Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Living Machines: current and future trends of tactile sensing, grasping, and social robotics

The development of future technologies can be highly influenced by our deeper understanding of the principles that underlie living organisms. The Living Machines conference aims at presenting (among others) the interdisciplinary work of behaving systems based on such principles. Celebrating the 10 years of the conference, we present the progress and future challenges of some of the key themes presented in the robotics workshop of the Living Machines conference. More specifically, in this perspective paper, we focus on the advances in the field of biomimetics and robotics for the creation of artificial systems that can robustly interact with their environment, ranging from tactile sensing, grasping, and manipulation to the creation of psychologically plausible agents.
Oral Vaccination with Engineered Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri Has Protective Effects against Localized and Systemic Staphylococcus aureus Infection

We systematically screened and evaluated protective effects of engineered Lactobacillus against S. aureus infection in terms of differing delivery vehicle strains and S. aureus antigens and in localized and systemic infection models. Engineered L. reuteri was developed and showed strong protective effects against both types of S. aureus-induced infection. ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for most hospital-acquired (nosocomial) and community-acquired infections worldwide. The only therapeutic strategy against S. aureus-induced infections, to date, is antibiotic treatment. A protective vaccine is urgently needed in view of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains associated with high-mortality cases; however, no such vaccine is currently available. In our previous work, the feasibility of implementing a Lactobacillus delivery system for development of S. aureus oral vaccine was first discussed. Here, we describe systematic screening and evaluation of protective effects of engineered Lactobacillus against S. aureus infection in terms of different delivery vehicle strains and S. aureus antigens and in localized and systemic infection models. Limosilactobacillus reuteri WXD171 was selected as the delivery vehicle strain based on its tolerance of the gastrointestinal environment, adhesion ability, and antimicrobial activities in vitro and in vivo. We designed, constructed, and evaluated engineered L. reuteri strains expressing various S. aureus antigens. Among these, engineered L. reuteri WXD171-IsdB displayed effective protection against S. aureus-induced localized infection (pneumonia and skin infection) and, furthermore, a substantial survival benefit in systemic infection (sepsis). WXD171-IsdB induced mucosal responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissues, as evidenced by increased production of secretory IgA and interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and proliferation of lymphocytes derived from Peyer’s patches. The probiotic L. reuteri-based oral vaccine appears to have strong potential as a prophylactic agent against S. aureus infections. Our findings regarding utilization of Lactobacillus delivery system in S. aureus vaccine development support the usefulness of this live vaccination strategy and its potential application in next-generation vaccine development. IMPORTANCE We systematically screened and evaluated protective effects of engineered Lactobacillus against S. aureus infection in terms of differing delivery vehicle strains and S. aureus antigens and in localized and systemic infection models. Engineered L. reuteri was developed and showed strong protective effects against both types of S. aureus-induced infection. Our findings regarding the utilization of a Lactobacillus delivery system in S. aureus vaccine development support the usefulness of this live vaccination strategy and its potential application in next-generation vaccine development.
Novel VEGFR‐2 Kinase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: A Review Focusing on SAR and Molecular Docking Studies (2016–2021)

Cancer growth, annexation, and metastatic spread are all aided by the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The commencement of the VEGF pathway leads to signal transduction that enhances endothelial cell survival, relocation, and divergence from pre‐existing vasculature. The ability of solid malignancies to bloom and spread depends critically on their ability to establish their independent blood circulation (tumor angiogenesis). VEGFR is a major receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates angiogenesis, cell growth, and metastasis, diminishing apoptosis, cytoskeletal function, and other biological processes VEGFR has proven to be a remarkable focus for a variety of anticancer medicines in clinical studies. This Review explores the development of anti‐VEGF‐based antiangiogenic therapies having different scaffolds. This review had focused on SAR and docking studies of previously reported molecules.
Game on: immersive virtual laboratory simulation improves student learning outcomes & motivation

