Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of γ-irradiated Iranian Zataria multiflora extracts

Context: Irradiation is the process of exposing food such as herbal plant to ionizing radiation to destroy microorganisms. Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae), known as Avishan-e-Shirazi in Persian, is a thyme-like plant that grows naturally in central and southern parts of Iran and is used in traditional folk medicine. Objective: In this study, the effects of γ-radiation on chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Z. multiflora were investigated. Materials and methods: The plants were first irradiated with Co60 source (0, 10, and 25 kGy) and then subjected to Clevenger extraction to obtain essential oils. The composition of the oil was analyzed by a gas chromatography and compared with samples pretreated under different conditions. In parallel, the hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and used for measuring flavonoid content. Thereafter, the free-radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of essential oils and hydroalcoholic extract were examined. Results: Despite the minor change in the individual oil constituents, the total percentage of the main components remained unaffected before and after irradiation (~95%). In addition, the total flavonoid content of hydroalcoholic extract was also unchanged due to irradiation (~32 mg QE/g extract). The high radical scavenging activity of the oil (~67%) and hydroalcoholic extract (~71%), in addition, the antioxidant properties of the oil (~91%) and hydroalcoholic extract (~95%), were unaffected after irradiation. Discussion and conclusions: These findings may suggest the sustainability of Z. multiflora extract properties pretreated with γ-radiation. With a view to its antioxidant applications, resistance of Z. multiflora and its properties against radiation effects are promising findings.
Role of interleukin 12 in experimental neonatal sepsis caused by group B streptococci

Cytokines are suspected to play an important role in systemic infections by group B streptococci (GBS), an important cause of neonatal sepsis. This work was undertaken to determine if interleukin 12 (IL-12) is produced in mouse pups infected with GBS and has a role in this sepsis model. IL-12 elevations were measured by both an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a bioassay in plasma samples obtained from 12 to 72 h after GBS challenge. Pretreatment with neutralizing anti-IL-12 antibodies significantly increased lethality and blood CFU (P < 0.05). Conversely, either prophylactically or therapeutically administered recombinant IL-12 (rIL-12) significantly improved survival time and decreased blood CFU. Since these beneficial effects were associated with increased spleen gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production, we examined whether the latter cytokine mediated the observed rIL-12 effects. Pretreatment with neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of rIL-12 on lethality. Our data indicate that rIL-12 is a possible candidate for treatment of GBS sepsis and that its activities in this model are at least partially mediated by IFN-gamma.
Genotypic characterization of quinolone resistant-Escherichia coli isolates from retail food in Morocco

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess the retail food as a possible vehicle for antimicrobial resistant, particularly quinolones resistant and pathogenic Escherichia coli. We determined the prevalence and characteristics of nalidixic acid (Nal) resistant E. coli isolates from diverse retail food samples. In all, 70 (28%) of 250 E. coli isolates studied were Nal-resistant E. coli and 91% of these were multi-drug resistant. Plasmid mediated quinolone resistance genes were identified in 32 isolates, including aac(6′)-Ib-cr (n = 16), qnrS1 (n = 11) and qnrB19 (n = 7). Mutations in gyr A and par C genes were detected among 80% of the isolates, and the isolates showed substitution Ser83-Leu and Asp87-Asn in gyrA and Ser80-Ile in parC. In addition, three different gene cassettes were identified (aadA1, aadA7, aac(3)-Id) in 18%. Virulence-associated genes stx1, eae, sfa, hlyA and stx2 were found in six (8%), three (4%), two (3%), three (4%) and three (4%) isolates, respectively. E. coli isolates of phylogenetic group A were dominant (64%, 45/70). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis revealed none epidemiological relationship between these isolates. The results of this work report the higher frequency of Nal-resistant E. coli isolates from Moroccan retail food samples including MDR and pathogenic isolates.
Sentiment Effects in the European Emissions Market

The pricing of European emissions allowances (EUAs) is complicated by the market being driven by not just financial and economic factors, but also the harder-to-gauge uncertain influences of politics and policy. Drawing on a well-established literature showing sentiment to play an expanded role in investment decision-making in the face of uncertainty, we develop a social media sentiment measure through aggregating pertinent Twitter posts about European emissions. Our sentiment measure is significantly predictive of EUA price and price volatility movements. This relationship is shown using hourly intra-day sentiment and price measures for the final year of the December 2013 EUA futures contract. For prices and returns we demonstrate that there is bi-directional Granger causality between changes in sentiment and changes in EUA prices, and we establish that periods of strong (weak) sentiment correspond with periods of high (low) EUA return volatility. These findings demonstrate that sentiment matters in EUA pricing, that it can be measured using social media, and more broadly suggest that sentiment should matter in other young asset markets with scope for uncertain political interference and policy developments.
The impact of supervisor–subordinate racial-ethnic and gender dissimilarity on mentoring quality and turnover intentions: do positive affectivity and communal culture matter?

