Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of In Vitro Digestion on the Total Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Content of 3 Species of Oregano (Hedeoma patens, Lippia graveolens, Lippia palmeri).

Oregano phenolic compounds have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, after ingestion, the gastrointestinal environment can affect their antioxidant stability and thus their bioactive properties. To evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion on the phenolic compounds of 3 species of oregano (Hedeoma patens, Lippia graveolens, and Lippia palmeri), the total reducing capacity, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated before and after in vitro GI digestion. In addition, the phenolic compounds of the 3 oregano species were identified and quantified by UPLC-PDA before and after in vitro GI digestion. It was shown that the reducing capacity, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were affected by the GI digestion process. Moreover, the phenolic compounds identified were apigenin-7-glucoside, scutellarein, luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, and their levels were affected by the in vitro GI process. Our results showed that the phenolic compounds from these 3 species of oregano are affected by the in vitro digestion process, and this effect is largely attributable to pH changes. These changes can modify the bioavailability and further anti-inflammatory activity of oregano phenolics, and thus, further research is needed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Oregano is a rich source of polyphenols that have shown bioactive properties like anti-inflammatory potential. However, little is known of the gastrointestinal fate of oregano polyphenols which is imperative to fully understand its bioaccessibility. Our results are important to develop new administration strategies which could help protect the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and bioaccessibility of such compounds.
Proteomic Analysis of Chloroplast-to-Chromoplast Transition in Tomato Reveals Metabolic Shifts Coupled with Disrupted Thylakoid Biogenesis Machinery and Elevated Energy-Production Components1[W]

A comparative proteomic approach was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins in plastids at three stages of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening (mature-green, breaker, red). Stringent curation and processing of the data from three independent replicates identified 1,932 proteins among which 1,529 were quantified by spectral counting. The quantification procedures have been subsequently validated by immunoblot analysis of six proteins representative of distinct metabolic or regulatory pathways. Among the main features of the chloroplast-to-chromoplast transition revealed by the study, chromoplastogenesis appears to be associated with major metabolic shifts: (1) strong decrease in abundance of proteins of light reactions (photosynthesis, Calvin cycle, photorespiration) and carbohydrate metabolism (starch synthesis/degradation), mostly between breaker and red stages and (2) increase in terpenoid biosynthesis (including carotenoids) and stress-response proteins (ascorbate-glutathione cycle, abiotic stress, redox, heat shock). These metabolic shifts are preceded by the accumulation of plastid-encoded acetyl Coenzyme A carboxylase D proteins accounting for the generation of a storage matrix that will accumulate carotenoids. Of particular note is the high abundance of proteins involved in providing energy and in metabolites import. Structural differentiation of the chromoplast is characterized by a sharp and continuous decrease of thylakoid proteins whereas envelope and stroma proteins remain remarkably stable. This is coincident with the disruption of the machinery for thylakoids and photosystem biogenesis (vesicular trafficking, provision of material for thylakoid biosynthesis, photosystems assembly) and the loss of the plastid division machinery. Altogether, the data provide new insights on the chromoplast differentiation process while enriching our knowledge of the plant plastid proteome.
Bag-of-word based brand recognition using Markov clustering algorithm for codebook generation

In order to address the issue of counterfeiting online, it is necessary to use automatic tools that analyze the large amount of information available over the Internet. Analysis methods that extract information about the content of the images are very promising for this purpose. In this paper, a method that automatically extract the brand of objects in images is proposed. The method does not explicitly search for text or logos. This information is implicitly included in the Bag-of-Words representation. In the Bag-of-Words paradigm, visual features are clustered to create the visual words. Despite its shortcomings, k-means is the most widely used algorithm. With k-means, the selection of the number of visual words is critical. In this paper, another clustering algorithm is proposed. Markov Cluster Algorithm (MCL) is very fast, does not require an arbitrary selection of the number of classes and does not rely on random initialization. First, we demonstrate in this paper that MCL is competitive to k-means with a number of cluster experimentally selected. Second, we show that it is possible to identify brand from objects in images without previous knowledge about visual identity of these brands.
Structure of eukaryotic CMG helicase at a replication fork and implications to replisome architecture and origin initiation

