Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emerging Role of EGFR Mutations in Creating an Immune Suppressive Tumour Microenvironment

Several types of tumours overexpress the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in either wild type or mutated form. These tumours are often highly aggressive and difficult to treat. The underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon have remained largely unresolved, but recent publications suggest two independent mechanisms that may contribute. According to one line of research, tumours that overexpress the EGFR grow autonomously and become “addicted” to growth factor signalling. Inhibition of this signal using EGFR inhibitors can, therefore, induce cell death in tumour cells and lead to tumour shrinkage. The other line of research, as highlighted by recent findings, suggests that the overexpression, specifically of mutant forms of the EGFR, may create an immune-suppressive and lymphocyte depleted microenvironment within tumours. Such a lymphocyte depleted microenvironment may explain the resistance of EGFR overexpressing cancers to tumour therapies, particularly to check-point inhibitor treatments. In this article, we discuss the recent data which support an immune modulatory effect of EGFR signalling and compare these published studies with the most recent data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), in this way, dissecting possible underlying mechanisms. We thereby focus our study on how EGFR overexpression may lead to the local activation of TGFβ, and hence to an immune suppressive environment. Consequently, we define a novel concept of how the mitogenic and immune modulatory effects of EGFR overexpression may contribute to tumour resistance to immunotherapy, and how EGFR specific inhibitors could be used best to enhance the efficacy of tumour therapy.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) based corrosion monitoring sensors Part 1 – Component selection and testing

Cost-effective radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders (tags) were investigated for use as wireless corrosion monitoring sensors. Performance metrics of read rate, received signal strength indicator, and minimum activation power were established for the as received tags. The effects of orientation, distance between transceiver (reader) and tag, and a metallic backing were evaluated using these performance metrics. Laboratory tests to determine the effect of a corrodible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding layer were conducted with a simple steel foil applied onto the surface of the plastic encased RFID tags. This layer acted as a barrier against the penetration of radio waves, preventing communication between the reader and tag. When the shielded RFID transponders were exposed to accelerated corrosion tests, the degradation of the shielding layer decreased the EMI shielding effectiveness and resulted in a strengthened communication between the reader and tag. The use of different thicknesses of this layer demonstrated the effect of cumulative corrosion damage. With appropriate calibration, the amount of corrosion could be estimated from the change in strength of communication between the reader and tag.
Precision Preventive Medicine of Relapse in Smoking Cessation: Can MRI Inform the Search of Intermediate Phenotypes?

Simple Summary Addiction to tobacco is a serious health and economical problem because it is one of the most addictive and the most consumed substance in the world. Although well documented, and despite the desire of numerous smokers to quit, maintenance of abstinence is a daily challenge for most of them. The heterogeneity in achieving this maintenance raises the question of potential differences in brain reactivity. An emerging field of research has been interested in brain markers helping to identify individuals who are the most likely to relapse. Using brain imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), one can hope it will be possible to offer tailored care for each patient. Abstract Chronic tobacco smoking remains a major health problem worldwide. Numerous smokers wish to quit but most fail, even if they are helped. The possibility of identifying neuro-biomarkers in smokers at high risk of relapse could be of incredible progress toward personalized prevention therapy. Our aim is to provide a scoping review of this research topic in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and to review the studies that investigated if MRI defined markers predicted smoking cessation treatment outcome (abstainers versus relapsers). Based on the available literature, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. We thus provide an overview of the results obtained and take stock of methodological issues that will need to be addressed to pave the way toward precision medicine. Based on the most consistent findings, we discuss the pivotal role of the insula in light of the most recent neurocognitive models of addiction.
Yield and Morphological Traits of Safflower as affected by Weeds Interference and Variety

To evaluate the effect of weed interference and variety on seed yield and morphological traits of safflower, an experiment was conducted in Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Southern Khorasan, Iran in 2013-2014 as a factorial experiment based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experimental treatments included a combination of weeds interference period at six levels (control or complete management of weeds until the end of growing season, weeds interference until: stem elongation initiation, auxiliary branch initiation, flower initiation, seeds filling termination, and no weeds management) and safflower cultivars at three levels (Padideh, Goldasht and Golsefid). Means comparison revealed that Padideh variety had the highest seed yield (274.1 g m -2 ) among the varieties. Also, results showed that plant height, height of the first auxiliary branch to the ground, head number per auxiliary branch and seed yield reduced 10.36, 22.28, 25.21 and 33.9%, respectively as comparison with treatment of whole-growing season interference. In general, it can be recommended treatments of Padideh or Golsefid varieties and weeds free in the whole growth season or interference until stem elongation stage full control of weeds or their control at most until the initiation of stem elongation for cultivation of safflower in Birjand, Iran. Keyword: Safflower, weed interference, variety, yield , morphological traits.
Quality Reporting of Mixed Methods Research in Tourism-Related Studies

