Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection and differentiation between mycotoxigenic and non‐mycotoxigenic strains of two Fusarium spp. using volatile production profiles and hydrolytic enzymes

Volatile profiles and hydrolytic enzyme production by one non‐mycotoxigenic and three mycotoxigenic strains of Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum, grown in vitro for up to 96 h on a grain medium at 25 °C/0·95 water activity, were examined for differentiation of isolates. After spore lawn inoculation, measurements were made after 48, 72 and 96 h by sampling the head space above cultures with an electronic nose system using a 14 sensor surface polymer array, and by extraction and quantification of hydrolytic enzymes. There was good reproducibility of volatile patterns between replicates of the same treatment. Principal component analysis indicated that discrimination could be achieved between the uninoculated controls, the non‐mycotoxigenic strain and the mycotoxin‐producing strains for both species after 48 h. The total and specific activity of three out of seven enzymes (β‐d‐glucosidase, α‐d‐galactosidase and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase) were found to increase significantly in the non‐mycotoxigenic when compared with the toxigenic strains of both species after 72 h. Activities of the others (β‐d‐fucosidase, α‐d‐mannosidase, β‐d‐xylosidase and N‐acetyl‐α‐d‐glucosaminidase) were not significantly different between strains. The study has shown for the first time that it is possible to differentiate between mycotoxigenic and non‐mycotoxigenic strains of such spoilage fungi based on their volatile production patterns using an electronic nose system. These results have significance in the development of methods for the early detection of toxin‐producing spoilage moulds in the food industry.
Executive functions in children with communication impairments, in relation to autistic symptomatology

Previous research has found that people with autism generate few novel responses in ideational fluency tasks, and it has been suggested this deficit is a specific correlate of stereotyped/repetitive behavior. We assessed generativity in children with pragmatic language impairment (PLI) who showed communicative abnormalities resembling those seen in autism. We compared four groups: high-functioning autism; PLI; specific language impairment; and control. Generativity was measured using two fluency tasks previously shown to be sensitive to autistic disorder. Correlational analysis revealed a significant relationship between the percentage of correct responses on the fluency tasks and measures of communicative abnormality. It is often assumed that pragmatic difficulties are caused by limitations of social cognition. This study suggests that difficulties in generating relevant ideas can be another cause of autistic-like communicative abnormalities.
Substance Use Among Sexual Minority Collegiate Athletes: A National Study

ABSTRACT Background: The empirical research examining substance use among sexual minority collegiate athletes is sparse. Problematically, this group may be at a greater risk of substance use due to their marginalized status within the context of sport. Objectives: We examined different types of substance use during the past 30 days, and diagnosis of substance use disorders during the past 12 months, among sexual minority collegiate athletes. Methods: This study uses data from college students for the fall semester between 2008 and 2012 from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment. Results: Sexual minority collegiate athletes had greater odds of past 30-day cigarette use, past 30-day alcohol use, past 30-day marijuana use, and indicating being diagnosed or treated for a substance use disorder during the past 12 months when compared to either heterosexual collegiate athletes or heterosexual nonathletes, but had similar odds on these outcomes when compared to sexual minority nonathletes. Sexual minority collegiate athletes also had greater odds of binge drinking during the past 2 weeks when compared to either heterosexual nonathletes or sexual minority nonathletes, but had similar odds on this outcome when compared to heterosexual collegiate athletes. Additional analyses by gender reveal that male sexual minority athletes are at the greatest risk of being diagnosed or treated for a substance use disorder. Conclusions: Possible explanations as to why sexual minority collegiate athletes (particularly males) may be at a greater risk of substance use disorders could include the difficulty of trying to maintain an athletic identity within a social environment that is traditionally homophobic.
Non‐MAO A binding of clorgyline in white matter in human brain

