Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biotransformation of (−)-α-Bisabolol by Absidia coerulea

(−)-α-Bisabolol, a bioactive monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, has been used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and skin-caring properties. However, the poor water solubility of (−)-α-bisabolol limits its pharmaceutical applications. It has been recognized that microbial transformation is a very useful approach to generate more polar metabolites. Fifteen microorganisms were screened for their ability to metabolize (−)-α-bisabolol in order to obtain its more polar derivatives, and the filamentous fungus Absidia coerulea was selected for scale-up fermentation. Seven new and four known metabolites were obtained from biotransformation of (−)-α-bisabolol (1), and all the metabolites exhibited higher aqueous solubility than that of the parent compound 1. The structures of newly formed metabolites were established as (1R,5R,7S)- and (1R,5S,7S)-5-hydroxy-α-bisabolol (2 and 3), (1R,5R,7S,10S)-5-hydroxybisabolol oxide B (4), (1R,7S,10S)-1-hydroxybisabolol oxide B (5), 12-hydroxy-α-bisabolol (7), (1S,3R,4S,7S)- and (1S,3S,4S,7S)-3,4-dihydroxy-α-bisabolol (8 and 10) on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. These compounds could also be used as reference standards for the detection and identification of the metabolic products of 1 in the mammalian system.
Nucleation of Frank Dislocation during the Squeeze-Out Process in Boundary Lubrication: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Liquid–vapor molecular dynamics (LVMD) simulations are performed to reinvestigate the phase transition and solvation force oscillation behavior of a simple argon liquid film confined between two solid surfaces. Our simulations present a novel scenario in which the n → n − 1 layering transitions are accompanied by the formation, climb, and annihilation of Frank partial dislocations during the squeeze-out process under compression. This is indicated by the splitting of the repulsive peaks in the solvation force profile. The detailed analysis reveals that the formation–climb–annihilation mechanism of Frank dislocation occurs during approach and disappears during receding, which would result in force hysteresis. In combination with our recent works, this study provides new insights into the physical property of nanoconfined lubricant films in boundary lubrication.
Impact of moderate physical exercise on sleep disorders in patients with fibromyalgia

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is currently defined as a chronic condition of unknown cause characterized by generalized pain, among other symptoms, in the absence of a specific organic disease. Sleep disorders are recognized as one of the main symptoms in fibromyalgia patients, and performing various types of physical activity in this group of patients could improve sleep quality and other sleep disorders. Objective: To determine if the performance of moderate physical exercise has a positive impact on sleep disorders in patients with fibromyalgia. Methods: A PubMed search was carried out, where 2616 articles were found in the last 5 years, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and in a first search of 616 articles, 12 useful articles were obtained; using other search engines such as Google Scholar, SciELO, the number of articles obtained was 2; adding a total of 14 articles. Results: The 14 studies reviewed showed that moderate physical exercise reduces sleep disorders in patients with fibromyalgia, 02 suggest individualized treatment, 02 mention that sedentary lifestyle aggravates symptoms, 04 found benefits in complementing exercise with yoga or balneotherapy, and 01 additionally, supports high intensity interval training. Conclusion: The conclusion of this review article was that the performance of moderate physical activity in patients with fibromyalgia has a beneficial impact on regulating and even modifying sleep disorders.
Multimodal Contrast Agent Enabling pH Sensing Based on Organically Functionalized Gold Nanoshells with Mn-Zn Ferrite Cores

Highly complex nanoparticles combining multimodal imaging with the sensing of physical properties in biological systems can considerably enhance biomedical research, but reports demonstrating the performance of a single nanosized probe in several imaging modalities and its sensing potential at the same time are rather scarce. Gold nanoshells with magnetic cores and complex organic functionalization may offer an efficient multimodal platform for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and fluorescence techniques combined with pH sensing by means of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In the present study, the synthesis of gold nanoshells with Mn-Zn ferrite cores is described, and their structure, composition, and fundamental properties are analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, magnetic measurements, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The gold surface is functionalized with four different model molecules, namely thioglycerol, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinate, 11-mercaptoundecanoate, and (11-mercaptoundecyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide, to analyze the effect of varying charge and surface chemistry on cells in vitro. After characterization by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering measurements, it is found that the particles do not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects, irrespective of the surface functionalization. Finally, the gold nanoshells are functionalized with a combination of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid and 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin, which introduces a SERS active pH sensor and a covalently attached fluorescent tag at the same time. 1H NMR relaxometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and PAI demonstrate the multimodal potential of the suggested probe, including extraordinarily high transverse relaxivity, while the SERS study evidences a pH-dependent spectral response.
Educational Challenges of Pupils with Orthopaedic and Visual Impairment in Sokoto State, Nigeria

