Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lactic Acid Fermentation of Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) Generates Flavonoid Derivatives with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions throughout the world. In the last decades, the interest towards vegetative crop increased, and cladodes are exploited for nutraceutical and health-promoting properties. This study aimed at investigating the capacity of selected lactic acid bacteria to increase the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cactus cladodes pulp, with the perspective of producing a functional ingredient, dietary supplement or pharmaceutical preparation. Preliminarily, the antioxidant activity was determined through in vitro assays. Further, it was confirmed through ex vivo analysis on intestinal Caco-2/TC7 cells, and the profile of flavonoids was characterized. Cactus cladode pulp was fermented with lactic acid bacteria, which were previously selected from plant materials. Chemically acidified suspension, without bacterial inoculum and incubated under the same conditions, was used as the control. Lactobacillus plantarum CIL6, POM1 and 1MR20, Lactobacillus brevis POM2 and POM4, Lactobacillus rossiae 2LC8 and Pediococcus pentosaceus CILSWE5 were the best growing strains. Fermentation of cladode pulp with L. brevis POM2 and POM4 allowed the highest concentration of γ-amino butyric acid. Lactic acid fermentation had preservative effects (P<0.05) on the levels of vitamin C and carotenoids. Two flavonoid derivatives (kaemferol and isorhamnetin) were identified in the ethyl acetate extracts, which were considered to be the major compounds responsible for the increased radical scavenging activity. After inducing oxidative stress by IL-1β, the increased antioxidant activity (P<0.05) of fermented cladode pulp was confirmed using Caco-2/TC7 cells. Fermented cladode pulp had also immune-modulatory effects towards Caco-2 cells. Compared to the control, fermented cladode pulp exhibited a significantly (P<0.05) higher inhibition of IL-8, TNFα and prostaglandins PGE2 synthesis. The highest functional effect was found using ethyl acetate extracts. In conclusion, fermentation, especially with L. plantarum strains and L. brevis POM4, enhanced the antioxidant and immune-modulation features of cladode pulp.
Cost and response time simulation for Web-based applications on mobile channels

When considering the addition of a mobile presentation channel to an existing Web-based application, a key question that has to be answered even before development begins is how the mobile channel's characteristics will impact the user experience and the cost of using the application. If either of these factors is outside acceptable limits, economical considerations may forbid adding the channels, even if it would be feasible from a purely technical perspective. Both of these factors depend considerably on two metrics: The time required to transmit data over the mobile network, and the volume transmitted. The PETTICOAT method presented in this paper uses the dialog flow model and Web server log files of an existing application to identify typical interaction sequences and to compile volume statistics, which are then run through a tool that simulates the volume and time that would be incurred by executing the interaction sequences on a mobile channel. From the simulated volume and time data, we can then calculate the cost of accessing the application on a mobile channel.
Workers' Education, Spillovers, and Productivity: Evidence from Plant-Level Production Functions

I assess the magnitude of human capital spillovers by estimating production functions using a unique firm-worker matched data set. Productivity of plants in cities that experience large increases in the share of college graduates rises more than the productivity of similar plants in cities that experience small increases in the share of college graduates. These productivity gains are offset by increased labor costs. Using three alternative measures of economic distance-input-output flows, technological specialization, and patent citations-I find that within a city, spillovers between industries that are economically close are larger than spillovers between industries that are economically distant.
The Impact of Affective Events on Employees’ Psychological Well-being: Personality and Servant Leadership as Moderators

Organizations are dynamic entities, and such dynamism is reflected in the emergence of significant events. These events, be it positive or negative, can influence employees. However, there is little discussion about how they become meaningful and come to impact employees, which hinders the progress in the understanding of organizational behaviors. This paper addresses this gap by applying Affective Events Theory (AET) to further our understanding of how events in the workplace trigger influence employees’ workplace psychological well-being. More specifically, this paper studies the impact of positive and negative events on employees’ psychological wellbeing, accounting for the moderating effects of their personality traits and servant leadership. This paper contributes to our understanding of the impact of work events, personality and servant leadership in influencing employees’ psychological wellbeing by (a) testing the relationship between work events and employees’ psychological wellbeing; (b) identifying the moderating effects of personality and servant leadership.
Understanding school–family contact and academic and behavioral performance among adolescent students in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Home–school relationships and communication play an important role in promoting children’s and adolescents’ development and learning. This study investigated the relations between school-initiated and family-initiated contact regarding school events and concerns regarding adolescents’ academic, behavioral, and health issues and adolescents’ academic performance and behavioral problems in a Taiwanese context, using a secondary data analysis design. The study included a sample of 13,290 junior high school students in Taiwan, as well as their caregivers and teachers. Unlike the pervasive belief regarding the benefit of parental involvement, this study found that higher levels of overall family-initiated school contact were associated with lower academic performance. The results also suggest that the links between home–school contact and adolescents’ academic performance and behavioral problems may be a function of the nature of contact initiated by either the family or the school. Implications for school psychology practice and research are provided.
Alterations of intratumoral pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil in head and neck carcinoma during simultaneous radiochemotherapy.

