Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A critical review of the refutation text literature: Methodological confounds, theoretical problems, and possible solutions

Abstract Refutation texts, rhetorical tools designed to reduce misconceptions, have garnered attention across four decades and many studies. Yet, the ability of a refutation text to change a learner’s mind on a topic needs to be qualified and modulated. In this critical review, we bring attention to sources of constraints often overlooked by refutation text researchers. Methodological issues we identified centered on problems of using a single topic (or very few) within a study, the role of testing in conceptual change, and the durability of change beyond an immediate posttest. Theoretical issues included the interpretation of attentional measures, what knowledge domains lend themselves to refutation, what makes a text refutational, and unexplored assumptions about how conceptual change occurs. We sought to clarify how refutation texts may function as an antidote to misconceptions and how future research on refutation texts can better inform understanding of this phenomenon.
Assessing Residential Buildings Compliance with Sustainability Rating Systems through a BIM-Based Approach

Using the semantic information available in building information models (BIM) during the whole project lifecycle enables faster, safer, and efficient construction, cost-effective operation and maintenance, and cost-effective eventual decommissioning. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of how sustainability rating systems can exploit the BIM approach for an easy collection of data and information and assessment of indicators to reach building certification. This paper is a part of the BIM4REN project, which is dedicated to developing an open-access platform of tools for the digitalization of the building renovation process specifically tailored for SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises).
A study on the transport and interaction between blood flow and low-density-lipoprotein in near-wall regions of blood vessels

Abstract Differences in the dynamics and transport of blood make certain regions of the arterial network the preferred sites for initiation and formation of arterial diseases like stenosis and aneurysms. Understanding of such arterial diseases is directly linked to critical hemodynamic parameters such as the wall shear stress (WSS). The present work generalises the influence of WSS on the concentration of LDL that was observed in an earlier study. To this end, a wide variety of simplified flow domain, inspired by the near-wall regions of aneurysms and stenosis, are constructed and analyzed. The effects of pulsatile inflow condition, rheology of blood and curvature of the wall on the correlation between WSS and LDL concentration are investigated. It is demonstrated that the time-scale of variation of lumen-surface-concentration (LSC) of LDL is larger than a single cardiac cycle. As a consequence, the time-average values of WSS are sufficient to locate the regions of higher LSC. This idea is strengthened by making use of simplified flow domain that generates moving stagnation point. Further, it was observed that the rheology of the blood and curvature of the wall does not affect the observed correlation between the WSS and LDL concentration.
A clinical profile and factors associated with severity of the disease among Polish patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 - an observational study.

INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the greatest clinical challenges of the last decades. Clinical factors associated with severity of the disease remain unclear. The aim of the study was to characterize Polish patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and to evaluate potential prognostic factors of severe course of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational study was conducted from March to July 2020 in the Pulmonology and Allergology Department of the University Hospital in Kraków, Poland. Consecutive patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection were enrolled, and data about past medical history, signs and symptoms, laboratory results, imaging studies results, in-hospital management and outcomes was prospectively gathered. RESULTS The study sample comprised 100 patients at the mean age of 59.2 (SD 16.1) years among whom 63 (63.0%) were male. Among them 10 (10.0%) died, 47 (47%) presented respiratory failure, 15 (15.0%) were transferred to the intensive care unit, 17 (17.0%) developed acute kidney injury, 7 (7.0%) had sepsis and 10 (10.0%) were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Multivariable analysis revealed age (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.01-1.15), body mass index (BMI; OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.53), modified early warning score (MEWS; OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.48-12), the highest d-dimer value (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.03-2.9) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03-1.3) to be associated with severe course of COVID-19. CONCLUSION This observational study showed that almost half of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 developed respiratory failure in the course of the disease. Increasing age, BMI, MEWS, d-dimer value and LDH concentration were associated with the severity of COVID-19.
Antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus cell‐free supernatants against multidrug‐resistant urogenital pathogens

