Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic Delivery of mLIGHT-Armed Myxoma Virus Is Therapeutic for Later-Stage Syngeneic Murine Lung Metastatic Osteosarcoma

Simple Summary Cancer metastasis to the lung represents the second most common site of metastasis, and a major challenge for clinical treatment of cancer, however, armed oncolytic viruses (Ovs) systemically delivered by carrier leukocytes represents a new treatment strategy. To study PBMC delivery of oncolytic myxoma virus armed with murine LIGHT (vMyx-mLIGHT), we exploited a later-stage syngeneic murine lung metastatic osteosarcoma model. Our results show that PBMC-delivered vMyx-mLIGHT is an effective treatment for even later-stage disease in vivo and offered superior tumor cell cytotoxicity in vitro. Taken together, vMyx-mLIGHT/PBMC therapy offers great promise to treat lung metastatic cancers. Abstract Cancers that metastasize to the lungs represent a major challenge in both basic and clinical cancer research. Oncolytic viruses are newly emerging options but successful delivery and choice of appropriate therapeutic armings are two critical issues. Using an immunocompetent murine K7M2-luc lung metastases model, the efficacy of MYXV armed with murine LIGHT (TNFSF14/CD258) expressed under virus-specific early/late promoter was tested in an advanced later-stage disease K7M2-luc model. Results in this model show that mLIGHT-armed MYXV, delivered systemically using ex vivo pre-loaded PBMCs as carrier cells, reduced tumor burden and increased median survival time. In vitro, when comparing direct infection of K7M2-luc cancer cells with free MYXV vs. PBMC-loaded virus, vMyx-mLIGHT/PBMCs also demonstrated greater cytotoxic capacity against the K7M2 cancer cell targets. In vivo, systemically delivered vMyx-mLIGHT/PBMCs increased viral reporter transgene expression levels both in the periphery and in lung tumors compared to unarmed MYXV, in a tumor- and transgene-dependent fashion. We conclude that vMyx-mLIGHT, especially when delivered using PBMC carrier cells, represents a new potential therapeutic strategy for solid cancers that metastasize to the lung.
Fifth metatarsal fractures: an update on management, complications, and outcomes

Even though fifth metatarsal fractures represent one of the most common injuries of the lower limb, there is no consensus regarding their classification and treatment, while the term ‘Jones’ fracture has been used inconsistently in the literature. In the vast majority of patients, Zone 1 fractures are treated non-operatively with good outcomes. Treatment of Zone 2 and 3 fractures remains controversial and should be individualized according to the patient’s needs and the ‘personality’ of the fracture. If treated operatively, anatomic reduction and intramedullary fixation with a single screw, with or without biologic augmentation, remains the ‘gold standard’ of management; recent reports however report good outcomes with open reduction and internal fixation with specifically designed plating systems. Common surgical complications include hardware failure or irritation of the soft tissues, refracture, non-union, sural nerve injury, and chronic pain. Patients should be informed of the different treatment options and be part of the decision process, especially where time for recovery and returning to previous activities is of essence, such as in the case of high-performance, elite athletes.
DevOps Adoption: Challenges & Barriers

As a modern software engineering paradigm, DevOps has recently gained increasing acceptance in the industry as a set of practices and cultural values to address daily dynamic software demands. While the rising trend of DevOps and its characteristics and challenges have often been characterized by practitioner communities and academic research circles, there is still a lack of a thorough understanding of how to tackle DevOps adoptions. This paper aims to help fill this gap by identifying, discussing, and summarizing current academic and practitioner DevOps adoption & implementation research. Our findings provide a basis for theoretical, empirical, or design-oriented research for IS scholars, that has the potential to be of practical importance. Our goal is to improve understanding of DevOps adoption by uncovering ambiguities in terms, conceptual conflations, and ideas underlying different uses of the concept as well as providing methods to deal with common challenges in the adoption process.
Ion Channel Modeling beyond State of the Art: A Comparison with a System Theory-Based Model of the Shaker-Related Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Kv1.1

The mathematical modeling of ion channel kinetics is an important tool for studying the electrophysiological mechanisms of the nerves, heart, or cancer, from a single cell to an organ. Common approaches use either a Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) or a hidden Markov model (HMM) description, depending on the level of detail of the functionality and structural changes of the underlying channel gating, and taking into account the computational effort for model simulations. Here, we introduce for the first time a novel system theory-based approach for ion channel modeling based on the concept of transfer function characterization, without a priori knowledge of the biological system, using patch clamp measurements. Using the shaker-related voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1 (KCNA1) as an example, we compare the established approaches, HH and HMM, with the system theory-based concept in terms of model accuracy, computational effort, the degree of electrophysiological interpretability, and methodological limitations. This highly data-driven modeling concept offers a new opportunity for the phenomenological kinetic modeling of ion channels, exhibiting exceptional accuracy and computational efficiency compared to the conventional methods. The method has a high potential to further improve the quality and computational performance of complex cell and organ model simulations, and could provide a valuable new tool in the field of next-generation in silico electrophysiology.
The Critical Appraisal Tool for Anatomical Meta‐analysis: A framework for critically appraising anatomical meta‐analyses

