Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Culture media optimization for growth and phycoerythrin production from Porphyridium purpureum

Porphyridium spp. is a red micro alga and is gaining importance as a source of valuable products viz., phycobiliproteins (PB), sulfated exopolysaccharides, and polyunsaturated fatty acids with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the present study, the effects of the major media constituents of Porphyridium species were studied using response surface methodology (RSM) on biomass yield, total PB and the production of phycoerythrin (PE). A second order polynomial can be used to predict the PB and PE production in terms of the independent variables. The independent variables such as the concentrations of sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium nitrate, and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate influenced the total PB and PE production. The optimum conditions showed that total PB was 4.8% at the concentration of sodium chloride 26.1 g/L, magnesium sulfate 5.23 g/L, sodium nitrate 1.56 g/L, and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate 0.034 g/L. In case of optimum PE production (3.3%), the corresponding values are 29.62, 6.11, 1.59, and 0.076 g/L, respectively. PE production depends greatly on the concentrations of chloride, nitrate, and sulfate as well as phosphate of which the former possess the maximum effect. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96: 456–463. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidemiological Patterns of Patellofemoral Injuries in Collegiate Athletes in the United States From 2009 to 2014

Background: As many as 30% of patients with knee pain seen in sports medicine clinics have complaints related to the patellofemoral joint. There is a paucity of research available regarding patellofemoral injuries, mechanism of injury, and playing time lost in collegiate athletes. Purpose: To describe the rates, mechanisms, severity, and potential sex-based differences of patellofemoral injuries in collegiate athletes across 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Data from the 2009-2010 through the 2013-2014 academic years were obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program and were analyzed to calculate patellofemoral injury rates, mechanisms of injury, time lost, and need for surgery. Rate ratios and injury proportion ratios were used to quantify discernible differences between sex-comparable sports and timing of injury (ie, practice vs competition), respectively. Results: The overall patellofemoral injury incidence rate was 16.10 per 100,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). Women’s volleyball had the highest incidence of all sports (39.57 per 100,000 AEs). Injuries were 66% more likely to occur in competition than during practice. Female athletes experienced significantly more patellofemoral injuries than males in similar sports. Patellar tendinitis accounted for 49.2% of all patellofemoral injuries and was the most common injury in 20 of 25 studied sports. Patellar subluxation accounted for the most total days missed, and patellar dislocation had the highest mean days missed per injury (11.42 days). Patella fracture was the most likely injury to require surgery (80%). Conclusion: Patellofemoral injuries were most common in sports that require jumping and quick changes of direction, specifically women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s soccer. The majority of patellofemoral injuries in this cohort were classified as patellar tendinitis caused by overuse. Most injuries resulted in no competition or practice time lost. This information may contribute to the development of prevention programs aimed at addressing the most prevalent types and mechanisms of injury in each sport to reduce the incidence of patellofemoral injury in these athletes.
Multifunctional Alloys Obtained via a Dislocation-Free Plastic Deformation Mechanism

We describe a group of alloys that exhibit “super” properties, such as ultralow elastic modulus, ultrahigh strength, super elasticity, and super plasticity, at room temperature and that show Elinvar and Invar behavior. These “super” properties are attributable to a dislocation-free plastic deformation mechanism. In cold-worked alloys, this mechanism forms elastic strain fields of hierarchical structure that range in size from the nanometer scale to several tens of micrometers. The resultant elastic strain energy leads to a number of enhanced material properties.
DISSECTING THE REGISTRATION AND PROCESSING OF OLFACTORY EVENTS DURING GENERAL ANESTHESIA

It is commonly accepted that general anesthesia produces unconsciousness and amnesia. However, the extent to which the anesthetized brain receives and retains information is not well understood. Memory of a given event relies upon initial consolidation and subsequent retrieval. In order to test the effects of anesthesia on these separate memory components, we compared what rats reported behaviorally with what their brains 'reported' histologically. In chapter 2, we fully anesthetized rats with ketamine/xylazine anesthesia and exposed the animals to a novel odorant mixture. The following day the rats were presented with the same odorant mixture while awake in order to assess behavioral familiarity. The rats demonstrated no memory of the odorants previously presented during anesthesia. In order to assess odor-induced brain changes, rats were sacrificed for histological analysis 2 hours after exposure to the odorants during anesthesia, or 2 hours after re-exposure while awake the following day. We quantified the protein expression of c-fos, an immediate early gene thought to be critical for memory consolidation, in cortical olfactory regions. During anesthesia, a novel odorant mixture activated c-Fos similar to that found in awake animals. Repeated exposure to the odorants caused an attenuation of c-Fos regardless of whether the initial exposure occurred while anesthetized or awake. This suggests that memory-related protein changes can occur in olfactory cortical regions despite anesthesia. Given, the potential information consolidation observed in these ketamine/xylazine anesthetized animals, we attempted to retrieve olfactory memories using additional behavioral paradigms and memory-enhancing drugs in chapter 3, but were unable to reveal any explicit memory formation. However, we found subtle changes in odorant approach latency, suggesting a potential implicit memory. Further histological investigation in chapter 4 revealed that changes in odor-induced neurogenesis could also occur despite ketamine/xylazine anesthesia, similar to that found with c-Fos labeling, thus supporting the permissive role of this anesthetic. However, odor-related changes in c-Fos did not occur with the anesthetics pentobarbital or propofol, suggesting these traits are not universal amongst all anesthetics. Nevertheless, these data indicate a functional disconnection between the cortical representation of an environmental stimulus and the corresponding perceptual experience or memory.
Metabolic Syndrome among Emirati Adolescents: A School-Based Study

