Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adipocyte-Derived Adipokines and Other Obesity-Associated Molecules in Feline Mammary Cancer

Obesity has been identified as a serious health concern in domestic cats. Feline mammary cancer (FMC) is also a concern, as it is highly prevalent and aggressive. Considering the identified connection between obesity and breast cancer, it is worthwhile to investigate the potential obesity–cancer relationship in FMC. This review investigated the association between adipokines and other obesity-associated molecules and FMC, with the aim of identifying gaps in the current literature for future research. Based on the reports to date, it was found that tissue concentrations of leptin, serum concentrations of leptin receptor, serum amyloid A, and estrogen correlate positively with FMC, and serum concentrations of leptin correlate negatively with FMC. The roles of adiponectin and prolactin in FMC development were also investigated, but the reports are either lacking or insufficient to suggest an association. Numerous research gaps were identified and could be used as opportunities for future research. These include the need for studies on additional cohorts to confirm the association of leptin/leptin receptor and serum amyloid A with FMC, and to address the role of adiponectin and prolactin in FMC. It is also important to investigate the genetic determinants of FMC, evaluate the use of molecular-targeted therapies in FMC, and exploit the enrichment of the triple-negative immunophenotype in FMC to address current clinical needs for both human triple-negative breast cancer and FMC. Finally, mechanistic studies with any of the molecules reviewed are scarce and are important to generate hypotheses and ultimately advance our knowledge and the outcome of FMC.
The Effect of Cushioned Centrifugation, with and without Enzymatic Reduction of Viscosity, on the Motility Pattern and Kinematic Parameters of Dromedary Camel Bull Spermatozoa

Simple Summary Semen processing procedures in the dromedary camel species (Camelus dromedarius) are still underdeveloped as compared to other domestic species. The viscosity of the camelid’s ejaculate presents challenges that must be overcome with specialized procedures. In this study, we have proven that seminal plasma affects the motility of dromedary camel epididymal spermatozoa, and we have evaluated the effect of a cushioned centrifugation procedure (900× g for 20 min) with and without enzymatic reduction of viscosity for processing dromedary camel ejaculates. The obtained results showed that the dilution of dromedary camel ejaculate and centrifugation with cushion fluid improves the motility pattern of dromedary camel spermatozoa. Moreover, the use of the protease enzyme Papain could help in further reducing the viscosity of camelid ejaculates and in obtaining higher sperm recovery rates following cushioned centrifugation. Abstract In order to contribute to the development of semen processing procedures in camelids, the aims of the present study were to evaluate (i) the effect of 35% seminal plasma incubation on dromedary camel epididymal sperm motility and kinematic parameters, (ii) the effects of centrifugation, with cushion fluid and enzymatic reduction of viscosity (Papain + E64) during ejaculate processing, on the motility and kinematic parameters of dromedary camel ejaculates. The incubation with seminal plasma significantly reduced the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa as well as the proportion of medium progressive spermatozoa whilst increasing the percentage of non-progressive spermatozoa. The centrifugation procedure improved the sperms’ kinematic parameters, and the highest values were observed for samples centrifugated with cushion fluid. The samples treated with Papain + E64 showed a significant increase in both total and medium progressive spermatozoa, along with a reduction of non-progressive spermatozoa (p < 0.05). The results of this investigation show that a simple, cheap, and effective procedure, such as cushioned centrifugation, could improve the motility patterns of dromedary camel spermatozoa; in combination with enzymatic reduction of viscosity, this method leads to the best results in terms of recovery rates and sperms’ kinematic parameters.
Catheter Ablation for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation: An Update of the Literature

Simple Summary First-line treatment for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) involves the use of antiarrhythmic drugs. However, these are associated with significant side effects and have limited success rates in terminating AF episodes. In contrast, catheter ablation has been shown to be superior in maintaining sinus rhythm and improving the quality of life of AF patients. These procedures can also be performed via a hybrid set-up involving a minimally invasive surgical approach. These options have shown promise in restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm but are not without risks. Therefore, further studies investigating different ablative strategies are needed. Abstract Catheter ablation has been shown to be more effective at maintaining sinus rhythm and improving quality of life when compared to antiarrhythmic drugs. Radiofrequency and cryoablation are two effective methods. However, catheter-only ablation strategies have not consistently produced high success rates in treating longstanding and persistent AF patients. The emerging treatment of choice for such cases is hybrid ablation, which involves a multidisciplinary and minimally invasive approach to achieve surgical ablation of the direct posterior left atrial wall in combination with endocardial catheter ablation. Studies have shown promising results for the hybrid approach when compared with catheter ablation alone, but it is not without risks. Large and randomised studies are necessary to further evaluate these strategies for managing AF.
A re�ned weakly-supervised semantic segmentation method on lung adenocarcinoma histopathology images