The kinetics of local drug uptake and metabolism of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been monitored by means of 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 17 patients with neck tumors during concurrent radiochemotherapy. All of the patients underwent an accelerated hyperfractionated, concomitant-boost radiochemotherapy with 5-FU [600 or 1000 mg/m2 of body surface (b.s.)] and carboplatin (70 mg/m2 of b.s.). Serial 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were obtained during and after the administration of 5-FU in a 15-T scanner with the use of a 5-cm diameter surface coil positioned on a cervical lymph node metastasis. Examinations were performed at day 1 of therapy and, in 13 patients, also after 43.5 Gy of irradiation at day 1 of the second chemotherapy cycle. Resonances of 5-FU and the catabolites 5,6-dihydro-5-fluorouracil (DHFU) and alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL) were resolved in the tumor spectra. The median of the 5-FU and FBAL levels was significantly higher (more than 2-fold) at the second compared with the first examination, whereas the level of DHFU did not change. This effect could indicate an increased delivery of 5-FU into the interstitial space of the tumor in the course of the combined treatment, which would result in an enhanced exposure of the tumor cells to the drug. A potential mechanism for synergy between radio- and chemotherapy is discussed, but alternative mechanisms are also being considered. The findings indicate that a method is available to rationally address the design of dosing schedules in concurrent therapy regimens.
Short CATALYTIC ROLES OF CYP2C9 AND ITS VARIANTS (CYP2C9*2 AND CYP2C9*3) IN LORNOXICAM 5 -HYDROXYLATION

: The effects of allelic variants of CYP2C9 ( CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 ) on lornoxicam 5 (cid:1) -hydroxylation were studied using the corresponding variant protein expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells and human liver microsomes of known genotypes of CYP2C9. The results of the baculovirus expression system showed that CYP2C9.3 gives higher K m and lower V max values for lornoxicam 5 (cid:1) -hydroxylation than does CYP2C9.1. In contrast, K m and V max values of CYP2C9.1 and CYP2C9.2 for the reaction were comparable. Lornoxicam 5 (cid:1) -hydroxy-lation was also determined in liver microsomes of 12 humans genotyped for the CYP2C9 gene ( *1/*1, n (cid:1) 7; *1/*2, n (cid:1) 2; *1/*3, n (cid:1) 2; *3/*3, n (cid:1) 1). A sample genotyped as *3/*3 exhibited 8- to 50-fold lower intrinsic clearance for lornoxicam 5 (cid:1) -hydroxylation than did samples genotyped as *1/*1 . However, the values for intrinsic clearance for *1/*3 were within the range of values exhibited by samples of *1/*1 . In addition, no appreciable differences were observed in kinetic parameters for lornoxicam 5 (cid:1) -hydroxylation between *1/*1 and *1/*2 . In conclusion, this study showed that lornoxicam 5 (cid:1) -hydroxylation via CYP2C9
Local rigidity of surfaces in space forms

We prove that isometric embeddings of closed embedded surfaces in Euclidean 3-space of locally rigid, i.e. they admit no non-trivial local isometric deformations, answering a question in classical differential geometry. The same result holds for abstract surfaces embedded in constant curvature 3-manifolds, provided a mild condition on the fundamental group holds.
Detection and Characterization of Nocardia from Patients Diagnosed as Tuberculosis in Egypt

Pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary nocardiosis are similar in most clinical symptoms and radiological manifestation. In the developing countries like Egypt where tuberculosis is very common, anti-tuberculosis drugs are started on basis of radiology and clinical symptoms. This study included 600 sputum specimens collected from 200 patients diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis from three chest hospitals in Egypt. IS6110 specific primer were selected for PCR to identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis and hsp65 gene specific primers were used for PCR and sequencing for the identification of Mycobacterium and Nocardial species. The region of the gene coding for 16S rRNA in Nocardia species were selected as genus specific primer sequences for a PCR and Real Time PCR assays. Our result confirmed that four whole DNA samples, extracted from sputum specimen from the pulmonary tuberculosis patients on anti-tuberculosis treatment, were Nocardia species. Three of them matched (99% homology) with Nocardia farcinica (formerly Nocardia asteroid type V) and one match (83% homology) with Nocardia pneumonia. Molecular methods such as PCR and real-time PCR for identification of Nocardia are rapid and accurate methods. No cross-reactions were observed using Real Time PCR specific for Nocordia with other closely related genera.
Object tracking and recognition using massively parallel processing with CUDA

