Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression Profile of Mycobacterium leprae Contribution in the Pathology of Leprosy Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the main cause of physical disability in leprosy patients. Importantly, the extension and pattern of peripheral damage has been linked to how the host cell will respond against Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) infection, in particular, how the pathogen will establish infection in Schwann cells. Interestingly, viable and dead M. leprae have been linked to neuropathology of leprosy by distinct mechanisms. While viable M. leprae promotes transcriptional modifications that allow the bacteria to survive through the use of the host cell's internal machinery and the subvert of host metabolites, components of the dead bacteria are associated with the generation of a harmful nerve microenvironment. Therefore, understanding the pathognomonic characteristics mediated by viable and dead M. leprae are essential for elucidating leprosy disease and its associated reactional episodes. Moreover, the impact of the viable and dead bacteria in Schwann cells is largely unknown and their gene signature profiling has, as yet, been poorly explored. In this study, we analyzed the early differences in the expression profile of genes involved in peripheral neuropathy, dedifferentiation and plasticity, neural regeneration, and inflammation in human Schwann cells challenged with viable and dead M. leprae. We substantiated our findings by analyzing this genetic profiling in human nerve biopsies of leprosy and non-leprosy patients, with accompanied histopathological analysis. We observed that viable and dead bacteria distinctly modulate Schwann cell genes, with emphasis to viable bacilli upregulating transcripts related to glial cell plasticity, dedifferentiation and anti-inflammatory profile, while dead bacteria affected genes involved in neuropathy and pro-inflammatory response. In addition, dead bacteria also upregulated genes associated with nerve support, which expression profile was similar to those obtained from leprosy nerve biopsies. These findings suggest that early exposure to viable and dead bacteria may provoke Schwann cells to behave differentially, with far-reaching implications for the ongoing neuropathy seen in leprosy patients, where a mixture of active and non-active bacteria are found in the nerve microenvironment.
Making Provision for First-Hand Nature-Based Learning Within a Botanic Garden

This paper reports on a study of nature play in two botanic gardens where there are normally strict rules about touching and handling plants. Features of nature-based play and learning are presented, and the available evidence is drawn together as the basis for a series of nature interventions trialed within a botanic garden. Data were recorded using three methods: time-sampled observations, annotation of intervention-specific maps, and follow-up feedback forms completed by adults. Findings evidence that the nature play can be fostered in botanic gardens and it is advantageous to support such interaction by carefully promoting play in designated spaces. Visitors embraced play opportunities and valued the freedom to behave and investigate in ways that are a departure from tradition and given the lack of research regarding such play and learning environments such findings ought to be noted as addressing a gap within the literature. Findings are relevant to comparable sites that encounter challenges when balancing differing agendas that include nature conservation with visitor experience. Botanic gardens can offer a useful route to examine conservation, environmental understanding, and stewardship with the youngest members of society as nature play experiences are first-hand and locally relevant.
Multivessel vs. Culprit Vessel-Only Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background The optimal revascularization strategy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicating by cardiogenic shock (CS) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) compared to culprit vessel-only PCI (CO-PCI) for the treatment, only in patients with STEMI with CS. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Studies assessed the efficacy outcomes of short (in-hospital or 30 days)/long-term mortality, cardiac death, myocardial reinfarction, repeat revascularization, and safety outcomes of stroke, bleeding, acute renal failure with MV-PCI vs. CO-PCI in patients with STEMI with CS were included. The publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Results A total of 15 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in short- and long-term mortality in patients treated with MV-PCI compared to CO-PCI group [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.48; OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.58–1.28]. Similarly, there were no significant differences in cardiac death (OR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.44–1.00), myocardial reinfarction (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 0.77–2.00), repeat revascularization (OR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.40–1.42), bleeding (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 0.53–4.43), or stroke (OR = 1.42; 95% CI, 0.90–2.23) between the two groups. There was a higher risk in acute renal failure (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04–1.69) in patients treated with MV-PCI when compared with CO-PCI. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that there may be no significant benefit for patients with STEMI complicating CS treated with MV-PCI compared with CO-PCI, and patients are at increased risk of developing acute renal failure after MV-PCI intervention.
Impact of Concrete Pavement Structural Response on Rolling Resistance and Vehicle Fuel Economy

