Approximate Fixed Point Theorems in Banach Spaces with Applications in Game Theory

In this paper some new approximate fixed point theorems for multifunctions in Banach spaces are presented and a method is developed indicating how to use approximate fixed point theorems in proving the existence of approximate Nash equilibria for non-cooperative games.Nash equilibrium;noncooperative games

Effect of the Strawberry Genotype, Cultivation and Processing on the Fra a 1 Allergen Content

Birch pollen allergic patients show cross-reactivity to vegetables and fruits, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). The objective of this study was to quantify the level of the Fra a 1 protein, a Bet v 1-homologous protein in strawberry fruits by a newly developed ELISA, and determine the effect of genotype, cultivation and food processing on the allergen amount. An indirect competitive ELISA using a specific polyclonal anti-Fra a 1.02 antibody was established and revealed high variability in Fra a 1 levels within 20 different genotypes ranging from 0.67 to 3.97 μg/g fresh weight. Mature fruits of red-, white- and yellow-fruited strawberry cultivars showed similar Fra a 1 concentrations. Compared to fresh strawberries, oven and solar-dried fruits contained slightly lower levels due to thermal treatment during processing. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis demonstrated degradation of recombinant Fra a 1.02 after prolonged (>10 min) thermal treatment at 99 ◦ C. In conclusion, the genotype strongly determined the Fra a 1 quantity in strawberries and the color of the mature fruits does not relate to the amount of the PR10-protein. Cultivation conditions (organic and conventional farming) do not affect the Fra a 1 level, and seasonal effects were minor

Approximate fixed point theorems in Banach spaces with applications in game theory

In this paper some new approximate fixed point theorems for multifunctions in Banach spaces are presented and a method is developed indicating how to use approximate fixed point theorems in proving the existence of approximate Nash equilibria for non-cooperative games

Potential of delphinidin-3-rutinoside extracted from Solanum melongena L. as promoter of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 function and antagonist of oxidative damage

Purpose: Increasing evidence suggests the potential use of natural antioxidant compounds in the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of purified delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R), isolated from Solanum melongena L., on osteoblast viability and differentiation in basal conditions and its ability to protect MC3T3-E1 cells against oxidative damage induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). Methods: MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells were treated with D3R (10 1211\u201310 125 M for 24 h), followed by treatment with t-BHP (250 \ub5M for 3 h). To test cell viability, MTT test was performed. Apoptotic cells were stained with Hoechst-33258 dye. Cytoskeleton rearrangement was stained with FICT-labelled phalloidin. Intracellular ROS production was measured using dichlorofluorescein CM-DCFA. The reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) contents was measured according to the OPT fluorimetric assay. Results: D3R (10 129 M) significantly increases viability of MC3T3-E1 cells and promotes osteoblast differentiation by increasing the expression of type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Pre-treatment with D3R (10 129 M) significantly prevented t-BHP-induced osteoblastic dysfunction and changes in the cytoskeleton organization by decreasing intracellular ROS and preventing the reduction in GSH/GSSG. D3R did not significantly modify the expression of Osteoprotegerin/RANKL system activated by t-BHP suggesting a lack of effect of D3R on osteoblast/osteoclast crosstalk. D3R protective effects against t-BHP-induced osteoblastic dysfunction were mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway since they were completely prevented by LY294002, a PI3K/Akt specific inhibitor. Conclusions: These findings indicate that D3R protects MC3T3-E1 cells from oxidative damage and suggest the potential utility of dietary D3R supplement to prevent osteoblast dysfunction in age-related osteoporosis

Type Ia supernova Hubble diagram with near-infrared and optical observations

We main goal of this paper is to test whether the NIR peak magnitudes of SNe Ia could be accurately estimated with only a single observation obtained close to maximum light, provided the time of B band maximum and the optical stretch parameter are known. We obtained multi-epoch UBVRI and single-epoch J and H photometric observations of 16 SNe Ia in the redshift range z=0.037-0.183, doubling the leverage of the current SN Ia NIR Hubble diagram and the number of SNe beyond redshift 0.04. This sample was analyzed together with 102 NIR and 458 optical light curves (LCs) of normal SNe Ia from the literature. The analysis of 45 well-sampled NIR LCs shows that a single template accurately describes them if its time axis is stretched with the optical stretch parameter. This allows us to estimate the NIR peak magnitudes even with one observation obtained within 10 days from B-band maximum. We find that the NIR Hubble residuals show weak correlation with DM_15 and E(B-V), and for the first time we report a possible dependence on the J_max-H_max color. The intrinsic NIR luminosity scatter of SNe Ia is estimated to be around 0.10 mag, which is smaller than what can be derived for a similarly heterogeneous sample at optical wavelengths. In conclusion, we find that SNe Ia are at least as good standard candles in the NIR as in the optical. We showed that it is feasible to extended the NIR SN Ia Hubble diagram to z=0.2 with very modest sampling of the NIR LCs, if complemented by well-sampled optical LCs. Our results suggest that the most efficient way to extend the NIR Hubble diagram to high redshift would be to obtain a single observation close to the NIR maximum. (abridged)Comment: 39 pages, 15 figures, accepted by A&

