Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delayed clearance of cerebrospinal fluid tracer from choroid plexus in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

Impaired clearance of amyloid-β from choroid plexus is one proposed mechanism behind amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease. The present study examined whether clearance from choroid plexus of a cerebrospinal fluid tracer, serving as a surrogate marker of a metabolic waste product, is altered in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), one sub-type of dementia. In a prospective observational study of close to healthy individuals (reference cohort; REF) and individuals with iNPH, we performed standardized T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans before and through 24 h after intrathecal administration of a cerebrospinal fluid tracer (the magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent gadobutrol). Changes in normalized T1 signal within the choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid of lateral ventricles were quantified using FreeSurfer. The normalized T1 signal increased to maximum within choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid of lateral ventricles 6–9 h after intrathecal gadobutrol in both the REF and iNPH cohorts (enrichment phase). Peak difference in normalized T1 signals between REF and iNPH individuals occurred after 24 h (clearance phase). The results gave evidence for gadobutrol resorption from cerebrospinal fluid by choroid plexus, but with delay in iNPH patients. Whether choroid plexus has a role in iNPH pathogenesis in terms of delayed clearance of amyloid-β remains to be shown.
Factors affecting the bird diversity of planted and semi-natural oak forests in Ireland

Capsule In Ireland, which has relatively low diversity of bird species, commercially mature plantation oak forests (aged 72–151 years old) have similar bird diversity to typical semi-natural oak woodlands, and higher bird diversity than over-browsed semi-natural oak woodland, with bird diversity related to habitat complexity. Aims To investigate whether oak plantations can support comparable bird assemblages to semi-natural oak woodlands, and to assess if high levels of ungulate browsing and grazing impact on the quality of semi-natural oak woodland habitat for birds. Methods Bird and vegetation surveys were conducted in commercially mature oak plantations (n = 4), semi-natural oak woodlands (n = 10) and intensively browsed semi-natural oak woodland (n = 4). Species richness, total bird density, warbler density and density of parids were compared between oak forest types. Variation in bird communities between sites was investigated using ordination, and relationships between bird and vegetation metrics were assessed using general linear models. Results Bird diversity in plantation oak and the semi-natural forests subject to low levels of ungulate browsing, was similar, with no difference in species richness, total bird density or density of warbler and density of parids. However, browsed semi-natural oak woods had lower species richness than either of the other two study site types, and lower density of warblers than oak plantations. These observed differences in bird communities appear to be a result of browsing mediated differences in habitat complexity between the forest types. Conclusions Plantation forests of native tree species may support comparable bird communities to semi-natural woodlands in areas that lack forest specialists. Bird diversity in woodlands subject to high levels of browsing and grazing is likely to be limited, unless ungulate populations and their access to these woodlands are managed to promote the development of a more complex understorey.
Influence of Compressibility Modification to k-ε Turbulence Models for Supersonic Base Flow

An improvement to the k-e turbulence model is presented and is shown to lead to better agreement with data regarding supersonic base flows. The improvement was achieved by imposing a grid-independent realizability constraint in the Launder-Sharma k-e model. The effects of compressibility were also examined. The numerical results show that the modified Launder-Sharma model leads to some improvement in the prediction of the velocity and turbulent kinetic energy profiles. Compressibility corrections also lead to better agreement in both the turbulent kinetic energy and the Reynolds stress profiles with the experimental data.
GB Virus C Infection among Lithuanian Population with Hepatitis C (HCV) Virus Infection

