Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scaffold-Free Retinal Pigment Epithelium Microtissues Exhibit Increased Release of PEDF

The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) plays a critical role in photoreceptor survival and function. RPE deficits are implicated in a wide range of diseases that result in vision loss, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease, affecting millions worldwide. Subretinal delivery of RPE cells is considered a promising avenue for treatment, and encouraging results from animal trials have supported recent progression into the clinic. However, the limited survival and engraftment of transplanted RPE cells delivered as a suspension continues to be a major challenge. While RPE delivery as epithelial sheets exhibits improved outcomes, this comes at the price of increased complexity at both the production and transplant stages. In order to combine the benefits of both approaches, we have developed size-controlled, scaffold-free RPE microtissues (RPE-µTs) that are suitable for scalable production and delivery via injection. RPE-µTs retain key RPE molecular markers, and interestingly, in comparison to conventional monolayer cultures, they show significant increases in the transcription and secretion of pigment-epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), which is a key trophic factor known to enhance the survival and function of photoreceptors. Furthermore, these microtissues readily spread in vitro on a substrate analogous to Bruch’s membrane, suggesting that RPE-µTs may collapse into a sheet upon transplantation. We anticipate that this approach may provide an alternative cell delivery system to improve the survival and integration of RPE transplants, while also retaining the benefits of low complexity in production and delivery.
Inter- and intraobserver reliability of morphological Mutch classification for greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus: A comparison of x-ray, two-, and three-dimensional CT imaging

Background The objective of this study was to investigate inter- and intraobserver reliability of the morphological Mutch classification for greater tuberosity (GT) fragments in consecutive proximal humerus fractures (PHF) regardless of the number of parts according to the Codman classification system for three different imaging modalities (plain radiographs, two-dimensional [2-D] computed tomography [CT], and reformatted, three-dimensional [3-D] CT reconstruction). Materials and methods One hundred thirty-eight consecutive PHF with GT involvement were identified between January 2018 and December 2018 in a supraregional Level 1 trauma center. GT morphology was classified by three blinded observers according to the morphological Mutch classification using the picture archiving and communication software Visage 7.1 (Visage Imaging Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Fleiss’ and Cohens’ kappa were assessed for inter- and intraobserver reliability. Strength of agreement for kappa (k) values was interpreted according to the Landis and Koch benchmark scale. Results In cases of isolated GT fractures (n = 24), the morphological Mutch classification achieved consistently substantial values for interobserver reliability (radiograph: k = 0.63; 2-D CT: k = 0.75; 3-D CT: k = 0.77). Moreover, use of advanced imaging (2-D and 3-D CT) tends to increase reliability. Consistently substantial mean values were found for intraobserver agreement (radiograph: Ø k = 0.72; 2-D CT: Ø k = 0.8; 3-D CT: Ø k = 0.76). In cases of multi-part PHF with GT involvement (n = 114), interobserver agreement was only slight to fair regardless of imaging modality (radiograph: k = 0.3; 2-D CT: k = 0.17; 3-D CT: k = 0.05). Intraobserver agreement achieved fair to moderate mean values (radiograph: Ø k = 0.56; 2-D CT: Ø k = 0.61; 3-D CT: Ø k = 0.33). Conclusion The morphological Mutch classification remains a reliable classification for isolated GT fractures, even with 2-D or 3-D CT imaging. Usage of these advanced imaging modalities tends to increase interobserver reliability. However, its reliability for multi-part fractures with GT involvement is limited. A simple and reliable classification is missing for this fracture entity.
Detection of the Short-Circuit Faults in the Stator Winding of Induction Motors based on Harmonics of the Neighboring Magnetic Field

Based on the time domain finite element analysis of the electromagnetic field, this paper studies the signature of the short-circuit faults inside the stator winding in the magnetic field outside induction motors. The detection of the such a fault is based on the evaluation of the output voltage of coil sensors placed in the motors neighbouring and the comparison of amplitudes of harmonics of this voltage for the healthy and faulty operation states.
Supply chain optimisation and protocol environment (SCOPE) for rapid prototyping and analysis of complex supply chains

There is a strong need for modelling tools that allow decision makers to rapidly develop aggregate models of supply chains, including both material and information flow, that they can use to gain insights and assess alternative configurations. We present a prototype implementation of such a system and apply it to a simple supply chain for validation purposes, and to a real world case study from the consumer packaged goods industry.
DESIGN OF THE DIE PROFILE FOR THE INCREMENTAL RADIAL FORGING PROCESS

