Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seamless Tube-Type Heater with Uniform Thickness and Temperature Distribution Based on Carbon Nanotubes Aligned by Circumferential Shearing

The uniform temperature distribution, one of the requirements for long-term durability, is essential for composite heaters. An analytical model for temperature distribution of a tube-type heater was derived, and it revealed that thickness uniformity is one order more important than intrinsic material properties such as density, heat capacity, and electrical conductivity of the heating tube. We introduced a circumferential shearing process to fabricate a flexible, seamless tube-type heating layer of carbon nanotube/silicone rubber composite with outstanding uniform distribution of thickness and temperature, which may be attributed to a shorter characteristic dimension in the circumferential direction than in the axial direction. The temperature uniformity was experimentally verified at various temperatures under heating. The difference in measured thickness and temperature in circumferential direction was within ±1.3~3.0% (for tavg = 352.7 μm) and ±1.1% (for Tavg = 138.8 °C), respectively, all over the heating tube. Therefore, the circumferential shearing process can be effective for cylindrical heaters, like a heating layer of a laser printer, which fuse toners onto papers during printing.
Cognitive Training: Transfer Beyond the Laboratory?

Objective To assess the evidence of general transfer from training on abstract computer-based exercises and video games to driving and flight control. Background Many believe that training on abstract computer-based exercises and video games enhances cognitive capacities to the benefit of performance in operational contexts. The basic research in this area is controversial. Method We summarize reviews of the basic research data on transfer from training on abstract computer-based exercises and video games and undertake a detailed methodological review of flight and driving transfer studies. Results Reviews of basic transfer research fail to reveal evidence of general transfer, although a few applied studies are said to show general transfer to driving or flight control. Our review of these applied studies identifies issues with research methods and data interpretation that compromise the credibility of their results to an extent that they do not provide robust evidence of general transfer from abstract computer-based exercises or video games. Conclusion The state of cognitive training and video game training in relation to transfer has failed to meet early expectations. Much of the research in this area suffers from inadequate experimental control and flawed interpretation of results. We call for adherence to robust experimental design, critical evaluation of data patterns, and replication of keystone results. We also call for a theoretically grounded research effort, and we outline relevant theoretical conceptions of transfer. Application A robust theory of transfer and better understanding of transfer effects can guide development of principles for design and use of training simulators.
Modifying a covarying protein–DNA interaction changes substrate preference of a site-specific endonuclease

Abstract Identifying and validating intermolecular covariation between proteins and their DNA-binding sites can provide insights into mechanisms that regulate selectivity and starting points for engineering new specificity. LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (meganucleases) can be engineered to bind non-native target sites for gene-editing applications, but not all redesigns successfully reprogram specificity. To gain a global overview of residues that influence meganuclease specificity, we used information theory to identify protein–DNA covariation. Directed evolution experiments of one predicted pair, 227/+3, revealed variants with surprising shifts in I-OnuI substrate preference at the central 4 bases where cleavage occurs. Structural studies showed significant remodeling distant from the covarying position, including restructuring of an inter-hairpin loop, DNA distortions near the scissile phosphates, and new base-specific contacts. Our findings are consistent with a model whereby the functional impacts of covariation can be indirectly propagated to neighboring residues outside of direct contact range, allowing meganucleases to adapt to target site variation and indirectly expand the sequence space accessible for cleavage. We suggest that some engineered meganucleases may have unexpected cleavage profiles that were not rationally incorporated during the design process.
Cell-free DNA levels of twins and sibling pairs indicate individuality and possible use as a personalized biomarker

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the human blood circulation has been under investigation since its initial observation in 1948. Plasma cfDNA is known to be significantly elevated in diseased people. Due to possible variation in the population, evaluating cfDNA as a non-invasive biomarker at disease onset alone may not be sensitive enough to accurately diagnose diseases, particularly early stage cancers on a personal level. To understand the factors that define the cfDNA levels on the personal level and for better use as a non-invasive biomarker, we isolated cfDNA from the plasma of healthy individuals with varying degrees of genetic and/or environmental similarities (monozygotic twins, dizygotic twins, sibling pairs, and unrelated individuals) as well as from patients with varying stages of breast and ovarian cancer undergoing treatment. Cell-free DNA levels were quantified by a fluorometer (ng/ml) and/or real-time PCR (copies/ml). The associations between individuals with various degrees of genetic and/or environmental similarities and their plasma cfDNA levels were evaluated. The ACE model (A = additive genetic, C = common environment, and E = specific environmental factors) was used to determine the proportion of each factor on the cfDNA levels. We found a high correlation (r = 0.77; p < 0.0001) in plasma cfDNA levels between monozygotic twins (n = 39). However, the correlation was gradually reduced to moderate (r = 0.47; p = 0.016) between dizygotic twins (n = 13) and low correlation (r = 0.28; p = 0.043) between sibling pairs (n = 26). The ACE model analysis showed that the plasma cfDNA level of a given healthy individual is influenced both by genetic and the environmental components in similar proportions (53% and 47%, respectively; A = 53%, C = 22.5%, E = 24.5%). Moreover, while age had no effect, gender significantly influenced the individual’s plasma cfDNA level. As expected, cfDNA levels were significantly higher in both breast (n = 26) (p<0.0001) and ovarian (n = 64) (p<0.0001) cancer patients compared to the healthy individuals. Our study demonstrated that both genome and environmental factors modulate the individual’s cfDNA level suggesting that its diagnostic sensitivity may be improved only if the person’s cfDNA level is known prior to disease presentation.
The motility-based swim-up technique separates bull sperm based on differences in metabolic rates and tail length