Background: GB virus C (GBV-C), also known as hepatitis G virus (HGV), is an enveloped virus with about 9,4Kb genome-length single-strand RNA. Based on similarity in genome structure with HCV, the GBV-C virus is classified as the Flaviviridae family virus. The GBV-C virus has a worldwide distribution and virus infections are common among healthy blood donors as well as among immunocompromised individuals. Previous studies showed the high GBV-C co-infection rate in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive individuals. Based on genetic differences between the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) sequences of GBV-C isolates, virus is classified into seven major genotypes and in several subtypes. The distribution of GBV-C genotypes varies geographically and information is still incomplete. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency the frequency of GBV-C and the GBV-C genotypes among the HCV positive individuals in Lithuania. Methods: In this study, GBV-C RNA was isolated from serum samples of 170 patients with known HCV infection. The nested reverse transcriptase reaction was used to synthesize the complementary DNA (cDNA) and the fragment of 210 bp from 5′UTR region was amplified by nested RT PCR. The PCR products were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis by using reference sequences from each genotype obtained from GenBank (n=46). The analysis was computed using CLC bio version 6.6. 5 and MEGA 5.2. Results: Among 170 HCV positive patients, 36 (21.17%) were positive for GBV-C. Based on phylogenetic analysis of a short region (210 bp) in 5′UTR region two genotypes, 2a and 3 were classified. Conclusions: In this study it was found a high frequency of the GBV-C genotype 2a in Lithuanian HCV positive patients. The presence of the genotype 3 may be correlated to the geographical location and history of Lithuania.
A Mechanism of Tropical Convection Inferred from Observed Variability in the Moist Static Energy Budget

Temporal variability in the moist static energy (MSE) budget is studied with measurements from a combination of different satellites including the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and A-Train platforms. A composite time series before and after the development of moist convection is obtained from the observations to delineate the evolution of MSE and moisture convergences and, in their combination, gross moist stability (GMS). A new algorithm is then applied to estimate large-scale vertical motion from energy budget constraints through vertical-mode decomposition into first and second baroclinic modes and a background shallow mode. The findings are indicative of a possible mechanism of tropical convection. A gradual destabilization is brought about by the MSE convergence intrinsic to the positive second baroclinic mode (congestus mode) thatincreasingly counteracts a weak MSE divergence inthe backgroundstate.GMS isdriven to nearly zero as the first baroclinic mode begins to intensify, accelerating the growth of vigorous large-scale updrafts and deep convection. As the convective burst peaks, the positive second modeswitches tothe negative mode (stratiform mode) and introduces an abrupt rise in MSE divergence that likely discourages further maintenance of deep convection. The first mode quickly dissipates and GMS increases away from zero, eventuallyreturningtothebackgroundshallow-modestate.AnotablecaveattothisscenarioisthatGMSserves as a more reliable metric when defined with a radiative heating rate included to offset MSE convergence.
Differences between organophosphates in respiratory failure and lethality with poisoning post the 2011 bans in Sri Lanka

Abstract Introduction: Self-poisoning with organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has high morbidity and mortality. The most toxic OP formulations have been progressively banned in Sri Lanka over the past three decades. However, respiratory failure (RF) requiring ventilation remains a major contributor to fatalities. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the frequency of RF and death after poisoning with the currently available OPs to determine if further bans might be warranted to reduce the burden of OP poisoning in Sri Lanka. Methods: Five hundred and forty patients with confirmed OP self-poisoning were prospectively observed throughout their hospital stay following admission to Peradeniya hospital in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Clinical data including the time and duration of intubation were documented prospectively in structured datasheets. Results: One hundred and forty-nine patients required ventilation (27%), and 34 (23%) of those died. Males with alcohol co-ingestion were more likely to develop RF. Compared to other OPs, profenofos (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5–3.9), and quinalphos (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6–12.6) were more likely to, and chlorpyrifos (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.4) less likely to lead to RF than other OPs. Profenofos was also associated with higher mortality (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.6) than other OPs. The median time to intubation was longer for profenofos, but the duration of intubation was similar for all OP formulations. Conclusion: RF and deaths following OP ingestion continue to be a major problem in Sri Lanka, with profenofos being the major current agent of concern. Strategies to replace profenofos and quinalphos use with less toxic insecticides should be explored. Doctors should be alert to the high probability of delayed and prolonged RF after profenofos poisoning.
Structure and properties of bone-like-nanohydroxyapatite/gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol composites