In this paper, based on the slab method of analysis, a novel and general approach isdeveloped for studying the radial forging process with curved profile dies. The presented approachis not only more general with respect to previous studies, but it is also easier to understand and useand can be efficiently used for optimization of the die profile depending on the forging geometryand conditions. The obtained general equations reduce to those obtained in previous studies for thespecial case of linear dies. The process is also simulated by the finite element method to furtherenhance the results of the study. The obtained results provide useful information for the optimaldesign of the radial forging die.
CD33‐directed immunotherapy with third‐generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in intact and CD33‐edited acute myeloid leukemia and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells and antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs), have revolutionized the treatment of cancer, especially of lymphoid malignancies. The application of targeted immunotherapy to patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been limited in particular by the lack of a tumor‐specific target antigen. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), an ADC targeting CD33, is the only approved immunotherapeutic agent in AML. In our study, we introduce a CD33‐directed third‐generation CAR T‐cell product (3G.CAR33‐T) for the treatment of patients with AML. 3G.CAR33‐T cells could be expanded up to the end‐of‐culture, that is, 17 days after transduction, and displayed significant cytokine secretion and robust cytotoxic activity when incubated with CD33‐positive cells including cell lines, drug‐resistant cells, primary blasts as well as normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). When compared to second‐generation CAR33‐T cells, 3G.CAR33‐T cells exhibited higher viability, increased proliferation and stronger cytotoxicity. Also, GO exerted strong antileukemia activity against CD33‐positive AML cells. Upon genomic deletion of CD33 in HSPCs, 3G.CAR33‐T cells and GO preferentially killed wildtype leukemia cells, while sparing CD33‐deficient HSPCs. Our data provide evidence for the applicability of CD33‐targeted immunotherapies in AML and its potential implementation in CD33 genome‐edited stem cell transplantation approaches.
Fluid intelligence and the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system

Significance To understand mind and behavior we must understand the biological basis of intelligence. Despite significant progress, we lack a complete picture that integrates different levels of brain function and explains individual differences in cognitive ability. We propose that the locus coeruleus, the source of norepinephrine for the brain, plays a key role in this puzzle. It does so at all levels of brain function, regulating processes of learning, memory, and attention. We use baseline pupil size, which covaries with locus coeruleus activity, to anchor the present analyses of the role of the locus coeruleus in cognitive ability. This work provides a foundation for future research integrating different levels of brain function with individual differences in cognitive ability. The last decade has seen significant progress identifying genetic and brain differences related to intelligence. However, there remain considerable gaps in our understanding of how cognitive mechanisms that underpin intelligence map onto various brain functions. In this article, we argue that the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system is essential for understanding the biological basis of intelligence. We review evidence suggesting that the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system plays a central role at all levels of brain function, from metabolic processes to the organization of large-scale brain networks. We connect this evidence with our executive attention view of working-memory capacity and fluid intelligence and present analyses on baseline pupil size, an indicator of locus coeruleus activity. Using a latent variable approach, our analyses showed that a common executive attention factor predicted baseline pupil size. Additionally, the executive attention function of disengagement––not maintenance––uniquely predicted baseline pupil size. These findings suggest that the ability to control attention may be important for understanding how cognitive mechanisms of fluid intelligence map onto the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system. We discuss how further research is needed to better understand the relationships between fluid intelligence, the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system, and functionally organized brain networks.
Clinical measures of communication limitations in dysarthria assessed through crowdsourcing: specificity, sensitivity, and retest-reliability

ABSTRACT Assessing the impact of dysarthria on a patient’s ability to communicate should be an integral part of patient management. However, due to the high demands on reliable quantification of communication limitations, hardly any formal clinical tests with approved psychometric properties have been developed so far. This study investigates a web-based assessment of communication impairment in dysarthria, named KommPaS. The test comprises measures of intelligibility, naturalness, perceived listener effort and communication efficiency, as well as a total score that integrates these parameters. The approach is characterized by a quasi-random access to a large inventory of test materials and to a large group of naïve listeners, recruited via crowdsourcing. As part of a larger research program to establish the clinical applicability of this new approach, the present paper focuses on two psychometric issues, namely specificity and sensitivity (study 1) and retest-reliability (study 2). Study 1: KommPaS was administered to 54 healthy adults and 100 adult persons with dysarthria (PWD). Non-parametric criterion-based norms (specificity: 0.95) were used to derive a standard metric for each of the four component variables, and corresponding sensitivity values for the presence of dysarthria were identified. Overall classification accuracy of the total score was determined using a ROC analysis. The resulting cutscores showed a high accuracy in the separation of PWD from healthy speakers for the naturalness and the total score. Study 2: A sub-group of 20 PWD enrolled in study 1 were administered a second KommPaS examination. ICC analyses revealed good to excellent retest reliabilities for all parameters.
Bi‐allelic variants in MDH2: Expanding the clinical phenotype