CD1d-restricted NKT cells: an interstrain comparison

CD1d-restricted Va14-Ja281 invariant abTCR1 (NKT) cells are well defined in the C57BL/6 mouse strain, but they remain poorly characterized in non-NK1.1-expressing strains. Surrogate markers for NKT cells such as abTCR1CD42CD82 and DX51CD31 have been used in many studies, although their effectiveness in defining this lineage remains to be verified. Here, we compare NKT cells among C57BL/6, NK1.1-congenic BALB/c, and NK1.1-congenic nonobese diabetic mice. NKT cells were identified and compared using a range of approaches: NK1.1 expression, surrogate phenotypes used in previous studies, labeling with CD1d/a-galactosylceramide tetramers, and cytokine production. Our results demonstrate that NKT cells and their CD4/CD8-defined subsets are present in all three strains, and confirm that nonobese diabetic mice have a numerical and functional deficiency in these cells. We also highlight the hazards of using surrogate phenotypes, none of which accurately identify NKT cells,and one in particular (DX51CD31) actually excludes these cells. Finally, our results support the concept that NK1.1 expression may not be an ideal marker for CD1d-restricted NKT cells, many of which are NK1.1-negative, especially within the CD41 subset and particularly in NK1.1-congenic BALB/c mice

Natural killer cells attenuate cytomegalovirus-induced hearing loss in mice

<div><p>Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common non-hereditary cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) yet the mechanisms of hearing loss remain obscure. Natural Killer (NK) cells play a critical role in regulating murine CMV infection via NK cell recognition of the Ly49H cell surface receptor of the viral-encoded m157 ligand expressed at the infected cell surface. This Ly49H NK receptor/m157 ligand interaction has been found to mediate host resistance to CMV in the spleen, and lung, but is much less effective in the liver, so it is not known if this interaction is important in the context of SNHL. Using a murine model for CMV-induced labyrinthitis, we have demonstrated that the Ly49H/m157 interaction mediates host resistance in the temporal bone. BALB/c mice, which lack functional Ly49H, inoculated with mCMV at post-natal day 3 developed profound hearing loss and significant outer hair cell loss by 28 days of life. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice, competent for the Ly49H/m157 interaction, had minimal hearing loss and attenuated outer hair cell loss with the same mCMV dose. Administration of Ly49H blocking antibody or inoculation with a mCMV viral strain deleted for the m157 gene rendered the previously resistant C57BL/6 mouse strain susceptible to hearing loss to a similar extent as the BALB/c mouse strain indicating a direct role of the Ly49H/m157 interaction in mCMV-dependent hearing loss. Additionally, NK cell recruitment to sites of infection was evident in the temporal bone of inoculated susceptible mouse strains. These results demonstrate participation of NK cells in protection from CMV-induced labyrinthitis and SNHL in mice.</p></div

Ready-to-eat raspberries: qualitative and nutraceutical characteristics during shelf-life

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruits are characterised by a high content of nutraceuticals, such as vitamin C, polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are considered antioxidant compounds. The ready-to-eat raspberry product could increase the market opportunities and the consumption of this high-value-added fruit. The aim of this research was to evaluate the evolution of qualitative and nutraceutical characteristics during the shelf-life of ready-to-eat raspberries. Samples from three raspberry cultivars (‘Glen Magna’, ‘Tulameen’ and ‘Heritage’) were sanitized and then packed in polypropylene bowls. The analyses were carried out at harvest (raw material) and after 3, 6 and 8 days of storage at 3°C. The study indicated the loss of fruit firmness as the most problematic aspect, followed by a less important change in hue values from light red to dark red. The modifications of chemical-physical parameters (soluble solids content, pH and titratable acidity) during shelf-life did not compromise the product quality. Processing and cold storage affected only slightly the nutraceutical profile (scavenging activity, phenols and anthocyanin content), except for ascorbic acid, therefore, the ready-to-eat raspberries could be considered a good source of compounds with potential health benefits. Some handling difficulties were highlighted during processing due to the high fragility of fruit which caused a high percentage of waste

Effects of the processing technique on the retention of bioactive compounds and volatiles in organic and conventional strawberry jams

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