DNA loads in the ELF (P < 0.001; Spearman's rho = 0.651). Thus, in LTRs, determination of the CMV DNA load in the lung compartment may be advantageous compared to monitoring only viremia. The significant relationship between EBV and CMV DNA loads in the ELF of LTRs and its clinical impact require further investigation.
Growth Mechanisms of CdS Nanocrystals in Aqueous Media

CdS nanocrystals were prepared in water-in-oil microemulsions. The nanocrystal properties, absorption and luminescence spectra and size distributions, were monitored at different times after mixing the microemulsions of the two precursors to obtain information on their growth mechanism. In particular, CdS nanocrystals were prepared using water-in-heptane or water-in-nonane microemulsions. The results obtained from the investigation of nanocrystals prepared using heptane as the organic phase, confirmed that nanocrystal nucleation is fast while their growth is determined by droplet exchange content rate. Size distribution histograms obtained from the sample at early time points after mixing presented a bimodal population having average sizes of 3.0 ± 0.1 and 5.8 ± 0.1 nm, thus indicating that surface process controls the nanocrystal growth. With longer reaction times the occurrence of water droplet coalescence is likely responsible for the formation of nanocrystal agglomerates. Using a water-in-nonane microemulsion, the droplet exchange rate can be modified, thus leading to smaller CdS nanocrystals. However, the development of structural defects cannot be excluded, as evidenced by the luminescence spectra of the suspension. In general, aging of the nanocrystal in the pristine microemulsion resulted in the development of cubic semiconductor nanostructures.
Liver transplantation at the ochsner clinic: quality and outcomes improvement.

BACKGROUND In 2005, the results published by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients showed that Ochsner Clinic Foundation's patient and graft survival rates were statistically lower than expected, and the United Network for Organ Sharing Membership and Professional Standards Committee placed our center under peer review. METHODS In response, patient outcomes prior to August 2005 were carefully reviewed in a transparent fashion and protocols were written to standardize treatments. We renewed the focus on patient-related outcomes and regulatory adherence and empowered frontline staff to express their views, allowing for real teamwork to develop. Multiple changes were implemented in the everyday running of the program. A quality assurance and performance improvement plan (QAPI) was initiated to improve outcomes. RESULTS In 2012, the Ochsner liver transplant program became the largest liver transplant program in the United States by volume and in 2013 was awarded the prestigious CareChex award, acknowledging it as the number one program in terms of quality of care and outcomes for liver transplantation. CONCLUSION The methodical application of this QAPI program achieved a remarkable transformation of the Ochsner liver transplant program and exemplifies what is possible with strong teamwork from dedicated and talented staff.
Epstein-Barr virus in oral mucosa from human immunodeficiency virus positive patients.

OBJECTIVE The detection rate of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is higher in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In an attempt to contribute to our epidemiological understanding of this coinfection and to investigate the activity of EBV in normal oral mucosa, we performed a cross-sectional study with HIV-positive patients. METHODS Oral smears from 145 HIV-positive patients were collected between March 2010 and March 2011. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) were used to genotype EBV and to detect EBNA-2 expression, respectively. RESULTS EBV DNA was detected in 48.3% of the study participants, of whom 32.85% were EBV-1 and 45.71% were EBV-2 carriers. Additionally, 14.28% were coinfected with both types. EBNA-2 mRNA was expressed in 45.7% of the EBV -positive samples, including 20.0% with EBV-1 only, 20.0% with EBV-2 only and 1.4% with both genotypes. Immune status affected the overall EBV infection, and EBV-2 positivity was significantly correlated with sexual lifestyle of the participants. EBV co-infection with both viral types was dependent upon HIV viral load and the activity of the EBNA-2 gene. CONCLUSION We report a high prevalence of active EBV in the oral mucosa of asymptomatic HIV-seropositive individuals. This study addresses the need for monitoring and treatment of HIV-infected patients with EBV reactivation.
Bayesian inference of population expansions in domestic bovines

The past population dynamics of four domestic and one wild species of bovine were estimated using Bayesian skyline plots, a coalescent Markov chain Monte Carlo method that does not require an assumed parametric model of demographic history. Four domestic species share a recent rapid population expansion not visible in the wild African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). The estimated timings of the expansions are consistent with the archaeological records of domestication.
Haste Makes Waste but Condition Matters: Molt Rate–Feather Quality Trade-Off in a Sedentary Songbird

