Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria Synthesize Antioxidant Peptides during Sourdough Fermentation of Cereal Flours

ABSTRACT A pool of selected lactic acid bacteria was used for the sourdough fermentation of various cereal flours with the aim of synthesizing antioxidant peptides. The radical-scavenging activity of water/salt-soluble extracts (WSE) from sourdoughs was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of chemically acidified doughs. The highest activity was found for whole wheat, spelt, rye, and kamut sourdoughs. Almost the same results were found for the inhibition of linoleic acid autoxidation. WSE were subjected to reverse-phase fast protein liquid chromatography. Thirty-seven fractions were collected and assayed in vitro. The most active fractions were resistant to further hydrolysis by digestive enzymes. Twenty-five peptides of 8 to 57 amino acid residues were identified by nano-liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Almost all of the sequences shared compositional features which are typical of antioxidant peptides. All of the purified fractions showed ex vivo antioxidant activity on mouse fibroblasts artificially subjected to oxidative stress. This study demonstrates the capacity of sourdough lactic acid bacteria to release peptides with antioxidant activity through the proteolysis of native cereal proteins.
Soluplus-coated colloidal silica nanomatrix system for enhanced supersaturation and oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs

Abstract In this study, a Soluplus-coated colloidal silica nanomatrix (SCCSN) formulation for the entrapment of poorly water-soluble drugs was devised. The maximum supersaturation of the drug-loaded nanomatrix was higher than that of a physical mixture as indicated by the results of in vitro kinetic solubility studies. For atorvastatin calcium, dutasteride, and sorafenib tosylate, there were 2.8-, 326-, and 46.4-fold increases in solubility, respectively. For dutasteride, a promising 4.7-fold increase for in vivo oral drug absorption in the entrapped nanomatrix was observed as compared to the free physical mixture, supported by statistical significance testing of pharmacokinetic parameters.
Decreased brain serotonin transporter binding in the euthymic state of bipolar I but not bipolar II disorder: a SPECT study.

OBJECTIVES Previous positron emission tomography studies have demonstrated that serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in the midbrain is decreased in the depressive state of bipolar disorder (BD). The aim of this study was to assess SERT binding in the midbrain of patients in a euthymic state of BD. METHODS Twenty-eight healthy controls and 24 patients in a euthymic state of medicated BD were recruited. Euthymic state was defined as Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores < 10 and Young Mania Rating Scale scores < 7 within a consecutive eight-week period. Single photon emission computed tomography with the radiotracer (123)I-ADAM was used to measure SERT binding in the midbrain. An equilibrium ratio model was used for data analysis. Specific uptake ratio (SUR), which represents availability of SERT binding in the midbrain, was the primary measurement outcome. RESULTS The averaged SURs were not different between healthy controls and BD patients in euthymic state (p = 0.27). However, a three-way ANCOVA analysis comparing SURs in healthy controls, bipolar I disorder (BD I) patients, and bipolar II disorder (BD II) patients, covarying education duration and sex, showed that the averaged SURs were significantly lower in BD I than BD II patients and healthy controls (p = 0.042). The decreased SURs in BD I patients were well correlated with duration of illness (R = -0.742, p = 0.014) only. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that there is differential biological regulation in BD I and BD II patients after stable treatment, which may support the existence of a dichotomy in BD.
A data set with kinematic and ground reaction forces of human balance

This article describes a public data set containing the three-dimensional kinematics of the whole human body and the ground reaction forces (with a dual force platform setup) of subjects who were standing still for 60 s in different conditions, in which the subjects’ vision and the standing surface were manipulated. Twenty-seven young subjects and 22 old subjects were evaluated. The data set comprises a file with metadata plus 1,813 files with the ground reaction force (GRF) and kinematics data for the 49 subjects (three files for each of the 12 trials plus one file for each subject). The file with metadata has information about each subject’s sociocultural, demographic, and health characteristics. The files with the GRF have the data from each force platform and from the resultant GRF (including the center of pressure data). The files with the kinematics contain the three-dimensional positions of 42 markers that were placed on each subject’s body and 73 calculated joint angles. In this text, we illustrate how to access, analyze, and visualize the data set. All the data is available at Figshare (DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4525082), and a companion Jupyter Notebook presents programming code to access the data set, generate analyses and other examples. The availability of a public data set on the Internet that contains these measurements and information about how to access and process this data can potentially boost the research on human postural control, increase the reproducibility of studies, and be used for training and education, among other applications.
Classifier Architectures for Acoustic Scenes and Events: Implications for DNNs, TDNNs, and Perceptual Features from DCASE 2016

