Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of allergic diseases in children in Beirut: comparison to worldwide data.

OBJECTIVE To report on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema in school children in Beirut, Lebanon, and compare the prevalence rates of allergic diseases in Beirut to the rest of the world. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A random sample of school children aged 13-14 years completed the ISAAC written and video questionnaires. Data was entered using a special program prepared by ISAAC and analyzed using SPSS version 6.0. RESULTS The prevalence rates of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis were 25.5% and 15.9% respectively. Atopic eczema was more common among males, with a total prevalence rate of 11%. CONCLUSION The prevalence rates of allergic diseases in childhood was along the 50th percentile worldwide. The prevalence rates of uncontrolled asthma was very high while that of allergic rhinitis was low as compared to the rest of the world.
Scheduling DAG-based applications in multicluster environments with background workload using task duplication

Grids or multicluster computing environments are becoming increasingly popular to both scientific and commercial applications. Process scheduling remains a central issue to be effectively resolved in order to exploit the full potential that the grid or multicluster environment can offer. We use a directed acyclic graph (DAG) to model a process or an application where the nodes of the DAG represent the tasks of the process. Prior to the execution of a process in a multicluster environment, the tasks are required to be mapped onto the clusters. In this article, it is shown that the algorithm developed by He et al. [L. He, S.A. Jarvis, D.P. Spooner, D. Bacigalupo, G. Tan, and G.R. Nudd, Mapping DAG-based applications to multiclusters with background workload, Proceedings of the 2005 IEEE International Symposium on Cluster Computing and the Grid, Cardiff, 2005, pp 855–862. ] for the multicluster DAG mapping problem can be significantly improved by incorporating the task duplication strategy. The proposed process scheduling algorithm has a time complexity O(| V|2(r+d+1)), where |V| represents the number of tasks; r, the number of clusters; and d, the maximum in-degree of tasks.
Oxidative stress in skeletal muscle atrophied by immobilization.

The production of free radicals in the mitochondria has been investigated more than that in other organelles, and is believed to play a major role in oxidative stress in the cell. In the muscle, the increase in muscular activity enhances the oxygen consumption and increased oxygen consumption accelerates the production of free radicals in the mitochondria (Asayama and Kato, 1990). In view of this, it was believed, with no consideration for the production of free radicals in the cytoplasm, that the oxidative stress in the muscle might parallel muscular activity, i.e. the oxidative stress might decrease in muscular atrophy. This may be the reason for the small number of reports about oxidative stress during muscular atrophy of disuse, although numerous studies have been carried out in this decade on oxidative stress during exercise.
Analysis of Ground Wave Propagation over Land-to-Sea Mixed-Path by Using Equivalent Current Source on Aperture Plane

In this paper, we have obtained the integral representation for the ground wave propagation over land-to-sea mixed-paths which uses the equivalent current source on an aperture plane. By extending the integral to the complex plane and deforming the integration path into the steepest descent path, we have derived a simple integral representation for the mixed-path ground wave propagation. We have also derived the hybrid numerical and asymptotic representation for an efficient calculation of the ground wave and for easy understanding of the diffraction phenomena. By using the method of the stationary phase applicable uniformly as the stationary phase point approaches the endpoint, we have derived the high-frequency asymptotic solution for the ground wave propagation over the mixed-path. We have confirmed the validity of the various representations by comparing both with the conventional mixed-path theory and with the experimental results performed in Kanto areas including the sea near Tokyo bay. By examining the asymptotic solution in detail, we have found out the cause or the mechanism of the recovery effect occurring on the portion of the sea over the land-to-sea mixed-path.
Rpn6p, a Proteasome Subunit from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Is Essential for the Assembly and Activity of the 26 S Proteasome*

We report the functional characterization of RPN6, an essential gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae encoding the proteasomal subunit Rpn6p. For this purpose, conditional mutants that are able to grow on galactose but not on glucose were obtained. When these mutants are shifted to glucose, Rpn6p depletion induces several specific phenotypes. First, multiubiquitinated proteins accumulate, indicating a defect in proteasome-mediated proteolysis. Second, mutant yeasts are arrested as large budded cells with a single nucleus and a 2C DNA content; in addition, the spindle pole body is duplicated, indicating a general cell cycle defect related to the turnover of G2-cyclins after DNA synthesis. Clb2p and Pds1p, but not Sic1p, accumulate in the arrested cells. Depletion of Rpn6p affects both the structure and the peptidase activity of proteasomes in the cell. These results implicate Rpn6p function in the specific recognition of a subset of substrates and point to a role in maintaining the correct quaternary structure of the 26 S proteasome.
Human epithelial cells in vitro – Are they an advantageous tool to help understand the nanomaterial-biological barrier interaction?