Abstract Demographic dissimilarity in supervisor–subordinate dyads is often associated with negative subordinate work experiences. Extending relational demography and mentoring research, the authors examined whether employee positive affectivity and communal culture ameliorated the negative effects of supervisor–subordinate racial (gender) dissimilarity on mentoring quality and reduced turnover intentions. Within a sample of 197 employees from various U.S. companies, racial dissimilarity was negatively related to mentoring quality and this relationship was stronger among employees who were lower in positive affectivity. Finally, mentoring quality mediated the racial dissimilarity–turnover intentions relationship, as moderated by positive affectivity. Specifically, racial dissimilarity reduced mentoring quality, thereby increasing turnover intentions, especially for employees who were low in positive affectivity. The research and practical implications of the study findings are noted.
Capital accumulation, profit rates and cycles in China from 1952 to 2014: lessons from the evolution of Chinese industry

Based on the construction of our own new statistical series of stocks of productive physical capital and of enterprises’ fixed assets, and on a rigorously-defined scope of the industrial sector, we calculated various indicators of profit rates at the micro- and macroeconomic levels for China from 1952 to 2014. Such indicators of profit rates are extremely rare in the literature – while there exist numerous studies on the rates of return of capital within the neoclassical mainstream. The results obtained by these two methods (micro and macro) are quite original and can be summarized as follows: i) a tendency of the profit rate to fall is observed over the long period, for the two levels of analysis. ii) At the macro level, short-term fluctuations in the profit rates show a succession of (often incomplete) cycles whose amplitude decreases with time. iii) More than a third of the period is affected by recessive years for the cyclical component of the profit rates. The largest declines are recorded, in descending order, after the rupture between China and the Soviet Union (1961-63), during the Cultural Revolution (1968), in the course of the 1950s, during the post-Mao transition (1976-77), when a neoliberal experiment was tried (1989-91), and with the spread of globalization crises (which affected China in 1998, 2001, 2009, then since 2012). iv) It is mainly the increasing organic composition of capital that tendentiously pushes down the macro rate of profit.JEL Codes: C13, C22, C52, C82, E22, N15, O53, P31
Cognitive impairments in multiple sclerosis: A review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Cognitive impairment (CI) may develop at any time during the course of the disease in the presence or absence of neurological disability. On the basis of comprehensive neuropsychological studies, there is now a consensus among investigators that 45 percent to 65 percent of MS patients suffer from some degree and form of cognitive difficulty. Features of CI include bradyphrenia; impaired attention, concentration and abstract reasoning; reduced manual speed and dexterity; deficits in memory retrieval; and language deficits in both the relapsingremitting and progressive forms of MS. Impairments in all cognitive domains may result from the diffuse spread of microscopic pathology, although a preferential lobar distribution of plaques can present with a predominant deficit in the corresponding cognitive function. Nevertheless, the severity of CI best correlates with total microscopic and macroscopic disease burden of the brain as defined by recently developed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. A disruption of connecting intercortical and subcortical pathways is likely to be the main cause of metabolic and functional abnormalities in neurons. However, a direct toxic effect of soluble inflammatory products may also compromise neuronal function and survival. Early treatment of MS with interferons and copaxone can prevent or delay the onset of both neurological and cognitive disabilities by reducing the inflammatory activity and damage in the CNS. Until more powerful neuroprotective agents become available, simple neuropsychological screening and cognitive rehabilitation for memory and language impairments will remain important components in the care of MS patients.
Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Borderline Ovarian Tumors: Oncologic Safety and Reproductive Outcomes

Introduction: To evaluate the oncological safety and reproductive outcomes of patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) treated with fertility-sparing surgery. Methods: Patients with BOTs who underwent radical or fertility-sparing surgery between 1997 and 2009 were identified from an institutional database. The recurrence rates were compared between the 2 surgery groups. To compare the reproductive outcomes, all patients who underwent fertility-sparing surgery were interviewed by telephone. Results: One hundred forty-three patients underwent radical surgery, and 155 patients underwent fertility-sparing surgery. After a median interval of 38 months from the initial surgery (range, 10-77 months), 19 patients had a recurrence. The recurrence rate was similar in the radical and fertility-sparing surgery groups (4.9% and 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.280). In the fertility-sparing surgery group, however, the main site of recurrence was the remaining ovary that was successfully salvaged with a second round of fertility-sparing surgery. Of 51 patients who attempted to conceive, 45 patients (88.2%) were successful and resulted in 54 term deliveries. Conclusions: Fertility-sparing surgery for BOTs is safe and can result in future pregnancies, suggesting that such surgery should be considered for young patients who desire preservation of fertility.
The Mycoplasma gallisepticum 16S–23S rRNA Intergenic Spacer Region Sequence as a Novel Tool for Epizootiological Studies