Clorgyline is an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO A) which has been labeled with carbon‐11 (C‐11) and used to measure human brain MAO A with positron emission tomography (PET). In this study we compared [11C]clorgyline and deuterium‐substituted [11C]clorgyline ([11C]clorgyline‐D2) to better understand the molecular link between [11C]clorgyline binding and MAO A. In PET studies of five normal healthy volunteers scanned with [11C]clorgyline and [11C]clorgyline‐D2 2 h apart, deuterium substitution generally produced the expected reductions in the brain uptake of [11C]clorgyline. However, the reduction was not uniform with the C‐11 binding in white matter being significantly less sensitive to deuterium substitution than other brain regions. The percentages of the total binding attributable to MAO A is largest for the thalamus and smallest for the white matter and this is clearly seen in PET images with [11C]clorgyline‐D2. Thus deuterium‐substituted [11C]clorgyline selectively reduces the MAO A binding component of clorgyline in the human brain revealing non‐MAO A binding which is most apparent in the white matter. The characterization of the non‐MAO A binding component of this widely used MAO A inhibitor merits further investigation.
Axonal Transport of [35S]Methionine‐Labeled Proteins in Two Intra‐Brain Tracts of the Rat

[35S]Methionine was stereotaxically injected into the dorsalateral geniculate body (DLGB) of adult male rats, and 1 h to 10 days post‐injection the DLGB and projection site (striate cortex) were dissected out and solubilized in 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Samples were analyzed for acid‐precipitable radioactivity, and radioactivity in different molecular weight classes was determined following discontinuous gel electrophoresis on both tube and slab gels. Acid‐precipitable radioactivity in the DLGB peaked by 4 h and then declined over the time period studied. The molecular weight distribution pattern was complex and did not change appreciably with time. Radioactivity in the striate cortex arrived in at least three waves: rapidly transported proteins arrived between 2 and 4 h; a second wave of transport began to arrive at about 7 h post‐injection and there was a slight rise in specific activity for 2 days; finally, at 3 days post‐injection, there was a steep increase with the arrival of the bulk of the transported material. The electrophoretic distribution pattern of proteins arriving in the first wave included 40–50 identifiable bands ranging in molecular weight from 13,000 to 200,000. Of particular interest was a radioactive band of apparent molecular weight of 110,000, which was prominent at 4 h, but by 12 h showed very little labeling. The second wave of radioactivity contained primarily proteins of molecular weight classes already present, although there were quantitative differences. Several proteins in the molecular weight range of 43,000 to 78,000 were identifiable as characteristic of the third wave of transported material. Results from a study following injection of a hippocampus were similar: the electrophoretic distribution pattern of radioactive proteins extracted from the injected hippocampus resembled that of the DLGB, and also did not vary appreciably with time, while radioactive proteins in the contralateral hippocampus had an electrophoretic distribution pattern similar to that of the striate cortex and changed with time in a similar manner.
Sugarbeet Yield and Seasonal Growth Characteristics as Affected by Hail Damage and Nitrogen Level

Sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in the western United States are subject to hailstorms that reduce yield and profits to the grower. A better understanding of growth characteristics before and after hail damage will enable growers to make correct decisions regarding soil and plant treatments to hasten recovery from hail damage and maximize sucrose yields.
A Review of Smoking Cessation in Bipolar Disorder: Implications for Future Research

Tobacco smoking is common in people with bipolar disorder, and rates of smoking cessation are lower than in the general population. A literature review found 11 clinical research publications on bipolar disorder and tobacco, including only one smoking cessation pharmacotherapy trial. This article will review these findings and discuss possible reasons for the high rates of tobacco addiction among persons with bipolar disorder, as well as specific vulnerability factors that may contribute to tobacco treatment failure. An approach to the clinical assessment and treatment of tobacco dependence is described for this subgroup of smokers. Finally, recommendations are made for planning future treatment studies in persons with bipolar disorder and nicotine dependence.
Eye drop NGF administration promotes the recovery of chemically injured cholinergic neurons of adult mouse forebrain

