Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of exacerbation history on long-term efficacy of dupilumab in patients with asthma

Background The phase 3 QUEST (NCT02414854) and TRAVERSE (NCT02134028) studies demonstrated the efficacy of dupilumab 200/300 mg versus placebo every 2 weeks for 52 weeks (QUEST) and dupilumab 300 mg up to an additional 96 weeks (TRAVERSE) in patients ≥12 years of age with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma. Overall, safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile. This post hoc analysis assessed long-term dupilumab efficacy for up to 3 years by exacerbation history. Patients and methods Unadjusted annualised severe exacerbation rates (AER) and change from parent study baseline (PSBL) in pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) score were assessed in patients with PSBL eosinophils ≥150 cells·µL−1 or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥20 ppb and 1 (n=624), 2 (n=344), or ≥3 (n=311) exacerbations in the year before enrolment in QUEST. Results In all three groups, dupilumab treatment progressively reduced AER range to 0.17–0.30 during TRAVERSE (Weeks 48–96), increased pre-bronchodilator FEV1 range by 0.28–0.49 L by Week 96 and improved asthma control (reduced ACQ-5 score range by 1.51–2.03 by Week 48). For patients who first received dupilumab upon TRAVERSE enrolment, AER decreased, and lung function and asthma control improved rapidly, as was observed upon initiation of dupilumab in QUEST. Dupilumab was efficacious regardless of exacerbation history. Conclusion For patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma with elevation of at least one type 2 biomarker, dupilumab treatment provides sustained, long-term reduction of exacerbation rates and improvements in lung function and asthma control irrespective of exacerbation history. Tweetable abstract Dupilumab treatment provides sustained, long-term reduction of exacerbation rates, and improves lung function and asthma control in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma with a T2 inflammatory phenotype, irrespective of exacerbation history. https://bit.ly/44Di9ZB
Glutathione and Glutaredoxin—Key Players in Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Signaling

This Special Issue of Antioxidants on Glutathione (GSH) and Glutaredoxin (Grx) was designed to collect review articles and original research studies focused on advancing the current understanding of the roles of the GSH/Grx system in cellular homeostasis and disease processes. The tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant non-enzymatic antioxidant/nucleophilic molecule in cells. In addition to various metabolic reactions involving GSH and its oxidized counterpart GSSG, oxidative post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins has been a focal point of keen interest in the redox field over the last few decades. In particular, the S-glutathionylation of proteins (protein-SSG formation), i.e., mixed disulfides between GSH and protein thiols, has been studied extensively. This reversible PTM can act as a regulatory switch to interconvert inactive and active forms of proteins, thereby mediating cell signaling and redox homeostasis. The unique architecture of the GSH molecule enhances its relative abundance in cells and contributes to the glutathionyl specificity of the primary catalytic activity of the glutaredoxin enzymes, which play central roles in redox homeostasis and signaling, and in iron metabolism in eukaryotes and prokaryotes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The class-1 glutaredoxins are characterized as cytosolic GSH-dependent oxidoreductases that catalyze reversible protein S-glutathionylation specifically, thereby contributing to the regulation of redox signal transduction and/or the protection of protein thiols from irreversible oxidation. This Special Issue includes nine other articles: three original studies and six review papers. Together, these ten articles support the central theme that GSH/Grx is a unique system for regulating thiol-redox hemostasis and redox-signal transduction, and the dysregulation of the GSH/Grx system is implicated in the onset and progression of various diseases involving oxidative stress. Within this context, it is important to appreciate the complementary functions of the GSH/Grx and thioredoxin systems not only in thiol-disulfide regulation but also in reversible S-nitrosylation. Several potential clinical applications have emerged from a thorough understanding of the GSH/Grx redox regulatory system at the molecular level, and in various cell types in vitro and in vivo, including, among others, the concept that elevating Grx content/activity could serve as an anti-fibrotic intervention; and discovering small molecules that mimic the inhibitory effects of S-glutathionylation on dimer association could identify novel anti-viral agents that impact the key protease activities of the HIV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Thus, this Special Issue on Glutathione and Glutaredoxin has focused attention and advanced understanding of an important aspect of redox biology, as well as spawning questions worthy of future study.
A Study on Brand Positioning in Dairy Product at Villupuram, Tamil Nadu