Significance All cellular life forms use a ring-shaped hexameric helicase during DNA replication. CMG (Cdc45, Mcm2–7, GINS) is the eukaryotic replicative helicase. CMG contains the ring-shaped hexameric Mcm2–7 that harbors the helicase motors. CMG is known to bind many other proteins, including a leading and lagging polymerase and primase. Thus, the threading of DNA through the CMG helicase at a replication fork determines the orientation of the associated polymerases at the replication fork, an important structural feature with many consequences that may direct future experimentation. This report uses cryo-EM single-particle reconstruction to image CMG that motored to a block site at a forked junction, enabling direct visualization of DNA threading through CMG. The eukaryotic CMG (Cdc45, Mcm2–7, GINS) helicase consists of the Mcm2–7 hexameric ring along with five accessory factors. The Mcm2–7 heterohexamer, like other hexameric helicases, is shaped like a ring with two tiers, an N-tier ring composed of the N-terminal domains, and a C-tier of C-terminal domains; the C-tier contains the motor. In principle, either tier could translocate ahead of the other during movement on DNA. We have used cryo-EM single-particle 3D reconstruction to solve the structure of CMG in complex with a DNA fork. The duplex stem penetrates into the central channel of the N-tier and the unwound leading single-strand DNA traverses the channel through the N-tier into the C-tier motor, 5′-3′ through CMG. Therefore, the N-tier ring is pushed ahead by the C-tier ring during CMG translocation, opposite the currently accepted polarity. The polarity of the N-tier ahead of the C-tier places the leading Pol ε below CMG and Pol α-primase at the top of CMG at the replication fork. Surprisingly, the new N-tier to C-tier polarity of translocation reveals an unforeseen quality-control mechanism at the origin. Thus, upon assembly of head-to-head CMGs that encircle double-stranded DNA at the origin, the two CMGs must pass one another to leave the origin and both must remodel onto opposite strands of single-stranded DNA to do so. We propose that head-to-head motors may generate energy that underlies initial melting at the origin.
MEMS squeezer for the measurement of single cell rupture force, stiffness change, and hysteresis

A MEMS squeezer able to compress single living cells underwater until rupture was designed and tested. The relatively large motion range of the device in aqueous media (~2.5 µm) allows provoking cell disruption while measuring cell mechanical properties before and after membrane rupture. An AC driven electrothermal micro actuator with mechanical amplification pressed single cells against a reference back spring. Deformations of the cell and the reference spring were measured with nanoscale resolution using optical Fourier transform techniques. The motion of the reference spring divided by the cell deformation provides the cell stiffness relative to the reference spring constant. An abrupt change in the cell stiffness and the appearance of cracks indicated the cell wall rupture force was reached. A total of 22 baker’s yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were squeezed with the micro device. The average force necessary to rupture the cell membrane was 0.47 ± 0.1 µN. Before rupture the cells had an average stiffness of 9.3 ± 3.1 N m−1; the post-rupture stiffness dropped to 0.94 ± 0.57 N m−1. Cell hysteresis was also measured: cells squeezed and released before reaching the rupture force showed residual deformations below 100 nm, while cells squeezed past the rupture force and then released showed residual deformations between 490 and 990 nm.
Quality of care and quality of dying in nursing homes: two measurement models.

BACKGROUND There is consistent evidence of significant variation in the quality of end-of-life care among nursing homes, with many facilities ill-prepared to provide optimal physical and psychological care that is culturally sensitive and respectful of the needs and preferences of residents and their family members. There is continued evidence that what is impeding efforts to improve care is that most measurement tools are hampered by a lack of distinction between quality of care and quality of dying as well as a lack of complete psychometric evaluation. Further, health services researchers cite the need to include "system-level" factors, variables that reflect leadership, culture, or informal practices, all of which influence end-of-life care and can be used to differentiate one setting from another. The purpose of this article is to report advancement in conceptualizing quality end-of-life care in nursing homes and to offer a refined approach to measurement. METHODS Two latent constructs are tested: quality of care (composed of system-level factors) and quality of dying (comprised of resident/family outcomes). Data obtained from 85 Midwestern nursing homes and 1282 interviews with bereaved family members were used to evaluate both constructs. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted and evidence of validity and reliability were obtained for both. CONCLUSION For health services researchers, expanded models that include system-level factors as well as more comprehensive and psychometrically sound models of resident outcomes stand to inform efforts to improve care in this very important area.
A triboelectric textile templated by a three-dimensionally penetrated fabric

Commercially available 3D spacer fabrics with a three-dimensionally penetrated structure are directly coated with PDMS to fabricate triboelectric textiles without a multilayer structure and metal materials. The resulting triboelectric textile with a size of 5 × 5 cm2 and a thickness of 8 mm generates an open-circuit voltage up to −500 V and a short-circuit current amplitude of 20 μA, corresponding to a peak power density of 153.8 mW m−2 at a load resistance of 1 GΩ. In addition, the performance of the triboelectric textile depends on its thickness, area, the frequency and force of pressing and remains stable after pressing and releasing for over 3000 cycles. Besides, in order to prove that the triboelectric textile is a reliable power source, a LCD and 49 LEDs lit up by a TET without any energy storage unit or rectification circuit have been exhibited apparently. The ingenious structure and simple fabrication are unique advantages of the triboelectric textile, which make it possible to realize practical applications and industrialization.
Postoperative wound dealing and superficial surgical site infection in open radical prostatectomy

