Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optically driven microtools with an antibody‐immobilised surface for on‐site cell assembly

Abstract To enable the accurate reproduction of organs in vitro, and improve drug screening efficiency and regenerative medicine research, it is necessary to assemble cells with single‐cell resolution to form cell clusters. However, a method to assemble such forms has not been developed. In this study, a platform for on‐site cell assembly at the single‐cell level using optically driven microtools in a microfluidic device is developed. The microtool was fabricated by SU‐8 photolithography, and antibodies were immobilised on its surface. The cells were captured by the microtool through the bindings between the antibodies on the microtool and the antigens on the cell membrane. Transmembrane proteins, CD51/61 and CD44 that facilitate cell adhesion, commonly found on the surface of cancer cells were targeted. The microtool containing antibodies for CD51/61 and CD44 proteins was manipulated using optical tweezers to capture HeLa cells placed on a microfluidic device. A comparison of the adhesion rates of different surface treatments showed the superiority of the antibody‐immobilised microtool. The assembly of multiple cells into a cluster by repeating the cell capture process is further demonstrated. The geometry and surface function of the microtool can be modified according to the cell assembly requirements. The platform can be used in regenerative medicine and drug screening to produce cell clusters that closely resemble tissues and organs in vivo.
Integrative analyses of radiation-related genes and biomarkers associated with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE In addition to significantly reducing breast cancer recurrence risk, radiotherapy also prolongs patients' lives. However, radiotherapy-related genes and biomarkers still remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify radiation-associated genes in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast cancer data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and UCSC Xena database. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for annotation and integrated discovery. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database and hub genes were identified. Then, immunohistochemistry and tissue expression of key genes was analyzed by using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and GEPIA database. Genes associated with prognosis were identified by performing univariate cox analysis. RESULTS We identified 341 differentially expressed genes related to radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. PPI analysis revealed a total of 129 nodes and 516 interactions and identified five hub genes (EGFR, FOS, ESR1, JUN, and IL6). In addition, 11 SDEGs THBS1, SERPINA11, NFIL3, METTL7A, KCTD12, HSPA6, EGR1, DDIT4, CCDC3, C11orf96, and BCL2A1 candidate genes can be used as potential diagnostic markers. The calibration curve and ROC indicate good probability consistencies of 3-years and 5-year survival rates of patients between estimation and observation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide novel insight into the functional characteristics of breast cancer through integrative analysis of GEO data and suggest potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
A simulated marine heatwave impacts European sea bass sperm quantity, but not quality.

Rapid environmental changes will be the major challenge that most biota will have to deal with in the near future. Extreme events, such as marine heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and could be spatially uniform at a regional scale for a relatively long period of time. To date, most research on heatwaves have focused on sessile organisms, but these extreme events can also impact mobile species. Here we simulated a three-week marine heatwave to investigate its effects on the male reproductive performance of a Mediterranean Sea emblematic species, the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Males from the control condition (≈ 13 °C) produced significantly more sperm than those exposed to a relatively warm thermal treatment (≈ 16 °C). However, neither the percentage of motile spermatozoa nor most of the other sperm motility parameters were significantly affected by the rearing temperature, over the whole period. Overall, our results suggest only moderated effects of a potential winter heatwave on the reproductive performance of male European sea bass. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A critical update on the leptin‐melanocortin system