Brand positioning is a core concept in marketing. Despite the importance of the concept however, there is limited research in the field of positioning clarifying to what extent various brand positioning alternatives affect consumer perceptions and how positioning effectiveness can be best measured. The present dissertation consists of three complementary empirical studies aimed at shedding light on the latter issues. The first study explores the impact of distinct types of brand positioning strategies on consumer categorization processes. The results of the qualitative study provide evidence that consumers categorize brands based upon their underlying positioning strategies. More specifically, consumers classify brands that share similar types of positioning bases into the same category.The current study is about consumer’s involvement in brand positioning in dairy product categories. To identify the similarities and differences among the consumers’ perceptions of brand positioning, four major of Avin are taken into consideration. These are chosen to examine the relation between consumer involvement and brand positioning with their respective competitors- Thirumala Milk, Hatsun dairy, Arokya Milk, Raaj Milk and GRB dairy in the market.To ascertain the scale’s generalizability and stability, data from several product categories are used for scale development and validation purposes. The third study presented in this dissertation pays attention to the open question whether the use of certain positioning strategies (e,g., feature-based positioning ). For this purpose, a within and between-subjects design study in conducted that investigated the direct impact of brand positioning strategies on positioning effectiveness, measured from a consumer perspective. Specifically, four distinct positioning strategies of real brands are evaluated in terms of positioning effectiveness, while controlling for brand-specific, product class-specific, and socio demographic influences. Consistent with the hypotheses derived from a comprehensive literature review, significant difference in terms of positioning effectiveness between the focal positioning strategies are detected. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the theoretical, methodological, and managerial implication. Furthermore, the limitations associated with the studies outlined in the dissertation are addressed and resulting avenues for future research are presented.
A Decade of Nonpolar and Semipolar III‐Nitrides: A Review of Successes and Challenges

The performance of III‐nitride devices is degraded by polarization in a wurtzite crystal structure. Nonpolar and semipolar III‐nitrides have been extensively studied since the early 2000s as a solution to the polarization‐related issues. Removal of polarization is expected to improve the radiative efficiency, optical gain, charge transport, and potentially offer solutions to the challenging problems in III‐nitride light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) known as efficiency droop and the green gap. In addition, use of nonpolar and semipolar orientations is also predicted to offer polarization pinning in some devices due to anisotropic in‐plane strain. Despite the many potential advantages over c‐plane, nonpolar and semipolar optoelectronic devices have not successfully replaced conventional c‐plane devices in the commercial sector. Here, nonpolar and semipolar III‐nitrides are reviewed after more than a decade of development. The successes and challenges of nonpolar and semipolar orientations for applications such as LEDs, laser diodes, superluminescent diodes, and vertical‐cavity surface emitting lasers are discussed. New potential avenues for nonpolar and semipolar III‐nitrides are also highlighted, including visible‐light communication and power electronics. The availability of low‐cost, high‐crystal‐quality substrates with nonpolar or semipolar orientation is discussed and alternative approaches for realizing these orientations are presented, including selective‐area bottom‐up nanostructures.
The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals

The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals offers a complete introduction to the basis of the finite element method, covering fundamental theory and worked examples in the detail required for readers to apply the knowledge to their own engineering problems and understand more advanced applications. This edition sees a significant rearrangement of the book's content to enable clearer development of the finite element method, with major new chapters and sections added to cover: * Weak forms * Variational forms * Multi-dimensional field problems * Automatic mesh generation * Plate bending and shells * Developments in meshless techniques Focusing on the core knowledge, mathematical and analytical tools needed for successful application, The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals is the authoritative resource of choice for graduate level students, researchers and professional engineers involved in finite element-based engineering analysis. * A proven keystone reference in the library of any engineer needing to understand and apply the finite element method in design and development. * Founded by an influential pioneer in the field and updated in this seventh edition by an author team incorporating academic authority and industrial simulation experience. * Features reworked and reordered contents for clearer development of the theory, plus new chapters and sections on mesh generation, plate bending, shells, weak forms and variational forms.
Os malefícios da “Luva Chupeta” de látex na Unidade Neonatal

Na Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança-Neo foi proposto o uso da chupeta na Unidade Neonatal (UN) de modo terapêutico, e sempre com supervisão de um profissional de saúde. Mas observa-se que o aparato conhecido como “Luva Chupeta” fabricado com o uso de uma luva de látex está sendo utilizado como alternativa para acalentar o recém-nascido (RN). Apesar de poucos estudos, é evidente que esse dispositivo deve ser contraindicado na UN, uma vez que pode provocar alergia ao látex, transmitir infecções, provocar acidentes graves como aspiração laringotraqueal do algodão devido ao rompimento da luva de látex, e dependendo do tamanho do material, obstruir as vias aéreas, e levar a óbito. Além do mais, o dispositivo pode interferir negativamente no crescimento e no desenvolvimento craniofacial e causar prejuízos associados à amamentação e na saúde materno infantil. A substituição da “Luva Chupeta” por outras estratégias, até mesmo pela chupeta convencional ou ortodôntica, para lidar com a dor e situações de estresse do RN deve ser decisiva para evitar os riscos de acidentes graves. O Protocolo de uso de bicos, Protocolo de manejo da dor do RN, adoção do Método Canguru na UN para promoção do desenvolvimento e comportamento do RN, e a capacitação/monitoramento das práticas adotas pela Equipe Materno Infantil, quanto ao cuidado ofertado são alternativas mais complexas, mas que devem ser analisadas por aqueles que desejam oferecer confiabilidade aos seus processos institucionais.
Metagenomics of African Empogona and Tricalysia (Rubiaceae) reveals the presence of leaf endophytes