We have recently shown that conjunctivally applied nerve growth factor (NGF) in rats can reach the retina, the optic nerve and the CNS. In the present study, we investigated whether NGF application as collyrium can promote the recovery of chemically injured basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. NGF was administered on the eye of adult male mice previously treated i.c. v. with ibotenic acid to impair cholinergic pathways. Mice were tested in the passive avoidance test, and after 2 weeks of NGF administration were killed and the brains used for structural, biochemical and molecular analyses. The results showed that application of NGF on the eye surface protected choline acetyl transferase levels. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that application of NGF on the eye can represent an alternative delivery route to promote the recovery of brain cells during degeneration, including neurons involved in learning and memory activities.
Modeling of magnetic field stimulation of bent neurons

The authors consider a simple model of magnetic stimulation of a long bent neuron located in a semi-infinite volume conductor with a planar interface. It is shown that the stimulating coil characteristics (size, shape and location) and the neuron shape affect the location of the stimulation. The activating function, defined as the electric field derivative along the neuron, has two components. One component depends on the derivative of the electric field along the straight section of the neuron, and the other on the field magnitude. The maximal stimulation point is at the bent part of the nerve and its position depends on the nerve shape and coil parameters. The analysis also has shown a better performance (a stronger stimulus) for a double-circular (figure eight) coil than for a double-square coil. <<ETX>>
Trapping and acceleration of nonideal injected electron bunches in laser Wakefield accelerators

Most conceptual designs for future laser wakefield accelerators (LWFA) require external injection of precisely-phased, monoenergetic, ultrashort bunches of MeV electrons. This paper reports simulation and Hamiltonian models of several nonideal injection schemes that demonstrate strong phase bunching and good accelerated beam quality in a channel-guided LWFA. For the case of monoenergetic, unphased (long bunch) injection, there is an optimum range of injection energies for which the LWFA can trap a significant fraction of the injected pulse while producing an ultrashort, high-quality accelerated pulse. These favorable results are due to a combination of pruning of particles at unfavorable phases, rapid acceleration, and strong phase bunching. Also, the plasma channel introduces a favorable shift in the region of accelerating phase where electrons are focused, which can significantly reduce the required injection energy. Simulation results agree well with the predictions of the Hamiltonian model. Simulations of phased injection with a broad injected energy spread also exhibit final accelerated bunches with small energy spread. These results suggest that relatively poor quality injection pulses may still be useful in LWFA demonstration experiments.
The Management of Second Twin and its Perinatal Outcome in Comparison with First Twin

AIM: To study the management of second twin and its perinatal outcome in comparison with first twin in Modern Govt. Maternity Hospital. OBJECTIVES: The present study has been undertaken to study the influence of following factors on the perinatal outcome of second twin in comparison with first twin: Chorionicity, Gestational age. Presentation of twins, Mode of delivery, Birth weight, Birth interval. RESULTS: 150 twin pregnancies that were delivered in MGMH, Hyderabad were considered and the following analysis was done. There was one twin to twin transfusion syndrome, one cord entanglement which were included in the study. On analysis, the 150 twin cases the following results were obtained: In twin 1, 88.1% of DC and 67.5 %of MC had LBW, 1.8% of DC and 10% of MC had VLBW ; 10% of DC and 15% of MC had birth weight of >2.5 kg with p value of 0.39. It was statistically insignificant. In twin2, 84.5% of DC and 75% of MC had LBW, 3.6% of DC and 25% of MC had VLBW and 11.8% of DC and 10% of MC had birth weight >2.5 kg. It was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: The perinatal outcome of the second twin was poor when compared to the first twin. Poor perinatal outcome in terms of low apgar score at 5 minutes, NICU admissions, neonatal deaths were more in second twin. This may be due to increased prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia and mal presentations in twins. More complications are expected for the second twin compared to the first. Strict intrapartum monitoring, availability of expert obstetrician to conduct delivery along with good neonatal intensive care facilities are crucial in improving the perinatal outcome.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Patients With Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Before and After Liver Transplantation