The paper presents an approach to the problem of simultaneous tracking and recognition of moving objects. The solution for movement detection and object tracking is based on well known digital image processing methods; nevertheless, the key is to conduct an appropriate procedure. In the aspect of objects recognition the approach is based on the template matching for irregular patterns with a parameter space defined by translation, rotation, and scaling operations. The elaborated method works directly on grey-level images. In order to guarantee the performance considered processes are supported by massively parallel computing with the CUDA technology.
Vasoconstrictor Reserve and Sympathetic Neural Control of Orthostasis

Background—We tested the hypothesis that individual variability in orthostatic tolerance is dependent on the degree of neural and vasomotor reserve available for vasoconstriction. Methods and Results—Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and hemodynamics were measured in 12 healthy young volunteers during 60° head-up tilt (HUT), followed by a cold pressor test (CPT) in HUT. Orthostatic tolerance was determined by progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) to presyncope. The same protocols were performed randomly in normovolemic and hypovolemic conditions. We found that mean arterial pressure increased and stroke volume decreased, whereas heart rate (HR), MSNA, and total peripheral resistance (TPR) increased during HUT (all P<0.01). Application of the CPT in HUT did not increase HR or decrease stroke volume further but elevated mean arterial pressure (P<0.01) and increased MSNA and TPR in some subjects. There was a positive correlation between the time to presyncope from −50 mm Hg LBNP (equivalent to 60° HUT alone) and the changes in MSNA produced by the CPT under both conditions (r=0.442, P=0.039). Those who had greater increases in MSNA had greater increases in TPR during the CPT and longer time to presyncope (both P<0.05). One subject had dramatic increases in MSNA but small increases in TPR during the CPT, which indicates a disassociation between sympathetic activity and the increase in peripheral vascular resistance. Conclusions—These results support our hypothesis and suggest that vasoconstrictor capability is a contributor to orthostatic tolerance in humans. Vasoconstrictor reserve therefore may be one mechanism underlying individual variability in orthostatic intolerance.
Low-fat dairy products and blood pressure: follow-up of 2290 older persons at high cardiovascular risk participating in the PREDIMED study

High blood pressure (BP) has been ranked as the most important risk factor worldwide regarding attributable deaths. Dietary habits are major determinants of BP. Among them, frequent intake of low-fat dairy products may protect against hypertension. Our aim was to assess the relationship between low-fat dairy product intake and BP levels and their changes after 12-month follow-up in a cohort of asymptomatic older persons at high cardiovascular risk recruited into a large-scale trial assessing the effects of Mediterranean diets on cardiovascular outcomes. Data from 2290 participants, including 1845 with hypertension, were available for analyses. Dairy products were not a specific part of the intervention; thus, data were analysed as an observational cohort. Dietary information was collected with validated semi-quantitative FFQ and trained personnel measured BP. To assess BP changes, we undertook cross-sectional analyses at baseline and at the end of follow-up and longitudinal analyses. A statistically significant inverse association between low-fat dairy product intake and systolic BP was observed for the 12-month longitudinal analysis. In the longitudinal analysis, the adjusted systolic and diastolic BP were significantly lower in the highest quintile of low-fat dairy product intake ( − 4·2 (95% CI − 6·9, − 1·4) and − 1·8 (95% CI − 3·2, − 0·4) mmHg respectively), whereas the point estimates for the difference in diastolic BP indicated a modest non-significant inverse association. Intake of low-fat dairy products was inversely associated with BP in an older population at high cardiovascular risk, suggesting a possible protective effect against hypertension.
D-branes, T-duality, and Index Theory

We show that the transformation of D-branes under T-duality on four-torus is represented by Nahm transform of instantons. The argument for this allows us to generalize Nahm transform to the case of orthogonal and symplectic gauge groups as well as to instantons on Z_2 orbifold of four-torus. In addition, we identify the isomorphism of K-theory groups that realizes the transformation of D-brane charges under T-duality on torus of arbitrary dimensions. By the isomorphism we are lead to identify the correct K-theory group that classifies D-brane charges in Type II orientifold.
S-Nitrosation of Serum Albumin by Dinitrosyl-Iron Complex (*)