This paper evaluates neural network (NN) based systems and compares them to Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and hidden Markov model (HMM) approaches for acoustic scene classification (SC) and polyphonic acoustic event detection (AED) that are applied to data of the “Detection and Classification of Acoustic Scenes and Events 2016” (DCASE’16) challenge, task 1 and task 3, respectively. For both tasks, the use of deep neural networks (DNNs) and features based on an amplitude modulation filterbank and a Gabor filterbank (GFB) are evaluated and compared to standard approaches. For SC, additionally a time-delay NN approach is proposed that enables analysis of long contextual information similar to recurrent NNs but with training efforts comparable to conventional DNNs. The SC system proposed for task 1 of the DCASE’16 challenge attains a recognition accuracy of 77.5%, which is 5.6% higher compared to the DCASE’16 baseline system. For the AED task, DNNs are adopted in tandem and hybrid approaches, i.e., as part of HMM-based systems. These systems are evaluated for the polyphonic data of task 3 from the DCASE’16 challenge. Several strategies to address the issue of polyphony are considered. It is shown that DNN-based systems perform less accurate than the traditional systems for this task. Best results are achieved using GFB features in combination with a multiclass GMM-HMM back end.
Rapid and Parallel Adaptive Evolution of the Visual System of Neotropical Midas Cichlid Fishes

Midas cichlid fish are a Central American species flock containing 13 described species that has been dated to only a few thousand years old, a historical timescale infrequently associated with speciation. Their radiation involved the colonization of several clear water crater lakes from two turbid great lakes. Therefore, Midas cichlids have been subjected to widely varying photic conditions during their radiation. Being a primary signal relay for information from the environment to the organism, the visual system is under continuing selective pressure and a prime organ system for accumulating adaptive changes during speciation, particularly in the case of dramatic shifts in photic conditions. Here, we characterize the full visual system of Midas cichlids at organismal and genetic levels, to determine what types of adaptive changes evolved within the short time span of their radiation. We show that Midas cichlids have a diverse visual system with unexpectedly high intra- and interspecific variation in color vision sensitivity and lens transmittance. Midas cichlid populations in the clear crater lakes have convergently evolved visual sensitivities shifted toward shorter wavelengths compared with the ancestral populations from the turbid great lakes. This divergence in sensitivity is driven by changes in chromophore usage, differential opsin expression, opsin coexpression, and to a lesser degree by opsin coding sequence variation. The visual system of Midas cichlids has the evolutionary capacity to rapidly integrate multiple adaptations to changing light environments. Our data may indicate that, in early stages of divergence, changes in opsin regulation could precede changes in opsin coding sequence evolution.
Responses of date Palm Seedling to co-Inoculation with Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria and Mycorrhizal Arbuscular Fungi

With the broad aim of biologically improving P uptake by date palm, in this work we use the beneficial phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) characterized by a remarkable ability to solubilize phosphorus and tolerance to hard pedoclimatic conditions. For this study, a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse condition to assess the effect of associations between mycorhizal fungus (Glomus mosseae) (M) with a range of ten bacterial strains (B). An essay of different treatments (control seedlings, seedlings inoculated by arbuscular mycorhizal fungi (AMF) and seedlings inoculated by a combination of PSB and AMF) showed the progressive evolution of microbial activity. The results indicated that the rhizosphere interactions between Glomus mosseae and PSB strains (Pseudomonas striata, Bacillus subtilis) significantly improved growth parameters including root dry weight (23,66%), root length (24%), leaf dry weight (67,7%), leaf length (26,9%), promote P mineralization in soil P (142,3%) uptake by date palm seedling as compared to control, and percent root colonization in date palm seedling was also recorded by the combined inoculation of Glomus mosseae and PSB strains (Pseudomonas striata, Bacillus subtilis).
Assessment and Management of Symptoms for Outpatients Newly Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

Rationale: Little is known about symptom assessment around the time of lung cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess symptoms within 2 months of diagnosis and the frequency with which clinicians addressed symptoms among a cohort of veterans (n = 20) newly diagnosed with lung cancer. We administered questionnaires and then reviewed medical records to identify symptom assessment and management provided by subspecialty clinics for 6 months following diagnosis. Results: Half (50%) of the patients were diagnosed with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stage I or II. At baseline, 45% patients rated their overall symptoms as severe. There were no significant differences in symptoms among patients with early- or late-stage NSCLC or small-cell lung cancer. Of the 212 clinic visits over 6 months, 70.2% occurred in oncology. Clinicians most frequently addressed pain although assessment differed by clinic. Conclusions: Veterans with newly diagnosed lung cancer report significant symptom burden. Despite ample opportunities to address patients’ symptoms, variations in assessment exist among subspecialty services. Coordinated approaches to symptom assessment are likely needed among patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer.
A Theory-Based Online Hip Fracture Resource Center for Caregivers: Effects on Dyads

