Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cosurfactant on Microemulsion Phase Behavior in NP7 Surfactant System

In this study, the effect of cosurfactant on the phase equilibrium and dynamic behavior was studied in systems containing NP7 nonionic surfactant solutions and nonpolar hydrocarbon oils. All cosurfactants used during this study such as n-pentanol, n-octanol and n-decanol acted as a hydrophobic additive and thus promoted the transition from an oil in water (O/W) microemulsion () in equilibrium with an excess oil phase to a three-phase region containing excess water, excess oil, and a middle-phase microemulsion and further to a water in oil (W/O) in equilibrium with the excess water phase. The transition temperature was found to decrease with both increases in the chain length and amount of addition of a cosurfactant. Dynamic behavior studies under O/W conditions showed that an oil drop size decreased with time due to the solubilization into micelles. On the other hand, both the spontaneous emulsification of water into the oil phase and the expansion of oil drop were observed under W/O conditions because of the diffusion of surfactant and water into the oil phase. Under conditions of a three-phase region including a middle-phase , both the rapid solubilization and emulsification of the oil into aqueous solutions were found mainly due to the existence of ultra-low interfacial tension. Dynamic interfacial tension measurements have been found to be in a good agreement with dynamic behavior results.
Phytochemical characterization of turnip greens (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa): A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE The Turnip (Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapa) is a leaf and root vegetable grown and consumed worldwide. The consumption of Turnip has been associated with beneficial effects on human health due to their phytochemicals that may control a variety of physiological functions, including antioxidant activity, enzyme regulation, and apoptotic control and the cell cycle. The current systematic review of the literature aims to evaluate both the profile and quantity of phytochemicals commonly found in Turnip greens and to provide perspectives for further investigation. METHODS This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Four bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web-of-Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched to identify published studies until April 8th, 2020 (date last searched) without data and language restriction. Studies were included if they used samples of Turnip greens (the leaves), and evaluated its phytochemical content. Two reviewers independently evaluated the titles and abstracts according to the selection criteria. For each potentially eligible study, two reviewers assessed the full-texts and independently extracted the data using a predesigned data extraction form. RESULTS Based on the search strategy 5,077 potentially relevant citations were identified and full texts of 37 studies were evaluated, among which 18 studies were eligible to be included in the current review. The majority of included studies were focused on identification of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (n = 14, 82%), four studies focused on organic acids, and five studies reported phenolic component profile in Turnip greens. Among included studies nine studies (50%) provided information on phytochemical's content. We found 129 phytochemicals (19 glucosinolates, 33 glucosinolate-breakdown products, 10 organic acids and 59 polyphenolic compounds) reported in Turnip greens. Flavonoids were mainly present as quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives; while aliphatic forms were the predominant glucosinolate (gluconapin was the most common across five studies, followed by glucobrassicanapin). In general, the phytochemical content varied among the leaves, tops and Turnip roots. CONCLUSIONS Emerging evidence suggests the Turnip as a substantial source of diverse bioactive compounds. However, detailed investigation on the pure compounds derived from Turnip green, their bioavailability, transport and metabolism after consumption is further needed. Additional studies on their biological activity are crucial to develop dietary recommendations on the effective dosage and dietary recommendation of Turnip greens for nutrition and health.
Olivine LiFePO4: the remaining challenges for future energy storage

Rechargeable batteries can effectively store electrical energy as chemical energy, and release it when needed, providing a good choice for applications in electric vehicles (EVs). Naturally, safety concerns are the key issue for the application of battery technology in EVs. Olivine LiFePO4 is considered to be the most promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its environmental friendliness, high cycling performance and safety characteristics. Some important breakthroughs in recent years have allowed its successful commercialization. However, in spite of its success, the commercial application of LiFePO4 batteries in EVs is still hindered by some technological obstacles. Herein, we provide an update on our previous review, and overview the most significant advances in the remaining challenges for this promising battery material. New research directions and future trends have also been discussed.
Role of Block Copolymers in Tissue Engineering Applications

Research on synthesis, characterization, and understanding of novel properties of nanomaterials has led researchers to exploit their potential applications. When compared to other nanotechnologies described in the literature, electrospinning has received significant interest due to its ability to synthesize novel nanostructures (such as nanofibers, nanorods, nanotubes, etc.) with distinctive properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, porosity, various morphologies such as fibers, tubes, ribbons, mesoporous and coated structures, and so on. Various materials such as polymers, ceramics, and composites have been fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Among them, polymers, especially block copolymers, are one of the useful and niche systems studied recently owing to their unique and fascinating properties in both solution and solid state due to thermodynamic incompatibility of the blocks, that results in microphase separation. Morphology and mechanical properties of electrospun block copolymers are intensely influenced by quantity and length of soft and hard segments. They are one of the best studied systems to fit numerous applications due to a broad variety of properties they display upon varying the composition ratio and molecular weight of blocks. In this review, the synthesis, fundamentals, electrospinning, and tissue engineering application of block copolymers are highlighted.
Double inhibition and activation mechanisms of Ephexin family RhoGEFs

