Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parallel activation of field CA2 and dentate gyrus by synaptically elicited perforant path volleys

Previous studies showed that dorsal psalterium (PSD) volleys to the entorhinal cortex (ENT) activated in layer II perforant path neurons projecting to the dentate gyrus. The discharge of layer II neurons was followed by the sequential activation of the dentate gyrus (DG), field CA3, field CA1. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether in this experimental model field, CA2, a largely ignored sector, is activated either directly by perforant path volleys and/or indirectly by recurrent hippocampal projections. Field potentials evoked by single‐shock PSD stimulation were recorded in anesthetized guinea pigs from ENT, DG, fields CA2, CA1, and CA3. Current source‐density (CSD) analysis was used to localize the input/s to field CA2. The results showed the presence in field CA2 of an early population spike superimposed on a slow wave (early response) and of a late and smaller population spike, superimposed on a slow wave (late response). CSD analysis during the early CA2 response showed a current sink in stratum lacunosum‐moleculare, followed by a sink moving from stratum radiatum to stratum pyramidale, suggesting that this response represented the activation and discharge of CA2 pyramidal neurons, mediated by perforant path fibers to this field. CSD analysis during the late response showed a current sink in middle stratum radiatum of CA2 followed by a sink moving from inner stratum radiatum to stratum pyramidale, suggesting that this response was mediated by Schaffer collaterals from field CA3. No early population spike was evoked in CA3. However, an early current sink of small magnitude was evoked in stratum lacunosum‐moleculare of CA3, suggesting the presence of synaptic currents mediated by perforant path fibers to this field. The results provide novel information about the perforant path system, by showing that dorsal psalterium volleys to the entorhinal cortex activate perforant path neurons that evoke the parallel discharge of granule cells and CA2 pyramidal neurons and depolarization, but no discharge of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Consequently, field CA2 may mediate the direct transfer of ENT signals to hippocampal and extrahippocampal structures in parallel with the DG‐CA3‐CA1 system and may provide a security factor in situations in which the latter is disrupted. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Arabidopsis Mitochondria-Localized Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein PGN Functions in Defense against Necrotrophic Fungi and Abiotic Stress Tolerance1[C][W][OA]

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins (PPRPs) are encoded by a large gene family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and their functions are largely unknown. The few studied PPRPs are implicated in different developmental processes through their function in RNA metabolism and posttranscriptional regulation in plant organelles. Here, we studied the functions of Arabidopsis PENTATRICOPEPTIDE REPEAT PROTEIN FOR GERMINATION ON NaCl (PGN) in plant defense and abiotic stress responses. Inactivation of PGN results in susceptibility to necrotrophic fungal pathogens as well as hypersensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), glucose, and salinity. Interestingly, ectopic expression of PGN results in the same phenotypes as the pgn null allele, indicating that a tight regulation of the PGN transcript is required for normal function. Loss of PGN function dramatically enhanced reactive oxygen species accumulation in seedlings in response to salt stress. Inhibition of ABA synthesis and signaling partially alleviates the glucose sensitivity of pgn, suggesting that the mutant accumulates high endogenous ABA. Accordingly, induction of NCED3, encoding the rate-limiting enzyme in stress-induced ABA biosynthesis, is significantly higher in pgn, and the mutant has higher basal ABA levels, which may underlie its phenotypes. The pgn mutant has altered expression of other ABA-related genes as well as mitochondria-associated transcripts, most notably elevated levels of ABI4 and ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE1a, which are known for their roles in retrograde signaling induced by changes in or inhibition of mitochondrial function. These data, coupled with its mitochondrial localization, suggest that PGN functions in regulation of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in mitochondria during abiotic and biotic stress responses, likely through involvement in retrograde signaling.
Factor subset selection for predicting sustainability of a telecentre using case-based reasoning

Background: Telecentre implementation in developing countries such as Ghana, has been inundated with failure. Various methods have been proposed to mitigate these failures, considering the substantial amounts invested. Various methods have been proposed. Recent work has shown that case-based reasoning (CBR) can be used to predict sustainability of a telecentre. Unfortunately, the factors that play a major role in the collapse of telecentres are yet to be determined. Objective: To combine two approaches (ICT4D evaluation and Machine Learning) and to identify the most important factors in the sustainability of a telecentre. Through the use of a case study, this paper applies the well-established feature subset selection (FSS) methodology to identify these influential factors. Method: We apply CBR with FSS on real life dataset to predict the Design Reality Gap score (DRGS). We compare two machine learning FSS methods with Expert Based Selection (EBS) method against benchmark using ArchANGEL. We also use the union and intersection of the selected factors to predict DRGS. Findings: We demonstrate through our experiments based on real world data sets that the combination of Machine Learning and Information Systems can identify these important factors. This gives a refreshing indication suggesting that it is feasible to use CBR with FSS to identify important factors of ICT initiatives and to adequately predict outcome of an initiative. Implication: Using this approach it is possible for managers and owners of telecentres to focus on the most important factors. This affords managers/owners an opportunity to channel limited resources to the most important factors thereby saving an ailing centre.
Cognitive rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury: A pilot programme of goal planning and outdoor adventure course participation

