Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutically active compounds in Atlantic Canadian sewage treatment plant effluents and receiving waters, and potential for environmental effects as measured by acute and chronic Aquatic Toxicity

Ten acidic and two neutral pharmaceuticals were detected in the effluents of eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) from across Atlantic Canada. Concentrations varied between nondetectable and 35 μg/L. The analgesic, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and naproxen were predominant. Carbamazepine, a neutral compound used as an antiepileptic drug, was observed consistently at a median concentration of 79 ng/L. Acetaminophen was found in the effluents of the three largest mechanical STPs at a median concentration of 1.9 μg/L, but not in the lagoon treatment systems. The substantially longer hydraulic retention times may have contributed to more effective removal of acetaminophen in the lagoon treatment systems. Drugs generally were not detected at significant concentrations in the larger bodies of receiving water (Saint John River, Hillsborough River, and Bedford Bay, Canada). However, drug residues in the small receiving streams were 15 to 30% of the effluent median concentrations. Six compounds (caffeine, naproxen, salicylic acid, carbamazepine, metoprolol, and sotolol) were found to persist in a small stream for a distance of at least 17 km, suggesting that small stream exposure to pharmaceutically active residues may be relatively greater than that in large bodies of water. Bioassays assessing acute and chronic effects on four organisms were conducted on four high‐use drugs: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and salicylic acid (metabolite of acetyl salicylic acid). Results indicated no negative effects except for the chronic algal (Selanastrum capricornutum) growth test on ibuprofen (no‐observed‐effect concentration, 10 μg/L; lowest‐observed‐effect concentration, 32 μg/L). Effects of these four compounds on invertebrates and plants in the receiving environments are unlikely based on the concentrations measured.
Turbulent motions cannot shake VR

The International Air Transport Association forecasts that there will be at least a 30% increase in passenger demand for flights over the next five years. In these circumstances the aircraft industry is looking for new ways to keep passengers occupied, entertained and healthy, and one of the methods under consideration is immersive virtual reality. It is therefore becoming important to understand how motion sickness and presence in virtual reality are influenced by physical motion. We were specifically interested in the use of head-mounted displays (HMD) while experiencing in-flight motions such as turbulence. 50 people were tested in different virtual environments varying in their context (virtual airplane versus magic carpet ride over tropical islands) and the way the physical motion was incorporated into the virtual world (matching visual and auditory stimuli versus no incorporation). Participants were subjected to three brief periods of turbulent motions realized with a motion simulator. Physiological signals (postural stability, heart rate and skin conductance) as well as subjective experiences (sickness and presence questionnaires) were measured. None of our participants experienced severe motion sickness during the experiment and although there were only small differences between conditions we found indications that it is beneficial for both wellbeing and presence to choose a virtual environment in which turbulent motions could be plausible and perceived as part of the scenario. Therefore we can conclude that brief exposure to turbulent motions does not get participants sick.
Gafchromic EBT film dosimetry in proton beams

The depth dose verification of active scanning proton beams is extremely time consuming with ion chamber measurements for beam data commissioning and patient specific measurements. With widespread use of Gafchromic EBT films, two-dimensional high-resolution dosimetry is explored in a uniform scanning proton beam. The EBT films were exposed parallel to the beam axis in a solid water phantom in order to obtain the depth–dose curve in a single measurement and compared with the gold standard measurement with a parallel plate ion chamber in water. Our results demonstrate that EBT films perform well in determining the proton beam range, with uncertainty of 0.5 mm. It is also found that EBT film response is a function of energy over the effective energy of 50–160 MeV proton beams with the variations less than 10%. However, an under-dosage of up to 20% was observed at the peak of the Bragg curve. An empirically derived correction factor is proposed to account for the EBT energy dependence. With corrections, EBT films can be a useful tool for the depth dose verification of active scanning proton beams, thus saving valuable proton beam time.
Transgenic bovine as bioreactors: Challenges and perspectives

ABSTRACT The use of recombinant proteins has increased in diverse commercial sectors. Various systems for protein production have been used for the optimization of production and functional protein expression. The mammary gland is considered to be a very interesting system for the production of recombinant proteins due to its high level of expression and its ability to perform post-translational modifications. Cows produce large quantities of milk over a long period of lactation, and therefore this species is an important candidate for recombinant protein expression in milk. However, transgenic cows are more difficult to generate due to the inefficiency of transgenic methodologies, the long periods for transgene detection, recombinant protein expression and the fact that only a single calf is obtained at the end of each pregnancy. An increase in efficiency for transgenic methodologies for cattle is a big challenge to overcome. Promising methodologies have been proposed that can help to overcome this obstacle, enabling the use of transgenic cattle as bioreactors for protein production in milk for industry.
Alphavirus neurovirulence: monoclonal antibodies discriminating wild-type from neuroadapted Sindbis virus

