Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identifying relevant hyperspectral bands using Boruta: a temporal analysis of water hyacinth biocontrol

Abstract. Water hyacinth plants (Eichhornia crassipes) are threatening freshwater ecosystems throughout Africa. The Neochetina spp. weevils are seen as an effective solution that can combat the proliferation of the invasive alien plant. We aimed to determine if multitemporal hyperspectral data could be utilized to detect the efficacy of the biocontrol agent. The random forest (RF) algorithm was used to classify variable infestation levels for 6 weeks using: (1) all the hyperspectral bands, (2) bands selected by the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm, and (3) bands selected by the Boruta algorithm. Results showed that the RF model using all the bands successfully produced low-classification errors (12.50% to 32.29%) for all 6 weeks. However, the RF model using Boruta selected bands produced lower classification errors (8.33% to 15.62%) than the RF model using all the bands or bands selected by the RFE algorithm (11.25% to 21.25%) for all 6 weeks, highlighting the utility of Boruta as an all relevant band selection algorithm. All relevant bands selected by Boruta included: 352, 754, 770, 771, 775, 781, 782, 783, 786, and 789 nm. It was concluded that RF coupled with Boruta band-selection algorithm can be utilized to undertake multitemporal monitoring of variable infestation levels on water hyacinth plants.
Dynamic Involvement of Striatal NG2-glia in L-DOPA Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinsonian Rats: Effects of Doxycycline

Levo-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) patients improves motor symptoms, but long-term treatment induces side effects such as abnormal involuntary movements (levodopa-induced dyskinesia – LID). Increasing evidence has linked LID with neuroinflammatory reaction in the striatum involving microglia and astrocytes. The nerve/glial antigen-2 cells (NG2-glia) are recognized as a glial cell whose function in the adult brain is poorly understood. Here, we used immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and western blot to characterize the cellular distribution of NG2-glia in the dorsal striatum of unilaterally 6OHDA-lesioned rats presenting LID. The effect of doxycycline on NG2-glia cells was determined. Dopamine depletion revealed a minor density increase of NG2-glia in the dorsolateral striatum and an activated phenotype. LID development promotes a decrease in NG2-glia cell density and protein level, maintaining the cell-activated feature. Doxycycline antidyskinetic therapy restores the cells to the control density profile. These results indicated the cellular distribution of NG2-glia in the striatum, but the interaction between these cells and other glial types in this model was unanswered and therefore we carried out a double labeling of NG2 and OX-42 (microglia) and GFAP (astrocyte). In LID, there was a decrease in the possible NG2 and OX-42 positive cells interaction, with no effect in the astrocytes. Doxycycline treatment restored the control characteristic. The ability of NG2-glia to regulate their dynamics in response to PD and LID is the first indication of an active link between them. The results suggest that NG2 cells may play important roles other than serving as oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Summary Statement NG2-glia alters its dynamics in response to L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. In these animals, striatal NG2-glia density was reduced with cells presenting activated phenotype while doxycycline antidyskinetic therapy promotes a return to NG2-glia cell density and protein to a not activated state.
Enhanced protection against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by puerarin-loaded liposomes modified with matrix metalloproteinases-targeting peptide and triphenylphosphonium

Abstract Based on the inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, puerarin (PUE) has a good potential to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). However, the lack of targeting of free PUE makes it difficult to reach the mitochondria. In this paper, we constructed matrix metalloproteinase-targeting peptide (MMP-TP) and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation co-modified liposomes loaded with PUE (PUE@T/M-L) for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery. PUE@T/M-L had a favorable particle size of 144.9 ± 0.8 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 78.9 ± 0.6%, and a sustained-release behavior. The results of cytofluorimetric experiments showed that MMP-TP and TPP double-modified liposomes (T/M-L) enhanced intracellular uptake, escaped lysosomal capture, and promoted drug targeting into mitochondria. In addition, PUE@T/M-L enhanced the viability of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injured H9c2 cells by inhibiting mPTP opening and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reducing Bax expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression. It was inferred that PUE@T/M-L delivered PUE into the mitochondria of H/R injured H9c2 cells, resulting in a significant increase in cellular potency. Based on the ability of MMP-TP to bind the elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), T/M-L had excellent tropism for Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated macrophages and can significantly reduce TNF-α and ROS levels, thus allowing both drug accumulation in ischemic cardiomyocytes and reducing inflammatory stimulation during MI/RI. Fluorescence imaging results of the targeting effect using a DiR probe also indicated that DiR@T/M-L could accumulate and retain in the ischemic myocardium. Taken together, these results demonstrated the promising application of PUE@T/M-L for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy of PUE.
Reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity after prolonged exercise in endurance athletes

