Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A Potential Source of High‐Value Components for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals‐ A Review

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a herbal plant, belonging to the family Apiceae, is valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. All parts of this herb are in use as flavoring agent and/or as traditional remedies for the treatment of different disorders in the folk medicine systems of different civilizations. The plant is a potential source of lipids (rich in petroselinic acid) and an essential oil (high in linalool) isolated from the seeds and the aerial parts. Due to the presence of a multitude of bioactives, a wide array of pharmacological activities have been ascribed to different parts of this herb, which include anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant, anti‐diabetic, anxiolytic, anti‐epileptic, anti‐depressant, anti‐mutagenic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐dyslipidemic, anti‐hypertensive, neuro‐protective and diuretic. Interestingly, coriander also possessed lead‐detoxifying potential. This review focuses on the medicinal uses, detailed phytochemistry, and the biological activities of this valuable herb to explore its potential uses as a functional food for the nutraceutical industry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of RAAS Blockers on Atrial Fibrillation Prophylaxis

Background: Impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes is well recognized, and application of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a theoretically appealing concept. However, clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results. Methods: A pooled study of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of RAAS blockers on AF prophylaxis was performed. Results: A total of 28 reports from 26 randomized controlled trials enrolled 165 387 patients, with an overall 24% reduction in the incidence of AF (odds ratio [OR]: 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.85], P = .000). Forty-nine percent reduction in the incidence of AF (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.85, P = .010) in systolic heart failure was observed, whereas no significant effect was observed in patients with diastolic heart failure, postmyocardial infarction, and high cardiovascular disease risk. There was a 19% (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-1.00, P = .037) reduction in new-onset and 54% (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.62, P = .000) reduction in recurrent AF in hypertensive patients with 39% (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44-0.84, P = .003) risk reduction against calcium blockers and 41% (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.80, P = .001) risk reduction against β blockers. Angiotensin-receptor blocker appeared marginally superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in primary and secondary prevention. Conclusion: This study suggests that RAAS blockade effectively suppresses AF in systolic heart failure, and hypertensives derive greater benefit against new-onset and recurrent AF compared to β blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Determination of True Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity for Domestic Woods with Different Slenderness Ratios Using Nondestructive Tests

국산재에 대한 전단탄성계수와 실질탄성계수를 구하기 위해 서로 다른 세장비에 대한 휨강도실험 및 응력파실험을 실시했다. 국산재의 휨 성질들은 12%로 조습 처리된 무결점 시편으로 측정하였다. 휨강도와 탄성계수는 세장비(L/D)에 영향을 받아 세장비가 증가하면 증가하였다. 전단탄성계수(G)와 실질탄성계수는 서로 다른 세장비에 대한 휨강도실험 및 응력파실험의 결과를 이용하여 계산했고, 그 값들은 국산재가 구조용도로 사용된다면 유용할 것이다. 하지만 이들 결과들은 제한된 수의 시편들에 대한 값으로 이들 수종의 실질 평균값을 나타내진 않는다.
Spatially Explicit Estimates of Prey Consumption Reveal a New Krill Predator in the Southern Ocean

Development in foraging behaviour and dietary intake of many vertebrates are age-structured. Differences in feeding ecology may correlate with ontogenetic shifts in dispersal patterns, and therefore affect foraging habitat and resource utilization. Such life-history traits have important implications in interpreting tropho-dynamic linkages. Stable isotope ratios in the whiskers of sub-yearling southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina; n = 12) were used, in conjunction with satellite telemetry and environmental data, to examine their foraging habitat and diet during their first foraging migration. The trophic position of seals from Macquarie Island (54°30′S, 158°57′E) was estimated using stable carbon (δ1 3C) and nitrogen (δ15N) ratios along the length of the whisker, which provided a temporal record of prey intake. Satellite-relayed data loggers provided details on seal movement patterns, which were related to isotopic concentrations along the whisker. Animals fed in waters south of the Polar Front (>60°S) or within Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Statistical Subareas 88.1 and 88.2, as indicated by both their depleted δ1 3C (<−20‰) values, and tracking data. They predominantly exploited varying proportions of mesopelagic fish and squid, and crustaceans, such as euphausiids, which have not been reported as a prey item for this species. Comparison of isotopic data between sub-yearlings, and 1, 2 and 3 yr olds indicated that sub-yearlings, limited by their size, dive capabilities and prey capture skills to feeding higher in the water column, fed at a lower trophic level than older seals. This is consistent with the consumption of euphausiids and most probably, Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), which constitute an abundant, easily accessible source of prey in water masses used by this age class of seals. Isotopic assessment and concurrent tracking of seals are successfully used here to identify ontogenetic shifts in broad-scale foraging habitat use and diet preferences in a highly migratory predator.
Simulation and control of skeleton-driven soft body characters

