Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulations of one’s sense of agency during human–machine interactions: A behavioural study using a full humanoid robot

Although previous investigations reported a reduced sense of agency when individuals act with traditional machines, little is known about the mechanisms underpinning interactions with human-like automata. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the effect of the machine’s physical appearance on the individuals’ sense of agency and (2) to explore the cognitive mechanisms underlying the individuals’ sense of agency when they are engaged in a joint task. Twenty-eight participants performed a joint Simon task together with another human or an automated artificial system as a co-agent. The physical appearance of the automated artificial system was manipulated so that participants could cooperate either with a servomotor or a full humanoid robot during the joint task. Both participants’ response times and temporal estimations of action-output delays (i.e., an implicit measure of agency) were collected. Results showed that participants’ sense of agency for self- and other-generated actions sharply declined during interactions with the servomotor compared with the human–human interactions. Interestingly, participants’ sense of agency for self- and other-generated actions was reinforced when participants interacted with the humanoid robot compared with the servomotor. These results are discussed further.
Use of vector formalism in the analysis of hydrophobic and electric driving forces in biological assemblies

Abstract Hydrophobic forces are known to have a crucial part not only in the conformation of the three-dimensional structure of proteins, but also in the build-up of DNA–protein complexes. Electric forces also play an important role both in the tertiary as well in the quaternary structure of macromolecular associations. Sometimes both hydrophobic and electric interactions add up their strengths to accomplish these structures but in most cases they act in opposite directions. This fact, together with being overall interactions with different ranges, provides a nuanced equilibrium also modulated by the need to comply with steric hindrances and geometric frustration effects. This review focuses on the utility of using the hydrophobic and electrical dipole moment vectors to describe the interactions that give rise to the structures of biological macromolecules. Although different definitions of both electric dipole and hydrophobic moments have been described in the literature, results obtained in biological assemblies demonstrate the principle of the biological membrane model. According to this model, postulated by our group, biological macromolecules tend to associate by aligning their hydrophobic moments in a similar manner to phospholipids in a membrane. Examples of both closed and open structures are used to assess the predictability of our model. We seek agreement between our results with those described in the current literature. The review ends with possible future projections using this formalism.
Exposure‐Response Model With Time‐Varying Predictors to Estimate the Effects of Veliparib in Combination With Carboplatin/Paclitaxel and as Monotherapy: Veliparib Phase 3 Study in BRCA‐Mutated Advanced Breast Cancer (BROCADE3) Trial

BRCA‐Mutated Advanced Breast Cancer (BROCADE3) is a phase 3 study, evaluating veliparib in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel with continuation as monotherapy if carboplatin/paclitaxel is discontinued in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutation‐associated, advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer. The objective of the current analysis was to characterize the veliparib exposure‐response relationships for efficacy (progression‐free survival [PFS]) and safety in this study. Exposure‐efficacy analyses of PFS were conducted using Kaplan‐Meier plots and cox proportional hazards (CPH) models using treatment alone or both treatment and exposure as time‐dependent predictors to estimate the effect of veliparib in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel and as monotherapy. The cox proportional hazards model with only treatment as the time‐varying predictor estimated a statistically significant benefit of veliparib monotherapy compared to placebo monotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95%CI, 0.33‐0.73) and a modest, non–statistically significant benefit (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.62‐1.05) of adding veliparib to carboplatin/paclitaxel. Inclusion of exposure as an additional time‐varying predictor in the cox proportional hazards model indicated a flat exposure‐response relationship between the veliparib exposure and PFS when veliparib was administered in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel or as monotherapy. The exposure‐safety analysis did not reveal any meaningful exposure‐dependent trend in the incidence of adverse events of interest. These analyses support the dose regimen of veliparib (120 mg twice daily) in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel and continuation of veliparib (300‐400 mg twice daily) as monotherapy if carboplatin/paclitaxel were discontinued before disease progression in this patient population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov with a registration ID: NCT02163694.
Winter Storms and Unplanned School Closure Announcements on Twitter: Comparison Between the States of Massachusetts and Georgia, 2017–2018

