Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of oxygen concentration and exposure time on cultured human airway epithelial cells

Objectives: To distinguish the direct effects of oxygen dose and exposure time on human airway epithelial cells. We hypothesized that progressive oxygen exposure would induce cell dysfunction and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Design: Interventional laboratory study. Setting: An academic medical research facility in the northeastern United States. Subjects: Calu-3 human airway epithelial cell culture. Interventions: Cells were cultured at a gas-liquid interface with the cells fed basolaterally with medium and grown to full confluence. The apical surfaces were then exposed to gas containing 21%, 40%, 60%, or 80% oxygen, 5% CO2, and balance nitrogen for 24 or 72 hrs. Measurements and Main Results: The effects of oxygen concentration and time-induced cellular change were examined by measuring transepithelial resistance of monolayers, cell viability by trypan blue exclusion, basolateral lactate concentration, histology of monolayer cross-sections, and cytospin slides, plus interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 secretion in apical surface fluid. Transepithelial resistance decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner (p < .001), whereas cell viability was reduced only at 72 hrs and in all hyperoxic groups (p < .05). IL-6 secretion was elevated in all hyperoxic groups at 24 hrs (p < .001), and both IL-6 and IL-8 levels were greater in the 40% Fio2 group compared with all other groups at 72 hrs (p < .01). Conclusions: In this model, airway epithelial cells demonstrate profound concentration and time-dependent responses to hyperoxic exposure with respect to cell physiology, viability, histology, and secretion of inflammatory mediators. This model might be a valuable tool for preliminary analysis of potentially protective therapies against hyperoxia-induced airway epithelial injury.
Stochastic algorithm for estimation of the model's unknown parameters via Bayesian inference

We have applied the methodology combining Bayesian inference with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms to the problem of the atmospheric contaminant source localization. The algorithms input data are the on-line arriving information about concentration of given substance registered by sensors' network. A fast-running Gaussian plume dispersion model is adopted as the forward model in the Bayesian inference approach to achieve rapid-response event reconstructions and to benchmark the proposed algorithms. We examined different version of the MCMC in effectiveness to estimate the probabilistic distributions of atmospheric release parameters by scanning 5-dimensional parameters' space. As the results we obtained the probability distributions of a source coordinates and dispersion coefficients which we compared with the values assumed in creation of the sensors' synthetic data. The annealing and burn-in procedures were implemented to assure a robust and efficient parameter-space scans.
Evaluating the performance of selection scans to detect selective sweeps in domestic dogs

Selective breeding of dogs has resulted in repeated artificial selection on breed-specific morphological phenotypes. A number of quantitative trait loci associated with these phenotypes have been identified in genetic mapping studies. We analyzed the population genomic signatures observed around the causal mutations for 12 of these loci in 25 dog breeds, for which we genotyped 25 individuals in each breed. By measuring the population frequencies of the causal mutations in each breed, we identified those breeds in which specific mutations most likely experienced positive selection. These instances were then used as positive controls for assessing the performance of popular statistics to detect selection from population genomic data. We found that artificial selection during dog domestication has left characteristic signatures in the haplotype and nucleotide polymorphism patterns around selected loci that can be detected in the genotype data from a single population sample. However, the sensitivity and accuracy at which such signatures were detected varied widely between loci, the particular statistic used, and the choice of analysis parameters. We observed examples of both hard and soft selective sweeps and detected strong selective events that removed genetic diversity almost entirely over regions >10 Mbp. Our study demonstrates the power and limitations of selection scans in populations with high levels of linkage disequilibrium due to severe founder effects and recent population bottlenecks.
Biomineralization of gold by Mucor plumbeus: The progress in understanding the mechanism of nanoparticles’ formation

