Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nerve transfer for restoration of lower motor neuron-lesioned bladder function. Part 2: correlation between histological changes and nerve evoked contractions

We determined the effect of pelvic organ decentralization and reinnervation 1 yr later on urinary bladder histology and function. Nineteen canines underwent decentralization by bilateral transection of all coccygeal and sacral (S) spinal roots, dorsal roots of lumbar (L)7, and hypogastric nerves. After exclusions, eight were reinnervated 12 mo postdecentralization with obturator-to-pelvic and sciatic-to-pudendal nerve transfers, then euthanized 8-12 mo later. Four served as long-term decentralized only animals. Before euthanasia, pelvic or transferred nerves and L1–S3 spinal roots were stimulated and maximum detrusor pressure (MDP) recorded. Bladder specimens were collected for histological and ex vivo smooth muscle contractility studies. Both reinnervated and decentralized animals showed less or denuded urothelium, fewer intramural ganglia, and more inflammation and collagen, than controls, although percent muscle was maintained. In reinnervated animals, pgp9.5+ axon density was higher compared with decentralized animals. Ex vivo smooth muscle contractions in response to KCl correlated positively with submucosal inflammation, detrusor muscle thickness, and pgp9.5+ axon density. In vivo, reinnervated animals showed higher MDP after stimulation of L1–L6 roots compared with their transected L7–S3 roots, and reinnervated and decentralized animals showed lower MDP than controls after stimulation of nerves (due likely to fibrotic nerve encapsulation). MDP correlated negatively with detrusor collagen and inflammation, and positively with pgp9.5+ axon density and intramural ganglia numbers. These results demonstrate that bladder function can be improved by transfer of obturator nerves to pelvic nerves at 1 yr after decentralization, although the fibrosis and inflammation that developed were associated with decreased contractile function.
PEGylated gold nanoparticles: polymer quantification as a function of PEG lengths and nanoparticle dimensions

Au nanoparticles with diameters ranging between 15 and 170 nm have been synthesised in aqueous solution using a seed-mediated growth method, employing hydroxylamine hydrochloride as a reducing agent. Thiolated polyethylene glycol (mPEG-SH) polymers, with molecular weights ranging from 2100 to 51000 g mol−1, were used as efficient particle stabilising ligands. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements confirmed that the overall mean diameter and zeta potential of the capped nanoparticles increased in a non-linear way with increasing molecular weight of the mPEG-SH ligand. Electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis of the polymer-capped nanoparticles, with a mean gold core diameter of 15 nm, revealed that the grafting density of the mPEG-SH ligands decreased from 3.93 to 0.31 PEG nm−2 as the molecular weight of the ligands increased from 2100 to 51400 g mol−1 respectively, due to increased steric hindrance and polymer conformational entropy with increase in the PEG chain length. Additionally, the number of bound mPEG-SH ligands, with a molecular weight of 10800 g mol−1, was found to increase in a non-linear way from 278 (σ = 42) to approximately 12960 PEG (σ = 1227) when the mean Au core diameter increased from 15 to 115 nm respectively. However, the grafting density of mPEG10000-SH ligands was higher on 15 nm Au nanoparticles and decreased slightly from 1.57 to 0.8 PEG nm−2 when the diameter increased; this effect can be attributed to the fact that smaller particles offer higher surface curvature, therefore allowing increased polymer loading per nm2. Au nanoparticles were also shown to interact with CT-26 cells without causing noticeable toxicity.
Derivation of site‐specific selenium water quality criteria: A comparison of two methods and regulatory implications

