Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Particulate emissions from tailpipe during idling of public transit buses fueled with alternative fuels

Engine exhaust in public transit buses has been associated with health effects. This pilot study examines the toxic nature of these engine exhausts under different idling conditions. The emission tests on public buses were performed with two different fuels: the ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD: Bus 536) and 20% Biodiesel (BD) mixed with ULSD (B20: Bus 506). Particulate matter (PM) was collected from the tailpipe emissions and then analyzed for elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Cold and hot‐idle‐engine testing was conducted. The results of the PM emission analysis showed that the PM mean value of emission is dependent on the engine operation conditions and fuel type. The PM emissions in cold idling were lower than the hot idling condition. However, the absence of 16‐EPA PAH in the samples suggests that the tested public buses are using clean fuel. It was found that lubricant oil, PM ash content, and storage tanks were the major sources of elemental concentrations in the PM. However, heavy metals are primary reasons in catalyzing the oxidation reactions that results in reduced PM and PAH emissions. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1134–1142, 2013
Selection of the optimal dosage of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss during pediatric cleft palate surgery

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and select the optimal dosage of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss during cleft palate surgery in children. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on 80 children under 3 years of age that were candidates for cleft palate surgery. These children were divided into four groups as follows: the first, second, and third groups received 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/kg of TXA, respectively. Moreover, the fourth group was considered as the control group. Before induction of anesthesia and then every 15 min during the surgery, some parameters such as mean arterial pressure, heart rate, SpO2, and ETCO2were recorded. Moreover, the amount of blood loss during the surgery, the level of surgeon's satisfaction, and incidence rate of complications were assessed and recorded. Results: The amount of blood loss during the surgery in TXA groups receiving dosages of 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/kg with the means of 63.75 ± 10.62, 61.25 ± 15.03, and 61.00 ± 14.29, respectively, was significantly lower than that of the control group with the mean of 92.25 ± 19.83 (P < 0.001). Moreover, no significant difference was found between the three groups receiving TXA dosages in terms of the amount of blood loss, the level of surgeon's satisfaction (P > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, all three dosages of TXA had a significant role in reducing blood loss in cleft palate surgery. Given the potential for increased risk of side effects from the drug, it seems safe to use the minimal dosage of this drug to control and reduce blood loss during cleft palate surgery in children <3 years of age.
Rheology and transesterification between polycarbonate and polyesters

Rheological behavior of polycarbonate (PC)–polyester blends is studied. The miscibility and rheological behavior are discussed. Effect of catalyst, tetra-n-butyl orthotitanate on the transesterification reactions for a [60 (PC):40 (PET or PBT)] blend is studied rheologically. The blends were mixed for different spans of time for rheological study. The blends are analyzed on the basis of the mechanism suggested by other researchers. As the mixing time is increased, the blends show decrease in viscosity. Random copolymers also are amorphous in nature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2039–2047, 2007
Reactivity of human antisera to codon optimized SARS-CoV2 viral proteins expressed in Escherichia coli

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health worldwide. The development of rapid diagnostic kits can assist the Tzu Chi Foundation in supporting global volunteers working to provide relief during the current pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this study, nucleotide sequences derived from publicly available viral genome data for several domains of the SARS-CoV2 spike and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were chemically synthesized, with codon optimization for Escherichia coli protein expression. No actual viral particles were involved in these experiments. The synthesized sequences were cloned into an E. coli expression system based on pQE80L, and expressed viral proteins were subsequently purified using Ni-affinity chromatography. Western blotting was conducted using human antiviral sera to assess the response of codon-modified viral proteins to COVID-19 patient sera. Results: N protein was expressed in amounts large enough to support large-scale production. The N-terminal domain, receptor-binding domain (RBD), Region 3, and the S2 domain were expressed in small but sufficient amounts for experiments. Immunoblotting results showed that anti-N IgG and anti-N IgM antibodies were detected in most patient sera, but only 60% of samples reacted with the recombinant RBD and S2 domain expressed by E. coli. Conclusion: The results indicated that codon-optimized SARS-CoV2 viral proteins can be expressed in E. coli and purified for rapid antibody detection kit preparation, with the codon-optimized N protein, RBD, and S2 protein demonstrating the most potential.
Perinatal Outcomes Using Ejaculate versus Surgical Sperm Retrieval in Patients Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for Male Infertility – A Retrospective Analysis of 628 Cycles

