Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Carbon Sources on Bacterial Nanocellulose Production and Structure Using the Low pH Resistant Strain Komagataeibacter Medellinensis

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a polymer obtained by fermentation with microorganism of different genera. Recently, new producer species have been discovered, which require identification of the most important variables affecting cellulose production. In this work, the influence of different carbon sources in BC production by a novel low pH-resistant strain Komagataeibacter medellinensis was established. The Hestrin-Schramm culture medium was used as a reference and was compared to other media comprising glucose, fructose, and sucrose, used as carbon sources at three concentrations (1, 2, and 3% w/v). The BC yield and dynamics of carbon consumption were determined at given fermentation times during cellulose production. While the carbon source did not influence the BC structural characteristics, different production levels were determined: glucose > sucrose > fructose. These results highlight considerations to improve BC industrial production and to establish the BC property space for applications in different fields.
Community-Based Recreational Football: A Novel Approach to Promote Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Survivors

As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, there is an increasing focus on management of the long-term consequences of cancer including health promotion and prevention of co-morbidity. Prostate cancer is the most frequent type of cancer type in men and causes increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Epidemiological evidence points to a positive effect of regular physical activity on all-cause and prostate cancer mortality and current clinical evidence supports the use of exercise in cancer rehabilitation. However, the external validity of existing exercise studies is limited and the majority of prostate cancer survivors remain sedentary. Hence, novel approaches to evaluate and promote physical activity are warranted. This paper presents the rationale behind the delivery and evaluation of community-based recreational football offered in existing football clubs under the Danish Football Association to promote quality of life and physical activity adherence in prostate cancer survivors. The RE-AIM framework will be applied to evaluate the impact of the intervention including outcomes both at the individual and organizational level. By introducing community-based sport environments, the study offers a novel approach in the strive towards sustained physical activity adherence and accessibility in prostate cancer survivors.
Generation of Soluble Human Tumor Necrosis Factor-&agr; Receptor 1-Fc Transgenic Pig

Background. Acute humoral xenograft rejection (AHXR) is an important barrier to xenograft survival. Human tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (hTNF-&agr;) is one of the essential mediators of AHXR and induces activation of porcine endothelial cells (PECs), resulting in upregulation of major histocompatibility complex molecules, adhesion molecules, and proinflammatory chemokines. We investigated whether introduction of a soluble human tumor necrosis factor receptor I-Fc (shTNFRI-Fc) fusion gene can suppress activation of PECs and, more importantly, produced shTNFRI-Fc transgenic pigs. Methods. The shTNFRI-Fc gene expression vector was constructed and inserted into PECs. The inhibitory effects of shTNFRI-Fc were tested by luciferase assay, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry. A shTNFRI-Fc transgenic pig was generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer. The expression of shTNFRI-Fc in the transgenic pig was evaluated by PCR, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. The inhibitory effects of shTNFRI-Fc in the serum obtained from the transgenic pig were also tested. Results. In comparison with control green fluorescent protein, shTNFRI-Fc protein showed much stronger inhibitory effects on NF-&kgr;B activation in the HEK293-NF-&kgr;B-luciferase reporting cell line, expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules in PECs, and TNF-&agr;-mediated cytotoxicity. We successfully generated shTNFRI-Fc transgenic pig. Sera obtained from the transgenic pig inhibited induction of chemokines, and E-selectin in PECs stimulated with Human TNF-&agr;. Conclusions. We have generated transgenic pigs producing shTNFRI-Fc protein that can inhibit TNF-&agr;-mediated activation of PECs. Because TNF-&agr; is an important mediator of xenograft rejection, the use of xenografts that can produce shTNFRI-Fc proteins de novo could be an effective approach in overcoming a considerable component of the xenograft rejection process, especially AHXR.
Sequential Use of Normothermic Regional Perfusion and Hypothermic Machine Perfusion in Donation After Cardiac Death Liver Transplantation With Extended Warm Ischemia Time.

The great potential of donation after cardiac death (DCD) in expanding the liver donor pool is limited by the inferior results due to the ischemic injury.1 Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) can improve the transplantation outcome.2,3 These technologies may
The differential expression of mgl mRNA by Porphyromonas gingivalis affects the production of methyl mercaptan.

