Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of interfacial and bulk charge transfer in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract A simple, first-principles mathematical model has been developed to analyze the effect of interfacial and bulk charge transfer on the power output characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Under steady state operating conditions, the Butler-Volmer equation and Schottky barrier model were applied to evaluate the voltage loss at counter electrode/electrolyte and TiO2/TCO interfaces, respectively. Experimental data acquired from typical DSSCs tested in our laboratory have been used to validate the theoretical J–V characteristics predicted by the present model. Compared to the conventional diffusion model, the present model fitted the experimental J–V curve more accurately at high voltages (0.65–0.8 V). Parametric studies were conducted to analyze the effect of series resistance, shunt resistance, interfacial overpotential, as well as difference between the conduction band and formal redox potentials on DSSCs’ performance. Simulated results show that a “lower-limit” of shunt resistance (103 Ωcm2) is necessary to guarantee a maximized efficiency. The model predicts a linear relationship between open circuit voltage (Voc) and photoanode temperature (T) with a slope of −1 mV/°C, which is close to the experimental data reported in literature. Additionally, it is observed that a small value of overpotential (2.2 mV) occurs at the short-circuit condition (Jsc = 10.5 mA/cm2), which is in a close agreement with Volmer-Butler equation. This observation suggests that, compared to the maximum attainable voltage (700 mV), the overpotential values are small and can be neglected for platinum catalyst based DSSCs.
Churn prediction in telecommunication industry using kernel Support Vector Machines

In this age of fierce competitions, customer retention is one of the most important tasks for many companies. Many previous works proposed models to predict customer churn based on various machine learning techniques. In this study, we proposed an advanced churn prediction model using kernel Support Vector Machines (SVM) algorithm for a telecom company. Baseline SVM models were initially built to find out the most suitable kernel types and will be used to make comparison with other approaches. Dimension reduction strategies such as Sequential Forward Selection (SFS) and Sequential Backward Selection (SBS) were applied to the dataset to find out the most important features. Furthermore, resampling techniques to deal with imbalanced data such as Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique Tomek Link (SMOTE Tomek) and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique ENN (SMOTE ENN) were used on the dataset. Using the above-mentioned techniques, we have obtained better results compared to those obtained from previous works, we achieved an F1-score and accuracy of 99% and 98.9% respectively.
A complementary resistive switching neuron

The complementary resistive switching (CRS) memristor has originally been proposed for use as the storage element or artificial synapse in large-scale crossbar array with the capability of solving the sneak path problem, but its usage has mainly been hampered by the inherent destructiveness of the read operation (switching ‘1’ state to ‘ON’ or ‘0’ state). Taking a different perspective on this ‘undesired’ property, we here report on the inherent behavioral similarity between the CRS memristor and a leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron which is another basic neural computing element, in addition to synapse. In particular, the mechanism behind the undesired read destructiveness for storage element and artificial synapse can be exploited to naturally realize the LIF and the ensuing spontaneous repolarization processes, followed by a refractory period. By means of this biological similarity, we demonstrate a Pt/Ta2O5−x /TaO y /Ta CRS memristor that can exhibit these neuronal behaviors and perform various fundamental neuronal operations, including additive/subtractive operations and coincidence detection. These results suggest that the CRS neuron, with its bio-interpretability, is a useful addition to the family of memristive neurons.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Indian mangrove (Ceriops tagal) revealed a genome‐wide duplication event predating the divergence of Rhizophoraceae mangrove species

Mangrove ecosystems are unique, highly diverse, provide benefits to humans, and aid in coastal protection. The Indian mangrove, or spurred mangrove, [Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob. ] is a member of the Rhizophoraceae family and is commonly found along the intertidal zones in tropical regions in Southeast Asia, southern Asia, and Africa. Here, we present the first high‐quality reference genome assembly of the Ceriops species. A preliminary draft assembly, generated from the 10× Genomics linked‐read library, was scaffolded using the proximity ligation chromatin contact mapping technique (Hi‐C) to obtain a chromosome‐scale assembly of 231,919,005 bases with an N50 length of 11,408,429 bases. The benchmarking universal single‐copy orthologs (BUSCO) analysis revealed that C. tagal gene predictions recovered 95.8% of the highly conserved orthologs. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that C. tagal diverged from the last common ancestor of flat‐leaf spurred mangrove [C. decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou] and C. zippeliana Blume ∼10.4 million yr ago (MYA), and the last common ancestor of genera Ceriops, Kandelia, and Rhizophora diverged from that of genus Bruguiera ∼49.4 MYA. In addition, our analysis of the transversion rate at fourfold‐degenerate sites from orthologous gene pairs provided evidence supporting a recent whole‐genome duplication in C. tagal. The STRUCTURE and principal component analyses illustrated that C. tagal individuals investigated in this study were the admixture of two subpopulations, the genetic background of which was influenced primarily by location. The availability of genomic and transcriptomic resources and biodiversity data reported in this work will be useful for future studies that may shed light on adaptive evolutions of mangrove species.
Canadian Association of Radiologists Guidance on Contrast Associated Acute Kidney Injury