Abstrat The human body can be exposed to nanomaterials through a variety of different routes. As nanomaterials get in contact with the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory tract, these biological compartments are acting as barriers to the passage of nano-sized materials into the organism. These structural and functional barriers are provided by the epithelia serving as an interface between biological compartments. In order to initiate the reduction, refinement and replacement of time consuming, expensive and stressful (to the animals) in vivo experimental approaches, many in vitro epithelial cell culture models have been developed during the last decades. This review therefore, focuses on the functional as well as structural aspects of epithelial cells as well as the most commonly used in vitro epithelial models of the primary biological barriers with which nanomaterials might come in contact with either occupationally, or during their manufacturing and application. The advantages and disadvantages of the different in vitro models are discussed in order to provide a clear overview as to whether or not epithelial cell cultures are an advantageous model to be used for basic mechanism and nanotoxicology research.
An efficient quadratically convergent iterative method to find the Moore–Penrose inverse

ABSTRACT In this paper, we propose a new Schulz-type method to find the pseudo-inverse (also known as the Moore–Penrose inverse) of a singular or rectangular real (or complex) matrix. It is proved that the method converges quadratically. A wide set of numerical comparisons of our method with nine higher order methods shows that the average number of matrix–matrix multiplications and the average CPU time of proposed method are considerably less than those of other methods. So, our new method can be considered as a fast method. For each of sizes and , n=100,200,300,400, ten random matrices were chosen to make these comparisons. So, overall 800 problems were solved.
Serotoninergic antidepressants positively affect platelet ADAM10 expression in patients with Alzheimer's disease

ABSTRACT Background: Studies have demonstrated a decreased platelet ADAM10 expression in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), classifying this protein as a blood-based AD biomarker. About 50% of the patients with AD are diagnosed with depression, which is commonly treated with tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, monoaminoxidade (MAO) inhibitors and, more preferably, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Considering that a large proportion of patients with AD takes antidepressant medications during the course of the disease we investigated the influence of this medication on the expression of platelet ADAM10, which is considered the main α-secretase preventing beta-amyloid (βA) formation. Methods: Blood was collected for protein extraction from platelets. ADAM10 was analyzed by using western blotting and reactive bands were measured using β-actin as endogenous control. Results: Platelet ADAM10 protein expression in patients with AD was positively influenced by serotoninergic medication. Conclusion: More studies on the positive effects of serotonergic antidepressants on ADAM10 platelet expression should be performed in order to understand its biological mechanisms and to verify whether these effects are reflected in the central nervous system. This work represents an important advance for the study of AD biomarkers, as well as for more effective pharmacological treatment of patients with AD and associated depression.
Meta-analysis of silicosis and lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the association between silicosis and lung cancer in a systematic review (and meta-analysis) of the epidemiologic literature, with special reference to the methodological quality of observational studies. METHODS We searched Medline, Toxline, BIOSIS and Embase (1966-May 2004) for original articles published in any language and systematically reviewed the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. Observational studies (cohort and case-control studies) were selected if they reported a measure of association [standardized mortality ratio (SMR), relative risk or odds ratio] relating lung cancer to silicosis. RESULTS Thirty-one studies (27 cohort studies, 4 case-control studies) met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. Without any adjustment for smoking, the meta-analysis of the cohort studies indicated that the common SMR was 2.45 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.63-3.66; homogeneity P<0.0001]. When the results of the cohorts for which mortality data were adjusted for smoking were pooled, the common SMR was 1.60 (95% CI 1.33-1.93; homogeneity P=0.52). In a "dose-response" analysis, the profusion of small and large opacities found in chest X-rays correlated with the risk of death from lung cancer. Overall, the case-control studies were more conservative in their conclusions. CONCLUSIONS Because of biases inherent to observational studies, it is likely that the risk of lung cancer among silicosis patients is overestimated in the current literature. There is nevertheless evidence, from data restricted to never-smokers and from a "dose-response" analysis, that silicosis and lung cancer are associated.
DNA fingerprinting of Mycobacterium bovis strains by restriction fragment analysis and hybridization with insertion elements IS1081 and IS6110