Significance Ephexin family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) act downstream of Eph signaling to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics, playing critical roles in diverse cellular processes. To achieve precise regulation of Eph signaling, the GEF activities of Ephexins need to be tightly controlled. We here present the crystal structures of autoinhibited Ephexin4, which reveal that both N- and C-terminal fragments directly contact with and inhibit the DH catalytic domain of Ephexin4. This double inhibition mechanism may be commonly utilized by other Ephexins and SGEF. Phosphorylation of a conserved tyrosine at its N terminus and association of PDZ protein(s) to its C-terminal PDZ-binding motif may relieve the autoinhibited Ephexin4. These results reveal versatile autoinhibitory mechanisms that fine-tune the GEF activities of Ephexin family RhoGEFs. Ephexin family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) transfer signals from Eph tyrosine kinase receptors to Rho GTPases, which play critical roles in diverse cellular processes, as well as cancers and brain disorders. Here, we elucidate the molecular basis underlying inhibition and activation of Ephexin family RhoGEFs. The crystal structures of partially and fully autoinhibited Ephexin4 reveal that the complete autoinhibition requires both N- and C-terminal inhibitory modes, which can operate independently to impede Ras homolog family member G (RhoG) access. This double inhibition mechanism is commonly employed by other Ephexins and SGEF, another RhoGEF for RhoG. Structural, enzymatic, and cell biological analyses show that phosphorylation of a conserved tyrosine residue in its N-terminal inhibitory domain and association of PDZ proteins with its C-terminal PDZ-binding motif may respectively relieve the two autoinhibitory modes in Ephexin4. Our study provides a mechanistic framework for understanding the fine-tuning regulation of Ephexin4 GEF activity and offers possible clues for its pathological dysfunction.
Physical properties of a model set of solid, texture-modified foods.

Those suffering from swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, require texture-modified foods for safe swallowing. The texture is modified according to the severity of the disorder, as maintained by the guidelines outlining classes of texture-modified foods, ranging from viscous soups to soft, solid foods. As a basis for studies of bolus rheology and oral response of solid texture-modified foods, a set of well-defined, solid foods has been identified and characterised regarding texture and physical properties. Gelled food is compared to both the firmer timbale class and to the corresponding regular food. Foods eaten at room temperature were chosen to avoid temperature effects: bread, cheese, tomato and the combination into a sandwich. All foods were tested as gel, timbale and regular food. The texture was determined by compression and penetration tests, thereby showing a decrease in strength (compression stress), stiffness (modulus) and penetration force for increased degree of modification. The moisture content increased with increased degree of modification. The structural change from room to oral temperature was monitored by the complex shear modulus that showed a decrease with increasing temperature. Cheese and the gelatine-based tomato gel showed a distinct melting when the temperature was increased to 37°C. The texture-modified foods were softer and moister in all aspects as compared to the regular foods, which follows the intended modification. The classes for the texture-modified foods were qualitatively comparable to other national classification systems with regard to solid foods, but there is a lack of objective, physics-based classification of texture, especially for solid, texture-modified foods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Fasting Plasma GLP-1 Is Associated With Overweight/Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents

Abstract Context The importance of fasting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in altered metabolic outcomes has been questioned. Objective This work aimed to assess whether fasting GLP-1 differs in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity compared to a population-based reference, and whether concentrations predict cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors. Methods Analyses were based on The Danish Childhood Obesity Data- and Biobank, a cross-sectional study including children and adolescents, aged 6 to 19 years, from an obesity clinic group (n = 1978) and from a population-based group (n = 2334). Fasting concentrations of plasma total GLP-1 and quantitative CMR factors were assessed. The effects of GLP-1 as a predictor of CMR risk outcomes were examined by multiple linear and logistic regression modeling. Results The obesity clinic group had higher fasting GLP-1 concentrations (median 3.3 pmol/L; interquartile range, 2.3-4.3 pmol/L) than the population-based group (2.8 pmol/L; interquartile range, 2.1-3.8 pmol/L; P < 2.2E-16). Body mass index SD score (SDS), waist circumference, and total body fat percentage were significant predictors of fasting GLP-1 concentrations in boys and girls. Fasting GLP-1 concentrations were positively associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting values of insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, C-peptide, triglycerides, alanine transaminase (ALT), glycated hemoglobin A1c, and SDS of diastolic and systolic blood pressure. A 1-SD increase in fasting GLP-1 was associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance (odds ratio [OR] 1.59), dyslipidemia (OR 1.16), increased ALT (OR 1.14), hyperglycemia (OR 1.12) and hypertension (OR 1.12). Conclusion Overweight/obesity in children and adolescents is associated with increased fasting plasma total GLP-1 concentrations, which was predictive of higher CMR factors.
Repression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by SOX9 and Mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 2

