Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multipotent Systems: Combining Planning, Self-Organization, and Reconfiguration in Modular Robot Ensembles

Mobile multirobot systems play an increasing role in many disciplines. Their capabilities can be used, e.g., to transport workpieces in industrial applications or to support operational forces in search and rescue scenarios, among many others. Depending on the respective application, the hardware design and accompanying software of mobile robots are of various forms, especially for integrating different sensors and actuators. Concerning this design, robots of one system compared to each other can be classified to exclusively be either homogeneous or heterogeneous, both resulting in different system properties. While homogeneously configured systems are known to be robust against failures through redundancy but are highly specialized for specific use cases, heterogeneously designed systems can be used for a broad range of applications but suffer from their specialization, i.e., they can only hardly compensate for the failure of one specialist. Up to now, there has been no known approach aiming to unify the benefits of both these types of system. In this paper, we present our approach to filling this gap by introducing a reference architecture for mobile robots that defines the interplay of all necessary technologies for achieving this goal. We introduce the class of robot systems implementing this architecture as multipotent systems that bring together the benefits of both system classes, enabling homogeneously designed robots to become heterogeneous specialists at runtime. When many of these robots work together, we call the structure of this cooperation an ensemble. To achieve multipotent ensembles, we also integrate reconfigurable and self-descriptive hardware (i.e., sensors and actuators) in this architecture, which can be freely combined to change the capabilities of robots at runtime. Because typically a high degree of autonomy in such systems is a prerequisite for their practical usage, we also present the integration of necessary mechanisms and algorithms for achieving the systems’ multipotency. We already achieved the first results with robots implementing our approach of multipotent systems in real-world experiments as well as in a simulation environment, which we present in this paper.
ILK participates in renal interstitial fibrosis by altering the phenotype of renal tubular epithelial cells via TGF-β1/smad pathway.

OBJECTIVE To explore the specific role of ILK (integrin-linked kinase) in regulating renal fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS NRK-52E cells were induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for observing phenotype change. Renal tubular epithelial cell marker, fibrosis marker and expression level of ILK in NRK-52E cells were also detected. After overexpression of ILK, phenotype change of NRK-52E cells was observed. For in vivo experiments, we constructed UUO (unilateral ureteral obstruction) model in CD1 mice. Renal tubular epithelial cell marker, fibrosis marker and expression level of ILK in UUO mice were detected. The regulatory effect of ILK on renal fibrosis was detected after injection of ILK overexpression plasmid. Western blot was performed to detect related genes in the TGF-β1/smad pathway. RESULTS Accompanied by the TGF-β1-induced phenotype change in NRK-52E cells, both mRNA and protein levels of ILK were upregulated. Overexpression of ILK remarkably stimulated the phenotype change in NRK-52E cells. Similarly, ILK was highly expressed in UUO mice. Renal fibrosis was aggravated after injection of ILK overexpression plasmid in UUO mice. Western blot results showed that expressions of p-smad3 and smad3 were upregulated during the process of renal fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS ILK is upregulated during the process of renal fibrosis. ILK participates in the development of renal fibrosis by altering phenotypes of renal tubular epithelial cells via a TGF-β1/smad pathway.
Metacomprehension skills depend on the type of text: An analysis from Differential Item Functioning

Background: Metacomprehension skills determine an individual reader’s ability to judge their degree of learning and text comprehension and have considerable importance in their ability to learn from reading. Given that many comprehension processes are influenced by text characteristics, the aim of the present study was to analyze whether different types of text have significant impact on metacomprehension skills at two different points in primary education. Method: A total of 823 students (4th and 6th years of primary school, 9 to 11 years old) read three different texts (narrative, expository and discontinuous texts) taken from ECOM‐PLEC.Pri, a standardized Spanish test for reading comprehension (León, Escudero, & Olmos, 2012). Students were classified by their metacomprehension skills. A Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis was conducted in order to analyze whether the underlying reading comprehension and metacomprehension processes differed across text types. Results: Results showed a considerable divergence of performance for reading narrative texts as opposed to expository and discontinuous texts. These differences were related to academic level. Conclusion: Text characteristics such as the type of text can have a great impact on metacomprehension skills and, consequently, on learning. &NA; Las habilidades metacomprensivas dependen del tipo de texto: un análisis desde el Funcionamiento Diferencial de los Ítems. Antecedentes: la metacomprensión supone la habilidad que uno mismo posee para juzgar su grado de aprendizaje y comprensión de un texto, adquiriendo una gran importancia en la comprensión lectora. Dado que los procesos de comprensión se encuentran influenciados por las características de los textos, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar si diferentes tipos de texto afectan de manera significativa a la habilidad metacomprensiva de estudiantes de distintos niveles de Educación Primaria. Método: un total de 823 estudiantes de 4º y 6º de Primaria (9 y 11 años) leyeron tres textos diferentes (narrativo, expositivo y discontinuo) tomados de la prueba estandarizada de comprensión lectora ECOMPLEC.Pri (León, Escudero, y Olmos, 2012). Los estudiantes fueron clasificados por su nivel de metacomprensión obtenido en la prueba. Un Análisis Diferencial del Ítem (DIF) se aplicó para analizar si los procesos de comprensión lectora y de metacomprensión difieren entre tipos de texto y niveles académicos de los participantes. Resultados: los resultados mostraron una notable divergencia en el rendimiento metacognitivo del texto narrativo frente a los textos expositivo y discontinuo. Estas diferencias estaban relacionadas con el nivel académico. Conclusión: el tipo de texto puede tener un gran impacto en las habilidades de metacomprensión y, consecuentemente, en el aprendizaje de textos.
Impacts of Defocusing Amount and Molten Pool Boundaries on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Selective Laser Melted AlSi10Mg