Background The trade-off between current and residual reproductive values is central to life history theory, although the possible mechanisms underlying this trade-off are largely unknown. The ‘molt constraint’ hypothesis suggests that molt and plumage functionality are compromised by the preceding breeding event, yet this candidate mechanism remains insufficiently explored. Methodology/Principal Findings The seasonal change in photoperiod was manipulated to accelerate the molt rate. This treatment simulates the case of naturally late-breeding birds. House sparrows Passer domesticus experiencing accelerated molt developed shorter flight feathers with more fault bars and body feathers with supposedly lower insulation capacity (i.e. shorter, smaller, with a higher barbule density and fewer plumulaceous barbs). However, the wing, tail and primary feather lengths were shorter in fast-molting birds if they had an inferior body condition, which has been largely overlooked in previous studies. The rachis width of flight feathers was not affected by the treatment, but it was still condition-dependent. Conclusions/Significance This study shows that sedentary birds might face evolutionary costs because of the molt rate–feather quality conflict. This is the first study to experimentally demonstrate that (1) molt rate affects several aspects of body feathers as well as flight feathers and (2) the costly effects of rapid molt are condition-specific. We conclude that molt rate and its association with feather quality might be a major mediator of life history trade-offs. Our findings also suggest a novel advantage of early breeding, i.e. the facilitation of slower molt and the condition-dependent regulation of feather growth.
Time Does Not Heal All Wounds

Cross-sectional studies show that divorced people report lower levels of life satisfaction than do married people. However, such studies cannot determine whether satisfaction actually changes following divorce. In the current study, data from an 18-year panel study of more than 30,000 Germans were used to examine reaction and adaptation to divorce. Results show that satisfaction drops as one approaches divorce and then gradually rebounds over time. However, the return to baseline is not complete. In addition, prospective analyses show that people who will divorce are less happy than those who stay married, even before either group gets married. Thus, the association between divorce and life satisfaction is due to both preexisting differences and lasting changes following the event.
Productivity and Profitability of Direct Seeded Early Ahu Rice under Medium Land Situation

A field experiment was carried out at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2017 to develop the irrigation schedule of direct seeded early ahu rice under medium land situation and to find out the suitable nutrient management practices for direct seeded early ahu rice to suit the variability in rainfall pattern. The treatments consisted of four irrigation regimes viz. irrigation at 80% available water till onset of pre-monsoon rain (I1), irrigation at 70% available water till onset of premonsoon rain (I2), irrigation at 60% available water till onset of pre-monsoon rain (I3) and rainfed (I4) as main plot and three nutrient management treatments viz. full P as basal + 1⁄2 N and 1⁄2 K at 20 days after sowing (DAS) + 1⁄2 N and 1⁄2 K at 40 DAS (N1), full P as basal, 1/3 N and 1/3 K as basal + 1/3 N and 1/3 K at 20 DAS + 1/3 N and 1/3 K at 40 DAS (N2) and full P as basal, 1⁄2 N and 1⁄2 K as basal + 1⁄4 N and 1⁄4 K at 20 DAS + 1⁄4 N and 1⁄4 K at 40 DAS (N3) as sub plot and control (transplanted early ahu rice with recommended water and fertilizer management practices). Experimental findings revealed that irrigation at 80% available water till onset of pre monsoon rain (I1) recorded the highest values for all the morphological and physiological parameters along with the yield and yield attributing characters of the crop. The highest grain yield (39.83 q/ha) and straw yield (90.96 q/ha) were recorded at irrigation at 80% available water (I1). Among the nutrient management practices, the highest values of all the morphological and physiological parameters along with the yield and yield attributing characters of the crop were recorded under full P as basal + 1⁄2 N and 1⁄2 K at 20 DAS + 1⁄2 N and 1⁄2 K at 40 DAS (N1). This treatment also recorded the highest grain yield (34.16 q/ha) and straw yield (83.45 q/ha). The experiment did not show any significant difference between direct seeded crop and transplanted crop with respect to growth parameters, yield attributes and yield. Direct seeded crop recorded the higher net return and benefit-cost ratio over the transplanted rice. K e y w o r d s Direct seeded rice, Eary ahu, Irrigation,
Anti-Forensics of Lossy Predictive Image Compression

Image compression evidence has been utilized as an important forensic feature to justify image authenticity. However, some recent studies showed that the compression evidence of block transform-based image coding, e.g., JPEG and JPEG2000, can be effectively erased by adding designed dither noise in the transform domain. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is also feasible to hide the compression evidence of lossy predictive image coding, a class of compression paradigm widely employed in critical scenarios. To tackle the challenging issue of error propagation inherent to predictive coding, we design a prediction-direction preserving strategy, allowing us to add dither noise in the prediction error (PE) domain, while minimizing the incurred distortion. Extensive experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed anti-forensic algorithm for lossy predictive image coding.
Effects of NFKB1 and NFKBIA Gene Polymorphisms on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Susceptibility and Clinicopathological Features

Background Constitutive activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB is frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study examined associations of polymorphisms within promoter regions of NFKB1 encoding NF-κB1 and NFKBIA encoding IκBα with the susceptibility of developing HCC and clinicopathological characteristics of the tumors. Methodology and Principal Findings Genetic polymorphisms of NFKB1 and NFKBIA were analyzed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 135 HCC patients and 520 healthy controls. The genotypic frequency of the NFKB1 -94 Ins polymorphism in HCC patients was significantly higher than that of the controls (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32∼3.77). No statistical significance was observed for the distribution frequency of the NFKBIA −-519 C/T, -826 C/T, or -881 A/G genotype and haplotype polymorphisms between HCC patients and controls. Furthermore, female HCC patients carrying the NFKB1 -94 Ins polymorphism were associated with lower clinical stages and smaller tumor sizes. Conclusions Our results indicate that the NFKB1 -94 Ins promoter polymorphism increased the risk of HCC, and may be applied as a predictive factor for the clinical stage and tumor size in female HCC patients.
Indicators of compliance for developmental follow-up of infants discharged from a regional NICU