Primary objective: To describe and evaluate a pilot community based rehabilitation programme for severe brain injury.Research design: A prospective repeated-measures design with a single convenience sample was conducted.Methods and procedures: Eleven participants with a history of severe brain injury completed the programme, which featured an outdoor adventure course, skill development and goal-based learning. In the first stage, practical activities facilitated the development of social skills, group cohesiveness and community integration. The second stage was a 9-day outdoor adventure course, which included physically challenging activities such as camping, bushwalking, abseiling, caving and high rope work. The third stage encouraged individuals to work on the personal goals they had developed.Main outcomes and results: Over 80% of stated goals were achieved; suggesting that such a programme may be effective in enabling clients to attain specified goals.Conclusions: The programme shows promise as a form of community rehabilitation.
N-(n-Decyl)-4-nitroaniline

N-(n-Decyl)-4-nitroaniline, C16H26N2O2, crystallizes with two essentially planar molecules in the asymmetric unit. The decyl chains are fully extended in an anti conformation. The molecules pack in planar layers, within which molecules are linked into chains by two approximately linear N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the amine N atom and one O atom of the nitro group of an adjacent molecule. These molecular chains propagate via interleaving of the decyl chains to form the two dimensional sheets. The sheets are associated exclusively via non-bonded contacts. The structure has features in common with those of other N-alkyl-4-nitroanilines, but also subtle differences in packing.
Comparison of Four Opioid Analgesics as Supplements to Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia

The hemodynamic changes, plasma norepinephrine levels, pupil size, and rapidity of postoperative mental recovery were measured and compared in 72 patients randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to receive either morphine, meperidine, fentanyl, or sufentanil as supplements to nitrous oxide anesthesia. Meperidine, unlike the other opioids, which did not change heart rate, consistently increased it. Hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation were suppressed by fentanyl and sufentanil, but not by morphine or meperidine. The sufentanil group was the only group in which median norepinephrine levels remained consistently below preinduction values. The frequency with which opioids had to be administered (doses/hr) was significantly less with sufentanil than with morphine and meperidine. Meperidine produced less constriction of the pupils than the other opioids and the duration of miosis was shorter. Fentanyl and sufentanil were associated with a more rapid return of mental function than morphine and meperidine. Meperidine caused deleterious effects on objective tests of psychomotor and cognitive skills that were not reflected by subjective evaluation of rate of recovery from anesthesia. The authors conclude that moderate doses of fentanyl and sufentanil are better supplements to nitrous oxide anesthesia than morphine or meperidine and that fentanyl and sufentanil are equally satisfactory. Subjective effects of the opioids correlated well with changes in pupil diameter.
Implications of Nontraditional Housing Arrangements for Urban Water Management in the United States Intermountain West

Abstract Homeowners living in single-family detached housing have dominated the literature exploring drivers of residential water use. Meanwhile, rentals, multiunit buildings, and residences governed by private associations are an increasingly important component of the American residential landscape. We used data from a large sample of households in northern Utah cities to explore the effects of these nontraditional housing arrangements on water use decision-making, attitudes and behaviors, and their implications for urban water management. After accounting for the sociodemographic characteristics of respondent households, we found that residents of nontraditional housing arrangements are much less likely to have authority over key water use decisions, and differ significantly from residents of traditional housing in regards to water use perceptions and concerns, self-reported water behaviors, and support for various local water policy options. Traditional approaches to urban residential water management should be adapted to renters, residents in multiunit buildings, and members of community associations.
Assessing Rice Market Competitiveness in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Although Ghana has increased its rice production, it still relies on imported rice. The Ghanaian government has shown its concerns about this import dependency that may negatively influence the competitiveness of domestic rice. However, does the price of imported rice really affect that of domestic rice? This paper examines the price relationship between local rice and foreign one at markets in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The study selected Makola and Tema markets, the two major markets in this most populated region of the country. For analysis, we used annual retail prices of local and foreign rice in the two markets from 2006 to 2015. The Granger causality model test was applied to examine the relationship between local and foreign rice prices. The Johansen co-integration test was used to test the long-term price relationships of local and foreign rice prices. The Granger causality test results revealed that the price of foreign rice does not have any significant influence on that of local rice. The result of the Johansen co-integration test confirmed the existence of a long-term co-integration between local and foreign rice prices.
The Histopathological Changes Associated with Allograft Rejection and Drug Toxicity in Renal Transplant Recipients Maintained on FK 506