Background. Cognitive dysfunction is common in both end-stage liver disease and chronic alcohol misuse. The impact of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on neuropsychological function is poorly documented. This prospective study examined changes in cognitive function pre- and post-OLT in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Methods. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was conducted with 92 abstinent patients with ALD scheduled for OLT. Forty-two patients were available for reassessment 12 months post-OLT. Results. Posttransplantation, cognitive performance on all measures fell within normal limits. Greatest improvement occurred in visuomotor speed, complex visual attention processes, and the ability to solve visually presented problems. Performance on memory assessment tasks also improved posttransplantation. Applying a more robust assessment of change (Reliable Change Index), approximately half improved reliably on overall cognitive function. One quarter improved in memory performance. With the exception of the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient scales, discriminant analysis was unable to successfully predict which patients reliably improved. Conclusions. Overall improvement in cognitive function occurs after liver transplantation in ALD. It was not possible to identify which patient characteristics were associated with reliable change.
Molecular cloning of chromosome I DNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: isolation and characterization of the CDC24 gene and adjacent regions of the chromosome

Molecular cloning techniques were used to isolate and characterize the DNA including and surrounding the CDC24 and PYK1 genes on the left arm of chromosome I of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A plasmid that complemented a temperature-sensitive cdc24 mutation was isolated from a yeast genomic DNA library in a shuttle vector. Plasmids containing pyk1-complementing DNA were obtained from other investigators. Several lines of evidence (including one-step gene replacement experiments) demonstrated that the complementing plasmids contained the bona fide CDC24 and PYK1 genes. These sequences were then used to isolate additional DNA from chromosome I by probing a yeast genomic DNA library in a lambda vector. A total of 28 kilobases (kb) of contiguous DNA surrounding the CDC24 and PYK1 genes was isolated, and a restriction map was determined. Electron microscopy of R-loop-containing DNA and RNA blot hybridization analyses indicated that an 18-kb segment contained at least seven transcribed regions, only three of which corresponded to previously known genes (CDC24, PYK1, and CYC3). Southern blot hybridization experiments suggested that none of the genes in this region was duplicated elsewhere in the yeast genome. The centers of CDC24 and PYK1 were only approximately 7.5 kb apart, although the genetic map distance between them is approximately 13 centimorgans. As previous studies with S. cerevisiae have indicated that 1 centimorgan generally corresponds to approximately 3 kb, the region between CDC24 and PYK1 appears to undergo meiotic recombination at an unusually high frequency.
Neurogenesis of glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactive cells in the hippocampus of the mouse. I: Regio superior and regio inferior

The neurogenetic gradients of neurons showing glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) immunoreactivity were determined in the regio superior and in the regio inferior of the mouse hippocampus. Pregnant C57B1 mice received pulse injections of (3H)thymidine from E11 through E17 (E0 being the day of mating). Distributions of (3H)thymidine‐labeled, GAD‐positive neurons in the different strata of the hippocampus proper were recorded in adult animals. GAD‐positive neurons in this region are generated prenatally. Radial gradients of neurogenesis of GAD‐positive cells are characterized by two main features: (1) with the exception of the stratum lacunosum‐moleculare and its interface with the stratum radiatum, GAD‐positive neurons of the plexiform strata are generated before those destined for the pyramidal layer; (2) within the pyramidal layer, GAD‐positive cells are positioned according to an inside‐out sequence. In the transverse axis, neurogenesis of GAD‐positive cells follows a regio inferior to regio superior gradient. This gradient is due to prolonged neurogenesis of GAD‐positive cells for the pyramidal layer in the regio superior. Given the selective laminar disposition of the GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus, the present authors explored whether or not the diverse types of these interneurons could have specific birth dates and concluded that no relationship exists between birth dates and adult phenotypes of GAD‐immunoreactive cells in the mouse hippocampus proper.
Thermo-mechanical reliability of high-temperature power modules with metal-ceramic substrates and sintered silver joints

