Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on the cellular and molecular responses to a shock wave in the rat brain

Due to the frequent attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the number of patients suffering from blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has been growing. Although most of the patients have been diagnosed as having mild bTBI, many of them show higher brain dysfunction in the chronic phase. However, the mechanisms of bTBI are unclear, and methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment have therefore not been established. In our previous study, we applied a laser-induced shock wave (LISW) to the rat brain, for which real-time measurements of cerebral hemodynamics were conducted based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. We found that LISW application caused spreading depolarization (SD) and transient hyperemia/hyperoxemia, which was followed by persistent oligemia/hypoxemia in the cortex. We hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) may be involved in these abnormal hemodynamic changes. In this study, we investigated our hypotheses using an inhibitor of NO synthesis. We observed that by inhibiting NO synthesis with LNAME, transient hyperemia and persistent oligemia/hypoxemia were reduced, suggesting that NO generation is activated by shock wave exposure and causes the abnormal hemodynamic changes in the rat brain.
Potential Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns on Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Soybean (Glycine Max L.) as Mediated by Landscape Position and Tillage

PurposeExpected changes in rainfall patterns will affect the timing of N-mineralization and other N transformations, potentially promoting or suppressing biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). We test the hypotheses that BNF is more sensitive to changing rainfall patterns in summit vs. toeslope positions and in till vs. no-till consistent with patterns of soil texture and organic matter.MethodsAt a site in the upper Midwest USA, we measured soybean BNF 15N natural abundance at different landscape positions with and without supplemental rainfall and in till vs. no-till rainfall exclusion shelters to lengthen the dry periods between rainfall events. ResultsSoybean BNF was 41% higher at summit than toeslope positions, consistent with lower soil OM and coarser texture at summits. When precipitation was increased by 20%, BNF decreased at summit positions and was unaffected at toeslope positions. In a separate tillage experiment, with 3-week (but not 2-week) rainfall intervals, %BNF decreased 15% under conventional tillage and increased 14% under no-till. ConclusionsChanging rainfall patterns affected BNF differentially depending on landscape position and tillage in well-drained Alfisols. BNF was greater in summit than in toeslope positions and decreased with added rainfall. BNF under conventional tillage was more sensitive to longer rainfall intervals than was BNF under no-till. Models that incorporate these interactions will be better able to characterize legume crop performance and N use across landscapes and improve global estimates for BNF.
Modelling Phenol Degradation Under Saline Conditions by AnMBR Biomass

This study is part of a project titled: “Phenolic compounds degradation in AnMBR under mesophilic and thermophilic operation: BioXtreme-following up”. Phenol is a toxic contaminant found widely in industrial effluents. It is toxic to humans and animals even at very low concentrations. Anaerobic digestion uses phenol as a carbon source and then to degrade it to non-toxic products for lower costs. Industrial effluents are also likely to have high concentrations of salinity which causes inhibition at high concentrations. Anaerobic membrane bioreactors are an attractive method as it enables biomass retention for biomass. The aim of this study is to understand the effect of Na+ concentration in a batch phenol degradation by phenol adapted mesophilic AnMBR biomass. NaCl concentration ranging from 0-90 g/L were tested on adapted AnMBR biomass. COD, phenol degradation, particle size distribution and methane production of adapted AnMBR biomass were analysed. The results from the batch test were used to model kinetic parameters. The biomass was acclimatized to 30 g/L of NaCl in AnMBR. Phenol removal of 98% was observed at 30 g/LNaCl and it decreased further with elevated salinity. Similarly, biogas production was also highest for 30g/L NaCl and decreased further with higher NaCl concentration. The highest value for SMA of 0.10 ± 0 gCOD-CH4.gVSS-1 d -1 was observed for 30g/L. However, the data did not indicate a specific trend with increasing salinity and showed high variability. The data showed poor fit to both Haldane and Monod growth model as these models were used for substrate inhibition. Modelling with modified Gompertz equation also failed to yield any conclusive results.
Agrifood By-Products as a Source of Phytochemical Compounds