Background: Men with azoospermia undergoing a surgical sperm retrieval are anxious about the well-being of the baby. It is therefore important to study the perinatal outcomes in this group compared to the ejaculate sample group. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the perinatal outcomes between ejaculate and surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) groups in couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male factor. Study Setting and Design: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a university-level infertility unit. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective cohort study analysis of 628 assisted reproductive technique (ART) cycles with male factor and combined (male and female) factor infertility over a period of 5 years (January 2011–December 2015). All women who underwent a fresh embryo ART cycle were followed up. The study population included the ejaculate and SSR groups. The perinatal outcomes of these two groups were compared. The congenital anomaly risks among the two groups were also analyzed. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Logistic regression Results: A total of 628 ART cycles were included in the current study, of which 478 cycles used ejaculate sperm, while SSR was done in 150 cycles. The analysis was restricted to singletons, and the risk of preterm birth was 22.9% in the ejaculate group, 5.9% in the epididymal group, and 12% in the testicular group (epididymal vs. ejaculate odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–1.66) (testicular vs. ejaculate OR, 0.46; 95% CI: 0.12–1.65). The risk of low birth weight was 23.7% in the ejaculate group, 11.8% in the epididymal group, and 20.0% in the testicular group (epididymal vs. ejaculate OR, 0.42; 95% CI: 0.09–1.9) (testicular vs. ejaculate OR, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.27–2.3). The incidence of congenital anomalies was 7.3% in the ejaculate group, 0 in the epididymal group, and 3.5% in the testicular group (epididymal vs. ejaculate OR, 0.28; 95% CI: 0.01–5.2) (testicular vs. ejaculate OR, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.10–3.7) which was not significantly different. Conclusion: The current study showed no significant differences in the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in the ejaculate group versus the surgically retrieved sperm groups.
Do basal Luteinizing Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone/Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Ratio Have Significance in Prognosticating the Outcome of In vitro Fertilization Cycles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Context: Tonic hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) appears to impact both fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Aim: Whether high basal day 2/3 serum LH levels and day 2/3 LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. Settings and Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Assisted Reproductive Technique Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at a tertiary care institute, on PCOS patients undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using GnRH antagonist protocol with human chorionic gonadotropin trigger between January 2014 to December 2019. Methods and Material: Data related to patient's age, body mass index, day 2/3 serum FSH, serum LH, day 2/3 LH/FSH ratio, and infertility treatment-related variables were collected from the patient record files. IVF cycle characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred were also recorded. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was calculated. Statistical Analysis: Statistical software SPSS IBM version 24.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation , and range values were calculated. To compare the difference between the groups, the paired t-test was applied for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: High basal day 2/3 LH level and day 2/3 LH/FSH ratio have no statistically significant effect on embryos formed, embryo transferred, and clinical pregnancy rate. However, fertilization rates were significantly less in these groups. Conclusion: The elevated basal day 2/3 LH and LH/FSH ratio do not impair the outcome of GnRH antagonist protocol treated IVF/ICSI cycles in PCOS women.
Prevalence and psychosocial effects of acne vulgaris among secondary school students

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disease which affects a wide range of ages; however, it occurs more in the adolescent years with its attendant psychosocial effects. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and psychosocial effects of acne vulgaris among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, South–South Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and ten students (263 females and 147 males) from two secondary schools were enrolled in this descriptive cross-sectional study using a simple random sampling technique. A structured open- and close-ended interviewer-administered questionnaire was used and each student was examined and a clinical diagnosis was made by a dermatologist. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Version 20 and P < 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Results: The overall prevalence of acne vulgaris was 37.3% with a slightly higher prevalence in females (37.6%) than in males (36.7%). A higher percentage of acne was observed among students in the private school (51.4%) compared to those in public school (32.2%). An increased prevalence (41.2%) was also observed in the higher age group (15–19 years) compared to (35.8%) in the 10–14 years age group. Psychological disorder was found in 170 (41.5%) respondents. The type of school (P < 0.001), class of student (P < 0.014), depression (P < 0.004), anxiety (P < 0.015), worry (P < 0.001), fear (P < 0.001), and anger (P < 0.001) were found to be statistically associated with acne vulgaris. Similarly, the type of school (P < 0.007) and marriage type of parents (P < 0.001) were found to be statistically associated with psychological disorder. Conclusion: School health education about this condition is imperative in order to significantly reduce its psychosocial effects.
Chemical Control of Struvite Precipitation