In 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued revised aquatic life water quality criteria for selenium (Se). The criteria (“elements”) consisted of threshold concentrations applicable to fish tissue (three tissue types, though the egg and ovary tissue takes precedence over the whole‐body and muscle tissue thresholds), and water column. The agency rationalized that measured concentrations of Se in fish tissue were more predictive of potential adverse reproductive effects than those measured in external media. The agency provided two mechanisms for derivation of site‐specific Se water criteria: a bioaccumulation factor (BAF) approach, and a partitioning‐based bioaccumulation model approach. The use of either approach assumes that fish tissue concentrations exceed one or more of the tissue criteria. We compared the two approaches using fish tissue samples from various species in the Ohio River to evaluate resulting similarities and differences in the calculated Se water quality criteria. Fish (five species) were collected near two coal‐fired power plants at sites unaffected by Se from wastewater discharges. Using results for all species and all sites combined, the resulting site‐specific Se criteria for the BAF and partitioning‐based model approach (median values) were 2.0 and 1.5 µg/L, respectively. Considering all species, resulting criteria differed little between the two power plant locations. Resulting criteria for both methods were strongly influenced by a small (less than detection) background Se water concentration. At least for the upper Ohio River, the BAF approach (requiring less input data) seems adequate for derivation of site‐specific Se water criteria. In the current study, however, none of the tissue samples exceeded USEPA's tissue criteria. Thus, the decision to derive site‐specific Se water quality criteria should be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis, because the process may result in either a more stringent or less stringent value, wholly dependent on local factors. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1255–1262. © 2021 SETAC
Comparative observer effects in 2D and 3D localization tasks

Abstract. Purpose: Three-dimensional “volumetric” imaging methods are now a common component of medical imaging across many imaging modalities. Relatively little is known about how human observers localize targets masked by noise and clutter as they scroll through a 3D image and how it compares to a similar task confined to a single 2D slice. Approach: Gaussian random textures were used to represent noisy volumetric medical images. Subjects were able to freely inspect the images, including scrolling through 3D images as part of their search process. A total of eight experimental conditions were evaluated (2D versus 3D images, large versus small targets, power-law versus white noise). We analyze performance in these experiments using task efficiency and the classification image technique. Results: In 3D tasks, median response times were roughly nine times longer than 2D, with larger relative differences for incorrect trials. The efficiency data show a dissociation in which subjects perform with higher statistical efficiency in 2D tasks for large targets and higher efficiency in 3D tasks with small targets. The classification images suggest that a critical mechanism behind this dissociation is an inability to integrate across multiple slices to form a 3D localization response. The central slices of 3D classification images are remarkably similar to the corresponding 2D classification images. Conclusions: 2D and 3D tasks show similar weighting patterns between 2D images and the central slice of 3D images. There is relatively little weighting across slices in the 3D tasks, leading to lower task efficiency with respect to the ideal observer.
Sublethal, Behavioral, and Developmental Effects of the Neonicotinoid Pesticide Imidacloprid on Larval Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica)

Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, is used to prevent the spread of the hemlock woolly adelgid, currently affecting Eastern Hemlock trees across North America. When the pesticide is sprayed directly onto soil around infested trees (soil drenching), it can run off into aquatic systems, with potential negative effects on biota. Simultaneously, climate change may lead to faster pool drying, which acts as an additional stressor for sensitive species such as amphibians. We evaluated the sublethal effects of imidacloprid (10 ppb), and interaction with shorter hydroperiods on the larval behavior, growth, and survival of a model organism, the wood frog (Rana sylvatica). We performed 3 behavioral experiments evaluating swimming speed, time spent swimming, and distance the larvae swam. We found that larvae raised in 10 ppb imidacloprid or shorter hydroperiod did not differ in their swimming time, distance, and speed from nonexposed larvae. Naïve larvae exposed for 20 min to 10‐ to 500‐ppb concentrations also showed similar performance to nonexposed larvae. However, when we applied a stimulus halfway through each experiment, we found that larvae exposed to 10 ppb imidacloprid (short and long term) swam shorter distances and spent less time swimming, suggesting that imidacloprid exposure may slow reaction time, potentially increasing the risk of predation. To minimize impacts on pool‐breeding amphibians, imidacloprid application to combat the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid should use trunk injection and avoid soil drenching. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1838–1847. © 2021 SETAC
Subzero, saline incubations of Colwellia psychrerythraea reveal strategies and biomarkers for sustained life in extreme icy environments.

