Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Digital and Physical Simulation to Focus on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Aviation Maintainability

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the differences in the assessments made by three simulation tools used in a maintainability design office to perform human factor/ergonomics (HFE) analysis: digital human modeling (DHM), virtual reality (VR), and physical mock-up (PMU). Background: Maintainability engineers use digital/physical simulation tools in the early design phase to analyze whether the design is well adapted for maintenance operators. Knowing the potential of these simulation tools would encourage maintainability stakeholders to integrate HFE in the design process more efficiently. Method: Eleven maintenance tasks were analyzed from the participation of six maintenance operators. Various HFE indicators including physical, cognitive, and organizational indicators were assessed. Each operator repeated 11 maintenance tasks on VR and PMU. Based on the anthropometric parameters, six manikins were created to analyze 11 maintenance tasks on DHM. Results: A significant difference was found for the organizational indicators between VR and PMU, whereas the physical and cognitive indicators are similar. DHM, VR, and PMU are compared with the common HFE indicators for the physical dimension and present a significant difference for individual tasks. Conclusion: To reduce the gap between simulation tools, a better physical representation is requested on the VR platform, improving the perception of work sequences in the virtual world. Concerning DHM, a new paradigm is proposed to study a few tasks per work area instead of studying each task independently. Application: This study will help develop a new methodology and tools specifically for non-HFE experts in the maintainability department.
Operation and Control of Converter Based Single Phase Distributed Generators in a Utility Connected Grid

: The operation and control of converter based single phase distributed generators (DG) in a utility connected grid is proposed in this paper. A common utility practice is to distribute the household single-phase loads evenly between the three phases. The voltage unbalance between the phases remains within a reasonable limit. The single phase sources are operated to deliver available maximum power generated while the rest of the power demands in each of the phases are supplied by the utility (and if available, three phase DG sources). However, the voltage unbalance can be severe if single-phase rooftop mounted PVs are distributed randomly among the households. Moreover, there can also be single-phase nonlinear loads present in the system. The cumulative effect of all these will cause power quality problem on the utility side. The problem can be macabre if three-phase active loads (e.g., induction motors) are connected to the utility feeder.
Asynchronous telepsychiatry: A systematic review

Introduction Healthcare providers and systems increasingly utilize telehealth modalities to address barriers and challenges for healthcare delivery. Specialties, such as psychiatry, are testing asynchronous methods for telehealth delivery. The National Quality Forum (NQF) developed a framework with which to assess the quality of telemedicine according to measures and measure concepts within four domains. This review assesses existing asynchronous telepsychiatry (ATP) research according to the telehealth domains established by NQF, evaluates the prevalence and quality of ATP, and identifies the areas in which more research must be conducted. Methods A systematic review of ATP methods was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were categorized according to NQF telehealth domains and subdomains to further examine study outcomes. Results The review initially identified 205 studies that were narrowed down to a final sample of 11 articles. Of the final articles, most studies addressed the effectiveness of ATP or users’ experience with ATP. Discussion The initial investigation of published ATP literature suggests promising results. ATP studies suggest that these services improve access to care, can be feasibly implemented by the clinical team, maintain patient/family satisfaction, and potentially reduce the cost of services. The limited sample of published literature necessitates further study of the practice in order to assess ATP according to the quality domains identified by NQF, especially access to care for patients and caregivers, the financial costs incurred by both providers and patients, and barriers to uptake.
Biosynthesis of ambrein in ambergris: evidence from isotopic data and identification of possible intermediates

Abstract Ambrein is found in ambergris, a coprolith occurring in the rectum of the sperm whale. In vitro, ambrein is produced by enzymatic cyclisation of squalene, via a monocyclic intermediate. However, little is known of the in vivo process. In order to find evidence for the reaction in vivo, a comparison was made of the δ13C relative isotopic ratios of ambrein in ambergris with those of co-occurring sterols. A statistically significant difference was noted. This suggests that ambrein originates via a different biosynthetic mechanism from that of the sterols. Examination of the minor constituents of a hydrogenolysed extract of ambergris revealed compounds with a bicyclic polypodane nucleus, rather than those with monocyclic structures. It is hypothesised that in vivo biosynthesis of ambrein proceeds, at least in some cases, via bacterial production of bicyclic polypodenols. The latter are known products of non-concerted squalene (or squalene oxide) cyclisations in other organisms. Graphical Abstract
Potential Inhibitors of the Activity of the Cholesterol-Ester Transfer Protein