Bi‐allelic alterations in the MDH2 gene have recently been reported in three unrelated toddlers with early‐onset severe encephalopathy. Here, we describe a new case of a child carrying novel variants in MDH2. This child presented with early‐onset encephalocardiopathy requiring heart transplant and showed cerebellar ataxia and drug‐responsive epilepsy; his family history was significant for multiple cancers, a feature often associated with monoallelic variants in MDH2. Functional studies in cultured skin fibroblasts from the proband showed reduced protein levels and impaired enzyme activity, further corroborating the genetic results. The relatively mild neurological presentation and severe cardiac manifestations requiring heart transplant distinguish this case from previous reports. This patient thus expands the spectrum of clinical features associated with MDH2 variants.
Validation of a Brief Computerized Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (BCCAMS) and comparison with reference batteries

Background: The Brief Computerized Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (BCCAMS) is a short neuropsychological battery for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Objectives: The main objective of the study is to validate the BCCAMS. Methods: PwMS and healthy subjects (HS) were evaluated using the BCCAMS which include two computerized tests, the Computerized Speed Cognitive Test and the Computerized Episodic Visual Memory Test (CEVMT), a newly developed visuospatial memory test, and the French learning test. The Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS), including the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) tests, was also administered. Regression-based norms of the BCCAMS were calculated in 276 HS. BCCAMS was compared with BICAMS and MACFIMS for detection of cognitive impairment (CI). Results: Out of 120 PwMS, CI was detected using the BCCAMS, BICAMS (one impaired test), and MACFIMS (two impaired tests) in 59.1%, 50%, and 37.9%, respectively. The BCCAMS produced the same predictive value as that of the BICAMS battery for detecting CI in the MACFIMS. Conclusion: This study validated the BCCAMS as a validated computerized short assessment for information processing speed and learning in MS.
Real-space imaging of anisotropic charge of σ-hole by means of Kelvin probe force microscopy

Description Resolution of the σ-hole Anisotropic distribution of charges on atoms plays an important role in intermolecular interactions, yet direct experimental imaging remains a long-standing challenge. A good example is the σ-hole, an anisotropic charge distribution on a halogen atom covalently linked to carbon atoms. The σ-hole gives rise to the halogen-bonding mechanism, which is well known in supramolecular chemistry despite its existence being confirmed only indirectly. Mallada et al. developed Kelvin probe force microscopy with a specifically functionalized tip and report direct real-space visualization of the σ-hole, revealing its strong anisotropic charge distribution. The authors show that this technique, which relies entirely on electrostatic interactions, may be a powerful tool with which to study anisotropic atomic charge distributions. —YS Kelvin probe force microscopy directly images a σ-hole, revealing its strong anisotropic charge distribution. An anisotropic charge distribution on individual atoms, such as σ-holes, may strongly affect the material and structural properties of systems. However, the spatial resolution of such anisotropic charge distributions on an atom represents a long-standing experimental challenge. In particular, the existence of the σ-hole on halogen atoms has been demonstrated only indirectly through the determination of the crystal structures of organic molecules containing halogens or with theoretical calculations, consequently calling for its direct experimental visualization. We show that Kelvin probe force microscopy with a properly functionalized probe can image the anisotropic charge of the σ-hole and the quadrupolar charge of a carbon monoxide molecule. This opens a new way to characterize biological and chemical systems in which anisotropic atomic charges play a decisive role.
Epitaxial III–V/Si Vertical Heterostructures with Hybrid 2D‐Semimetal/Semiconductor Ambipolar and Photoactive Properties

Hybrid materials taking advantage of the different physical properties of materials are highly attractive for numerous applications in today's science and technology. Here, it is demonstrated that epitaxial bi‐domain III–V/Si are hybrid structures, composed of bulk photo‐active semiconductors with 2D topological semi‐metallic vertical inclusions, endowed with ambipolar properties. By combining structural, transport, and photoelectrochemical characterizations with first‐principle calculations, it is shown that the bi‐domain III–V/Si materials are able within the same layer to absorb light efficiently, separate laterally the photo‐generated carriers, transfer them to semimetal singularities, and ease extraction of both electrons and holes vertically, leading to efficient carrier collection. Besides, the original topological properties of the 2D semi‐metallic inclusions are also discussed. This comb‐like heterostructure not only merges the superior optical properties of semiconductors with good transport properties of metallic materials, but also combines the high efficiency and tunability afforded by III–V inorganic bulk materials with the flexible management of nano‐scale charge carriers usually offered by blends of organic materials. Physical properties of these novel hybrid heterostructures can be of great interest for energy harvesting, photonic, electronic or computing devices.
Evaluation of using ferrofluid as an interface material for a field-reversible thermal connector