Iodinated contrast media (ICM) is one of the most frequently administered pharmaceuticals. In Canada, over 5.4 million computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed in 2019, of which 50% were contrast enhanced. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring after ICM administration was historically considered a common iatrogenic complication which was managed by screening patients, prophylactic strategies, and follow up evaluation of renal function. The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) initially published guidelines on the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy in 2007, with an update in 2012. However, new developments in the field have led to the availability of safer contrast agents and changes in clinical practice, prompting a complete revision of the earlier recommendations. This revised guidance document was developed by a multidisciplinary CAR Working Group of radiologists and nephrologists, and summarizes changes in practice related to contrast administration, screening, and risk stratification since the last guideline. It reviews the scientific evidence for contrast associated AKI and provides consensus-based recommendations for its prevention and management in the Canadian healthcare context. This article is a joint publication in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal and Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, intended to inform both communities of practice.
Digital optical feeder links system for broadband geostationary satellite

An optical link based on a multiplex of wavelengths at 1. 55μm is foreseen to be a valuable solution for the feeder link of the next generation of high-throughput geostationary satellite. The main satellite operator specifications for such link are an availability of 99.9% over the year, a capacity around 500Gbit/s and to be bent-pipe. Optical ground station networks connected to Terabit/s terrestrial fibers are proposed. The availability of the optical feeder link is simulated over 5 years based on a state-of-the-art cloud mask data bank and an atmospheric turbulence strength model. Yearly and seasonal optical feeder link availabilities are derived and discussed. On-ground and on-board terminals are designed to be compliant with 10Gbit/s per optical channel data rate taking into account adaptive optic systems to mitigate the impact of atmospheric turbulences on single-mode optical fiber receivers. The forward and return transmission chains, concept and implementation, are described. These are based on a digital transparent on-off keying optical link with digitalization of the DVB-S2 and DVB-RCS signals prior to the transmission, and a forward error correcting code. In addition, the satellite architecture is described taking into account optical and radiofrequency payloads as well as their interfaces.
Slow fluctuations in ongoing brain activity decrease in amplitude with ageing yet their impact on task-related evoked responses is dissociable from behavior

In humans, ageing is characterized by decreased brain signal variability and increased behavioral variability. To understand how reduced brain variability segregates with increased behavioral variability, we investigated the association between reaction time variability, evoked brain responses and ongoing brain signal dynamics, in young (N=36) and older adults (N=39). We studied the electroencephalogram (EEG) and pupil size fluctuations to characterize the cortical and arousal responses elicited by a cued go/no-go task. Evoked responses were strongly modulated by slow (<2 Hz) fluctuations of the ongoing signals, which presented reduced power in the older participants. Although variability of the evoked responses was lower in the older participants, once we adjusted for the effect of the ongoing signal fluctuations, evoked responses were equally variable in both groups. Moreover, the modulation of the evoked responses caused by the ongoing signal fluctuations had no impact on reaction time, thereby explaining why although ongoing brain signal variability is decreased in older individuals, behavioral variability is not. Finally, we showed that adjusting for the effect of the ongoing signal was critical to unmask the link between neural responses and behavior as well as the link between task-related evoked EEG and pupil responses.
Origanum Sipyleum Methanol Extract in Combination with Ponatinib Shows Synergistic anti-Leukemic Activities on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Abstract Origanum sipyleum is used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Ponatinib, an effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has severe side effects. Thus, we aimed to determine a novel herbal combination therapy that might not only increase the anti-leukemic efficacy but also reduce the dose of ponatinib in targeting CML cells. Origanum sipyleum was extracted with methanol (OSM), and secondary metabolites were determined by phytochemical screening tests. The cytotoxic effects of OSM on K562 cells were measured by WST-1 assay. Median-effect equation was used to analyze the combination of ponatinib and OSM (p-OSM). Apoptosis, proliferation, and cell-cycle were investigated by flow-cytometry. Cell-cycle-related gene expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR. OSM that contains terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and anthracenes exhibited cytotoxic effects on K562 cells. The median-effect of p-OSM was found as synergistic; OSM reduced the ponatinib dose ∼5-fold. p-OSM elevated the apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of ponatinib. Consistently, p-OSM blocked cell-cycle progression in G0/G1, S phases accompanied by regulations in TGFB2, ATR, PP2A, p18, CCND1, CCND2, and CCNA1 expressions. OSM enhanced the anti-leukemic activity of ponatinib synergistically via inducing apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, and cell-cycle. As a result, OSM might offer a potential strategy for treating patients with CML.
Human Papillomavirus Minor Capsid Protein L2 Mediates Intracellular Trafficking into and Passage beyond the Endoplasmic Reticulum