This contribution describes the deposition of gold nanoparticles by microbial reduction of Au(III) ions using the mycelium of Mucor plumbeus. Biosorption as the major mechanism of Au(III) ions binding by the fungal cells and the reduction of them to the form of Au(0) on/in the cell wall, followed by the transportation of the synthesized gold nanoparticles to the cytoplasm, is postulated. The probable mechanism behind the reduction of Au(III) ions is discussed, leading to the conclusion that this process is nonenzymatic one. Chitosan of the fungal cell wall is most likely to be the major molecule involved in biomineralization of gold by the mycelium of M. plumbeus. Separation of gold nanoparticles from the cells has been carried out by the ultrasonic disintegration and the obtained nanostructures were characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy and transmission electron micrograph analysis. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 33:1381–1392, 2017
A systematic approach for knowledge auditing: a case study in transportation sector

Purpose – This paper aims to present a systematic approach for knowledge auditing which is composed of a number of stages with the focus on the establishment of an overall framework and customized tools for knowledge auditing.Design/methodology/approach – The systematic approach for knowledge auditing is composed of eight phases: orientation and background study, cultural assessment, in‐depth investigation, building knowledge inventory and knowledge mapping, knowledge network analysis and social network analysis, recommendation of knowledge management strategy, deploying KM tools and building collaborative culture, and continuous knowledge re‐auditing, respectively.Findings – A systematic approach for knowledge auditing is proposed and trial successfully implemented in a railway company. The results show that the systematic knowledge auditing approach yields a number of benefits that include the identification of the critical knowledge and the subsequent recommendations can be derived for better managing .
ASA failure

Objective: To assess whether adding clopidogrel to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has a long-term protective vascular effect in patients with lacunar stroke while taking ASA. Methods: Post hoc analysis of 838 patients with ASA failure and recent lacunar stroke from the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes Trial (SPS3) cohort randomly allocated to aspirin (325 mg/day) and clopidogrel (75 mg/day) or placebo. Primary efficacy outcome was stroke recurrence (ischemic and intracranial hemorrhage) and main safety outcome was major extracranial hemorrhage. Patients were followed for a mean period of 3.5 years. Results: The ASA failure group had a significantly higher risk of vascular events including ischemic stroke when compared with the non–ASA failure group (n = 2,151) in SPS3 (p = 0.03). Mean age was 65.6 years and 65% were men. The risk of recurrent stroke was not reduced in the dual antiplatelet group, 3.1% per year, compared to the aspirin-only group, 3.3% per year (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–1.37). There was also no difference between groups for ischemic stroke (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.59–1.38). The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was higher in the dual antiplatelet group (HR 2.7; 95% CI 1.1–6.9); however, the risk of intracranial hemorrhage was not different. Conclusions: In patients with a recent lacunar stroke while taking ASA, the addition of clopidogrel did not result in reduction of vascular events vs continuing ASA only. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class I evidence that for patients with recent lacunar stroke while taking ASA, adding clopidogrel as compared to continuing ASA alone does not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
Does it really work? Re-assessing the impact of pre-departure cross-cultural training on expatriate adjustment

Cultural adjustment is considered to be a prerequisite for expatriate success abroad. One way to enhance adjustment is to provide employees with knowledge and awareness of appropriate norms and behaviours of the host country through cross-cultural training (CCT). This article analyses the impact of pre-departure CCT on expatriate adjustment and focuses on variations in participation, length and the comprehensiveness of training. Unlike previous research, the study focuses on the effectiveness of pre-departure CCT for non-US employees expatriated to a broad range of host country settings. Employing data from 339 expatriates from 20 German Multinational Corporations (MNCs) the study finds CCT has little if any effect on general, interactional or work-setting expatriate adjustment. However, a significant impact of foreign language competence was found for all three dimensions of expatriate adjustment. We used interviews with 20 expatriates to supplement our discussion and provide further implications for practice.
Antibacterial Properties and Shear Bond Strength of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Incorporated into an Orthodontic Adhesive: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective The present review was conducted to test whether the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) within orthodontic bracket adhesives would alter their properties and assess their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms in addition to noteworthy mechanical properties. Materials and methods Using predetermined inclusion criteria, an electronic search was conducted using Dissertations and Thesis Global, the Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and Medline/PubMed. Specific terms were utilized while searching the database. Results Only seven of the 10 included studies assessed shear bond strength (SBS). The mean SBS among the control group varied from 9.43 ± 3.03 MPa to 34.4 ± 6.7 MPa in the included studies, while in the experimental group, it varied from 6.33 ± 1.51 MPa to 25.05 ± 0.5 MPa. Antibacterial activity was assessed in five of the 10 included studies using TiO2 NPs, which could easily diffuse through bacterial media to form the growth inhibition zone. Conclusion Antibacterial NPs added to orthodontic adhesives at a concentration of 1–5 wt% inhibit bacterial growth and have no effect on bond strength. How to cite this article D Tivanani MVD, Mulakala V, Keerthi VS. Antibacterial Properties and Shear Bond Strength of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Incorporated into an Orthodontic Adhesive: A Systematic Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):102–108.
Development of Mobile Learning Application System for Environmental Science Material (SARITHA-Apps)

