Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Ages for the Last Australian Megafauna: Continent-Wide Extinction About 46,000 Years Ago

All Australian land mammals, reptiles, and birds weighing more than 100 kilograms, and six of the seven genera with a body mass of 45 to 100 kilograms, perished in the late Quaternary. The timing and causes of these extinctions remain uncertain. We report burial ages for megafauna from 28 sites and infer extinction across the continent around 46,400 years ago (95% confidence interval, 51,200 to 39,800 years ago). Our results rule out extreme aridity at the Last Glacial Maximum as the cause of extinction, but not other climatic impacts; a “blitzkrieg” model of human-induced extinction; or an extended period of anthropogenic ecosystem disruption.
Incorporating Socio‐economic Factors into Restoration: Implications from Industrially Harvested Peatlands

In establishing effective restoration goals, one of the four key issues of increased attention that Hobbs calls for is in the area of incorporating socio‐economic investigations and theories into restoration practice in a synergistic manner. Although often commented upon by restoration practitioners, this is an area of research that is poorly developed, and because it relies on an uneasy combination of empirical and interpretative research methodologies a multidisciplinary alignment may be problematic in practice. This opinion piece is drawn from experiences in examining the after‐use of industrially mined peatland landscapes, and synthesizes ideas that have emerged from socio‐economic research over several years in order to offer an opinion on how Hobbs' call may be addressed. Because socio‐economic concerns are at the root of all restoration projects, sociological methods may be useful as tools in stakeholder engagement in research and planning for landscape rehabilitation as a mechanism for reducing the potential for conflict and for facilitating participative or collaborative restoration.
Altruism in the Context of door-courtesy Behaviors among College Students

serve others, such as helping at a nursing home, volunteering at a fire department, or even taking out their neighbor’s garbage (Brewer & Kramer, 1986). Two schools of thought have appeared concerning the true motive of these actions. The main researchers on both sides of this issue debate whether the goal of altruistic behavior is selfless or selfish (Batson, Ahamd, & Tsang, 2002; Neuberg, Cialdini, Brown, Luce, Sagarin, & Lewis, 1997). One school of thought, led by Batson (1990), claims that altruism is selfless. Experiments were conducted by placing an individual in apparent need and recording the feedback on the conditions of the people who gave aid. Batson formulated the empathy-altruism hypothesis, which states that pro-social motivation is based on the desire to increase the well-being of a person in need. He concluded that people help others simply because they care about them, not for any true benefit to themselves. The joy experienced by the helper is not the goal of helping, but is a by-product of the act. Batson et al. (2002) found that the helpful acts of individuals who have been in close proximity with others who have experienced injustice can at times be truly altruistic. The rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe, risked their own lives to aid other people (Oliner & Oliner, 1988). Neuberg heads the other school of thought, which focuses on the innate selfishness of altruism (Neuberg et al. 1997). Neuberg et al. replicated Batson’s study by placing an individual in a situation intended to evoke feelings of empathy and altruism (Baston et al., 1999; Neuberg et al., 1997). The researchers then looked for plausible nonaltruistic alternatives for the empathy-helping effects, such as sexism or desire for recognition. Next, they measured these nonaltruistic alternatives and examined whether the empathyhelping relationship remained. They found that individuals help others in order to alleviate their own feelings of distress. For example, when a person witnesses another person in need they experience painful feelings. Neuberg et al. (1997) concluded that people are motivated to help others by their desire to make their own guilt or bad feelings go away rather than increase the well-being of another person. Either school of thought can be used to explain Altruism in the Context of door-courtesy Behaviors among College Students
Two years oral use of chlorhexidine in man. III. Changes in sensitivity of the salivary flora.