Automatic segmentation of tissues from histopathology images is of great signiﬁcance to reduce the annotation cost hence improve the eﬃciency of lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis. In the ﬁeld of weakly supervised semantic segmentation (WSSS), class activation mapping (CAM) is a widely used technology that only uses image-level label to locate target objects. While the method based on CAM can locate the target object precisely, it cannot ﬁll the entire object. Therefore, In this paper, we propose a novel method of joint reﬁned erasure attention module (REM) and class re-activation mapping (ReCAM) for image-level semantic segmentation of histopathology images. Speciﬁcally, REM consists of two components: channel attention and progressive erasure attention. Channel attention dynamically adjusts the weights of each channel based on their relevance and progressive erasure attention selectively removes the most discriminative regions to encourage the model to explore more features. The reason for this is to keep the recognition ability of each feature while expanding the seed region. Moreover, due to the reason that diﬀerent tissues may include similar features caused by aggressive nature of the malignancy, we employ the reactivation method to enhance the model’s discriminative power. This method ﬁne-tunes the model parameters by learning an additional fully connected layer with softmax cross-entropy loss (SCE). We evaluate the proposed model on the recently released LUAD-HistoSeg dataset. The results illustrate that our model achieved a 76.53% MIoU and outperforms state-of-the-art weakly-supervised learning methods.
Mutual Inductance Estimation of Series-Series Tuned Inductive Power Transfer System

This paper proposes an online parameter estimation method for a series-series tuned inductive power transfer (SS-IPT) system. The reactance of the receiver coil and the equivalent load resistance are estimated using the proposed parameter observers. The transfer functions of the observers are derived, and the controller gains are selected to achieve a 500 Hz estimation bandwidth. A closed-loop mutual inductance observer with a 100 Hz estimation bandwidth is developed. The transfer function is derived based on a block diagram of the observer, and the controller gains are selected using the transfer function. The performances of the proposed observers are evaluated using the simulated results. The proposed observers can be applied to the high-bandwidth controllers and dynamic SS-IPT system.
Asymmetric Virtual Impedance for Improving Transient Stability of Grid-Forming Inverters Based on Virtual Reluctance Torque

The grid-forming inverters have received much attention due to the great voltage and frequency support ability. However, a lot of transient instability phenomena have been reported to the grid-forming inverters. In order to improve the transient stability of grid-forming inverters, an asymmetric virtual impedance is proposed to simulate the reluctance torque of synchronous generator to increase to power transfer ability. Furthermore, the design of virtual impedance is considered from the dimensions of d axis and q axis respectively, and the effect of reluctance torque on the transient stability is shown from the perspectives of increasing power transfer margin and providing larger deceleration area. Finally, the simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Geothermal Resources of Alaska

Between 1979 and 1982, the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) and the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, undertook an assessment of the states geothermal resources under a program jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Alaska. During this period, reconnaissance investigations of more than 100 thermal spring sites and fumarole fields located in Alaska were conducted by DGGS.
Physiological Maturity of Tropical Forest Seeds: A Boon to Improved Harvest and Storage Practice of Recalcitrant Seeds?

The fruit harvest at physiological maturity of seeds is a globally accepted practice. This method has been traditionally practiced in horticultural crops where quality seeds and vigorous seedlings are ensured for cultivation of the species. The assessment of seed physiological maturity in the harvest of forest fruits and seeds are seldom practiced as seed physiological and biochemical studies in tropical seeds is little attempted. Since recalcitrant seed behavior among forest species is increasing, maintenance of seed viability and longevity ex situ becoming a challenging task in the forestry sector. Further, seed loss through fruit predation and pest infestation are other handicaps to these species. An improved technology for harvesting, storage and longevity of recalcitrant seeds will be a breakthrough for the germplasm conservation, management and utilization of forest genetic resources. Identification of biochemical factors at physiological maturity of seeds in conjunction with fruit morphological characters considered as optimum harvest practice for recalcitrant forest fruits and seeds. The practice could extend shelf life of recalcitrant seeds and bypass seed loss prior to the conventional harvest practices. This review outlines the research works carried out in seed physiological maturity of crops and its broad scope among recalcitrant forest seeds for long term germplasm storage.
Nondegenerate solitons of the (2+1)-dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with variable coefficients in nonlinear optical fibers

We derive the multi-hump nondegenerate solitons for the (2+1)-dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with propagation distance dependent diffraction, nonlinearity and gain (loss) using the developing Hirota bilinear method, and analyze the dynamical behaviors of these nondegenerate solitons. The results show that the shapes of the nondegenerate solitons are controllable by selecting different wave numbers, varying diffraction and nonlinearity parameters. In addition, when all the variable coefficients are chosen to be constant, the solutions obtained in this study reduce to the shape-preserving nondegenerate solitons. Finally, it is found that the nondegenerate two-soliton solutions can be bounded to form a double-hump two-soliton molecule after making the velocity of one double-hump soliton resonate with that of the other one.
Junction Temperature Optical Sensing Techniques for Power Switching Semiconductors: A Review