The purpose of this study was to 1. investigate if glucose tolerance is affected after one acute bout of different types of exercise; 2. assess if potential differences between two exercise paradigms are related to changes in mitochondrial function; and 3. determine if endurance athletes differ from nonendurance‐trained controls in their metabolic responses to the exercise paradigms.
Factors Influencing COVID‐19 Risk: Insights From Molnupiravir Exposure‐Response Modeling of Clinical Outcomes

Molnupiravir (MOV) is an oral antiviral for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in outpatient settings. This analysis investigated the relationship between β‐D‐N4‐hydroxycytidine (NHC) pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes in patients with mild to moderate COVID‐19 in the phase III part of the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled MOVe‐OUT trial. Logistic regression models of the dependency of outcomes on exposures and covariates were constructed using a multistep process. Influential covariates were identified first using placebo arm data, followed by assessment of exposure‐dependency in drug effect using data from both the placebo and MOV arms. The exposure‐response (E‐R) analysis included 1,313 participants; 630 received MOV and 683 received placebo. Baseline viral load, baseline disease severity, age, weight, viral clade, active cancer, and diabetes were identified as significant determinants of response using placebo data. Absolute measures of viral load on days 5 and 10 were strong on‐treatment predictors of hospitalization. An additive area under the curve (AUC)‐based maximum effect (Emax) model with a fixed Hill coefficient of 1 best represented the exposure‐dependency in drug effect and the AUC50 was estimated to be 19,900 nM hour. Patients at 800 mg achieved near maximal response, which was larger than for 200 or 400 mg. The final E‐R model was externally validated and predicted that the relative reduction in hospitalization with MOV treatment would vary with patient characteristics and factors in the population. In conclusion, the E‐R results support the MOV dose of 800 mg twice daily to treat COVID‐19. Many patient characteristics and factors impacted outcomes beyond drug exposures.
Relapsing Encephalomyelitis After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination

Prior case studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its vaccines may unmask CNS neuroinflammatory conditions. We present a case of relapsing steroid-responsive encephalomyelitis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent COVID-19 vaccination. We also characterize the frequency of CNS neuroinflammatory events reported in the literature after both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.
Impact of a Publicly-Funded Pharmacare Program on Prescription Stimulant use Among Children and Youth: A Population-Based Observational Natural Experiment

Objective Stimulants are first-line pharmacotherapy for individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, disparities in drug coverage may contribute to inequitable treatment access. In January 2018, the government of Ontario, Canada, implemented a publicly-funded program (OHIP+) providing universal access to medications at no cost to children and youth between the ages of 0 and 24. In April 2019, the program was amended to cover only children and youth without private insurance. We studied whether these policy changes were associated with changes in prescription stimulant dispensing to Ontario children and youth. Methods We conducted a population-based observational natural experiment study of stimulant dispensing to children and youth in Ontario between January 2013 and March 2020. We used interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models to estimate the association between OHIP+ and its subsequent modification with stimulant dispensing trends. Results The implementation of OHIP+ was associated with a significant immediate increase in the monthly rate of stimulant dispensing of 53.6 individuals per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.8 to 70.5 per 100,000) and a 14.2% (95% CI, 12.8% to 15.6%) relative percent increase in stimulant dispensing rates between December 2017 and March 2019 (1198.6 vs. 1368.7 per 100,000 population). The April 2019 OHIP+ program amendment was associated with an increase in monthly stimulant dispensing trends of 10.2 individuals per 100,000 population (95% CI, 5.0 to 15.5), with rates increasing 7.5% (95% CI, 6.2% to 8.7%) between March 2019 and March 2020 (1368.7 vs. 1470.8 per 100,000 population). These associations were most pronounced among males, children and youth living in the highest income neighbourhoods and individuals aged 20 to 24. Conclusion A publicly-funded pharmacare program was associated with more children and youth being dispensed stimulants.
The expression of stanniocalcin-1, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor in endometrioid endometrial cancer