Colwellia psychrerythraea is a marine psychrophilic bacterium known for its remarkable ability to maintain activity during long-term exposure to extreme subzero temperatures and correspondingly high salinities in sea ice. These microorganisms must have adaptations to both high salinity and low temperature to survive, be metabolically active, or grow in the ice. Here, we report on an experimental design that allowed us to monitor culturability, cell abundance, activity, and proteomic signatures of Colwellia psychrerythraea strain 34H (Cp34H) in subzero brines and supercooled sea water through long-term incubations under eight conditions with varying subzero temperatures, salinities, and nutrient additions. Shotgun proteomics found novel metabolic strategies used to maintain culturability in response to each independent experimental variable, particularly in pathways regulating carbon, nitrogen, and fatty acid metabolism. Statistical analysis of abundances of proteins uniquely identified in isolated conditions provide metabolism-specific protein biosignatures indicative of growth or survival in either increased salinity, decreased temperature, or nutrient limitation. Additionally, to aid in the search for extant life on other icy worlds, analysis of detected short peptides in -10°C incubations after four months identified over 500 potential biosignatures that could indicate the presence of terrestrial-like cold-active or halophilic metabolisms on other icy worlds. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
COVID-19 deaths among nurses: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nurses who are one of the pivotal elements of countries’ strategic responses to COVID-19 are being exposed to COVID-19. Aims To investigate the underlying characteristics of nurses who died due to COVID-19. Methods On 1 September 2020, a grey literature search was conducted. Data obtained through Medscape, Google, PubMed, government and non-government websites. The search strategy was carried out using variants and combinations of keywords related to ‘nurse’ and ‘COVID-19’ in English. Abstracted data included age, gender, type of nurse, department of nursing, country, date of death and publication characteristics. Results Out of reported 1518 COVID-19-related nurse deaths, details of age, gender and department of nursing were available for 766 (50%), 945 (62%) and 153 (10%) of nurses, respectively. The median age of the nurses was 56 years. The majority of deaths were reported in the 46- to 65 (32%)-year age range. While the registered nurses had the highest number of deaths according to types of nurses (680/957; 71%), they are mental health nurses (42/153; 28%) in the department of nursing. The countries with the most reported nurse deaths were USA, South Africa, Mexico and Russia. Conclusions The predominance of deceased mental health nurses among nursing departments can be examined in future studies. Supportive health policies can be developed to increase the motivation of nurses.
Adding Delayed Phase Images to Dual-Phase Contrast-Enhanced CT Increases Sensitivity for Small Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Background: Contrast-enhanced CT performed for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) detection traditionally uses a dual-phase (pancreatic and portal venous) protocol. However, PDAC may exhibit isoattenuation in these phases, hindering detection. Objective: To assess the impact on diagnostic performance in detection of small PDAC of adding a delayed phase to dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT. Methods: A database of 571 patients who underwent triple-phase (pancreatic, portal venous, and delayed) contrast-enhanced MDCT between January 2017 and March 2020 for suspected pancreatic tumor was retrospectively reviewed. A total of 97 patients had pathologically confirmed small PDAC (mean size, 22 mm; range, 7-30 mm). Twenty control patients had no pancreatic tumor suspected on CT nor on an initial MRI and follow-up CT or MRI after ≥12 months. Three radiologists independently reviewed dual-phase (pancreatic and portal venous) and triple-phase (pancreatic, portal venous, and delayed) images. Two additional radiologists assessed tumors' visual attenuation on each phase, reaching consensus for differences. Performance of dual- and triple-phase images were compared using ROC analysis, McNemar test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: AUC was higher (P<.05) for triple-phase than dual-phase images for all observers (observer 1, 0.97 vs 0.94; observer 2, 0.97 vs 0.94; observer 3, 0.97 vs 0.95). Sensitivity was higher (P<.001) for triple-phase than dual-phase images for all observers [observer 1, 74.2% (72/97) vs 59.8% (58/97); observer 2, 88.7% (86/97) vs 71.7% (69/97); observer 3, 86.6% (84/97) vs 72.2% (70/97)]. Specificity, PPV, and NPV did not differ between image sets for any reader (P≥.05). Seventeen tumors showed pancreatic phase visual isoattenuation, of which nine showed isoattenuation and eight hyperattenuation in the delayed phase. Sixteen of these were not detected by any observer on dual-phase images; of these, six were detected by at least two observers, and five by one observer, on triple-phase images. Visual attenuation showed excellent interreader agreement (κ=0.89-0.96). Conclusion: Addition of delayed phase to pancreatic and portal venous phase CT increases sensitivity for small PDAC without loss of specificity, partly related to delayed phase hyperattenuation of some small PDACs showing pancreatic phase isoattenuation. Clinical Impact: Addition of delayed phase may facilitate earlier PDAC detection and thus improved prognosis.
In situ X-ray observation of minerals and melts using Kawai-type multianvil apparatus combined with synchrotron radiation, and its applications to mineral physics