Possible changes in the structure of human oral mucosa resulting from exposure to chlorhexidine were examined in biopsy specimens of palatal and gingival mucosa obtained from three groups of young adults who had rinsed for more than 1 year (a) once or (b) twice daily with 0.2 % chlorhexidine solution or (c) with a placebo mouthwash. Specimens were quenched in liquid nitrogen and cryostat sectioned perpendicular to the epithelial surface. Sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were used to assess the degree of keratinization of epithelia and to measure the width of the stratum corneum. Sections treated with buffered alkaline solutions were used to expand and count the number of layers of cells in the stratum corneum. All specimens examined showed evidence of keratinization and, in keeping with previous reports, palatal specimens were more frequently orthokeratinized than gingival specimens. Mean width of the stratum corneum of gingival specimens was approximately 13 μm and of palatal specimens, 23 μm. The mean number of layers of cells in the stratum corneum of the gingiva was approximately 10 and of the palate, approximately 12. Differences in the degree of keratinization and thickness of the stratum corneum between gingival and palatal specimens was statistically significant, but no statistically significant differences were found between the chlorhexidine-exposed and non-chlorhexidine-exposed palatal tissue in keratinization, layers of cells or thickness of the stratum corneum. Neither was there any statistical difference in the same parameters for the gingival specimens. The methods employed did not therefore detect any changes in the normal structure of keratinizing oral epithelia as a result of prolonged daily exposure to chlorhexidine.
Hepatotoxicity of nevirapine in virologically suppressed patients according to gender and CD4 cell counts *

A warning advising a higher risk of hepatotoxicity in antiretroviral‐naive patients starting a nevirapine‐containing combination antiretroviral therapy (NcART) has been issued by health authorities. It is unclear whether this higher risk also applies to stable virologically suppressed patients starting NcART.
Sexual Identity Group Differences in Child Abuse and Neglect

Childhood abuse and neglect are pervasive problems among girls and young women that have numerous health consequences. Research suggests that sexual minority women are more likely than heterosexual women to report childhood abuse and neglect, but little is known about which sexual minority women are at greatest risk for these early adverse experiences. Using data from a pooled sample of women in a national probability study and in a large community-based study of sexual minority women designed to replicate the national study’s methodology (pooled n = 953), we investigated rates and characteristics of childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect among women from five sexual identity groups. As predicted, heterosexual women reported significantly less childhood abuse and neglect than did women who identified as mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly lesbian, or lesbian. We found considerable variability across the sexual minority subgroups, including severity of abuse, highlighting the need for research that distinguishes among these groups. To the extent that differences reported by women in the sample reflect the actual prevalence and severity of abuse experiences, sexual identity group differences in childhood abuse have important clinical and public health implications.
Repression of the alpha0 gene by ICP4 during a productive herpes simplex virus infection

During a productive infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), ICP4, the major regulatory protein encoded by the alpha4 gene, binds to its transcription initiation site and represses the accumulation of alpha4 RNA. Evidence suggests that the degree of repression by ICP4 is a function of the absolute distance of an ICP4 binding site 3' from a TATA box. However, repression of HSV-1 gene expression by ICP4 through binding sites located 5' of TATA boxes, as in the case of the alpha0 gene, has not been adequately addressed. To this end, recombinant alpha0 promoters with various arrays of ICP4 binding sites flanking the alpha0 TATA box were constructed and recombined into the HSV-1 genome. Our results demonstrate the following. (i) Destruction of the endogenous alphaO ICP4 binding site, located 5' of the TATA box, results in derepression of alpha0 protein and RNA accumulation in infected Vero cells. (ii) The degree of alpha0 derepression is equivalent to that reported for the alpha4 gene following destruction of the ICP4 binding site at the alpha4 mRNA cap site in HSV-1. (iii) Introduction of an ICP4 binding site at the alpha0 mRNA cap site represses the accumulation of alpha0 RNA greater than threefold relative to the wild type. (iv) Changes in the abundance of alpha0 protein and RNA in infected cells do not affect replication or growth of HSV-1 in tissue culture. Our findings are consistent with the conclusion that alpha0 transcription is repressed by ICP4. These results demonstrate that repression by ICP4 can occur through binding sites located 5' of virus gene TATA boxes in HSV-1. Thus, models addressing repression of HSV-1 gene expression by ICP4 should incorporate the role of binding sites located 5', as well as 3', of virus gene TATA boxes.
The Potential For Managing Urban Canada Geese By Modifying Habitat