The cholesterol-ester transfer protein (CETP) exchanges lipids between high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). The excessive transport of lipids from HDLs to LDLs mediated by this protein can cause an alteration in the deposition of lipoproteins onto the arterial walls, thus promoting the development of arteriosclerosis. Different CETP inhibitors have been tested in recent years, but none has been confirmed as being effectively palliative for the disease. We employed in silico databases and molecular docking as a computational method to predict how potential CETP inhibitors could interact with the active site of the CETP protein. Upon previously comparing two computer software packages to determine which generated a greater number of accurate CETP-inhibitor-complex structures, we chose the more appropriate program for our studies. We then abstracted a series of databases of known CETP inhibitors and noninhibitors exhibiting different 50% concentrations of CETP-inhibitory (INH) activity, to generate virtual structures for docking with different combinations of the CETP receptor. From this process, we obtained as the most suitable structure 4F2A_1OB_C_PCW-it accordingly having a greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The molecular docking of known compounds in comparison with the respective conformation of this inhibitor enabled us to obtain ΔGs (in kcal/mol) from which data we made a first exploration of unknown compounds for CETP-INH activity. Thus, the 4F2A_1OB_C_PCW structure was docked with DrugBank-Approved commercial compounds in an extensive database, whose status had already been established from pharmacokinetics and toxicology. In this study, we present a group of potential compounds as CETP-inhibitor candidates.
Characterization of multiphase flows integrating X-ray imaging and virtual reality

Multiphase flows are used in a wide variety of industries, from energy production to pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, because of the complexity of the flows and difficulty measuring them, it is challenging to characterize the phenomena inside a multiphase flow. To help overcome this challenge, researchers have used numerous types of noninvasive measurement techniques to record the phenomena that occur inside the flow. One technique that has shown much success is X-ray imaging. While capable of high spatial resolutions, X-ray imaging generally has poor temporal resolution. This research improves the characterization of multiphase flows in three ways. First, an X-ray image intensifier is modified to use a high-speed camera to push the temporal limits of what is possible with current tube source X-ray imaging technology. Using this system, sample flows were imaged at 1000 frames per second without a reduction in spatial resolution. Next, the sensitivity of X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurements to changes in acquisition parameters is analyzed. While in theory CT measurements should be stable over a range of acquisition parameters, previous research has indicated otherwise. The analysis of this sensitivity shows that, while raw CT values are strongly affected by changes to acquisition parameters, if proper calibration techniques are used, acquisition parameters do not significantly influence the results for multiphase flow imaging. Finally, two algorithms are analyzed for their suitability to reconstruct an approximate tomographic slice from only two X-ray projections. These algorithms increase the spatial error in the measurement, as compared to traditional CT; however, they allow for very high temporal resolutions for 3D imaging. The only limit on the speed of this measurement technique is the image intensifiercamera setup, which was shown to be capable of imaging at a rate of at least 1000 FPS.
Structural Insights into the Mechanism of Carbapenemase Activity of the OXA-48 β-Lactamase

Carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D carbapenemases (CHDLs) are enzymes that produce resistance to the last-resort carbapenem antibiotics, severely compromising the available therapeutic options for the treatment of life-threatening infections. A broad variety of CHDLs, including OXA-23, OXA-24/40, and OXA-58, circulate in Acinetobacter baumannii, while the OXA-48 CHDL is predominant in Enterobacteriaceae. ABSTRACT Carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D carbapenemases (CHDLs) are enzymes that produce resistance to the last-resort carbapenem antibiotics, severely compromising the available therapeutic options for the treatment of life-threatening infections. A broad variety of CHDLs, including OXA-23, OXA-24/40, and OXA-58, circulate in Acinetobacter baumannii, while the OXA-48 CHDL is predominant in Enterobacteriaceae. Extensive structural studies of A. baumannii enzymes have provided important information regarding their interactions with carbapenems and significantly contributed to the understanding of the mechanism of their carbapenemase activity. However, the interactions between carbapenems and OXA-48 have not yet been elucidated. We determined the X-ray crystal structures of the acyl-enzyme complexes of OXA-48 with four carbapenems, imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, and doripenem, and compared them with those of known carbapenem complexes of A. baumannii CHDLs. In the A. baumannii enzymes, acylation by carbapenems triggers significant displacement of one of two conserved hydrophobic surface residues, resulting in the formation of a channel for entry of the deacylating water into the active site. We show that such a channel preexists in apo–OXA-48 and that only minor displacement of the conserved hydrophobic surface residues occurs upon the formation of OXA-48 acyl-enzyme intermediates. We also demonstrate that the extensive hydrophobic interactions that occur between a conserved hydrophobic bridge of the A. baumannii CHDLs and the carbapenem tails are lost in OXA-48 in the absence of an equivalent bridge structure. These data highlight significant differences between the interactions of carbapenems with OXA-48 and those with A. baumannii enzymes and provide important insights into the mechanism of carbapenemase activity of the major Enterobacteriaceae CHDL, OXA-48.
Optimal Control of Coupled Systems of PDE