Bone-like nanohydroxyapatite powders (b-nanoHA) were synthesized in simulated body fluid (SBF). The b-nanoHA, gelatin (Gel) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were used to prepare bone-like composites (b-nanoHA/ Gel/PVA) at room temperature. Characterizations of b-nanoHA powders and b-nanoHA/Gel/PVA composites were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Bending strength and compressive strength of the composite were tested. It was found that microstructure of the b-nanoHA powders was whisker shape and its crystalline degree was low similar to natural bone, bending strength and compressive strength of the b-nanoHA/Gel/PVA composite depended on the mixing ratio of HA, Gel and PVA, and also PVA could induce the network formation in the b-nanoHA/Gel/ PVA composite.
Diet of Aplastodiscus perviridis Lutz 1950 (Anura, Hylidae) in subtemperate forests of southern Brazil

Diet studies allow us to understand important questions about a species behavior in relation to resource use. Aplastodiscus perviridis Lutz 1950 is an arboreal anuran that occurs in southern and southeastern Brazil and western Argentina. In this study, we described and analyzed the diet composition of a population of A. perviridis in southern Brazil. We evaluated the diet by examining the gastrointestinal contents of 42 specimens, 12% of which had no gastrointestinal content, while 12 prey categories were registered. Acarina, Araneae, Coleoptera-adults and Lepidoptera-larvae were the prey categories with the largest relative importance values. The trophic niche breadth was lower than those recorded for other hylids, suggesting a more specialized character. Keywords: prey, niche, behavior, Araucaria forest, predation.
Miliary tuberculosis leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome: Clinical experience in pediatric intensive care

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a rare complication of miliary tuberculosis (TB) in the adult setting, and it is even less common in the pediatric population. The presence of comorbidities and the possibility of a delayed diagnosis may further impair the clinical prognosis of critically ill patients with disseminated TB and acute respiratory failure. In this report, we present a case series of five pediatric patients with miliary TB and ARDS, where rescue and multimodal respiratory support strategies have been applied with a favorable outcome in more than half of them. The burden of miliary TB over time on a general pediatric intensive care unit—including two ARDS patients—is also illustrated.
MODELING OF EXCITATION OF CONTROLLING DISTURBANCES IN SWEPT WING BOUNDARY LAYER BY MEANS OF PLASMA ACTUATORS

Abstract. Two variants of multiple dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuator are proposed for generation the variable amplitude forced modes in thin boundary layer near a swept wing leading edge with the aim to cancel the critical cross-flow-type instability modes resulting in laminar-turbulent transition. Numerical simulation of the excitation of stationary forced modes by DBD-actuators in compressible 3D boundary layer on an infinite span swept wing at typical cruise flight conditions has been executed to estimate the possibility of the proposed method of transition control. Spanwise periodic localized volumetric force and heat impact on boundary layer flow at realistic physical parameters of DBD has been considered. It is shown that DBD-actuators generate three rows of pairs of counter-rotating vortices one above another along local inviscid streamline.
Searching for p-modes in n Boötis & Procyon using MOST satellite data

We present frequency analyses of new photometry obtained in 2005 by the MOST 1 (Microvariability & Oscillations of STars) satellite of two solar- type stars, Bootis and Procyon, and reanalyses of MOST data of these stars obtained in 2004. With improved strategies to identify and correct stray light artifacts in the MOST Fabry Imaging data, we produce amplitude spectra from the reduced data and compare them to p-mode oscillation spectra computed from stellar models. We confirm the null result from the 2004 MOST observa- tions of Procyon. We find no evidence for spectral power with regular spaced frequencies characteristic of radial p-modes, nor do we find excess power in the expected p-mode frequency range. Consequently, we argue the absence of p-mode oscillations in Procyon exceeding our detection limit of about 10ppm. 1 Based on data from the MOST satellite, a Canadian Space Agency mission, jointly
ASSESSMENT AND MODELING OF CHLORINE RELEASE IN URBAN REGION: A CASE STUDY IN WATER SUPPLY OF EYVAN CITY, IRAN