Abstract Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) contains two sets of rRNA genes (5S, 16S and 23S) in its genome, but only one of the two is organized in an operon cluster and contains a unique 660-nucleotide intergenic spacer region (IGSR) between the 16S and the 23S rRNA genes. We designed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the specific amplification of the complete MG IGSR segment. The MG IGSR PCR was tested on 18 avian mollicute species and was confirmed as MG specific. The reaction sensitivity was demonstrated by comparing it to the well-established MG mgc2 PCR. The MG IGSR sequence was found to be highly variable (discrimination [D] index of 0.950) among a variety of MG laboratory strains, vaccine strains, and field isolates. The sequencing of the MG IGSR appears to be a valuable single-locus sequence typing (SLST) tool for MG isolate differentiation in diagnostic cases and epizootiological studies.
Genetic background of urinary incontinence – state-of-the-art and perspectives

Abstract The paper presents an overview of the current studies attempting to determine the genetic background of urinary incontinence (UI) problems. The overview referred to the adaptations of biomedical literature from Medline, life science journals, and online books were searched from the earliest date possible to March 2015. Genetic variability studies (mostly with the use of single nucleotide polymorphism) in the context of UI are discussed. The authors indicate the variability of polymorphic forms of proteins, whose modified function may be related to the observed phenotypic symptoms: UI. The paper includes a discussion of the varied level of gene expression and the issue of defective process of the development of the urinary system in the context of UI disorders. The literature does not present any general, unequivocal description of the relationship between the genetic background and phenotype as UI. It is suggested that the methods of integration of data from various techniques (e.g. high throughputs) in reference to social, demographic, and other data may be the way of the approach used for the effective description of the relationship between genetic background and observed UI.
Motivations of South Asian Students to Study Tourism and Hospitality in the United Kingdom

Abstract The economic ramifications of tourism and hospitality have led to the considerable growth of global education in this industry. The ever-changing needs of this industry for appropriate skills and expertise have made it more competitive in nature, which has led to the increase in studies exploring the motivations for students to choose a specific destination. This chapter explores the motivations of South Asian students to undertake tourism and hospitality qualifications in the United Kingdom. The research was based on mixed method approach through two sequential phases of focus group and questionnaire among the students of a higher education provider in London. The results revealed a set of motivational factors influencing South Asian student’s choices to study tourism and hospitality in the United Kingdom.
The Religious Facebook Experience: Uses and Gratifications of Faith-Based Content

This study explores why Christians (N = 335) use Facebook for religious purposes and the needs engaging with religious content on Facebook gratifies. Individuals who access faith-based content on Facebook were recruited to participate in an online survey through a series of Facebook advertisements. An exploratory factor analysis revealed four primary motivations for accessing religious Facebook content: ministering, spiritual enlightenment, religious information, and entertainment. Along with identifying the uses and gratifications received from engaging with faith-based Facebook content, this research reveals how the frequency of Facebook use, the intensity of Facebook use for religious purposes, and also religiosity predict motivations for accessing this social networking site for faith-based purposes. The data revealed those who frequently use Facebook for posting, liking, commenting, and sharing faith-based content and who are more religious are more likely to minister to others. Frequent use also predicted seeking religious information. The affiliation with like-minded individuals afforded by this medium provides faith-based users with supportive content and communities that motivate the use of Facebook for obtaining spiritual guidance, for accessing religious resources, and for relaxing and being entertained.
Mouse Model of Sublethal and Lethal Intraperitoneal Glanders (Burkholderia mallei)

Sixty male BALB/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with either a sublethal or a lethal dose of Burkholderia mallei China 7 strain, then killed at multiple time points postinoculation. Histopathologic changes were qualitatively similar in both groups and consisted of pyogranulomatous inflammation. In sublethal study mice, changes were first seen at 6 hours in mediastinal lymph nodes, then in spleen, liver, peripheral lymph nodes, and bone marrow at day 3. These changes generally reached maximal incidence and severity by day 4 but decreased by comparison in all tissues except the liver. Changes were first seen in lethal study mice also at 6 hours in mediastinal lymph nodes and in spleens. At day 1, changes were present in liver, peripheral lymph nodes, and bone marrow. The incidence and severity of these changes were maximal at day 2. In contrast to sublethal study mice, the incidence and severity of the changes did not decrease through the remainder of the study. The most significant difference between the two groups was the rapid involvement of the spleen in the lethal study mice. Changes indicative of impaired vascular perfusion were more frequently seen in the sublethal study mice. Our findings indicate that mice are susceptible to B. mallei infection and may serve as an appropriate model for glanders infection in a resistant host such as human beings. Additionally, by immunoelectron microscopy, we showed the presence of type I O-antigenic polysaccharide (capsular) antigen surrounding B. mallei.
What Can We Do About Low Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates?

