Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using dichotomized survival data to construct a prior distribution for a Bayesian seamless Phase II/III clinical trial

Master protocol designs allow for simultaneous comparison of multiple treatments or disease subgroups. Master protocols can also be designed as seamless studies, in which two or more clinical phases are considered within the same trial. They can be divided into two categories: operationally seamless, in which the two phases are separated into two independent studies, and inferentially seamless, in which the interim analysis is considered an adaptation of the study. Bayesian designs are scarcely studied. Our aim is to propose and compare Bayesian operationally seamless Phase II/III designs using a binary endpoint for the first stage and a time-to-event endpoint for the second stage. At the end of Phase II, arm selection is based on posterior (futility) and predictive (selection) probabilities. The results of the first phase are then incorporated into prior distributions of a time-to-event model. Simulation studies showed that Bayesian operationally seamless designs can approach the inferentially seamless counterpart, allowing for an increasing simulated power with respect to the operationally frequentist design.
Psychological factors increase the risk of ovarian cancer

Abstract This study evaluated whether psychological stress increases the incidence of ovarian cancer. A literature search of the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science from the date of inception to August 2022 was undertaken. Studies with data on psychosocial factors associated with ovarian cancer incidence were included in this study. A random-effect model meta-analysis was undertaken to estimate these data. We used subgroup analysis to adjust for heterogeneity. A total of 4 articles, 10 sets of data, 8 cohort studies, and 2 case–control studies from 682 records were included in this review. Meta-analyses of the included cohort study subgroups suggested that psychological factors increase the risk of ovarian cancer (effect size = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20–1.53); the subgroup of case–control studies suggested that psychological factors did not increase ovarian cancer risk (effect size = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98). These findings indicate that psychological stress is a possible new risk factor for ovarian cancer. Prospero registration number: CRD42022357983 IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Psychological stress has been shown to increase the risk of many diseases. The relationship between psychological stress and the incidence of ovarian cancer has not been confirmed. What do the results of this study add? The effect of psychological stress on the risk of ovarian cancer was estimated using meta-analysis as an overall ratio. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Relaxing psychological stress and appropriate psychotherapy in clinical settings can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Tree canopy cover affects basal resources and nutrient profiles of Aedes and Culex larvae in cemetery vases in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Cemetery vases are important habitat for vector mosquito production, yet there is limited understanding on their food web dynamics and how they vary across environmental gradients. Tree cover is one factor that varies widely across cemeteries, and influence food webs by means of detrital inputs, temperature mediation, and light availability. Such information can be important for determining mosquito adult body size, fecundity, and competition outcomes, all of which may influence mosquito population and disease risk. This study evaluates the relationship between tree canopy cover and indicators of basal resources for Aede aegypti (L.), Aedes albopictuss (Skuse), and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) larvae, such as stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and nutrient stoichiometry in cemeteries of New Orleans, Louisiana (USA). Stable isotope values suggest that larvae feed directly on the Particulate Organic Matter (POM) suspended in the vase's water, and that POM composition influence the nutrient profiles of mosquito larvae. The POM of open canopy vases had higher δ13C values, than that of closed canopy vases indicating differences in relative proportion of basal carbon sources, with open canopy POM having a lower proportion of allochthonous carbon, and a higher proportion of authoctonous carbon. Accordingly, mosquito larvae collected from open canopy vases had higher δ13C values, and higher C:N than larvae from closed canopy vases. The results of this study show a shift in food web dynamics driven by canopy cover in cemetery vases that directly influence the nutrient profiles of mosquito larvae. The implications for mosquito ecology, and vector management are discussed.
Outcomes of Program Evaluations

Cognitive vulnerability, that is, clinically significant symptoms of dementia, depression, or delirium, puts older adults at high risk for physical inactivity and falls. Programs addressing activity and falls are needed. The purpose was to determine feasibility of an in-home, modified, Otago Exercise Program (OEP) for those with cognitive vulnerability, based on acceptability (retention and adherence), safety (pain intensity and falls), and potential positive effects (change in short physical performance battery (SPPB)). This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial included 80 participants who received the OEP; 64 completed it, 48% had depression, 22% had dementia, and 30% had a combination dementia/depression/delirium. Adherence to home exercise was low to moderate; pain was stable over 16 weeks; 31% of participants reported falls unrelated to OEP. SPPB increased from 6.95 to 7.74 (p < .01); age by time and diagnosis by time interactions were not significant. The modified OEP shows promising feasibility for older adults with cognitive vulnerability.
Preservation of critical quality attributes of mesenchymal stromal cells in 3D bioprinted structures by using natural hydrogel scaffolds

Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging technology that enables complex spatial modeling of cell‐based tissue engineering products, whose therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine is enormous. However, its success largely depends on the definition of a bioprintable zone, which is specific for each combination of cell‐loaded hydrogels (or bioinks) and scaffolds, matching the mechanical and biological characteristics of the target tissue to be repaired. Therefore proper adjustment of the bioink formulation requires a compromise between: (i) the maintenance of cellular critical quality attributes (CQA) within a defined range of specifications to cell component, and (ii) the mechanical characteristics of the printed tissue to biofabricate. Herein, we investigated the advantages of using natural hydrogel‐based bioinks to preserve the most relevant CQA in bone tissue regeneration applications, particularly focusing on cell viability and osteogenic potential of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) displaying tripotency in vitro, and a phenotypic profile of 99.9% CD105+/CD45,− 10.3% HLA‐DR,+ 100.0% CD90,+ and 99.2% CD73+/CD31− expression. Remarkably, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, and gelatin allowed for optimal recovery of viable cells, while preserving MSC's proliferation capacity and osteogenic potency in vitro. This was achieved by providing a 3D structure with a compression module below 8.8 ± 0.5 kPa, given that higher values resulted in cell loss by mechanical stress. Beyond the biocompatibility of naturally occurring polymers, our results highlight the enhanced protection on CQA exerted by bioinks of natural origin (preferably HA, gelatin, and fibrin) on MSC, bone marrow during the 3D bioprinting process, reducing shear stress and offering structural support for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
The contribution of the magnetic quadrupole to the angular distribution and polarization of electron-impact excitation and dielectronic recombination in highly charged ions

The degree of linear polarization and angular distribution of the x-ray photoemission of highly charged He-like and Li-like uranium ions following electron-impact excitation and dielectronic recombination processes are calculated using a fully relativistic distorted-wave method. A detailed investigation is carried out regarding the contribution of the magnetic quadropole (M2) term to the subsequent characteristic x-ray emission from the above two different processes. It is found that while the M2 term has a slight effect on the angular distribution and linear polarization of electron-impact excitation, it has a substantial effect on the same properties of dielectronic recombination.
Reversibility of Thyroid Hormone System–Disrupting Effects on Eye and Thyroid Follicle Development in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos

Early vertebrate development is partially regulated by thyroid hormones (THs). Environmental pollutants that interact with the TH system (TH system–disrupting chemicals [THSDCs]) can have massively disrupting effects on this essential phase. Eye development of fish is directly regulated by THs and can, therefore, be used as a thyroid‐related endpoint in endocrine disruptor testing. To evaluate the effects of THSDC‐induced eye malformations during early development, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed for 5 days postfertilization (dpf) to either propylthiouracil, a TH synthesis inhibitor, or tetrabromobisphenol A, which interacts with TH receptors. Subsequently, one half of the embryos were exposed further to the THSDCs until 8 dpf, while the other half of the embryos were raised in clean water for 3 days to check for reversibility of effects. Continued THSDC exposure altered eye size and pigmentation and induced changes in the cellular structure of the retina. This correlated with morphological alterations of thyroid follicles as revealed by use of a transgenic zebrafish line. Interestingly, effects were partly reversible after a recovery period as short as 3 days. Results are consistent with changes in TH levels measured in different tissues of the embryos, for example, in the eyes. The results show that eye development in zebrafish embryos is very sensitive to THSDC treatment but able to recover quickly from early exposure by effective repair mechanisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1276–1292. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Rose essential oil diminishes dopaminergic neuron degenerations and reduces α‐synuclein aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (P.D.) is the second most progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly. Degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) accumulated toxicity is the major contributor to this disease. At present, the disease has no effective treatment. Many recent studies focus on identifying novel therapeutics that provide benefits to stop the disease progression in P.D. patients. Screening novel and effective drugs in P.D. animal models is time‐ and cost‐consuming. Rose Essential Oil (REO) extracted from Rosa Rugosa species (R. Setate × R. Rugosa). REO contains Citronellol, Geraniol, and Octadiene that possess anti‐Aβ, anti‐oxidative, and anti‐depression‐like properties, but no reports have defined the REO effect on P.D. yet. The present study examines the REO neuroprotective potential in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans P.D. models. We observed that REO reduced α‐Syn aggregations and diminished DA neuron degenerations induced by 6‐OHDA, reduced food‐sensing behavioural disabilities, and prolonged the lifespan of the nematode. Moreover, REO augmented the chymotrypsin‐like proteasome and SOD‐3 activities. Further, we observed the anti‐oxidative role of REO by reducing internal cells ROS. Together, these findings supported REO as an anti‐PD drug and may exert its effects by lowering oxidative stress via the anti‐oxidative pathway.
Examining the Association Between Parental Factors and Childhood Obesity