Introduction: Today, with development of various industries, the adverse events originated from explosion and emission of toxic and chemical substances have increased. These events may cause serious environmental problems that threaten human health and safety. Therefore, knowledge about the risk of toxic substances from industrial facilities is essential. Although, chlorine is extensively utilized in water treatment as a disinfectant and some chemical processes as an oxidizing agent, it can lead to some concerns in environmental issues. Materials and methods: In this study, distribution of chlorine in the water supply of Eyvan city from Ilam province, Iran, and its surrounding areas is evaluated and high-risk regions are defined by Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool (PHAST) specialized software. Results: The modeling results showed that the cloud of chlorine is about 1220 m across just downwind of the release for the first scenario (rupture of a chlorine vessel) in the summer; however, the probability of fatality is 100 % in a whole year in a distance of 40 m from the vessel. For the second scenario (rupture of pipeline including the chlorine gas) the human death mostly occurs in a distance of 25 m from the pipeline with the probability of 2.8 % in the summer due to low rate of released gas. Conclusion: As an important result, the land around the chlorination unit covering a distance of approximately 1220 m is vulnerable and risk prevention in that region should be accounted for.
Response to Stress in 17α-hydroxylase Deficient Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The aim of this study was to analyze the stress response during 3 hours net confinement stress and recovery period of 22 hours in normal (STD) and in 17α-hydroxylase deficient common carp (E5). Fish were raised for 6 months and sampled at T0 (control, unstressed), 5 minutes, 20 minutes, 1 hour and 3 hours of exposure to net confinement, and after 1 hour, 4 hours, and 22 hours of recovery. At every sampling time, blood was collected to determine cortisol, corticosterone, glucose, lactate and free fatty acids (FFA) levels (5 fish per strain). Fish and head kidney were weighed before and after dissection, respectively, to determine head kidney somatic Index (HKSI). Morphometric analysis of head kidney tissues indicated that the head kidney somatic index was significantly higher in E5 fish (0.076±0.021) compared with STD fish (0.045±0.015). Also, significant differences in cortisol and corticosterone as well as in glucose, lactate and FFA values were observed between the two strains of E5 and STD. Moreover, the pattern of changes of glucose and FFA during stress and afterward indicated a significant difference compared to the T0. Results support the conclusion that the reduced capacity of ill fish to produce cortisol is caused by a deficiency in 17α-hydroxylase activity. A reduced cortisol output leads to increased stimulation of adrenals by adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), resulting in increased outputs of corticosterone.
Src Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: New Perspectives on Their Immune, Antiviral, and Senotherapeutic Potential

Deregulated activity of the Src tyrosine kinases leads to malignant transformation. Since the FDA approval of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib, in 2001 for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the number of these inhibitors together with Src tyrosine kinase inhibitors (STKIs) has increased notably due to their beneficial effects. Dasatinib, a second-generation STKI inhibitor widely studied, proved high efficiency in CML patients resistant to imatinib. In the last decade STKIs have also been implicated and showed therapeutic potential for the treatment of diverse pathologies other than cancer. In this regard, we review the properties of STKIs, dasatinib in particular, including its immunomodulatory role. Similarly, the potential benefits, adverse effects, and safety concerns of these inhibitors regarding viral infections are considered. Moreover, since life expectancy has increased in the last decades accompanied by age-related morbidity, the reduction of undesirable effects associated to aging has become a powerful therapeutic target. Here, we comment on the ability of STKIs to alleviate age-associated physical dysfunction and their potential impact in the clinic.
The suppression of Dendroctonus frontalis and subsequent wildfire have an impact on forest stand dynamics