The histopathological changes in 51 renal allograft biopsies from patients immunosuppressed with FK506 were compared with those seen in 30 needle biopsies obtained from patients on cyc\osporine. The frequency and severity of rejection episodes were similar in both groups. Tubular vacuolation and myocyte vacuolation were found to be useful morphological markers to monitor short-term drug toxicity associated with both drugs. Long-term administration of FK506 led to striped interstitial fibrosis and arteriolar hyalinosis, similar to that previously documented for cyc1osporine. One case each of hemolytic uremic syndrome and necrotizing arteriopathy was noted in patients receiving FK506. FK506 and cyc1osporine are structurally unrelated compounds; hence the parallelism observed in their nephrotoxicity profile suggests that the interactions of these drugs with renal tissue involves the operation of two different initial signal-transducing mechanisms, ultimately activating the same final metabolic pathways.
Initial Effects of the Mount St. Helens Eruption on Nitrogen Cycle and Related Chemical Processes in Ryan Lake

Ryan Lake, a 1.6-hectare basin lake near the periphery of the tree blowdown area in the blast zone 19 km north of Mount St. Helens, was studied from August to October 1980 to determine the microbial and chemical response of the lake to the eruption. Nutrient enrichment through the addition of fresh volcanic material and the organic debris from the surrounding conifer forest stimulated intense microbial activity. Concentrations of such nutrients as phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, iron, and dissolved organic carbon were markedly elevated. Nitrogen cycle activity was especially important to the lake ecosystem in regulating biogeochemical cycling owing to the limiting abundance of nitrogen compounds. Nitrogen fixation, both aerobic and anaerobic, was active from aerobic benthic and planktonic cyanobacteria with rates up to 210 nmol of N2 cm−1 h−1 and 667 nmol of N2 liter−1 h−1, respectively, and from anaerobic bacteria with rates reaching 220 nmol of N2 liter−1 h−1. Nitrification was limited to the aerobic epilimnion and littoral zones where rates were 43 and 261 nmol of NO2 liter−1 day−1, respectively. Potential denitrification rates were as high as 30 μmol of N2O liter−1 day−1 in the anaerobic hypolimnion. Total bacterial numbers ranged from 1 × 106 to 3 × 108 ml−1 with the number of viable sulfur-metal-oxidizing bacteria reaching 2 × 106 ml−1 in the hypolimnion. A general scenario for the microbial cycling of nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, and metals is presented for volcanically impacted lakes. The important role of nitrogen as these lakes recover from the cataclysmic eruption and proceed back towards their prior status as oligotrophic alpine lakes is emphasized.
Diversity of ndo Genes in Mangrove Sediments Exposed to Different Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollution

ABSTRACT Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants originating from oil spills and wood and fuel combustion are pollutants which are among the major threats to mangrove ecosystems. In this study, the composition and relative abundance in the sediment bacterial communities of naphthalene dioxygenase (ndo) genes which are important for bacterial adaptation to environmental PAH contamination were investigated. Three urban mangrove sites which had characteristic compositions and levels of PAH compounds in the sediments were selected. The diversity and relative abundance of ndo genes in total community DNA were assessed by a newly developed ndo denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) approach and by PCR amplification with primers targeting ndo genes with subsequent Southern blot hybridization analyses. Bacterial populations inhabiting sediments of urban mangroves under the impact of different sources of PAH contamination harbor distinct ndo genotypes. Sequencing of cloned ndo amplicons comigrating with dominant DGGE bands revealed new ndo genotypes. PCR-Southern blot analysis and ndo DGGE showed that the frequently studied nah and phn genotypes were not detected as dominant ndo types in the mangrove sediments. However, ndo genotypes related to nagAc-like genes were detected, but only in oil-contaminated mangrove sediments. The long-term impact of PAH contamination, together with the specific environmental conditions at each site, may have affected the abundance and diversity of ndo genes in sediments of urban mangroves.
Glycolysis and the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Are Linked by Alanine Aminotransferase during Hypoxia Induced by Waterlogging of Lotus japonicus1[W][OA]

The role of nitrogen metabolism in the survival of prolonged periods of waterlogging was investigated in highly flood-tolerant, nodulated Lotus japonicus plants. Alanine production revealed to be a critical hypoxic pathway. Alanine is the only amino acid whose biosynthesis is not inhibited by nitrogen deficiency resulting from RNA interference silencing of nodular leghemoglobin. The metabolic changes that were induced following waterlogging can be best explained by the activation of alanine metabolism in combination with the modular operation of a split tricarboxylic acid pathway. The sum result of this metabolic scenario is the accumulation of alanine and succinate and the production of extra ATP under hypoxia. The importance of alanine metabolism is discussed with respect to its ability to regulate the level of pyruvate, and this and all other changes are discussed in the context of current models concerning the regulation of plant metabolism.
Salt Stress-Induced Changes in the Transcriptome, Compatible Solutes, and Membrane Lipids in the Facultatively Phototrophic Bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides

ABSTRACT Responses to NaCl stress were investigated in phototrophically grown Alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides by transcriptome profiling, mutational analysis, and measurements of compatible solutes and membrane phospholipids. After exposure to salt stress, genes encoding two putative glycine betaine uptake systems, proVWX and betS, were highly upregulated. Mutational analysis revealed that BetS, not ProVWX, was the primary transporter of this compatible solute. Upon the addition of salt, exogenous glycine betaine was taken up rapidly, and maximal intracellular levels were reached within minutes. In contrast, synthesis of another important compatible solute in R. sphaeroides, trehalose, increased slowly following salt stress, reaching maximal levels only after several hours. This accumulation pattern was consistent with the more gradual increase in salt-induced transcription of the trehalose biosynthesis operon otsBA. Several genes encoding putative transcription factors were highly induced by salt stress. Multiple copies of one of these factors, crpO (RSP1275), whose product is a member of the cyclic AMP receptor protein/fumarate and nitrate reduction regulator (CRP/FNR) family, improved NaCl tolerance. When crpO was provided in multicopy, expression of genes for synthesis or transport of compatible solutes was unaltered, but the membrane phospholipid composition became biased toward that found in salt-stressed cells. Collectively, this study characterized transcriptional responses to salt stress, correlated changes in transcription with compatible solute accumulation rates, identified the main glycine betaine transporter and trehalose synthase, characterized salt-induced changes in phospholipid composition, and uncovered a transcription factor associated with changes in phospholipids. These findings set the stage for deciphering the salt stress-responsive regulatory network in R. sphaeroides.
Infectious waste surveys in a Saudi Arabian hospital: an important quality improvement tool.

OBJECTIVES To analyze the composition by weight of the infectious waste stream, better segregate waste, reduce disposal costs, reduce the load on the hospital incinerator, identify inappropriate items having significant cost or safety implications, and provide a safer work environment for housekeepers. METHODS Four infectious waste surveys were conducted between 1991 and 1999 that involved opening a total of 7364 bags of infectious waste. The contents of each infectious waste bag were separated into 20 different components and weighed. Inappropriately discarded items were removed and tagged with the date and hospital unit of origin. SETTING Dhahran Health Center, a 410-bed hospital operated by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS The surveys show a continuing trend in a higher percentage of plastics and a decrease in paper due to increased use of disposables. Much of the infectious waste consisted of plastic intravenous bottles, intravenous lines, and paper wrappers for sterile instrument sets that were not infectious. Dhahran Health Center was producing a total of 1163 kg of infectious waste per day before the first survey. This was reduced to 407 kg per day after implementation of a waste segregation program in 1991 (a reduction of 65%). Incineration operation was reduced from daily to 3 days per week, with a corresponding reduction in incinerator emissions. Infectious waste from inpatient, surgical, and obstetric areas was reduced by a total of 70% between 1991 and 1999, from 2.8 kg (6.1 lb) to 0.85 kg (1.9 lb) per patient per day. This is in the range of 2 to 4 lb per patient per day that is generally reported. Numerous inappropriately discarded items were discovered during the surveys with cost or safety implications. Each survey, including the latest one of November-December 1999, has shown that further improvements are possible in the hospital's waste management program. Specific educational efforts and changes in procedures are described. CONCLUSIONS We believe this is the first report of such an extensive analysis of a hospital's infectious waste. Many hospitals do not have the resources to conduct such detailed surveys of their waste streams. However, regardless of the method of treatment and disposal, such surveys are valuable quality improvement tools because all health care facilities want to reduce disposal costs, identify high-value items mistakenly discarded, and improve safety.
Rolling Circle Amplification with Chemically Modified Nucleoside Triphosphates

Modified nucleoside triphosphates (dN*TPs) represent facile and versatile precursors for the introduction of chemical diversity into nucleic acids. While dN*TPs have been utilized in a plethora of practical applications, very little attention has been devoted to the assessment of their compatibility with isothermal amplification strategies. In this context, rolling circle amplification (RCA) is a wide‐spread enzymatic replication method in which small single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) circles serve as templates in primer extension reactions yielding very long, ssDNA products. RCA is a pivotal tool for the generation of biosensor and diagnostic devices and is currently evaluated for its usefulness to create novel drug delivery systems. This unit describes the experimental procedures for the synthesis of modified RCA products using dN*TPs bearing chemical alterations at any possible location of the nucleosidic scaffold. Two ligation methods are presented for the generation of the DNA nanocircles that serve as templates for RCA, followed by a description of the RCA method itself and an assessment of the nuclease resistance of the ensuing products. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.