Swim-up is a sperm purification method that is being used daily in andrology labs around the world as a simple step for in vitro sperm selection. This method accumulates the most motile sperm in the upper fraction and leaves sperm with low or no motility in the lower fraction. However, the underlying reasons are not fully understood. In this article, we compare metabolic rate, motility and sperm tail length of bovine sperm cells of the upper and lower fraction. The metabolic assay platform reveals oxygen consumption rates and extracellular acidification rates simultaneously and thereby delivers the metabolic rates in real time. Our study confirms that the upper fraction of bull sperm has not only improved motility compared to the cells in the lower fraction but also shows higher metabolic rates and longer flagella. This pattern was consistent across media of two different levels of viscosity. We conclude that the motility-based separation of the swim-up technique is also reflected in underlying metabolic differences. Metabolic assays could serve as additional or alternative, label-free method to evaluate sperm quality.
Nanodermatology‐based solutions for psoriasis: State‐of‐the art and future prospects

Nanodermatology is an emerging, multidisciplinary science, arising from the convergence of nanotechnology, pharmacology, physics/biophysics, chemistry/biochemistry, chemical engineering, material science, and clinical medicine. Nanodermatology deals with (a) skin biology, anatomy, and physiology at the nanoscale (“skin nanobiology”), (b) diagnosis performed by means of novel diagnostic devices, assisted by nanobiotechnologies (“nanodiagnosis”), and (c) treatment through innovative therapeutic agents, including phototherapy (“photonanotherapy”/“photonanodermatology”) and systemic/topical drug administration (“nanotherapy”) at the nanoscale, and drug delivery—such as transdermal or dermal drug delivery (TDDD/DDD)—enhanced and improved by nanostructures and nanodrugs (“nanodrug delivery”). Nanodermatology, as a super‐specialized branch of dermatology, is a quite recent specialty: the “Nanodermatology Society” founded by the eminent dermatologist Dr. Adnan Nasir, was established in 2010, with the aim of bringing together different stakeholders, including dermatologists, nanotechnology scientists, policy‐makers and regulators, as well as students and medical residents. Psoriasis has a prevalence of 2–3% worldwide and imposes a severe clinical and societal burden. Nanodermatology‐based solutions appear promising for the proper treatment and management of psoriasis, assisting and enhancing different steps of the process of health‐care delivery: from the diagnosis to the therapeutics, paving the way for a personalized approach, based on the specific dysregulated biomarkers.
Simulation of Phosphorus Chemistry, Uptake and Utilisation by Winter Wheat

The phosphorus (P) supply from soils is crucial to crop production. Given the complexity involved in P-cycling, a model that can simulate the major P-cycling processes and link with other nutrients and environmental factors, e.g., soil temperature and moisture, would be a useful tool. The aim of this study was to describe a process-based P module added to the SPACSYS (Soil Plant and Atmosphere Continuum System) model and to evaluate its predictive capability on the dynamics of P content in crops and the impact of soil P status on crop growth. A P-cycling module was developed and linked to other modules included in the SPACSYS model. We used a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv Xi-19) field experiment at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden to calibrate and validate the model. Model performance statistics show that the model simulated aboveground dry matter, P accumulation and soil moisture dynamics reasonably well. Simulated dynamics of soil nitrate and ammonium were close to the observed data when P fertiliser was applied. However, there are large discrepancies in fields without P fertiliser. This study demonstrated that the SPACSYS model was able to investigate the interactions between carbon, nitrogen, P and water in a single process-based model after the tested P module was implemented.
Patients Resistant Against PSMA-Targeting α-Radiation Therapy Often Harbor Mutations in DNA Damage-Repair–Associated Genes