ABSTRACT Purpose To examine associations between parent’s diet and BMI (body mass index) and child’s sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) with child’s BMI. Design A descriptive design. Methods Study participants were a parent-child dyad in a subsample of families enrolled in Chicago Heights Early Childhood Center. Findings Approximately 80% of parents had a BMI classifying as overweight or obese. Associations between children’s sedentary behavior, PA, and BMI were insignificant. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of including parents when developing strategies for promoting healthy behavior of children. Clinical Evidence Community health nurses are well-positioned to promote healthy behaviors.
In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of NITD-916 against Mycobacterium fortuitum

Mycobacterium fortuitum represents one of the most clinically relevant rapid-growing mycobacterial species. Treatments are complex due to antibiotic resistance and to severe side effects of effective drugs, prolonged time of treatment, and co-infection with other pathogens. ABSTRACT Mycobacterium fortuitum represents one of the most clinically relevant rapid-growing mycobacterial species. Treatments are complex due to antibiotic resistance and to severe side effects of effective drugs, prolonged time of treatment, and co-infection with other pathogens. Herein, we explored the activity of NITD-916, a direct inhibitor of the enoyl-ACP reductase InhA of the type II fatty acid synthase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We found that this compound displayed very low MIC values against a panel of M. fortuitum clinical strains and exerted potent antimicrobial activity against M. fortuitum in macrophages. Remarkably, the compound was also highly efficacious in a zebrafish model of infection. Short duration treatments were sufficient to significantly protect the infected larvae from M. fortuitum-induced killing, which correlated with reduced bacterial burdens and abscesses. Biochemical analyses demonstrated an inhibition of de novo synthesis of mycolic acids. Resolving the crystal structure of the InhAMFO in complex with NAD and NITD-916 confirmed that NITD-916 is a direct inhibitor of InhAMFO. Importantly, single nucleotide polymorphism leading to a G96S substitution in InhAMFO conferred high resistance levels to NITD-916, thus resolving its target in M. fortuitum. Overall, these findings indicate that NITD-916 is highly active against M. fortuitum both in vitro and in vivo and should be considered in future preclinical evaluations for the treatment of M. fortuitum pulmonary diseases.
Laser-assisted failure recovery for dielectric elastomer actuators in aerial robots

Insects maintain remarkable agility after incurring severe injuries or wounds. Although robots driven by rigid actuators have demonstrated agile locomotion and manipulation, most of them lack animal-like robustness against unexpected damage. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are a class of muscle-like soft transducers that have enabled nimble aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic robotic locomotion comparable to that of rigid actuators. However, unlike muscles, DEAs suffer local dielectric breakdowns that often cause global device failure. These local defects severely limit DEA performance, lifetime, and size scalability. We developed DEAs that can endure more than 100 punctures while maintaining high bandwidth (>400 hertz) and power density (>700 watt per kilogram)—sufficient for supporting energetically expensive locomotion such as flight. We fabricated electroluminescent DEAs for visualizing electrode connectivity under actuator damage. When the DEA suffered severe dielectric breakdowns that caused device failure, we demonstrated a laser-assisted repair method for isolating the critical defects and recovering performance. These results culminate in an aerial robot that can endure critical actuator and wing damage while maintaining similar accuracy in hovering flight. Our work highlights that soft robotic systems can embody animal-like agility and resilience—a critical biomimetic capability for future robots to interact with challenging environments. Description Laser ablation and self-clearing recover severely damaged soft actuators, restoring flight in a biomimetic aerial robot.
Spectral characterization of storage phosphor imaging plates

This work presents attenuation and sensitivity measurements of radiographic imaging plates (IPs) with quasimonoenergetic X-rays in the 8–60 kiloelectronvolt range. The measurements are used to validate theoretical predictions. A short overview of the theoretical model is given. The model can be used to describe the sensitivity of different detector types to a wide range of X-ray energies.
Shape optimisation for a stochastic two-dimensional cylinder wake using ensemble variation

