Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization and connectivity of rodent equivalent of the primate posterior cingulate cortex (area 23)

The posterior cingulate cortex (mainly area 23) in human and non-human primates is a critical component of the default mode network and is involved in many neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. However, cingulate area 23 has not yet identified in rodents and other lower mammals and this makes modeling related circuits and diseases in rodents very difficult. Using a comparative approach and unique connectional patterns the present study has uncovered the location and extent of rodent equivalent of the primate cingulate area 23. Like in monkeys, area 23 but not adjoining retrosplenial and visual areas in the rats and mice displays strong reciprocal connections with the anteromedial thalamic nucleus. Rodent area 23 also reciprocally connects with the medial pulvinar and claustrum as well as with the anterior cingulate, granular retrosplenial, medial orbitofrontal, postrhinal, and visual and auditory association cortices. The rodent A23 also projects to the subcortical effectors such as the dorsal striatum, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, zona incerta, pretectal nucleus, superior colliculus, periaqueductal gray, and brainstem reticular formation. All these connectional findings support the versatility of area 23 in the integration and modulation of multimodal information underlying spatial processing, episodic memory, self-reflection, attention, value assessment and many adaptive behaviors. Additionally, this study also suggests that the rodents can be used to model primate and human area 23 in future structural, functional, pathological and neuromodulation studies.
Effect of Combustor Swirl on Transonic High Pressure Turbine Efficiency

This paper presents an experimental and computational study of the effect of inlet swirl on the efficiency of a transonic turbine stage. The efficiency penalty is approximately 1%, but it is argued that this could be recovered by correct design. There are attendant changes in capacity, work function, and stage total-to-total pressure ratio, which are discussed in detail. Experiments were performed using the unshrouded MT1 high-pressure turbine installed in the Oxford Turbine Research Facility (OTRF) (formerly at QinetiQ Farnborough): an engine scale, short duration, rotating transonic facility, in which M, Re, Tgas=Twall, and N= ffiffiffiffiffiffiffi T01 p are matched to engine conditions. The research was conducted under the EU Turbine Aero-Thermal External Flows (TATEF II) program. Turbine efficiency was experimentally determined to within bias and precision uncertainties of approximately 61.4% and 60.2%, respectively, to 95% confidence. The stage mass flow rate was metered upstream of the turbine nozzle, and the turbine power was measured directly using an accurate strain-gauge based torque measurement system. The turbine efficiency was measured experimentally for a condition with uniform inlet flow and a condition with pronounced inlet swirl. Full stage computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was performed using the Rolls-Royce Hydra solver. Steady and unsteady solutions were conducted for both the uniform inlet baseline case and a case with inlet swirl. The simulations are largely in agreement with the experimental results. A discussion of discrepancies is given. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4024841]
How Did the First Stars and Galaxies Form

Though astrophysicists have developed a theoretical framework for understanding how the first stars and galaxies formed, only now are we able to begin testing those theories with actual observations of the very distant, early universe. We are entering a new and exciting era of discovery that will advance the frontiers of knowledge, and this book couldn't be more timely. It covers all the basic concepts in cosmology, drawing on insights from an astronomer who has pioneered much of this research over the past two decades. Abraham Loeb starts from first principles, tracing the theoretical foundations of cosmology and carefully explaining the physics behind them. Topics include the gravitational growth of perturbations in an expanding universe, the abundance and properties of dark matter halos and galaxies, reionization, the observational methods used to detect the earliest galaxies and probe the diffuse gas between them--and much more. Cosmology seeks to solve the fundamental mystery of our cosmic origins. This book offers a succinct and accessible primer at a time when breathtaking technological advances promise a wealth of new observational data on the first stars and galaxies. Provides a concise introduction to cosmology Covers all the basic concepts Gives an overview of the gravitational growth of perturbations in an expanding universe Explains the process of reionization Describes the observational methods used to detect the earliest galaxies
Microbiological effect of complete replacement of nitrites/nitrates with starter cultures in traditional raw-dried fermented sausage “Lukanka Panagyurska”

The article is focused on microbiological safety of the traditional raw-dried meat product “Lukanka Panagyurska”, produced by a starter cultures, containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GLP3 and Debaryomyces hansenii ATCC 36239 instead of using nitrates/nitrites. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that the starter cultures had a similar or better preservative effect as the traditional nitrates transformed into nitrites in the drying-ripening phase. The effect of the same starter cultures, produced by two different technological approaches on the survival of foodborne pathogens (Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) was examined. The study showed the presence of the lactic acid microorganisms at every stage of the production process of the raw-dried meat product. Zoonotic pathogens as S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes and sanitary indicator bacteria as E. coli and C. perfringens were combined to control the levels of pathogen inactivation. The preservative effect of the starter cultures resulting from lactic acid fermentation was more effective in comparison to that of nitrites/nitrates. The experiments proved that the microbiological safety of the raw-dried meat product was improved in comparison with the popular practice of adding nitrates/nitrites as a preservative.
Agronomic and nutritional performance of cultivated species in a Voisin rational grazing system, in Panama