The number of open radical prostatectomy (RP) surgeries has been decreasing owing to the spread of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which has implications for postoperative wound healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate and document the current status of postoperative wound healing and superficial surgical site infection (SSI) in open RPs. One hundred and seventy‐five antegrade RPs with the same or similar kinds of prophylactic antibiotic administration were divided into two groups: (i) ‘no intervention’ (wound covering group) and (ii) ‘washing’, using a washing solution from the second postoperative day to the day of skin staple removal (wound washing group). We compared these groups for the occurrence of superficial SSI. The wound covering group had three (3·03%) cases of superficial SSI, with one case caused by methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The wound washing group had nine (11·8%) cases of superficial SSI, with three cases caused by MSSA, two cases caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and one by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The wound covering group showed a significantly lower ratio of superficial SSI (P = 0·0472). In conclusion, the postoperative wound status data in this study suggests that no wound intervention after RP resulted in a comparatively lower ratio of superficial SSI than in the wound washing group.
Optimization of an A2/O process for tetracycline removal via response surface methodology coupled with a Box–Behnken design

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the operating conditions of an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A2/O) process by maximizing the removal efficiency of tetracycline (TC). Solid retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and initial TC concentration (CTC, in) were selected as independent variables for incorporation in the Box–Behnken design. The results showed SRT and CTC, in were more significant parameters than HRT for the removal efficiency of TC. TC could be completely removed under the optimal conditions of an SRT of 15.5 days, an HRT of 9.9 h and a CTC, in of 283.3 μg L−1. TC removal efficiencies of 99% and 96% were attained for synthetic and real wastewater, respectively, under the optimal conditions. This indicated the constructed model was validated and reliable for optimizing the A2/O process for TC removal.
Nuclear transport of single molecules

The mechanism by which macromolecules are selectively translocated through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is still essentially unresolved. Single molecule methods can provide unique information on topographic properties and kinetic processes of asynchronous supramolecular assemblies with excellent spatial and time resolution. Here, single-molecule far-field fluorescence microscopy was applied to the NPC of permeabilized cells. The nucleoporin Nup358 could be localized at a distance of 70 nm from POM121-GFP along the NPC axis. Binding sites of NTF2, the transport receptor of RanGDP, were observed in cytoplasmic filaments and central framework, but not nucleoplasmic filaments of the NPC. The dwell times of NTF2 and transportin 1 at their NPC binding sites were 5.8 ± 0.2 and 7.1 ± 0.2 ms, respectively. Notably, the dwell times of these receptors were reduced upon binding to a specific transport substrate, suggesting that translocation is accelerated for loaded receptor molecules. Together with the known transport rates, our data suggest that nucleocytoplasmic transport occurs via multiple parallel pathways within single NPCs.
Are Anti-β2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies Associated with Placenta-Mediated Pregnancy Complications? A Nested Case–Control Study

Abstract Background While anti-β2 glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) antibody positivity is included in the diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the association between anti-β2GP1 and the obstetrical complications of APS has been inconsistently reported and remains unclear. Objective We completed a case–control study nested within the Canadian Ottawa and Kingston (OaK) Birth Cohort to evaluate the association between anti-β2GP1 antibody positivity and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications. Study Design Five hundred cases were randomly selected among pregnant women who experienced any of the following independently adjudicated placenta-mediated pregnancy complications: preeclampsia, placental abruption, late pregnancy loss (≥ 12 weeks' gestation), and birth of a small-for-gestational age (SGA) infant < 10th percentile. Five hundred pregnant women without any placenta-mediated pregnancy complications were selected as controls. Stored blood samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-β2GP1 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Anti-β2GP1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in titers ≥ 20 G/M units (> 99th percentile) were present in 24 of 497 (4.8%) of controls and 33 of 503 (6.6%) of cases. There was no significant difference between cases and controls for the composite outcome of any placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (odds ratio, 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8–2.37, p = 0.25). Conclusion Our results call into question the association between anti-β2GP1 antibodies and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, with further research needed.
Evolution of structural diversity of trichothecenes, a family of toxins produced by plant pathogenic and entomopathogenic fungi

Trichothecenes are a family of terpenoid toxins produced by multiple genera of fungi, including plant and insect pathogens. Some trichothecenes produced by the fungus Fusarium are among the mycotoxins of greatest concern to food and feed safety because of their toxicity and frequent occurrence in cereal crops, and trichothecene production contributes to pathogenesis of some Fusarium species on plants. Collectively, fungi produce over 150 trichothecene analogs: i.e., molecules that share the same core structure but differ in patterns of substituents attached to the core structure. Here, we carried out genomic, phylogenetic, gene-function, and analytical chemistry studies of strains from nine fungal genera to identify genetic variation responsible for trichothecene structural diversity and to gain insight into evolutionary processes that have contributed to the variation. The results indicate that structural diversity has resulted from gain, loss, and functional changes of trichothecene biosynthetic (TRI) genes. The results also indicate that the presence of some substituents has arisen independently in different fungi by gain of different genes with the same function. Variation in TRI gene duplication and number of TRI loci was also observed among the fungi examined, but there was no evidence that such genetic differences have contributed to trichothecene structural variation. We also inferred ancestral states of the TRI cluster and trichothecene biosynthetic pathway, and proposed scenarios for changes in trichothecene structures during divergence of TRI cluster homologs. Together, our findings provide insight into evolutionary processes responsible for structural diversification of toxins produced by pathogenic fungi.
Simultaneous Determination of 12 β-Lactam Antibiotics in Human Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV Detection: Application to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