: This study investigated the educational challenges of pupils with orthopaedic and visual impairment in primary schools in Sokoto Central Educational Zone of Sokoto State, Nigeria. A quantitative survey study design was employed for the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 72 pupils with orthopaedic impairment and 89 pupils with visual impairment, making it 161 respondents at one special school and 20 inclusive primary schools within Sokoto Central Educational Zone. An adapted structured questionnaire was used for data collection, while a simple percentage was used in analyzing the data. The studyꞌs findings revealed that there were insufficient learning materials for the pupils with orthopaedic and visual impairment, lack of specially trained teachers, inaccessible infrastructures among others. The Study recommended that a module on special need conditions and inclusive education should be made compulsory for that all teacher training programmes. The government and Universal Basic Education should colloborate with development partners to provide adequate structures, infrastructures and all other facilites to meet the educational need of pupils with orthopeadic and visual challenges.
Application of Bayesian Networks in Ship Collision Research

Being a dynamic process,a ship collision results from a series of factors which are related in complicated manner.The study of a ship collision can start with the investigation of causality that produces it based on Bayesian Networks theory.Through analyzing sample data of ship collision cases a Bayesian network reflecting the causality producing ship collisions is established.Computing with HUGIN software gave direct presentations of the probability of ship collisions and the correlativity of causal events with accuracy.With Bayesian Networks the risks of ship collision and the correlativity of various factors in ship collision field can be estimated,which may have significance in the research and practice of navigation safety.
Determination of Essential Minerals and Trace Elements in Edible Sprouts from Different Botanical Families—Application of Chemometric Analysis

Background: elemental deficiency may result in the malfunctioning of human organisms. Sprouts, with their attractive looks and well-established popularity, may be considered as alternative sources of elements in the diet. Moreover, the uptake of micro- and macronutrients from sprouts is better when compared to other vegetable sources. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the level of the selected essential minerals and trace elements in 25 sprouts from different botanical families, to preselect the richest species of high importance for human diets. Methods: the Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca determinations were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization and iodine by the colorimetric method. Results: beetroot sprouts had the highest levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg, while onion sprouts were the richest in Mn and Ca, among all of the tested sprouts. Sprouts of the Brassicaceae family were generally richer in Ca, Mg, and Zn than sprouts from the Fabaceae family. Results allow preselection of the most perspective sprouts as possible dietary sources of essential minerals and trace elements. For rucola, leeks, onions, and beetroot sprouts, the data on minerals and trace element compositions were performed for the first time.
Monitoring photosynthetic activity using in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence in microalgae and cyanobacteria biofilms in the Nerja Cave (Malaga, Spain)

The characterization of the most common photosynthetic biofilms in the Nerja Cave by the continuous monitoring of the in vivo chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence and the incorporation of the irradiance as a new environmental variable related to previous studies in the cave, have allowed us to improve our knowledge about the photosynthetic pattern of the biofilms of the cave. Effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm) and relative electron transport rate (rETR) were determined during periods of the light, whereas the maximal quantum yield (Fv /Fm) was determined during dark periods. Increases in the photosynthetic yields and productivity in summer period were found related to the highest values of the environmental variables, such as relative humidity, air carbon dioxide concentration and air temperature. According to the irradiance, the studied biofilms had an optimal growth with cave lighting, considered low in comparison with similar studies, perhaps because they can grow mixotrophically too. Moreover, when the irradiance increased, both the ΔF/Fm′ and the rETR decreased in springtime, suggesting photoinhibition of the photosynthetic yield in the biofilms within the cave, whereas in the summertime, the photosynthetic yield had a positive correlation with the irradiance, suggesting a decreased of the photoinhibition, possibly due to the increase of the environmental variables values which provokes an alleviate on the extent of photoinhibition.
Bulk Solid and Conveyor Belt Interactions

This paper is concerned with the interaction between bulk solids and belt conveyors from the point of view of load profiles on belts during motion and the stability of bulk solids in relation to slip and spillage. A test rig for experimental studies of the load profiles and load stability during conveying around horizontal curves and on inclines is described. A theory is presented to model the behaviour of bulk solids on conveyor belts and predict the conditions under which slip-back and lift-off occur. Dynamic simulations of the inclined conveying action are described and the motions of particles during slip leading to spillage are illustrated.
Micromechanical Modeling for Tensile Properties of Wood Plastic Composites: Use of Pruned Waste from Pecan Orchards as Sustainable Material for Reinforcement of Thermoplastic Composite

