Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent Innovations in Undergraduate Civil Engineering Curriculums

Recent innovations in undergraduate civil engineering (CE) education are compiled from the following sources: the results of a survey of CE department heads and the eight National Science Foundation (NSF) funded engineering education coalitions; and from a literature review of two engineering education journals from January 1990 to July 1995—the American Society of Civil Engineers \IJournal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice\N and the American Society for Engineering Education \IJournal of Engineering Education\N. The results of this compilation show the following themes emerging: (1) A decrease in the number of credit hours for the undergraduate degree; (2) new degree options and degrees in environmental engineering; (3) strong emphasis in design courses on multidisciplinary approaches, team dynamics, industry projects, and practitioner input/evaluation; (4) increasing emphasis on communication skills in CE classes; (5) innovative course materials in the forms of multimedia presentations, simulation software, and communications via the Internet and the World Wide Web; (6) new and revised laboratories to provide hands-on design and analysis experiences; (7) synthesis of previously separated courses; and (8) increasing interest in evaluation and assessment.
Intravital imaging reveals glomerular capillary distension and endothelial and immune cell activation early in Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in type IV collagen that lead to defective glomerular basement membrane, glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) damage, and progressive chronic kidney disease. While the genetic basis of AS is well known, the molecular and cellular mechanistic details of disease pathogenesis have been elusive, hindering the development of mechanism-based therapies. Here, we performed intravital multiphoton imaging of the local kidney tissue microenvironment in a X-linked AS mouse model to directly visualize the major drivers of AS pathology. Severely distended glomerular capillaries and aneurysms were found accompanied by numerous microthrombi, increased glomerular endothelial surface layer (glycocalyx) and immune cell homing, GFB albumin leakage, glomerulosclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis by 5 months of age, with an intermediate phenotype at 2 months. Renal histology in mouse or patient tissues largely failed to detect capillary aberrations. Treatment of AS mice with hyaluronidase or the ACE inhibitor enalapril reduced the excess glomerular endothelial glycocalyx and blocked immune cell homing and GFB albumin leakage. This study identified central roles of glomerular mechanical forces and endothelial and immune cell activation early in AS, which could be therapeutically targeted to reduce mechanical strain and local tissue inflammation and improve kidney function.
An HLA-I signature favouring KIR-educated Natural Killer cells mediates immune control of HIV in children and contrasts with the HLA-B-restricted CD8+ T-cell-mediated immune control in adults

Natural Killer (NK) cells contribute to HIV control in adults, but HLA-B-mediated T-cell activity has a more substantial impact on disease outcome. However, the HLA-B molecules influencing immune control in adults have less impact on paediatric infection. To investigate the contribution NK cells make to immune control, we studied >300 children living with HIV followed over two decades in South Africa. In children, HLA-B alleles associated with adult protection or disease-susceptibility did not have significant effects, whereas Bw4 (p = 0.003) and low HLA-A expression (p = 0.002) alleles were strongly associated with immunological and viral control. In a comparator adult cohort, Bw4 and HLA-A expression contributions to HIV disease outcome were dwarfed by those of protective and disease-susceptible HLA-B molecules. We next investigated the immunophenotype and effector functions of NK cells in a subset of these children using flow cytometry. Slow progression and better plasma viraemic control were also associated with high frequencies of less terminally differentiated NKG2A+NKp46+CD56dim NK cells strongly responsive to cytokine stimulation and linked with the immunogenetic signature identified. Future studies are indicated to determine whether this signature associated with immune control in early life directly facilitates functional cure in children.
A Test Setup for Evaluation of Harmonic Distortions in Precision Inertial Sensors

Steadily improving performance of inertial sensors necessitates significant enhancement of the methods and equipment used for their evaluation. As the nonlinearity of sensors decreases and gets close to that of the exciters, new challenges arise. One of them, addressed in this research, is a superposition of errors caused by the nonlinearity of tested devices with nonlinear distortions of excitation employed for experimental evaluation. This can lead to a cancellation, at least partial, of the effects of both imperfections and underestimation of the actual distortions of the evaluated sensors. We implement and analyze several system architectures and evaluate components of applicable motion generation systems from the viewpoint of satisfying the relevant, often conflicting requirements posed by the evaluation of high performance inertial sensors. Robust mechanical integration of the guidance, actuation, and measurement functions emerges as a key factor for achieving the needed quality of generated test patterns. We find precision air bearing stages, such as ABL1500 series (Aerotech) most suitable for implementing the needed experimental setup. We propose an architecture with two reciprocating stages, implement and evaluate its core components, and illustrate its performance with experimental results.
Prediction of liver stiffness by serum indexes in HCV-infected patients with or without HIV coinfection