The electrical functionality of an avionics chassis is limited due to heat dissipation limits. The limits arise due to the fact that components in an avionic computer boxes are packed very compactly, with the components mounted onto plug-in cards, and the harsh environment experienced by the chassis limits how heat can be dissipated from the cards. Convective and radiative heat transfer to the ambient are generally not possible. Therefore it is necessary to have heat transferred from the components conducted to the edge of the plug-in cards. The heat then needs to conduct from the card edge to a cold block that not only holds the card in place, but also removes the generated heat by some heat transfer fluid that is circulated through the cold block. The interface between the plug-in card and the cold block typically has a high thermal resistance since it is necessary for the card to have the capability to be re-workable, meaning that the card can be removed and then returned to the chassis. Reducing the thermal resistance of the interface is the objective of the current study and the topic of this thesis.
Daily stressor forecasting and anticipatory coping: Within-Person processes in age differences in positive emotional reactivity

Abstract Objectives: Whereas previous work has almost exclusively focused on negative emotional reactivity to daily stressors, we focus on positive emotional reactivity - changes in positive emotions in response to a stressor. We examine daily forecasting and anticipatory coping for next-day home-related stressors within the temporal space before stressors to examine positive emotional reactivity in younger and older adults. Methods: We recruited 107 younger (M age = 19.44, range 18-36) and 116 older (M age = 64.71, range 60-90) participants who completed a nine day daily online diary for 1,627 total days. Participants reported demographics on Day 1 and then stressor forecasts, anticipatory coping, stressor exposure, and positive affect on Days 2-9. Results: Older adults had more positive affect when using outcome fantasy for next-day home stressors compared to younger adults, but forecasting a home stressor was associated with a stronger increase in positive affect for younger adults compared to older adults. Conclusion: These results reveal complex and dynamic links that exist in age differences in stressor forecasting, anticipatory coping, and their association with positive affect. The context of daily stressors is important to understand the nuances of matching stressor forecasts and anticipatory coping for positive emotional well-being in younger and older adults.
Propiedades en la evaluación de la Función de Coherencia para estimar el estado técnico de motores de combustión

The problem with design and exploitation of modern machines and technical devices is the recognition of the technical state in operating conditions. Therefore, defining the correct dynamic model is the main challenge within the industry field. The main condition of the diagnostic process with coherence function is that the processes must be linear and stationary in the field of the dynamic time. The present methods for diagnosing the technical state of combustion engines are based on value measurements of steering currents. The vibrodiagnostic of combustion engines is an alternative method that uses the analysis of vibration processes generated in combustion engines, enabling the assessment of the engine condition by using the sensibility estimate of its vibration processes. The estimation of the state of combustion engines with sparkle ignition for the research of vibration measures is possible thanks to the utilization of the property of the coherence function
Transactional patterns of depressive symptoms between mothers and adolescents: The role of emotion regulation

Depression is a highly prevalent, debilitating disorder that runs in families. Yet, empirical support for bidirectional mechanisms linking mother–adolescent depression symptoms remains limited. This study examined longitudinal bidirectional relations among emotion regulation (ER) constructs and depressive symptoms among mother–adolescent dyads over time. Pathways for girls and boys were explored separately, given extant research on sex differences in the intergenerational transmission of depression.
Transparent and Sprayable Surface Coatings that Kill Drug-Resistant Bacteria Within Minutes and Inactivate SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Antimicrobial coatings are one method to reduce the spread of microbial diseases. Transparent coatings preserve the visual properties of surfaces and are strictly necessary for applications such as antimicrobial cell phone screens. This work describes transparent coatings that inactivate microbes within minutes. The coatings are based on a polydopamine (PDA) adhesive, which has the useful property that the monomer can be sprayed, and then the monomer polymerizes in a conformal film at room temperature. Two coatings are described (1) a coating where PDA is deposited first and then a thin layer of copper is grown on the PDA by electroless deposition (PDA/Cu) and (2) a coating where a suspension of Cu2O particles in a PDA solution is deposited in a single step (PDA/Cu2O). In the second coating, PDA menisci bind Cu2O particles to the solid surface. Both coatings are transparent and are highly efficient in inactivating microbes. PDA/Cu kills >99.99% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 99.18% of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in only 10 min and inactivates 99.98% of SARS-CoV-2 virus in 1 h. PDA/Cu2O kills 99.94% of P. aeruginosa and 96.82% of MRSA within 10 min and inactivates 99.88% of SARS-CoV-2 in 1 h.