Objectives Population-based data on metabolic syndrome (MetS) among children is lacking in the United Arab Emirates which has among the highest rates of diabetes in the world. In this study we determined the prevalence of MetS and its correlates in a sample of adolescents. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 1,018 adolescents (48.4% girls) aged 12–18 years from Al Ain Abu Dhabi Emirates. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity and dietary habits. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13%. Boys compared to girls were more likely to have MetS (21% vs. 4%, odds ratio [OR]: 6.57, 95%CI: 4.01 to 10.75). The prevalence of MetS increased with increase in body mass index and reached 59 percent in obese boys. After multivariable adjustment boys who were overweight (adjusted OR: 2.72 [1.37 to 5.35]), or obese (AOR: 12.70 [7.31 to 22.05]), or spent two or more than two hours on screen in a day (AOR: 1.65 [1.01 to 2.69) were more likely to have MetS. Girls who were overweight (AOR: 4.23 [1.32 to 13.62]) or obese (AOR: 8.32 [2.73 to 25.32]) were more likely to have MetS. Conclusions The prevalence of MetS is high among UAE boys. Population-based strategies are needed to address the high burden of metabolic syndrome targeted at the identified risk factors.
Cell‐based therapies for intervertebral disc and cartilage regeneration— Current concepts, parallels, and perspectives

Lower back pain from degenerative disc disease represents a global health burden, and presents a prominent opportunity for regenerative therapeutics. While current regenerative therapies such as autologous disc chondrocyte transplantation (ADCT), allogeneic juvenile chondrocyte implantation (NuQu®), and immunoselected allogeneic adipose derived precursor cells (Mesoblast) show exciting clinical potential, limitations remain. The heterogeneity of preclinical approaches and the paucity of clinical guidance have limited translational outcomes in disc repair, lagging almost a decade behind cartilage repair. Advances in cartilage repair have evolved to single step approaches with improved orthopedic repair and regeneration. Elements from cartilage regeneration endeavors could be adopted and applied to harness translatable approaches and deliver a clinically and economically feasible regenerative surgery for back pain. In this article, we trace the developments behind the translational success of cartilage repair, examine elements to consider in achieving disc regeneration, and the need for surgical redesign. We further discuss clinical parameters, objectives, and coordination required to deliver improved regenerative surgery. Cell source, processing, and delivery modalities are key issues to be addressed in considering surgical redesign. Advances in biomanufacturing, tissue cryobanking, and point of care cell processing technology may enable intraoperative solutions for single step procedures. To maximize translational success a triad partnership between clinicians, industry, and researchers will be critical in providing instructive clinical guidelines for design as well as practical and economic considerations. This will allow a consensus in research ventures and add regenerative surgery into the algorithm in managing and treating a debilitating condition such as back pain. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:8–22, 2017.
How to generate random matrices from the classical compact groups