The control of struvite precipitation was investigated using a range of chemical inhibitors and chelating agents. Initial experiments investigated the mass of struvite that precipitated on jar tester impellers used to mix anaerobically digested sludge liquors. Mixing the liquors resulted in degassing of CO2 increasing the pH from below 7 to above 8. It was found that the greater the liquors’ supersaturation ratio (Ω) the greater the mass of struvite formed on the impellers. Liquors with a Ω=1.7 and 5.3 produced mean final masses of 73.8 and 136g/m2, respectively, after 40 h of mixing. Experiments using the same impellers were performed with a range of scale inhibitors and chelating agents. The scale inhibitors did not prevent struvite from forming, with only one product, Polystabilis, showing a reduction in the mass of scale formed on the impellers. Of the chelating agents tested, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was found to be the most effective. Further experiments showed that an EDTA: struvite r.
Exendin-4 for Parkinson's disease

This review article discusses the preclinical evidence and clinical trials testing the use of a peptide agonist of the glucagon-like peptide (GLP) receptor that promotes insulin secretion in the animal models of and patient with Parkinson's disease (PD). In particular, we focus on the therapeutic effects of the GLP receptor agonist exendin-4, also called exenatide, in PD. The ultimate goal of this article is to provide a critical assessment of the laboratory and clinical data toward guiding the translation of exendin-4 as a clinically relevant therapeutic for PD.
Steroid compounds from the Pacific starfish Lysastrosoma anthosticta

Two new steroid compounds, 3β,6α-dihydroxy-5α-cholesta-9(11),24-dien-23-one 3-sulfate and 3β,6α-dihydroxy-5α-cholest-9(11)-en-23-one 3-sulfate, were isolated from the Pacific starfish Lysastrosoma anthosticta as the corresponding sodium salts and identified. Two previously known glycosides of 24(S)-5α-cholestane-3β,6α,8,15β,24-pentol were also isolated and identified as sodium 24-O-β-d-glucopyranoside 6"-sulfate (pycnopodioside C) and sodium 24-O-β-d-xylopyranoside 4"-sulfate (luridoside A).
An Examination of Mobile Spinal Cord Stimulators on Treating Parkinson Disease

In animal models of Parkinson disease (PD), spinal cord stimulation (SCS) exhibits neuroprotective effects. Recent advancements in SCS technology, most importantly mobile stimulators, allow for the conventional limitations of SCS such as limited stimulation time and restricted animal movements to be bypassed, offering potential avenues for improved clinical translation to PD patients. Small devices that could deliver continuous SCS to freely moving parkinsonian rats were shown to significantly improve behavior, preserve neurons and fibers in the substantia Nigra/striatum, reduce microglia infiltration, and increase laminin-positive area of the cerebral cortex. Through possible anti-inflammatory and angiogenic mechanisms, it has been demonstrated that there are behavioral and histological benefits to continuous SCS in a time-dependent manner. This review will discuss the benefits of this technology as well as focus on the limitations of current animal models.
Utilization of rice straw compost for strawberry and tomato production

Improper disposal of agricultural wastes caused environmental pollution and also waste a lot of valuable biomass resources which imperiled sustainable development and human health (Bin et al. 2016). Crop residue (residual stalks, straw, leaves, roots, husks, shell etc) are usually referred as “agricultural waste” because they are the byproduct of agricultural activities not the primary products. Many of the agricultural wastes are still largely underutilized and left to rot or open burned in the field, especially in developing countries (Sabiiti, 2011). Huge amount of rice straw is produced in rice based cropping system of Bangladesh. If rice straw is left in the field without proper management, it can cause the spreading of disease and can also encourage the breeding of pests. Rice straw is resistant to decay and can interfere with Abstract
Somatic Gene Alteration of Cancer

AIB1 (amplified in breast cancer 1) is a coactivator which stimulates the transcriptional activity of the liganded-estrogen receptor (ER). It has been reported that AIB 1 gene is amplified and overexpressed in some breast cancer cell lines. AIB1 contains a stretch of homopolymeric glutamines (poly-Q). We reported that the poly-Q shows polymorphism, which provides an opportunity to study somatic gene alteration such as loss of heterozygosity (LOH). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of somatic gene alteration in Japanese patients with breast cancer. Amplification of AIB1 gene was detected only in 1 (2.6%) of 39 breast cancer tissues by DNA dot blot analysis. On the other hand, LOH was found in 2 (8%) breast cancer tissues out of 25 patients showing heterozygosity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Taken together, both LOH and amplification of AIB1 gene were identified in breast cancer patients, raising the possibility that AIB1 have oncogenic as well as antioncogenic potential for the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
Subgap states in p-channel tin monoxide thin-film transistors from temperature-dependent field-effect characteristics