Wild-type Sindbis virus strain AR339 (SV) and a neurovirulent mutant (NSV), derived by neonatal and weanling mouse brain passage, both cause acute fatal encephalitis in neonatal mice, but NSV alone kills adult mice. NSV cannot be distinguished from SV by immune sera or simple biochemical tests. To localize the molecular changes associated with neuroadaptation, we used a new array of 30 anti-SV monoclonal antibodies to probe for differences between SV and NSV in four tests: immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay binding, neutralization, and hemagglutination inhibition. Seventeen monoclonal antibodies detected differences. Both E1 and E2 glycoprotein gene products were altered during neuroadaptation, but the preponderance of changes was clustered on E2. The capsid protein C was not measurably altered. Mapping of both viruses with these monoclonal antibodies showed that during neuroadaptation SV topography substantially shifted, masking and unmasking biologically important neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition sites. These conformational rearrangements, predominantly on E2, coincided with the acquisition of increased neurovirulence and new lethality for adult mice.
Using point cloud data to improve three dimensional gaze estimation

This paper addresses the problem of estimating gaze location in the 3D environment using a remote eye tracker. Instead of relying only on data provided by the eye tracker, we investigate how to integrate gaze direction with the point-cloud-based representation of the scene provided by a Kinect sensor. The algorithm first combines the gaze vectors for the two eyes provided by the eye tracker into a single gaze vector emanating from a point in between the two eyes. The gaze target in the three dimensional environment is then identified by finding the point in the 3D point cloud that is closest to the gaze vector. Our experimental results demonstrate that the estimate of the gaze target location provided by this method is significantly better than that provided when considering gaze information alone. It is also better than two other methods for integrating point cloud information: (1) finding the 3D point closest to the gaze location as estimated by triangulating the gaze vectors from the two eyes, and (2) finding the 3D point with smallest average distance to the two gaze vectors considered individually. The proposed method has an average error of 1.7 cm in a workspace of 25 × 23 × 24 cm located at a distance of 60 cm from the user.
A Distinct Cation‐Sensing Mechanism in MC3T3‐E1 Osteoblasts Functionally Related to the Calcium Receptor

The presence of a cation‐sensing mechanism in osteoblasts is suggested by the ability of specific cations to stimulate osteoblastic proliferation in culture and to induce de novo bone formation in some experimental models. Our study examines whether extracellular cations stimulate osteoblasts through the recently identified G protein–coupled calcium receptor (CaR). We found that CaR agonists, calcium (Ca2+), gadolinium (Gd3+), aluminum (Al3+), and neomycin, stimulated DNA synthesis in murine‐derived MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts, whereas magnesium (Mg2+), nickel (Ni2+), cadmium (Cd2+), and zinc (Zn2+) had no effect. With the exception of Mg2+, the cation specificities and apparent affinities were similar to that reported for CaR. CaR agonists also stimulated DNA synthesis in C3HT101/2 fibroblasts, but not in mesangial PVG, CHO, hepatic HTC, COS‐7 cells, or malignant transformed ROS17/2.8 and UMR‐106 osteoblasts. In addition, similar to other growth factors, CaR agonists activated transcription of a serum response element luciferase reporter construct (SRE‐Luc) stably transfected into MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts, but had no effect on SRE‐Luc transfected into CHO and COS‐7 cells. We were unable to detect CaR expression by Northern analysis using a mouse CaR‐specific probe or to amplify CaR mRNA by reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. These findings suggest that an extracellular cation‐sensing mechanism is present in murine‐derived osteoblasts that is functionally similar to but molecularly distinct from CaR.
Long-term recurrence and mortality after surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for nonfunctional pituitary adenomas.