Background Leaf symbiosis is a phenomenon in which host plants of Rubiaceae interact with bacterial endophytes within their leaves. To date, it has been found in around 650 species belonging to eight genera in four tribes; however, the true extent in Rubiaceae remains unknown. Our aim is to investigate the possible occurrence of leaf endophytes in the African plant genera Empogona and Tricalysia and, if present, to establish their identity. Methods Total DNA was extracted from the leaves of four species of the Coffeeae tribe (Empogona congesta, Tricalysia hensii, T. lasiodelphys, and T. semidecidua) and sequenced. Bacterial reads were filtered out and assembled. Phylogenetic analysis of the endophytes was used to reveal their identity and their relationship with known symbionts. Results All four species have non-nodulated leaf endophytes, which are identified as Caballeronia. The endophytes are distinct from each other but related to other nodulated and non-nodulated endophytes. An apparent phylogenetic or geographic pattern appears to be absent in endophytes or host plants. Caballeronia endophytes are present in the leaves of Empogona and Tricalysia, two genera not previously implicated in leaf symbiosis. This interaction is likely to be more widespread, and future discoveries are inevitable.
Cost-Effective Protein Production in CHO Cells Following Polyethylenimine-Mediated Gene Delivery Showcased by the Production and Crystallization of Antibody Fabs

Laboratory production of recombinant mammalian proteins, particularly antibodies, requires an expression pipeline assuring sufficient yield and correct folding with appropriate posttranslational modifications. Transient gene expression (TGE) in the suspension-adapted Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines has become the method of choice for this task. The antibodies can be secreted into the media, which facilitates subsequent purification, and can be glycosylated. However, in general, protein production in CHO cells is expensive and may provide variable outcomes, namely in laboratories without previous experience. While achievable yields may be influenced by the nucleotide sequence, there are other aspects of the process which offer space for optimization, like gene delivery method, cultivation process or expression plasmid design. Polyethylenimine (PEI)-mediated gene delivery is frequently employed as a low-cost alternative to liposome-based methods. In this work, we are proposing a TGE platform for universal medium-scale production of antibodies and other proteins in CHO cells, with a novel expression vector allowing fast and flexible cloning of new genes and secretion of translated proteins. The production cost has been further reduced using recyclable labware. Nine days after transfection, we routinely obtain milligrams of antibody Fabs or human lactoferrin in a 25 mL culture volume. Potential of the platform is established based on the production and crystallization of antibody Fabs and their complexes.
Wearable Technologies and AI at the Far Edge for Chronic Heart Failure Prevention and Management: A Systematic Review and Prospects

Smart wearable devices enable personalized at-home healthcare by unobtrusively collecting patient health data and facilitating the development of intelligent platforms to support patient care and management. The accurate analysis of data obtained from wearable devices is crucial for interpreting and contextualizing health data and facilitating the reliable diagnosis and management of critical and chronic diseases. The combination of edge computing and artificial intelligence has provided real-time, time-critical, and privacy-preserving data analysis solutions. However, based on the envisioned service, evaluating the additive value of edge intelligence to the overall architecture is essential before implementation. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the current state of the art on smart health infrastructures implementing wearable and AI technologies at the far edge to support patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In particular, we highlight the contribution of edge intelligence in supporting the integration of wearable devices into IoT-aware technology infrastructures that provide services for patient diagnosis and management. We also offer an in-depth analysis of open challenges and provide potential solutions to facilitate the integration of wearable devices with edge AI solutions to provide innovative technological infrastructures and interactive services for patients and doctors.
The Influence of Knowledge Sharing and Digitalization Improvement towards Employees’ Productivity: A Qualitative Approach

