Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental studies of the effect of sea buckthorn and wheat bran in food on the physiological status of rats

The aim of this research paper was a sanitary-toxicological study of the effectiveness and safety of developed functional property products, such as chopped semi-finished products from chicken with wheat bran and shortbread cake with cottage cheese and sea buckthorn, in preclinical studies on laboratory animals. Methods — The effect of new products on the experimental rats was studied using physiological, biochemical, pathomorphological and histological research methods. As a result, it was discovered that the inclusion of foods with wheat bran and fresh sea buckthorn into the diet of experimental animals had a positive effect on the behavioral reactions of rats, the increase of appetite and the rapid growth of animals. Results — The improvement in the metabolic processes physiology of the studied rats was noted in the biochemical and morphological blood parameters. In the experimental group of rats where carbohydrates were partially substituted with cottage cheese shortbread cake and sea buckthorn, a significant decrease in the total bilirubin content was noted; the level of cholesterol in the blood serum of experimental animals from group which received chicken cutlets with bran was 1.4-1.7 times lower than the cholesterol content in animals of the control and other experimental groups. At the same time, statistically significant differences in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin level, the activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and amylase, the level of total protein and the creatinine content were not revealed in the group of experimental rats compared with the control group of rats, receiving a standard diet. The histological data showed that the liver structure of the experimental animals had a more pronounced beam and capillary structure compared with the control group, and the condition of the villi and epithelium of the small intestine showed the positive physiological effect of the studied herbal additives in food technology with functional properties. Conclusion — The research results allow us to conclude that the developed products are functional, intended for the systematic use in the composition of food rations by all age groups of a healthy population, which reduces the risk of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Comparison of 1565-nm Nonablative Fractional Laser and 10600-nm Ablative Fractional Laser in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Atrophic Acne Scars.

BACKGROUND The 10,600-nm ablative fractional laser (AFL) is widely used for treating facial atrophic acne scars but with evident side effects. By contrast, the common Er:Glass non-AFL (NAFL) is safer but lacks of comparable outcomes. A novel 1,565 nm Er:Glass NAFL improves thermal energy delivery and could yield better outcomes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety between the 1,565-nm NAFL and 10,600-nm AFL in treating mild-to-moderate facial atrophic acne scars. METHODS Nineteen patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral facial atrophic acne scars were enrolled in a randomized split-face trial, which involved 3-session procedures for each laser. The effectiveness and safety were evaluated by doctors and patients who were blinded to the treatment assignment. RESULTS Both lasers improved the acne scar profiles comparably. A marked reduction in erythema, crusting durations, and degree of pain were noted on the sides treated with the 1,565-nm NAFL, relative to those treated with the 10,600-nm AFL. CONCLUSION Both 1,565 nm-NAFL and 10,600-nm AFL can improve mild-to-moderate acne scars. Patients should never expect complete resolution. The 1,565-nm NAFL has less side effects.
A Simple Inexpensive Method for the Measurement of Indoleacetamide Hydrolase Activity

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) a phytohormon of auxin type is synthesized by different ways in plants and some bacteria (Agrobacteria, Pseudomonas and some others). The enzyme indolylacetamide hydrolase transforms indolylacetamide to IAA mainly in bacteria. However, recently published data showed that some plants can also hydrolyze indolylacetamide into IAA. In order to elucidate the role of indolylacetamide as an auxin precursor in plants and bacteria, productive method of determination of the activity of indoleacetamide hydrolase is necessary. The simple, inexpensive and productive method for the measurement of indoleacetamide hydrolase activity was elaborated based on significant difference between IAAM and IAA in color developed with Salkovski’ reagent. The light absorbance increased during conversion of IAAM to IAA by protein extracts from some plant cells and this increase may be used for quantitative estimation of indoleacetamide hydrolase activity. The method is suitable for fast discovery of indoleacetamide hydrolase activity before planning more complicated analyses and for the analysis of many probes at a short time in physiological and biochemical experiments. A detailed protocol for determination of indoleacetamide hydrolase activity by the elaborated method is described.
Influence of AKT inhibitor on Wnt/β-catenin pathway in chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells

Objective To investigate the impact of PI3K-AKT pathway inhibitor (AKTi Ⅳ) on the acute crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and its regulatory effect on PI3K-AKT pathway in Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Methods K562 cells were cultured to logarithmic growth phase, and they were treated with 0, 2.5, 5, 10μmol/L AKTi Ⅳ respectiv ely. Cell growth was determined with MTT test. The ability of cell colonization was assessed by colony-forming assay. The protein expression of pAKT (Thr308) and pGSK-3β(Ser9) was determined by Western blotting. The protein expression and mRNA levels of β-catenin and its down-stream targets c-myc and cyclin D1 were analyzed by Western blotting and realtime fluorescence quantitative polymerse chain reaction (Q-PCR), respectively. Results Cell growth and colony-forming ability of K562 cells were inhibited significantly after treatment with AKTi Ⅳ for 6, 10, 16h, and the best exposure time for K562 cells was 10h. PI3K-AKT pathway was inhibited obviously and the protein level of pAKT (Thr308) was lowered apparently after 2.5, 5, 10μmol/L AKTi Ⅳ treatment. When K562 cells were treated by 5μmol/L AKTi Ⅳ for 10h, pGSK-3β (Ser9) and β-catenin protein levels were lowered significantly, while the mRNA of β-catenin was not affected. The mRNA and protein levels of c-myc and cyclin D1 in the downstream of β-catenin were also decreased obviously after treatment with 5μmol/L AKTi Ⅳ for 10h. Conclusion AKTi Ⅳ can inhibit the proliferation and colony-forming ability of K562 cells in critical stage of CML. The mechanism may be related to down-regulation of expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway by blocking the signal transduction of cell growth. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn. 0577-7402.2015. 09.05
Evolutionary genetic aspects of host association in generalist ectoparasites

Despite the use of the host for dispersal by most parasite species, the extremely loose relationship typical between highly mobile hosts and generalist ectoparasites may lead to very different gene flow patterns between the two, leading in turn to different spatial genetic structure, and potentially different demographic history. I examined how similar gene flow patterns are between Cimex adjunctus, a generalist ectoparasite of bats present throughout North America, and two of its key bat hosts. I first analyzed the continent-scale genetic structure and demographic history of C. adjunctus and compared it to that of two of its hosts, the little brown myotis and the big brown bat, using microsatellite and mitochondrial data. Second, I compared spatial genetic structure of C. adjunctus with Cimex lectularius, or common bed bug, which associates with a broader range of host species. Third, I compared the effect of land cover on spatial genetic structure of C. adjunctus and of the big brown bat in the Great Lakes region. My results support the emerging hypothesis that generalist ectoparasites and their highly mobile hosts display weak, but positive, correlation in spatial genetic structure and demographic history. Generalist parasites associate with different hosts, which are, in some cases, evolutionarily divergent from each other. In such cases, it is not clear how hosts may affect adaptive genetic variation in the parasites. In the Cimex genus, parasite species associate with a range of hosts, including bats, humans, and swallows. I examined how hosts affect adaptive genetic variation in these generalist ectoparasites. I analyzed variation at two salivary protein genes, one
A sequential quadratic programming algorithm without a penalty function, a filter or a constraint qualification for inequality constrained optimization

This paper discusses a kind of nonlinear inequality constrained optimization problems without any constraint qualification. A new sequential quadratic programming algorithm for such problems is proposed, whose important features are as follows: (i) a new relaxation technique for the linearized constraints of the quadratic programming subproblem is introduced, which guarantees that the subproblem is always consistent and generates a favourable search direction; (ii) a weaker positive-definiteness assumption on the quadratic coefficient matrices is presented; (iii) a slightly new line search is adopted, where neither a penalty function nor a filter is used; (iv) an associated acceptable termination rule is introduced; (v) the finite convergence of the algorithm is proved. Furthermore, the numerical results on a collection of CUTE test problems show that the proposed algorithm is promising.
An in‐depth introduction of multi‐workgroup tiling for improving the locality of explicit one‐step methods for ODE systems with limited access distance on GPUs

This article considers a locality optimization technique for the parallel solution of a special class of large systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by explicit one‐step methods on GPUs. This technique is based on tiling across the stages of the one‐step method and is enabled by the special structure of the class of ODE systems considered, that is, the limited access distance. The focus of this article is on increasing the range of access distances for which the tiling technique can provide a speedup by joining the memory resources and the computational power of multiple workgroups for the computation of one tile (multi‐workgroup tiling). In particular, this article provides an extended in‐depth introduction and discussion of the multi‐workgroup tiling technique and its theoretical and technical foundations together with a new tuning option (mapping stride) and new experiments. The experiments performed show speedups of the multi‐workgroup tiling technique compared with traditional single‐workgroup tiling for two different Runge–Kutta methods on NVIDIAs Kepler and Volta architectures.
Skillful All-Season S2S Prediction of U.S. Precipitation Using the MJO and QBO