ABSTRACT A rapid and specific high-performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection (HPLC-UV) for the simultaneous determination of 12 beta-lactam antibiotics (amoxicillin, cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cloxacillin, imipenem, meropenem, oxacillin, penicillin G, piperacillin, and ticarcillin) in small samples of human plasma is described. Extraction consisted of protein precipitation by acetonitrile. An Atlantis T3 analytical column with a linear gradient of acetonitrile and a pH 2 phosphoric acid solution was used for separation. Wavelength photodiode array detection was set either at 210 nm, 230 nm, or 298 nm according to the compound. This method is accurate and reproducible (coefficient of variation [CV] < 8%), allowing quantification of beta-lactam plasma levels from 5 to 250 μg/ml without interference with other common drugs. This technique is easy to use in routine therapeutic drug monitoring of beta-lactam antibiotics.
Biodegradable Ingredient-Based Emulgel Loaded with Ketoprofen Nanoparticles

Biodegradable materials are extensively employed to design nanocarriers that mimic extracellular environment in arthritis. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize biocompatible, biodegradable ketoprofen-loaded chitosan-chondroitin sulfate (CHS-CS) nanoparticles with natural ingredients for transdermal applications. Polymers used in the design of nanocarriers are biodegradable and produce synergistic anti-inflammatory effect for the treatment of arthritis. For transdermal application, argan oil-based emulgel is utilized to impart viscosity to the formulation. Furthermore, naturally occurring argan oil synergizes anti-inflammatory effect of formulation and promotes skin penetration. CHS and CS form nanoparticles by polyelectrolyte complex formation or complex coacervation at pH 5.0. These particles were loaded into argan oil-based emulgel. Employing this method, nanoparticles were formulated with particle size in the range of 300–500 nm. These nanocarriers entrapped ketoprofen and showed more than 76% encapsulation efficiency and 77% release of the ketoprofen at pH 7.4 within 72 h. Drug releases from CHS-CS nanoparticles by mechanism of simple diffusion. Nanoparticle-loaded argan oil emulgel significantly enhanced skin penetration of ketoprofen as compared to marketed gel (p < 0.05). Nanocarriers prepared successfully delivered drug through transdermal route using natural ingredients. Graphical abstract ᅟ ᅟ
Automatization in second language acquisition: What does the coefficient of variation tell us?

ABSTRACT Segalowitz and Segalowitz distinguish between “speedup” (mean reaction time [RT] and mean standard deviation of responses in an RT task decrease to the same degree) and “automatization” (mean standard deviation decreases more than mean RT). The coefficient of variation, which is the standard deviation divided by the mean RT, decreases in the case of automatization while remaining unchanged in the case of speedup. We present data that are collected in two studies. The first one is a longitudinal study spanning 2 years and comprising four RT tasks, both in second language (L2) English and first language Dutch (N > 200). The second study is an English L2 word training study. Students (N = 41) performed a lexical decision task before and after training. Convincing evidence for automatization was not found in either study. The main problems in testing the Segalowitz and Segalowitz hypothesis is that gains in knowledge itself and gains in processing it cannot be adequately disentangled in the RT tasks currently used, characterized by a speed–accuracy trade-off. Although conceptually skill acquisition can be distinguished from knowledge accumulation, in reality, knowledge accumulation forms part of skill acquisition because, in real L2 learning, exposure to new words goes hand in hand with exposure to words encountered previously.
Simulation Model for Chassis Antenna Cavities Made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Cavities built into the vehicle chassis have recently emerged as receptacle for hidden antennas. In the automotive sector they potentially replace the roof mounted shark-fin antenna modules. Simulation models for chassis antenna cavities are critical, because they must both accurately predict antenna performance, while staying computationally reasonable. Moreover, if the chassis of electric cars, airplanes and boats are built with carbon fiber reinforced polymer, then a model for the composite laminate is required. In this paper a simple simulation model for chassis antenna cavities is developed. The carbon fiber composite material is modeled as a linear, homogeneous and isotropic conductor, and several cavity geometry details are omitted. Simulation results are in good agreement with measurements in the frequency band at 5.9 GHz for intelligent transport systems.