The Workshop Optimal Control of Coupled Systems of PDE was held from April 17th - April 23rd, 2005 in the Mathematisches Forschungs- institut Oberwolfach. The scientific program covered various topics such as controllability, feedback control, optimality conditions,analysis and control of Navier-Stokes equations, model reduction of large systems, optimal shape design, and applications in crystal growth, chemical reactions and aviation.
Immunoregulatory role of exosomes derived from differentiating mesenchymal stromal cells on inflammation and osteogenesis

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into bone‐forming osteoblasts, playing a crucial role in bone regeneration. Exosomes are naturally cell‐secreted nanovesicles and are lately regraded as an emerging mediator of cellular communication in physiological and pathological conditions. The present study aimed at investigating the complex cellular communications, especially those among the differentiating BMSCs, immune cells (e.g., macrophages), and newly recruited BMSCs via exosome‐mediated pathways. Exosomes were first isolated from osteogenically differentiating BMSCs at various stages (Day 0, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14, respectively). The cellular uptake of isolated exosomes was examined in macrophages and human BMSCs (hBMSCs). The exosomes collected at various osteogenic differentiation stages (0d‐exo, 3d‐exo, 7d‐exo, and 14d‐exo) had no effect on the viability of hBMSCs. The uptake of exosomes (0d‐exo, 3d‐exo, and 7d‐exo) significantly decreased proinflammatory‐gene expression and the level of an M1 phenotypic marker. Our results then revealed that 3d‐exo, 7d‐exo, and 14d‐exo led to a remarkable increase in mesenchymal stem/stromal cell migration. In addition, 0d‐exo significantly promoted the expression of early osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and bone morphogenetic protein 2, indicating a pro‐osteogenic role of hBMSC‐derived exosomes. Collectively, these results suggest that exosomes derived from differentiating mesenchymal stem/stromal cells play a unique osteoimmunomodulatory role in the regulation of bone dynamics.
The reliability and reproducibility of sagittal spinal curvature measurement using the Microsoft Kinect V2.

BACKGROUND Abnormal sagittal spinal curvature is associated with pain, decreased mobility, respiratory problems and increased mortality. Time-of-flight technology of the Microsoft Kinect sensor can reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the back quickly and inexpensively. OBJECTIVE To estimate the extent of the reproducibility of sagittal spine curvature measurement using the Microsoft Kinect sensor. METHODS Simultaneous measurement of thoracic and lumbar spine using the Microsoft Kinect sensor in 37 participants. Two investigators gave standardised instructions and each captured 3 images. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angle indexes were calculated using maximum height divided by the length. RESULTS Adult participants (mean age in years (SD) = 51.7 (20.6); 57% female; BMI in kg/m2 (SD) = 24.9 (3.3)) kyphosis and lordosis indexes showed high intra-rater and inter-rater ICC values (0.960-0.973). The means of the first images from both raters had significantly larger kyphosis indexes compared to the second and third images, yet no difference between means in lordosis data. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the Microsoft Kinect sensor has a reproducible method with high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The difference between the means over repeated measures suggest the second image capture is more consistent. It is a reproducible and quick method in clinical and research settings.
An Audit of Caesarean Section Rate Using Modified Robson Criteria at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the rising rate of caesarean section (CS) and its contributing factors at a tertiary care hospital. STUDY DESIGN Clinical audit. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH), Rawalpindi, from January to December 2017. METHODOLOGY All caesarean sections were classified according to modified Robson criteria into twelve groups, after modification. The size of each group, rate of caesarean section and contribution of each group was calculated. A re-audit was carried out after 6 months under the same protocol thus completing the audit cycle. RESULTS CS rate was 54% (n=3878). The maximum contribution 27.42% (n=1976) to total CS rate was made by Group 5, 12.07% (n=870) by group 12 and 7.34% (n=531) by group 2. Re-audit showed a reduced CS rate of 38.2% (n=1342) with contribution by Group 5 reduced to 16.05% (n=563), Group 12 to 7.47% (n=262) and Group 2 reduced to 5.7% (n=202), respectively. CONCLUSION Modified Robson Criteria is an effective auditing tool which identifies the exact areas where efforts and strategies are required to reduce the overall CS rate.
Targeting cell surface GRP78 enhances pancreatic cancer radiosensitivity through YAP/TAZ protein signaling

