Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADAM10 Overexpression Shifts Lympho- and Myelopoiesis by Dysregulating Site 2/Site 3 Cleavage Products of Notch

Although the physiological consequences of Notch signaling in hematopoiesis have been extensively studied, the differential effects of individual notch cleavage products remain to be elucidated. Given that ADAM10 is a critical regulator of Notch and that its deletion is embryonically lethal, we generated mice that overexpress ADAM10 (ADAM10 transgenic [A10Tg]) at early stages of lympho- and myeloid development. Transgene expression resulted in abrogated B cell development, delayed T cell development in the thymus, and unexpected systemic expansion of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells, also known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Mixed bone marrow reconstitution assays demonstrated that transgene expression altered hematopoiesis via a cell-intrinsic mechanism. Consistent with previously reported observations, we hypothesized that ADAM10 overexpression dysregulated Notch by uncoupling the highly regulated proteolysis of Notch receptors. This was confirmed using an in vitro model of hematopoiesis via culturing A10Tg hematopoietic Lineage−Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells with OP-9 stromal cells in the presence or absence of Delta-like 1, a primary ligand for Notch. Blockade of the site 2 (S2) and site 3 (S3) cleavage of the Notch receptor demonstrated differential effects on hematopoiesis. OP9-DL1 cultures containing the ADAM10 inhibitor (S2 cleavage site) enhanced and rescued B cell development from wild-type and A10Tg Lineage−Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells, respectively. In contrast, blockade of γ-secretase at the S3 cleavage site induced accumulation of the S2 product and consequently prevented B cell development and resulted in myeloid cell accumulation. Collectively, these findings indicate that the differential cleavage of Notch into S2 and S3 products regulated by ADAM10 is critical to hematopoietic cell-fate determination.
Sealant use and placement techniques among pediatric dentists.

BACKGROUND Pit and fissure sealant use varies widely among dentists. The authors conducted a survey to determine the current variations and patterns of sealant placement among pediatric dentists. METHODS The authors mailed a 20-question survey to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members from six states, who represented one-third (1,210) of the membership, as well as to all 52 pediatric dentistry departments in U.S. dental schools. The authors examined selection criteria, placement techniques, evaluation methodologies, and the one- and three-year estimated success and reapplication rates of sealant placement. RESULTS The response rates were 70 percent for practitioners and 90 percent for dental schools. Approximately 80 percent of respondents said they sealed caries-free and questionable carious surfaces. Only 20 percent of the respondents said they sealed incipient carious surfaces; none said they would seal overt caries. Surface preparation was used always or sometimes by 87 percent of the respondents. The estimated one- and three-year sealant retention rates were 89 percent and 78 percent, respectively, for practitioners and 83 percent and 71 percent, respectively, for dental schools. CONCLUSIONS The survey demonstrated wide variations in selection criteria, placement techniques and evaluation methodologies, yet showed remarkable similarities between practitioners and dental schools. The reported retention rates were consistent with those reported in the literature. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The survey results suggested that pediatric dentists were searching for evidence-based selection criteria and a technique protocol for sealant placement that improved clinical success. The wide technique variations reported were likely a result of training diversity, diagnostic uncertainty, technique and material sensitivity, and an attempt to improve the success rate.
Multinational Enterprises and the Sustainable Development Goals: What Do We Know and How to Proceed?

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) can play an important role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article examines what we know about their participation in implementing the SDGs and their impact, both positive and negative, on people, the planet, prosperity and peace as identified in the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. To this end, we review the research published in the main international business journals on five key SDGs that represent these “four Ps”, grouped into three categories: (1) poverty and inequality, (2) energy and climate change, and (3) peace. We summarize the findings of the 61 relevant studies and subsequently explore the UN’s “fifth P”, partnership, both in terms of published research on MNEs and the SDGs, and in terms of a collaborative agenda to help address the large challenges of the 2030 Agenda. In view of the relatively limited research on MNEs and SDGs thus far, academic institutions and international business scholars in particular are well-positioned to offer important insights about the role of business in supporting the SDGs, for which we offer suggestions, also in relation with other key actors.
Accuracy and Quality in the Nursing Documentation of Pressure Ulcers: A Comparison of Record Content and Patient Examination

OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy and describe the quality of nursing documentation of pressure ulcers in a hospital care setting. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey was used comparing retrospective audits of nursing documentation of pressure ulcers to previous physical examinations of patients. SETTING AND SUBJECTS All inpatient records (n = 413) from February 5, 2002, at the surgical/orthopedic (n = 144), medical (n = 182), and geriatric (n = 87) departments of one Swedish University hospital. INSTRUMENTS The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel data collection form and the Comprehensiveness In Nursing Documentation. METHODS All 413 records were reviewed for presence of notes on pressure ulcers; the findings were compared with the previous examination of patients' skin condition. Records with notes on pressure ulcers (n = 59) were audited using the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Comprehensiveness In Nursing Documentation instruments. RESULTS The overall prevalence of pressure ulcers obtained by audit of patient records was 14.3% compared to 33.3% when the patients' skin was examined. The lack of accuracy was most evident in the documentation of grade 1 pressure ulcers. The quality of the nursing documentation of pressure ulcer (n = 59) was generally poor. CONCLUSIONS Patient records did not present valid and reliable data about pressure ulcers. There is a need for guidelines to support the care planning process and facilitate the use of research-based knowledge in clinical practice. More attention must be focused on the quality of clinical data to make proper use of electronic patient records in the future.
Elucidation of Gene-to-Gene and Metabolite-to-Gene Networks in Arabidopsis by Integration of Metabolomics and Transcriptomics*

Since the completion of genome sequences of model organisms, functional identification of unknown genes has become a principal challenge in biology. Post-genomics sciences such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are expected to discover gene functions. This report outlines the elucidation of gene-to-gene and metabolite-to-gene networks via integration of metabolomics with transcriptomics and presents a strategy for the identification of novel gene functions. Metabolomics and transcriptomics data of Arabidopsis grown under sulfur deficiency were combined and analyzed by batch-learning self-organizing mapping. A group of metabolites/genes regulated by the same mechanism clustered together. The metabolism of glucosinolates was shown to be coordinately regulated. Three uncharacterized putative sulfotransferase genes clustering together with known glucosinolate biosynthesis genes were candidates for involvement in biosynthesis. In vitro enzymatic assays of the recombinant gene products confirmed their functions as desulfoglucosinolate sulfotransferases. Several genes involved in sulfur assimilation clustered with O-acetylserine, which is considered a positive regulator of these genes. The genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis clustered with the gene encoding a transcriptional factor that up-regulates specifically anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. These results suggested that regulatory metabolites and transcriptional factor genes can be identified by this approach, based on the assumption that they cluster with the downstream genes they regulate. This strategy is applicable not only to plant but also to other organisms for functional elucidation of unknown genes.
Cryopreservation and mycophenolate therapy are detrimental to hematopoietic progenitor cells

Background. The aim of the present study was to determine whether certain components of nonmyeloablative regimens for hematopoietic cell transplantation might compromise the growth of hematopoietic progenitors. Methods. Porcine peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) were cytokine-mobilized, collected by leukapheresis, and cryopreserved using 5% dimethyl sulfoxide and 6% hydroxyethyl starch. The influence of cryopreservation on PBPC was tested in vitro by enumeration of colony-forming units (CFUs) in methylcellulose and cobblestone area-forming cell (CAFC) subsets in stromal-associated long-term cultures on fresh and frozen PBPC. The effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on porcine PBPC and baboon and human bone marrow (BM) were tested in vitro by adding varying doses of MMF to the CFU assays. One baboon was treated with increasing doses of MMF (100–500 mg/kg per day continuously intravenous), and sequential BM aspirations were tested for CFU content. Results. Fresh cytokine-mobilized PBPC had similar frequencies of progenitor cells when compared with porcine BM. Freezing–thawing of PBPC had no effect on porcine CFUs but reduced the recovery of CAFCs by more than 90%. In vitro, MMF completely inhibited the development of porcine and human CFUs at a concentration of 1 &mgr;g/mL and of baboon CFUs at levels between 10 and 100 &mgr;g/mL. Plasma-free mycophenolic acid levels of 10 to 30 &mgr;g/mL were associated with decreased CFUs in the BM. Conclusions. Cryopreservation and MMF potentially prevent engraftment of porcine PBPC by reducing the content or development of progenitor cells. These results indicate that the use of fresh PBPC might improve the induction of mixed hematopoietic chimerism and raise the possibility that use of high doses of MMF in the poststem cell transplant may compromise engraftment.
The development of biological explanation: are children vitalists?