The use of gamified learning interventions is expanding in postsecondary education as a means to improve students' motivation and learning outcomes. Virtual laboratory simulations have been used in science education to supplement students' learning, as well as to increase engagement with course material. Due to COVID‐19, many instructors sought to replace or supplement hands‐on ‘wet‐lab’ work in an online environment. In this paper, we explored how the use of head‐mounted display technology in two laboratory simulations impacts learner motivation and learning outcomes. We used a mixed‐methods approach to analyze the experience of 39 undergraduate participants, examining test scores pre‐ and postsimulation, qualitative feedback, and quantitative experience ratings. The head‐mounted display technology was described as easy to use, with eye strain identified as a common occurrence. Participants had increased test scores following the laboratory simulations, with no significant difference between simulation groups. Very positive self‐reported measures of motivation and learner engagement were documented. Ninety‐one percent of participants agreed that virtual reality laboratory simulation would be a good supplement to regular teaching modalities. Overall, our results suggest that immersive virtual reality laboratory simulations experienced through head‐mounted display technology can be used to enhance learning outcomes and increase learner motivation.
Prevalence and Associations of Beta2-Microglobulin Mutations in MSI-H/dMMR Cancers

Abstract Microsatellite instability (MSI) has emerged as an important predictor of sensitivity for immunotherapy-based strategies. β-2-Microglobulin (B2M) contains microsatellites within the coding regions and is prone to somatic changes in MSI/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/dMMR) tumors. To delineate prevalence and associations of B2M mutations in MSI-H/dMMR cancers, we investigated the mutational profile of B2M and clinical and pathological features in gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and endometrial cancer (EC) with a high incidence of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/dMMR. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues along with matched normal tissues were collected from 108 MSI/dMMR patients with GC, CRC, and EC. Genomic profiling of tissue and blood samples were assessed next-generation sequencing (NGS). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the presence or absence of B2M protein. Alternations in the exonic microsatellite regions of B2M were observed at various but high frequencies (57.5% in CRC, 23.9% in GC, and 13.6% in EC) and in different forms. NGS assay revealed that genes involved in chromatin regulation, the PI3K pathway, the WNT pathway, and mismatch repair were extensively altered in the MSI-H cohort. Signature 6 and 26, 2 of 4 mutational signatures associated with defective DNA mismatch repair, featured with high numbers of small insertion/deletions (INDEL) dominated in all 3 types of cancer. Alternations in the exonic microsatellite regions of B2M were observed at various but high frequencies (57.5% in CRC, 23.9% in GC, and 13.6% in EC) and in different forms. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was significantly higher in the patients carrying MSI-H/dMMR tumors with B2M mutation than that in patients with wild-type B2M (P = .026). The frame shift alteration occurring at the exonic microsatellite sties caused loss of function of B2M gene. In addition, a case with CRC carrying indels in B2M gene resisted the ICI treatment was reported. In conclusion, patients carrying MSI-H/dMMR tumors with B2M mutation showed significantly higher TMB. Prescription of ICIs should be thoroughly evaluated for these patients.
The bulk modulus of C60 molecules and crystals: A molecular mechanics approach

In this letter, the bulk modulus of an individual C60 molecule is calculated in terms of the C,C bond force constant. A range of values for the bulk modulus is obtained with literature values for the force constant. The values obtained all exceed the bulk modulus (441 GPa) of diamond. With a C,C bond force constant equal to that between adjacent carbon atoms in graphite, 7.08 mdyn/A, a bulk modulus of 903 GPa is obtained. On the basis of a simple composite model it is calculated that single closest‐packed C60 crystals of C60 will have a bulk modulus of roughly 668 GPa under hydrostatic pressures. The calculated bulk modulus for a single C60 ‘‘buckyball’’ therefore suggests the possibility that a C60 crystal could be the most incompressible material known, at a pressure above about 50 GPa.
Relationships between kinematic characteristics and ratio of forces during initial sprint acceleration

ABSTRACT In track sprinting, acceleration performance is largely determined by the ability to generate a high ratio of forces (RF), but the technical features associated with this remain unknown. This study therefore investigated the relationships between selected kinematic characteristics and RF during the initial acceleration phase. Fourteen male sprinters completed two maximal 60 m sprints from a block start. Full-body kinematic and external kinetic data were obtained from the first four steps, and the relationships between selected kinematic characteristics and mean RF over the first four steps were determined. Placing the stance foot further behind (or less far in front of) the whole-body centre of mass at touchdown was significantly related to greater RF (r = −0.672), and more anterior orientation of the proximal end of the foot (r = −0.724) and shank (r = −0.764) segments at touchdown were also significantly related to greater RF. Following touchdown, greater ankle dorsiflexion range of motion during early stance was significantly related to greater RF (r = 0.728). When aiming to enhance RF during initial acceleration, practitioners should be encouraged to focus on lower leg configurations when manipulating touchdown distance, and the role of dorsiflexion during early stance is also an important consideration.
Automating Quality Assessment of Medical Evidence in Systematic Reviews: Model Development and Validation Study