Ionizing radiation (IR) can promote migration and invasion of cancer cells, but the basis for this phenomenon has not been fully elucidated. IR increases expression of glucose-regulated protein 78kDa (GRP78) on the surface of cancer cells (CS-GRP78), and this up-regulation is associated with more aggressive behavior, radioresistance, and recurrence of cancer. Here, using various biochemical and immunological methods, including flow cytometry, cell proliferation and migration assays, Rho activation and quantitative RT-PCR assays, we investigated the mechanism by which CS-GRP78 contributes to radioresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. We found that activated α2-Macroglobulin (α2M*) a ligand of the CS-GRP78 receptor, induces formation of the AKT kinase (AKT)/DLC1 Rho-GTPase-activating protein (DLC1) complex and thereby increases Rho activation. Further, CS-GRP78 activated the transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and tafazzin (TAZ) in a Rho-dependent manner, promoting motility and invasiveness of PDAC cells. We observed that radiation-induced CS-GRP78 stimulates the nuclear accumulation of YAP/TAZ and increases YAP/TAZ target gene expressions. Remarkably, targeting CS-GRP78 with C38 monoclonal antibody (Mab) enhanced radiosensitivity and increased the efficacy of radiation therapy by curtailing PDAC cell motility and invasion. These findings reveal that CS-GRP78 acts upstream of YAP/TAZ signaling and promote migration and radiation-resistance in PDAC cells. We therefore conclude that, C38 Mab is a promising candidate for use in combination with radiation therapy to manage PDAC.
Influence of Temperature on the Cyclic Fatigue of Nickel-Titanium Instruments with Different Heat Treatments on Severely Curved Canals.

AIM This study aims to investigate the influence of temperatures of 20 °C and 37 °C on the resistance to cyclic fatigue of NiTi instruments with different heat treatments, as tested in severely curved simulated canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-two instruments were distributed according to the temperature used (20 °C and 37 °C): XP-endo Shaper (30/0.01), ProDesign Logic (30/0.05), and iRaCe (30/0.04). The instruments were rotated freely until the occurrence of fracture inside an artificial severely curved stainless steel canal, which had a 90° angle of curvature and a curvature radius of 5 mm. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Wilcoxon, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS XP-endo Shaper instruments presented higher NCF values and time to failure compared with ProDesign Logic and iRaCe instruments at 20 °C and 37 °C (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, the results show that the body temperature (37 °C) significantly lowers the resistance to cyclic fatigue of all instruments compared with 20 °C. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Body temperature is an important factor in the results of cyclic fatigue tests.
Lung damage following whole body, but not intramuscular, exposure to median lethality dose of sarin: findings in rats and guinea pigs

Abstract Objective: Sarin is an irreversible organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor and a highly toxic, volatile warfare agent. Rats and guinea pigs exposed to sarin display cholinergic excitotoxicity which includes hyper-salivation, respiratory distress, tremors, seizures, and death. Here we focused on the characterization of the airways injury induced by direct exposure of the lungs to sarin vapor and compared it to that induced by the intramuscularly route. Materials and methods: Rats were exposed to sarin either in vapor (∼1LCT50, 34.2 ± 0.8 µg/l/min, 10 min) or by i.m. (∼1LD50, 80 µg/kg), and lung injury was evaluated by broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL). Results and discussion: BAL analysis revealed route-dependent effects in rats: vapor exposed animals showed elevation of inflammatory cytokines, protein, and neutrophil cells. These elevations were seen at 24 h and were still significantly higher compared to control values at 1 week following vapor exposure. These elevations were not detected in rats exposed to sarin i.m. Histological evaluation of the brains revealed typical changes following sarin poisoning independent of the route of administration. The airways damage following vapor exposure in rats was also compared to that induced in guinea pigs. The latter showed increased eosinophilia and histamine levels that constitutes an anaphylactic response not seen in rats. Conclusions: These data clearly point out the importance of using the appropriate route of administration in studying the deleterious effects of volatile nerve agents, as well as the selection of the appropriate animal species. Since airways form major target organs for the development of injury following inhalation toxicity, they should be included in any comprehensive evaluation of countermeasures efficacy.
Educational Practices ' Models using Open Educational Resources

Open educational resources (OER) are resources that can be freely used – freely copied, shared, revised, and remixed. However, using OER in teaching/learning does not equate with enacting open educational practices (OEP). The educational model the OER serve dictate the degree of openness in educational practice. For example, using OER in the instructivist/behaviorist model of education, a model which employs the broadcast method of teaching where information, even open information, is teacher-chunked, teacher-delivered, and teacher-tested (using multiple choice tests) is not OEP. OEP strive to promote what Bloom calls a radically higher academic level in learners, to use OER to develop networked learners who can self-organize, co-create, innovate, and peervalidate. In this paper the authors, edupreneurs, document why education needs to move to OEP and authentic learning, and showcase examples of their innovative OEP (based on frameworks for 21 Century learning objectives, constructivist and connectivist learning theories, and authentic assessment).