Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of GABRD Gene Methylation in the Nucleus Accumbens in Heroin-Seeking Behavior in Rats

Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play important roles in regulating gene expression and may mediate neuroplasticity and lead to drug-induced aberrant behaviors. Although several brain regions and neurobiological mechanisms have been suggested to be involved in these processes, there is remarkably little known about the effects of DNA methylation on heroin-seeking behavior. Using a Sprague-Dawley rat model, we show that heroin self-administration resulted in gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit delta (GABRD) gene hypomethylation, which was associated with transcriptional upregulation of GABRD in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Systemic l-methionine (MET) administration significantly strengthened the reinstatement of heroin-seeking behavior induced by heroin priming, whereas intra-NAc injections of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) had the opposite effect on heroin-seeking. Meanwhile, 5-Aza-dC treatment decreased DNA methylation and upregulated the expression of GABRD in the NAc, whereas MET had the opposite effect. Our results also reveal that 5-Aza-dC might alter the methylation landscape of the GABRD gene by directly repressing DNMT1 and DNMT3A expression. Furthermore, reinstatement of heroin-seeking behavior was significantly inhibited by directly overexpressing GABRD and remarkably reinforced by GABRD gene silencing in the NAc. Collectively, these results suggest that targeting the GABRD gene and its methylation might represent a novel pharmacological strategy for treating heroin addiction and relapse.
Isotope Exchange Kinetics in Metal Hydrides I: TPLUG Model

A one-dimensional isobaric reactor model is used to simulate hydrogen isotope exchange processes taking place during flow through a powdered palladium bed. This simple model is designed to serve primarily as a platform for the initial development of detailed chemical mechanisms that can then be refined with the aid of more complex reactor descriptions. The one-dimensional model is based on the Sandia in-house code TPLUG, which solves a transient set of governing equations including an overall mass balance for the gas phase, material balances for all of the gas-phase and surface species, and an ideal gas equation of state. An energy equation can also be solved if thermodynamic properties for all of the species involved are known. The code is coupled with the Chemkin package to facilitate the incorporation of arbitrary multistep reaction mechanisms into the simulations. This capability is used here to test and optimize a basic mechanism describing the surface chemistry at or near the interface between the gas phase and a palladium particle. The mechanism includes reversible dissociative adsorptions of the three gas-phase species on the particle surface as well as atomic migrations between the surface and the bulk. The migration steps are more general than those used previously in that they do not require simultaneous movement of two atoms in opposite directions; this makes possible the creation and destruction of bulk vacancies and thus allows the model to account for variations in the bulk stoichiometry with isotopic composition. The optimization code APPSPACK is used to adjust the mass-action rate constants so as to achieve the best possible fit to a given set of experimental data, subject to a set of rigorous thermodynamic constraints. When data for nearly isothermal and isobaric deuterium-to-hydrogen (D {yields} H) and hydrogen-to-deuterium (H {yields} D) exchanges are fitted simultaneously, results for the former are excellent, while those for the latter show pronounced deviations at long times. These discrepancies can be overcome by postulating the presence of a surface poison such as carbon monoxide, but this explanation is highly speculative. When the method is applied to D {yields} H exchanges intentionally poisoned by known amounts of CO, the fitting results are noticeably degraded from those for the nominally CO-free system but are still tolerable. When TPLUG is used to simulate a blowdown-type experiment, which is characterized by large and rapid changes in both pressure and temperature, discrepancies are even more apparent. Thus, it can be concluded that the best use of TPLUG is not in simulating realistic exchange scenarios, but in extracting preliminary estimates for the kinetic parameters from experiments in which variations in temperature and pressure are intentionally minimized.
Island Invasions by Introduced Honey Bees: What Can Be Expected for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean?

Apis species are a major component of pollinator faunas in their native and introduced habitats. A widespread concern is that non-native Apis mellifera may have negative effects on native pollinators and on plant reproduction. This is based on the assumptions that natural communities are at capacity, resource competition structures communities, native pollinators are more effective pollinators of native species, yet A. mellifera are superior competitors. The latter two assumptions are often true, but evidence from the Neotropics indicates that tropical communities are not tightly structured, and the foraging flexibilities of native bees maintain their populations. However, the less diverse and disharmonic biotas of islands may limit the buffering capacity of flexible behaviors. While few studies address these assumptions or the ecological and evolutionary consequences of A. mellifera to the flora and fauna of tropical islands, an accumulation of taxon-specific studies are suggesting that such effects run the spectrum from subtle and indirect to obvious and direct. A concerted research effort is needed to address the multitude of issues to develop strategies to ameliorate or enhance honey bee effects, or just let nature take its course.
A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Examination of the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Shifting in Dimensional Change Card Sort Task