Abstract Identification of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients should be a mainstay before starting treatment; however, the limited access of many centres to transient elastography (TE) is often a barrier for early assessments. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of serum indexes for predicting liver stiffness. Retrospective analysis of HCV patients (with or without HIV coinfection) routinely assessed in 7 centres in Spain. The diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and their combinations was evaluated using a recent TE examination as a reference test (liver stiffness ≥ 9.5 kPa and ≥12.5 kPa for advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively). In addition to area under the receiving operating characteristic curves, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value were estimated. The analysis included 1391 patients: 346 (25%) HIV-positive, 732 (53%) people who inject drugs, and 178 (13%) incarcerated. Advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were found in 557 (40%) and 351 (25%) patients, respectively. APRI < 0.5 (n = 595; 43%) had an NPV of 95% for excluding cirrhosis. Combined FIB-4 < 1.45 with APRI < 0.5 (n = 467; 34%) had an NPV of 87% for excluding advanced fibrosis. Combined APRI > 2 and FIB-4 > 3.25 (n = 134; 10%) had a positive predictive value of 89% for advanced fibrosis. Globally, this approach would avoid the need for TE in 53% of patients. HIV coinfection did not influence diagnostic accuracy. Inexpensive and simple serum indexes confidently allowed identifying the absence of cirrhosis and the presence of advanced fibrosis in 53% of a heterogeneous series of real-world HCV patients with or without HIV infection.
Loran-C measurement trials in Ireland and U. K. : interference, noise, and field strength results

A program of measurements is reported that has confirmed that carrier-wave interference is the key factor controlling Loran-C signal-to-noise ratio in Northwest Europe. The tests, held at eight sites in Ireland and the UK, identified 68 interfering signals, 17 of which exceeded the worst-case atmospheric noise. Many interferers were synchronous with Loran-C spectral lines. Especially prominent among the most serious interferers were Decca Navigator signals. The paper discusses the need for efficient filtering techniques and, where notch filters are used, the development of strategies to balance the conflicting claims of high-powered, wide-area interferers with those of the many low-powered Decca stations
Effects of elimination diets and clinical findings on mothers' anxiety in infants with food allergy with non-life-threatening reactions.

Summary Background. In food allergies (FA), the current treatment is eliminating the responsible food from the diet until tolerance develops. We aimed to determine the effects of the mother's elimination diets and clinical findings on the mothers' anxiety in infants with food allergy (FA) with non-life-threatening reactions. Methods. Our study included 100 infants with FA and 35 healthy infants as control. A data form was prepared to collect information about the infants' and their mothers' socio-demographic characteristics, clinical findings, features of the mother's elimination diet, and FA-related internet search. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was applied to all mothers. Results. The STAI (state anxiety and trait anxiety) scores of the mothers of the infants with FA were higher than the control group (p less than 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Of the infants with FA, 51% had food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), 29% had atopic dermatitis (AD), 20% had urticaria-angioedema (U/AE). It was found that state anxiety scores were higher in mothers whose child had FPIAP, who had multiple food eliminations, who followed the allergy groups on social media, and who made the elimination diet herself (p = 0.008, p = 0.048, p less than 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions. The state anxiety and trait anxiety of the mothers of the infants with FA were higher than the control group, and the state anxiety scores were higher especially in the mothers of infants with FPIAP and multiple food elimination.
SiC power Schottky and PiN diodes

The present state of SiC power Schottky and PiN diodes are presented in this paper. The design, fabrication, and characterization of a 130 A Schottky diode, 4.9 kV Schottky diode, and an 8.6 kV 4H-SiC PiN diode, which are considered to be significant milestones in the development of high power SiC diodes, are described in detail. Design guidelines and practical issues for the realization of high-power SiC Schottky and PiN diodes are also presented. Experimental results on edge termination techniques applied to newly developed, extremely thick (e.g., 85 and 100 /spl mu/m) 4H-SiC epitaxial layers show promising results. Switching and high-temperature measurements prove that SiC power diodes offer extremely low loss alternatives to conventional technologies and show the promise of demonstrating efficient power circuits. At sufficiently high on-state current densities, the on-state voltage drop of Schottky and PiN diodes have been shown to be comparable to those offered by conventional technologies.
Exploring Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Mindfulness Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults at Risk of Dementia: A Feasibility, Proof-of-Concept Study

Objectives: This study sought to explore feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of aerobic training (AT), mindfulness training (MT), or both (MT + AT) on cognitive function in older individuals at risk of dementia. Method: Participants were randomized to AT, MT, both, or usual care (UC). Z-scores of attention, verbal fluency, and episodic memory for non-demented adults (ZAVEN) were computed at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and 6 months since baseline. Results: Of the 36 enrolled participants (12 M, 24 F, mean age = 70.1 years), 97% were retained in the study at 6 months. At EOT, MT had higher ZAVEN scores than UC (b = .43, P =.03) and AT (b = .26, P = .10), while no differences were seen with MT + AT. A similar pattern was observed at a 6 month follow-up (all P values = .10). Discussion: MT may improve cognitive function in older individuals at risk of dementia. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a fully powered RCT.
Antigenic evolution of dengue viruses over 20 years