SOX9 inhibits Wnt signaling by promoting GSK3-independent turnover of β-catenin, via transcriptional activation of MAML2. Wnt/β-catenin signaling requires inhibition of a multiprotein destruction complex that targets β-catenin for proteasomal degradation. SOX9 is a potent antagonist of the Wnt pathway and has been proposed to act through direct binding to β-catenin or the β-catenin destruction complex. Here, we demonstrate that SOX9 promotes turnover of β-catenin in mammalian cell culture, but this occurs independently of the destruction complex and the proteasome. This activity requires SOX9’s ability to activate transcription. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SOX9 induces the expression of the Notch coactivator Mastermind-like transcriptional activator 2 (MAML2), which is required for SOX9-dependent Wnt/β-catenin antagonism. MAML2 promotes β-catenin turnover independently of Notch signaling, and MAML2 appears to associate directly with β-catenin in an in vitro binding assay. This work defines a previously unidentified pathway that promotes β-catenin degradation, acting in parallel to established mechanisms. SOX9 uses this pathway to restrict Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Layer-by-Layer technique as a versatile tool for gene delivery applications

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gene therapy is a breakthrough medical field which focuses on the therapeutic delivery of recombinant nucleic acids in order to treat or prevent a broad spectrum of diseases. However, a number of important obstacles remain before its wide introduction into clinical practice can be envisaged. One of the biggest bottlenecks is the lack of efficient and safe delivery technologies, particularly, for in vivo distribution. Above and beyond standard requirements for carriers, the delivery systems for gene therapy ideally use a hit-and-run principle (to minimize off-target effect and display of immunogenic moieties). None of the currently used viral vectors fulfills all of these requirements. Therefore, the growing variety of non-viral delivery platforms represents a promising alternative. Areas covered: This review summarizes the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) approaches that can be effectively used for the gene delivery, considering various examples with the transfer of pDNA, mRNA, siRNA as well as genome-editing tools. Ex vivo gene modification of clinically relevant cells and clinical aspects for possible application of LbL systems in gene therapy are also underlined. Expert opinion: The LbL technique provides broad opportunities for the delivery of genetic material for various purposes and offers promise for future clinical application in gene therapy.
Retinal dystrophy as part of TTC21B-associated ciliopathy

ABSTRACT Background: TCC21B is a ciliary protein. The most common phenotypic features associated with TCC21B biallelic mutations are nephronophthisis and skeletal abnormalities. To date, retinal dystrophy has been reported in only one patient. Materials and Methods: Clinical evaluation included best-corrected visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, fundus examination, fundus photography, retinal imaging by optical coherence tomography, full-field electroretinography, multifocal electroretinography, and visual evoked potentials. Genetic analysis included Whole Exome Sequencing and confirmation of the identified mutations in the patient and his parents by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Results: A ten-year-old Caucasian male presented with nephronophthisis, high myopia and nycatalopia. Best-corrected visual acuity was preserved to 20/20 in each eye with significant myopic correction. Visual fields were constricted. Optical coherence tomography confirmed the lack of outer retinal layers in the perifoveal area on both eyes. Electroretinography confirmed significant retinal dystrophy. Whole Exome Sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the TTC21B gene. Conclusions: TTC21B is associated with ciliopathy, but retinal dystrophy is a rare finding in these patients. We report retinal dystrophy secondary to TTC21B mutations, and provide for the first time detailed clinical information of the ophthalmic phenotype.
Long‐term implementation of the Managing Agitation and Raising QUality of lifE intervention in care homes: A qualitative study

The dementia care home workforce receives little specific training. There are successful interventions, improving care outcomes, but it is unclear whether or how to sustain these effects. The Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of Life (MARQUE) intervention aimed to train care home staff to reduce resident agitation and improve quality of life. It was designed for sustainability, with implementation plans agreed with managers. MARQUE improves quality of life. In this separate study, we aimed to examine implementation around 2 years later.
Parkinson’s disease medication state and severity assessment based on coordination during walking