Although useful at short and medium ranges, current dynamical models provide little additional skill for precipitation forecasts beyond week 2 (14 days). However, recent studies have demonstrated that downstream forcing by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) influences subseasonal variability, and predictability, of sensible weather across North America. Building on prior studies evaluating the influence of the MJO and QBO on the subseasonal prediction of North American weather, we apply an empirical model that uses the MJO and QBO as predictors to forecast anomalous (i.e., categorical above- or below-normal) pentadal precipitation at weeks 3–6 (15–42 days). A novel aspect of our study is the application and evaluation of the model for subseasonal prediction of precipitation across the entire contiguous United States and Alaska during all seasons. In almost all regions and seasons, the model provides “skillful forecasts of opportunity” for 20%–50% of all forecasts valid weeks 3–6. We also find that this model skill is correlated with historical responses of precipitation, and related synoptic quantities, to the MJO and QBO. Finally, we show that the inclusion of the QBO as a predictor increases the frequency of skillful forecasts of opportunity over most of the contiguous United States and Alaska during all seasons. These findings will provide guidance to forecasters regarding the utility of the MJO and QBO for subseasonal precipitation outlooks.
Robust Structured Dictionary Learning For Block Sparse Representations Using α-Divergence

Dictionary learning algorithms have been successfully used to solve a variety of signal and image processing problems. In some applications however, the observed signals may be contaminated by outliers and have a multi-subpsace structure that enables block-sparse signal representations. Based on the observation that the observed signals can be approximated as a sum of low rank matrices, a new algorithm for learning a block-structured dictionary in the presence of outliers is proposed. The proposed algorithm is obtained using a robust α-divergence based data fitting term in the algorithm cost function and derived via sequential penalized low rank matrix approximation. Experimental results illustrating the performance of the proposed algorithm compared to some state-of-the-art algorithms are provided.
EFFECT OF DETERGENT TIDE ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THE FRESHWATER FISH, LABEO ROHITA

Water pollution may be defined as any impairment in its native characteristics by addition of anthropogenic contaminants to the extent that it either cannot serve humans for drinking purposes or to support the biotic communities. A change in the quality of water by the presence of contaminants makes it potentially harmful to life forms, instead of sustaining them. The entry of toxicants into aquatic media may affect the water quality parameters which in turn leads to changes in the haematological variables of fish and other aquatic lives due to close association with the external environment. The blood parameters were analysed in the fish, Labeo rohita theLC50 value was determined when the fish was exposed to detergent tide. The parameters like RBC, Hb, MCV,MCH and PCV were decreased and WBC have been increased in the fish.
Genetics of antioxidant defence

The balance between free radicals and antioxidants activities is the crucial element in the regulation of many processes such as cell growth, development, differentiation and metabolism. It is assumed that dysregulation of that state (oxidative stress) may lead to many diseases and alterations connected with aging, being the cause of molecular, cellular and tissue malfunctions. The aim of this review is to provide insight into the actual reports concerning the function of enzymes involved in the antioxidant defense and the importance of their particular genetic variants in pathogenesis of many disorders. The fact that certain SNPs and mutations in these genes may be the key event in the pathogenesis of many somatic disorders is now well documented and unquestionable. Currently major efforts are taken to test the possibility whether the same mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Which is especially important for the latter because of the fact that the origins of these conditions are still mostly uncertain. Using the HGMD (Human Gene Mutation Database) and OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) databases as well as the plethora of sources provided by PubMed, the authors of these review made an effort to summarize the most important reports concerning the influence of genetic variations in the genes coding proteins which are involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms on human phenotype.
Big Data Analytics Applicability in Higher Learning Educational System

The application of big data analytics is significantly gaining awareness in the educational sector as universities are operating under pressure in an increasingly competitive environment. Quite a number of researchers have reported the use and application of big data in different fields with few publications addressing the integrative application of big data analytics in institutions of higher education. The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of big data analytics in higher institutions. This paper outlines the major areas in which big data analytics can be of use in the higher institutions such as in academic and management levels. The ultimate goal is to optimize using big data analytics in learning and decision-making.
Buenas prácticas ganaderas en hatos lecheros de Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, Colombia

The objective of the present study was to analyze the degree of compliance of these practices, by evaluation of 99 variables in 21 productive systems in Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda. Only one of the farms complied with the 48 fundamental criteria required and, the degree of compliance of major and minor criteria was insufficient. Only 8 of the farms are certified as free of brucellosis and tuberculosis. The best performing areas are animal welfare (81%) and those related to the milking routine (79.1%); On the other hand, the most deficient were the control of veterinary drugs and agricultural products (5.8%), as well as the conditions of the cooling tank (32.6%). Through a Multiple Correspondence Analysis, a significant association was found between variables involved with the guarantee in the safety of the milk, regarding the operation, cleaning and disinfection of equipment that guarantee an adequate temperature. There was also an association between variables involved in the milking procedure and hygienic conditions during the milking procedure, involving both the operator and the animal. A lack of training and awareness about the importance of compliance with many of these criteria was found, this is a fundamental tool to obtain a diagnosis of the current sanitary status, and in which it may be necessary to take into account other variables, not included in the current checklist, for a later implementation and follow-up to improvement plans of the productive systems.
A Novel Dual Output Schmitt Trigger Using Second Generation Current Controlled Conveyor