In this paper we present a physics-based framework for simulation and control of human-like skeleton-driven soft body characters. We couple the skeleton dynamics and the soft body dynamics to enable two-way interactions between the skeleton, the skin geometry, and the environment. We propose a novel pose-based plasticity model that extends the corotated linear elasticity model to achieve large skin deformation around joints. We further reconstruct controls from reference trajectories captured from human subjects by augmenting a sampling-based algorithm. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by results not attainable with a simple combination of previous methods.
Effect of specific exercise strategy on need for surgery in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: randomised controlled study

Objective To evaluate if a specific exercise strategy, targeting the rotator cuff and scapula stabilisers, improves shoulder function and pain more than unspecific exercises in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, thereby decreasing the need for arthroscopic subacromial decompression. Design Randomised, participant and single assessor blinded, controlled study. Setting Department of orthopaedics in a Swedish university hospital. Participants 102 patients with long standing (over six months) persistent subacromial impingement syndrome in whom earlier conservative treatment had failed, recruited through orthopaedic specialists. Interventions The specific exercise strategy consisted of strengthening eccentric exercises for the rotator cuff and concentric/eccentric exercises for the scapula stabilisers in combination with manual mobilisation. The control exercise programme consisted of unspecific movement exercises for the neck and shoulder. Patients in both groups received five to six individual guided treatment sessions during 12 weeks. In between these supervised sessions the participants performed home exercises once or twice a day for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the Constant-Murley shoulder assessment score evaluating shoulder function and pain. Secondary outcomes were patients’ global impression of change because of treatment and decision regarding surgery. Results Most (97, 95%) participants completed the 12 week study. There was a significantly greater improvement in the Constant-Murley score in the specific exercise group than in the control exercise group (24 points (95% confidence interval 19 to 28.0) v 9 points (5 to 13); mean difference between group: 15 points (8.5 to 20.6)). Significantly more patients in the specific exercise group reported successful outcome (defined as large improvement or recovered) in the patients’ global assessment of change because of treatment: 69% (35/51) v 24% (11/46); odds ratio 7.6, 3.1 to 18.9; P<0.001. A significantly lower proportion of patients in the specific exercise group subsequently chose to undergo surgery: 20% (10/51) v 63% (29/46); odds ratio 7.7, 3.1 to 19.4; P<0.001). Conclusion A specific exercise strategy, focusing on strengthening eccentric exercises for the rotator cuff and concentric/eccentric exercises for the scapula stabilisers, is effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in patients with persistent subacromial impingement syndrome. By extension, this exercise strategy reduces the need for arthroscopic subacromial decompression within the three month timeframe used in the study. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT01037673
Determining Biodegradability of Polylactic Acid under Different Environments

Determining biodegradability of polylactic acid (PLA) sheets were investigated under different environments. Under the waste water treatment conditions for 15 months, the small white spots could be visually observed on the surface of the PLA sheet. Under real conditions of the landfill, the PLA sheet changed from clear to white opaque. Moreover, the PLA sheet was deformed, became brittle, and was broken into coarse pieces and some disappearance after 15 months of the testing. Molecular weight of 17.31 kDa and 48.56 kDa were obtained for the PLA sheet under the landfill and the waste water treatment conditions, respectively. Under real composting conditions, no PLA residuals could be observed though visual inspection within 34 days. The molecular weight of the PLA sheet obtained from the composting conditions was reduced from 151.90 kDa to 4.45 kDa after 17 days. Moreover, the degree of biodegradation for PLA sheet was 86 % for 4 months under controlled compost conditions determined in the laboratory by a method based on ISO 14855-99. In conclusion PLA sheet would degrade completely under real and controlled composting conditions, whereas the degradation of the PLA sheet under natural landfill and waste water treatment would required a longer time.
Whole-Body-Vibration Training and Balance in Recreational Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability.

CONTEXT Deficits in the propioceptive system of the ankle contribute to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Recently, whole-body-vibration (WBV) training has been introduced as a preventive and rehabilitative tool. OBJECTIVE To evaluate how a 6-week WBV training program on an unstable surface affected balance and body composition in recreational athletes with CAI. DESIGN Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Fifty recreational athletes with self-reported CAI were randomly assigned to a vibration (VIB), nonvibration (NVIB), or control group. INTERVENTION(S) The VIB and NVIB groups performed unilateral balance training on a BOSU 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. The VIB group trained on a vibration platform, and the NVIB group trained on the floor. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We assessed balance using the Biodex Balance System and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS After 6 weeks of training, improvements on the Biodex Balance System occurred only on the Overall Stability Index ( P = .01) and Anterior-Posterior Stability Index ( P = .03) in the VIB group. We observed better performance in the medial ( P = .008) and posterolateral ( P = .04) directions and composite score of the SEBT in the VIB group ( P = .01) and in the medial ( P < .001), posteromedial ( P = .002), and posterolateral ( P = .03) directions and composite score of the SEBT in the NVIB group ( P < .001). No changes in body composition were found for any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS Only the VIB group showed improvements on the Biodex Balance System, whereas the VIB and NVIB groups displayed better performance on the SEBT.
Embodied Cognition: Is Activation of the Motor Cortex Essential for Understanding Action Verbs?