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–targeting α-radiation therapy (TAT) is an emerging treatment modality for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. There is a subgroup of patients with poor response despite sufficient expression of PSMA in their tumors. The aim of this work was to characterize PSMA-TAT–nonresponding lesions by targeted next-generation sequencing. Methods: Of 60 patients treated with 225Ac-PSMA-617, we identified 10 patients who presented with a poor response despite sufficient tumor uptake in PSMA PET/CT. We were able to perform CT-guided biopsies with histologic validation of the nonresponding lesions in 7 of these nonresponding patients. Specimens were analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing interrogating 37 DNA damage-repair–associated genes. Results: In the 7 tumor samples analyzed, we found a total of 15 whole-gene deletions, deleterious or presumably deleterious mutations affecting TP53 (n = 3), CHEK2 (n = 2), ATM (n = 2), and BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, MSH2, MSH6, NBN, FANCB, and PMS1 (n = 1 each). The average number of deleterious or presumably deleterious mutations was 2.2 (range, 0–6) per patient. In addition, several variants of unknown significance in ATM, BRCA1, MSH2, SLX4, ERCC, and various FANC genes were detected. Conclusion: Patients with resistance to PSMA-TAT despite PSMA positivity frequently harbor mutations in DNA damage-repair and checkpoint genes. Although the causal role of these alterations in the patient outcome remains to be determined, our findings encourage future studies combining PSMA-TAT and DNA damage-repair–targeting agents such as poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase inhibitors.
Research on OpenCL optimization for FPGA deep learning application

In recent years, with the development of computer science, deep learning is held as competent enough to solve the problem of inference and learning in high dimensional space. Therefore, it has received unprecedented attention from both the academia and the business community. Compared with CPU/GPU, FPGA has attracted much attention for its high-energy efficiency, short development cycle and reconfigurability in the aspect of deep learning algorithm. However, because of the limited research on OpenCL optimization on FPGA of deep learning algorithms, OpenCL tools and models applied to CPU/GPU cannot be directly used on FPGA. This makes it difficult for software programmers to use FPGA when implementing deep learning algorithms for a rewarding performance. To solve this problem, this paper proposed an OpenCL computational model based on FPGA template architecture to optimize the time-consuming convolution layer in deep learning. The comparison between the program applying the computational model and the corresponding optimization program provided by Xilinx indicates that the former is 8-40 times higher than the latter in terms of performance.
Pathogenesis of HIV-related lung disease: Immunity, infection, and inflammation.

Despite anti-retroviral therapy (ART), HIV-related pulmonary disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality for people living with HIV (PLWH). The spectrum of lung diseases has changed from acute opportunistic infections resulting in death to chronic lung diseases for those with access to ART. Chronic immune activation and suppression can result in impairment of innate immunity and progressive loss of T cell and B cell functionality with aberrant cytokine and chemokine responses systemically as well as in the lung. HIV can be detected in the lungs of PLWH and has profound effects on cellular immune functions. In addition, HIV-related lung injury and disease can occur secondary to a number of mechanisms including altered pulmonary and systemic inflammatory pathways, viral persistence in the lung, oxidative stress with additive effects of smoke exposure, microbial translocation, and alterations in the lung and gut microbiome. Although ART has had profound effects on systemic viral suppression in HIV, the impact of ART on lung immunology still needs to be fully elucidated. Understanding of the mechanisms by which HIV-related lung diseases continue to occur is critical to the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve lung health in PLWH.
Assessing the Usability of an Automated Continuous Temperature Monitoring Device (iThermonitor) in Pediatric Patients: Non-Randomized Pilot Study

Background Fever is an important vital sign and often the first one to be assessed in a sick child. In acutely ill children, caregivers are expected to monitor a child’s body temperature at home after an initial medical consult. Fever literacy of many caregivers is known to be poor, leading to fever phobia. In children with a serious illness, the responsibility of periodically monitoring temperature can add substantially to the already stressful experience of caring for a sick child. Objective The objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using the iThermonitor, an automated temperature measurement device, for continuous temperature monitoring in postoperative and postchemotherapy pediatric patients. Methods We recruited 25 patient-caregiver dyads from the Pediatric Surgery Department at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Pediatric Cancer Centers at the MGH and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Enrolled dyads were asked to use the iThermonitor device for continuous temperature monitoring over a 2-week period. Surveys were administered to caregivers at enrollment and at study closeout. Caregivers were also asked to complete a daily event-monitoring log. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item questionnaire was also used to assess caregiver anxiety at enrollment and closeout. Results Overall, 19 participant dyads completed the study. All 19 caregivers reported to have viewed temperature data on the study-provided iPad tablet at least once per day, and more than a third caregivers did so six or more times per day. Of all participants, 74% (14/19) reported experiencing an out-of-range temperature alert at least once during the study. Majority of caregivers reported that it was easy to learn how to use the device and that they felt confident about monitoring their child’s temperature with it. Only 21% (4/9) of caregivers reported concurrently using a device other than the iThermonitor to monitor their child’s temperature during the study. Continuous temperature monitoring was not associated with an increase in caregiver anxiety. Conclusions The study results reveal that the iThermonitor is a highly feasible and easy-to-use device for continuous temperature monitoring in pediatric oncology and surgery patients. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02410252; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02410252 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73LnO7hel)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Renal and Liver Transplant Recipients