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) specimens containing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and wood pruning waste were manufactured and evaluated for their mechanical properties. Pecan waste was used as an accessible and sustainable source in this study, and the effects of its particle size and concentration on WPC strengths were evaluated. Pecan waste was milled and sieved to various particle sizes, and testing samples were fabricated by mixing them in a twin-screw extruder and injection molding. A coupling agent was used to create a stable bond between the HDPE and wood. Both tensile modulus and strength were increased with an increasing pecan flour concentration up to about 60 weigh percent. A micromechanical model is proposed for predicting the mechanical properties of the wood flour/fiber reinforce composite. This model uses a correction factor of an elliptical of carried sizes and shapes. The preliminary results of the model have a high correlation with the experimental values of the composite in all mesh sizes.
Production of α-amylase from Aspergillus flavus S2-OY using solid substrate fermentation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) peel

Amylases find commercial applications in diverse industries. This study investigated the production of α-amylase from a fungus, using potato peel as an alternative substrate. Six fungal isolates from the soil of cassava waste dumpsite were tentatively identified as two Aspergillus species and one species each of Rhizopus, Trichocladium, Neosartorya and Ascodermis. They were screened for their relative amylolytic activities using the starch agar hydrolysis test. Molecular characterization, using the ITS rRNA gene sequencing, was used to confirm the identity of the selected fungus as Aspergillus flavus S2-OY. Amylase production from the fungus via solid substrate fermentation of potato peel was carried out and the effect of production parameters investigated. Maximum α-amylase production was at an incubation period of 72 h, pH of 5.0 and temperature of 25 °C. Casein and maltose were the best nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively while the optima inoculum and moisture volumes for enzyme production were 1.5 mL and 5.0 mL, respectively. Aspergillus flavus S2-OY has great potential for α-amylase production using potato peel as an alternative and cheap substrate, under solid substrate fermentation condition. This has implications for the cost-effective production of an industrial enzyme and reduction of environmental pollution problems through effectual management of agro-industrial wastes.
Organic Mulches as an Alternative to Conventional Under-Vine Weed Management in Mediterranean Irrigated Vineyards

Vineyard growth and grape yield can be significantly reduced by weeds, especially when these are located in the under-vine zone. Traditional weed management consists of recurrent tillage, which is associated with soil erosion and high fuel consumption, or herbicide applications, associated with damage to the environment and human health. In order to find alternative weed management methods, three field trials were carried out in Raimat (Lleida, NE Spain) with the aim of evaluating the suppressive effect of four mulches against weeds. Treatments included (1) straw mulch of Medicago sativa L. , (2) straw mulch of Festuca arundinacea (L.) Schreb, (3) straw mulch of Hordeum vulgare L. , (4) chopped pine wood mulch of Pinus sylvestris L. , (5) mechanical cultivation and (6) herbicide application. The results showed that all mulches were efficient at controlling weeds (<20% of weed coverage) in the first year, compared with the two traditional methods, as long as the percentage of soil covered by mulches was high (>75%). In this way, pine mulch stood out above the straw mulches, as it achieved high soil cover during the three growing seasons of the study (>80%), with weed coverage values under 18%. This, together with the multiple benefits of mulches (improvements in the water balance and increases in soil organic matter, among others), make them a sustainable tool to be considered as an alternative to traditional under-vine weed management in vineyards.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Reviewing the Pathophysiology and Management Strategies

Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a multifactorial vasospastic disorder characterized by a transient, recurrent, and reversible constriction of peripheral blood vessels. RP is documented to affect up to 5% of the general population, but variation in its prevalence is commonly recognized owing to many factors, including varied definitions, gender, genetics, hormones, and region. Furthermore, RP may be idiopathic or be a clinical manifestation of an underlying illness. Patients with RP classically describe a triphasic discoloration of the affected area, beginning with pallor, followed by cyanosis, and finally ending with erythema. This change in color spares the thumb and is often associated with pain. Each attack may persist from several minutes to hours. Moreover, the transient cessation of blood flow in RP is postulated to be mediated by neural and vascular mechanisms. Both structural and functional alterations observed in the blood vessels contribute to the vascular abnormalities documented in RP. However, functional impairment serves as a primary contributor to the pathophysiology of primary Raynaud’s. Substances like endothelin-1, angiotensin, and angiopoietin-2 play a significant role in the vessel-mediated pathophysiology of RP. The role of nitric oxide in the development of this phenomenon is still complex. Neural abnormalities resulting in RP are recognized as either being concerned with central mechanisms or peripheral mechanisms. CNS involvement in RP may be suggested by the fact that emotional distress and low temperature serve as major triggers for an attack, but recent observations have highlighted the importance of locally produced factors in this regard as well. Impaired vasodilation, increased vasoconstriction, and several intravascular abnormalities have been documented as potential contributors to the development of this disorder. RP has also been observed to occur as a side effect of various drugs. Recent advances in understanding the mechanism of RP have yielded better pharmacological therapies. However, general lifestyle modifications along with other nonpharmacological interventions remain first-line in the management of these patients. Calcium channel blockers, alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, nitric oxide, prostaglandin analogs, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors are some of the common classes of drugs that have been found to be therapeutically significant in the management of RP. Additionally, anxiety management, measures to avoid colder temperatures, and smoking cessation, along with other simple modifications, have proven to be effective non-drug strategies in patients experiencing milder symptoms.
Two kinds of behavioral songs and analysis of sound-production mechanism in kaempfer cicada