The influences of processing parameters such as volumetric energy density (ε) and, particularly, defocusing amount (DA) on densification, microstructure, tensile property, and hardness of the as-printed dense AlSi10Mg alloy by selective laser melting (SLM) were studied systematically. The molten pool boundaries (MPBs) were found overwhelmingly at regular and complex spatial topological structures affected by DA value to exist in two forms, while the “layer–layer” MPB overlay mutually and the “track–track” MPBs intersect to form acute angles with each other. The microstructure of MPBs exhibits a coarse grain zone near the MPBs and the characteristics of segregation of nonmetallic elements (O, Si) where the crack easily happened. The DA value (−2 to 2 mm) affected both the density and the tensile mechanical properties. High tensile strength (456 ± 14 MPa) and good tensile ductility (9.5 ± 1.4%) were achieved in the as-printed condition corresponding to DA = 0.5 mm. The tensile fracture surface features were analyzed and correlated to the influence of the DA values.
Präklinische Bewertung von Intraokularlinsen durch simulierte Implantation

Zusammenfassung Die Entwicklung neuer optischer Designs für Intraokularlinsen (IOL) ist eine große Herausforderung für die Linsenhersteller, da die postoperative Patientenzufriedenheit mit neuen Konzepten a priori schwer abzuschätzen ist. Bislang werden dazu invasive klinische Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Im Gegensatz dazu erlaubt die simulierte Implantation von IOLs eine risikofreie Bestimmung der erreichbaren Sehleistungen und eine subjektive Bewertung des Seheindrucks neuer optischer Konzepte. Für die Intraokularlinsenhersteller schafft dies die Möglichkeit, während der Entwicklung und Optimierung von neuartigen Linsendesigns einerseits die subjektive Wahrnehmung von Probanden zu berücksichtigen und andererseits schon vor der ersten Implantation vergleichende Leistungsuntersuchungen mit bekannten Produkten durchzuführen. Mittels simulierter Implantation können subjektiv optimierte IOLs zu einer besseren postoperativen Sehqualität für die Patienten führen und das Risiko einer kostenintensiven Entwicklung von Produkten mit klinisch nicht akzeptablen visuellen Wahrnehmungsleistungen, beispielsweise durch optische Nebeneffekte, minimieren. Die Anwendung der simulierten Implantation während der präoperativen Patientenkonsultation kann die Ermittlung der subjektiven Sehpräferenzen der Patienten und eine darauf zielgerichtete IOL-Auswahlempfehlung ermöglichen. Neben der verbesserten Auswahlmöglichkeit aus einem bestehenden IOL-Portfolio könnten IOL-Hersteller auch individualisierte, multifokale IOLs anbieten, die dem zuvor erhobenen Präferenzmuster der Patienten entsprechen. Dieser Artikel erläutert die technischen Hintergründe und Anwendungsszenarien der simulierten Implantation und stellt aktuelle Verfahren und Geräte vor.
A Comprehensive Study of the Potential Application of Flying Ethylene-Sensitive Sensors for Ripeness Detection in Apple Orchards