This study aims to examine the neural correlates of cognitive shifting during the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task (DCCS) task with functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Altogether 49 children completed the DCCS tasks, and 25 children (Mage = 68.66, SD = 5.3) passing all items were classified into the Switch group. Twenty children (Mage = 62.05, SD = 8.13) committing more than one perseverative errors were grouped into the Perseverate group. The Switch group had Brodmann Area (BA) 9 and 10 activated in the pre-switch period and BA 6, 9, 10, 40, and 44 in the post-switch period. In contrast, the Perseverate group had BA 9 and 10 activated in the pre-switch period and BA 8, 9, 10 in the post-switch period. The general linear model results afford strong support to the “V-shape curve” hypothesis by identifying a significant decrease–increase cycle in BA 9 and 44, the neural correlations of cognitive shifting.
Changes in Toxicity and Mobility Resulting from Bioremediation Processes

Abstract Bioremediation is a commonly used process for the remediation of soils and sludges containing hydrocarbon compounds. The extent of chemical concentration reduction that occurs in bioremediation processes and the concentration of residual chemicals varies widely for different soils and sludges and for different processes. Along with changes in chemical concentration, measures of toxicity and chemical mobility are important information as site remediation decisions are increasingly being made within a risk-based corrective action framework. This review article presents illustrative data from studies that evaluated the effectiveness of bioremediation processes and that contained information about changes in chemical mobility and soil or sludge toxicity. The weight-of-evidence data presented indicated that, as part of the bioremediation process, there is a reduction of the apparent toxicity of the soils and sludges that were treated. In addition, remaining chemical constituents generally were less mo.
Experimental analysis of floc size distribution under different hydrodynamics in a mixing tank

The goal of this report is to analyze the relationship between characteristic floc size and hydrodynamics in a mixing tank. The first question addressed concerns the relation between an average floc size and the viscous dissipation rate of kinetic energy. A first series of flocculation experiments were conducted in a mixing tank with two impellers (a Rushton turbine and a Lightnin A310 impeller) for equivalent dissipated power conditions. The average floc size is shown to depend on the global dissipation rate; it does not depend on the impeller type. However, the floc size distributions are significantly different for each impeller. The second question addressed concerns the dependency of the floc size on the history of mixing. A second series of experiments consisted of flocculation, breakup, and reflocculation stages. These experiments showed that the average floc sizes are similar after flocculation or reflocculation steps, but, once again, the floc size distributions can be very different with different impellers. The flocculation phenomena analyzed in this study mainly occur in the viscous subrange, with maximum floc size on the order of Kolmogorov microscale. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 2064–2081, 2004
Rationally Designed Hierarchical TiO2@Fe2O3 Hollow Nanostructures for Improved Lithium Ion Storage

Hollow and hierarchical nanostructures have received wide attention in new‐generation, high‐performance, lithium ion battery (LIB) applications. Both TiO2 and Fe2O3 are under current investigation because of their high structural stability (TiO2) and high capacity (Fe2O3), and their low cost. Here, we demonstrate a simple strategy for the fabrication of hierarchical hollow TiO2@Fe2O3 nanostructures for the application as LIB anodes. Using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and sacrificial template‐assisted hydrolysis, the resulting nanostructure combines a large surface area with a hollow interior and robust structure. As a result, such rationally designed LIB anodes exhibit a high reversible capacity (initial value 840 mAh g−1), improved cycle stability (530 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1), as well as outstanding rate capability. This ALD‐assisted fabrication strategy can be extended to other hierarchical hollow metal oxide nanostructures for favorable applications in electrochemical and optoelectronic devices.
Scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy study of microbial calcification

Calcium phosphates and calcium carbonates are among the most prevalent minerals involved in microbial fossilization. Characterization of both the organic and mineral components in biomineralized samples is, however, usually difficult at the appropriate spatial resolution (i.e. at the submicrometer scale). Scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) was used to measure C K‐edge, P L‐edge, and Ca L‐edge near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of some calcium‐containing minerals common in biomineralization processes and to study the experimental biomineralization by the model microorganism, Caulobacter crescentus. We show that the Ca L2,3‐edges for hydroxyapatite, calcite, vaterite, and aragonite are unique and can be used as probes to detect these different mineral phases. Using these results, we showed that C. crescentus cells, when cultured in the presence of high calcium concentration, precipitated carbonate hydroxyapatite. In parallel, we detected proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids in the mineralizing bacteria at the single‐cell scale. Finally, we discussed the utility of STXM for the study of natural fossilized microbial systems.
Freezing desalination of sea water in a static layer crystallizer