Reduction in vehicle fuel consumption is one of the main benefits considered in technical and economic evaluations of road improvements. The study described in this paper investigated the increase in vehicle energy consumption caused by the structural response of a concrete pavement to a moving load. First, the day and night falling weight deflectometer deflection time histories were measured for three concrete sections; their mechanical characteristics were then backcalculated. Second, a finite element model (DYNASLAB) was used to determine the pavement structural response under moving load for all three sections under different wheel loading conditions (passenger car, SUV, and articulated truck), vehicle speeds, and temperatures. As the rolling wheels move forward, the local deflection basin caused by the delayed deformation of the subgrade and the rotation of the slab form a positive slope. The energy dissipated was calculated as the energy required for a rolling wheel to move uphill. Finally, the calorific values of gasoline and diesel were used to convert energy into fuel consumption excess. The maximum deflection-induced energy consumption is about 0.08% of the total consumption for articulated trucks, which is small compared with 1.9% for asphalt pavements at high temperatures and low speeds, as reported by other studies.
Promoting CM Student Success: Establishing an Academic Performance Benchmark Given Construction-Education Self-Efficacy, Motivation and Planned Behavior

ABSTRACT High levels of self-efficacy, motivation and intentions to perform well are necessary to achieve high grade point averages (GPA) in demanding academic programs including engineering, mathematics and the sciences. However, scant research has investigated these constructs within the domain of construction management (CM) education. The Construction Training Attitudes and Intentions Scale (CTAIS), which adapts self-efficacy, motivation and planned behavior constructs to the construction-education domain, was administered among CM and Non-CM students (n = 633) enrolled in courses required for a bachelor degree at three American Council for Construction Education accredited programs. Significant differences (p < .001) in construction-education domain-level constructs were observed for CM and Non-CM majors providing evidence of face validity. CM majors (n = 587) were separated for ANOVA. Significant differences in self-efficacy (p = .014) and planned behavior (p = .001) were observed by GPA. Post-hoc analysis revealed differences in these constructs based on GPA above, or below, 3.0. CM majors (n = 587) were aggregated using the 3.0 GPA benchmark (GPA > 3.0, n = 328; GPA< 3.0, n = 239). T-test results revealed significantly higher levels of self-efficacy (p = .001) and planned behavior (p < .001) among students with GPAs above 3.0. This study provides CM educators with a domain-specific measure to target students for interventions that promote success. Limitations and opportunities for further research are discussed.
Randomized control trial on the efficacy of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 4659 in reducing inflammatory markers in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis

Introduction Recent guidelines suggest treating acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) without antibiotics. We tested the efficacy of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 4659 in AUD. Primary outcome was the reduction of abdominal pain and inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (C-RP) and calprotectin]. Secondary outcome was the reduction of hours of hospitalization. Patients and methods A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 119 patients with AUD. The probiotic group (61 patients) was treated with fluids, bowel rest and L. reuteri/b.i. d. for 10 days. The placebo group (58 patients) was treated with the same therapy and placebo/b.i. d. for 10 days. All patients completed a daily visual analogue scale (VAS) for abdominal pain. Results Both groups showed a mean VAS score of 7 at enrolment and a reduction of 4 points after 3 days. C-RP value, after 72 h, decreased by 58.8% in the probiotic group and by only 40% in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Calprotectin levels, after 72 h, decreased by 17% in the probiotic group and by only 10.6% in the control group (P < 0.05). In the probiotic group, the hospitalization was done for 75.5 h compared to 83.5 in the placebo group. Conclusions The supplementation with L. reuteri 4659 together with bowel rest and fluids significantly reduced both blood and faecal inflammatory markers compared to the placebo group.
An Educational Module for the Use of the Erector Spinae Plane Block to Control Postoperative Pain and Reduce Opioid Consumption in Adult Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery

5 INTRODUCTION . 6 Description of the Problem . 6 Background . 7 Clinical Significance . 8 Objectives of the Systematic Review-PICO question . 10 METHODOLOGY OF LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 Information Sources and Search Strategy . 10 Selection Process and Screening of Evidence . 11 Study Screening Method . 13 Collection, Analysis, and Data Items . 14 RESULTS OF LITERATURE REVIEW . 14 Study Selection . 14 Study Characteristics . 15 ESPB Versus Placebo . 15 ESPB Versus Other Thoracic Regional Techniques . 17 DISCUSSION OF LITERATURE REVIEW . 22 Summary of the Evidence . 22 Limitations of the Systematic Review . 24 Recommendations for Future Research . 24 CONCLUSION OF LITERATURE REVIEW . 25 METHODOLOGY OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT . 25 Setting and Participant Recruitment . 26 Intervention . 26 Implementation Procedures . 27
TWO PHOTOIONIZATION, ACCRETION AND FEEDBACK MODES