Schmitt trigger is designed using the single second generation Current Controlled Conveyor. The proposed configuration utilizes single CCCII and only two externally connected resistors and is able to produce dual output square wave signal. The topology has the benefit of having a simple circuit, offering a large bandwidth and improved slew rate. PSPICE simulator using OrCad 16.3 version, 0.35 µm CMOS technology is used to verify the design, hysteresis is determined and compared with the existing methods available in the literature. The proposed configuration is tested using the experimental setup involving CFOA (AD844AN) and OTA (LM13700). The results have been found satisfactory in both simulation and experimental aspect. Montecarlo analysis and worstcase analysis are determined to prove the circuit efficiency in terms of critical parameters such as resistance with a tolerance of 5%. The hysteresis is also determined, that can reduce the effect of noise, able to produce exact square wave at the output. Schmitt trigger circuits find the applications in the field of Biomedical applications, analog signal processing, communication systems, waveform generators, pulse width modulators, multivibrators, flip-flops and in many other amplifier circuits. The basic application of Schmitt trigger is a square wave generator. The proposed topology is the best suited for monolithic IC fabrication.
The influence of sutherlandia frutescens on adrenal steroid hormones and downstream receptor interactions

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sutherlandia frutescens is a traditional African medicinal plant used in the treatment of stress and anxiety, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Aim of study: The study aimed at linking anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties of S. frutescens to its influence on glucocorticoid biosynthesis and the inflammatory response via steroid receptor interaction. Materials and methods: The influence of S. frutescens extracts and sutherlandioside B (SUB),10 and 30 μM, on key steroidogenic enzymes was assayed in COS-1 cells. Effects were also assayed on basal and stimulated hormone levels in the adrenal H295R cell model. Agonist activity for transactivation and transrepression of the extract and SUB with the glucocorticoid(GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was subsequently investigated. Results: Inhibitory effects of the extract towards progesterone conversion by CYP17A1 and CYP21A2 were significant. SUB inhibited CYP17A1 and 3β-HSD2, while not affecting CYP21A2. In H295R cells, SUB decreased cortisol and androgen precursors significantly. The extract decreased total steroid production (basal and stimulated) with cortisol and its precursor, deoxycortisol, together with mineralocorticoid metabolites significantly decreased under forskolin stimulated conditions. S. frutescens extracts and SUB repressed NFκB-driven gene expression without activating GRE-driven gene expression and while neither activated MR mediated gene transcription, both antagonized the effects of aldosterone via the MR. Conclusion: Data provide evidence linking anti-stress, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties of S. frutescens to inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes and modulation of adrenal hormone biosynthesis. Findings suggesting S. frutescens and SUB exhibit dissociated glucocorticoid characteristics underline potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of inflammation and hypertension.
Factors affecting the ethanol stability of bovine skim-milk

SUMMARY The ethanol (EtOH) stability characteristics of skim-milk concentrates were found to be governed by their chloride ion content. This effect appeared to be largely one of ionic strength. At pH values around 7·0 and above, EtOH stability showed a linear decrease with increasing chloride content but at pH values < 7 the relationship was non-linear. This empirical observation allows the EtOH stability of a skim-milk concentrate to be predicted from simple measurements on the original milk sample. Moreover, predicted increases in the EtOH stability of concentrated milks were obtained when the levels of monovalent ions in the system were reduced either by dialysis before or after concentration or by ultrafiltration.
Complexity of Sarcomere Protein Gene Mutations in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is characterized by impaired filling of the ventricles in the presence of normal wall thickness and systolic function. Although idiopathic RCM is rare compared to other types of cardiomyopathy, the effects are severe. Until recently, many sarcomere genes previously described to be causative mutations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy have been reported in RCM. Nowadays, it is accepted that primary RCM is also within the spectrum of sarcomere disease. However, the relationship between the identified mutations in sarcomere genes and clinical mani ‐ festation are complex, and the possible pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. Besides, many RCM‐related sarcomere mutations were reported to cause variable clinical phenotype. Occasionally, “phenotype transition” may also be seen in an individual who was previously diagnosed with RCM. phenotypes observed in single‐gene disorders with Mendelian pattern of inheritance. Thus, while advances in molecu ‐ lar genetics of cardiovascular diseases are gradually changing our classical understanding of the disease and the phenotype‐based approach to the practice of medicine, currently they are unlikely to be sufficient to trigger a full switch from a phenotype‐based to genotyped‐based medicines. A comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis integrating the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiles is necessary.