Literature indicates that there have been great numbers of publications and papers which highlight specifically the mining industry's development globally through the risk analysis and management perspective. However, theoretical and practical research findings have shown that when analyzing the risk management in the mining industry, it is important to consider not just the human component but also the business process and productivity strategy of related organization. Through the application of qualitative research, this study then intends to gather any useful information through both primary and secondary data sources, such as the interviews and/or acquire the information, which is related to the experience of the participants as the unit of analysis and their viewpoints as well as behavior. Instead of addressing how many or how much, a qualitative research method addresses on the how and why of the research question. As such, this study aims to explain the analysis of the existing business processes of PT Antam Tbk and then re-evaluate if there is any factor that is inefficient and ineffective so that the input from employee affects eventually the employee productivity. As such, this study recommends to apply the strength, weakness, opportunity, threat (SWOT) analysis in order to explain in detail the business process of PT Antam Tbk. Through such analysis abovementioned, this study is assisted to offer both theoretical and managerial contribution. For theoretical contribution, this study mainly aims to deliver a strategy to optimize the business processes better that eventually may increase significantly the value of PT Antam Tbk, especially the employee productivity. Additionally, this study also offers in the particular sections the managerial implications of this study findings.
Vehicle Localization Kalman Filtering for Traffic Light Advisor Application in Urban Scenarios

The recent advancements in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have revealed significant potential for enhancing traffic management through Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADASs), with benefits for both safety and environment. This research paper proposes a vehicle localization technique based on Kalman filtering, as accurate positioning of the ego-vehicle is essential for the proper functioning of the Traffic Light Advisor (TLA) system. The aim of the TLA is to calculate the most suitable speed to safely reach and pass the first traffic light in front of the vehicle and subsequently keep that velocity constant to overcome the following traffic light, thus allowing safer and more efficient driving practices, thereby reducing safety risks, and minimizing energy consumption. To overcome Global Positioning Systems (GPS) limitations encountered in urban scenarios, a multi-rate sensor fusion approach based on the Kalman filter with map matching and a simple kinematic one-dimensional model is proposed. The experimental results demonstrate an estimation error below 0.5 m on urban roads with GPS signal loss areas, making it suitable for TLA application. The experimental validation of the Traffic Light Advisor system confirmed the expected benefits with a 40% decrease in energy consumption compared to unassisted driving.
Pyroptosis Modulators: New Insights of Gasdermins in Health and Disease

Pyroptosis is an inflammation-dependent type of cell death that has been in the spotlight for the scientific community in the last few years. Crucial players in the process of pyroptosis are the members of the gasdermin family of proteins, which have been parallelly studied. Upon induction of pyroptosis, gasdermins suffer from structural changes leading to the formation of pores in the membrane that subsequently cause the release of pro-inflammatory contents. Recently, it has been discovered that oxidation plays a key role in the activation of certain gasdermins. Here, we review the current knowledge on pyroptosis and human gasdermins, focusing on the description of the different members of the family, their molecular structures, and their influence on health and disease directly or non-directly related to inflammation. Noteworthy, we have focused on the existing understanding of the role of this family of proteins in cancer, which could translate into novel promising strategies aimed at benefiting human health. In conclusion, the modulation of pyroptosis and gasdermins by natural and synthetic compounds through different mechanisms, including modification of the redox state of cells, has been proven effective and sets precedents for future therapeutic strategies.
Cropland to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect

Objectives Basic Processes The Greenhouse Process Global Trends in Greenhouse Gas Emissions The Role of Agriculture in U.S. Emissions of Three GHGs The SOC Pool in U.S. Soils and SOC Loss from Cultivation Processes in Governing Emissions from the Pedosphere Plant Action Soil Processes Soil Quality Strategies for Mitigating Emissions from Cropland U.S. Cropland Sustainable Management Studies Soil Erosion Management Land Conversion and Restoration Conversion of Marginal Land Restoration of Degraded Soils Biofuels for Offsetting Fossil Fuel Intensification of Prime Agricultural Land Conservation Tillage and Residue Management Irrigation Water Management Improved Cropping Systems The Carbon Sequestration Potential of Arable Land U.S. Cropland's Overall Potential to Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect Techniques for Sequestration Rates of SOC Sequestration Possible Implementation Obstacles Required Action Conclusions - The Win-Win Strategy Agricultural Profits from Environmental Improvements SOC's Monetary Value SOC's Environmental Value Global Potential Appendix 1: Definitions Appendix 2: Researchable Topics
INCORPORATING UNCERTAINTY INTO DAM SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment is becoming more widely used to supplement traditional approaches to dam safety decision-making. Dam owners throughout Australia, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are using risk assessment as a decision support tool. This paper summarizes an approach to incorporating input uncertainties into risk analysis model. Input uncertainties are captured by using probability distributions, and their influence on risk assessment results can be expressed in terms of the confidence associated with meeting tolerable risk guidelines. This paper presents a framework and procedure for uncertainty analysis in dam safety risk assessment, and demonstrates some useful formats for presenting results.