Background Assessment of the quality of medical evidence available on the web is a critical step in the preparation of systematic reviews. Existing tools that automate parts of this task validate the quality of individual studies but not of entire bodies of evidence and focus on a restricted set of quality criteria. Objective We proposed a quality assessment task that provides an overall quality rating for each body of evidence (BoE), as well as finer-grained justification for different quality criteria according to the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation formalization framework. For this purpose, we constructed a new data set and developed a machine learning baseline system (EvidenceGRADEr). Methods We algorithmically extracted quality-related data from all summaries of findings found in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Each BoE was defined by a set of population, intervention, comparison, and outcome criteria and assigned a quality grade (high, moderate, low, or very low) together with quality criteria (justification) that influenced that decision. Different statistical data, metadata about the review, and parts of the review text were extracted as support for grading each BoE. After pruning the resulting data set with various quality checks, we used it to train several neural-model variants. The predictions were compared against the labels originally assigned by the authors of the systematic reviews. Results Our quality assessment data set, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Quality of Evidence, contains 13,440 instances, or BoEs labeled for quality, originating from 2252 systematic reviews published on the internet from 2002 to 2020. On the basis of a 10-fold cross-validation, the best neural binary classifiers for quality criteria detected risk of bias at 0.78 F1 (P=.68; R=0.92) and imprecision at 0.75 F1 (P=.66; R=0.86), while the performance on inconsistency, indirectness, and publication bias criteria was lower (F1 in the range of 0.3-0.4). The prediction of the overall quality grade into 1 of the 4 levels resulted in 0.5 F1. When casting the task as a binary problem by merging the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation classes (high+moderate vs low+very low-quality evidence), we attained 0.74 F1. We also found that the results varied depending on the supporting information that is provided as an input to the models. Conclusions Different factors affect the quality of evidence in the context of systematic reviews of medical evidence. Some of these (risk of bias and imprecision) can be automated with reasonable accuracy. Other quality dimensions such as indirectness, inconsistency, and publication bias prove more challenging for machine learning, largely because they are much rarer. This technology could substantially reduce reviewer workload in the future and expedite quality assessment as part of evidence synthesis.
Effectiveness of Three Doses of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in the Hemodialysis Population during the Omicron Period

Visual Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effectiveness studies in the hemodialysis population have demonstrated that two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severe complications when Alpha and Delta were predominant variants of concern. Vaccine effectiveness after a third dose versus two doses for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 in the hemodialysis population against Omicron is not known. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada, between December 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, in the maintenance hemodialysis population who had received two versus three doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and related hospitalization and death were determined from provincial databases. The primary outcome was the first RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the secondary outcome was a SARS-CoV-2–related severe outcome, defined as either hospitalization or death. Results A total of 8457 individuals receiving in-center hemodialysis were included. At study initiation, 2334 (28%) individuals received three doses, which increased to 7468 (88%) individuals by the end of the study period. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for SARS-CoV-2 infection (aHR, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50 to 0.67) and severe outcomes (hospitalization or death) (aHR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.56) were lower after three versus two doses of mRNA vaccine. Prior infection, independent of vaccine status, was associated with a lower risk of reinfection, with an aHR of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.73). Conclusions Three-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe SARS-CoV-2–related outcomes during the Omicron period compared with two doses.
Laser generated neutron source for neutron resonance spectroscopy

A neutron source for neutron resonance spectroscopy has been developed using high-intensity, short-pulse lasers. This technique will allow robust measurement of interior ion temperature of laser-shocked materials and provide insight into material equation of state. The neutron generation technique uses laser-accelerated protons to create neutrons in LiF through (p,n) reactions. The incident proton beam has been diagnosed using radiochromic film. This distribution is used as the input for a (p,n) neutron prediction code which is validated with experimentally measured neutron yields. The calculation infers a total fluence of 1.8×109 neutrons, which are expected to be sufficient for neutron resonance spectroscopy temperature measurements.
Growth and coalescence behavior of semipolar $(11{\bar {2}}2)$ GaN on pre‐structured r‐plane sapphire substrates