The constraints posed by traditional learning tools for environmental science materials hinder the advancement of innovative and interactive learning resources, which are essential for enhancing the understanding of environmental science concepts. This research aims to develop a mobilelearning application for environmental science material to increase students’ interest in learning and cognitive abilities in environmental science material. This study uses a quantitative approach. The research population was students of the Biology Education Study Program, FKIP, Palangka Raya University, totaling 243 people. The sampling technique uses purportive sampling. The target sample is students who are taking environmental knowledge courses. The sample size was 24 people. The research approach uses the Hannafin & Peck model by identifying and designing mobile-learning media along with environmental science material content, testing its performance on respondents, and analyzing learners’ cognitive skills and respondents’ learning interests. Data collection was carried out using product reflection questionnaires by a team of experts, pre-test and post-test instruments, and reflection questionnaires by users. The results show that: (1) a mobile learning application for environmental sciences materials has been produced, namely the SARITHA-Apps (abbreviation of Sistem Aplikasi Mobile LeaRning Materi Ilmu PengeTaHuan LingkungAn) as one of the materials in biology education in schools; (2) the average result of the expert team’s assessment on the product feasibility is 91%, which means the qualification is “Very Eligible”; (3) the SARITHA-Apps can improve learning cognitive skills of the respondents with an N-Gain of 0.4 or the “Moderate” category and ; (4) based on the survey, 73% of total respondents agreed (or in “Strong” qualification) that the SARITHA-Apps has a strong impact on the increasing their scientific interests for better understanding on environmental sciences subject.
Expression of Period Genes: Rhythmic and Nonrhythmic Compartments of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Pacemaker

The mammalian circadian clock lying in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) controls daily rhythms and synchronizes the organism to its environment. In all organisms studied, circadian timekeeping is cell-autonomous, and rhythmicity is thought to be generated by a feedback loop involving clock proteins that inhibit transcription of their own genes. In the present study, we examined how these cellular properties are organized within the SCN tissue to produce rhythmicity and photic entrainment. The results show that the SCN has two compartments regulating Period genesPer1, Per2, and Per3 mRNA expression differentially. One compartment shows endogenous rhythmicity in Per1, Per2, and Per3mRNA expression. The other compartment does not have rhythmic mRNA expression but has gated light-induced Per1 andPer2 and high levels of endogenous nonrhythmicPer3 mRNA expression. These results reveal the occurrence of differential regulation of clock genes in two distinct SCN regions and suggest a potential mechanism for producing functional differences in distinct SCN subregions.
DivS, a novel SOS‐inducible cell‐division suppressor in Corynebacterium glutamicum