The discovery of leptin in 1994 was an “eureka moment” in the field of neurometabolism that provided new opportunities to better understand the central control of energy balance and glucose metabolism. Rapidly, a prevalent model in the field emerged that pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons were key in promoting leptin's anorexigenic effects and that the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) was a key region for the regulation of energy homeostasis. While this model inspired many important discoveries, a growing body of literature indicates that this model is now outdated. In this review, we re‐evaluate the hypothalamic leptin–melanocortin model in light of recent advances that directly tackle previous assumptions, with a particular focus on the ARC. We discuss how segregated and heterogeneous these neurons are, and examine how the development of modern approaches allowing spatiotemporal, intersectional, and chemogenetic manipulations of melanocortin neurons has allowed a better definition of the complexity of the leptin–melanocortin system. We review the importance of leptin in regulating glucose homeostasis, but not food intake, through direct actions on ARC POMC neurons. We further highlight how non‐POMC, GABAergic neurons mediate leptin's direct effects on energy balance and influence POMC neurons.
Prognosis of oral epithelial dysplasia in individuals with and without oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of oral lichen planus (OLP) on the long-term prognosis of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). METHODS Retrospective single-centre cohort study using the 2007-2019 database of the Head and Neck Cancer and Oral Medicine units of University College London Hospital. The exposure of interest was the presence of OLP and the prognostic outcomes included the development of new primary episodes of OED, progression to malignancy, and mortality. Cox proportional hazard and Poisson regression models were performed. RESULTS 299 patients, of whom 144 had OED arising on the background of OLP (OLP/OED) and 155 had OED without underlying OLP (non-OLP/OED) were included. A pre-existing diagnosis of OLP was significantly associated with a 2-fold increased risk of subsequent primary OED events (HR=2.02, p=0.04), which also developed faster (1.46 vs 2.96 years, p=0.04) and with more involvement of non-cancer prone sites (p=0.001) than in the non-OLP/OED group. There was no difference between groups in the progression to malignancy or mortality. CONCLUSIONS OLP/OED patients are at higher risk of multiple episodes of primary OED, which can develop faster and at non-cancer-prone sites as compared to non-OLP/OED individuals. Further research is needed to clarify the effects of OLP upon progression to OSCC and mortality.
Prevalence of urinary tract infections and risk factors among diabetic patients in Ethiopia, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical problem that comprises 1–6% of medical referrals and includes urinary tract, bladder, and kidney infections. UTI is the most commonly occurring infectious disease in diabetic patients. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of urinary tract infection and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods The online libraries of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct, were searched. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA statistical software (v. 16). Forest plots, Begg’s rank test, and Egger’s regression test were all used to check for publication bias. To look for heterogeneity, I2 was computed, and an overall estimated analysis was carried out. Subgroup analysis was done by region, and publication year. Meta-regression analysis using study-level covariates as predictors of study-level estimates to explore the determinants of potential heterogeneity in our pooled estimates. The pooled odds ratio for related covariates was also calculated. Results Out of 1128 studies assessed, 14 met our criteria and were included in the study. A total of 3773 people were included in the study. The prevalence of urinary tract infection was estimated to be 15.97% (95% CI: 12.72–19.23). According to subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence was observed in the SNNP region (19.21%) and studies conducted in and after 2018 (17.98%). Being female (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 1.88, 5.65), being illiterate (AOR = 5.29; 95% CI: 1.98, 8.61), prior urinary tract infection history (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 2.16–3.92) were the predictor of urinary tract infection. Conclusion The prevalence of urinary tract infections was high in Ethiopia. Female gender, illiteracy, and prior UTI history were associated with urinary tract infections. Since UTIs in diabetic patients has serious medical and public health consequence, screening of UTIs in diabetic patients and early initiation of treatment should become a public health priority.
A Subarcsecond Binary Radio Source Associated with the X-Ray-Emitting Young Stellar Object YLW 15

YLW 15 is a remarkable object since it exhibits phenomena, such as strong millimeter emission and association with a bipolar outflow, that characterize extremely young stars (class 0 or I objects) while at the same time presenting strong, time-variable X-ray emission that is ubiquitous and detected characteristically in more evolved objects. Our Very Large Array observations reveal that YLW 15 is a subarcsecond (0.″6) radio binary, with one of the components spatially extended and the other unresolved. We discuss the possibility that the components of the binary system may have different characteristics also at other wavelengths, possibly as a result of different evolutionary status, and discuss future observations that may test this hypothesis.
Urine biomarkers in cancer detection: A systematic review of preanalytical parameters and applied methods

The aim of this review was to explore the status of urine sampling as a liquid biopsy for noninvasive cancer research by reviewing used preanalytical parameters and protocols. We searched two main health sciences databases, PubMed and Web of Science. From all eligible publications (2010‐2022), information was extracted regarding: (a) study population characteristics, (b) cancer type, (c) urine preanalytics, (d) analyte class, (e) isolation method, (f) detection method, (g) comparator used, (h) biomarker type, (i) conclusion and (j) sensitivity and specificity. The search query identified 7835 records, of which 924 unique publications remained after screening the title, abstract and full text. Our analysis demonstrated that many publications did not report information about the preanalytical parameters of their urine samples, even though several other studies have shown the importance of standardization of sample handling. Interestingly, it was noted that urine is used for many cancer types and not just cancers originating from the urogenital tract. Many different types of relevant analytes have been shown to be found in urine. Additionally, future considerations and recommendations are discussed: (a) the heterogeneous nature of urine, (b) the need for standardized practice protocols and (c) the road toward the clinic. Urine is an emerging liquid biopsy with broad applicability in different analytes and several cancer types. However, standard practice protocols for sample handling and processing would help to elaborate the clinical utility of urine in cancer research, detection and disease monitoring.
Influence of litho patterning on DSA placement errors