The healthy vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus spp. , which provide an important critical line of defense against pathogens, as well as giving beneficial effects to the host. We characterized L. gasseri 1A‐TV, L. fermentum 18A‐TV, and L. crispatus 35A‐TV, from the vaginal microbiota of healthy premenopausal women, for their potential probiotic activities. The antimicrobial effects of the 3 strains and their combination against clinical urogenital bacteria were evaluated together with the activities of their metabolites produced by cell‐free supernatants (CFSs). Their beneficial properties in terms of ability to interfere with vaginal pathogens (co‐aggregation, adhesion to HeLa cells, biofilm formation) and antimicrobial activity mediated by CFSs were assessed against multidrug urogenital pathogens (S. agalactiae, E. coli, KPC‐producing K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, E. faecium VRE, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, C. glabrata). The Lactobacilli tested exhibited an extraordinary ability to interfere and co‐aggregate with urogenital pathogens, except for Candida spp. , as well as to adhere to HeLa cells and to produce biofilm in the Lactobacillus combination. Lactobacillus CFSs and their combination revealed a strong bactericidal effect on the multidrug resistant indicator strains tested, except for E. faecium and E. faecalis. The antimicrobial activity was maintained after heat treatment but decreased after enzymatic treatment. All Lactobacilli showed lactic dehydrogenase activity and production of D‐ and L‐lactic acid isomers on Lactobacillus CFSs, while only 1A‐TV and 35A‐TV released hydrogen peroxide and carried helveticin J and acidocin A bacteriocins. These results suggest that they can be employed as a new vaginal probiotic formulation and bio‐therapeutic preparation against urogenital infections. Further, in vivo studies are needed to evaluate human health benefits in clinical situations.
Endovascular treatment of hemodialysis-induced lower limb artery ischemia: retrospective analysis from a single center.

BACKGROUND Critical limb artery ischemia is one of common complications after hemodialysis, with endovascular therapy (EVT) having become its first-line treatment. There is no relevant study investigating the relationship between EVT and the prognosis of hemodialysis patients with critical lower limb ischemia, the most common site of vascular dysfunction. METHODS This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, single-center study. Hemodialysis patients with critical lower limb ischemia between May 2015 and October 2018 were included in this study. Their demographic and clinical data and the results of laboratory test were collected. The outcomes included all-cause mortality, amputation, and revascularization. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to assess overall survival and amputation-free survival. Univariable and multivariable hazard Cox regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors of amputation and mortality. RESULTS In all, 67 hemodialysis patients were finally included in this study. The median age of included patients was 69.8±8.7 years, and the median duration of hemodialysis was 44.1±9.2 months. There was no significant difference between patients receiving and not receiving EVT in collected demographic and clinical data except for the duration of hemodialysis (46.1±9.0 vs. 41.7±9.0 months; P=0.048). The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients receiving EVT was 1.4±0.6 mmol/L, which was significantly lower than the 1.9±0.6 mmol/L in patients not receiving EVT (P<0.001). The results from the Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that the incidences of all-cause mortality and amputation were much lower in patients receiving EVT than in those not receiving EVT (P=0.038 and P=0.020). Hazard Cox regression analysis also indicated that EVT played protective role in all-cause mortality and amputation in hemodialysis patients with lower limb ischemia. Age, nutritional risk, stroke, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also determined as independent risk factors of all-cause mortality according to multivariable analysis. Additionally, duration of hemodialysis and smoking history were identified as independent risk factors of amputation. CONCLUSIONS EVT could be an efficient treatment for critical lower limb ischemia in hemodialysis patients to reduce all-cause mortality and the incidence of amputation. Moreover, some risk factors, such as malnutritional and stroke, should be avoided to improve the prognosis of hemodialysis patients.
Correlation between 1/f noise and semiconductor laser degradation

The origin of the increase in residual spectral linewidth during device degradation is experimentally and theoretically clarified in a multiple quantum well (MQW) distributed feedback (DFB) laser. Non-radiative recombination current increases during device degradation and causes 1/f noise to increase. This current 1/f noise is the origin of the increase in the residual spectral linewidth. Through these degradation behaviours, a model showing a correlation between 1/f noise and the semiconductor laser degradation is proposed.
The current value of quantitative shear wave sonoelastography in parotid gland tumors.

Background The preoperative differentiation between salivary gland tumor entities using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) is still limited. Biopsies are often regarded as indispensable for properly characterizing these various lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) sonoelastography as an US differentiation tool when examining parotid gland (PG) lesions. Methods We included 104 patients with PG masses in this study, employing two different US devices using quantitative ARFI-sonoelastography (Siemens Acuson-S3000, n=59; Siemens Acuson-Sequoia, n=45). The ability of sonoelastographic measurements to differentiate between different neoplasms was compared and analyzed for both US machines. Results Quantitative shear wave sonoelastography is limited in its ability to reliably differentiate between tumor entities of the PG as a stand-alone parameter. Measurement results were unsystematically distributed and not transferable between the two US devices. A significant differentiation of benign and malignant lesions was not possible with either US machine (S3000: P=0.770, Sequoia: P=0.382). A differentiation between pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and Warthin tumors was only possible with the Acuson S3000 system (P=0.001, Spearman-Rho =0.492, sensitivity 73.9%, specificity 65.0%). Conclusions A reliable identification and differentiation of PG tumors as well as clinical treatment decisions cannot be made with the sole use of ARFI-sonoelastography. The results emphasize the device-dependence and high error-proneness of this US technique when examining lesions of the PG.
How did individuals on Instagram discuss COVID-19 in the month following official pandemic status? A examination of user content