The right moment to harvest apples in fruit orchards is still decided after persistent monitoring of the fruit orchards via local inspection and using manual instrumentation. However, this task is tedious, time consuming, and requires costly human effort because of the manual work that is necessary to sample large orchard parcels. The sensor miniaturization and the advances in gas detection technology have increased the usage of gas sensors and detectors in many industrial applications. This work explores the combination of small-sized sensors under Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to understand its suitability for ethylene sensing in an apple orchard. To accomplish this goal, a simulated environment built from field data was used to understand the spatial distribution of ethylene when subject to the orchard environment and the wind of the UAV rotors. The simulation results indicate the main driving variables of the ethylene emission. Additionally, preliminary field tests are also reported. It was demonstrated that the minimum sensing wind speed cut-off is 2 ms−1 and that a small commercial UAV (like Phantom 3 Professional) can sense volatile ethylene at less than six meters from the ground with a detection probability of a maximum of 10%. This work is a step forward in the usage of aerial remote sensing technology to detect the optimal harvest time.
New Silent Cerebral Infarction in Patients with Acute Non-Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Intracerebral Hemorrhage as a Predictor of Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and related risk factors of new silent cerebral infarction in patients with acute non-cerebral amyloid angiopathy (non-CAA) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and to explore clinical cerebrovascular event recurrence within 1 year. Material/Methods This prospective study observed 152 patients with non-CAA ICH diagnosed by computed tomography within 3 days after onset. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging on day 14 to identify silent cerebral infarction, and their subsequent clinical cerebrovascular events were followed up regularly within 1 year. Results Of the 152 patients, 46 (30.26%) had silent cerebral infarctions. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the white blood cell (WBC) count, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and leukoaraiosis were silent cerebral infarction risk factors. At 1-year follow-up, 34 (22.37%) had clinical cerebrovascular events, with 8 (23.53%) having vascular-related deaths. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that silent cerebral infarction was the only independent predictor of future clinical cerebrovascular events. Conclusions Silent cerebral infarction is common during acute non-CAA ICH and is independently related to WBC counts, CMBs, and leukoaraiosis. The risk of clinical cerebrovascular events in non-CAA ICH patients with silent cerebral infarction increases in the following year; thus, silent cerebral infarction may be a useful predictor of recurrent cerebrovascular events.
Increased autocrine interleukin‐6 production is significantly associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains incurable with current standard therapy. We have previously reported that an increased expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) receptor CD126 leads to resistance of CLL cells to chemotherapy and worse prognosis for patients with CLL. In this study, we determine whether autocrine IL‐6 production by CLL B cells is associated with poor clinical outcome and explore IL‐6‐mediated survival mechanism in primary CLL cells. Our results demonstrate that higher levels of autocrine IL‐6 are significantly associated with shorter absolute lymphocyte doubling time, patients received treatment, without complete remission, advanced Binet stages, 17p/11q deletion, and shorter time to first time treatment and progression‐free survival. IL‐6 activated both STAT3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in primary CLL cells. Blocking IL‐6 receptor and JAK2 inhibited IL‐6‐mediated activation of STAT3 and NF‐κB. Our study demonstrates that an increased autocrine IL‐6 production by CLL B‐cells are associated with worse clinical outcome for patients with CLL. IL‐6 promotes CLL cell survival by activating both STAT3 and NF‐κB through diverse signaling cascades. Neutralizing IL‐6 or blocking IL‐6 receptor might contribute overcoming the resistance of CLL cells to chemotherapy. We propose that the measurement of autocrine IL‐6 could be a useful approach to predict clinical outcome.
Correlation of extracellular matrix‐related gene expression with objective Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy severity

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Rapid Tilt-Series Acquisition for Electron Cryotomography

Using a new Titan Krios stage equipped with a single-axis holder, we developed two methods to accelerate the collection of tilt-series. We demonstrate a continuous-tilting method that can record a tilt-series in seconds (about 100x faster than current methods), but with loss of details finer than ∼4 nm. We also demonstrate a fast-incremental method that can record a tilt-series about 10x faster than current methods and with similar resolution. We characterize the utility of both methods in real biological electron cryotomography workflows. We identify opportunities for further improvements in hardware and software and speculate on the impact such advances could have on structural biology.
Bone grafts: which is the ideal biomaterial?