ABSTRACT Question: Interacting disturbance effects from Dendroctonus frontalis outbreaks and wildfire are thought to maintain Pinus spp. composition in the southeastern U.S. Our objective was to assess forest composition, structure, and succession following the interaction of two frequently occurring disturbance events in southern Pinus spp. forests: cut-and-leave suppression, a commonly used means for managing D. frontalis outbreaks, and wildfire. Location: Western Gulf Coastal Plain, Louisiana, USA. Method: Pinus taeda stands with cut-and-leave suppression and subsequent wildfire were compared to stands undisturbed by D. frontalis but with the same wildfire events twenty years after Pinus spp. mortality. The woody plant community was assessed in three different size classes and used to predict future forest types with the Forest Vegetation Simulator (50 years). Results: P. taeda is the most abundant (> 50%) species of saw- and poletimber-sizes following cut-and-leave suppression with wildfire and in stands only with fire. Using canonical correspondence analysis, vegetation assemblages were primarily explained by slope position and elevation (7.6% variation explained). Fire intensity and stand age also accounted for variance in the ordination (4.4% and 3.1%, respectively). Dominant and co-dominant P. taeda forest types were predicted by the model to be the most abundant forest types in each disturbance regime. In addition, new regeneration represents high hazard for future mortality from D. frontalis. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that cut-and-leave suppression with additional wildfire disturbance maintains P. taeda composition, and does not alter forest composition differently from stands receiving only wildfire. As a result, predicted Pinus spp. basal area under both disturbances is great enough to facilitate future bark beetle disturbance. Nomenclature: USDA NRCS (Anon. 2005).
Reduced fire blight susceptibility in apple cultivars using a high‐efficiency CRISPR/Cas9‐FLP/FRT‐based gene editing system

Summary The bacterium Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight disease in apple, triggers its infection through the DspA/E effector which interacts with the apple susceptibility protein MdDIPM4. In this work, MdDIPM4 knockout has been produced in two Malus × domestica susceptible cultivars using the CRISPR/Cas9 system delivered via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Fifty‐seven transgenic lines were screened to identify CRISPR/Cas9‐induced mutations. An editing efficiency of 75% was obtained. Seven edited lines with a loss‐of‐function mutation were inoculated with the pathogen. Highly significant reduction in susceptibility was observed compared to control plants. Sequencing of five potential off‐target sites revealed no mutation event. Moreover, our construct contained a heat‐shock inducible FLP/FRT recombination system designed specifically to remove the T‐DNA harbouring the expression cassettes for CRISPR/Cas9, the marker gene and the FLP itself. Six plant lines with reduced susceptibility to the pathogen were heat‐treated and screened by real‐time PCR to quantify the exogenous DNA elimination. The T‐DNA removal was further validated by sequencing in one plant line. To our knowledge, this work demonstrates for the first time the development and application of a CRISPR/Cas9‐FLP/FRT gene editing system for the production of edited apple plants carrying a minimal trace of exogenous DNA.
Impact of traumatic brain injury on sleep: an overview

: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health problem that affects millions of civilians, athletes, and military personnel yearly. Sleeping disorders are one of the underrecognized sequalae even though they affect 46% of individuals with TBI. After a mild TBI, 29% of patients have insomnia, 25% have sleep apnea, 28% have hypersomnia, and 4% have narcolepsy. The type of sleep disturbance may also vary according to the number of TBIs sustained. Diffuse axonal injury within the sleep regulation system, disruption of hormones involved in sleep, and insults to the hypothalamus, brain stem, and reticular activating system are some of the proposed theories for the pathophysiology of sleep disorders after TBI. Genetic and anatomical factors also come to play in the development and severity of these sleeping disorders. Untreated sleep disturbances following TBI can lead to serious consequences with respect to an individual ’ s cognitive functioning. Initial management focuses on conservative measures with progression to more aggressive options if necessary. Future research should attempt to establish the effectiveness of the treatments currently used, as well as identify manageable co-existing factors that could be exacerbating sleep disorders.