In last years, food by-products and waste valorization practices have gained importance because these processes are sustainable and can increase the profit for local economies. Many compound families of phytochemicals like carotenoids, tocopherols, glucosino- lates and phenolic compounds can be obtained through plant by-products coming from agroindustries, such as citric peels, tomato wastes or wine pomace. A number of novel methods like pressured liquid, microwaves or supercritical CO 2 are being used for the extraction of compounds, affecting them in different ways. Phytochemicals obtained can be used in cosmetics, medical uses and dietary supplements or reused in agrifood industries among others, as natural pigments, antioxidants or antimicrobials.
Schiff base/ester liquid crystals with different lateral substituents: mesophase behaviour and DFT calculations

ABSTRACT Four new groups of 4-((2ʹ-substitutedphenylimino)methyl)phenyl-4”-alkoxy benzoates, Ina-d, of Schiff base ester liquid crystals, were prepared and investigated for their mesophase formation and stability. Each group constitutes four homologous series that differ from each other by the lateral attached polar group X in the ortho position for the imine mesogen at terminal benzene ring that alternatively changed from F, Br, NO2 and lateral benzene ring. Within each homologous series, the number (n) of carbons in the alkoxy chain varies between 6, 8, 10 and 12. Molecular structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed via elemental analysis, FT-IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Mesomorphic properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the phase identified by polarised light microscopy (PLM). A comparative study was made between the investigated compounds and their previously prepared laterally neat, 4-((4ʹ-phenylimino)methyl)phenyl-4”-alkoxy benzoates (IIn); the result revealed that all lateral substituents not only decrease the melting temperature but also the mesophase stability and shown only nematic phase. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for new lateral derivatives were discussed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Nematic texture of 4-((2’-Bromophenylimino)methyloxy)phenyl-4”-decyloxy benzoate
Feeding Protected Lysine and Methionine Modifies Milk Protein Profile in Grazing Dairy Cows

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of protected lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) supply on milk protein profile in grazing dairy cows specifically in the caseins (CNs) and α-lactalbumin fractions. Twelve multiparous mid lactation Holstein cows producing 24 (±4.76) kg of milk were assigned to one of two treatments (six cows per treatment) during an experimental period of 21 days. In the control (C) group, cows grazed a Pennisetum clandestinum pasture and were supplemented with a commercial concentrate according to milk production. In the Met-Lys treatment, cows received the same ration supplemented with protected Lys and Met. Milk yield and composition and milk protein profile were measured at the start and the end (21st day) of the experimental period. The Tricine-SDS-PAGE and the Gel-Quant Express Analysis (Invitrogen) software were used to determine milk protein composition. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS’s PROC MIXED procedure through a mixed model that included the animal as a random effect and the treatments as a fixed effect adjusted by covariables. Milk production averaged 23.7 (±2.0) kg cow-1 day-1 without differences between treatments (P < 0.96). Yield of fat corrected milk (4% FCM) tended (P < 0.10) to increase in the Met-Lys treatment (26.0 kg cow-1 day-1) compared to C (24.2 kg cow-1 day-1). Milk protein content (g/kg) did not differ (C = 30.4; Met-Lys = 31.1) and lactose content tended (P < 0.08) to be higher in the Met-Lys (47.4) group compared to C (45.9). Milk protein content (g/kg) of αS1-CN resulted higher (P < 0.046) in Met-Lys (10.58) compared to C (9.44). Concentration of β-CN also increased (P < 0.05) after protected aminoacid supply (C = 9.58; Met-Lys = 10.35). It can be concluded that milk protein composition was improved by protected Lys-Met supply without altering other compositional parameters of milk composition. Milk nutritional quality and its potential yield for cheese-making were positively enhanced.
Modifications métaboliques lors de l'activation cérébrale : suivi par spectroscopie de résonance magnétique nucléaire du proton et du carbone 13