Whether and how an understanding of biological explantation changes with development was explored in interviews with 24-first graders, 24 third graders, and 24 adults. Participants were asked about the changeability of biological and psychological characteristics and the causal mechanisms underlying biological, psychological, and mechanical phenomena (using both open-ended and forced-choice questions). In saying how characteristics might be changed, children and adults similarly distinguished between biology and psychology; they also responded similarly to questions about specific processes underlying biological change. Children's attributions of intention or agency to biological organs or body parts (i.e., vitalistic attribution) did not differ from adults', contrary to previous findings. The authors concluded that children's thinking about biology is not necessarily more vitalistic than adults'.
Diabetes mellitus, high BMI and low education level predict sudden cardiac death within 24 hours of incident myocardial infarction

Background More than half of cardiovascular mortality occurs outside the hospital, mainly due to consistently low survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods This is a prospective, nested, case–control study derived from the Västerbotten Intervention Programme and the World Health Organization’s Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease study in northern Sweden (1986–2006). To determine predictors for sudden cardiac death risk factors for cardiovascular disease were compared between incident myocardial infarction with sudden cardiac death (n = 363) and survivors of incident myocardial infarction (n = 1998) using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Diabetes had the strongest association with sudden cardiac death out of all evaluated risk factors (odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–2.59), followed by low education (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.19–2.01), high body mass index (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08) and male sex (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.001–2.01). Conclusions The pattern of risk factors for incident myocardial infarction is different among survivors and those who die within 24 hours. The risk factors that contribute the most to death within 24 hours are diabetes mellitus, high body mass index and low education level, and can be addressed at both the public health level and by general practitioners.
Joint Learning of Distance Metric and Query Model for Posteriorgram-Based Keyword Search

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to keyword search (KWS) in low-resource languages, which provides an alternative method for retrieving the terms of interest, especially for the out of vocabulary (OOV) ones. Our system incorporates the techniques of query-by-example retrieval tasks into KWS and conducts the search by means of the subsequence dynamic time warping (sDTW) algorithm. For this, text queries are modeled as sequences of feature vectors and used as templates in the search. A Siamese neural network-based model is trained to learn a frame-level distance metric to be used in sDTW and the proper query model frame representations for this learned distance. Experiments conducted on Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity Babel Program's Turkish, Pashto, and Zulu datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. In each of the languages, the proposed system outperforms the large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) based baseline for OOV terms. Furthermore, the fusion of the proposed system with the baseline system provides an average relative actual term weighted value (ATWV) improvement of 13.9% on all terms and, more significantly, the fusion yields an average relative ATWV improvement of 154.5% on OOV terms. We show that this new method can be used as an alternative to conventional LVCSR-based KWS systems, or in combination with them, to achieve the goal of closing the gap between OOV and in-vocabulary retrieval performances.
Knowledge of and attitudes toward severe acute respiratory syndrome among a cohort of dental patients in Hong Kong following a major local outbreak.

OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge of and attitudes toward severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) among patients attending a teaching dental hospital and private dental practices in Hong Kong during a major local SARS outbreak. METHODS 250 dental patients were interviewed by questionnaire and 213 were interviewed by phone. RESULTS Less than one-third (30.0%) of the 463 respondents said they were not afraid of contracting the SARS coronavirus from their dentists and did not avoid dental treatment for that reason. Nearly three-fifths (56.7%) did not worry about contracting SARS from dental treatment. Fewer than 10% of the respondents thought that dentists ran a high risk of contracting SARS. From the patients' experiences, 85.2% and 21.7% of the dentists wore face masks and face shields, respectively, when delivering dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients interviewed had confidence in their dentists, their treatment environments, and the infection control measures taken, and were not worried about contracting SARS in the dental setting. This perception is an improvement from that described in an earlier study, in which more than half of the patients were concerned about contracting an infection during dental treatment and perceived that the infection control measures undertaken by the dental profession to prevent infectious diseases were not satisfactory. Patients, however, demanded better infection control measures during the SARS outbreak.
Long term glass-encapsulated packaging for implant electronics

Hermetic Titanium-alloy packaging (e.g., used in pacemakers and cochlear implants) has been accepted as the industrial standard for decades. However, two remaining issues of this well-known technology are the size and limited number of feedthroughs [1]. On the other hand, the next generation wireless intraocular retinal prosthetic devices do require unprecedented small size and large number of leads to be fitted inside a human eyeball so the traditional metal packaging is difficult to be implemented. Therefore, these new generation of microimplants will need a new packaging scheme. This paper then reports a new long-term packaging method using glass encapsulation featuring a controlled failure mode from fast diffusion to slow undercut. The results is promising that this new packaging scheme could survive more than 10 years by accelerated “active” lifetime soaking test (i.e., with electric field applied) in 0.9 wt. % saline solution. As a whole, this new method provides several advantages including easy employment, controllable long life time, and enhanced heat dissipation.
Carbon Nanotube-Based Photoconductive Switches for THz Detection: An Assessment of Capabilities and Limitations