This paper experimentally investigates the subgap density of states (DOS) in p-type tin monoxide (SnO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) for the first time by using temperature-dependent field-effect measurements. As the temperature increases, the turn-on voltage moves in the positive direction, and the off-current and subthreshold slope continuously increase. We found that the conductivity of the SnO TFT obeys the Meyer–Neldel (MN) rule with a characteristic MN parameter of 28.6 eV−1 in the subthreshold region, from which we successfully extracted the subgap DOS by combing the field-effect method and the MN relation. The extracted subgap DOS from fabricated p-type SnO TFTs are exponentially distributed in energy, and exhibit around two orders of magnitude higher values compared to those of the n-type amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide TFTs.
SJIM-V6-N2 Final Text MRV.indd

Objectives: Multiple case reports suggesting isotretinoin causes infl ammatory bowel disease leading to compensations reaching millions of dollars. New larger studies question this eff ect. Th is is a meta-analysis to study the association. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and WorldCat. We extracted six articles measuring drug exposure and disease incidence. We measured the eff ects of isotretinoin on infl ammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, using pooled odds ratio. Th e eff ect can be measured using the fi xed or the random model. Th e fi xed eff ect assumes studies have the same eff ect in the same population, while the random assumes heterogeneity. Th e correct model is chosen based on a Q-heterogeneity test. Results: Sample size was 9723864. Infl ammatory bowel disease in isotretinoin exposed had an odds ratio of {1.075, 95% confi dence interval (0.78, 1.49)}, Crohn’s disease{0.97, 95% confi dence interval (0.65, 1.43)} and ulcerative colitis {1.28, 95% confi dence interval (0.88, 1.86)}. All odds ratios had a p-value > 0.05 using the random-model which was chosen due to signifi cant Q and I-squared score p value < 0.05. Th ere was signifi cant heterogeneity of the six studies, which lack consistency in adjusting for important co-variables (dose, family history, smoking, etc.) Conclusion: While the odds ratio wasn’t signifi cant, signifi cant Q and I-squared statistics suggest heterogeneity. Th e eff ect of isotretinoin on infl ammatory bowel disease is possibly signifi cant in subgroups like gender. Given the few studies, the evaluation of moderators wasn’t possible. Future eff orts should focus on prospective cohorts with samples suffi cient to exclude confounders. Currently existing data doesn’t suggest isotretinoin has a signifi cant eff ect on causing infl ammatory bowel disease.
Productivity Convergence and Divergence in Latin America, 1970-2014

The paper examines Latin American countries’ productivity growth levels and their convergence patterns utilizing nonparametric frontier approaches. Utilizing a sample of 17 Latin American countries for the period 1970-2014 it estimates various productivity indexes alongside with their main components. Moreover a convergence analysis is conducted estimating relative productivity convergence paths. The results suggest that over the period examined, countries’ productivity growth levels have contracted. We provide evidence that the implementation of the structural reforms of the 1990s do not appear to have driven Latin American countries to higher productivity levels. Moreover, the results do not render support to the productivity convergence hypothesis. On the other hand, some support was found for countries’ technological change levels, identifying three convergence clubs.
Subtle Varieties of Love within Cecil B. DeMille’s Samson

Introduction: Cecil’s Samson Saga Producer-director(1) Cecil B. DeMille(2) (1881-1959), affectionately known as CB, was a co-founder of Hollywood, a progenitor of Paramount studio and an unsung auteur who helped turn an obscure Californian orange grove into a major movie centre that became the synonym for commercial filmmaking worldwide. (3) Not only did DeMille help institute ”the Age of Hollywood” (Paglia 1994, 12), but this pioneering ”auteur of auteurs” (Vidal 1995, 303) became the master of the American biblical epic with such indelible classics as The Ten Commandments (silent), The King of Kings, Samson and Delilah and The Ten Commandments (sound). Not surprisingly, he was subsequently tagged ”King of the epic Biblical spectacular” (Finler 1985, 32), the ”high priest of the religious genre” (Holloway 1977, 26) and the ”arch apostle of spectacle” (Clapham 1974, 21) amongst many other honours, titles and awards (see Essoe and Lee 1970, 245-247).