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers is currently being investigated as a shrinking technique complementary to lithography. One of the critical issues about this technique is that DSA induces the placement error. In this paper, study of the relation between confinement by lithography and the placement error induced by DSA is demonstrated. Here, both 193i and EUV pre-patterns are created using a simple algorithm to confine two contact holes formed by DSA on a pitch of 45nm. Full physical numerical simulations were used to compare the impact of the confinement on DSA related placement error, pitch variations due to pattern variations and phase separation defects.
High-resolution surface photometry of elliptical galaxies

High-resolution CCD surface photometry profiles have been obtained for a sample of 42 nearby elliptical and SO galaxies as a first step in a program to investigate their central structure and core properties. A comparison of the present profiles to those of other observers shows that the accuracy of the central surface brightnesses is to better than 0.02 mag rms. Central resolution is limited by the atmospheric seeing PSF which is measured for each profile. A hybrid Fourier deconvolution procedure has been developed to correct the surface photometry for seeing in a model-independent way. Tests of the procedure on simulated galaxy images show that intrinsic core radii equal to the seeing FWHM or larger can be recovered from the observations. Application of the deconvolution procedure to the observed galaxies yields surface photometry profiles of slightly sub-arc second resolution.
Efficient refinement/derefinement algorithm of nested meshes to solve evolution problems

An adaptive refinement/derefinement algorithm of nested meshes is presented. Some definitions are introduced. The main properties of the derefinement algorithm are remarked upon and its efficiency is shown through two numerical examples: a time-dependent convection-diffusion problems with dominant convection and a quasistationary problem.
Broad-Band U-Slot Patch Antennas Loaded By Chiral Material

The analysis of wide band microstrip/slot antennas residing in cavities with arbitrary patch shapes and in presence of both isotropic and chiral materials is proposed in this paper. The theoretical approach is based on the variational formulation and the numerical solution is carried out by applying a combined Finite Element-Boundary Integral (FE-BI) Method. Such an approach already known in the literature only for isotropic and anisotropic media is extended also to the case of biisotropic dielectrics, including chiral materials. A numerical code based on the new theory here presented has been developed and it is employed in order to investigate the main features of chiral materials as substrates for cavity backed microstrip antennas. This numerical code allows to study also antennas loaded by isotropic substrates as particular cases when imposing the chiral admittance to vanish. To test this capability the design of an U-slot microstrip antenna printed on a conventional isotropic dielectric for wide band applications is proposed. Finally, it is shown how the employment of chiral substrates instead of isotropic ones reduces the antenna size for a fixed working frequency and improves the impedance bandwidth, without decreasing too much the other radiating properties.
The life-cycle of tripoles in two-dimensional incompressible flows

The mechanisms of coherent tripole formation from unstable shielded circular vortices are analysed in the context of two-dimensional incompressible flows. Three stages are identified during the transformation process: the linear growth of the initial normal mode perturbation, its nonlinear amplification and the finite-amplitude saturation under the tripolar form. We give a geometrical discussion of the mutual influence of the core vortex and of the satellites generated from the shield. The role of the angular momentum in determining the finite amplitude saturation is demonstrated using a simple elliptical model of the core vortex associated with two point-vortex satellites. The long-time asymmetric breaking of the tripole into a dipole and a monopole is shown to be driven by the erosion of the core vortex by stripping and diffusion. Finally the influence of bottom topography on tripole formation is considered, providing a rich phenomenology when the height of the topography is varied.
Urban risks due to climate change in the Andean municipality of Pasto, Colombia: A Bayesian network approach

The current trends of climate change will increase people's exposure to urban risks related to events such as landslides, floods, forest fires, food production, health, and water availability, which are stochastic and very localized in nature. This research uses a Bayesian network (BN) approach to analyze the intensity of such urban risks for the Andean municipality of Pasto, Colombia, under climate change scenarios. The stochastic BN model is linked to correlational models and local scenarios of representative concentration trajectories (RCP) to project the possible risks to which the municipality of Pasto will be exposed in the future. The results show significant risks in crop yields, food security, water availability and disaster risks, but no significant risks on the incidence of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) and acute respiratory infections (ARI), whereas positive outcomes are likely to occur in livestock production, influenced by population growth. The advantage of the BN approach is the possibility of updating beliefs in the probabilities of occurrence of events, especially in developing, intermediate cities with information‐limited contexts.
Copeptin Implementation on Stroke Prognosis