Abstract Objectives Instagram is a popular social media site used by high numbers of young people. This study was designed to investigate COVID-19 content on Instagram during the month following official pandemic status from the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods A total of 200 posts were collected and analyzed over a four-week period between mid-February and mid-March 2020. Results The vast majority of posts did not address recommended prevention measures. Further, only approximately one-third of the posts referenced a reputable source. Finally, the nature of posts changed over time was impacted by type of poster and reflected a tone of anxiety. Conclusions The findings underscore the urgent need for public health officials to be aware of and address social media content on novel health threats. Furthermore, it is imperative that communicating risk on social media, such as Instagram be geared to young people. Failure to do so may hinder prevention, mitigation, and suppression strategies.
Feasibility and accuracy of 3D printed patient‐specific skull contoured brain biopsy guides

Abstract Objective Design 3D printed skull contoured brain biopsy guides (3D‐SCGs) from computed tomography (CT) or T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T1W MRI). Study Design Feasibility study. Sample Population Five beagle dog cadavers and two client‐owned dogs with brain tumors. Methods Helical CT and T1W MRI were performed on cadavers. Planned target point was the head of the caudate nucleus. Three‐dimensional‐SCGs were created from CT and MRI using commercially available open‐source software. Using 3D‐SCGs, biopsy needles were placed into the caudate nucleus in cadavers, and CT was performed to assess needle placement accuracy, followed by histopathology. Three‐dimensional‐SCGs were then created and used to perform in vivo brain tumor biopsies. Results No statistical difference was found between the planned target point and needle placement. Median needle placement error for all planned target points was 2.7 mm (range: 0.86–4.5 mm). No difference in accuracy was detected between MRI and CT‐designed 3D‐SCGs. Median needle placement error for the CT was 2.8 mm (range: 0.86–4.5 mm), and 2.2 mm (range: 1.7–2.7 mm) for MRI. Biopsy needles were successfully placed into the target in the two dogs with brain tumors and biopsy was successfully acquired in one dog. Conclusion Three‐dimensional‐SCGs designed from CT or T1W MRI allowed needle placement within 4.5 mm of the intended target in all procedures, resulting in successful biopsy in one of two live dogs. Clinical Significance This feasibility study justifies further evaluation of 3D‐SCGs as alternatives in facilities that do not have access to stereotactic brain biopsy.
Expression Patterns and Levels of All Tubulin Isotypes Analyzed in GFP Knock-In C. elegans Strains

Most organisms have multiple α- and β-tubulin isotypes that likely contribute to the diversity of microtubule (MT) functions. To understand the functional differences of tubulin isotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans, which has nine α-tubulin isotypes and six β-tubulin isotypes, we systematically constructed null mutants and GFP-fusion strains for all tubulin isotypes with the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed their expression patterns and levels in adult hermaphrodites. Four isotypes—α-tubulins TBA-1 and TBA-2 and β-tubulins TBB-1 and TBB-2—were expressed in virtually all tissues, with a distinct tissue-specific spectrum. Other isotypes were expressed in specific tissues or cell types at significantly lower levels than the broadly expressed isotypes. Four isotypes (TBA-5, TBA-6, TBA-9, and TBB-4) were expressed in different subsets of ciliated sensory neurons, and TBB-4 was inefficiently incorporated into mitotic spindle MTs. Taken together, we propose that MTs in C. elegans are mainly composed of four broadly expressed tubulin isotypes and that incorporation of a small amount of tissue-specific isotypes may contribute to tissue-specific MT properties. These newly constructed strains will be useful for further elucidating the distinct roles of tubulin isotypes.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging towards clinical application in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Quantitative MRI provides biophysical measures of the microstructural integrity of the CNS, which can be compared across CNS regions, patients, and centres. In patients with multiple sclerosis, quantitative MRI techniques such as relaxometry, myelin imaging, magnetization transfer, diffusion MRI, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and perfusion MRI, complement conventional MRI techniques by providing insight into disease mechanisms. These include: (i) presence and extent of diffuse damage in CNS tissue outside lesions (normal-appearing tissue); (ii) heterogeneity of damage and repair in focal lesions; and (iii) specific damage to CNS tissue components. This review summarizes recent technical advances in quantitative MRI, existing pathological validation of quantitative MRI techniques, and emerging applications of quantitative MRI to patients with multiple sclerosis in both research and clinical settings. The current level of clinical maturity of each quantitative MRI technique, especially regarding its integration into clinical routine, is discussed. We aim to provide a better understanding of how quantitative MRI may help clinical practice by improving stratification of patients with multiple sclerosis, and assessment of disease progression, and evaluation of treatment response.
Interplay between SARS‐CoV‐2 and human long non‐coding RNAs