OBJECT Long-term outcomes following surgery for nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are unclear. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy is therefore controversial because it is associated with higher tumor control but also carries known long-term morbidity. The authors' aim was to determine predictors of recurrence and overall survival and to define patient subgroups that may benefit from radiotherapy. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 663 patients who underwent surgery between 1975 and 1995 for treatment of primary NFPAs. The main outcome measures were disease progression after surgery, defined by clinical and/or imaging criteria, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS Over a median clinical follow-up of 8.4 years, there were 64 (9.7%) recurrences after treatment, with a median time to recurrence of 5.6 years. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year recurrence-free probabilities were 0.93, 0.87, and 0.81, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified the following predictors as associated with increased recurrence: cavernous sinus invasion (hazard ratio [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-6.4; p < 0.001) and subtotal resection (STR) without radiotherapy (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-14; p = 0.01). Using time-to-event estimates to adjust for differences in follow-up between groups, radiotherapy was found to reduce tumor recurrence in only those patients who received an STR (p < 0.001, log-rank test) but not gross-total resection (GTR; p = 0.63, log-rank test). Median follow-up for overall survival was 14.0 years. The 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year overall survival estimates were 0.91, 0.81, 0.69, and 0.55, respectively. Within the study cohort and in age- and sex-adjusted comparison with the general US population, increased relative mortality was observed in patients who underwent radiotherapy or STR. CONCLUSIONS Cavernous sinus invasion is an important prognostic variable for long-term control of NFPAs. Radiotherapy results in long-term tumor control for patients who undergo STR but does not affect recurrence rates and may increase the risk of death after GTR. Given the risks associated with radiotherapy, there is no role for its routine application in patients who have undergone GTR of their NFPA. In all patients, long-term monitoring is required.
Inhibition of ZEB1 reverses EMT and chemoresistance in docetaxel‐resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line

Docetaxel has been used as one of the first‐line chemotherapies in solid tumors including advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, limited responses to chemotherapy are observed in clinic and the molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the processes of tumor metastasis as well as resistance towards anticancer agents. In this study, it was observed that docetaxel‐resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (SPC‐A1/DTX) was typical of mesenchymal phenotype. SPC‐A1/DTX cell line has increased migratory and invasive capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Among the master EMT‐inducing transcriptional factors, ZEB1 was found to be significantly increased in SPC‐A1/DTX cell line. ZEB1 knockdown with RNA interference could reverse the EMT phenotype and inhibit the migratory ability of SPC‐A1/DTX cells. Furthermore, inhibition of ZEB1 significantly enhanced the chemosensitivity of SPC‐A1/DTX cells to docetaxel in vitro and in vivo and ectopic expression of ZEB1 increased the chemoresistance of SPC‐A1 cells to docetaxel. All these results provide experimental evidence that ZEB1 might be an attractive target for the treatment of human NSCLC. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1395–1403, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What factors determine household food security among smallholder farmers? Insights from Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT Food insecurity persists in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Guidelines are required to inform the formulation of programmes dealing with this challenge. Literature identifies various factors, such as agricultural skills, as key determinants of household food security. This study examines linkages between agricultural skills and household food security in farming households of the Tugela Ferry irrigation scheme in the Msinga Local Municipality. Data was collected from a random sample of 250 farming households by means of a structured questionnaire. A Tobit regression model was employed to examine the determinants of household food security. The study found that factors like household size, marital status, education level, gender, total livestock units, household income, farming experience, credit use and competence levels in fertiliser measurement have the potential to reduce household food insecurity. The study concludes that provision of agricultural skills may improve households’ food security and that interventions may improve smallholder farming productivity.
Integration of Immigrants in Host Countries - What We Know and What Works

Integration of immigrants is at the forefront of policy concerns in many countries. This paper starts by documenting that in most European countries immigrants face significant labour market disadvantages relative to natives. Then it discusses how public policies may affect immigrants’ integration. First, we review the evidence on the effectiveness of language and introduction courses. Then, we discuss how different aspects of the migration policy framework may determine immigrants’ integration patterns. In particular, based on a review of the recent literature, we highlight the role of visa length and of predictability about migration duration in shaping migrants’ decisions on investments in country-specific human and social capital. Further, we discuss implications for refugee migration and also review the role of citizenship acquisition rules. The paper ends with an outlook of the consequences for sending countries.
Invariant NKT cells regulate experimental autoimmune uveitis through inhibition of Th17 differentiation