The hallmark of evidence‐based medicine is the meta‐analysis (MA). For much of its rich history, the field of anatomy has been dominated by descriptive, cadaveric studies. In the last two decades, quantitative measurements and statistical analyses have frequently accompanied such studies. These studies have directly led to the publication of anatomical MAs, which have ushered in the exciting field of evidence‐based anatomy. Although critical appraisal tools exist for clinical MAs, none of them are specifically tailored for anatomical MAs. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a framework by which clinical anatomists and others can critically appraise anatomical MAs using the Critical Appraisal Tool for Anatomical Meta‐analysis (CATAM). Using a running example from a recently published MA, we show how to use the CATAM rubric in a step‐by‐step fashion. Each scored section of the CATAM rubric is summated into a total score (maximum 50 points). This score is then referenced to a conversion chart, which assigns a qualitative value to the MA in a range from “very good” to “poor. ” Future studies can investigate the interrater reliability of the instrument, and possibly subject the CATAM rubric to a Delphi panel. As anatomical MAs become more commonplace at surgical grand rounds and journal clubs in academic medical centers throughout the world, we hope that the CATAM rubric can help facilitate meaningful discussions about the quality and clinical relevance of anatomical MAs.
Crisis Communications on Social Media: Insights from Canadian Officials Twitter Presence during COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic is a unique case in crisis management given its length, scale, several different response systems, and public officials' extensive social media use for crisis communication. Leveraging text mining techniques, we examine Canadian officials' presence on Twitter during the pandemic by focusing on their COVID-19-related content. We identified eight themes of discussion that unveil 37 relevant subthemes. Concentrating on the COVID-19-addressing themes, we reveal that educating citizens on the safety information and keeping them informed with the latest crisis information was the Canadian officials' primary focus during the pandemic. To fight COVID-19, Canadian officials used four policies, and to implement those, they promoted eight measures and practices. According to the volume of generated content, the evolution of COVID-19-addressing themes over time, and their coexistence;Test and trace was the most advocated policy by emphasizing screening the symptoms. To stop the spread of COVID-19, Canadian officials promoted wearing Mask, Social distancing, Hand washing, and Stay home, where Mask and Social distancing were the most frequent practices. Our study contributes to crisis communication and management by depicting how Canadian officials leveraged social media during such a big-scale crisis. © 2022 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.
Real-Time Estimation of Backlash Size in Automotive Drivetrains

The presence of backlash in automotive drivetrains causes the so-called clunk (a.k.a. shunt) phenomenon during reversals in the sign of the actuator torque. This clunk manifests as an audible noise when the gears make contact at the end of the lash traversal, and thus, affects the drive comfort of the vehicle. To mitigate the clunk, automotive OEMs employ a variety of actuator torque shaping strategies, which require knowledge of the size of the backlash in order to be effective. Furthermore, since the size of the drivetrain backlash is expected to vary significantly over the lifetime of the vehicle and/or from vehicle-to-vehicle (due to manufacturing variations), there is a requirement to estimate the backlash size in real-time so as to maintain the effectiveness of these strategies. To this end, the current work develops an innovative Kalman filter-based lash size estimator that uses readily available speed and torque signals from the vehicle CAN bus. As part of the development, we evaluate the efficacy of the proposed estimator using both simulations and test vehicle data. The evaluation also includes a study of the robustness of the estimator to variations in the actuator torque trajectory and the calculated road load torque, presence of CAN jitter in the measured speed signals, and variations in backlash size, driveshaft compliance, and tire-road interaction. Furthermore, we analyze the computational feasibility of the estimator using processor-in-loop simulations in a dSPACE prototype controller. Both the performance and robustness studies prove the effectiveness of the proposed backlash size estimation system.
Absorption and Enrichment Characteristics
of Aquatic Plants under Cd Stress

