Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epoxy biocomposites-based chemically treated coffee dystrophy and castor oil

An agro-waste such as coffee beans has been used to generate cellulose particles. Coffee roast which is brown in color, was treated with 6% sodium chlorite solution, followed by alkali treatment. This chemically treated mass was subjected to acid treatment with 20% sulfuric acid. Cellulose microwhiskers were released. These micro particles were examined by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). X-Ray diffraction study of these white cellulose particles and the residue showed a highly crystalline nature of the cellulose particles. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were carried out to further investigate any structural changes after chemical treatment. The spectra of the treated powder showed lesser peak intensity at 1630 cm−1. This peak is related to the aromatic ring of lignin. Thus, indicating that the removal of aromatic rings of lignin and polysaccharides after hydrolysis process, simultaneously increases degree of crystallinity. Composites of epoxy resin with a conventional amide-type hardener reinforced with renewable materials were investigated in the presence of castor oil (CO). The renewable material was extracted from coffee beans using various chemical agents. The extracted renewable material has been incorporated into epoxy resin. The composites were evaluated by FTIR to check any interactions. The remarkable hint is the increased intensity of the peak located at 3941 cm−1 being assigned to the –NH2 of the amine cured epoxy. The increment in the intensity is being attributed to the enhanced degree of interaction between the multifunctional CO and the amine cured epoxy resin as mentioned earlier. Tests of tensile and impact strength properties were carried out and Izod impact was determined at room temperature. It has been found that the incorporation of CO has significantly increased the elongation at break. The impact resistance of the composites with CO has significantly increased as compared to the control and the samples without CO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken to assess the effects of reinforcement and homogenization of the composites. It was noticed that the incorporation of the CO has turned the topography of the samples to a smooth surface with respect to rugged phase of the samples without CO.
Vertical dispersion by stratified turbulence

We derive a relation for the growth of the mean square of vertical displacements, δz, of fluid particles of stratified turbulence. In the case of freely decaying turbulence, we find that for large times 〈δz2〉 goes to a constant value 2(EP(0) + aE(0))/N2, where EP(0) and E(0) are the initial mean potential and total turbulent energy per unit mass, respectively, a < 1 and N is the Brunt–Väisälä frequency. In the case of stationary turbulence, we find that 〈δz2〉 = 〈δb2〉/N2 + 2εPt/N2, where εP is the mean dissipation of turbulent potential energy per unit mass and 〈δb2〉 is the Lagrangian structure function of normalized buoyancy fluctuations. The first term is the same as that obtained in the case of adiabatic fluid particle dispersion. This term goes to the finite limit 4EP/N2 as t → ∞. Assuming that the second term represents irreversible mixing, we show that the Osborn & Cox model for vertical diffusion is retained. In the case where the motion is dominated by a turbulent cascade with an eddy turnover time T ≫ N−1, rather than linear gravity waves, we suggest that there is a range of time scales, t, between N−1 and T, where 〈δb2〉 = 2πCPLεPt, where CPL is a constant of the order of unity. This means that for such motion the ratio between the adiabatic and the diabatic mean-square displacement is universal and equal to πCPL in this range. Comparing this result with observations, we make the estimate CPL ≈ 3.
A 5′-Flanking C/G Pair at the Core Region Enhances the Recognition and Binding of Kaiso to Methylated DNA

Methyl CpG binding proteins (MBPs) are transcription factors that recognize the methylated CpG sites in DNA and mediate the DNA methylation signal into various downstream cellular processes. The C2H2 zinc finger (ZF) protein, Kaiso, also an MBP, preferentially binds to two symmetrically methylated CpG sites in DNA sequences via C-terminal C2H2 ZF domains and mediates the transcription regulation process. Investigation of the molecular mechanism of the recognition of methylated DNA (meDNA) by Kaiso is important to understand how this protein reads and translates this methylation signal into downstream transcription outcomes. Despite previous studies in Kaiso-meDNA interactions, detailed structural investigations on the sequence-specific interaction of Kaiso with the meDNA sequence are still lacking. In this work, we used molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation-based computational approaches to investigate the recognition of various methylated DNA sequences by Kaiso. Our MD simulation results show that the Kaiso-meDNA interaction is sequence specific. The recognition of meDNA by Kaiso is enhanced in the MeECad sequence compared to the MeCG2 sequence. Compared to the 5'-flanking T/A pair in MeCG2, both MeCG2_mutCG and MeECad sequences show that a C/G base pair allows GLU535 of Kaiso to preferably recognize and bind the core mCpG site. The core mCGmCG site is crucial for the recognition process and formation of a stable complex. Our results reveal that the 5'-flanking nucleotides are also important for the enhanced binding and recognition of methylated sites.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as an Indicator for Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A Systematic Review