Strains of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative organism of bovine tuberculosis, can be clearly distinguished from each other by restriction fragment analysis. This method of DNA fingerprinting has been used for many epidemiological studies in New Zealand, but the technique presents practical difficulties that hinder its widespread use. The insertion element IS6110 is being widely used as a DNA probe for distinguishing restriction fragment polymorphisms among strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Both this element and another recently sequenced element, IS1081, are also present in M. bovis. We assessed the usefulness of these two elements for distinguishing between 160 strains of M. bovis. These strains, most of which were isolated in New Zealand, were selected to be representative of the 95 different types that were identified among 530 strains that were previously typed by restriction fragment analysis. Fifteen IS6110 types were identified, but more than half of the strains representing 46 restriction types had the same IS6110 type. Virtually all M. bovis strains as well as strains of M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium africanum had the same IS1081 type. The results indicate that for M. bovis, IS1081 cannot be used to type strains, IS6110 can be used to distinguish strains into broad groups, but only restriction fragment analysis is sufficiently sensitive for detailed epidemiological studies. An investigation of the host range of IS1081 revealed that, apart from its presence in species of the tuberculosis complex, it is also present in a strain of Mycobacterium xenopi.
Serious game-based and nongame-based online courses: Learning experiences and outcomes

When combining the increasing use of online educational environments, the push to use serious video games and the lack of research on the effectiveness of online learning environments and video games, there is a clear need for further investigation into the use of serious video games in an online format. A mix methods model was used to triangulate statistical and qualitative findings on student performance, completion time, student intrinsic motivation, as well as desirable, undesirable, helpful and hindering aspects of serious game-based and nongame-based courses. Students in the game-based course were found to have performed significantly better and to have taken significantly longer. Students and teachers in the game-based course provided more reasons for student motivation along with more desirable, more helpful and less hindering aspects compared to students and teachers in the non-game-based course. In addition, students and teachers in both courses provided an equal number of undesirable aspects. The results from this study inform instructional designers, teachers, education stakeholders and educational game designers by providing research-based evidence related to the learning experiences and outcomes of the serious game-based online course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Hydrogen peroxide overproduced in breast cancer cells can serve as an anticancer prodrug generating apoptosis‐stimulating hydroxyl radicals under the effect of tamoxifen‐ferrocene conjugate

A new approach to the treatment of cancer is suggested, based on the innate overproduction of hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells. Hydrogen peroxide serves as a prodrug in the presence of transition metal ions, such as iron delivered by ferrocene. Under the effect of ferrocene, hydrogen peroxide is split into hydroxyl anions and highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. The latter cause oxidative DNA damage, which induces apoptosis, leading to elimination of cancer cells. Tamoxifen, a drug that interacts with oestrogen receptors, was used as a carrier to deliver ferrocene to breast cancer cells. For this aim tamoxifen conjugated to ferrocene (Tam‐Fer) was synthesized. We have shown that the frequency of apoptotic events in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells treated with Tam‐Fer is significantly higher than in cells treated with tamoxifen or ferrocene separately. The increase of apoptosis correlates well with the rise in generation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells. These results show that the hydrogen peroxide overproduced in tumour cells can serve as a prodrug for the treatment of cancer.
Stage-specific skeletal and visceral defects of the I(Kr)-blocker almokalant: further evidence for teratogenicity via a hypoxia-related mechanism.

BACKGROUND As a class effect, potent I(Kr)-blockers have been shown to induce stage-specific external malformations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether I(Kr)-blockers also induce stage-specific visceral and skeletal defects and to further elucidate a proposed arrhythmia-hypoxia hypothesis. METHODS Single oral doses of the selective I(Kr)-blocker almokalant (ALM) 25-150 micromol/kg, 7-14 dams/group, were given to Sprague-Dawley rats on gestation days (GD) 10-14, and the fetuses were examined for malformations on GD 21. One group was pretreated with the spin-trapping agent, alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN), given intraperitoneally 1 hr before ALM on GD 11. RESULTS Cardiac ventricular septum defects and vascular malformations were observed after dosing on GD 10-11 and, to a lesser degree, on GD 12-13. Urogenital defects, absence/malposition of the postcaval lung lobe, and attenuated diaphragm were observed mainly on GD 10-11. Skeletal examination showed a high incidence of vertebral abnormalities on thoracic level on GD 10, on lower thoracic to caudal level on GD 11, and sternebral defects were observed all days. On GD 13 brachy-, oligo-, and syndactyly of the forepaw were induced, and of the hindpaw on GD 14. PBN reduced the incidence of both visceral and skeletal defects. CONCLUSIONS The stage specificity of observed visceral and skeletal defects correlates well with what has been reported in the literature after temporary interruption of oxygen supply during the same stages of development. The protective effect by PBN present further evidence that the teratogenicity of potent I(Kr)-blockers is related to induction of hypoxia- reoxygenation injury due to embryonic cardiac arrhythmia.
Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: a primary care consensus guideline.