OBJECTIVE A large number of individuals have halitosis. The total amount of volatile sulfur compounds, which are the main cause of halitosis, has been correlated with periodontitis following bacterial infection. In this study, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a major periodontopathogenic bacterium, was isolated from patients with halitosis by the amplification of 16S rRNA, and the ability of isolated Pg to produce methyl mercaptan (CH3 SH) was determined to clarify the relationship between halitosis and Pg infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS CH3 SH concentrations were measured in patients using Oral Chroma. The production of CH3 SH by Pg standard and clinical strains was also measured in vitro. Real-time PCR was performed to compare the expression of mgl mRNA (which encoded l-methionine-a-deamino-g-mercaptomethane-lyase) among the Pg strains. The production of CH3 SH and the expression of mgl mRNA were also determined to assess the effects of oriental medicine. RESULTS The production of CH3 SH and the expression of mgl mRNA strongly correlated with each other in the presence of l-methionine. The expression of mgl mRNA by Pg W83 was strongly inhibited by magnoliaceae. CONCLUSION The production of CH3 SH was correlated with the expression of mgl. Furthermore, the oriental medicine, magnoliaceae, may represent a potential treatment for halitosis.
Deconstructing the Conveyor Belt

For the past several decades, oceanographers have embraced the dominant paradigm that the ocean’s meridional overturning circulation operates like a conveyor belt, transporting cold waters equatorward at depth and warm waters poleward at the surface. Within this paradigm, the conveyor, driven by changes in deepwater production at high latitudes, moves deep waters and their attendant properties continuously along western boundary currents and returns surface waters unimpeded to deepwater formation sites. A number of studies conducted over the past few years have challenged this paradigm by revealing the vital role of the ocean’s eddy and wind fields in establishing the structure and variability of the ocean’s overturning. Here, we review those studies and discuss how they have collectively changed our view of the simple conveyor-belt model.
Please Scroll down for Article Journal of Cognition and Development Where Hypotheses Come From: Learning New Relations by Structural Alignment

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Quantile Regression for Analyzing Heterogeneity in Ultra-High Dimension

Ultra-high dimensional data often display heterogeneity due to either heteroscedastic variance or other forms of non-location-scale covariate effects. To accommodate heterogeneity, we advocate a more general interpretation of sparsity, which assumes that only a small number of covariates influence the conditional distribution of the response variable, given all candidate covariates; however, the sets of relevant covariates may differ when we consider different segments of the conditional distribution. In this framework, we investigate the methodology and theory of nonconvex, penalized quantile regression in ultra-high dimension. The proposed approach has two distinctive features: (1) It enables us to explore the entire conditional distribution of the response variable, given the ultra-high-dimensional covariates, and provides a more realistic picture of the sparsity pattern; (2) it requires substantially weaker conditions compared with alternative methods in the literature; thus, it greatly alleviates the difficulty of model checking in the ultra-high dimension. In theoretic development, it is challenging to deal with both the nonsmooth loss function and the nonconvex penalty function in ultra-high-dimensional parameter space. We introduce a novel, sufficient optimality condition that relies on a convex differencing representation of the penalized loss function and the subdifferential calculus. Exploring this optimality condition enables us to establish the oracle property for sparse quantile regression in the ultra-high dimension under relaxed conditions. The proposed method greatly enhances existing tools for ultra-high-dimensional data analysis. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed procedure. The real data example we analyzed demonstrates that the new approach reveals substantially more information as compared with alternative methods. This article has online supplementary material.
Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Laminated Seams

ABSTRACT The main goal of this article is to analyze the seam quality by influence of lamination process parameters on the strength properties of laminated seams in cotton clothing products. The seam quality index is defined by maximal force to seam rupture and relative elongation during rupture. These parameters are obtained during the delamination test and shear test. The obtained statistical equations allow to describe, predict, and optimize the seam quality versus the product requirements and seam location within the product. The obtained results suggest that the strength properties of laminated seams can be determined by means of both mentioned tests.
Effects of acute abstinence and nicotine administration on taste perception in cigarette smokers