Carbon nanotubes possess appealing properties for terahertz (THz) applications. This work investigates the contribution of these properties in the context of THz photoconductive (PC) switches as THz detectors. The analysis engages the received THz electric field, the optical excitation, and the photocarrier dynamics of the carbon nanotube material through Drude-Smith theory and equivalent circuit model. Through this analysis, the effect of each parameter in the detected current can be investigated. Based on a realistic numerical assessment and comparison with our measurements for a conventional LT-GaAs PC switch, it is found that improvement in detected current is theoretically achievable, depending on the relative value of the imaginary photoconductivity of the CNT film. This is a parameter that can be varied through chemical treatment of the film. We found that, unlike the case of PC switches as THz emitting devices where a higher mobility is desired for higher output THz power, the detected current in the THz receiving PC switch is a nonmonotonic function of the mobility in the single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) film. The capabilities and limitations revealed in this study set guidelines for fabrication and optimization of more efficient carbon nanotube-based THz receiving PC switches. The study also addresses the fabrication process and challenges.
Entrepreneurship and Self-Sustainability in Nigeria

The need for this study arose from the worrisome state of unemployment in the country and the obvious neglect of the direct effect of entrepreneurship to entrepreneurs. The study therefore, attempts to ascertain the possible relationship between entrepreneurship and self sustainability in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design and the six Geo-political zones of the country; south-east, south-south, south-west, north central, north east and north west constituted the population for the study from which a purposive sample of ten (10) entrepreneurs from each zone was taken with particular reference to those that have survived the five (5) years of existence and the total was 60. Data so collected was presented in tabular form and analyzed. The Friedman’s Chi-square was instrumental in the test of the hypothesis formulated and the result showed a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurship and self-sustainability in Nigeria. The study therefore, recommended that considering the pivotal role that entrepreneurship plays in enhancing self-sustainability in the economy, all hands must be on desk to encourage and support entrepreneurial activities in order to curb the high level menace of unemployment rate as well as provide a supporting ground for economic sustainability of the country.
The media and the message: lessons learned from past public service campaigns.

This document presents an overview of lesson learned from evaluating public service campaigns summarizes current thinking and research on how the media can be used in social change movements and articulates a set of guidelines that can help shape the development of future campaigns. The lessons have been organized around a series of steps that planners should follow in developing implementing and evaluating a public service campaign. These steps are the following: 1) establish a long-term commitment; 2) determine goals and objectives; 3) conduct formative research to define the campaign; 4) select target audience; 5) design campaign messages; 6) select appropriate media channels; 7) maximize media exposure; and 8) conduct process and outcome evaluation. These lessons have their origin in two major traditions: 1) commercial marketing advertising and public relations; 2) public health practice. What emerges from this analysis is not a blueprint for creating a public service campaign but a set of general principles than can be used to stimulate ideas manage the process of campaign development and implementation and judge campaign results.
Corneal biomechanical properties and retinal vascular caliber in children.

PURPOSE To examine the relationship between corneal biomechanical properties and retinal vascular caliber in Singaporean children in a cross-sectional study of 257 healthy subjects from the Singapore Cohort Study of Risk Factors for Myopia. METHODS Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOP(CC)) were measured with a patented dynamic bi-directional applanation device. Digital retinal photography was performed, and retinal vascular caliber was measured with custom software. The central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were calculated, representing the average arteriolar and venular calibers. Spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, axial length, height, weight, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were measured. RESULTS Mean values of this study were as follows: age of study subjects, 13.97 +/- 0.90 years; CH, 11.80 +/- 1.55 mm Hg; CRF, 11.83 +/- 1.72 mm Hg; CCT, 578.76 +/- 34.47 microm; IOP(CC), 15.12 +/- 2.84 mm Hg; CRAE, 151.70 +/- 15.54 microm; CRVE, 227.51 +/- 22.82 microm. After controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, father's educational level, MABP, IOP, and SE, there was a significant increase in CRAE by 1.40 microm (95% CI: 0.17-2.61; P = 0.03) for every 1.55 mm Hg increase in CH and by 1.68 microm (95% CI: 0.21-3.15; P = 0.03) for every 1.72 mm Hg increase in CRF. There were no significant associations between CRVE and CH, CRF, CCT, or IOP. CONCLUSIONS Lower CH and CRF are associated with narrower retinal arterioles in Singaporean children.