DNA damage‐induced SOS response elicits the induction of cell‐division suppressor as well as DNA repair genes. In Gram‐positive bacteria, cell‐division suppressor genes, so far characterized from Bacillus subtilis (yneA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (rv2719c), share limited homology, but are both located in the vicinity of lexA on their respective genomes. Using this proximity to lexA, Corynebacterium glutamicum R divS (cgR1759) was identified as an SOS‐inducible cell‐division suppressor in this study. The amino acid sequence of DivS showed no homology to that of YneA and Rv2719c. divS expression was markedly induced by DNA‐damaging mitomycin C treatment in wild‐type cells, but not in its ΔrecA mutant cells, which are unable to induce the SOS response. Wild‐type C. glutamicum R cells exposed to DNA‐damaging mitomycin C exhibited elongated morphology that, using green fluorescent protein–FtsZ fusion protein, was attributed to defects in FtsZ ring assembly. Cells defective in FtsZ ring assembly were subsequently incapable of septum wall synthesis. In the presence of mitomycin C, divS mutant cells did not exhibit this elongated morphology, whereas cells overexpressing divS were elongated and abnormally branched.
HLA-Dw2: a genetic marker for human immune response to short ragweed pollen allergen Ra5. II. Response after ragweed immunotherapy

After artificial immunization (immunotherapy) with ragweed antigens, specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (Ab) response to Ra5 was significantly associated with HLA-Dw2 (P less than 0.0001). From a total of 61 treated patients, all 22 Dw2+ subjects made good IgG Ab responses to Ra5 by year 2 of therapy (21 by year 1), even though 8 of them had no detectable IgG Ab and 9 had no detectable IgE Ab before therapy. The prevalence of IgG Ab response among 39 Dw2- subjects was markedly lower; only 11 (28%) responded well after 1-9 yr of therapy. Both by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, Dw2 was also found to be strongly associated with the quantity of IgG Ab produced. In particular, both the strength and significance of the association between Dw2 and log[IgG Ab] response to Ra5 increased over a 3-yr period of ragweed therapy (P = 10(-9) by year 3). Multiple regression analysis also revealed a weak association with HLA-B13, which became apparent only after year 2 of therapy. Genetic hypotheses for these findings are discussed. In particular, the possibility of a second Ir gene, Ir-Ra5', separate from HLA-Dw2 and possibly located elsewhere in the genome, is considered.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Epidemiology in England and Wales: A National Perspective

Investigations of patients with suspected Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection have been undertaken in England since the early 1970s. M. pneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen that is a common cause of pneumonia and may cause serious sequelae such as encephalitis and has been documented in children with persistent cough. The pathogen is found in all age groups, with higher prevalence in children aged 5–14 years. In England, recurrent epidemic periods have occurred at ~4-yearly intervals. In addition, low-level sporadic infection occurs with seasonal peaks from December to February. Voluntarily reports from regional laboratories and hospitals in England from 1975 to 2015 were collated by Public Health England for epidemiological analysis. Further data pertaining cases of note and specimens submitted to Public Health England from 2005 to 2015 for confirmation, molecular typing is included.
Exploring Students’ Progression in an Inquiry Science Curriculum Enabled by Mobile Learning

The research literature reports on designs of ubiquitous and seamless learning environments enabled by the integration of mobile technology into learning. However, the lack of good pedagogical designs that provide for sustainability and the inadequate investigation of learning outcomes remain major gaps in the current studies on mobile learning. This paper seeks to contribute to addressing these issues by reporting on a study concerning the principles of integrating mobile learning into a standards-based science curriculum. It also explores how mobile learning activities have impacted students' academic and activity performances in and out of the classroom over a whole academic year. Mixed methods were used to examine students' performances, and a yearly comparison was made for assessing students' progression in their conceptual understanding in science. Data analysis on students' test results, mobile learning artifacts, and their activity performances in the classroom suggested that they had improved in their conceptual understanding and self-reflection on these conceptual changes. Students were engaged in mobile learning activities both in the classroom and out of the classroom through sustained exposure to and experience of the mobilized science curriculum.
Cost-effectiveness of ranibizumab and bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration: 2-year findings from the IVAN randomised trial