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein affecting survival of existing neurons and neuronal maturation. Patients suffering from several mental disorders exhibit reduced BDNF levels comparing to healthy population. In this systematic review we aim to evaluate the effect of broadly defined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on BDNF levels in psychiatric patients. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar data bases. The resources were searched between 14 January and 3 February 2022. Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 10 randomized-controlled trials were included. The results of our research indicate that BDNF levels might be considered an indicator of a result achieved in psychotherapy of cognitive functions. However, no such correlation was observed for mindfulness-based practices intended to lower stress levels or improve the quality of life. It is important to notice that present research showed no consistent correlation between the increase in BDNF levels and the perceived effectiveness of the procedures. Thus, the exact role of BDNF remains unknown, and so far, it cannot be taken as an objective measure of the quality of the interventions.
Wearable Textile Multiband Antenna for WBAN Applications

A wearable textile multiband antenna with full ground plane for wireless body area network (WBAN) applications is presented in this article. The bandwidth enhancement techniques of slots and multiresonant radiators with capacitive coupling are used to achieve multiband operation including an UWB standard. Antenna optimization is performed using characteristics mode analysis (CMA) to improve the bandwidth of high-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${Q}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> resonances by introducing a new independent resonance while preserving other spectral features. The proposed antenna is operable in the UWB high band specified by IEEE 802.15. 6 and WLAN bands at 2.45 and 5 GHz. The antenna offers a desired directional radiation pattern with an overall antenna size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.55\lambda _{L} \times \,\,0.67\lambda _{L} \times \,\,0.03\lambda _{L}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at the lowest operating wavelength. The antenna can offer an averaged maximum gain of 7.2 dBi throughout the operating range and preserve its radiation performance under on-body environment and bending conditions. To our knowledge, the proposed antenna is the first wearable textile antenna with full ground plane operable in the UWB high band and the WLAN bands of 2.45 and 5 GHz.
Physical Activity and Mental Health in Undergraduate Students

Most research support positive relationships between physical activity and mental health. However, possible moderating variables of these relationships have also been identified, such as age, gender, level of physical activity, and the scope of physical activity. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between physical activity and mental health levels in undergraduate students, assessing whether these associations can change depending on the level of physical activity (low, medium, or high) and the setting (occupational, commuting, or leisure time physical activity) in which it was performed. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 847 undergraduate students. Physical activity and mental health were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQv2) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We found relationships between students’ physical activity level and their mental health status. The higher the total physical activity, the better their mental health scores. High levels of commuting and leisure time physical activity is also associated with better mental health, while only moderate levels of occupational physical activity are associated with better mental health status. Regarding the possible associations between physical activity and vulnerability to mental health problems, with the fully adjusted regression model, leisure time and occupational physical activity remain protective of a poor state of mental health. Leisure time physical activity, performed at a high level, and moderate occupational physical activity seems to be the best combination of physical activity to reduce students’ vulnerability to potential mental health problems.
Statistical-noise effect on power spectrum of long-range-correlated line-edge and line-width roughness

We formerly developed the "assembly method" for analyzing the line-edge and line-width roughness (LER/LWR) that has a long-range correlation beyond the conventional analysis limit, as reported in a previous work. In that method, we repeatedly assembled virtual long lines by gathering line segments, which were arbitrarily disposed on actual long lines and by randomly changing their combination and order, permitting the assembled lines to share the same line segments. Then, we obtained the power spectral density (PSD) of the LER/LWR of the assembled lines considering the lines as seamless. We also derived an analytic formula of the assembled-line PSDs for use in the PSD fitting method. This formula agreed very well with experimental PSDs. In this report, we propose guidelines for suppressing the statistical-noise effect on the assembly method for the purpose of accurately analyzing the long-range-correlated LER/LWR. The guidelines will greatly help shed light on the long-range correlation, which causes the variability even in large devices but has long been veiled due to the lack of metrology.
Resolution improvement in linear tomosynthesis with an adapted 3D regularization scheme

Linear digital tomosynthesis consists in acquiring on a digital detector a few projections, at different view angles and for a linear X-ray source path. A simple shift and add process reconstructs planes parallel to the detector plane but with a low vertical resolution. To improve it, we propose to use Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART) and Half Quadratic Regularization (HQR) methods, which are based on an iterative process. In such a linear digital tomosynthesis context, we propose to reconstruct independent 2D tilted planes passing through the linear source trajectory. Thus, computation time is reduced and it becomes possible to regularize in an anisotropic way to adapt the regularization process to the reconstructed volume sampling. We validate our approach with experimental data acquired on a digital detector. ART significantly improves the vertical resolution in comparison with usual process. However, ART is sensitive to noisy projections and may produce poor quality reconstructions. The HQR piecewise smoothness constraint stabilizes the reconstruction process. With a total angular range of 40 degrees, we can reach a vertical resolution lower than 1 cm, while it is superior to 3 cm with the usual process. Furthermore, HQR method significantly reduces truncation artifacts due to high projection angles.
Dysbiotic Gut Microbiota Modulation by Aronia Fruits Extract Administration