Predicting functional outcome following stroke is considered to be of key importance in an attempt to optimize overall stroke care. Although clinical prognostic tools have been widely implemented, optimal blood biomarkers might be able to yield additional information regarding each stroke survivor’s propensity for recovery. Copeptin seems to have interesting prognostic potential poststroke. The present review aims to explore the prognostic significance of copeptin in stroke patients. Literature research of two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) was conducted to trace all relevant studies published between 16 February 2012 and 16 February 2022 that focused on the utility of copeptin as a prognostic marker in acute stroke setting. 25 studies have been identified and included in the present review. The predictive ability of copeptin regarding both functional outcome and mortality appears to be in the range of established clinical variables, thus highlighting the added value of copeptin evaluation in stroke management. Apart from acute ischemic stroke, the discriminatory accuracy of the biomarker was also demonstrated among patients with transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Overall, copeptin represents a powerful prognostic tool, the clinical implementation of which is expected to significantly facilitate the individualized management of stroke patients.
Primary mirror segment assembly integration and alignment for the James Webb Space Telescope

The Optical Telescope Element (OTE) consists of a 6.6 m, all-reflective, three-mirror anastigmat. The 18-segment primary mirror (PM) presents unique and challenging assembly, integration and alignment verification requirements. Each mirror segment is mechanically integrated with the Primary Mirror Backplane Support Structure (PMBSS) using compound angle shims to compensate for global alignment and local co-planarity errors. The processes used to determine the mechanical shim prescription, primary mirror alignment and integration, and placement verification are discussed. In an effort to reduce process uncertainty and program risk, the JWST program recently conducted a PMSA Integration Demonstration at ITT. Through this activity, full scale demonstrations of the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and critical integration processes were successfully completed. The results of these demonstrations indicate that the equipment, processes, and procedures developed by ITT meet the critical requirements for PMSA placement.
Likelihood Ratio Tests for Fixed Model Terms using Residual Maximum Likelihood

Likelihood ratio tests for fixed model terms are proposed for the analysis of linear mixed models when using residual maximum likelihood estimation. Bartlett‐type adjustments, using an approximate decomposition of the data, are developed for the test statistics. A simulation study is used to compare properties of the test statistics proposed, with or without adjustment, with a Wald test. A proposed test statistic constructed by dropping fixed terms from the full fixed model is shown to give a better approximation to the asymptotic χ2‐distribution than the Wald test for small data sets. Bartlett adjustment is shown to improve the χ2‐approximation for the proposed tests substantially.
Frailty and Nutrition Risk Predict Falls and Emergency Department Visits in Home-Delivered Meal Clients

Abstract Home-delivered meal programs improve health outcomes for older adults who are homebound, yet some clients need additional services and support to maintain independence. This study sought to identify program clients at the highest risk for adverse outcomes. Nutrition risk and Frailty Index scores were used to predict client-reported falls, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations over a six-month period for 258 Meals on Wheels clients in one Midwestern community. A multivariate binomial logistic regression model adjusting for both Frailty Index and nutrition risk scores with age, gender, poverty, and race accounted for 13.2% of the variation in falls and 22% of the variation in emergency department visits. Neither study variable was predictive of hospitalizations. Nutrition risk and Frailty Index scores, together, produced a more robust picture of client risk than with either score alone; these tools could be used by service providers to prioritize additional support services.
The boson peak

The vibrational properties of glasses in the THz range differ very much from what is expected from Debye's elasticity theory: the density of states (DOS) deviates from Debye's ω2 law [the “boson peak” (BP)], the sound velocity shows a negative dispersion in the BP frequency regime and there is a strong increase in the sound attenuation near the BP frequency. These anomalies are related to an anomalous temperature dependence of the specific heat and thermal conductivity in the 10 K regime. An overview of the heterogeneous-elasticity theory is given, by means of which all these anomalies can be explained and shown to arise from the structural disorder, leading to spatial fluctuations of the shear modulus. Further, a very general model-independent explanation of the BP-related anomalies, based solely on symmetry arguments, is given.
On transition in a pipe. Part 2. The equilibrium puff

Conditionally sampled hot-wire measurements were taken in a pipe at low Reynolds numbers (2700 > Re > 2000) corresponding to the onset of turbulence as a result of a large perturbation in the flow. This type of transition gives rise to a turbulent puff which maintains itself indefinitely at around Re = 2200. The structure of puffs was investigated in some detail and was found to be very different from the structure of fully developed turbulent pipe flow. Nevertheless, it is independent of the character of the disturbance which created it. The purpose of the study was to gain some insight into the mechanism of transition in a pipe.