Although NKT cells have been implicated in diverse immunomodulatory responses, the effector mechanisms underlying the NKT cell‐mediated regulation of pathogenic T helper cells are not well understood. Here, we show that invariant NKT cells inhibited the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells both in vitro and in vivo. The number of IL‐17‐producing CD4+ T cells was reduced following co‐culture with purified NK1.1+TCR+ cells from WT, but not from CD1d−/− or Jα18−/−, mice. Co‐cultured NKT cells from either cytokine‐deficient (IL‐4−/−, IL‐10−/−, or IFN‐γ−/−) or WT mice efficiently inhibited Th17 differentiation. The contact‐dependent mechanisms of NKT cell‐mediated regulation of Th17 differentiation were confirmed using transwell co‐culture experiments. On the contrary, the suppression of Th1 differentiation was dependent on IL‐4 derived from the NKT cells. The in vivo regulatory capacity of NKT cells on Th17 cells was confirmed using an experimental autoimmune uveitis model induced with human IRBP1–20 (IRBP, interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein) peptide. NKT cell‐deficient mice (CD1d−/− or Jα18−/−) demonstrated an increased disease severity, which was reversed by the transfer of WT or cytokine‐deficient (IL‐4−/−, IL‐10−/−, or IFN‐γ−/−) NKT cells. Our results indicate that invariant NKT cells inhibited autoimmune uveitis predominantly through the cytokine‐independent inhibition of Th17 differentiation.
Heterotopic Ossification in Total Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Study Design. Prospective clinical study enrolled in 2 centers (Munich and Liberec) as part of a prospective European multicenter study with ProDisc C (Synthes Inc., Paoli, PA). Objectives. The first goal of the study was to evaluate the rate of heterotopic ossifications identified with plain radiograph following total cervical disc replacement (TCDR). The second goal was to show whether segmental motion can be preserved, and whether TCDR can provide improvement of the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living as well as a decrease of pain. Summary of Background Data. Only a few reports about the radiologic outcome after TCDR are published so far. Heterotopic ossification is a well-known phenomenon after total hip arthroplasty. The rate of heterotopic ossification following TCDR is unclear. Methods. The radiographs of 54 patients (in total, 77 implanted prostheses) were analyzed 1 year after TCDR with a ProDisc C prosthesis. We classified the heterotopic ossification in 5 grades according to a recently published classification system for lumbar total disc replacement. For clinical parameters, the visual analog scale and the Neck Disability Index were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The Student t test and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis. Results. In 26 treated segments (33.8%), no heterotopic ossification was detectable. Grade 1 ossifications were present in 6 levels (7.8%). A total of 30 segments (39.0%) showed grade 2 ossifications. Heterotopic ossifications that led to restrictions of the range of motion were present in 8 cases (10.4%). One year postoperatively, 7 cases (9.1%) had a spontaneous fusion of the treated segment. The clinical parameters improved significantly and were similar to previous reports about TCDR. Conclusions. Only 33.8% of the patients did not show any signs of heterotopic ossification, and the rate of spontaneous fusion after TCDR 1 year after surgery was unexpectedly high. There were 49.4% of the patients with grade 2-3 ossification, which lets us suspect an even higher rate of spontaneous fusion after long-term follow-ups. Motion preservation after TCDR is only guaranteed if spontaneous fusion can be prevented. Thus, mobility of the implanted segments needs to be further studied.
Assessment of Private Homes as Spaces for the Dying Elderly

Aim: This study makes an assessment of end-of-life care of the elderly in private homes in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Participants and Methods: Primary data were collected from private homes which supported elder care through observation and semi-structured interviews with primary family caregivers of the elderly. Results: The study finds that the major factors preventing private homes from providing adequate care to the elderly were architecturally inadequate housing conditions, paucity of financial support, and scarcity of skilled caregivers. Besides, considerable neglect and domestic abuse of the elderly was also found in some private homes. In addition, the peripheral location of private homes within public health framework and inadequate state palliative policy, including stringent narcotic regulations, accentuated the problems of home care. Conclusion: The study concludes by questioning the rhetoric of private homes as spaces for the dying elderly in Kolkata and suggests remedial measures to improve their capacity to deliver care.
Short‐Term Exposure Evaluation of Adult Smokers Switching From Conventional to First‐Generation Electrically Heated Cigarettes During Controlled Smoking

This randomized, controlled study in 110 male and female adult smokers evaluated biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure (carbon monoxide [CO], carboxyhemoglobin [CO‐Hb], nicotine, urine mutagenicity) under controlled smoking conditions when adult smokers of 1 conventional cigarette brand (CC1) were switched to an electrically heated cigarette smoking system (EHCSS) or a low‐tar conventional cigarette (CC2). Baseline exposure was determined while all subjects smoked CC1. Subjects then were stratified for gender and cigarette consumption and randomized to 1 of 5 groups—EHCSS1, EHCSS2, CC1, CC2, or no smoking—and monitored for 8 days. Compared to baseline, biomarkers of exposure on day 8 decreased 53% to 93% (P < .0001) for EHCSS groups and 18% to 39% (P < .02) for CC2. Environmental tobacco smoke arising from the smoking activities of the different study groups was measured in the air of a separate smoking room over 1‐hour periods. Concentrations of respirable suspended particulates in both EHCSS groups were about 90% lower than in the CC1 and CC2 groups, similar to the 95% reduction in the no‐smoking group. CO was undetectable in the EHCSS and no‐smoking groups. Results from this short‐term clinical study indicate that switching from a conventional cigarette to a first‐generation EHCSS reduces the generation of environmental tobacco smoke and can reduce the exposure to the measured, potentially harmful constituents in tobacco smoke if smokers do not compensate by numbers of cigarettes. The study design was found to be suitable for the evaluation of the exposure of adult smokers to the measured smoke constituents and to allow the differentiation of different cigarette designs.