Objective: To characterize the agronomic performance and chemical composition of cultivated species in a Voisin rational grazing system, in the humid tropic of Los Santos, Panama. Materials and Methods: The yield and nutritional value of a group of cultivated species were evaluated, with 24 paddocks and 1,9 days of average occupation. The system was grazed with 53 Zebu-based steers and their F1 and F2 crossings (Zebu x Holstein). The main indicators measured were: total forage production (kg DM/ha/rotation), forage supply per species and percentages of DM, CP, ADF, NDF, IVDMD30, ME, Ash, Ca and P. The data were processed using simple classification variance analysis. The statistical package IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 22 was used. Results: Forage production varied between 3 344 and 4 442 kg DM/ha/rotation. The highest pasture yield was obtained in the rainy season. The best yields (p < 0,001) were obtained in the genus Megathyrsus (cvs. Tanzania and Massai), with offers of 34,9 and 31,9 t DM/ha/year, higher than those of the different Urochloa cvs. Regarding the availability of DM/ha/rotation, the lowest values were achieved in the cultivars Toledo and Humidicola. The quality was higher in the rainy season. The high average DM in the dry season (40,80 %) conditioned low CP values (6,85 %), low energy content (1,57 Mcal/kg), low digestibility (55,7 %) and high contents of NDF (74,2%). Conclusions: The average yield and pasture supply of the species were acceptable for the prevailing edaphoclimatic conditions in the ecosystem, since no irrigation or external fertilization was used; although they decreased in the dry season, as well as the nutritional quality. The genus Megathyrsus stood out for its better production indicators; while Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg stood out for its high nutritional value.
Effects of metabiotic Bacillus subtilis for microbiocenosis formation in early-weaned piglets

This paper discusses the results of research related to cultivation of the probiotic microorganism B. subtilis on a grain-based nutrient medium of naked oat (Avena nuda) and studies the possibility of using metabolites as a liquid dietary supplement to correct microbiocenosis gastrointestinal tract disorders in early-weaned piglets. The weight fraction of proteinogenic amino acids in the experimental probiotic suspensions was determined by means of capillary electrophoresis. The metabolic activity of Bacillus subtilis DSM-32424 strain was studied on both sprouted as well as non-sprouted naked oat (Avena nuda) ‘Nemchinovsky’ variety grain-based nutrient medium. It was proved that the maximum microbial count reached 4.9×107 CFU/cm3 on the 6th day of cultivation on the medium based on sprouted naked oat. The use of dietary supplement based on Bacillus subtilis DSM-32424 strain in amount of at least 1×109 CFU/pig had a positive impact in terms of the formation of microbiocenosis in animals at the time of transferring piglets to plant diet.
Exploring the Characterization of Cactus Opuntia as a Coagulant for Turbidity and Chromium removal from Simulated Paint Wastewater

— The coagulation–flocculation potential of Cactus Opuntia Extract (COE), an environmental-friendly coagulant was exploited. The bio-extract was analyzed for functional groups, crystalline structure, surface morphology and phytoconstituents. The FTIR spectrum of COE depicts strong stretch at peaks 3406.36 cm -1 , 3000 cm -1 etc. which confirms the presence of amine group and aromatic ring. The SEM micrographs reveal that the COE is characterized by a rough surface morphology where particles could be adsorbed. The COE was confirmed to have phytoconstituents like flavonoids and tannin which confirmed its coagulability. The effects of coagulant dosage, effluent pH and settling time on the process were studied. At the experimental parameters, the optimum removal efficiencies were recorded at 3 g/l dosage of COE coagulants at pH 6. The obtained maximum efficiencies were 99.6% and 98.14% for turbidity and chromium ion concentration removal using COE respectively. From the results, it is evident that COE is a better low cost and environmental-friendly natural coagulant effective for the removal of turbidity and chromium ion concentration from paint waste water. Therefore, being biodegradable, environmental-friendly, abundant, inexpensive and leaving little or no traces of harmful substances on environment which makes it safe to human health, COE is a promising alternative to the conventional coagulants used in the treatment of paint industry wastewater.
The High Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Correlates With Older Hmong Refugees in the United States