Multianvil apparatus, which is used for pressure generation in a single-stage and a double-stage (Kawai-type apparatus), has been used for high pressure and temperature generation, combined with the synchrotron radiation at Photon Factory of High Energy Acceleration Research Organization (KEK) and SPring-8 at JASRI. The Kawai anvil apparatus using sintered diamond anvils has been developed for a routine use for in situ X-ray observation at pressures above 30 GPa and high temperature. This system has been used for various studies on mineral physics, including determination of the phase boundaries of the mantle minerals, PVT relations, reaction kinetics studies of the major phase transformations in the mantle by in situ X-ray diffraction study, and viscosity measurement of the melts by in situ X-ray radiography.
Suicide knowledge and intention to intervene: college students

Abstract Objective: The revised Willingness to Intervene against Suicide questionnaire and the Expanded Revised Facts on Suicide Quiz were employed to examine the relationship between college students’ knowledge about suicide and intention to intervene. Participants: College students (n = 515) participated, a majority being women and Caucasian. Methods: Participants completed an online survey. Data were analyzed in SPSS. Results: College students have poor knowledge of suicide facts; however, this low level of accurate knowledge was not associated with intention to intervene with a suicidal person. Attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, sex, and no previous suicide attempt were all significant predictors of intention to intervene. Conclusions: These results challenge the notion that one must be well-informed in order to intend to take action.
Resonance formation in electron collisions with pyrimidine-like targets

In this thesis we apply the R-matrix method to study low-energy (<15 eV) elastic and inelastic electron collisions with the diazine molecules (pyrazine, pyrimidine and pyridazine), (2 and 4) oxo-pyrimidines and the RNA nucleobase uracil. We use these molecules as models for the pyrimidinic DNA nucleobases. The main goal of this work is to study resonance formation in these targets. We test various standard scattering models (Static Exchange, Static Exchange plus Polarization, Close-Coupling) to identify those that produce the most accurate results; we also study simplified versions of these models that allow us to provide detailed insights into the resonance formation. We compare our elastic (for pyrazine and pyrimidine) and inelastic (for pyrimidine) cross sections with available experimental data and find a good agreement. A methodology based on the time-delay analysis is applied that allowed us to find and characterize in detail many new resonances not previously identified. We find an unexpectedly large number of resonances. Most of the new resonances have core-excited shape character and many of them do not enhance (significantly) the elastic or inelastic cross sections for collisions with the molecule in the ground state. These resonances, however, significantly enhance the elastic cross sections for collisions with molecules in electronic excited states. The discovery of a large number of these resonances and their unusual properties are novel and unexpected results. We find that oxygen substitution of the pyrimidine ring does not lead to significant changes in the resonance formation: the resonances in pyrimidinic molecules are associated with the ring structure. We conclude that the picture of resonance formation in pyrimidines is much more complex than expected. Most of the work presented in this thesis has been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Neural basis of corruption in power-holders