OBJECTIVE To develop consensus on appropriate treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). CHARACTERISTICS AND ETIOLOGY: Patients with chronic bronchitis have an irreversible reduction in maximal airflow velocity and a productive cough on most days of the month for 3 months over 2 consecutive years. An AECB is characterized by a period of unstable lung function with worsening airflow and other symptoms. Most (80%) cases of AECB are due to infection, with half due to aerobic bacteria. The remaining 20% are due to noninfectious causes such as environmental factors or medication nonadherence. MANAGEMENT Supportive care should be provided to all patients, which might include removal of irritants, use of a bronchodilator, oxygen, hydration, use of a systemic corticosteroid, and chest physical therapy. Antibacterial treatment should be reserved for patients with at least 1 key symptom (ie, increased dyspnea, sputum production, sputum purulence) and 1 risk factor (ie, age > or = 65 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 50% of the predicted value, > or = 4 AECBs in 12 months, 1 or more comorbidities). A newer macrolide, extended-spectrum cephalosporin, or doxycycline is appropriate for an exacerbation of moderate severity, and high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate or a respiratory fluoroquinolone should be used for a severe exacerbation. There has been increasing antibacterial resistance by the 3 most prevalent pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis). CONCLUSION Although all AECB patients should receive supportive care, only patients with at least 1 key symptom and 1 risk factor should receive antibiotic therapy.
Speaker Dependent Speech Recognition in Computer Game Control

playing has become an integral part of people’s lives since the beginning of time, and education games have become an important part of the education process in childhood, for school students and even for university students. Insertion of the voice commands in education games considered a big challenge especially regarding the speech accuracy and rapid response, to achieve this goal an educational game was designed aimed to teach students of Computer Science the fundamental concepts of " logic" , and to enable the game to allow speech input, the game should include the speech recognition system, to build that system, in this study three algorithms for feature extraction are used (MFCC , PLP and Rasta-PLP) with three VQ Code Book generation algorithms (LBG, LBG-PSO and LBG-PSOGA) were studied and applied, and was tested on 864 sound files for different peoples (4 male, 5 female), their ages between (16-30) year, through the results it was noted that when MFCC technique with LBG-PSOGA
The TRPM2 channel: A thermo-sensitive metabolic sensor

ABSTRACT Living organisms continually experience changes in ambient temperature. To detect such temperature changes for adaptive behavioral responses, we evolved the ability to sense temperature. Thermosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, so-called thermo-TRPs, are involved in many physiologic functions in diverse organisms and constitute important temperature sensors. One of the important roles of thermo-TRPs is detecting ambient temperature in sensory neurons. Importantly, the functional expression of thermo-TRPs is observed not only in sensory neurons but also in tissues and cells that are not exposed to drastic temperature changes, indicating that thermo-TRPs are involved in many physiologic functions within the body's normal temperature range. Among such thermo-TRPs, this review focuses on one thermo-sensitive metabolic sensor in particular, TRPM2, and summarizes recent progress to clarify the regulatory mechanisms and physiologic functions of TRPM2 at body temperature under various metabolic states.
The effect of contextual factors on the judgement of informal reasoning fallacies

Informal reasoning fallacies are arguments that are psychologically persuasive but not valid. In order to judge the validity of these arguments one has to be sensitive to the context in which they appear. However, there is no empirical study that examines students’ sensitivity to contextual factors and whether contextual factors actually influence their ability to identify informal reasoning fallacies. We hypothesized that when explicitly presented with different argumentative contexts, students’ performance would reflect their sensitivity to the contextual nature of informal reasoning fallacies. The two experiments that we conducted support this hypothesis and emphasize the mediating role of perspective taking in students’ ability to identify fallacious arguments.
Impaired Muscle and Mobility: The Road From Menopause to Frailty

Older women should be screened for fall risk frequently. Falls are preventable and screening can be as simple as asking “Have you fallen in the past year? ” combined with questioning about gait or balance problems if the patient has not experienced a recent fall. A simple physician screen can drive the need for a more comprehensive fall evaluation and the appropriateness of a multifactorial fall reduction program referral. This paper describes an algorithmic management approach to fall prevention in older women with impaired muscle and mobility; assisting them in navigating and mitigating adversity on the road from menopause to frailty.