Objective: We estimate depressive symptoms in a sample of older Hmong refugees in the United States, and investigate factors shaping risk of depression in this population. Method: Data were collected in California and Minnesota (N = 127). The study sample included Hmong immigrants aged 55 and over. The measure of depression used is the Hopkins Symptom Checklist–10 (HSCL-10) inventory. Linear regression models were used to identify significant correlates of depressive symptoms. Results: More than 72% of the participants indicated being symptomatic of depression, as reflected by having a HSCL-10 score of 1.85 or higher. Self-reported health was a risk factor for depression. Protective factors from depression were larger household size and older age of arrival into the United States. Discussion: This study updated knowledge about the mental health status of Hmong refugees, who are now at later life. Our findings suggest that depression may be a lifelong experience in this high risk population.
Improvement of halitosis by probiotic bacterium Weissella cibaria CMU: A randomized controlled trial

Several in vitro and in vivo studies have evaluated the effect of probiotics on oral health; however, human clinical studies are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of Weissella cibaria Chonnam Medical University (CMU)-containing tablets on halitosis. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included 100 adults with halitosis (age, 20–70 years). The participants were randomly assigned to the test group (n = 50) and control group (n = 50). One tablet [1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/tablet] was to be taken each day over 8 weeks. The concentrations of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), bad breath improvement scores, and oral colonization of W. cibaria were measured. Psychosocial indicators including depression, self-esteem, oral health-related quality of life, and subjective oral health status were evaluated. Most variables were assessed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks, and W. cibaria number and safety variables were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Intergroup comparisons were carried out using Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test on per-protocol analysis. Intragroup differences before and after intake were analyzed using the linear mixed-effect model (LMM). Per-protocol analysis was carried out in the test group (n = 45) and control group (n = 46). Total VSC was significantly lower in the probiotics group than in the placebo group at baseline (week 0, p = 0.046) and at 8 weeks (p = 0.017). The sum of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan did not differ significantly between the groups at baseline; however, it was significantly lower in the probiotics group than in the placebo group at week 8 (p = 0.012). Bad breath improvement (BBI) scores were significantly reduced at week 8 (p = 0.006) in the probiotics group. Statistically significant intergroup differences were observed for changes in the level of W. cibaria at week 8 (p < 0.001). Psychological indicators significantly improved from baseline to week 8 in the probiotics group. No safety issues were observed in either group. The levels of W. cibaria was higher in patients with halitosis using W. cibaria CMU-containing tablets. The subjective degree of bad breath and psychological indicators were improved in patients with halitosis using W. cibaria CMU-containing tablets.
Sex-specific decision-making impairments and striatal dopaminergic changes after binge drinking history in rats

Binge drinking (BD) is a harmful behavior for health and is a predictive factor for the development of alcohol addiction. Weak decision-making (DM) capacities could play a role in the vulnerability to BD which in turn would lead to DM impairments, thus perpetuating BD. Longitudinal preclinical studies are however lacking and necessary to understand this complex relationship. Both DM and BD are influenced by sex and involve dopamine release in the core of the nucleus accumbens, a central mechanism regulated by dopamine D2/3 autoreceptors. In this context, we used an operant self-administration procedure of BD in male and female rats, and longitudinally assessed DM capacity, memory and anxiety-like behavior. To better understand the mechanisms potentially involved in the relationship between DM and BD, ex vivo dopamine transmission was assessed short term after the end of the binge exposure in the core of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) using the fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) technique and the D2/3 agonist quinpirole. We found important basal sex differences in DM, with female rats showing better performances at baseline. Choice processes were impaired exclusively in males after BD history, associated with a decrease in impulse control in both sexes, while memory and anxiety-like behavior were not affected. Our neurobiological results demonstrate that BD did not affect basal dopamine signaling in the NAc core, regardless of the sex, but reveal changes in the sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of quinpirole in females. DM impairments were neither associated with changes in basal dopamine signaling nor pre-synaptic D2 activity. Overall, our findings show that BD affects both DM processes and dopamine transmission in the core of the NAc in a sex-related manner, further suggesting that these effects may play a role in the vicious cycle leading to BD perpetuation and the early onset of AUD. Our results may inform novel strategies for therapeutic and prevention interventions.
A local-saturation-and-delay MRI method for evaluation of red blood cells aggregation in vivo for tumor-bearing or drug-used rats

Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is a combination of clinical signs and symptoms related to increased blood viscosity. HVS can increase the thrombotic risk by causing a major disturbance to the blood flow, which is usually found in the advanced stages of the tumor. Moreover, some of the drugs used in chemotherapy, such as 5-fluorouracil and erythropoietin, are also capable of causing HVS through their respective pathways. Clinically, the viscosity of a patient’s blood sample is measured by a rotary rheometer to estimate the risk of hyperviscosity syndrome. However, the measurement of blood viscosity in vitro is easily affected by storage time, storage environment, and anticoagulants. In addition, the fluid conditions in the rheometer are quite different from those in natural blood vessels, making this method inappropriate for evaluating blood viscosity and its effects in vivo under physiological condition. Herein, we presented a novel magnetic resonance imaging method called local-saturation-and-delay imaging (LSDI). The radial distributions of flow velocity measured by LSDI are consistent with the Ultrasonic (US) method (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.990). But the result of LSDI is more stable than US (p < 0.0001). With the LSDI method, we can directly measure the radial distribution of diastolic flow velocity, and further use these data to calculate the whole blood relative viscosity (WBRV) and erythrocyte aggregation trend. It was a strong correlation between the results measured by LSDI and rotary rheometer in the group of rats given erythropoietin. Furthermore, experimental results in glioma rats indicate that LSDI is equivalent to a rheometer as a method for predicting the risk of hyperviscosity syndrome. Therefore, LSDI, as a non-invasive method, can effectively follow the changes in WBRV in rats and avoid the effect of blood sampling during the experiment on the results. In conclusion, LSDI is expected to become a novel method for real-time in vivo recognition of the cancer progression and the influence of drugs on blood viscosity and RBC aggregation.
PFKFB3 overexpression in monocytes of patients with colon but not rectal cancer programs pro-tumor macrophages and is indicative for higher risk of tumor relapse

Introduction Circulating monocytes are main source for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that control tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and therapy resistance. We raised the questions how monocyte programming is affected by growing tumors localized in colon and rectal sections, and how treatment onsets affect monocyte programming in the circulation. Methods Patients with rectal cancer and colon cancer were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood monocytes were characterized by phenotypic analysis using flow cytometry, by transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing and by gene expression analysis using real-time RT-PCR. Phenotypic analysis was performed with IF/confocal microscopy. Spatial transcriptomic analysis was applied using GeoMX DSP-NGS. Results In patients with rectal cancer, increased amount of CCR2+ monocytes was indicative for the absence of both lymphatic and hematogenous metastasis. In contrast, in patients with colon cancer CD163+ monocytes were indicative for LN metastasis. NGS analysis identified tumor-specific transcriptional programming of monocytes in all CRC patients compared to healthy individuals. The key transcriptional difference between monocytes of patients with colon and rectal cancer was increased expression of PFKFB3, activator of glycolysis that is currently considered as therapy target for major solid cancers. PFKFB3-expressing monocyte-derived macrophages massively infiltrated tumor in colon. Nanostring technology identified correlation of PFKFB3 with amount and tumor-promoting properties of TAMs in colon but not in rectal cancer. PFKFB3 was indicative for tumor relapse specifically in colon cancer. Discussion Our findings provide essential argument towards CRC definition to cover two clinically distinct cancers – colon cancer and rectal cancer, that differentially interact with innate immunity.
The risk assessment of relapse among newly enrolled participants in methadone maintenance treatment: A group-LASSO based Bayesian network study

Background Relapse is a great barrier to improving the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Participants with different treatment durations could vary in their compliance with MMT, which may lead to different levels of relapse risk. This study aims to identify the risk factors for relapse and assess the relapse risk of MMT participants of different treatment durations. Method This retrospective study used data collected from seven MMT clinics in Guangdong Province, China, from January 2010 to April 2017. Newly enrolled participants who received 6 (n = 903) and 12 (n = 710) months of consecutive treatment with complete data were included. We selected significant risk factors for relapse through the group lasso regression and then incorporated them into Bayesian networks to reveal relationships between factors and predict the relapse risk. Results The results showed that participants who received 6-month treatment had a lower relapse rate (32.0%) than those of 12-month treatment (39.0%, P < 0.05). Factors including personal living status and daily methadone dose were only influential to those who received the 6-month treatment. However, age, age at the initial drug use, HIV infection status, sexual behaviors, and continuous treatment days were common factors of both durations. The highest relapse risk for those after the 6-month treatment was inferred as 66.7% while that of the 12-month treatment was 83.3%. Farmers and those who have high accessibility to MMT services may require additional attention. Conclusion It is necessary to implement targeted interventions and education based on the treatment durations of participants to decrease the relapse rate. Meanwhile, those about HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention and anti-narcotics should be held in the whole process.