Author(s): Cooper, James A. | Abstract: Urban Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations have grown rapidly during the past three decades. This paper reviews short-term and long-term urban goose management techniques, and using data for the Twin. Cities of Minnesota, assesses the potential utility of habitat modification. Ninety-four percent of Twin Cities damage complaints occurred during the brood-rearing period, 5% in fall, and g1% in spring and winter. The potential for reducing goose damage by altering nest habitat is insignificant, brood-rearing habitat high but expensive, and fall and winter habitat low and also costly. Fences effectively thwart flightless geese but can entrap birds leading to starvation. Cost projections for programs limiting the Twin Cities summer population at 25,000 were $125,000/year for relocation, $325,000/year for processing for human consumption, $12.3 million/25 years for wire fences, $33.9 million for tall grass prairie, and $1.8 billion for ground juniper (Juniperus spp.). Human preference for savanna and the fear of urban crime associated with dense vegetation may hamper implementation of goose habitat modification.
Opposite effects of captopril on angiotensin I-converting enzyme 'activity' and 'concentration'; relation between enzyme inhibition and long-term blood pressure response.

1. The relationship between the antihypertensive action of captopril and its inhibitory effect on angiotensin I(ANG I)-converting enzyme has been investigated. Converting enzyme was measured in plasma by its ability to generate hippuric acid from the synthetic substrate hippuryl-l-histidyl-l-leucine. Inhibition by captopril appeared transient on storage of the plasma samples at −20°C, so that measurements in such samples were not a valid index of the effect in vivo. 2. Rapid reversal of captopril9s inhibitory effect on ANG I-converting enzyme in plasma was achieved by the addition of N -ethylmaleimide (0.1 mmol/l). In this way an estimate of converting enzyme ‘concentration’ was obtained both in stored and in freshly prepared plasma samples. Measurements of converting enzyme ‘activity’ in freshly prepared samples, in the absence of N -ethylmaleimide, were used as an index of inhibition in vivo. 3. In eight hypertensive subjects ANG I-converting enzyme ‘concentration’ did not change after a single oral 100 mg dose of captopril. Long-term treatment of 10 hypertensive subjects with captopril was associated with a gradual increase in converting enzyme ‘concentration’ from 29 ± 2 to 47 ± 3 m-units/ml (mean ± sem) over a period of several weeks. In contrast, captopril caused a rapid fall of converting enzyme ‘activity’. 4. Abrupt withdrawal of captopril after long-term treatment caused a gradual decrease in ANG I-converting enzyme ‘concentration’ to the control value. In contrast, converting enzyme ‘activity’ rose rapidly and became equal to enzyme ‘concentration’ 2 days after the drug had been stopped. 5. The concentration of enzymatically active renin in plasma rose from 13 ± 3 to 81 ± 34 μ-units/ml during long-term captopril treatment (mean ± sem). Blood pressure fell from 168 ±4/108 ± 3 to 140 ± 3/90 ± 3 mmHg and had not returned to the control value in the first week after the drug had been stopped, despite the fact that circulating active renin and ANG I-converting enzyme ‘activity’ were elevated. 6. It is concluded that long-term inhibition of ANG I-converting enzyme by captopril is associated with an increased plasma concentration of this enzyme. The results also suggest that the level of converting enzyme ‘activity’ in plasma is not the only factor that determines the long-term effect of captopril on blood pressure.
Design and measured performance of advanced Satcom dielectric lens antenna

This paper describes design techniques and presents calculated as well as experimental performance of a multiple-beam dielectric lens antenna for the Ka-band Advanced Satcom application. The lens is spherical on the outside and zoned on the inner surface. A dual-CP, single-horn-per-beam mode of operation is assumed. In order to examine mutual-coupling effects, however, a 19-element feed cluster, with only one element active, was built and tested. Primary and secondary radiation patterns are presented. Superior electrical performance of the lens and excellent agreement of experimental and predicted results are demonstrated.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium intracellulare Clinical Strain MOTT-36Y, Belonging to the INT5 Genotype