We discuss how to generate random unitary matrices from the classical compact groups U(N), O(N) and USp(N) with probability distributions given by the respective invariant measures. The algorithm is straightforward to implement using standard linear algebra packages. This approach extends to the Dyson circular ensembles too. This article is based on a lecture given by the author at the summer school on Number Theory and Random Matrix Theory held at the University of Rochester in June 2006. The exposition is addressed to a general mathematical audience.
High prevalence of type 2 diabetes in an urban settlement in Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND Prevalence of type 2 or non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is high among Indians living in India as well as abroad. Prevalence among persons of Indian origin in many countries is greater than that of people of other ethnic extraction. The Indian state of Kerala is distinguished by a high level of achievement in the health sector, characterised by both lower mortality rates and greater density of health care institutions that ensure access to most people. These attributes make the prevalence of diabetes and the pattern of its management in Kerala worth studying. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of diabetes among persons 20 years or older in an urban housing settlement in Trivandrum city, the capital of Kerala, as well as study the management of the disease in subjects affected. DESIGN Cross sectional survey for detecting diabetes and other chronic diseases in all willing residents of an urban housing settlement in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, as part of a preventive campaign against lifestyle diseases. Fasting plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, height, weight and blood pressure were measured, and a detailed questionnaire administered to ascertain previous diabetic status and management. RESULTS Overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes is 16.3%. In the 30-64 age group, age standardised prevalence is 13.7%. Gender differences in prevalence are negligible. Greater prevalence is associated with advancing age, body mass index above 24.99, sedentary habits, serum total cholesterol > 239, serum triglycerides > 149, hypertension and smoking. Compared to non-diabetics, diabetics have greater mean and range of fasting plasma glucose values (8.87 +/- 3.6 mM/l as against 4.34 +/- 0.53 mM/l). 32 out of 38 diabetics among the subjects (82.4%) were already diagnosed even before the survey; of them, 89% were on medication. 3% of subjects had impaired fasting glucose, or FPG level between 110-125 mg/dl. CONCLUSION Prevalence of type 2 diabetes among a group of urban residents in Trivandrum city in Kerala is very high. This is associated also with a high detection rate and compliance to treatment.
Ground and low-lying states of Cu2+-H2O. A difficult case for density functional methods

The ground and low-lying states of Cu2+−H2O have been studied using different density functional and post-Hartree−Fock methods. CCSD(T) results indicate that Cu2+−H2O has C2v symmetry and that the ground electronic state is a 2A1 state. At this level of theory the relative order of the electronic states is 2A1 < 2B1 < 2B2 < 2A2. However, density functional results show that the relative stabilities of these states vary depending on the degree of mixing of exact Hartree−Fock (HF) and density functional (DF) exchange. For pure generalized gradient approximation (GGA) functionals and also for hybrid functionals with percentages of HF mixing up to ∼20−25%, the 2B1 state becomes more stable than the 2A1 one. Moreover, with these functionals a Cs(2A‘) structure is found to be the ground-state structure of Cu2+−H2O. This is attributed to the fact that, for C2v(2B1) and Cs(2A‘), GGA functionals provide a delocalized picture of the electron hole, which is overstabilized due to a bad cancellation of the self-intera.
Environmental Factors Affecting Large-Bodied Coral Reef Fish Assemblages in the Mariana Archipelago

Large-bodied reef fishes represent an economically and ecologically important segment of the coral reef fish assemblage. Many of these individuals supply the bulk of the reproductive output for their population and have a disproportionate effect on their environment (e.g. as apex predators or bioeroding herbivores). Large-bodied reef fishes also tend to be at greatest risk of overfishing, and their loss can result in a myriad of either cascading (direct) or indirect trophic and other effects. While many studies have investigated habitat characteristics affecting populations of small-bodied reef fishes, few have explored the relationship between large-bodied species and their environment. Here, we describe the distribution of the large-bodied reef fishes in the Mariana Archipelago with an emphasis on the environmental factors associated with their distribution. Of the factors considered in this study, a negative association with human population density showed the highest relative influence on the distribution of large-bodied reef fishes; however, depth, water temperature, and distance to deep water also were important. These findings provide new information on the ecology of large-bodied reef fishes can inform discussions concerning essential fish habitat and ecosystem-based management for these species and highlight important knowledge gaps worthy of additional research.
Preliminary design of an actuation system for a morphing winglet

Morphing winglets are relatively new devices currently being investigated for a variety of aircraft from civil to military. By ensuring significant fuel saving and aerodynamic efficiency benefits, especially in aircraft offdesign conditions, morphing winglet may contribute to optimize aircraft lift distribution throughout the flight mission while providing augmented roll and yaw control capability. In the framework of Clean Sky 2 Airgreen 2 GRA ITD project, this paper deals with the preliminary design of a electromechanical actuation chain including both the motor, the linear actuator and the mechanical system suitable for a morphing winglet. Given a morphing winglet layout, not addressed in this work, the capability of the structure to enable morphing through smooth rigid-body kinematic of the embedded mechanisms was assessed through numerical simulations. An electro-mechanical Matlab/Simulink model of the actuation architecture was developed and used as a design tool to preliminary evaluate the complete system performance and the ability to cope with the expected morphing aeroshapes. Numerical analyses are given and compared with analytical calculations involving the actuation forces, shaft rotations and linear actuator strokes of the morphing winglet actuation system for a given design case and loads.
Nr5a2 heterozygosity sensitises to, and cooperates with, inflammation in KRasG12V-driven pancreatic tumourigenesis