Background:Hip fracture is a serious injury for older adults, usually requiring surgical repair and extensive therapy. Informal caregivers can help older adults make a successful recovery by encouraging them to adhere to the therapy plans and improve their health behaviors. Few resources, however, are available for these caregivers to learn about how to assist their care receivers and cope with their unique caregiving situations. Objective:The study aims were to develop a comprehensive theory-based online hip fracture resource center (OHRC) for caregivers, Caring for Caregivers, and conducted a feasibility trial. Methods:The OHRC included self-learning modules, discussion boards, Ask the Experts, and a virtual library. The feasibility of the intervention was assessed by usage and usability. The feasibility of the future trial was tested using a one-group pre–post design on 36 caregiver–care receiver dyads recruited from six hospitals. The caregivers used the OHRC for 8 weeks. The impact of the intervention was assessed on both caregivers (primary) and care receivers (secondary). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and content analyses. Results:On average, caregivers reviewed five modules and used the discussion board 3.1 times. The mean perceived usability score for the OHRC was 74.04 ± 7.26 (range, 12–84). Exposure to the OHRC significantly improved caregivers’ knowledge about the care of hip fracture patients (t = 3.17, p = .004) and eHealth literacy (t = 2.43, p = .002). Changes in other caregiver outcomes (e.g., strain, coping, and social support) and care receiver outcomes (e.g., self-efficacy for exercise and osteoporosis medication adherence) were favorable but not significant. Discussion:The findings suggest that the OHRC was user-friendly and could be beneficial for caregivers. Additional larger-scale trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on outcomes.
The Impact of Reputation Timing and Source on Auction Outcomes

This paper uses data from electric guitar auctions on eBay to further examine the impact of reputation on the likelihood that an auction ends in a sale. It extends the existing literature by examining both the impact of the overall eBay feedback rating as well as feedback from shorter time periods. The results of this paper suggest that recent feedback, and in particular recent negative feedback, is of particular importance in explaining the likelihood that an auctioned item sells. Other feedback related factors included in this paper are measures for the source of feedback (i.e. buying or selling behavior) and whether negative feedback is product or seller related.
The Contexts of Social Inclusion

In light of the emphasis on “inclusion” in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper contends that social exclusion and inclusion are context-dependent concepts in at least three senses. First, the ideal of an inclusive society varies by country and by region. Second, different places have different histories, cultures, institutions and social structures. These influence the economic, social and political dimensions of social exclusion and the interplay among them. Third, context – where one lives – shapes access to resources and opportunities. Social inclusion is thus spatially uneven. The paper also shows how context matters, identifying some of the mechanisms by which nation-states and localities influence processes of economic, social, and political exclusion and inclusion.
Understanding heterogeneity in post-implementation enterprise system usage: towards a fit/misfit-experience-outcome typology

The overarching objective of this dissertation is to uncover why and how individually experienced fits and misfits translate into different outcomes of user behavior and satisfaction and whether these individual fit/misfit outcomes are in line with organizational intent. In search of patterns and possible archetype users in the context of ES PIPs, this dissertation is the first study that specifically links the theoretical concepts of the aggregated individual fit experiences with the individual and organizational outcome of these experiences (i.e. behavioral reaction, user satisfaction, and alignment with organizational intent). The case study’s findings provide preliminary support for four archetype users characterized by specific fit/misfit experience-outcome patterns.
Efeito de Bacillus thuringiensis nas características biológicas do predador Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) alimentado com ovos de Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidopteta: Plutellidae)

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is considered one of the most important pests of cruciferous crops (Brassicaceae) around the world. The moth occurs all year round in Brazil, where it is mainly managed by chemical control because of its convenience and quick onset of action. The indiscriminate use of pesticides affects non-target organisms and has also been associated with increased resistance ratio of P. xylostella populations. These concerns have thus sparked interest in the use of alternative control strategies, which include the use of entomopathogenic microorganisms such as Bacillus thuringiensis and predators such as Orius insidiosus. The aim was to evaluate the effect of B. thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis aizawai GC 91, Agree®) on the biological characteristics of O. insidiosus. The predators were fed eggs of P. xylostella treated with distilled water (control) or with a suspension of B. thuringiensis at a concentration of 0.7 g/0.5 L. The following biological aspects were evaluated: the duration, survival rate, and consumption of the nymphal period; and the consumption, number of eggs per female, and egg viability for adult insects. Fertility life table parameters were also evaluated for eggs with and without B. thuringiensis treatment. The results showed that O. insidiosus parameters, such as duration of the second nymphal instar, nymph consumption, and female longevity were affected by the presence of B. thuringiensis in the treated eggs. Females fed with treated eggs showed a lower progeny number, which consequently led to a lower population growth rate.
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life in Greek Adult Patients Two Years after Successful Renal Transplantation