In 8 experiments using language processing tasks ranging from lexical decision to sensibility judgment, participants made hand or foot responses after reading hand- or foot-associated words such as action verbs. In general, response time (RT) tended to be faster when the hand- versus foot-associated word was compatible with the limb that was required to respond (e.g., hand response to a hand-associated word) than when it was incompatible (e.g., foot response to a hand-associated word). To see whether this compatibility effect reflects differential hand- versus foot-specific motor activation produced by the words, as suggested by some embodied theories of language understanding, we monitored 2 event-related potential (ERP) measures previously found to be sensitive to the activation of these limbs. As expected, the ERP results replicated previous findings that the monitored ERPs differ for hand versus foot movements. More importantly, the ERPs provided no evidence of any difference for hand- versus foot-associated words. Thus, the results weaken previous claims that the understanding of action verbs requires activation of the motor areas used to carry out the named action. Instead, they support claims that language-related compatibility effects on RT may arise prior to motor processes, which implies that such effects are not decisive evidence for embodied language understanding.
Heat, Heat Waves, and Hospital Admissions among the Elderly in the United States, 1992–2006

Background: Heat-wave frequency, intensity, and duration are increasing with global climate change. The association between heat and mortality in the elderly is well documented, but less is known regarding associations with hospital admissions. Objectives: Our goal was to determine associations between moderate and extreme heat, heat waves, and hospital admissions for nonaccidental causes among Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 65 years of age in 114 cities across five U.S. climate zones. Methods: We used Medicare inpatient billing records and city-specific data on temperature, humidity, and ozone from 1992 through 2006 in a time-stratified case-crossover design to estimate the association between hospitalization and moderate [90th percentile of apparent temperature (AT)] and extreme (99th percentile of AT) heat and heat waves (AT above the 95th percentile over 2–8 days). In sensitivity analyses, we additionally considered confounding by ozone and holidays, different temperature metrics, and alternate models of the exposure–response relationship. Results: Associations between moderate heat and hospital admissions were minimal, but extreme heat was associated with a 3% (95% CI: 2%, 4%) increase in all-cause hospital admissions over the subsequent 8 days. In cause-specific analyses, extreme heat was associated with increased hospitalizations for renal (15%; 95% CI: 9%, 21%) and respiratory (4%; 95% CI: 2%, 7%) diseases, but not for cardiovascular diseases. An added heat-wave effect was observed for renal and respiratory admissions. Conclusion: Extreme heat is associated with increased hospital admissions, particularly for renal causes, among the elderly in the United States. Citation: Gronlund CJ, Zanobetti A, Schwartz JD, Wellenius GA, O’Neill MS. 2014. Heat, heat waves, and hospital admissions among the elderly in the United States, 1992–2006. Environ Health Perspect 122:1187–1192; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1206132
Differential impact of lytic viruses on prokaryotic morphopopulations in a tropical estuarine system (Cochin estuary, India)

Our understanding on the importance of viral lysis in the functioning of tropical estuarine ecosystem is limited. This study examines viral infection of prokaryotes and subsequent lysis of cells belonging to different morphotypes across a salinity gradient in monsoon driven estuarine ecosystem (Cochin estuary, India). High standing stock of viruses and prokaryotes accompanied by lytic infection rates in the euryhaline/mesohaline region of the estuary suggests salinity to have an influential role in driving interactions between prokaryotes and viruses. High prokaryotic mortality rates, up to 42% of prokaryote population in the pre-monsoon season is further substantiated by a high virus to prokaryote ratio (VPR), suggesting that maintenance of a high number of viruses is dependent on the most active fraction of bacterioplankton. Although myoviruses were the dominant viral morphotype (mean = 43%) throughout the study period, there was significant variation among prokaryotic morphotypes susceptible to viral infection. Among them, the viral infected short rod prokaryote morphotype with lower burst estimates (mean = 18 viruses prokaryote-1) was dominant (35%) in the dry seasons whereas a substantial increase in cocci forms (30%) infected by viruses with high burst size (mean = 31 viruses prokaryote-1) was evident during the monsoon season. Such preferential infections of prokaryotic morphopopulations with respect to seasons can have a strong and variable impact on the carbon and energy flow in this tropical ecosystem.
Nano-Structural Alteration of Pyrophyllite by Grinding Revealed by X-Ray Diffraction and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy

The mechanical destruction of the pyrophyllite structure and final ground products upon grinding with a laboratory planetary ball mill were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) coupled with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Grinding produced a profound structural alteration, resulting in increasing amorphization. Increasing the intensity of grinding resulted in acceleration of the mechanically induced amorphization of the pyrophyllite structure. The pyrophyllite phase was transformed into its anhydride phase during the process of the prolonged grinding. Increasing the grinding intensity resulted in faster destruction of the pyrophyllite structure. The plate-like microcrystal exhibited the 2M-pyrophyllite crystal structure. The pyrophyllite anhydride phase was existed after grinding.
INVESTIGATIONS OF COMPOSTS AS A POTENTIAL SORBENTS OF ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS

Products from crude oil processing are widely used in industry and are used as lubricants and fuels in motor vehicles. Due to the pipeline failure, lost of substances on the loading stations area and traffic crashes, petroleum products moves to different components of environment. The high costs of removal of oil spills to the soil and ground, forces to search for low-cost and effective methods which can reduce spread of these substances. There are professional sorbents on the market for quick and effective removal petroleum products from ground or water surfaces. The aim of this work was test of two composts and two commercial sorbents. Tests were carried with aliphatic hydrocarbons (heptane, octane and decane) by capillary rise method. Best results were obtained for organic commercial sorbent, worst results were noted for composts with natural humidity and mineral sorbent - mostly used in rescue practices. Obtained results show the real possibility of use composts as cheap petroleum derivatives sorbents.
Timing of sexual debut and initiation of postsecondary education by early adulthood.

CONTEXT Although sexual debut has been negatively associated with adolescent educational performance and aspirations, it is not clear whether such relationships continue beyond adolescence. METHODS Initiation of postsecondary education by young adulthood was assessed among 3,965 participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health who had not experienced sexual intercourse at baseline. Associations between age at sexual debut and educational progress were examined in bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression analyses. RESULTS Most respondents experienced sexual debut during adolescence: 15% before age 16 (early) and 53% at ages 16-18 (typical). Sixty-five percent of respondents initiated postsecondary education by early adulthood; however, the proportion was significantly lower among those who had had an early (49%) or typical sexual debut (63%) than among those who debuted late (78%). In unadjusted analyses, early and typical debut were associated with a reduced likelihood of initiation of postsecondary education for both females (relative risk ratios, 0.6 and 0.8, respectively) and males (0.7 and 0.8). However, in adjusted analyses, the associations were attenuated for females (0.8 and 0.9) and were at best marginally significant for males. Childbearing was a significant mediator of this relationship. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent sexual debut appears to be modestly negatively associated with early adult postsecondary education initiation, particularly for females. Targeting mediators of the sexual debut-education relationship, such as early childbearing, could lead to effective interventions.
What Makes People Watch Online Videos

Searching for and retrieving videos in a meaningful way on the web is still an open problem. The integration of a user's context and intentions into the search process is one of the most promising approaches to enhance current search interfaces and algorithms. In this article, we present the results of two exploratory studies on the topic of online video searching, retrieving, watching, and sharing: a qualitative study in which 22 participants reported on situations when they retrieved and watched videos, and an online quantitative survey with more than 200 participants answering comparable questions. We provide a detailed analysis of the results from both studies and report on the insights that they provide in terms of video search, retrieval, watching, and sharing behavior. Our findings can be used to enhance current video retrieval systems, search interfaces, and algorithms in order to improve the overall user satisfaction and experience. As an example of such improvements, we also propose a prototype that addresses the problem of taking the user's intentions into account when designing video retrieval interfaces.
Closing the Achievement Gap through Modification of Neurocognitive and Neuroendocrine Function: Results from a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of an Innovative Approach to the Education of Children in Kindergarten

Effective early education is essential for academic achievement and positive life outcomes, particularly for children in poverty. Advances in neuroscience suggest that a focus on self-regulation in education can enhance children’s engagement in learning and establish beneficial academic trajectories in the early elementary grades. Here, we experimentally evaluate an innovative approach to the education of children in kindergarten that embeds support for self-regulation, particularly executive functions, into literacy, mathematics, and science learning activities. Results from a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 29 schools, 79 classrooms, and 759 children indicated positive effects on executive functions, reasoning ability, the control of attention, and levels of salivary cortisol and alpha amylase. Results also demonstrated improvements in reading, vocabulary, and mathematics at the end of kindergarten that increased into the first grade. A number of effects were specific to high-poverty schools, suggesting that a focus on executive functions and associated aspects of self-regulation in early elementary education holds promise for closing the achievement gap.