The objective of this study was to identify a potential mechanism for S-nitrosation of proteins. Therefore, we assessed S-nitrosation of bovine serum albumin by dinitrosyl-iron-di-L-cysteine complex [(NO)2Fe(L-cysteine)2], a compound similar to naturally occurring iron-nitrosyls. Within 5-10 min, (NO)2Fe(L-cysteine)2 generated paramagnetic albumin-bound dinitrosyl-iron complex and S-nitrosoalbumin in a ratio of 4:1. Although S-nitroso-L-cysteine was concomitantly formed in low amounts, its concentration was not sufficient to account for formation of S-nitrosoalbumin via a trans-S-nitrosation reaction. Low oxygen tension did not affect S-nitrosation by the dinitrosyl-iron complex thus excluding the involvement of oxygenated NO-species in the nitrosation reaction. Blockade of albumin histidine residues by pyrocarbonate, which prevented formation of dinitrosyl-iron-albumin complex, did not inhibit S-nitrosation of albumin. Thus, S-nitrosation of albumin by (NO)2Fe(L-cysteine)2 can proceed by direct attack of a nitrosyl moiety on the protein thiolate, without previous binding of the iron. We conclude that protein-bound dinitrosyl-iron complexes detected in high concentrations in certain tissues provide a reservoir of S-nitrosating species, e.g. low molecular dinitrosyl iron complexes.
Happiness, Life Satisfaction, Resiliency and Social Support in Students with Dyslexia

ABSTRACT Many people with dyslexia experience numerous failures in their lifetime. This can reduce their life satisfaction and the sense of happiness. However, external support and one’s personal resources, for example resiliency, aid in dealing with difficult situations. Our study verified the importance of resiliency and perceived social support for the level of life satisfaction and the sense of happiness in Polish students with and without dyslexia, studying at both state and non-state universities. We used the Cantril Self-Anchoring Scale, SHI-PL Questionnaire, Resiliency Scale, and Social Support Questionnaire. The results showed that students with dyslexia demonstrated lower levels of: life satisfaction, positive emotions, resiliency, perceived/expected emotional and practical support, and general social support. The difference in happiness remained at the level of a statistical trend. Therefore, we conclude that dyslexia may be treated a risk factor in terms of happiness and life satisfaction in young adults.
Satisfying psychological needs on the high seas: explaining increases self-esteem following an Adventure Education Programme

ABSTRACT A number of recent studies have revealed that taking part in a sail-training-based Adventure Education Programme elevates youths’ self-esteem. Across two studies, we sought to examine the extent to which youths’ sense of belonging contributed to this increase in self-esteem. Study 1 revealed that participants who completed the voyage showed an increase in self-esteem from the first to the last day of the voyage. Partial correlation revealed that group belonging made a unique contribution to this change. Study 2 replicated Study 1 and, further, demonstrated that the relationship between group belonging and self-esteem was not a function of self-efficacy or group esteem. Such findings suggest that an important contributing factor to the benefits of sail-training interventions is their potential to satisfy psychological needs, in this case the need to belong.
Aortic calcification in haemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND Certain metabolic disorders, such as hyperphosphatemia induce vascular calcification in haemodialysis patients; it is unclear, however, whether these disorders contribute to aortic calcification in diabetic haemodialysis patients. This study examined the risk factors of aortic calcification in a large number of haemodialysis patients, and compared risk factors between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. METHODS The subjects were 667 patients on maintenance haemodialysis: 184 with type 2 diabetes and 483 without. Aortic calcification was measured semi-quantitatively using a plain computed tomography image of the abdominal aorta, and an aortic calcification index (ACI) was calculated. RESULTS The ACI of the diabetic subjects was significantly higher than that of those without diabetes (57.3+/-22.1 vs 44.8+/-28.3%, P < 0.0001), although the dialysis vintage of the former was significantly shorter (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that diabetes was a significant independent risk factor for increased ACI. Multiple regression analyses, performed separately in diabetics and non-diabetics, revealed that advanced age, higher systolic blood pressure, smoking and longer haemodialysis vintage were common independent risk factors significantly associated with increased ACI in both patient groups (R2 = 0.296, P < 0.0001 for non-diabetics; R2 = 0.193, P < 0.0001 for diabetics). Higher serum phosphate concentration was not significantly associated with increased ACI in diabetic patients (P = 0.429), although it was a significant independent factor in non-diabetic patients (beta = 0.150, P < 0.0005). CONCLUSION Aortic calcification in diabetic haemodialysis patients is more advanced, compared with non-diabetic patients, even with short haemodialysis vintage. Since disorders of mineral metabolism are not significantly associated with aortic calcification in diabetic haemodialysis patients, aortic calcification in these patients could be affected by metabolic abnormalities associated with the diabetic state per se, independent of other confounding factors; and aortic calcification may be advanced even before haemodialysis induction.