Demands for higher power density and reliability on power electronics systems are driving the need for development of high-temperature packaging solutions. Existing power module packaging technologies that rely on lead-tin or lead-free die-attach solders and alumina direct-bond-copper (DBC) insulated substrates are limited to 125°C junction temperature for reliable module operation. This is because of low-melting temperatures of the solders and low alumina toughness, respectively. Recently, die-attach by silver sintering or the low-temperature joining technique (LTJT), has been shown to significantly improve chip-bonding reliability at higher junction temperatures. Concurrently, direct-bond-aluminum (DBA) substrates with aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic and DBC substrates using high-toughness silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic are shown to be significantly more reliable than alumina DBC substrates, especially over large temperature swings. In this paper, thermal impedance of the power device was measured to characterize the failure of the sample. The robustness of the combination of sintered silver and Si3N4-DBC or AlN-DBA substrates was confirmed.
The Mondrian matrix: Culicoides biting midge abundance and seasonal incidence during the 2006–2008 epidemic of bluetongue in the Netherlands

During the northern Europe epidemic of bluetongue (BT), Onderstepoort‐type blacklight traps were used to capture Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges weekly between November 2006 and December 2008 on 21 livestock farms in the Netherlands. Proven and potential vectors for the bluetongue virus (BTV) comprised almost 80% of the midges collected: the Obsoletus complex, constituting C. obsoletus (Meigen) and C. scoticus Downes & Kettle (44.2%), C. dewulfi Goetghebuer (16.4%), C. chiopterus (Meigen) (16.3%) and C. pulicaris (Linnaeus) (0.1%). Half of the 24 commonest species of Culicoides captured completed only one (univoltine) or two (bivoltine) generations annually, whereas multivoltine species (including all BTV vectors) cycled through five to six generations (exceeding the one to four generations calculated in earlier decades). Whether this increment signals a change in the phenology of northern Europe Culicoides or simply is an adaptive response that manifests during warmer episodes, thus heightening periodically the incursive potential of midge‐borne arboviruses, remains to be clarified. Culicoides duddingstoni Kettle & Lawson, C. grisescens Edwards, C. maritimus Kieffer, C. pallidicornis Kieffer and C. riethi Kieffer are new records for the biting midge fauna of the Netherlands. It is suggested that C. punctatus (Meigen) be added to the European list of vector Culicoides.
Comparison of the abilities of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare to infect and multiply in cultured human macrophages from normal and human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects

Patients with AIDS commonly develop disseminated infections with Mycobacterium avium (MA) but not its close relative, M. intracellulare (MI). In non-AIDS patients who have these infections, the two species are about equally distributed. The higher incidence of infection with MA than with MI in AIDS patients might be due to the selective susceptibility of these patients to MA. This possibility was tested by comparing the abilities of MA and MI to infect and replicate in cultured macrophages from normal subjects and from patients with AIDS-related complex or AIDS. The macrophages were cultured in medium supplemented with 1 or 5% normal or patient sera or with 1% defined serum substitute. Replication of MA (serovar 4) or MI (serovars 16 and 17) in the macrophages was measured by CFU counts made from lysed samples of the macrophages taken at 0,4, and 7 days after macrophage infection. MA and MI in infected normal macrophages which were cultured in normal serum replicated in these macrophages at similar rates. MA but not MI multiplied abnormally rapidly in patient macrophages cultured in either normal serum or patient serum. The accelerated growth of MA in patient macrophages was macrophage dependent, because patient sera did not change the rate of MA replication in culture medium lacking macrophages. However, patient sera did increase the permissiveness of normal macrophages to MA but not MI. These results suggest that a selective increased susceptibility to MA compared with a retained normal resistance to MI in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients as they progress from AIDS-related complex to AIDS accounts for the higher prevalence of MA than MI infection in AIDS patients. The results also indicate that the mechanisms of native resistance in human macrophages to MA and MI are different.