We present HST /ACS narrow-band images of a low-z sample of 19 3C radio galaxies to study the H α and [O III] emissions from the narrow-line region (NLR). Based on nuclear emission line ratios, we divide the sample into High and Low Excitation Galaxies (HEGs and LEGs). We observe diﬀerent line morphologies, extended line emission on kpc scale, large [O III]/H α scatter across the galaxies, and a radio-line alignment. In general, HEGs show more prominent emission line properties than LEGs: larger, more disturbed, more luminous, and more massive regions of ionized gas with slightly larger covering factors. We ﬁnd evidence of correlations between line luminosities and (radio and X-ray) nuclear luminosities. All these results point to a main common origin, the active nucleus, which ionize the surrounding gas. However, the contribution of additional photoionization mechanism (jet shocks and star formation) are needed to account for the diﬀerent line properties of the two classes. A relationship between the accretion, photoionization and feedback modes emerges from this study. For LEGs (hot-gas accretors), the synchrotron emission from the jet represents the main source of ionizing photons. The lack of cold gas and star formation in their hosts accounts for the moderate ionized-gas masses and sizes. For HEGs (cold-gas accretors), an ionizing continuum from a standard disk and shocks from the powerful jets are the main sources of photoionization, with the contribution from star formation. These components, combined with the large reservoir of cold/dust gas brought from a recent merger, account for the properties of their extended emission-line regions. galaxies: elliptical and lenticular, cD – galaxies: jets – quasars: emission lines – galaxies: ISM
Linagliptin, a Selective Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor, Reduces Physical and Behavioral Effects of Morphine Withdrawal

(1) Background: Recent data indicate that receptors for GLP-1 peptide are involved in the activity of the mesolimbic system. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, linagliptin, on morphine dependence in mice. (2) Methods: Morphine dependence in mice was obtained by administration of increasing doses of morphine for eight consecutive days, twice a day. On the 9th day of the experiment, the naloxone-induced (2 mg/kg, ip) morphine withdrawal signs (jumping) were assessed. Moreover, behavioral effects of short-term (60 h after morphine discontinuation) and long-term (14 days after morphine discontinuation) morphine withdrawal were observed. In terms of behavioral effects, the depressive effect in the forced swim test and anxiety in the elevated plus maze test were investigated. Locomotor activity of mice was also studied. (3) Results: The administration of linagliptin (10 and 20 mg/kg, ip) for 8 consecutive days before morphine injections significantly diminished the number of naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs (jumping) in mice. In addition, the cessation of morphine administration induced depressive behavior in mice which were observed during short- and long-term morphine withdrawal. Linagliptin administered during morphine withdrawal significantly reduced the depressive behavior in studied mice. Furthermore, the short-term morphine withdrawal evoked anxiety which also was reduced by linagliptin in mice. (4) Conclusions: The present study reveals that GLP-1 receptors are involved in morphine dependence. What is more, linagliptin might be a valuable drug in attenuating the physical symptoms of morphine dependence. It might be also a useful drug in reducing emotional disturbances which may develop during the morphine withdrawal period.
Queries on semantic building digital twins for robot navigation

Autonomous mobile robots are starting to be deployed in complex built environments where they need to navigate to complete the given tasks. In order to navigate, autonomous mobile robots often rely on environmental maps. In this paper, we explore a novel approach to automatically create topological and metric environmental maps from BIM data exported to a graph database. We deﬁne queries on the exported graph data-base which retrieve the data needed to create the maps automatically. We validate our approach by applying standard path planning algorithms such as A* on the generated maps showing that they are suitable for computing optimal paths. We regard this work as a ﬁrst step to connect linked data methods to robotics algorithms and use-cases. The results show the feasibility and potential of exploiting the semantic richness of the data available from BIM.
Autonomous Learning Readiness and English Language Performance of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Libyan Secondary School Students

: This study examined students‘ readiness to be autonomous and how it connected and inﬂuenced their English language performance. The research design was a mixed method (convergent parallel design). The data were collected from a Libyan Secondary school in Malaysia. 103 students were selected to answer the questionnaire and 10 for interviews. All the data collected were analysed by using the (SPSS) version 24 and NVivo pro 10. The ﬁndings showed that the Libyan secondary school students were ready to carry out autonomous learning. Students preferred to learn English outside the classroom and they aimed at improving their mastery of the English language to an advanced level. Gender was signiﬁcantly correlated to learner autonomy and had a moderate inﬂuence on learner autonomy. Students’ autonomous learning readiness was signiﬁcantly correlated to English language performance. Recommendations were made to enhance students’ autonomous learning
Topological Structure of Solution Set to a Fractional Differential Inclusion Problem with Delay

In this paper, we investigate the topological structure of the solution set to a fractional differential inclusion with delay defined on the half-line. We first prove that the solution set to the inclusion is an Rδ-set on compact intervals. Then, by means of the inverse limit method, we generalize our results to noncompact intervals. Moreover, under convex and nonconvex conditions, an Rδ-property solution set is obtained for some nonlocal problems, where the nonlocal function is set-valued. Further, we study the symmetry of the solution set under some conditions.
Fault-Tolerant Vision for Vehicle Guidance in Agriculture