ABSTRACT Here we report the complete genome sequence of the Mycobacterium intracellulare clinical strain MOTT-36Y, previously grouped into the INT5 genotype among the 5 genotypes of M. intracellulare. This genome sequence will serve as a valuable reference for understanding the disparity in virulence and epidemiologic traits between M. intracellulare-related strains.
Acute encephalopathy and encephalitis caused by influenza virus infection

Purpose of reviewInfluenza-associated acute encephalopathy/encephalitis (IAE) is an uncommon but serious complication with high mortality and neurological sequelae. This review discusses recent progress in IAE research for a better understanding of the disease features, populations, outcomes, diagnosis, and pathogenesis. Recent findingsIn recent years, many IAE cases were reported from many countries, including Japan, Canada, Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, United States, Sweden, and other countries and regions. During the novel influenza A/H1N1 pandemic, many IAE cases with A/H1N1 infection in children were reported, particularly in those hospitalized with influenza infection. Pathogenesis of IAE is not fully understood but may involve viral invasion of the CNS, proinflammatory cytokines, metabolic disorders, or genetic susceptibility. An autosomal dominant viral acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) was recently found to have missense mutations in the gene Ran-binding 2 (RANBP2). Another recurrent ANE case following influenza A infection was also reported in a genetically predisposed family with an RANBP2 mutation. SummaryAlthough IAE is uncommon, compared with the high incidence of influenza infection, it is severe. However, this complication is not duly recognized by health practitioners. Recent advances highlight the threat of this complication, which will help us to have a better understanding of IAE.
HCD mobile health project: post collaboration reflection of researcher and designer

This paper constitutes a single case study documenting the design of a mobile health application relying on human-centred design approaches. The project required collaboration between a group of medical health researchers and a human-centred design consultancy. Discussion of the design activities and the associated contextual challenges for the lead designer and a project sponsor (client) are articulated. The paper discussed potential contextual challenges within the design of mobile health technologies, including recommendations for supporting collaboration and streamlining the design process.
Evaluation of a parasite lactate dehydrogenase-based colloid gold-immunochromatography assay for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum.

OBJECTIVE To establish a colloid gold-immunochromatography assay (GICA) for detecting Plasmodium falciparum. METHODS The monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against lactate dehydrogenase of P. falciparum (LDHpf) were screened for preparation of GICA strips. With microscopic examination of the blood smears and PCR test as control, GICA was evaluated for its sensitivity, specificity and stability in the diagnosis of malaria in the outpatient clinics in China. RESULTS Four hybridoma cell lines against LDHpf were prepared. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the 4 mAbs reacted only with P. falciparum, but not with protein of normal human red cell, P. vivax, Toxoplasma gondii, or Schistosoma japonicam. All the 4 mAbs recognized a 33 kD protein designated as LDHpf as shown by Western blot analysis. Compared with the microscopic examination of blood smears and PCR test, GICA had the sensitivities of 88.37% and 86.67% and the specificities of 95.65% and 97.78%, respectively. Concordance between microscopic examination and GICA for P. falciparum infection was 91.55%. CONCLUSION GICA established in this study is simple, rapid, sensitive and specific for detecting P. falciparum, and is potentially useful in developing reagent kits for clinical use.
Yttrium‐90 radioembolization vs sorafenib for intermediate‐locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a cohort study with propensity score analysis

Sorafenib and transarterial 90Y‐radioembolization (TARE) are possible treatments for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) intermediate‐advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). No study directly comparing sorafenib and TARE is currently available. This single‐centre retrospective study compares the outcomes achieved with sorafenib and TARE in HCC patients potentially amenable to either therapy.
Efficacy of Dilute Hypochlorite Solutions and an Electrochemically Activated Saline Solution Containing Hypochlorous Acid for Disinfection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Pig Skin Model