Description Variations in disease enhancement Secondary Dengue virus (DENV) infections can be dangerous if levels of antibodies from prior infection are inadequate to clear the virus. This RNA flavivirus exploits the presence of lower levels of heterotypic antibodies to infect immunoglobulin Fcγ receptor–bearing cells. Many RNA viruses also exhibit antigenic variation, which classically allows evasion of immune responses. Katzelnick et al. investigated whether antigenic variation in DENV has a biological function in a virus that courts immune responses to enhance replication (see the Perspective by Rohani and Drake). Using antigenic cartography on a panel of more than 400 DENV1-4 subtype samples isolated in Bangkok, Thailand, the authors found that antigenic variation in virus populations oscillated between similarity and dissimilarity across subtypes over time, with outbreaks correlating with periods of antigenic dissimilarity within serotypes. This pattern may be at least in part a result of the conflicting evolutionary pressures of immune evasion and immune enhancement. —CA For Dengue viruses, both individual antibody level and antigenic differences between specific infecting strains may be important for future disease risk. Infection with one of dengue viruses 1 to 4 (DENV1-4) induces protective antibodies against homotypic infection. However, a notable feature of dengue viruses is the ability to use preexisting heterotypic antibodies to infect Fcγ receptor–bearing immune cells, leading to higher viral load and immunopathological events that augment disease. We tracked the antigenic dynamics of each DENV serotype by using 1944 sequenced isolates from Bangkok, Thailand, between 1994 and 2014 (348 strains), in comparison with regional and global DENV antigenic diversity (64 strains). Over the course of 20 years, the Thailand DENV serotypes gradually evolved away from one another. However, for brief periods, the serotypes increased in similarity, with corresponding changes in epidemic magnitude. Antigenic evolution within a genotype involved a trade-off between two types of antigenic change (within-serotype and between-serotype), whereas genotype replacement resulted in antigenic change away from all serotypes. These findings provide insights into theorized dynamics in antigenic evolution.
Tiotropium treatment for bronchiectasis: a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Background Tiotropium via the HandiHaler device is an established long-acting, anticholinergic bronchodilator that prevents exacerbations and improves lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We hypothesised that tiotropium would reduce pulmonary exacerbations and improve lung function in patients with stable bronchiectasis and airflow limitation, and assessed the effect of tiotropium on these outcomes. Methods In a randomised, double-blind, two-period crossover trial, we recruited adult patients from three hospitals in New Zealand. Patients were excluded if they had a smoking history of >20 pack-years. Patients were assigned to either the tiotropium–placebo or placebo–tiotropium sequence in a 1:1 ratio, using randomly permuted blocks stratified by centre. Participants and investigators were masked to treatment allocation. Eligible patients received tiotropium 18 μg via HandiHaler daily for 6 months followed by 6 months of placebo, or vice versa, with a washout period of 4 weeks. The primary end-point was rate of event-based exacerbations during the 6-month period. Primary analyses were carried out in an intention-to-treat set. Results 90 patients were randomly assigned and 85 completed both treatment cycles. The rate of exacerbations was 2.17 per year under the tiotropium treatment and 2.27 per year under placebo (rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.72–1.27; p=0.77). Tiotropium, compared with placebo, improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s by 58 mL (95% CI 23–92 mL; p=0.002). Adverse events were similar under both treatments. Conclusions Tiotropium via HandiHaler over 6 months significantly improved lung function but not frequency of exacerbations. Further research is required to understand the clinical context and significance of these findings. This trial assessed tiotropium in adults with bronchiectasis. Daily tiotropium via HandiHaler over 6 months did not reduce exacerbations but improved lung function. More studies are required to identify those patients who will benefit from tiotropium. https://bit.ly/30oTuvz
L6H21 protects against cognitive impairment and brain pathologies via toll‐like receptor 4–myeloid differentiation factor 2 signalling in prediabetic rats

Chronic high‐fat diet (HFD) intake instigates prediabetes and brain pathologies, which include cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. The myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD‐2)/toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) complex plays a pivotal role in neuroinflammation. The MD‐2 inhibitor (L6H21) reduces systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances in HFD‐induced prediabetes. However, the potential role of L6H21, and its comparison with metformin, on brain pathologies in HFD‐induced prediabetes has never been investigated.
Plant endophytic bacteria: a potential resource pool of electroactive microorganisms