We investigated the effects of short-term abstinence from smoking and acute nicotine administration on taste perception in smokers. We assessed sensitivity for salt and sucrose solutions and the self-reported intensity and pleasantness of these tastes, using a previously validated model of taste perception. This was in order to investigate mechanisms by which cigarette smoking and smoking cessation may modulate dietary behaviour. Male and female daily smokers attended a single testing session. Participants were randomised to either abstain for smoking for 12 h or smoke as usual on the morning of testing. At the testing session, participants completed subjective ratings of mood and ratings of intensity and pleasantness of salt and sucrose solutions, followed by measurement of the threshold at which these solutions could be detected on the tongue. Participants were then randomised to smoking either a nicotine-containing or denicotinised cigarette, after which they completed the same measures as previously. Our data suggest that following cigarette smoking, lower taste thresholds are obtained after smoking a denicotinised cigarette compared with a nicotinised cigarette, but among females only. This effect was not observed among males and did not differ as a function of abstinence condition. In addition, among non-abstinent smokers, females demonstrated higher taste thresholds (i.e. reduced sensitivity) for salt than males, but this sex difference was not observed among abstinent smokers.
The impact of impinging TiO2 nanoparticles in Prandtl nanofluid along with endoscopic and variable magnetic field effects on peristaltic blood flow

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the variable magnetic field and endoscope effects on peristaltic blood flow of nanofluid containing TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) through a porous annulus. The Prandtl fluid model is taken into account for the present flow. The mathematical modelling comprises the temperature, continuity, NP concentration, and equations of motion which are further simplified by taking a long peristaltic wave and creeping flow regime. Design/methodology/approach After using the long wavelength approximation, the obtained highly non-linear partial differential equations are solved using the homotopy perturbation scheme. The inclusion of the pertinent parameters is discussed mathematically and graphically for the pressure rise, friction forces, temperature profile, and concentration profile. The trapping phenomenon is also investigated with the help of contours. Findings Results show that the maximum velocity distribution exists near the centre of the annulus, whereas the average time flow boosts the velocity profile. It has also been shown that flow can pass readily without enormous pressure gradient imposed on the endoscope tube unlike the case of the slim section of the problem. Practical implications The nanofluids containing titanium NPs are increasingly utilised since such type of NPs is used by several manufacturers in sunscreen blockers and different types of endoscopy. In endoscopy, the variable magnetic field is used at the tip in order to detect or treat diseases. The NPs are used since they acquire specific thermal properties as compared with base fluids. The present study provides qualitative results showing the effect of inner tube of annulus on the fluid flow, the effect of variable magnetic field, and the change in the temperature profile on the flow field. Originality/value A new model is introduced that shows the utmost pressure that works against the positive peristaltic pump. It studies the blood flow that results in extremely non-linear partial differential equations that are solved by the homotopy perturbation method. The titanium NPs are being used in blocking the rays that penetrate the epidermis causing skin burns and short ultraviolet ageing rays that cause visible wrinkles, and thus are used in the manufacturing of sunscreens that are partially absorbed through the skin.
Highly Ordered Methanofullerene Nanotube Array: Fabrication and Implications for Room Temperature Organic Spintronics

Organic semiconductors have come to the forefront of research in physics, chemistry and electronics due to their impressive properties and low cost of device production. Presented here is a novel centrifuge assisted organic nanowire growth technique and its application in the fabrication of methanofullerene ([6,6]phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) nanotube array spin valves. This growth technique enables the fabrication of a wide range of potential organic nanowire devices for applications in photonics, optoelectronics and spintronics. In particular, spin valves of PCBM nanotube arrays fabricated using this technique demonstrate encouraging spin transport properties. In spite of a long channel length (~325 nm), these devices exhibit an inverse spin valve effect which persists even at room temperature. The spin relaxation length in these devices is estimated to be ~50 nm at room temperature which is the largest room temperature spin relaxation length in organic nanowire systems reported to date, including carbon
Dry Eye Symptoms, Patient-Reported Visual Functioning, and Health Anxiety Influencing Patient Satisfaction After Cataract Surgery