The administration of chokeberry extract in vitro in the GIS1 system was evaluated for the modulation capacity of the dysbiotic pattern resulting from the consumption of stevia. The microbial pattern determined by molecular method, the metabolomic one (fatty acids), the evolution of the antioxidant status, and the cytotoxic effect were determined comparatively for six months. This study presented for the first time that Aronia extract has a strong antimicrobial effect but also a presence of new organic acids that can be used as a biomarker. The functional supplement had the impact of a gradual increase in antioxidant status (DPPH scavenging activity) for up to three months and a subsequent decrease correlated with the reduction of the microbial load (especially for Enterobacteriaceae). The effect on metabolomic activity was specific, with butyric acid being generally unaffected (0.6–0.8 mg/mL) by the antimicrobial effect manifested after three months of administration. The pH was strongly acidic, corresponding to the constant presence of maximum values for acetic and lactic acid. The non-selective elimination of a part of the microbiota could also be correlated with a decrease in metabolomic efficiency. The results in the GIS1 system indicated for the first time that the controlled use of this extract had a pronounced antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect. This has helped to correct the dysbiotic pattern that results after the long-term use of sweeteners based on an increase of 0.2 log UFC/mL for favorable strains.
Microcreep deformation measurements by a moire method using electron beam lithography and electron beam scan

Microcreep deformations in pure copper specimens are studied by a new moire method. In this method, a fine micrograting prepared by electron beam lithography is used as a model grating, and a scanning exposure ofthe primary electron beam in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) as a master grating. The scanning exposure of the electron beam on the specimen with the model grating produces moire fringes of bright and dark lines formed in response to the different amounts of the emitted secondary electrons for each primary electron. This new method makes it possible to obtain a clear and fine moire fringe without an image-processing system and to observe the moire fringe pattern and the SEM image at the same time. By this method, the inhomogeneous microcreep deformations such as grain boundary sliding, coarse slip, and localized strain are measured with high accuracy. It is confirmed that the creep strain is nonuniform even in the same grain and the strain distribution is caused mainly by the grain boundary sliding.
A Translational Approach to Spinal Neurofibromatosis: Clinical and Molecular Insights from a Wide Italian Cohort

Simple Summary At present, no systematic study of the clinical spectrum and molecular characteristics of NF1 patients with spinal neurofibromatosis (SNF), a phenotypic subclass of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), has been carried out. Here, we provide evidence that SNF patients are at high risk of problematic neurofibromas, presenting not only bilateral neurofibromas involving all spinal roots, but also a higher incidence of internal neurofibromas and nerve root swelling. From a histopathological view, not only neurofibromas, but also neurogangliomas are present in SNF. The analysis of 19 families with at least 1 member affected by SNF showed a high phenotypic variability within the SNF families. Furthermore, we discovered a higher prevalence of missense mutations in SNF compared to classical NF1. Both clinical features and genetic testing can help in identifying cases at risk of SNF, and that are more likely to benefit from a spinal MRI scan. Abstract Spinal neurofibromatosis (SNF), a phenotypic subclass of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), is characterized by bilateral neurofibromas involving all spinal roots. In order to deepen the understanding of SNF’s clinical and genetic features, we identified 81 patients with SNF, 55 from unrelated families, and 26 belonging to 19 families with at least 1 member affected by SNF, and 106 NF1 patients aged >30 years without spinal tumors. A comprehensive NF1 mutation screening was performed using NGS panels, including NF1 and several RAS pathway genes. The main features of the SNF subjects were a higher number of internal neurofibromas (p < 0.001), nerve root swelling (p < 0.001), and subcutaneous neurofibromas (p = 0.03), while hyperpigmentation signs were significantly less frequent compared with the classical NF1-affected cohorts (p = 0.012). Fifteen patients underwent neurosurgical intervention. The histological findings revealed neurofibromas in 13 patients and ganglioneuromas in 2 patients. Phenotypic variability within SNF families was observed. The proportion of missense mutations was higher in the SNF cases than in the classical NF1 group (21.40% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.007), conferring an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (CI = 1.33–10.78). Two unrelated familial SNF cases harbored in trans double NF1 mutations that seemed to have a subclinical worsening effect on the clinical phenotype. Our study, with the largest series of SNF patients reported to date, better defines the clinical and genetic features of SNF, which could improve the management and genetic counseling of NF1.
The Evolution of tRNA Copy Number and Repertoire in Cellular Life