Objective: To evaluate the expression of stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) and to investigate the correlation of STC-1 with expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and clinical parameters, histopathological findings and prognostic factors in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, STC-1 (cytoplasmic), ER (nuclear), and PR (nuclear) stainings were applied to tissue microarray sections of 89 EEC, 27 endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), and 21 normal endometrium (NE). Prognostic factors such as age, tumor size, depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymph node metastasis were compared with the expression of these markers. Results: ER showed significantly higher positivity in grade 1 EEC. PR expression was also higher in grade 1 EEC, but these findings were not statistically significant. Strong expression of STC-1 was observed in EIN and EECs compared with NE. STC-1 showed low staining in the NE, and high staining was also noted in the EIN foci adjacent to the NE. STC-1 expression was positively correlated with grade 1 EECs. Conclusion: STC-1 expression was positively correlated with low histologic grade in EECs. STC-1 can be used for distinguishing low-grade endometrioid tumors and high -grade endometrioid tumors in curretage specimens. Since STC-1 is related to well differentiated tumors, it can also be regarded as a good prognostic factor in EECs.
A Journey into Quantization in Astrophysics

In a number of preceding papers we introduced a new PT-symmetric periodic potential, derived from biquaternion radial Klein-Gordon equation. In the present paper we will review our preceding result, and continue with numerical solution of Gamow integral for that periodic potential. And then we also compare with other periodic potentials which are already known, such as Posch-Teller or Rosen-Morse potential. We also discuss a number of recent development in the context of condensed matter nuclear science, in particular those experiments which are carried out by Prof. A. Takahashi and his team from Kobe University. There is hint to describe his team’s experiment as ‘mesofusion’ (or mesoscopic fusion). We then analyze possibility to enhance the performance of Takahashi’s mesofusion experiment under external pulse field. Further experiments are of course recommended in order to verify or refute the propositions outlined herein.
A statistical study of EMIC waves observed by Cluster: 2. Associated plasma conditions

This is the second in a pair of papers discussing a statistical study of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves detected during 10 years (2001–2010) of Cluster observations. In the first paper, an analysis of EMIC wave properties (i.e., wave power, polarization, normal angle, and wave propagation angle) is presented in both the magnetic latitude (MLAT)‐distance as well as magnetic local time (MLT)‐L frames. This paper focuses on the distribution of EMIC wave‐associated plasma conditions as well as two EMIC wave generation proxies (the electron plasma frequency to gyrofrequency ratio proxy and the linear theory proxy) in these same frames. Based on the distributions of hot H+ anisotropy, electron and hot H+ density measurements, hot H+ parallel plasma beta, and the calculated wave generation proxies, three source regions of EMIC waves appear to exist: (1) the well‐known overlap between cold plasmaspheric or plume populations with hot anisotropic ring current populations in the postnoon to dusk MLT region; (2) regions all along the dayside magnetosphere at high L shells related to dayside magnetospheric compression and drift shell splitting; and (3) off‐equator regions possibly associated with the Shabansky orbits in the dayside magnetosphere.
Feedback in the Extremely Violent Group Merger NGC 6338