Corruption often involves bribery, when a briber suborns a power-holder to gain advantages usually at a cost of moral transgression. Despite its wide presence in human societies, the neurocomputational basis of bribery remains elusive. Here, using model-based fMRI, we investigated the neural substrates of how a power-holder decides to accept or reject a bribe. Power-holders considered two types of moral cost brought by taking bribes: the cost of conniving with a fraudulent briber, encoded in the anterior insula, and the harm brought to a third party, represented in the right temporoparietal junction. These moral costs were integrated into a value signal in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was selectively engaged to guide anti-corrupt behaviors when a third party would be harmed. Multivariate and connectivity analyses further explored how these neural processes depend on individual differences. These findings advance our understanding of the neurocomputational mechanisms underlying corrupt behaviors.
MS Amanda 2.0: Advancements in the standalone implementation

Rationale Database search engines are the preferred method to identify peptides in mass spectrometry data. However, valuable software is in this context not only defined by a powerful algorithm to separate correct from false identifications, but also by constant maintenance and continuous improvements. Methods In 2014, we presented our peptide identification algorithm MS Amanda, showing its suitability for identifying peptides in high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry data and its ability to outperform widely used tools to identify peptides. Since then, we have continuously worked on improvements to enhance its usability and to support new trends and developments in this fast‐growing field, while keeping the original scoring algorithm to assess the quality of a peptide spectrum match unchanged. Results We present the outcome of these efforts, MS Amanda 2.0, a faster and more flexible standalone version with the original scoring algorithm. The new implementation has led to a 3–5× speedup, is able to handle new ion types and supports standard data formats. We also show that MS Amanda 2.0 works best when using only the most common ion types in a particular search instead of all possible ion types. Conclusions MS Amanda is available free of charge from https://ms.imp. ac.at/index.php? action=msamanda.
Incidence and clinical/laboratory correlates of early hypotension in takotsubo syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a form of acute myocardial inflammation, often triggered by catecholamine release surges, which accounts for approximately 10% of ‘myocardial infarctions’ in female patients above the age of 50. Its associated substantial risk of in‐hospital mortality is mainly driven by the development of hypotension and shock. While hypotension is induced largely by factors other than low cardiac output, its precise cause is unknown, and clinical parameters associated with hypotension have not been identified previously. We therefore sought to identify the incidence and clinical/laboratory correlates of early hypotension in TTS.
Determination of regression equations to predict soil extract salinity from aqueous soil samples (1:2 and 1:5) for calcareous and non-calcareous loamy soils

The aim of the study was to reveal regression equations to predict soil extract salinities (EC e ) for calcareous and non-calcareous soils. For this purpose, 12 calcareous and 12 non-calcareous soil samples were artificially salinized by 1.0, 5.0 and 10 dSm -1 saline waters which were prepared with NaCl. In order not to disturb the homogeneity of application of each sample, the saline waters were added to unapplied soils by the ratio of 1:1(w/ w), and then oven dried at 105°C until reaching constant weight to prepare the saline soils to analyze. Hence, 3 salinity levels (1.0, 5.0 and 10 dSm -1 ), 24 soil samples (12 calcareous and 12 non-calcareous) and 3 methods (EC e , EC 1:2 and EC 1:5 ), total of 216 analyzes were performed. Saturation percentage of soils were recorded in order to recalculate aqueous soil samples back to soil:water ratio at saturation level. Thus, 8 regression equations were developed for specified conditions such as i) four equations for direct conversion from EC 1:2 or EC 1:5 to EC e , where there was no data on soil:water ratio at saturation point, for calcareous and non-calcareous conditions and ii) another four equations were calculated by soil:water ratio at saturation point from EC 1:2 or EC 1:5 to EC e , on where there were data on soil:water ratio at saturation point, for calcareous and non-calcareous conditions.