This work aims in developing a static layer crystallizer for freezing desalination of sea water. The experiments were performed with a simple system of H2O-NaCl and with samples of sea water from Rabat. The pilot crystallizer consists in a tube cooled bymeans of a thermostatic bath. The tube is immerged in a cylindrical double jacketed tank cooled by means of a second thermostatic bath. The brine is poured into the tank and the crystallization takes place on the external surface of the tube. The global process is divided into 4 steps: (i) crystallization of the ice layer by controlling the cooling rate in the tube (ii) draining off the concentrated brine (iii) purification of the layer by sweating and (iv) melting of the ice to recover the fresh water. A parametric study of the effect of the operating parameters has allowed us to quantify the role of the different key parameters of the crystallization step. Within the studied domain, the purity of the crystalline layer was mainly affected by the initial s.
Quantification of furocoumarins in hydroalcoholic fragrances by a liquid chromatography–high resolution/accurate mass method

Furocoumarins are secondary metabolites that occur in various plant species used as ingredients in fragrances and cosmetics. Those compounds have received an increased interest in those matrices since they are known to induce photosensitization and to have potential carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic effects. To date, there are no restricted limits regarding these compounds; however, some committees proposed following seven targeted compounds at low level concentration in finished cosmetic products (≤1 mg/l). This implies the need for a robust and specific analytical method to control and determine their concentrations in essential oils or more complex matrices such as fragrances. An innovative RP-HPLC high-resolution/accurate-mass MS method based on Orbitrap technology was developed to quantify seven furocoumarins in fragrances in the range 0.01–1 mg/l. This method was developed and validated according to accuracy profile methodology. Accurate mass and high resolution provides a robust and highly specific approach to quantify the compounds and minimize tedious sample preparation. The method was finally used to quantify more than 50 perfumes (eaux de toilette, eaux de parfum, extraits). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulaic Language and Language Disorders

The importance of formulaic language is recognized by many branches of the language sciences. Second language learners acquire a language using a maturationally advanced neurological substrate, leading to a profile of formulaic language use and knowledge that differs from that of the prepuberty learner. Unlike the considerable interest in formulaic language seen in second language learning, attention paid to this theme in clinical communicative disorders has been limited. Historically, verbal expressions preserved in severe nonfluent aphasia, including counting, interjections, and memorized phrases, have been referred to as automatic speech. Closer examination of all forms of aphasic speech reveals a high proportion of formulaic expressions, while speech samples from persons with right hemisphere and subcortical damage show a significant impoverishment. These findings are supported by studies of persons with Alzheimer's disease, who have intact subcortical nuclei and abnormally high proportions of formulaic expressions, and Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by dysfunctional subcortical systems and impoverished formulaic language. Preliminary studies of schizophrenic speech also reveal a paucity of formulaic language. A dissociation between knowledge and use of the expressions is found in some of these populations. Observations in clinical adult subjects lead to a profile of cerebral function underlying production of novel and formulaic language, known as the dual processing model. Whereas the left hemisphere modulates newly created language, production of formulaic language is dependent on a right hemisphere/subcortical circuit. Implications of the dual process model for evaluation and treatment of language disorders are discussed.
Interlayer Surface Modification of the Protonated Triple-Layered Perovskite HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O with n-Alcohols

Organic derivatives of the protonated triple-layered perovskite HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O with n-alkoxyl groups on the interlayer surface have been prepared by grafting n-alcohols. Interlayer surface modification of HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O is achieved by a direct reaction of HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O with methanol or ethanol, and single-phase n-alkoxyl derivatives of HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O (n ≥ 3 in n-CnH2n+1O− groups) can be formed by reacting n-alkoxyl derivatives (methoxyl and n-propoxyl derivatives) with n-alcohols in an autoclave at 150 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the changes in interlayer distances upon treatment of HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O or intermediate n-alkoxyl derivatives with n-alcohols. Solid-state 13C CP/MAS (cross polarization and magic-angle spinning) NMR spectroscopy demonstrates the presence of signals due to n-alkoxyl groups originating from the reactant n-alcohol molecules. Differential thermal analysis curves of the products exhibit exothermic peaks at temperatures higher than 200 °C. These results indicate successful.
Effect of three different rotary file systems on dentinal crack formation – A stereomicroscopic analysis

Background: This study is aimed to analyze and compare the formation of dentinal cracks after root canal preparation with three different rotary file systems using a stereomicroscope. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human mandibular premolars were selected and divided into three experimental groups and a control group of 10 each. The root canals were prepared in the experimental groups. Group I: ProTaper Gold files (PTG), Group II: Neo Endo flex files, and Group III: Waldent Wal flex files. No preparation was done in the control group (Group IV). The roots were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex, and the surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: There were no cracks in the control group. Neo Endo flex showed maximum cracks at 3 mm level, which was statistically significant compared to other groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among experimental groups at 6 mm and 9 mm levels (P > 0.05). Conclusion: All the rotary files that were tested produced dentinal cracks. Neo Endo flex files group was associated with more number of cracks than PTG and Waldent Wal flex files group. The apical section of samples showed significantly higher defects compared to the middle and coronal sections.
Comparison of Multimodal Ultrasound Imaging with Conventional Ultrasound Risk Stratification Systems in Presurgical Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules

Background: Ultrasonography (US) is an indispensable tool in the management of thyroid nodules, not only for assessing tumor characteristics but also to assign risk of malignancy and guide in management. Various guidelines and US-based risk stratification systems have been proposed for this purpose. This study aims to compare the diagnostic performances of multimodal US-based risk scores (French TIRADS, TMC-RSS) with conventional US-based scoring systems (Korean TIRADS, ACR-TIRADS, ATA risk stratification). Material and Methods: A total of 168 nodules from 139 patients were studied and categorized in each of the risk stratification systems. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of each system were computed. ROC curves were plotted and area under curve (AUC) for each scoring system noted. Results: Thirty five (21%) of the 168 nodules were malignant on final histopathological examination. TMC-RSS fared the best in predicting malignant nodules with a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 88.6%, while the PPV and NPV were 97% and 86.1%, respectively. The AUC for TMC-RSS was 0.924 (95% CI, 0.860–0.988; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Multimodal US-based risk stratification incorporating non-grayscale characteristics in addition to conventional systems like the TMC-RSS improves the diagnostic performance of ultrasound imaging of thyroid nodules.
Nutritional Status of Sapota (Manilkara achras M. Fosberg) Gardens and Optimum Ranges of Nutrients for Higher Production

A study was conducted on soil and plant nutritional status of sapota (Manilkara achras M. Fosberg) in order to identify the nutrients that are deficient/low and to formulate optimum nutrient range by surveying 106 sapota orchards, collection of leaf and soil samples in sapota growing districts of Raichur, Dharwad and Belgaum districts/northern Karnataka. The soil available N, P and K ranged from 70.7 to 154, 5.33 to 96.0 and 56 to 363 mg kg−1, respectively. The available Ca, Mg and S content of soil ranged from 1366 to 2363, 287 to 573 and 19 to 45 mg kg−1. Wide range was noticed for soil DTPA extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. However, hot water soluble B ranged from 0.312 to 0.538 mg kg−1. The yield limiting nutrients differed from orchard to orchard though some of the nutrients were more prominent. The optimum leaf N ranged from 1.51 to 2.09%, P from 0.06 to 0.15% and K from 0.83 to 1.44%. The optimum concentration ranged from 1.36 to 2.34% for Ca, 0.54 to 0.68% for Mg and 0.48 to 0.80% for S. Among the micronutrients, optimum Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B concentrations ranged from 109 to 206, 49 to 99, 13.3 to 21.9, 3.76 to 9.10 and 34.8 to 66.8 mg kg−1, respectively for sapota (cv. Kalipatti). The optimum ranges developed served as a guide for routine diagnostic and advisory purpose of nutrient status of the orchards of Northern Karnataka.
Clinical profiles and risk factors for early and medium-term mortality following heart transplantation in a pediatric population: A single-center experience

Aims and Objectives: There is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of Heart transplantation in children from the Indian subcontinent. The data of patients under the age of 18 undergoing an isolated heart transplantation was analyzed for patient clinical profiles and risk factors for early and medium-term mortality. Hospital mortality was defined as death within 90 days of transplantation and medium-term survival as follow up of up to 6 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 patients operated between March 2014 and October 2019 were included in this study . Data was collected about their INTERMACS status, pulmonary vascular resistance, donor heart ischemic times, donor age, donor to recipient weight ratio and creatinine levels. Results: The age range was from 1 to 18 with a mean of 10.6 ± 4.6 years. 67 % patients were in INTERMACS category 3 or less.12 children were on mechanical circulatory support at the time of transplant. The 90 day survival was 89 %. The risk factors for hospital mortality was lower INTERMACS category (odd’s ratio 0.2143, P = 0.026), elevated creatinine (odd’s ratio 5.42, P = 0.076) and elevated right atrial pressure ( odd’s ratio 1.19, P = 0.015). Ischemic time, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and PVR index (PVRI) had no effect on 90 day survival. Kaplan Meier estimates for 5 year survival was 73 %. The medium term survival was affected by INTERMACS category (Hazard ratio 0.7, P = .078) , donor age > 25 ( Hazard ratio 1.6, P = 0.26) and raised serum creatinine values. (Hazard ratio 2.7, P = 0.012). All the survivors are in good functional class. Conclusions: Excellent outcomes are possible after heart transplantation in a pediatric population even in a resource constrained environment of a developing economy. More efforts are needed to promote pediatric organ donation and patients need to be referred in better INTERMACS category for optimal outcomes.