The galaxy group NGC 6338 is one of the most violent group–group mergers known to date. While the central dominant galaxies rush at each other at 1400 km s−1 along the line of sight, with dramatic gas heating and shock fronts detected, the central gas in the BCGs remains cool. There are also indications of feedback from active galactic nuclei, and neither subcluster core has been disrupted. With our deep radio uGMRT data at 383 and 650 MHz, we clearly detect a set of large, old lobes in the southern BCG coinciding with the X-ray cavities, while the northern and smaller BCG appears slightly extended in the radio. The southern BCG also hosts a smaller younger set of lobes perpendicular to the larger lobes, but also coinciding with the inner X-ray cavities and matching the jet direction in the parsec-resolution VLBA image. Our spectral analysis confirms the history of two feedback cycles. The high radio frequency analysis classifies the compact source in the southern BCG with a power law, while ruling out a significant contribution from accretion. The radio lightcurve over three decades shows a change about 10 yr ago, which might be related to ongoing feedback in the core. The southern BCG in the NGC 6338 merger remains another prominent case where the direction of jet-mode feedback between two cycles changed dramatically.
Balancing Based Model Reduction for Structured Index-2 Unstable Descriptor Systems with Application to Flow Control

Stabilizing a flow around an unstable equilibrium is a typical problem in flow control. Model-based designed of modern controllers like LQR/LQG or $H_\infty$ compensators is often limited by the large-scale of the discretized flow models. Therefore, model reduction is usually needed before designing such a controller. Here we suggest an approach based on applying balanced truncation for unstable systems to the linearized flow equations usually used for compensator design. For this purpose, we modify the ADI iteration for Lyapunov equations to deal with the index-2 structure of the underlying descriptor system efficiently in an implicit way. The resulting algorithm is tested for model reduction and control design of a linearized Navier-Stokes system describing von Kármán vortex shedding.
Voltage-ampere characteristics of YBCO coated conductor under inhomogeneous oscillating magnetic field

Direct current carrying type II superconductors present a dynamic resistance when subjected to an oscillating magnetic field perpendicular to the current direction. If a superconductor is under a homogeneous field with high magnitude, the dynamic resistance value is nearly independent of transport current. Hoffmann and coworkers [Hoffmann et al., IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond. 21, 1628 (2011)] discovered, however, flux pumping effect when a superconducting tape is under an inhomogeneous field orthogonal to the tape surface generated by rotating magnets. Following their work, we report the whole Voltage-Ampere (V-I) curves of an YBCO coated conductor under permanent magnets rotating with different frequencies and directions. We discovered that the two curves under opposite rotating directions differ from each other constantly when the transport current is less than the critical current, whereas the difference gradually reduces after the transport current exceeds the critical value. We also find that for diff.
TSTEM-like CAR-T cells exhibit improved persistence and tumor control compared with conventional CAR-T cells in preclinical models

Patients who receive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–T cells that are enriched in memory T cells exhibit better disease control as a result of increased expansion and persistence of the CAR-T cells. Human memory T cells include stem-like CD8+ memory T cell progenitors that can become either functional stem-like T (TSTEM) cells or dysfunctional T progenitor exhausted (TPEX) cells. To that end, we demonstrated that TSTEM cells were less abundant in infused CAR-T cell products in a phase 1 clinical trial testing Lewis Y-CAR-T cells (NCT03851146), and the infused CAR-T cells displayed poor persistence in patients. To address this issue, we developed a production protocol to generate TSTEM-like CAR-T cells enriched for expression of genes in cell replication pathways. Compared with conventional CAR-T cells, TSTEM-like CAR-T cells had enhanced proliferative capacity and increased cytokine secretion after CAR stimulation, including after chronic CAR stimulation in vitro. These responses were dependent on the presence of CD4+ T cells during TSTEM-like CAR-T cell production. Adoptive transfer of TSTEM-like CAR-T cells induced better control of established tumors and resistance to tumor rechallenge in preclinical models. These more favorable outcomes were associated with increased persistence of TSTEM-like CAR-T cells and an increased memory T cell pool. Last, TSTEM-like CAR-T cells and anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment eradicated established tumors, and this was associated with increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+CAR+ T cells producing interferon-γ. In conclusion, our CAR-T cell protocol generated TSTEM-like CAR-T cells with enhanced therapeutic efficacy, resulting in increased proliferative capacity and persistence in vivo. Description TSTEM-like CAR-T cells exhibit better control of tumor burden and persistence as compared with conventional CAR-T cells in vivo. Tuning up CAR-T cells A major goal for improving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–T cell therapy is to ensure that the CAR-T cell products infused into patients with cancer function optimally. However, standard manufacturing protocols do not enrich for cellular phenotypes associated with enhanced function. To address this, Meyran et al. developed a protocol that generated TSTEM-like CAR-T cells, which exhibit features of stem-like T cells. As compared with conventionally produced CAR-T cells, TSTEM-like CAR-T cells were more proliferative and produced more cytokines after CAR stimulation in vitro; they also exhibited superior control of tumor burden in vivo. Together, these results support the implementation of production strategies to generate TSTEM-like CAR T cells for clinical use. —CM
Routine Use of Structured Reporting in Whole-body Trauma CT Facilitates Quality Improvement