In this study, six hydrophyte species (Ceratophyllum demersum, Canna indica, Iris pseudacorus, Pistia stratiotes, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Eichhornia crassipes) were selected to investigate the effects of different Cd concentrations on the growth and water purification rates in order to identify species with the best Cd remediation effects. Additionally, a kinetic model of Cd adsorption by aquatic plants was determined using a regression method. The survival rate of the six species of aquatic plants under Cd stress was 100%. However, Cd stress inhibited the accumulation of biomass and nutrient elements in aquatic plants. Cd was mainly concentrated in the roots of aquatic plants. The simulation result of the kinetic model revealed that the exponential function model was most suitable for describing Cd removal, indicating that this model can be used to predict the degree of Cd purification by aquatic plants. The species E. crassipes and P. stratiotes were highly efficient in Cd removal, with an average removal rate above 88%. Thus, E. crassipes and P. stratiotes are species with potential for use in the remediation of Cd-polluted water in constructed wetlands and floating beds.
Multiplex PCR reveals unique trends in pathogen and parasitoid infestations of alfalfa leafcutting brood cells

The alfalfa leafcutting bee Megachile rotundata Fabricius (HYMENOPTERA: Megachilidae) is an important pollinator for multiple agricultural seed commodities in the United States. Megachile rotundata is a solitary bee that forms brood cocoons where its larvae can develop. During the developmental stages of growth, broods can be preyed upon by multiple different fungal and bacterial pathogens and insect predators and parasitoids, resulting in the loss of the developing larvae. Larval loss is a major concern for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed producers because they rely on pollinator services provided by Megachile rotundata and reduced pollination rates result in lower yields and increased production costs. In the present study, we examined the taxonomic composition of organisms found within M. rotundata brood cells using a multiplex PCR assay which was developed for the detection of the most common bacterial, fungal, and invertebrate pests and pathogens of M. rotundata larvae. Known pests of M. rotundata were detected, including members of the fungal genus Ascosphaera, the causative agent of chalkbrood. Co-infection of single brood cells by multiple Ascosphaera species was confirmed, with potential implications for chalkbrood disease management. The multiplex assay also identified DNA from more than 2,400 total species including multiple new predators and pathogenetic species not previously documented in associated with M. rotundata brood cells.
An Authentic Pedagogical Approach to Developing Information Systems Project-based Solutions

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to develop a pedagogical protocol using exposure to problem-based learning (PBL) simulations of challenges that could occur in the business world, particularly in information systems projects, to help students develop skills to address problem situations in their careers. This research was conducted with groups of business school graduate students, where students in the experimental group were exposed to problem-based situational components of a system development planning life cycle for specific information system business projects. Students who were subjected to the problem-based situational exercises and analysis in their classes scored significantly higher than a control group, regarding the recognition and solutions to problems in a troubled project. From a practical sense, recognizing problems with projects in business can possibly avert huge costs and disruptions in the management of projects and help avoid project failures.
DENV-Mimetic Polymersome Nanoparticles Bearing Multi-Epitope Lipopeptides Antigen as the Next-Generation Dengue Vaccine

Dengue remains a severe threat to public health. The safety and efficacy of the licensed dengue vaccine is not clinically satisfactory, which necessitate the need of new approach in designing an effective dengue vaccine without eliciting adverse reaction. Herein, we have designed a lipidated multi-epitope peptide vaccine (LipoDV) that can elicit highly targeted humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. To improve its immunogenicity, LipoDV was presented on the surface of MPLA-functionalized polymersome nanoparticles (PNs-LipoDV-MPLA). The as-constructed vaccine delivery platform resembles the structural morphology of DENV owing to its spherical nanoscale particle size and surface immunostimulatory properties given by LipoDV and MPLA that emulating the functional role of DENV E and prM/M proteins respectively. A proof-of-concept study demonstrated that BALB/c mice immunized with PNs-LipoDV-MPLA induced a stronger antigen-specific antibody response with an enhanced cell-mediated immunity as characterized by the elevated IFN-γ secretion in comparison to other tested vaccine candidates which possess a lesser structural trait of DENV. The DENV-mimicking nanoparticles vaccine exhibited negligible toxicity as analyzed by hemolytic test, MTT assay, histopathological examination and abnormal toxicity test on immunized mice. Collectively, our study provides a strong foundation in designing an effective peptide-based vaccine delivery platform against DENV infection.
Individual factors that cause professional burnout syndrome in social workers, employed in community rehabilitation centre for addictive diseases