High-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), such as HPV16, are highly associated with cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. The minor capsid protein L2 is essential for the intracellular trafficking of the viral DNA to the nucleus. ABSTRACT Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) consist of two capsid proteins: major capsid protein L1 and minor capsid protein L2. The L2 protein has been shown to be involved in intracellular trafficking events that lead to the deposition of the viral DNA into the nucleus. In this study, we investigate the role of HPV16 L2 residues 43-DQILQ-47 during intracellular trafficking in human keratinocytes. We demonstrate that the highly conserved amino acids aspartic acid, isoleucine, and leucine are involved with the intracellular trafficking of the virus. Amino acid substitution of the isoleucine and leucine residues with alanine residues results in a significant decrease in infectivity of the pseudovirions without any changes to the binding or internalization of the virus. The pseudovirions containing these substitutions exhibit an altered trafficking pattern and do not deposit the viral pseudogenome into the nucleus. Instead, these mutated pseudovirions display a lack of interaction with syntaxin 18, an ER SNARE protein, are unable to progress past the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are redirected to the lysosomes. The results of this study help to elucidate the role and potential involvement of the 43-DQILQ-47 sequence during intracellular trafficking, specifically during trafficking beyond the ER. IMPORTANCE High-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), such as HPV16, are highly associated with cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. The minor capsid protein L2 is essential for the intracellular trafficking of the viral DNA to the nucleus. This study investigates the role of amino acid residues 43-DQILQ-47 of the HPV16 L2 protein in the intracellular trafficking of the virus. Understanding how the virus traffics through the cell is a key factor in the development of additional preventative antiviral therapies. This study illustrates, through modification of the 43-DQILQ-47 sequence in pseudovirions, the importance of the 43-DQILQ-47 sequence in the trafficking of the virus beyond the endoplasmic reticulum.
Neurolymphomatosis in follicular lymphoma: an autopsy case report

Neurolymphomatosis is a neurological manifestation of lymphoma that involves the cranial or spinal peripheral nerves, nerve roots, and plexus with direct invasion of neoplastic cells. Neurolymphomatosis is rare among patients with low‐grade lymphoma. We report an autopsied case of neurolymphomatosis that arose from follicular lymphoma. A 49‐year‐old woman who presented with pain of her neck and shoulder and numbness of her chin. Computed tomography revealed enlarged lymph nodes in her whole body, and biopsy from the axillary lymph node revealed grade 2 follicular lymphoma. Although the patient underwent chemotherapy, she gradually developed muscle weakness in the upper limbs and sensory disturbances of the trunk and limbs. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) revealed increased tracer uptake of the cervical nerve roots. Repeated FDG‐PET after additional therapy revealed progression of disease within the nerve roots and brachial plexus, whereas gadolinium‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed weak enhancement of the cervical nerve roots without formation of mass lesions. She died after a total disease duration of 12 months. Postmortem observations revealed invasion of lymphoma cells into the cervical nerve roots, dorsal root ganglia, and subarachnoid spaces of the spinal cord. Neurolymphomatosis was prominent at the segments of C6–Th2. Combined loss of axons and myelin sheaths was observed in the cervical nerve roots and posterior columns. Lymphoma cells also invaded the cranial nerves. The subarachnoid and perivascular spaces of the brain demonstrated focal invasion of the lymphoma. Mass lesions were not observed in the central nervous system. The lymphoma cells did not show histological transformation to higher grades, and the density of the centroblasts remained at grade 2. Our report clarifies that low‐grade follicular lymphoma can manifest as neurolymphomatosis and central nervous system invasion in the absence of transformation toward higher histological grades. FDG‐PET may be more sensitive to non‐mass‐forming lesions, including neurolymphomatosis, than gadolinium‐contrast MRI.
Post Hoc Analysis of Lorlatinib Intracranial Efficacy and Safety in Patients With ALK-Positive Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer From the Phase III CROWN Study