Abstract Purpose Structured reporting (SR) is increasingly used. So far, there is minimal experience with SR in whole-body computed tomography (WBCT). The aim of this study was to investigate the value of routine use of SR in WBCT in trauma with a focus on reporting time, reporting errors, and referrer satisfaction. Materials and Methods Reporting time and reporting errors of CT reports were prospectively quantified for residents and board-certified radiologists 3 months before and for 6 months after implementation of a structured report in the clinical routine. Referrer satisfaction was prospectively quantified by means of a survey before and after the implementation period of SR using a 5-point Likert scale. Before and after results were compared to determine the effect of structured reporting on WBCT in trauma at our institution. Results The mean reporting time was lower when using SR (65 ± 52 min. vs. 87 ± 124 min., p = .25). After 4 months, the median reporting time was significantly lower with SR (p = .02). Consequently, the rate of reports that were finished within one hour rose from 55.1 % to 68.3 %. Likewise, reporting errors decreased (12.6 % vs. 8.4 %, p = .48). Residents and board-certified radiologists reported fewer errors when using SR with 16.4 % vs. 12.6 % and 8.8 % vs. 2.7 %, respectively. General referrer satisfaction improved (1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1, p = .58). Referrers graded improvements for standardization of reports (2.2 ± 1.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1, p = .03), consistency of report structure (2.1 ± 1.1 vs. 1.4 ± 1.1, p = .09), and retrievability of relevant pathologies (2.1 ± 1.2 vs. 1.6 ± 1.1, p = .32). Conclusion SR has the potential to facilitate process improvement for WBCT in trauma in the daily routine with a reduction of reporting time and reporting mistakes while increasing referrer satisfaction. Key Points: SR for WBCT in trauma is feasable in clinical routine. Reporting time in WBCT in trauma decreases by SR. SR for WBCT in trauma has the potential to decrease reporting mistakes. SR for WBCT in trauma might increase referrer satisfaction. Citation Format Blum SF, Hertzschuch D, Langer E et al. Routine Use of Structured Reporting in Whole-body Trauma CT Facilitates Quality Improvement. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2023; 195: 521 – 528
Did Egypt’s post-uprising crime wave increase support for authoritarian rule?

Countries transitioning from autocracy to democracy often struggle to maintain law and order. Yet relatively little is known about how increasing crime rates impact public support for authoritarian leadership during a transition. We find an empirical relationship between rising crime and support for authoritarian leadership in Egypt following the 2011 uprisings. Analysis of original crime data from Egypt suggests that electoral districts exposed to larger year-on-year changes in localized patterns of crime were more likely to vote for the ‘strongman’ candidate in Egypt’s first, and only, free and fair presidential election in 2012. We also analyze survey data which shows that Egyptians who were highly concerned about crime were more likely to express support for a ‘strong leader’ as well as for military rule, even after controlling for a broad set of covariates. This research illustrates how instability triggered by political transitions can have negative implications for democratic consolidation.