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate how patient satisfaction after cataract surgery is associated with postoperative visual acuity, visual functioning, dry eye signs and symptoms, health anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Patients and methods: Fifty-four patients (mean age: 68.02 years) were assessed 2 months after uneventful phacoemulsification; 27 were unsatisfied with their postoperative results and 27 were satisfied. They completed the following questionnaires: Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Shortened Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), and Shortened Beck Depression Inventory. Testing included logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR) uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), dry eye tests (tear meniscus height and depth measured by spectral optical coherence tomography, tear film break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, Schirmer 1 test, and meibomian gland dysfunction grading). Results: Postoperative UCVA, BCVA, and the dry eye parameters – except TBUT – showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.130). However, the VF-14 scores, the OSDI scores, and the SHAI scores were significantly worse in the unsatisfied patient group (p < 0.002). No significant correlations were found between visual acuity measures and visual functioning (r < 0.170, p > 0.05). However, the VF-14 scores correlated with the OSDI scores (r = −0.436, p < 0.01) and the OSDI scores correlated with the SHAI scores (r = 0.333, p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression revealed an adjusted association between patient satisfaction and dry eye symptoms (odds ratio = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.02–2.09, p = 0.038) and visual functioning (odds ratio = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.60–1.0, p = 0.048). Conclusions: Our results suggest that patient-reported visual functioning, dry eye symptoms, and health anxiety are more closely associated with patients’ postoperative satisfaction than with the objective clinical measures of visual acuity or the signs of dry eye.
STC anti-spoofing systems for the ASVspoof 2015 challenge

This paper presents the Speech Technology Center (STC) systems submitted to Automatic Speaker Verification Spoofing and Countermeasures (ASVspoof) Challenge 2015. In this work we investigate different acoustic feature spaces to determine reliable and robust countermeasures against spoofing attacks. In addition to the commonly used front-end MFCC features we explored features derived from phase spectrum and features based on applying the multiresolution wavelet transform. Similar to state-of-the-art ASV systems, we used the standard TV approach for probability modelling in spoofing detection systems. Experiments performed on the development and evaluation datasets of the Challenge demonstrate that the use of phase-related and wavelet-based features provides a substantial input into the efficiency of the resulting STC systems. In our research we also focused on the comparison of the linear (SVM) and nonlinear (DBN) classifiers.
The dengue situation in Africa

Abstract Dengue outbreaks and epidemics have been reported in all regions of Africa, and it is believed that all four dengue virus serotypes are in circulation. Available data suggest that dengue is endemic to 34 African countries and that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes – the primary vector for dengue transmission – are known to be present in all but five countries. Whether populations in Africa are susceptible to dengue at the same rates as in Asia and Latin America is difficult to determine from the available data. Several factors may affect the transmission of dengue in Africa, including vector efficiency, viral infectivity, host vulnerability and environmental factors, such as increasing urbanisation. Current dengue prevention strategies in Africa focus on vector control, although the primary aim of such efforts is typically the prevention of malaria. Further research is needed to characterise the epidemiology of dengue in Africa and to better understand the factors involved in differences in vulnerability to dengue across Africa.
Predictors of long-term exercise adherence in a community-based sample of older women.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined long-term exercise adherence in older women. The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of adherence to an intervention involving walking and balance exercises. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up. Sedentary women (n = 137) aged > or =70 randomized to the exercise intervention were evaluated in their homes. The exercise prescription included walking 30 minutes per day 5 days per week and completing 11 balance exercises twice per week. The main outcome measure was exercise adherence of the intervention group only. RESULTS The average number of minutes walked per week was 95.2 (SD 68.8); 17% walked the recommended 150 minutes or greater. The average number of times the balance exercises were done was 1.5 (SD 1.6) per week. Results of regression analysis for walking adherence showed clinical variables accounted for the greatest variance (17%) of all the blocks, and cognitive variables were second highest (12%). The final model explained 19% of the variance in predicting adherence to walking. Results of regression analysis for adherence to balance exercises showed health-related quality of life (HRQOL) variables accounted for the greatest variance (14%), followed by cognitive variables (12%). The final model explained 24% of the variance in predicting adherence to balance exercises. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to exercise was below recommended goals, although this study demonstrated that sedentary women can adopt and continue regular exercise long term. Predictors of adherence varied with different forms of exercise. Individually tailored exercise interventions may be most amenable to older women.