Recurrent skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) due to Staphylococcus aureus are a common problem in children and adults. Many of these SSTIs are caused by a community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain designated USA300. Dilute bleach baths are commonly used as part of decolonization regimens for recurrent SSTI, particularly in children. However, limited data are available on the microbiological efficacy of dilute bleach on skin, and optimal concentrations are unknown. Recent practice guidelines for MRSA from the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend a teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of bath water (1.3 μL/mL or a quarter cup per quarter tub of water) for 15 minutes twice weekly. On the basis of in vitro data, Fisher et al suggested that a higher concentration (2.5 μL/mL or a half cup per quarter tub of water) might be more effective (more than a 3-log reduction in MRSA in 5 minutes versus a 2-log reduction for a 1.2-μL/mL concentration). In contrast, more dilute bleach solutions (eg, a quarter cup of 6% sodium hypochlorite per bathtub full of water) for 5 days in combination with intranasal mupirocin were effective for eradication of colonization in a recent randomized trial, but 29% of patients in the mupirocin/bleach bath group developed recurrent colonization within 4 months. Here, we used a pig skin model to examine the effectiveness of various concentrations of dilute bleach solution and an electrochemically activated saline solution containing 0.025% hypochlorous acid (Vashe; PuriCore) for disinfection of MRSA on skin. Vashe is safe for use on skin and is commercially available as a wound care product.
Effect of transportation on the composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from horses.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of extended transportation on the composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from horses. ANIMALS 30 horses (14 males, 16 females: 25 Thoroughbreds and 5 Thoroughbred-Arabian cross-breds; 27 to 30 months old) without a history or clinical signs of respiratory tract disease. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on nontransported control horses (groups 1 and 2) and transported horses (group 3). PROCEDURE 20 horses were used to determine the effect of 41 hours of transportation on the composition of BALF (group 3). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for recovered volume, number and distribution of nucleated cells, total protein and phospholipid concentrations, and phospholipid composition. RESULTS Total number of nucleated cells in BALF from group-3 horses increased by approximately four-fold after transportation. Total protein concentration in BALF from group-3 horses also increased by approximately fivefold after transportation. Total phosphorus concentrations in group-3 horses decreased significantly from time 0 to immediately after transportation. In group-3 horses, the most characteristic change in composition of BALF after transport was a significant decrease in the concentration of phosphatidylglycerol. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The decrease in phosphatidylglycerol concentration in BALF after transportation indicates a reduction in the quantity of surfactant. This change may reflect either a decreased production of surfactant by alveolar type II epithelial cells or an increased removal of surfactant from the alveolar region. It is likely that extended transportation resulted in a decreased concentration of surfactant in BALF. Such a decrease may reduce the pulmonary defence mechanisms in the alveolar region, possibly resulting in infection.
Morphological Characteristics of the Microvasculature in Healing Myocardial Infarcts

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with an angiogenic response, critical for healing and cardiac repair. Using a canine model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, we examined the structural characteristics of the evolving microvasculature in healing MI. After 7 days of reperfusion, the infarcted territory was rich in capillaries and contained enlarged, pericyte-poor “mother vessels” and endothelial bridges. During scar maturation arteriolar density in the infarct increased, and a higher percentage of microvessels acquired a pericyte coat (60.4 ± 6.94% after 28 days of reperfusion vs 30.17 ± 3.65% after 7 days of reperfusion; p<0.05). The microvascular endothelium in the early stages of healing showed intense CD31/PECAM-1 and CD146/Mel-CAM immunoreactivity but weak staining with the Griffonia simplicifolia lectin I (GS-I). In contrast, after 28 days of reperfusion, most infarct microvessels demonstrated significant lectin binding. Our findings suggest that the infarct microvasculature undergoes a transition from an early phase of intense angiogenic activity to a maturation stage associated with pericyte recruitment and formation of a muscular coat. In addition, in the endothelium of infarct microvessels CD31 and CD146 expression appears to precede that of the specific sugar groups that bind the GS-I lectin. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying the formation and remodeling of the microvasculature after MI may be important in designing therapeutic interventions to optimize cardiac repair.