Walking is a complex motor function requiring coordination of all body parts. Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor signs such as rigidity, bradykinesia, and impaired balance affect movements including walking. Here, we propose a computational method to objectively assess the effects of Parkinson’s disease pathology on coordination between trunk, shoulder and limbs during the gait cycle to assess medication state and disease severity. Movements during a scripted walking task were extracted from wearable devices placed at six different body locations in participants with PD and healthy participants. Three-axis accelerometer data from each device was synchronized at the beginning of either left or right steps. Canonical templates of movements were then extracted from each body location. Movements projected on those templates created a reduced dimensionality space, where complex movements are represented as discrete values. These projections enabled us to relate the body coordination in people with PD to disease severity. Our results show that the velocity profile of the right wrist and right foot during right steps correlated with the participant’s total score on the gold standard Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPRDS) with an r2 up to 0.46. Left-right symmetry of feet, trunk and wrists also correlated with the total UPDRS score with an r2 up to 0.3. In addition, we demonstrate that binary dopamine replacement therapy medication states (self-reported ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’) can be discriminated in PD participants. In conclusion, we showed that during walking, the movement of body parts individually and in coordination with one another changes in predictable ways that vary with disease severity and medication state.
Clinical impact of flow adjusted transmitral pressure gradient after surgical annuloplasty for functional mitral regurgitation.

Downsizing of mitral annulus due to mitral annuloplasty for ischemic functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) raises a new issue, functional mitral stenosis (FMS), defined as a decline of mitral hemodynamics. However, common mitral hemodynamic parameters are influenced by transmitral flow, therefore, the clinical impacts are still controversial. The aim of this study is to seek mitral hemodynamic indices (including transmitlra pressure gradient [TMPG] adjusted by left ventricular stroke volume [LVSV]) relevant to the mid-term outcomes after annuloplasty for ischemic functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). This study is a retrospective evaluation of mitral valve hemodynamic status by resting echocardiogram at several weeks after surgery. Eighty-one patients underwent mitral annuloplasty for ischemic FMR between September 2012 and June 2019. Postoperative adverse events occurred in 28 patients (34.6%), and the overall 5-year freedom from adverse events rate was 55.9%. Common mitral hemodynamic parameters were not associated with adverse events, but flow adjusted TMPG can be a correlative factor. By multivariable analysis, postoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure and peak TMPG/LVSV were detected as independent predictors (adjusted hazard ratio 1.07 and 1.08, P < 0.001 and < 0.001). Additionally, risk stratification by peak TMPG (cut-off: 10 mmHg) and LVSV (cut-off: 35 ml/m2) reflected the mid-term outcomes, perceptively (P = 0.007). Conventional mitral hemodynamic parameters were not associated with adverse cardiac events after annuloplasty for ischemic FMR. However, flow adjusted TMPG was identfied as an independent predictor, and risk stratification by peak TMPG and LVSV reflected the mid-term outcomes, perceptively.
Computational Calculation of Gas and Water Properties: Part 2

This is a second part of the series elaborating the programming process for in-house software generation using Visual Basic. The authors explain the state-of-the-art programming process for the estimation and predication of water (brine) properties. Coding has been done in order to estimate the properties with reference to prevailing conditions, showing the effectiveness of developed in-house software. This part of the article also particularly emphasizes on the significance of water formation volume factor, which is usually neglected in oil and gas industry, while highlighting the usefulness and utilization of the generated data (using developed software).
Steady Infiltration from a Surface Point Source into a Two‐Layered Cylindrically Confined and Unconfined Soil Region with Root Water Extraction

Steady infiltration from surface point sources into two‐layered cylindrically confined and unconfined soil regions with roots extracting water is analyzed with a linearized form of the Richards equation. In the upper layer, from which plant roots withdraw water with a uniform extraction coefficient (λ), the hydraulic conductivity at saturation decreases (−1 ≤ β < 0) or increases (β > 0) exponentially with depth. The lower soil layer is homogeneous, and the soil texture coefficient α is the same for both layers. The evaporation loss is taken to be proportional to the matric flux potential (MFP) at the soil surface, with a proportionality coefficient m. It is shown that the point‐source solutions for the modeled systems are physically relevant, i.e., consistent with an exponential hydraulic conductivity function, not only for positive but also for negative β if λ ≥ 0. 5α2(1 − β). Also, the fractions of water lost via evaporation at the soil surface, extraction by plant roots, and deep percolation are found to be identical for both laterally confined and unconfined regions. Numerical examples illustrate the behavior of the solutions for various combinations of the coefficients λ, β and m, the root‐zone depth, and the lateral extent of the soil domain. The water uptake rate (qup) increases with increasing λ and root‐zone depth and the wetted regions contract as the water uptake increases. Without evaporation, the water uptake rate decreases in the order qup (β < 0) > qup (β = 0) > qup (β > 0). Evaporation losses significantly reduce both the water uptake rate and the extent of wetting. For β < 0 the effect of evaporation on qup is larger than for β ≥ 0.