Abstract Introduction. This study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the heath-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Greek adult transplant recipients before and 2 years after successful renal transplantation (RT). The SF-36 survey score was used. Methods. Eighty-five Greek hemodialysis patients underwent RT at the Transplant Unit of Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, including 44 men and 41 women (mean age 43.8 years; range 21-59 years). The scale scores of a Greek version of the SF-36 survey were compared between the transplant and the hemodialysis patients. We also examined the relationships of the scale scores with the patients′ age and the type of donor. Results. According to the SF-36 health survey, transplant recipients had better results for general health perception (p≤0.001), role-physical functioning (p≤0.01), role-emotional functioning (p≤0.01), and vitality (p≤ 0.01). In addition, the scale score of physical functioning, general health and vitality of the patients who were younger than 30 years at the time of transplantation were significantly higher than those of the patients who were older than 30 years, while the scores of bodily pain, general health, and physical functioning were significantly lower in cadaveric graft recipients compared with living-related recipients. Conclusions. The SF-36 health survey is a validated and comprehensive instrument for evaluating renal transplant patients′ HRQOL. Our data demonstrated an improvement in HRQOL in renal transplant patients 2 years after successful renal transplantation. The data also confirmed that the recipients′ age at transplantation and the type of donor were important factors affecting the HRQOL.
Life history factors, personality and the social clustering of sexual experience in adolescents

Adolescent sexual behaviour may show clustering in neighbourhoods, schools and friendship networks. This study aims to assess how experience with sexual intercourse clusters across the social world of adolescents and whether predictors implicated by life history theory or personality traits can account for its between-individual variation and social patterning. Using data on 2877 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we ran logistic multiple classification models to assess the clustering of sexual experience by approximately 17.5 years in schools, neighbourhoods and friendship networks. We examined how much clustering at particular levels could be accounted for by life history predictors and Big Five personality factors. Sexual experience exhibited substantial clustering in friendship networks, while clustering at the level of schools and neighbourhoods was minimal, suggesting a limited role for socio-ecological influences at those levels. While life history predictors did account for some variation in sexual experience, they did not explain clustering in friendship networks. Personality, especially extraversion, explained about a quarter of friends' similarity. After accounting for life history factors and personality, substantial unexplained similarity among friends remained, which may reflect a tendency to associate with similar individuals or the social transmission of behavioural norms.
Synthesis and characterization of cobalt ferrites nanoparticles with cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties

Recently, the application of nanotechnology in food sector and the agriculture attract the attention compared to its biomedical application. The aims of the current study were to synthesize and characterize cobalt ferrites nanoparticles [(CoFe2O4) NPs] by combustion method employing glycine as fuels and to evaluate their antimicrobial against pathogenic bacteria and fungi and anti cancer properties against MCF-7 breast cancer cells line. The results indicated that the particles size of the synthesized (CoFe2O4) NPs was 40 nm. These (CoFe2O4) NPs showed potential antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) as well as the pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus) in a dose dependent manner with maximum concentration of 1.8 mg/ml. (CoFe2O4) NPs also showed weak antiradical but have cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells line and succeeded to decrease the cell viability at a concentration of 2 mg/ml. it could be concluded that (CoFe2O4) NPs is a promise candidate as antimicrobial and anticancer agent for food sector and medical application.
Discovering aspects of online consumer reviews

In this paper we propose a fully unsupervised approach for product aspect discovery in on-line consumer reviews. We apply a two-step hierarchical clustering process in which we first cluster words representing aspects based on the semantic similarity of their contexts and then on the similarity of the hypernyms of the cluster members. Our approach also includes a method for assigning class labels to each of the clusters. We evaluated our methods on large datasets of restaurant and camera reviews and found that the two-step clustering process performed better than a single-step clustering process at identifying aspects and words refering to aspects. Finally, we compare our method to a state-of-the-art topic modelling approach by Titov and McDonald, and demonstrate better results on both datasets.