The aim of this study is to gain scientific insight into internationally-accepted criteria for quality reporting of mixed methods research (MMR). Articles published post-2012 in a particular journal, which referred to “mixed methods” and “tourism”, and reported that qualitative and quantitative data were collected, were drawn from Google Scholar and Scopus. The reporting quality of these studies was analysed according to the GRAMMS framework (Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study). Most of the articles in the data set did not report on all the elements embedded in GRAMMS. It must not be seen as a reflection of the quality of the MMR design itself, nor is the study flawed. It indicates gaps in the reporting of important MMR elements that could be addressed in future research. Exemplars were identified that could serve as case studies for researchers in terms of the quality of reporting on MMR. Editorial boards should adopt guidelines on how MMR could be presented in articles submitted to their journals. These guidelines could assist authors in preparing their articles to conform to international standards on the reporting of MMR studies. Peer reviewers should use the guidelines to judge the quality of reporting on MMR methodology in articles under review. This study could also serve as a future reference for researchers, postgraduate students and supervisors who aim to incorporate MMR in their research.
Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty-Acid Supplementation Upregulates Protective Cellular Pathways in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes that reduces Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are increasingly reported to improve chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in peripheral and central nervous systems. Specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects nerve cells from noxious stimuli in vitro and in vivo. Recent reports link PUFA supplementation to improving painful diabetic neuropathy (pDN) symptoms. However, the molecular mechanism behind omega-3 PUFAs ameliorating pDN symptoms is lacking. Therefore, we sought to determine the distinct cellular pathways that omega-3 PUFAs dietary supplementation promotes in reducing painful neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients. Methods: Forty volunteers diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the "En Balance-PLUS" diabetes education study. The volunteers participated in weekly lifestyle/nutrition education and daily supplementation with 1,000 mg DHA and 200 mg eicosapentaenoic acid. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire validated clinical determination of baseline and post-intervention pain complaints. Laboratory and untargeted metabolomics analyses were conducted using blood plasma collected at baseline and after three months of participation in the dietary regimen. The metabolomics data was analyzed using random forest, hierarchical cluster, ingenuity pathway analysis, and metabolic pathway mapping. Results: We found that metabolites involved in oxidative stress and glutathione production shifted significantly to a more anti-inflammatory state post supplementation. Example of these metabolites include cystathionine (+90%), S-methylmethionine (+9%), glycine cysteine-glutathione disulfide (+157%) cysteinylglycine (+19%), glutamate (-11%), glycine (+11%) and arginine (+13.4%). In addition, the levels of phospholipids associated with improved membrane fluidity such as linoleoyl-docosahexaenoyl-glycerol (18:2/22:6) (+253 %) were significantly increased. Ingenuity pathway analysis suggested several key bio functions associated with omega-3 PUFA supplementation such as formation of reactive oxygen species (p = 4.38 × 10-4, z-score = -1.96), peroxidation of lipids (p = 2.24 × 10-5, z-score = -1.944), Ca2+ transport (p = 1.55 × 10-4, z-score = -1.969), excitation of neurons (p = 1.07 ×10-4, z-score = -1.091), and concentration of glutathione (p = 3.06 × 10-4, z-score = 1.974). Conclusion: The reduction of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways following omega-3 PUFAS supplementation is consistent with using omega-3 PUFAs as a complementary dietary strategy as part of the overall treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.
MEASURED AND PREDICTED AXIAL RESPONSE OF 98 PILES

This article deals with the prediction of the response to monotonic axial loading of single piles in various soil conditions. A 98-pile load test data base was obtained from the Mississippi State Highway Department and was used to evaluate 13 methods designed to predict the ultimate load of a pile and five methods designed to predict the settlement of a pile. The methods include SPT/\IS\du\N methods, cone penetrometer methods, a pressuremeter method, and a dynamic formula method. The accuracy and precision of each method is quantified statistically, and a risk analysis is performed in order to properly assess the factor of safety. A cost analysis is also performed in order to find the factor of safety that will minimize the cost of construction plus the cost of a potential failure.
Overexpression of Interleukin-33 in Recombinant Rabies Virus Enhances Innate and Humoral Immune Responses through Activation of Dendritic Cell-Germinal Center Reactions

Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by rabies virus (RABV), and its mortality rate is as high as 100%. Globally, an average of 60,000 people die from rabies each year. The most effective method to prevent and limit rabies is vaccination, but it is currently expensive and inefficient, consisting of a 3-dose series of injections and requiring to be immunized annually. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a single dose of long-acting rabies vaccine. In this study, recombinant rabies virus (rRABV) overexpressing interleukin-33 (IL-33) was constructed and designated as rLBNSE-IL33, and its effect was evaluated in a mouse model. The results showed that rLBNSE-IL33 could enhance the quick production of RABV-induced immune antibodies as early as three days post immunization (dpi) through the activation of dendritic cells (DCs), a component of the innate immune system. Furthermore, rLBNSE-IL33 induced high-level virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNA) production that persisted for 8 weeks by regulating the T cell-dependent germinal center (GC) reaction, thus resulting in better protection against rabies. Our data suggest the IL-33 is a novel adjuvant that could be used to enhance innate and humoral immune responses by activating the DC-GC reaction, and thus, rLBNSE-IL33 could be developed as a safe and effective vaccine for animals.
Role of B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

As early commencement of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment has been shown to substantially improve outcomes, it is of utmost importance to make a timely diagnosis of this disease. Despite undisputed sensitivity of fecal calprotectin, the most widely accepted IBD biomarker, in discriminating between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBD, as well as recognized role in monitoring disease activity and response to therapy, perhaps the biggest setback of calprotectin use in IBD is lack of specificity. Therefore, an additional biomarker in IBD is warranted. B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, recently emerged as a viable candidate for this role. So far, overproduction of BAFF has been observed in various autoimmune diseases, most notably in systemic lupus erythematosus, where BAFF-inhibitor belimumab was approved for treatment. As BAFF levels were also shown to correlate with indices of IBD, in this review we aimed to summarize the current evidence with respect to the role of BAFF in diagnosis and assessing the activity of IBD, as well as putative therapeutic implications that may arise from exploring of this relation.
Optimization of Train Nose Shape for Reducing Micro-Pressure Wave Radiated from Tunnel Exit

When a compression wave generated by a high-speed train entering a tunnel propagates through the tunnel and arrives at the tunnel exit, an impulsive pressure wave (micro-pressure wave) is radiated from the tunnel exit. Improving the train nose shape is one of the techniques for suppressing the micro-pressure wave. Furthermore, tunnel entrance hoods are required for long concrete slab tunnels in order to suppress the micro-pressure wave. The effect of the tunnel entrance hood on the compression wave generated by the train can be evaluated by means of a rapid computational scheme devised and validated experimentally by Howe et al. In this study, the optimal longitudinal distribution of the cross-sectional area of the train nose shape was determined by using the rapid computational scheme and a genetic algorithm. The effect of the nose shape optimization was confirmed through experiments using scale models.
Danzig ist deutsch! - Goebbels in Translation

This paper investigates what images of the National Socialist regime and its intentions regarding Danzig were created in the British ventre /left of centre newspaper Manchester Guardian and the French communist newspaper l’Humanite , through the respective translations of Goebbels’ speech “Danzig ist deutsc h” 1 (Danzig is German) delivered in June 1939. The aim is to show that particular selection and de-selection choices made on the textual level, the semantic choices made in terms o f the exact rendering of the speech parts, as well as strategies applied to the particular realiz ation of the surrounding news texts make for a specific framing of a politically highly relevant e vent. In order to do so, this paper draws on Critical Discourse Analysis, on media studies appro aches to the concept of framing and the function of quotes, and on research describing the nature of news translation. The analysis reveals that l’Humanite creates the image of an aggressive nation with ill egitimate claims and is not in favour of caving in to German demands, wh ereas the Manchester Guardian constructs the image of a strong nation with legiti mate claims and strongly favours diplomatic solutions over armed conflict.
Occupational Diseases and Perceived Health in Operating Room Nurses: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background The surgical environment has multiple factors that could affect nurses’ health. The aim was to determine the effects of the working environment of operating room nurses on their health compared to hospitalization nurses. Methods A sample of operating room nurses and hospitalization nurses were included in the study and participated by filling in a self-report survey containing sociodemographic data items, the validated Nordic and SF12 scales and a list of medical conditions. Results Three hundred and thirty-one nurses participated in the study. Statistically significant results had obtained for diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders and contact dermatitis among the operating room nurses. Conclusion/Application to Practice Continuous training in ergonomics is essential. Moreover, surgical protocols for preventing infection should be revised, optimizing the chlorhexidine content of soaps to reduce the risk of lesions among the surgical staff.
Normality and normalcy: A case of -ity/-cy doublets in the BNC