Abstract Aim: To identify factors associated with compliance of scheduled outpatient developmental follow-up appointments in an effort to better ensure future care. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study looked at patients born between January 7th 2006 and June 30th 2007 and discharged from a regional neonatal intensive care unit (RNICU). Discharge summaries were reviewed to attain information regarding 16 patient descriptives and 12 patient morbidities. Data were recorded and analyzed utilizing the statistical software SPSS 11.5. Results: Children of older mothers were more likely to attend follow-up (compliant: 30 years vs. non-compliant: 27 years). Factors which significantly improved compliance with follow-up care were patient contact after discharge (compliant: 65% vs. non-compliant: 35%) and early intervention referral (compliant: 64% vs. non-compliant: 36%). Factors which significantly hindered compliance were maternal drug use during pregnancy (compliant: 11.8% vs. non-compliant: 88%), and patient transfer to outside NICUs [(transferred out: compliant: 3 (10.3%), non-compliant 25 (89.3%)]. Conclusions: Several factors associated with compliance have been identified. Direct patient contact after discharge positively correlated with improved follow-up attendance. The severity of patient disease in the NICU did not impact follow-up rates. As a result close attention needs to be paid to factors which influence compliance with outpatient follow-up for developmental screening.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans Observations of Time-Dependent Bedform Transformation in Combined Wave-Current Flows

Although combined wave-current flows in the nearshore coastal zone are common, there are few observations of bedform response and inherent geometric scaling in combined flows. Our effort presents observations of bedform dynamics that were strongly influenced by waves, currents, and combined wave-current flow at two sampling locations separated by 60 m in the cross shore. Observations were collected in 2014 at the Sand Engine mega-nourishment on the Delfland coast of the Netherlands. The bedforms had wavelengths ranging from 14 cm to over 2 m and transformed shape and orientation within, at times, as little as 20 min and up to 6 hr. The dynamic set of observations was used to evaluate a fully unsteady description of changes in the bedform growth with the sediment transport continuity equation (Exner equation), relating changes in bedform volume to bedload sediment transport. Analysis shows that bedform volume was a function of the integrated transport rate over the bedform development time period. The bedform development time period (time lag of bedform growth/adjustment) is important for estimating changes in bedform volume. Results show that this continuity principle held for wave, current, and combined wave-current generated bedforms. Plain Language Summary Just under the water at sandy beaches around the world there are sand ripples that form, grow, move, change, and decay. While the ripple feature is very aesthetically pleasing, it also serves the purpose of moving sand toward and away from the coast. In order for us to accurately predict coastal change, it is important to fully understand how sand ripples grow and decay in waves, currents, and combined wave-current flows. Field observations of growing and changing sand ripples in combined wave-current flows are used to validate a new analytical expression for estimating bedform growth and decay due to changes in the flow field energy.
The time lag between a carbon dioxide emission and maximum warming increases with the size of the emission

In a recent letter, Ricke and Caldeira (2014 Environ. Res. Lett. 9 124002) estimated that the timing between an emission and the maximum temperature response is a decade on average. In their analysis, they took into account uncertainties about the carbon cycle, the rate of ocean heat uptake and the climate sensitivity but did not consider one important uncertainty: the size of the emission. Using simulations with an Earth System Model we show that the time lag between a carbon dioxide (CO2) emission pulse and the maximum warming increases for larger pulses. Our results suggest that as CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere, the full warming effect of an emission may not be felt for several decades, if not centuries. Most of the warming, however, will emerge relatively quickly, implying that CO2 emission cuts will not only benefit subsequent generations but also the generation implementing those cuts.
Cardiac-Specific Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 Protects Against Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Transgenic Mice

Abstract— Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 degrades the pro-oxidant heme and generates carbon monoxide and antioxidant bilirubin. We have previously shown that in response to hypoxia, HO-1–null mice develop infarcts in the right ventricle of their hearts and that their cardiomyocytes are damaged by oxidative stress. To test whether HO-1 protects against oxidative injury in the heart, we generated cardiac-specific transgenic mice overexpressing different levels of HO-1. By use of a Langendorff preparation, hearts from transgenic mice showed improved recovery of contractile performance during reperfusion after ischemia in an HO-1 dose–dependent manner. In vivo, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion experiments showed that infarct size was only 14.7% of the area at risk in transgenic mice compared with 56.5% in wild-type mice. Hearts from these transgenic animals had reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and oxidative damage. Our data demonstrate that overexpression of HO-1 in the cardiomyocyte protects against ischemia and reperfusion injury, thus improving the recovery of cardiac function.