Le lactate est considere comme un metabolite dechet depuis de tres nombreuses annees. Cependant, cette vision semble revisitee depuis quelques temps, avec l'apparition de la notion de glycolyse aerobie et de navettes lactate dans differents types cellulaires (muscle, cerveau et sperme). Concernant le cerveau, des etudes in vitro, ex vivo et in vivo realisees ces 20 dernieres annees ont montre, d'une part, que les astrocytes produisent du lactate et d’autre part que le lactate pouvait etre un substrat energetique pour le systeme nerveux central (SNC), et plus particulierement les neurones. Cette notion de navette lactate entre astrocyte et neurone a ete proposee pour la premiere fois en 1994 par Pellerin et Magistretti (ANLS, pour astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle). Malgre de nombreuses recherches depuis, l'existence d'un transfert net de lactate entre les astrocytes et les neurones n'a toujours pas pu etre demontree in vivo. Dans cet optique, la visualisation de la production de lactate in vivo dans le cerveau active est essentielle. Le role des transporteurs au lactate, MCTs (Monocarboxylate Transporters), dans la detection de ce signal est egalement un point capital. L’objectif de cette these a ete de developper la spectroscopie de RMN in vivo localisee dans le cortex somato-sensoriel du rat en condition d’activation cerebrale. Dans un premier temps, un travail de developpement a ete effectue afin de mettre au point le protocole de stimulation neuronale et d’obtenir un rapport signal sur bruit suffisant pour pouvoir quantifier de facon fiable le lactate. Une fois le protocole etabli sur des rats controles, l’etude a ete realisee sur des rats modifies genetiquement et reprimes pour le MCT, soit neuronal, soit astrocytaire. Le but etait de determiner si ce partenaire clef de l’ANLS avait une influence sur les fluctuations de lactate lors de l'activation cerebrale. En plus de la spectroscopie proton in vivo et de l’IRM fonctionnelle, des etudes de RMN du carbone-13 ont ete realisees ex vivo. Le resultat majeur de cette these montre qu’en l’absence du transporteur de lactate neuronal, non seulement on perd l’augmentation de lactate lors de la stimulation cerebrale mais on perd egalement le signal BOLD sur l’IRMf. Ce resultat suggere, et ce pour la premiere fois, que l’activite neuronale est fortement dependante du transporteur au lactate.
Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite-Based Scaffold Adsorbs and Gives Sustained Release of Osteoinductive Growth Factor and Facilitates Bone Regeneration in Mice Ectopic Model

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and osteoconductive bone graft material; however, it lacks osteoinductivity. The present study is aimed at investigating the feasibility of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) as an osteoinductive growth factor carrier. Bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), an osteoinductive growth factor, was incorporated into NHA (BMP2-NHA) using a simple adsorption method. The growth factor loading and release kinetics were profiled using fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) as a mimic of the osteoinductive growth factor BMP2. The effect of BMP2-NHA on the osteogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells and ectopic bone formation in mice were tested. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy showed that FITC-BSA was diffused throughout the porous structure of NHA. FITC-BSA was efficiently loaded in NHA and sustained release was observed up to 35 days in vitro. BMP2-NHA enhanced the expression of osteogenic markers Runx2, Osterix, Alp, and Col1α1 and ALP activity in C2C12 cells compared to NHA. Similarly, μ-CT and histological examinations showed that BMP2-NHA robustly induced ectopic bone formation in mice. This study suggests that NHA could be used as an effective carrier of osteoinductive growth factors, which ensures osteoinductivity of NHA via sustained release of the growth factor.
Novel Composite pH Controlled Drug Release Hydrogel Containing Dexibuprofen