Semipolar $(11{\bar {2}}2)$ oriented GaN has been grown on a pre‐structured r‐plane sapphire substrate. By using silicon doped marker layers (MLs) we have been able to monitor the growth evolution of the stripes until coalescence. With that technique we correlated the growth type (direction) with the results of cathodoluminescence (CL) and transmission electron microscopy. Both characterization methods show only a few defects for the major part of the structure and a relatively high defect density for material grown in a‐direction at one side of the stripes. It is shown that during coalescence these defects are mainly terminated resulting in a flat, planar $(11{\bar {2}}2)$ GaN layer with strongly reduced defect density. Additionally, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements show the high quality of these layers.
High-Resolution Simulation of the Electrification and Lightning of Hurricane Rita during the Period of Rapid Intensification

Abstract In this paper, a high-resolution simulation establishing relationships between lightning and eyewall convection during the rapid intensification phase of Rita will be highlighted. The simulation is an attempt to relate simulated lightning activity within strong convective events (CEs) found within the eyewall and general storm properties for a case from which high-fidelity lightning observations are available. Specifically, the analysis focuses on two electrically active eyewall CEs that had properties similar to events observed by the Los Alamos Sferic Array. The numerically simulated CEs were characterized by updraft speeds exceeding 10 m s−1, a relatively more frequent flash rate confined in a layer between 10 and 14 km, and a propagation speed that was about 10 m s−1 less than of the local azimuthal flow in the eyewall. Within an hour of the first CE, the simulated minimum surface pressure dropped by approximately 5 mb. Concurrent with the pulse of vertical motions was a large uptake in light.
Distinct regulations driving YAP1 expression loss in poroma, porocarcinoma and RB1‐deficient skin carcinoma

Recently, YAP1 fusion genes have been demonstrated in eccrine poroma and porocarcinoma, and the diagnostic use of YAP1 immunohistochemistry has been highlighted in this setting. In other organs, loss of YAP1 expression can reflect YAP1 rearrangement or transcriptional repression, notably through RB1 inactivation. In this context, our objective was to re‐evaluate the performance of YAP1 immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of poroma and porocarcinoma.
Distributed Feedback Lasers by Thermal Nanoimprint of Perovskites Using Gelatin Gratings

To date, thermal nanoimprint lithography (NIL) for patterning hybrid perovskites has always involved an intricate etching step of a hard stamp material or its master. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the successful nanopatterning of a perovskite film by NIL with a low-cost polymeric stamp. The stamp consists of a dichromated gelatin grating structured by holographic lithography. The one-dimensional grating is imprinted into a perovskite film at 95 °C and 90 MPa for 10 min, resulting in a high quality second-order distributed feedback (DFB) laser. The laser exhibits an excellent performance with a threshold of 81 μJ/cm2, a line width of 0.32 nm, and a pronounced linear polarization. This novel approach enables cost-effective fabrication of high-quality DFB lasers compatible with different perovskite compositions and photonic nanostructures for a wide range of applications.
Factor Analysis of Health Care Access With Ovarian Cancer Surgery and Gynecologic Oncologist Consultation

Key Points Question Are health care affordability, availability, and accessibility associated with racial and ethnic disparities in consulting a gynecologic oncologist and receiving surgery for ovarian cancer? Findings In this cohort study of 8987 patients, health care availability and affordability scores were associated with gynecologic oncologist consultation, while affordability scores were associated with surgery receipt. However, non-Hispanic Black patients were less likely than non-Hispanic White patients to consult a gynecologic oncologist and have surgery even after adjusting for these health care access factors. Meaning These findings suggest that affordability and availability were significantly associated with indicators of guideline-adherent care but did not fully explain disparities.
Radiation from a Slotted Rectangular Waveguide Filled with Asymmetrically Biased Ferrite Slabs

Abstract Radiation from a slotted rectangular waveguide filled with asymmetrically biased ferrites is investigated in this study. A theoretical model of slotted parallel plates is used for analysis. A boundary value problem is rigorously solved with the Fourier transform and mode matching method to obtain simultaneous equations. The radiation field is represented in a fast convergent series that is efficient for numerical calculation. The radiation behaviors are estimated in terms of ferrite configurations and bias fields. Maximum angular scanning of 90.2° is achieved when the DC magnetic bias field varies from 0 to 2,000 oe.