Objectives Nr5a2 participates in biliary acid metabolism and is a major regulator of the pancreatic exocrine programme. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vicinity of NR5A2 are associated with the risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Aims To determine the role of Nr5a2 in pancreatic homeostasis, damage-induced regeneration and mutant KRas-driven pancreatic tumourigenesis. Design Nr5a2+/− and KRasG12V;Ptf1a-Cre;Nr5a2+/− mice were used to investigate whether a full dose of Nr5a2 is required for normal pancreas development, recovery from caerulein-induced pancreatitis, and protection from tumour development. Results Adult Nr5a2+/− mice did not display histological abnormalities in the pancreas but showed a more severe acute pancreatitis, increased acino-ductal metaplasia and impaired recovery from damage. This was accompanied by increased myeloid cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression, and hyperactivation of nuclear factor κb and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signalling pathways. Induction of multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis was associated with more severe damage and delayed regeneration. Inactivation of one Nr5a2 allele selectively in pancreatic epithelial cells was sufficient to cause impaired recovery from pancreatitis. In comparison with Nr5a2+/+ mice, KRasG12V;Ptf1aCre/+;Nr5a2+/− mice showed a non-statistically significant increase in the area affected by preneoplastic lesions. However, a single episode of acute pancreatitis cooperated with loss of one Nr5a2 allele to accelerate KRasG12V-driven development of preneoplastic lesions. Conclusions A full Nr5a2 dose is required to restore pancreatic homeostasis upon damage and to suppress the KRasG12V-driven mouse pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia progression, indicating that Nr5a2 is a novel pancreatic tumour suppressor. Nr5a2 could contribute to PDAC through a role in the recovery from pancreatitis-induced damage.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO CYCLOSPORINE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN EXPERIMENTAL KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

1 Female donors and recipients have increased risk of acute rejection and subsequent chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), especially when cyclosporine A (CsA) is used. Decreased renal nitric oxide (NO) production is associated with chronic kidney disease. In the present study, we investigated the impact of gender, CsA dose and renal NO synthase (NOS) on CAN. 2 Kidneys from male and female F344 rats were transplanted into same‐sex Lewis allograft or F344 isograft recipients and recipient rats were treated with 1.5 or 3 mg/kg per day CsA for 10 days. Grafts were removed at 22 weeks post‐transplantation. Normal two‐kidney F344 rats were investigated as age‐matched controls. 3 Low‐dose CsA was associated with accelerated CAN in female rats compared with male rats; however, with high‐dose CsA, allograft females had similar pathology/function to allograft males. Isograft females (similar to isograft males) had no graft failure and only slightly, albeit significantly, greater injury than age‐matched controls. Isograft females had higher renal cortical neuronal (n) NOS but lower medullary endothelial (e) NOS than isograft males. There was no difference in renal eNOS and nNOS between allograft groups. 4 In conclusion, 1.5 mg/kg per day CsA is not sufficient to prevent early graft loss in females. When the dose of CsA is doubled, allograft females and males have similar post‐transplant survival. Renal NOS expression was unremarkable in any transplant group.
Peptide mediated active targeting and intelligent particle size reduction-mediated enhanced penetrating of fabricated nanoparticles for triple-negative breast cancer treatment

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most invasively malignant human cancers and its incidence increases year by year. Effective therapeutics against them needs to be developed urgently. In this study, a kind of angiopep-2 modified and intelligently particle size-reducible NPs, Angio-DOX-DGL-GNP, was designed for accomplishing both high accumulation and deep penetration within tumor tissues. On one hand, for improving the cancerous targeting efficiency of NPs, angiopep-2 was anchored on the surface of NPs to facilitate their accumulation via binding with low density lipoprotein-receptor related protein (LRP) overexpressed on TNBC. On the other hand, for achieving high tumor retention and increasing tumor penetration, an intelligently particle size-reducible NPs were constructed through fabricating gelatin NPs (GNP) with doxorubicin (DOX) loaded dendrigraft poly-lysine (DGL). In vitro cellular uptake and ex-vivo imaging proved the tumor targeting effect of Angio-DOX-DGL-GNP. Additionally, the degradation of large-sized Angio-DOX-DGL-GNP by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) led to the size reduction from 185.7 nm to 55.6 nm. More importantly, the penetration ability of Angio-DOX-DGL-GNP after incubation with MMP-2 was dominantly enhanced in tumor spheroids. Due to a combinational effect of active targeting and deep tumor penetration, the tumor growth inhibition rate of Angio-DOX-DGL-GNP was 74.1% in a 4T1 breast cancer bearing mouse model, which was significantly higher than other groups. Taken together, we successfully demonstrated a promising and effective nanoplatform for TNBC treatment.