Electroactive microorganisms play a significant role in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). These devices, which are based on a wide microbial diversity, can convert a large array of organic matter components into sustainable and renewable energy. At present, electricity-producing microorganisms are mostly isolated from sewage, anaerobic sediments and soil, however, the sources are very limited. For a more comprehensive understanding of the electron transfer mechanism of the electricity-producing microorganisms and the interaction with the environment, it is necessary to obtain a thorough understanding of their resource distribution and discover potential resources. In this study, plant tissues were selected to isolate endophytic bacteria, and the electrochemical activity potential of those bacteria was evaluated by high-throughput screening with a WO3 nanoprobe. Twenty-six strains of endophytic bacteria were isolated from plant tissues belonging to Angelica and Sweet Potato, of which 17 strains from 6 genera had electrochemical activity, including Bacillus sp. , Pleomorphomonas sp. , Rahnella sp. , Shinella sp. , Paenibacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. Moreover, the electricity-producing microorganisms in the plant tissue are enriched. Microbial community analysis by high-throughput sequence indicated that Pseudomonas and Clostridioides are the dominant genera of MFC anode inoculated with angelica tissue.Staphylococcus and Lachnoclostridium 5 are the dominant genera in MFC anode inoculated with sweet potato tissue. And the most representative Gram-positive strain Staphylococcus succinus subsp. succinus H6 and plant tissue-inoculated MFC were further analyzed for electrochemical activity. After nearly 1500 h of voltage monitoring and cyclic voltammetry analysis, the results showed that a strain numbered H6 and plant tissue-inoculated MFC had a good electrogenerating activity. Importance Some biological characteristics of microorganisms are inextricably linked to their living environment. For plant endophytes, some of their biological characteristics have a profound impact on the host. The discovery of the production of electrobacteria in plants helps us to understand the interaction between microorganisms and plants more deeply. For example, there may be intercellular electron transfer between the internally producing bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fixation. In addition, there may be a connection between the weak electrical signal of the plant and the the endophytic electricity-producing microorganismsThe discovery of electricity-producing bacteria in plants also brings a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution of electricity-producing microbial resources and the mechanism of origin.
Effect of early enteral nutrition on critical care outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objective Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a comorbidity of ischemic stroke related to clinical outcomes. Early enteral nutrition (EEN; within 48 hours) reduces the incidence of infection and length of intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital stay. The relationship between EEN and critical care outcomes, including SAP, in patients with ischemic stroke has been insufficiently studied. Methods We recruited 499 patients in this retrospective observational study. We evaluated SAP incidence within 14 days from admission. Patients were divided into an EEN group and a late EN group (LEN; start later than EEN). We compared groups regarding background and length of ICU/hospital stay. Results EN was started within 48 hours in 236 patients. SAP was diagnosed in 94 patients (18.8%), with most in the LEN group (28.1% vs. 8.5%). Median [interquartile range] lengths of hospitalization (22 [12–30] days vs. 35 [20–45] days) and ICU stay (4 [2–5] days vs. 6 [3–8] days) were longer in the LEN group. EEN reduced the incidence of SAP. By contrast, consciousness disturbance and worsening consciousness level increased the SAP incidence. Increased age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were associated with start of prolonged EN. Conclusions We found that EEN may reduce SAP risk.
Role of membrane proteins in bacterial resistance to antimicrobial peptides

Several natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including the novel semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotics telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin, have been approved for clinical use to address the growing problem of multiple antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐positive bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these antibiotics has already been compromised. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic led to the increased clinical use of all antibiotics, further promoting the development of bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the role of resistance mechanisms to minimize the consequential risks of long‐term antibiotic use and misuse. Here, we summarize for the first time the current knowledge of resistance mechanisms that have been shown to cause resistance to clinically used AMPs, with particular focus on membrane proteins that have been reported to interfere with the activity of AMPs by affecting the binding of AMPs to bacteria.
Simulator Sickness in Virtual Environments.

Abstract : Virtual Reality (also known as Virtual Environment or VE) technology shows many promising applications in areas of training, medicine, architecture, astronomy, data handling, teleoperation, and entertainment. A potential threat to using this - technology is the mild to severe discomfort that some users experience during or after a VE session. Similar effects have been observed with flight and driving simulators. The simulator sickness literature forms a solid background for the study of sickness in virtual environments and many of the findings may be directly applicable. This report reviews literature concerning simulator sickness, motion sickness, and virtual environments. Forty factors that may be associated with simulator sickness in virtual environments are identified. These factors form three global categories: subject, simulator, and task. The known and predicted effects of these factors on sickness in VEs are discussed. A table summarizes the information presented in this report. The information can be used as a guide for future research concerning simulator sickness in virtual environments.