The prevalence of colorectal cancer screening is not what it needs to be. Whether screening takes place according to a medical practice model or a public health model, we need to systematically evaluate interventions to increase screening adherence, identify predictors of screening uptake, and identify the reasons for nonadherence. A largely untapped opportunity exists for gastroenterologists to collaborate with behavioral scientists to conduct this research.
Optimization of Pension Asset Portfolio in Nigeria with Contributors’ Specified Return Rate

This work focuses on the optimization of investment contributions of pension asset with a view to improving contributors’ participation in achieving better return on investment (RoI) of their funds. We viewed some new regulations on Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme” (CPS) from amended legislation of 2014, some of which are yet to be implemented when their regulations are approved. A mathematical model involving 5 variables, 5 inequality constraints covering regulatory limitations and limitation on scarce resource known as Asset Under Management (AUM), suggested and mathematically shown to be possible through “maximization of return irrespective of risk” while obeying all regulatory controls as our constraints optimized. Optimized portfolio using MatLab shows that the portfolio representing AES 2013 portfolio with a deficit growth of 15.75 m representing 3.27% less than the portfolio’s full growth potential within defined assumptions would have been averted if contributors actually set their targets and investment managers optimize from forecasts of future prices using trend analysis.
Peer-to-Peer Lending: Opportunities and Risks

Abstract Web-based financial intermediation on a peer-to-peer (P2P) basis will eventually prevail as an economically superior form of organisation compared to the traditional banking business model. P2P lending is the most popular type of crowdfunding, whereby an internet platform collects small amounts of funds from individuals in a crowd to finance collectively a larger loan to individuals or businesses. Unlike a commercial bank, the platform does not take risks through its own contractual positions. Whereas banks accumulate risks by taking positions on their balance sheet, platforms decentralise the risks by spreading them to their users. The emergence of financial platform businesses challenges legislators and regulators in several respects: the “easy way” of modifying existing finance and banking laws is inadequate; the internal organisation and knowledge of staff is not well suited to regulating crowdfunding; and capital mediation by crowdfunding platforms requires a different regulatory approach than banking. Finally, there is no doubt that P2P lending platforms will in the long run need a dedicated, single European regulatory framework.
A Location Prediction Scheme Based on Social Correlation

With the development of mobile networks, terminals' locations become increasingly valuable for both the whole system performance and terminals' applications or services. As knowing the knowledge of terminals' location information in advance would provide extern preparation time to accelerate response to terminals' requirements, location prediction plays a quite important role. Since most of the mobile terminals are human-carried devices, terminals' location prediction is actually the persons' location prediction. On the other hand, the research on social networks has experienced a fast development and provided a new kind of view on prediction. In our paper, we propose a location prediction scheme based on the idea of social correlation which is a kind of link between different terminals weighted by statistic results of history information.We also model topologies as sequences of snapshots to guide prediction. Few limits on the format of history location information record makes sure a strong adaptiveness of our scheme to various application's requirements.
Lung management with perfluorocarbon liquid ventilation improves pulmonary function and gas exchange during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

We investigated whether pulmonary function and gas exchange would improve with liquid perfluorocarbon ventilation (LV) during ECMO for severe respiratory failure. Lung injury was induced in 11 young sheep 15.1 +/- 3.7 kg in weight utilizing right atrial injection of 0.07 cc/kg oleic acid followed by saline pulmonary lavage. When (A-a)DO2 > or = 600 mmHg and PaO2 < or = 50 mmHg with FiO2 = 1.0, ECMO was instituted. Animals were then ventilated with either standard ECMO "lung rest" gas ventilator settings (ECMO, n = 5) or with "total" liquid ventilation at standard ventilator device settings (LIQ-ECMO, n = 6) utilizing perflubron (perfluooctyl bromide, Liquivent; Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.). After 3 hours on ECMO, pulmonary physiologic shunt decreased (ECMO = 88 +/- 11% vs LIQ-ECMO = 31 +/- 1%; p < .001) and pulmonary compliance increased (ECMO = 0.50 +/- 0.06 cc/cmH2O/kg vs. LIQ-ECMO = 1.04 +/- 0.19 cc/cmH2O/kg; p < .001). The ECMO flow rate required to maintain the PaO2 in the 50-80 mmHg range was decreased significantly (ECMO = 116 +/- 14 ml/kg/min vs. LIQ-ECMO = 14 +/- 5 ml/kg/min; p < .001). In this model requiring extracorporeal support for severe respiratory failure, lung management with liquid ventilation improves pulmonary function and gas exchange.