Abstract In the present study, the shape of a two-dimensional cylinder is optimised to minimise the mean drag in laminar unsteady flow under a noisy environment. A small inline stochastic oscillation in the free-stream velocity, which follows the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, is considered for the noise. The small noise is found to yield a large random fluctuation in instantaneous drag of the cylinder due to the effect of added mass. Subject to the strong random fluctuation of drag, the shape optimisation is performed using an ensemble-variation-based method (EnVar), as the conventional adjoint-based optimisation is not applicable to such a flow environment with unknown free-stream noise. The optimised cylinder geometry is found to be a nearly-symmetric slender oval at a low Reynolds number. As the Reynolds number is increased, two optimal shapes emerge: one is identical to the oval obtained at the low Reynolds number, and the other is an asymmetric oval, the rear side of which is more slender than the front side, reminiscent of an aerofoil. Despite the large random fluctuation in the instantaneous drag, the optimal cylinder shapes obtained for different levels of the upstream noise are found to be almost identical. It is shown that the robust nature of the optimal cylinder shape originates from the limited influence of the small upstream noise on the mean flow properties of the cylinder wake. Finally, the optimised cylinder primarily reduces the pressure component of the drag, associated mainly with vortex shedding in the wake, and this is achieved by marginally increasing the viscous drag through the shape change.
Effects of AI and Logic-Style Explanations on Users’ Decisions Under Different Levels of Uncertainty

Existing eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques support people in interpreting AI advice. However, although previous work evaluates the users’ understanding of explanations, factors influencing the decision support are largely overlooked in the literature. This article addresses this gap by studying the impact of user uncertainty, AI correctness, and the interaction between AI uncertainty and explanation logic-styles for classification tasks. We conducted two separate studies: one requesting participants to recognize handwritten digits and one to classify the sentiment of reviews. To assess the decision making, we analyzed the task performance, agreement with the AI suggestion, and the user’s reliance on the XAI interface elements. Participants make their decision relying on three pieces of information in the XAI interface (image or text instance, AI prediction, and explanation). Participants were shown one explanation style (between-participants design) according to three styles of logical reasoning (inductive, deductive, and abductive). This allowed us to study how different levels of AI uncertainty influence the effectiveness of different explanation styles. The results show that user uncertainty and AI correctness on predictions significantly affected users’ classification decisions considering the analyzed metrics. In both domains (images and text), users relied mainly on the instance to decide. Users were usually overconfident about their choices, and this evidence was more pronounced for text. Furthermore, the inductive style explanations led to overreliance on the AI advice in both domains—it was the most persuasive, even when the AI was incorrect. The abductive and deductive styles have complex effects depending on the domain and the AI uncertainty levels.
Viewing the impact of Brexit on Britain’s financial centre through an historical lens: Can there be a third reinvention of the City of London?

Abstract This paper considers the question of how Brexit will affect the City of London from a long-term perspective, putting the changes induced by Brexit into the context of the City’s historical evolution over the past century. This perspective permits us to see that the City has continued to thrive because of a series of radical adjustments necessitated by the UK’s loss of its empire and by the emergence of global US financial power. Challenges to the global prominence of the City in Britain’s post-empire period have required two separate ‘reinventions’: the first, in the 1960s, involved localizing the Eurodollar markets; the second, in the 1990s, involved making London the preferred hub for providing sophisticated financial services within the European Union (EU)’s single market. The Great Financial Crisis put in motion several economic and political dynamics that have, however, undercut the City’s special global role. It is unclear whether maintaining the City’s offshore focus via a third reinvention, in a period of prolonged stagnation and increasing inequality in UK regions outside London, will be possible.
Relationships between high density recording performance and particle coercivity distribution

Most magnetic recording media are composed of magnetic crystalline particles having inherent coercivity originating from crystalline and shape anisotropies. The relationship between the statistical distribution of the particle coercivity and the high density magnetic recording characteristics was investigated. In order to estimate the width of the particle coercivity distribution (PCD) in a medium, a method in which the PCD can be obtained from M-H major and minor curves. The PCD correlates strongly with the coercivity squareness and the switching field distribution, and needs no compensation for the demagnetizing field, even in perpendicular recording media. It was shown that a sharper PCD resulted in better recording performance, particularly in perpendicular recording media. >
Ultrasound skin characterization: an in vivo study of intra and inter individual variations

Acoustic properties of healthy skin were assessed in vivo on three body sites: forehead, abdomen and forearm. The acoustic properties are described on the basis of estimation of three acoustic parameters: the integrated attenuation coefficient (IAC), the integrated backscattered coefficient (IBCo) and the effective density of scatterers (/spl alpha//sub 2/). The measurement protocol included: characteristics of the measurement areas, size and number of regions of interest. Measurements were performed on 20 volunteers. Reproducibility of the measurement in skin was assessed in relation to the body site and was also compared to that one in a tissue-mimicking phantom. It was shown that IAC and IBCo parameters have good capabilities to differentiate the skin of the body sites.