Bovine xenograft materials, followed by synthetic biomaterials, which unfortunately still lack documented predictability and clinical performance, dominate the market for the cranio-maxillofacial area. In Europe, new stringent regulations are expected to further limit the allograft market in the future. AIM Within this narrative review, we discuss possible future biomaterials for bone replacement. SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE FOR STUDY Although the bone graft (BG) literature is overflooded, only a handful of new BG substitutes are clinically available. Laboratory studies tend to focus on advanced production methods and novel biomaterial features, which can be costly to produce. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS In this review, we ask why such a limited number of BGs are clinically available when compared to extensive laboratory studies. We also discuss what features are needed for an ideal BG. RESULTS We have identified the key properties of current bone substitutes and have provided important information to guide clinical decision-making and generate new perspectives on bone substitutes. Our results indicated that different mechanical and biological properties are needed despite each having a broad spectrum of variations. CONCLUSIONS We foresee bone replacement composite materials with higher levels of bioactivity, providing an appropriate balance between bioabsorption and volume maintenance for achieving ideal bone remodelling.
Scientific commentary: Carbon dioxide (CO2) for the stunning of pigs

Stunning. In Australia, stunning of the animal is a legislative requirement (AS 4696: 2007, Sub-clause 7.10) mandated to induce insensibility, defined as the incapability to experience any feeling or sensory experiences, and thus ensure that the animal cannot feel pain and remains so until death. Different stunning methods can be used depending on factors such as the species and age of the animal, animal welfare and worker safety, practicality and economic considerations. For pigs, the most common stunning methods are inhalant gas (CO2), electrical stunning, or to a lesser extent penetrating mechanical method (captive-bolt stunning).
Ciguatera in Mexico (1984–2013)

Historical records of ciguatera in Mexico date back to 1862. This review, including references and epidemiological reports, documents 464 cases during 25 events from 1984 to 2013: 240 (51.72%) in Baja California Sur, 163 (35.12%) in Quintana Roo, 45 (9.69%) in Yucatan, and 16 (3.44%) cases of Mexican tourists intoxicated in Cuba. Carnivorous fish, such as snapper (Lutjanus) and grouper (Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) in the Pacific Ocean, and great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and snapper (Lutjanus) in the Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea), were involved in all cases. In the Mexican Caribbean, a sub-record of ciguatera cases that occurred before 1984 exists. However, the number of intoxications has increased in recent years, and this food poisoning is poorly studied in the region. Current records suggest that ciguatera fish poisoning in humans is the second most prevalent form of seafood poisoning in Mexico, only exceeded by paralytic shellfish poisoning (505 cases, 21 fatalities in the same 34-year period). In this study, the status of ciguatera in Mexico (epidemiological and treatment), and the fish vectors are reviewed. Dinoflagellate species Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, and Prorocentrum are related with the reported outbreaks, marine toxins, ecological risk, and the potential toxicological impact.
International survey on diagnostic and prognostic procedures in pediatric disorders of consciousness

ABSTRACT Aims: 1. to investigate diagnostic and prognostic procedures routinely used by international professionals to assess children with disorders of consciousness (DoC); 2. to explore use and availability of internal and national guidelines for pediatric DoC; 3. to identify international differences in diagnostic/prognostic protocols. Methods: The International Brain Injury Association DoC Special Interest Group emailed a survey link to 43,469 professionals. The survey included questions on diagnostic/prognostic procedures and guidelines for children with DoC. Results: Data on 82 respondents [(50% physicians) primarily from Europe (43.9%)and North America (37.8%)] were analyzed. Common diagnostic tools included the Glasgow Coma Scale for clinical assessment (94%), the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised for outcome measurement (57%), and cerebral MRI (94%). Clinical features used most frequently to inform prognosis varied with patient age. Few respondents used national (28%) admission protocols for children with DoC, and most were unaware of published national guidelines for diagnostic (72%) and prognostic (85%) procedures. Compared to North American respondents, more European respondents were physicians and used neurophysiological data for prognosis. Conclusions: This international survey provides useful information about diagnostic and prognostic procedures currently used for children with DoC and highlights the need for guidelines to promote best practices for diagnosis/prognosis in pediatric DoC.
Socioeconomic Status and the Gut Microbiome: A TwinsUK Cohort Study

Socioeconomic inequalities in health and mortality are well established, but the biological mechanisms underlying these associations are less understood. In parallel, the gut microbiome is emerging as a potentially important determinant of human health, but little is known about its broader environmental and social determinants. We test the association between gut microbiota composition and individual- and area-level socioeconomic factors in a well-characterized twin cohort. In this study, 1672 healthy volunteers from twin registry TwinsUK had data available for at least one socioeconomic measure, existing fecal 16S rRNA microbiota data, and all considered co-variables. Associations with socioeconomic status (SES) were robust to adjustment for known health correlates of the microbiome; conversely, these health-microbiome associations partially attenuated with adjustment for SES. Twins discordant for IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation) were shown to significantly differ by measures of compositional dissimilarity, with suggestion the greater the difference in twin pair IMD, the greater the dissimilarity of their microbiota. Future research should explore how SES might influence the composition of the gut microbiota and its potential role as a mediator of differences associated with SES.