We present a fast integrated approach for online segmentation of images for outdoor robots. A compact color and texture descriptor has been developed to describe local color and texture variations in an image. This descriptor is then used in a two-stage fast clustering framework using K-means to perform online segmentation of natural images. We present results of applying our descriptor for segmenting a synthetic image and compare it against other state-of-the-art descriptors. We also apply our segmentation algorithm to the task of detecting natural paths in outdoor images. The whole system has been demonstrated to work online alongside localization, 3D obstacle detection, and planning.
Photoelasticity. Principles and Methods

By H. T. Jessop and F. C. Harris New York: Dover Publications, Inc. Pp. viii + 184. Price $2.00. It is stated in the authors' introduction that this paperback edition is not intended to be a treatise on photoelasticity. The worth of the book lies in the fact that the price is such that many laboratories and research departments now interested in the technique can consider its purchase.
The impact of the European patent system on SMEs and national states 1

A centralized and federal patent system in the EU changes economic and constitutional law struc-tures by creating a ‘nationalized’ international patent. As the underlying economic policy has concentrated on the development needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for 99% of all businesses in Europe, statistical analysis and data of their patenting activity and patent ownership are used to assess whether the new regime can help or hinder SMEs and the states in which they are based. Due consideration is given to the monopoly effect of patents and the adversarial nature of the judicial, federal system that is introduced in the absence of a federation of states. Although there are always costs and benefits in such a system, new legal/institutional developments amplify existing imbalances in technological and economic capacities between and within member states, and between them and non-EU states.
Translational Strategies to Target Metastatic Bone Disease

Metastatic bone disease is a common and devastating complication to cancer, confounding treatments and recovery efforts and presenting a significant barrier to de-escalating the adverse outcomes associated with disease progression. Despite significant advances in the field, bone metastases remain presently incurable and contribute heavily to cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms associated with metastatic bone disease perpetuation and paralleled disruption of bone remodeling are highlighted to convey how they provide the foundation for therapeutic targets to stem disease escalation. The focus of this review aims to describe the preclinical modeling and diagnostic evaluation of metastatic bone disease as well as discuss the range of therapeutic modalities used clinically and how they may impact skeletal tissue.
Positively Regulates CD99L2 Trafficking to Interaction of CD99 with Its Paralog CD99L2

Mouse CD99 and its paralog CD99-like 2 (CD99L2) are surface proteins implicated in cellular adhesion and migration. Although their distributions overlap in a wide variety of cells, their physical/functional relationship is currently unknown. In this study, we show the interaction between the two molecules and its consequence for membrane trafﬁcking of mouse (m)CD99L2. The interaction was analyzed by bimolecular ﬂuorescence complementation, immunoprecipitation, and ﬂuorescence resonance energy transfer assays. When coexpressed, mCD99 formed heterodimers with mCD99L2, as well as homodimers, and the heterodimers were localized more efﬁciently at the plasma membrane than were the homodimers. Their interaction was cytoplasmic domain– dependent and enhanced mCD99L2 trafﬁcking to the plasma membrane regardless of whether it was transiently overexpressed or endogenously expressed. Surface levels of endogenous mCD99L2 were markedly low on thymocytes, splenic leukocytes, and CTL lines derived from CD99-deﬁcient mice. Importantly, the surface levels of mCD99L2 on mCD99-deﬁcient cells recovered signiﬁcantly when wild-type mCD99 was exogenously introduced, but they remained low when a cytoplasmic domain mutant of mCD99 was introduced. Our results demonstrate a novel role for mCD99 in membrane trafﬁcking of mCD99L2, providing useful insights into controlling transendothelial migration of leukocytes. The Journal of Immunology , 2013, 191: 5730–5742. To measure FRETefﬁciency, images of the donor (CFP) and acceptor (YFP) were acquired before and after photobleaching of YFP to 25% of its initial intensity in selected regions of interest. FRET efﬁciency was calculated by using the following formula: [1 2 (CFP Intensity prebleach /CFP Intensity postbleach )] 3 100 (%). The unbleached areas were used as controls for sample movement and/or laser power ﬂuctuations.
Caught off Base: A Note on the Interpretation of Incremental Fit Indices

Abstract This note serves as a reminder that incremental fit indices are a form of standardized effect sizes and hence, all reservations with respect to interpretations of standardized effect sizes also transfer to their interpretation. Such a realization has major implications for the interpretation and use of incremental fit indices, for the theoretical (im)possibility of default universal rules of thumb in their application, and for simulation studies mapping incremental fit indices as if their value is comparable in an absolute sense across any and all conditions. A small but illustrative working example centered around the alleged impact of model type will drive these points home.