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in patients with organ transplant remains a challenge. We looked at AAA repair in patients with organ transplants at our tertiary liver and kidney transplant unit. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was undertaken from January 2008 to July 2018. We looked at patient demographics, type of repair, and technical success including reinterventions, perioperative transplant organ function, and 30-day and 1-year survival rate. Eight of 662 patients who underwent AAA repair had a solid organ transplant. Of these, 5 were kidney transplants, 2 liver transplants, and 1 had kidney and liver transplant; 75% were male; and average age was 63.4 (range: 49-83). All patients had asymptomatic AAAs, and 6 were treated with standard endovascular repair, 1 standard repair with iliac branch device, and 1 open repair. Adjunctive techniques such as CO2 angiograms, deployment of main body through contralateral iliac, low-profile sheaths, custom-made stent grafts, and temporary axillo-femoral shunting were used to protect transplant organs. Thirty-day survival was 100% with 1 death at 5 months from liver failure, and 1 patient has a persistent type-2 endoleak 3 years after the procedure. Conclusion: Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in patients with organ transplants can be undertaken using adjunctive endovascular and open surgical techniques.
Predicting Adolescent Substance Use in a Child Welfare Sample: A Multi-Indicator Algorithm

Given the risk of substance use (SU) among adolescents in the child welfare system, identification of risk for prospective impairing SU behaviors is a significant public health priority. We sought to quantify the incremental validity of routine multi-informant assessments of adolescent psychological distress (i.e., the Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self-Report) and a commonly used SU screening protocol (i.e., the CRAFFT) to predict SU at 18 and 36 months after baseline in a nationally representative child welfare sample (N = 1,054; Mage = 13.72). We used receiver operator characteristics and reclassification analyses to develop our algorithms. We found that a battery consisting of baseline CRAFFT scores, self-reported delinquent behavior, and parent-reported rule-breaking behavior provided an incrementally valid prediction model for SU behavior among females, while baseline CRAFFT scores and self-reported delinquent behavior incrementally predicted SU for males. Results suggest that leveraging existing assessments within the child welfare system can improve forecasting of SU risk for this population.
A case study of the use of computer conferencing at the Open University

This case study is set within the theoretical framework of distance education, and is centred on the first large-scale use of computer conferencing for distance education at the Open University. The concepts of independence and autonomy, of the quasi-industrialisation of large distance teaching universities, and of interaction with learners, are taken as the frameworks for analysing the success of this application of the medium. The hypothesis concerning the convergence of traditional and distance education systems is given further support by the introduction of this new technology. The perspectives of the students who used conferencing as part of their course on Information Technology, the tutors who used conferencing for tutoring the course, and the course team who designed and wrote the course, and then maintained it with conferencing, are the central areas of investigation and analysis in this study. Qualitative data - from interviews, observation and conference content, is used along with quantitative data from user-generated statistics, from surveys and from the course database. The success of the application is analysed in three ways: its effectiveness as a mass distance teaching medium, its value as a medium for tutoring, and its use as a minor component of a multi-media course. The results show that computer conferencing can be used with large numbers of students mastering the system at a distance, though not necessarily using it interactively. The medium is very successful for certain tutoring duties - support, advice and information exchange, and potentially for interactive discussion. However, as a minor component of a course, it is too powerful and too time consuming to be successful.
SOIL RESPIRATION IN ARID ECOSYSTEMS OF THE GURBANTŰNGGŰT DESERT REGION IN NORTHWESTERN CHINA

I Chapter 1 General introduction . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.1.1 Global warming and carbon cycling . 1 1.1.2 Soil respiration of terrestrial ecosystems . 5 1.1.3 Methods of soil respiration measurements . 7 1.2 State of the art . 10 1.2. 1 A general view of soil respiration research . 10 1.2. 2 Soil respiration research in arid desert ecosystems . 10 1.3 Objectives of this study . 13 Chapter 2 Temporal variations of soil respiration under different soil surface covers in desert area . 14 2.