The long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical regulatory role in the host response to the viral infection. However, little is understood about the transcriptome architecture, especially lncRNAs pattern during the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In the present study, using publicly available RNA sequencing data of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples from COVID‐19 patients and healthy individuals, three interesting findings highlighted: (a) More than half of the interactions between lncRNAs‐PCGs of BALF samples established by three trans‐acting lncRNAs (HOTAIRM1, PVT1 and AL392172.1), which also exhibited the high affinity for binding to the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, suggesting the major regulatory role of these lncRNAs during the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. (b) lncRNAs of MALAT1 and NEAT1 are possibly contributed to the inflammation development in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infected cells. (c) In contrast to the 3′ part of the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, the 5′ part can interact with many human lncRNAs. Therefore, the mRNA‐based vaccines will not show any side effects because of the off‐label interactions with the human lncRNAs. Overall, the putative functionalities of lncRNAs can be promising to design the non‐coding RNA‐based drugs and to inspect the efficiency of vaccines to overcome the current pandemic.
Cooperative multimolecular sorption equation : Application to an alcohol-poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) system

A model was suggested to explain the sorption of alcohols in poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne). According to this model, the cooperative filling of channels (interrelated nanovoids) of the polymer is combined with the growth of the associates of sorbed molecules within the sorbent bulk. Based on this model, the isotherm equation was obtained, and, in particular cases, reduced to the Ising and BET isotherms. This equation was used to approximate the sorption isotherms of MeOH, EtOH, and iso-PrOH and the desorption isotherm of BuOH. The parameters of this equation were determined, and their meaning was discussed.
Characteristics of new particle formation events and cluster ions at K-puszta, Hungary

Atmospheric new particle formation events were analyzed based on particle size distributions measured with a Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (DMPS) and an Air Ion Spectrometer (AIS) during the BIOSOL (Formation mechanisms, marker compounds, and source apportionment for biogenic atmospheric aerosols) campaign on 22 May-29 June 2006 at the K-puszta measurement site in Hungary. The particle size distribution data were classified into different new particle event classes and growth and formation rates of the particles were calculated. New particle formation was observed on almost all days and the median diameter growth rates of nucleation mode particles increased with increasing particle size. The observed formation rate of 10 nm particles was typically somewhat larger than 1 cm(-3) s(-3) (median 1.2), and the growth rate for sub 3 nm particles was 1.7 nm h(-1) and for nucleation mode 6 nm h(-1). The ambient concentrations of gases or meteorological data were not able to explain the differences in the growth and formation rates or in the particle formation between the days. However, 0.3-1.8 nm cluster ion concentrations correlated negatively with wind speed.
Reliability of Telephone and Videoconference Methods of Cognitive Assessment in Older Adults with and without Dementia.

BACKGROUND Telephone and videoconference administration of cognitive tests introduce additional sources of variance compared to in-person testing. Reviews of test-retest reliability have included mixed neurocognitive and psychiatric populations with limited consideration of methodological and statistical contributions. OBJECTIVE We reviewed reliability estimates from comparison studies of older adults with and without dementia, considering test-retest analyses and study methods. METHODS Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were systematically searched from 1 January 2000 to 9 June 2020 for original articles comparing telephone or videoconference administered cognitive instruments to in-person administration in older adults with and without dementia or mild cognitive impairment. RESULTS Of 4,125 articles, 23 were included: 11 telephone (N = 2 dementia cohorts) and 12 videoconference (N = 4 dementia cohorts). Telephone administered subtest scores trended in the same direction as in-person with comparable means. Person-level data were scarce. Data on dementia was only available for MMSE, with resulting subtle modality bias. MMSE, SMMSE, Letter Fluency, and HVLT-R in healthy to mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease were particularly reliable for videoconference administration. Other tests show promise but require more observations and comprehensive analyses. Most studies used high-speed stable videoconferencing hardware resulting in a lack of ecological validity for home administration. CONCLUSION Remote administration is often consistent with in-person administration but variable and limited at the person/test level. Improved statistical design and inclusion of dementia related cohorts in telephone studies is recommended. Reliability evidence is stronger for videoconferencing but with limited applicability to home administration and severe dementia. Improved reporting of administrative procedures is recommended.