tRNAs are universal decoders that bridge the gap between transcriptome and proteome. They can also be processed into small RNA fragments with regulatory functions. In this work, we show that tRNA copy number is largely controlled by genome size in all cellular organisms, in contrast to what is observed for protein-coding genes that stop expanding between ~20,000 and ~35,000 loci per haploid genome in eukaryotes, regardless of genome size. Our analyses indicate that after the bacteria/archaea split, the tRNA gene pool experienced the evolution of increased anticodon diversity in the archaeal lineage, along with a tRNA gene size increase and mature tRNA size decrease. The evolution and diversification of eukaryotes from archaeal ancestors involved further expansion of the tRNA anticodon repertoire, additional increase in tRNA gene size and decrease in mature tRNA length, along with an explosion of the tRNA gene copy number that emerged coupled with accelerated genome size expansion. Our findings support the notion that macroscopic eukaryotes with a high diversity of cell types, such as land plants and vertebrates, independently evolved a high diversity of tRNA anticodons along with high gene redundancy caused by the expansion of the tRNA copy number. The results presented here suggest that the evolution of tRNA genes played important roles in the early split between bacteria and archaea, and in eukaryogenesis and the later emergence of complex eukaryotes, with potential implications in protein translation and gene regulation through tRNA-derived RNA fragments.
Preparation and in-vitro Evaluation of Secnidazole as Periodontal In-situ Gel for Treatment of Periodontal Disease

This study aims to develop a thermosensitive mucoadhesive periodontal in situ gel of secnidazole for local release of drug for treatment of periodontitis, in order to increase the drug residence time and to increase patient compliance while lowering the side effects of the drug. Cold method was used to prepare 30 formulas of secnidazole periodontal in situ gel, using different concentrations of thermosensitive polymers (poloxamer407 alone or in combination with poloxamer 188) and methyl cellulose (MC ) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M )in different concentrations used as mucoadhesive polymer and the resultant formulations were subjected to several tests such as gelation temperature GT, appearance and pH value. The formulas with the most appropriate GT were subjected to in-vitro drug release. Three formulas were chosen with appropriate release, F6 (15% P407, 1% MC), F29 (18%P407,3% P188, 0.8% HPMC) and F30 (18%P407,3% P188, 1% HPMC). These formulas were subjected to mucoadhesive force, viscosity, drug content, spreadability, gelation time and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) compatibility studies. The results indicates that formula F29 and F30 have best gelation temperatures (33°C, 32°C) gel strength (1.5h,2h) mucoadhesive force of (17.1, 23.4 dyne/cm2 ) and in-vitro drug release (98.2%, 100%) respectively during 3.5h and gelation, time about 10 seconds for both formulas and FTIR spectrum study show absence of important interaction between secnidazole and the polymers used.
Characterization of Orange Peel Extract and Its Potential Protective Effect against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. Hence, developing an effective treatment or protective agent is crucial for public health. The present study aims to characterize orange peel extract (OPE) through in vitro and in silico studies. Furthermore, it examines the protective effect of OPE against experimentally-induced Alzheimer’s disease in rats. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of OPE was 255.86 ± 1.77 and 52.06 ± 1.74 (mg/100 g), respectively. Gallic acid, the common polyphenol in OPE detected by HPLC was 3388.60 μg/100 g. OPE antioxidant IC50 was 67.90 ± 1.05, 60.48 ± 0.91, and 63.70 ± 0.30 by DPPH, ABTS and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity methods, respectively. In vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) IC50 was 0.87 ± 0.025 mg/mL for OPE and 2.45 ± 0.001 mg/mL for gallic acid. Molecular docking analysis for human AChE (4EY7) with donepezil, gallic acid, and acetylcholine showed binding energy ΔG values of −9.47, −3.72, and −5.69 Kcal/mol, respectively. Aluminum chloride injection (70 mg/Kg/day for 6 weeks) induced Alzheimer’s-like disease in male rats. OPE (100 and 200 mg/kg/d) and gallic acid (50 mg/kg/d) were administered orally to experimental animals for 6 weeks in addition to aluminum chloride injection (as protective). OPE was found to protect against aluminum chloride-induced neuronal damage by decreasing both gene expression and activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and a decrease in amyloid beta (Aβ42) protein level, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO), and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level and activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the brain tissues. Additionally, gene expressions for amyloid precursor protein (APP) and beta secretase enzyme (BACE1) were downregulated, whereas those for presinilin-2 (PSEN2) and beta cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) were upregulated. Furthermore, the reverse of mitochondrial alternation and restored brain ultrastructure might underlie neuronal dysfunction in AD. In conclusion, our exploration of the neuroprotective effect of OPE in vivo reveals that OPE may be helpful in ameliorating brain oxidative stress, hence protecting from Alzheimer’s disease progression.