Recent advancements in power electronic switches provide effective control and operational stability of power grid systems. Junction temperature is a crucial parameter of power-switching semiconductor devices, which needs monitoring to facilitate reliable operation and thermal control of power electronics circuits and ensure reliable performance. Over the years, various junction temperature measurement techniques have been developed, engaging both non-optical and optical-based methods, highlighting their advancements and challenges. This review focuses on several optical sensing-based junction temperature measuring techniques used for power-switching devices such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). A comprehensive summary of recent developments in infrared camera (IRC), thermal sensitive optical parameter (TSOP), and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensing techniques is provided, shedding light on their merits and challenges while providing a few possible future solutions. In addition, calibration methods and remedies for obtaining accurate measurements are discussed, thus providing better insight and directions for future research.
A Hybrid Current and Voltage-Source Gate Driver for Series-Connected SiC MOSFETs

The series-connection of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) is an attractive way of increasing the blocking voltage capability of a switch. However, due to inherent transient and steady-state voltage imbalance issues, such a design imposes challenges, especially at elevated switching frequencies, where increased dv/dt is required. This paper proposes a hybrid gate driver for series-connected SiC MOSFETs, which consists of a turn-on stage with a traditional Voltage Source Gate Driver (VSGD), and a turn-off sequence with a Current Source Gate Driver (CSGD). The proposed hybrid gate driver has been validated experimentally in two series-connected SiC MOSFETs. Experimental results show voltage balancing within 2% of the total voltage and switching speeds towards 70 kV/μs.
On the Importance of Halogen and Chalcogen Bonds in the Solid State of Nucleic Acids: A Combined Crystallographic and Theoretical Perspective

In this work, intra- and intermolecular halogen and chalcogen bonds (HlgBs and ChBs, respectively) present in the solid state of nucleic acids (NAs) have been studied at the RI-MP2/def2-TZVP level of theory. To achieve this, a Protein Data Bank (PDB) survey was carried out, revealing a series of structures in which Br/I or S/Se/Te atoms belonging to nucleobases or pentose rings were involved in noncovalent interactions (NCIs) with electron-rich species. The energetics and directionality of these NCIs were rationalized through a computational study, which included the use of Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) surfaces, the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), and Non Covalent Interaction plot (NCIplot) and Natural Bonding Orbital (NBO) techniques.
Desmosomes in Cell Fate Determination: From Cardiogenesis to Cardiomyopathy

Desmosomes play a vital role in providing structural integrity to tissues that experience significant mechanical tension, including the heart. Deficiencies in desmosomal proteins lead to the development of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC). The limited availability of preventative measures in clinical settings underscores the pressing need to gain a comprehensive understanding of desmosomal proteins not only in cardiomyocytes but also in non-myocyte residents of the heart, as they actively contribute to the progression of cardiomyopathy. This review focuses specifically on the impact of desmosome deficiency on epi- and endocardial cells. We highlight the intricate cross-talk between desmosomal proteins mutations and signaling pathways involved in the regulation of epicardial cell fate transition. We further emphasize that the consequences of desmosome deficiency differ between the embryonic and adult heart leading to enhanced erythropoiesis during heart development and enhanced fibrogenesis in the mature heart. We suggest that triggering epi-/endocardial cells and fibroblasts that are in different “states” involve the same pathways but lead to different pathological outcomes. Understanding the details of the different responses must be considered when developing interventions and therapeutic strategies.
Recovery and Characterization of Spermatozoa in a Neotropical, Terrestrial, Direct-Developing Riparian Frog (Craugastor evanesco) through Hormonal Stimulation