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a gelatin-cyclodextrin hydrogel using glutaraldehyde as crosslinker containing Dexibuprofen, characterized by the mucoadhesive and controlled release of drug in the stomach and its in vitro characterization. All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) cause peptic ulcer in chronic disease condition like rheumatoid arthritis. In conventional dosage form of NSAID's the drug is released at once with reduced duration of action. On other hands in hydrogels dosage form the drug is released slowly with prolongs the duration of action & minimal side effects. This also decreases the dosing frequency. Methods: Nine formulations were developed by varying the gelatin-cyclodextrin (Gel/CD) and glutaraldehyde. Swelling studies of hydrogels were performed at three different pH conditions (1.2, 6.5 and 7.4). The hydrogel samples were also analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: The developed hydrogel showed Maximal swelling and drug release at pH 1.2. The results also revealed the development of pH-dependent swelling and drug release pattern which advocates its feasibility to be used for site-specific, pH-dependent, and controlled drug release behavior. Conclusion: The developed hydrogels may prove to be a good plate-form for delivering drugs at a specific rate, at the specific site making the drug release pH responsive.
Improvement of Solar Cell Characteristics Using PbS Quantum Dot Superlattice Prepared by Sedimentation

We report the characteristics of organic solar cells on Si substrates using quantum dot superlattices (QDSLs) prepared by sedimentation. When colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are deposited on a substrate in a solvent, they are closely packed and form multiple grains in a film. We found that the PbS QD grains grew into a large superlattice when the deposition proceeded for a long period of time. A solar cell was fabricated using the QD superlattice film as an absorbing layer. When the deposition was slow, the short-circuit current density of the solar cell doubled compared with that of the rapid deposition case. Simulations based on the superposition model suggest that the superlattice formation process is responsible for the observed change in the cell characteristics.
The Effect of antioxidative extracts on mitigating autoxidation of selected edible oils during deep frying

The effect of extracts of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L. ) peel, rosemary and oregano on the oxidative stability of Coconut Oil (CO), Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), Palm oil (PO), Sunflower Oil (SO) and Sesame Oil (SSO) during deep frying (170 ± 5 °C/10 min) was determined. These five locally available edible oils were used for frying standard size potato strips in the presence of three different antioixdative extracts namely, pomegranate pee, oregano and rosemary extracts at 2% (w/w) level. A sample of oil used for frying (10 mL) was collected into a glass vial, flushed with nitrogen and stored at -18°C until analysis. Frying was repeated twice more with the same oil. Oil devoid of any extract was used as the control. The samples were analysed for peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results revealed that both PV and TBARS values gradually increased with the frying cycle across all oil systems tested indicating a gradual rise of oxidation of oils with use. The order of oxidative stability of oils followed the order: SO< SSO< PO< CO< VCO. A significant (p<0.05) inhibition of oxidation was observed in all oil systems tested as a result of the plant extracts incorporated into oils during deep frying. The least resistance against oxidation was observed in SSO which is predominantly rich in unsaturated fatty acids while VCO exhibited the highest level of resistance. Results further revealed that the pomegranate peel powder exerted the strongest antioxidant activity compared to that of the oregano and rosemary extracts.
Environmental pollutants-dependent molecular pathways and carcinogenesis

Exposure to environmental pollutants can modulate many biological and molecular processes such as gene expression, gene repair mechanisms, hormone production and function and inflammation, resulting in adverse effects on human health including the occurrence and development of different types of cancer. Carcinogenesis is a complex and long process, taking place in multiple stages and is affected by multiple factors. Some environmental molecules are genotoxic, able to damage the DNA or to induce mutations and changes in gene expression acting as initiators of carcinogenesis. Other molecules called xenoestrogens can promote carcinogenesis by their mitogenic effects by possessing estrogenic-like activities and consequently acting as endocrine disruptors causing multiple alterations in cellular signal transduction pathways. In this review, we focus on recent research on environmental chemicals-driven molecular functions in human cancers. For this purpose, we will be discussing the case of two receptors in mediating environmental pollutants effects: the established nuclear receptor, the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the emerging membrane receptor, G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1).
Solución de modelado para el posicionamiento continuo de entregas en el marco de repartos a domicilio