in the kaempfer cicada(Platypleura Kaempferi Fabricurs) in Beliing region, the calling andcourtship song possess different acoustic properties and behavioral significances. the calling soft-song"zhi-" sounds and loud-song "Zhi-" sounds are separately composed of irregular and regular amplitudemodulating pulses, and the principal frequencies of the carrier band mainly respollsible for the soundingeffects are 7300 ± 61 Hz and 5819 ± 38 Hz, respectively. The flight phonotactic reactiolls of femalecicadas in long range are mainly relevant to the carrier-frequency property of calling loud-songs. Thecourtship soft-song "Ou-" sounds and loud-song "ZhiOu-" sounds consist both of pulses withoutmarked amplitudes-modulation properties, and t he fund ame nt al frequenc ies of t he b asic band mainlyresponsible for the sounding effects are 522 1 9 Hi and 594 1 12 Hi, respectively. The short-rallgecourtship of female cicadas is mainly relevant to the temporal pattern characterized by fundamentalfrequencies of the courtship loud-song. The sound-production mechanism is discussed in relation toexciting modes of three long ribs corresponding to structures of the sounding membrane.
Radiotracer stereochemistry affects substrate affinity and kinetics for improved imaging of system xC- in tumors

Amino acid utilization is perturbed in cancer cells, which rewire their metabolism to support cell survival and proliferation. This metabolic reprogramming can be exploited for diagnostic purposes through positron emission tomography imaging of fluorine-18 labeled amino acids. Despite its promise, little is known regarding transporter-recognition of non-natural amino acid stereoisomers or their utility for cancer imaging. We report here the synthesis and in vivo characterization of a radiolabeled amino acid (R)-4-(3-18F-fluoropropyl)-ʟ-glutamate ([18F]FRPG) and compared its tumor imaging properties to the 4S-isomer, [18F]FSPG. Methods: [18F]FRPG and [18F]FSPG uptake was assessed in H460 lung cancer cells, with efflux measured 30 min after removal of exogenous activity. Specificity of [18F]FRPG for system xC- was further examined following transporter inhibition and blocking studies with system xC- substrates. [18F]FRPG and [18F]FSPG pharmacokinetics was next quantified in mice bearing subcutaneous A549, H460, VCAP and PC3 tumors, with mice bearing A549 tumors imaged by PET/CT. To better-understand differential tumor retention, radiometabolite analysis was performed on tissue and blood samples after imaging. Next, [18F]FRPG and [18F]FSPG retention in lipopolysaccharide-treated lungs were compared to an orthotopic H460 lung cancer model. Finally, the sensitivity of [18F]FRPG to manipulation of the redox environment was examined in cell and in vivo models. Results: [18F]FRPG was specifically transported across the plasma membrane by the cystine/glutamate antiporter system xC- and retained at high levels in multiple tumor models. Conversely, [18F]FRPG was rapidly extracted from the blood and cleared from tissues with low system xC- expression. Due to its favorable imaging properties, tumor-to-blood ratios ≥10 were achieved with [18F]FRPG, which were either equal to or greater than [18F]FSPG. In addition, [18F]FRPG retention in orthotopic lung tumors with high system xC- expression was 2.5-fold higher than inflamed tissue, allowing for clear tumor visualization. In vivo, [18F]FRPG and [18F]FSPG were metabolized to a single species, with [18F]FRPG showing a higher percentage of parent radiotracer in tumors compared to [18F]FSPG. [18F]FRPG was sensitive to redox manipulations and tumor retention was reduced following treatment with liposomal doxorubicin in mice bearing ovarian tumors. Conclusions: Given the fast clearance and low background retention of [18F]FRPG throughout the body, this radiotracer holds promise for the imaging of system xC- activity and treatment response monitoring in tumors of the thorax, abdomen, and head and neck. [18F]FRPG PET imaging provides a sensitive noninvasive measure of system xC- and excellent properties for cancer imaging.