At the theoretical and empirical levels, the article reveals individual factors that cause professional burnout syndrome in social workers, employed in community rehabilitation centre for addictive diseases. Addiction is considered a disease that has aspects of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual nature. Professional burnout syndrome can be understood from different points of view that in total comprise a general concept and consist of the following aspects: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decrease in self-realization. Research object is individual factors that cause professional burnout syndrome in social workers, employed in community rehabilitation centres for addictive diseases. The aim of the article is to reveal individual factors that cause professional burnout syndrome in social workers, employed in community rehabilitation centre for addictive diseases. Tasks: 1) to provide theoretical assumptions about individual factors that cause professional burnout syndrome; 2) based on experiences of social workers to reveal individual factors that cause professional burnout syndrome in social workers, employed in community rehabilitation centre for addictive diseases. Research methods are academic literature analysis, document analysis, and qualitative research. In the study, semi-structured interviews, quality (content) analysis, summarizing method were used.Empirical research revealed that individual factors that cause the development of professional burnout syndrome in social workers, employed in community rehabilitation centres for addictive diseases, are related to: employees’ feelings of inferiority and imposition of excessive requirements on themselves (timidity, self-devaluation; feeling of guilt; lack of self-evaluation skills and imposition of excessive requirements on oneself); personal qualities (too much empathy, attachment to clients or doubts about the meaning of work); individual factors related to the environment (having nobody to talk to about problems, inability to change the environment, prolonged stress, narrowing of interests outside work, and forced abandonment of activities that previously preventively helped to combat professional burnout syndrome). Individual factors related to clients (collapse of hopes to help the client and excessive responsibility of the social worker for the client’s life). Participants of the research became “inaccessible” to family members, were unable to distance themselves from work stress (worries outside work, obsessive thoughts that hinder dissociation from work, inability to relax, use of free time for work activities); felt a lack of general and professional competencies.
Metasurface-Based Beam Scanning Array with In-Band Co-Polarized Scattered Field Shaping

In this paper, a novel array of radiation and scattering function-integrated metasurface antenna (RSIMA) elements is proposed, simulated, and measured for radiation beam scanning and two examples of in-band co-polarized (IBCP) scattered field shaping. The RSIMA consists of a slot-connected metasurface (SCMS) subarray of 3W3 unit cells and a substrate integrated slot waveguide (SISW). When illuminated by plane waves, each SCMS unit cell can independently obtain a wide range of reflection phases by tuning structural parameters. When excited by the coaxial port of SISW, the SCMS subarray will also act as a radiation carrier of RSIMA. Moreover, the layout change of SCMS subarray will not significantly affect the radiation performance of RSIMA. Based on the principle of phase compensation and the phase superposition method, the phase distribution for two examples of scattered field shaping can be designed. In simulations and experiments, the array of 12W12 RSIMAs radiates an IBCP beam scanning over ±31.50 in the E-plane and shapes the IBCP scattered fields into a deflected vortex beam and a deflected high-gain multi-beam. It is worth mentioning that the SCMS layout change between two examples of scattered field shaping does not significantly affect the radiation performance of the RSIMA array.
Applying multispectral UAV imagery to delineate in and near stream cover along a small urban stream

Traditional remote sensing methods are rarely applied to headwater streams because of a mismatch in spatial scale. With improved technology, remote sensing using unoccupied aerial vehicles enables imagery to be collected at high spatial and temporal resolution. However, these innovations have been used less frequently to detect changes within the water column. In addition, it is unclear whether classification methods developed along a single reach can be transferred through space (to other reaches) and through time, or how much information is needed to perform such classifications. This study combines methods of remote sensing, image processing, and machine learning to classify land cover and submerged aquatic vegetation along four urban stream reaches (170–325 m). A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model was developed to provide land and water cover classification maps using training data. This method proved to be robust when classifying land cover along a single reach with minimal training data required. Using 200 pixels per land cover class resulted in 100% classification confidence for more than 93% of the pixels; when reducing this to only 50 pixels per land cover class, LDA yielded 100% classification confidence for nearly 80% of the total pixels. Through attempts to transfer relationships across reaches and flight dates, we found a greater percentage of misclassified pixels (upwards of 45% misclassification for flights on one date) when classifying across reaches on a single date as opposed to classification along a single reach for multiple dates. Overall, we recommend passive optical approaches, like the one used here, consider lighting conditions, reach orientation, and shading in data acquisition planning to mitigate the uncertainty they may introduce in delineating water column quality and cover.
Identification and characterization of the novel bioactive compounds from microalgae and cyanobacteria for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications

Microalgae and cyanobacteria (blue‐green algae) are used as food by humans. They have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are good sources of many valuable compounds, including important biologically active compounds with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Under optimal growth condition and stress factors, algal biomass produce varieties of potential bioactive compounds. In the current review, bioactive compounds production and their remarkable applications such as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications along with processes involved in identification and characterization of the novel bioactive compounds are discussed. Comprehensive knowledge about the exploration, extraction, screening, and trading of bioactive products from microalgae and cyanobacteria and their pharmaceutical and other applications will open up new avenues for drug discovery and bioprospecting.