Gracias al avance tecnológico y masificación del uso de teléfonos inteligentes vista en los últimos años, se han desarrollado una vasta cantidad de aplicaciones que hacen uso y sacan provecho de lo que el hardware provee. Como consecuencia de esto, los servicios basados en el posicionamiento en tiempo real están tomando cada vez mayor relevancia, generando cambios tanto en los mercados como en los hábitos de la gente. Las aplicaciones móviles basadas en posicionamiento van desde el transporte de productos, pasando por el ocio, la oferta de elementos de interés por cercanía, hasta el simple uso de una aplicación GPS con el fin de saber la posición de un individuo. En esta tesina, se propone un modelo para el posicionamiento continuo de entregas en el marco de Repartos a Domicilio. En base a este, se implementa un prototipo funcional, donde se puede apreciar como los usuarios involucrados en el sistema pueden observar desde sus respectivas perspectivas el estado actual de las ordenes de los pedidos realizados por los clientes junto con su posición geográfica actual. Para el posicionamiento de cada una de estas órdenes, se ha usado la posición del repartidor que las transporta, obtenida a través del GPS del dispositivo móvil de este.
Producción de biogás en laboratorio a partir de residuos domésticos y ganaderos y su escalamiento

Se utilizo los residuos organ1cos domesticos y ganaderos contaminantes para rroducir biogas. Los biodigestores fueron botellas de plastico de 1750 mL. El biogas producido se colecto por desplazarn iento de agua, en botellas calibradas de plastico de 260 m L. Se aplico el diseno estadistico de Box-Benhken con tres variables independientes: relacion estiercol:agua ( 1: 1, 1 :2, 1 :3), agua de desague(% v/v de agua de desague con respecto al volumen del biodigestor: 2, 4. 6) y cascara ele papa(% p/v de cascara de papa con respecto al volumen ele estiercol: 3, 6, 9). Se real izo 15 experimentos por triplicado durante 45 dias. El mayor volumen de biogas producido fue de 195 mL, empleando 583 mL de estiercol (estiercol:agua de l :2), 35 mL de agua de desague (2% v/v) y 79 g de coscara de papa (9% p/v). El tratamiento de los resultados con Statgraphics 5.0, permitio predecir que se puede obtener un maximo de biogas de 195,83 mL, valor ligeramente superior al obtenido experimentalmente, cuando los valores de las variables independientes fueron: 567,89 mL de estiercol, 35 mL de agua de desague y 79 g de cascara de papa; siendo los valores de las dos ultimas variables iguales a los empleados en el experimento que produjo el mayor volumen de biogas.
Poly (vinyl alcohol) and casein films: The effects of glycerol amount on the properties of films

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Simulations of polymer solutions displaying a lower critical solution temperature

Thermoresponsive polymers with a lower critical solution temperature, LCST, have attracted interest in the development of new ``smart materials'', which change properties in response to external stimuli. Polymers with an LCST near physiological temperatures are especially relevant in biomedical applications, most notably perhaps in drug delivery systems. The aim of this work is to investigate polymer solutions with an LCST using a coarse-grained model where the monomers of the polymer chains exist in one of two states; one solvophilic and one solvophobic state, where the degeneracy of the solvophobic state is higher than that of the solvophilic. Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations were performed on both single-chain and multiple-chain systems, and on chain lengths varying between 20 and 400 monomers. Simulations on single-chain systems showed a collapse for chains with 40 or more monomers, while the investigated multiple-chain systems of all chain lengths aggregated. Due to fluctuations in the temperature at which the collapse occurred, as well as inconsistencies between simulations performed by decreasing and increasing the temperature, further investigations are needed to determine the limitations of the model and its usefulness in describing polymer solution behaviour. (Less)