Objective To assess the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of continuous and discontinuous regimens of bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from a UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Design A within-trial cost-utility analysis with a 2-year time horizon, based on a multicentre factorial, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial. Setting 23 hospital ophthalmology clinics. Participants 610 patients aged ≥50 years with untreated nAMD in the study eye. Interventions 0.5 mg ranibizumab or 1.25 mg bevacizumab given continuously (monthly) or discontinuously (as-needed) for 2 years. Main outcome measures Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Results Total 2-year costs ranged from £3002/patient ($4700; 95% CI £2601 to £3403) for discontinuous bevacizumab to £18 590/patient ($29 106; 95% CI £18 258 to £18 922) for continuous ranibizumab. Ranibizumab was significantly more costly than bevacizumab for both continuous (+£14 989/patient ($23 468); 95% CI £14 522 to £15 456; p<0.001) and discontinuous treatment (+£8498 ($13 305); 95% CI £7700 to £9295; p<0.001), with negligible difference in QALYs. Continuous ranibizumab would only be cost-effective compared with continuous bevacizumab if the NHS were willing to pay £3.5 million ($5.5 million) per additional QALY gained. Patients receiving continuous bevacizumab accrued higher total costs (+£599 ($938); 95% CI £91 to £1107; p=0.021) than those receiving discontinuous bevacizumab, but also accrued non-significantly more QALYs (+0.020; 95% CI −0.032 to 0.071; p=0.452). Continuous bevacizumab therefore cost £30 220 ($47 316) per QALY gained versus discontinuous bevacizumab. However, bootstrapping demonstrated that if the NHS is willing to pay £20 000/QALY gained, there is a 37% chance that continuous bevacizumab is cost-effective versus discontinuous bevacizumab. Conclusions Ranibizumab is not cost-effective compared with bevacizumab, being substantially more costly and producing little or no QALY gain. Discontinuous bevacizumab is likely to be the most cost-effective of the four treatment strategies evaluated in this UK trial, although there is a 37% chance that continuous bevacizumab is cost-effective. Trial registration number ISRCTN92166560.
Influence of the angiotensin II antagonist valsartan on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) represents an independent risk factor in patients with essential hypertension. Because reversal of LVH may be associated with an improvement of prognosis, the influence of new antihypertensive compounds, such as angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonists, on LVH should be determined. METHODS AND RESULTS In a randomized, double-blind trial, 69 predominantly previously untreated hypertensive patients with echocardiographically proven LVH, ie, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) >134 g/m2 in men and >110 g/m2 in women and/or end-diastolic septal thickness >12 mm, received either the angiotensin II antagonist valsartan or atenolol for 8 months. Echocardiographic data of 58 patients were available. After 8 months of valsartan treatment (n=29), LVMI decreased from 127+/-23 to 106+/-25 g/m2 (ratio [R]=0.83; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.87; P<0.0001 versus baseline). Under atenolol (n=29), LVMI decreased to a smaller extent, from 127+/-25 to 117+/-27 g/m2 (R=0.92; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.98; P=0.0082 versus baseline). The mean reduction of LVMI came to 21 g/m2 under valsartan and only to 10 g/m2 under atenolol (R=0.91; 90% CI, 0.85 to 0.97 versus atenolol). Baseline mean blood pressure values were determined to be 163+/-12/101+/-6 mm Hg before treatment with valsartan and 160+/-14/103+/-6 mm Hg before atenolol treatment. After 8 months of treatment, mean blood pressure decreased to 146+/-13/90+/-7 mm Hg with valsartan and to 147+/-18/90+/-7 mm Hg with atenolol. Nine patients in the valsartan group and 8 patients in the atenolol group required additional medication with hydrochlorothiazide. CONCLUSIONS Antihypertensive treatment with the angiotensin II antagonist valsartan for 8 months produced a significant regression of LVH in predominantly previously untreated patients with essential hypertension. The drug may be safely administered in this subset of hypertensive patients; however, the long-term benefit in terms of risk reduction has still to be evaluated in further trials.