PURPOSE Lorlatinib significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) versus crizotinib and showed robust intracranial activity in patients with previously untreated advanced ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the phase III CROWN trial. Here, we report post hoc efficacy outcomes in patients with and without brain metastases at baseline, and present data on the incidence and management of CNS adverse events (AEs) in CROWN. METHODS Eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to first-line lorlatinib (100 mg once daily) or crizotinib (250 mg twice a day); no crossover between treatment arms was permitted. Tumor assessments, including CNS magnetic resonance imaging, were performed at screening and then at 8-week intervals. Regular assessments of patient-reported outcomes were conducted. RESULTS PFS by blinded independent central review was improved with lorlatinib versus crizotinib in patients with and without brain metastases at baseline (12-month PFS rates: 78% v 22% and 78% v 45%, respectively). Lorlatinib was associated with lower 12-month cumulative incidence of CNS progression versus crizotinib in patients with (7% v 72%) and without (1% v 18%) brain metastases at baseline. In total, 35% of patients had CNS AEs with lorlatinib, most of grade 1 severity. Occurrence of CNS AEs did not result in a clinically meaningful difference in patient-reported quality of life. At analysis, 56% of CNS AEs had resolved (33% without intervention; 17% with lorlatinib dose modification), and 38% were unresolved; most required no intervention. Lorlatinib dose modification did not notably influence PFS. CONCLUSION First-line lorlatinib improved PFS outcomes and reduced CNS progression versus crizotinib in patients with advanced ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer with or without brain metastases at baseline. Half of all CNS AEs resolved without intervention or with lorlatinib dose modification.
Human-Machine Interaction in Automated Vehicle: The ABV Project

Abstract The work described in this paper is part of a research program named ABV (Low Speed Automation) where the goal is the automation of road vehicle at low speed while ensuring the sharing of driving between the driver and the assistance. This paper focuses on the problem of human-machine cooperation in the specific context of vehicle driving, with a view of shared control between driver and automation, considering the acceptability of the system and the driver distractions and drowsiness.
Health-related quality of life, fatigue and health utilities in lupus nephritis: A systematic literature review

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal B-cell activation and the presence of autoantibodies, which can result in organ damage. Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common severe organ manifestation of SLE and may result in impaired kidney function. However, there is limited research on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden amongst patients with LN. The objective of this systematic literature review was to assess the HRQoL, fatigue and health utilities associated with LN. Methods A structured literature search (GSK Study 212980) of the MEDLINE and Embase databases was conducted in July 2019 and updated September 2021. Relevant international congress abstracts from 2016 to 2021 were searched, and gray literature searches and keyword-based searches in PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar were also conducted. Results were screened according to predefined criteria and data on the outcomes of interest were extracted. A quantitative analysis was conducted to supplement the narrative review, to provide 36-item Short Form survey (SF-36) estimates, and to determine variation by prognostic factors. Results Of 1155 articles identified, 26 studies for a total of 3440 patients were included. Patients with LN showed poorer HRQoL and more fatigue than healthy controls/the general population, although these were similar between patients with SLE with and without LN. HRQoL was worse in patients with LN Class III/IV or with active disease. Fatigue was generally reported as the most burdensome symptom and was associated with lower HRQoL and increased treatment dissatisfaction. During induction treatment, HRQoL and fatigue were improved with mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide. HRQoL improved over time with treatment amongst patients with active LN. Very limited data were identified assigning utilities to health states for cost-effectiveness analysis. Nine studies were considered for quantitative analysis of baseline SF-36 scores. The analysis suggested that LN has a significant impact across all SF-36 domains, with the lowest scores in the general health perceptions and role-physical domains and physical component summary. Conclusions There is a large HRQoL burden in patients with LN, in particular regarding symptoms of fatigue. Future research should focus on investigating fatigue severity and health utilities in LN.
Improving environmental stress resilience in crops by genome editing: insights from extremophile plants

Abstract In basic and applied sciences, genome editing has become an indispensable tool, especially the versatile and adaptable CRISPR/Cas9 system. Using CRISPR/Cas9 in plants has enabled modifications of many valuable traits, including environmental stress tolerance, an essential aspect when it comes to ensuring food security under climate change pressure. The CRISPR toolbox enables faster and more precise plant breeding by facilitating: multiplex gene editing, gene pyramiding, and de novo domestication. In this paper, we discuss the most recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9 and alternative CRISPR-based systems, along with the technical challenges that remain to be overcome. A revision of the latest proof-of-concept and functional characterization studies has indeed provided more insight into the quantitative traits affecting crop yield and stress tolerance. Additionally, we focus on the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in regard to extremophile plants, due to their significance on: industrial, ecological and economic levels. These still unexplored genetic resources could provide the means to harden our crops against the threat of climate change, thus ensuring food security over the next century.
Perspectives of people living with Parkinson's disease on personalized prediction models

There is a great need for the development of personalized prediction models (PPMs) that can predict the rate of disease progression for persons with Parkinson's disease (PD), based on their individual characteristics. In this study, we aimed to clarify the perspective of persons diagnosed with PD on the value of such hypothetical PPMs.