Corpus-based research into derivational morphology can explain how affixes function, answer questions about their productivity and its relation to their synonymy, and clarify the rivalry between certain affixes and their semantic distinction. The aim of this research is to establish the similarities and differences between the nouns normality and normalcy by contrasting the suffixes -ity and -cy they contain in the British National Corpus (BNC). The focus is on the collocates which precede the nouns and the sources in which they appear. The attempt is also to understand what characterises the suffixes and their distribution. By focusing on normality and normalcy, we examine how lexical items behave in an electronically-stored corpus and whether a strong connection between meaning and form manifests itself in different word patterns highlighting different aspects of meaning.
“What Is Hidden behind the Mask?” Facial Emotion Recognition at the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic in Cognitively Normal Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Social cognition deficits have been described in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), even in absence of a global cognitive impairment, affecting predominantly the ability to adequately process emotions from human faces. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to wear face masks that might interfere with facial emotion recognition. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed at investigating the ability of emotion recognition in PwMS from faces wearing masks. We enrolled a total of 42 cognitively normal relapsing–remitting PwMS and a matched group of 20 healthy controls (HCs). Participants underwent a facial emotion recognition task in which they had to recognize from faces wearing or not surgical masks which of the six basic emotions (happiness, anger, fear, sadness, surprise, disgust) was presented. Results showed that face masks negatively affected emotion recognition in all participants (p < 0.001); in particular, PwMS showed a global worse accuracy than HCs (p = 0.005), mainly driven by the “no masked” (p = 0.021) than the “masked” (p = 0.064) condition. Considering individual emotions, PwMS showed a selective impairment in the recognition of fear, compared with HCs, in both the conditions investigated (“masked”: p = 0.023; “no masked”: p = 0.016). Face masks affected negatively also response times (p < 0.001); in particular, PwMS were globally hastier than HCs (p = 0.024), especially in the “masked” condition (p = 0.013). Furthermore, a detailed characterization of the performance of PwMS and HCs in terms of accuracy and response speed was proposed. Results from the present study showed the effect of face masks on the ability to process facial emotions in PwMS, compared with HCs. Healthcare professionals working with PwMS at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak should take into consideration this effect in their clinical practice. Implications in the everyday life of PwMS are also discussed.
Who is more likely to hesitate to accept COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional survey in China

ABSTRACT Background The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)vaccine willingness in China to aid future public health actions to improve vaccination. Research Design and Methods This study was conducted in August 2020 using a mixed-method approach, including a cross-sectional self-administered anonymous questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews with community residents in China. Results Of the participants, 30.9% showedCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Being female(OR = 1.297), having poor health(OR = 1.312), having non-health or medical-related occupations (OR = 1.129), no COVID-19 infection experience(OR = 1.523), living with vulnerable family members(OR = 1.294), less knowledge(OR = 1.371), less attention to COVID-19 information(OR = 1.430), less trust in official media(OR = 1.336), less perceived susceptibility to COVID-19(OR = 1.367), and less protective behavior(OR = 1.195) were more likely to hesitate. Qualitative research has shown that they doubt the importance and necessity, as well as the effectiveness and safety of the vaccination. The economic and service accessibility of the vaccination was an impediment to their vaccine acceptance. Conclusion Nearly one-thirdof people showed hesitancy to accept COVID-19 vaccination in China. Our findings highlight that health communication and publicity should be performed for the targeted population, and immunization programs should be designed to remove underlying barriers to vaccine uptake.
Computer optimization of electromagnetic acoustic transducers

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are well known devices that are commercially available. Their advantage is that they do not require a coupling medium and/or contact to the part being inspected; the disadvantage is their low transduction efficiency. In order to optimize their efficiency, the EMATs are best customized to their particular application with special attention to the material properties and geometry of the part to be inspected. Here we report-apparently for the first time-on numerical simulation of electromagnetic acoustic transduction for both the transmitting and receiving case. The emphasis in this paper is on guided wave generation and reception in thin plates. We have adapted the finite element/boundary element program entitled CAPA to computer simulate the electromagnetic acoustic transduction process.