Simple Summary Recurrent successful breeding of the critically endangered Vanishing Rainfrog (Craugastor evanesco) in captivity has been challenging. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of hormonal stimulation on the production and quality of C. evanesco spermatozoa, aiming to develop an efficient and safe sperm collection protocol as a tool to help reproduce this species in the near future. The Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone agonist, at a concentration of 4 micrograms per gram of body weight, stimulated the production of high-quantity and quality spermatozoa. This study also described the morphology of C. evanesco spermatozoa for the first time. These results contributed new and valuable knowledge on the reproductive biology of C. evanesco and for the development of other assisted reproductive technologies that might be applied to this and other species’ conservation programs. Abstract The Vanishing Rainfrog (Craugastor evanesco) is an endemic and critically endangered frog species of Panama. It is suspected that 90% of the population has disappeared from the wild. Frogs were collected from the wild and brought to a Captive Breeding Program; however, accomplishing regular reproductive events for this species has been difficult. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hormonal stimulation on the production and quality of C. evanesco spermatozoa, aiming to develop an efficient and safe sperm collection protocol as a tool to help reproduce this endangered species. Mature males received intra-peritoneal injections with one of six hormone treatments, including des-Gly10, D-Ala6, Pro-NHEt9—GnRH-A, Amphiplex or hCG. Urine samples were collected at 10 different time points post-injection. Quality assessments included sperm concentration, percentage motility, percentage forward progressive motility (FPM), osmolality, pH and morphology analysis. Our results indicate that the optimal treatment for the collection of highly concentrated sperm samples of C. evanesco is 4 µg/gbw GnRH, followed by Amphiplex and 2 µg/gbw GnRH as sub-optimal treatments and finally, 6 µg/gbw GnRH and 5 and 10 IU/gbw hCG as non-optimal treatments. GnRH-A at 4 μg/gbw and Amphiplex stimulated the production of samples with the highest sperm concentrations and quality, despite Amphiplex producing lower percentages of intact acrosome and tail. In contrast, hCG concentrations were not reliable inducers of sperm production, consistently showing lower concentrations, higher percentages of sperm abnormalities and more acidic spermic urine than that induced by Amphiplex and GnRH-A. Morphological assessments revealed that C. evanesco spermatozoa have a filiform shape with a large acrosome on the anterior part of an elongated head, a small midpiece and a long tail with two filaments joined together by an undulating membrane.
Pontocerebellar Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Radiological, Clinical, Histological and Immunohistochemical Findings in a Hematological Patient

Objective: To describe the radiological, histological and immunohistochemical findings in a case of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) affecting the cerebellar peduncles in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patient and Methods: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), histological picture (H.E., Kluver-Barrera) and immunohistochemical picture (GFAP, neurofilaments, CD68, JC virus) were obtained. Results: 1) Magnetic resonance imaging: Asymmetric and progressive lesions on middle cerebellar pe-duncles, that were hyperintense in T2/FLAIR, extended towards the pons, had no mass effect and were unmodified after intravenous contrast. 2) Histology: Marked reactive gliosis with cytopathic changes suggesting viral infection, plus demyelination areas with axonal preservation. 3) Immunohistochemistry: Marked positivity for viral (polyoma and JC virus) markers in glial cells showing cytopathic changes. Conclusions: The importance of histological and immunohistochemical diagnosis in everyday assistance; of the collaboration between clinicians, radiologists and pathologists; and the validity of post-mortem studies as a key element for research and clinical quality assessment must be stressed.
A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Purposeful and Stimulating Volunteer Opportunity

Background: Purposeful social interactions are important for healthy aging. We conducted a pilot trial of SPEAK! (Seniors Promoting English Acquisition and Knowledge), an intervention providing older volunteers with a safe, accessible opportunity to converse via webcam with English-language learners. Methods: A neurologically mixed sample of older adults was randomized to 8 weekly, webcam conversations with English-language learners or a waitlist control. Outcomes included the Cognitive Change Index (CCI) and surveys of program satisfaction. Here, we report on session completion, intervention satisfaction, and follow-up CCI scores. Exploratory analyses of CCI intervention effects controlled for baseline CCI scores and the interaction between group and baseline CCI. Results: Participants (N=38) were on average 70.8 years of age, 28/38 were White, and 16/38 demonstrated possible cognitive impairment on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Pairs completed 115/136 sessions (85%) and all volunteers said they would recommend the program. Controlling for the interaction between baseline CCI and randomization group, SPEAK! volunteers had better follow-up CCI scores than controls (P=0.018). Improvements in CCI were greater among participants with fewer baseline memory problems. Conclusions: SPEAK! was feasible and appreciated by older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Larger studies should confirm benefits for memory and other determinants of quality of life.
A Study on Dual and Single Stator Axial-Flux Induction Machines

This paper presents a study of two 2.2kW eight-pole axial-flux induction machines, one with a single stator and one with a double stator. The differences between these machines are evaluated from multiple perspectives, such as electromagnetic performance, components weight portion as well as the attractive force between rotor and stator. The new double-stator motor was designed based previously developed single-stator version with similar weight in total. The double-stator configuration was designed to reduce the required rotor back-iron and thus showed improved performance. Three-dimensional finite-element analysis (FEA) is applied for the electromagnetic performance prediction as well as the axial force and pressure comparisons.
Lewy body disease.

Subsumed under the rubric of Lewy body disease are idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), pure diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD), and, most commonly, combined brainstem and neocortical Lewy bodies with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in a relatively early developmental stage. Clinical correlates are dementia with psychiatric and subcortical features plus mild extrapyramidal signs (EPS).