Abstract Objective: This project aimed to quantify and compare Massachusetts and Georgia public school districts’ 2017–2018 winter-storm-related Twitter unplanned school closure announcements (USCA). Methods: Public school district Twitter handles and National Center for Education Statistics data were obtained for Georgia and Massachusetts. Tweets were retrieved using Twitter application programming interface. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were conducted to compare the rates of winter-storm-related USCA. Results: Massachusetts had more winter storms than Georgia during the 2017–2018 winter season, but Massachusetts school districts posted winter-storm-related USCA at a 60% lower rate per affected day (adjusted rate ratio, aRR = 0.40, 95% confidence intervals, CI: 0.30, 0.52) than Georgia school districts after controlling for the student enrollments and Twitter followers count per Twitter account. A 10-fold increase in followers count was correlated with a 118% increase in USCA rate per affected day (aRR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.74, 2.75). Georgia school districts had a higher average USCA tweet rate per winter-storm-affected day than Massachusetts school districts. A higher number of Twitter followers was associated with a higher number of USCA tweets per winter-storm-affected day. Conclusion: Twitter accounts of school districts in Massachusetts had a lower tweet rate for USCA per winter-storm-affected days than those in Georgia.
Liver resection for large and huge hepatocellular carcinoma: Predictors of failure, recurrence patterns, and prognoses

Characteristic symptoms and signs are often absent in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a result, many patients are not diagnosed until their tumors have grown to large (> 5cm) or huge sizes (> 10cm). Liver resection has traditionally been reserved for patients with small HCC, but more recently it is being used for patients with large and huge tumors. The aim of this study was to determine risk predictors of recurrence, patterns of recurrence, and survival rates for large and huge HCC patients who underwent curative liver resection.
Analytical Approach for PAPR Reduction and Mitigating Companding Distortion Using Piecewise Linear Companding

In the OFDM communication system the main disadvantage factor is Peak Average to Power Ratio (PAPR) which limits the performance of the overall system. To limit this factor in the OFDM system there are so many techniques are there, depends on the nature of the system like clipping, Partial transmission, Selective mapping, Companding transform etc, in these technique companding technique is the a simple methodology to compress or compand the input signal based on the inflection points to reduce the PAPR in the system, while decompander is the technique in the receiver to expand the companded signal from the transmitter section in the OFDM. The piecewise linear companding is based on the linear equations to compress the OFDM sequence where the companding distortion should considered, in this paper we present a efficient companding based on the piecewise linear equations. The whole system considered under ETU channel model. The simulation results show that a reduced PAPR and optimal BER rate of the OFDM system.
Defective Monocyte Enzymatic Function and an Inhibitory Immune Phenotype in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Exposed Uninfected African Infants in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants are a rapidly expanding population in sub-Saharan Africa and are highly susceptible to encapsulated bacterial disease in the first year of life. The mechanism of this increased risk is still poorly understood. We investigated whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposure dysregulates HEU immunity, vaccine-antibody production, and human herpes virus amplify this effect. Methods Thirty-four HIV-infected and 44 HIV-uninfected pregnant women were recruited into the birth cohort and observed up to 6 weeks of age; and then a subsequent 43 HIV-infected and 61 HIV-uninfected mother-infant pairs were recruited into a longitudinal infant cohort at either: 5–7 to 14–15; or 14–15 to 18–23 weeks of age. We compared monocyte function, innate and adaptive immune cell phenotype, and vaccine-induced antibody responses between HEU and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HU) infants. Results We demonstrate (1) altered monocyte phagosomal function and B-cell subset homeostasis and (2) lower vaccine-induced anti-Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and anti-tetanus toxoid immunoglobulin G titers in HEU compared with HU infants. Human herpes virus infection was similar between HEU and HU infants. Conclusions In the era of antiretroviral therapy-mediated viral suppression, HIV exposure may dysregulate monocyte and B-cell function, during the vulnerable period of immune maturation. This may contribute to the high rates of invasive bacterial disease and pneumonia in HEU infants.
Integrated skin sensitization assessment based on OECD methods (II): Hazard and potency by combining kinetic peptide reactivity and the "2 out of 3" Defined Approach.

Depending on regulatory requirements, three questions on the skin sensitization risk for new chemicals with potential skin contact by consumers must be answered by experimental testing: (i) Binary hazard assessment to identify sensitizers, (ii) subclassification of sensitizers according to the Global Harmonized System (GHS), and (iii) a Point of Departure (PoD) for risk assessment. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a test guideline incorporating the "2 out of 3" Defined Approach (2o3 DA) for skin sensitization hazard assessment. At the same time, the kinetic direct peptide reactivity assay (kDPRA) was added to the test guidelines as a stand-alone method for GHS subclassification. For the 2o3 DA, at least two in vitro tests are conducted. The cell-based tests and the kDPRA generate, next to a binary outcome with a fixed threshold, continuous dose-response data, which can be used in quantitative regression models to derive a PoD. The 2o3 DA is flexible for the sequence of testing. Here we show different testing sequences and how they can be combined with kDPRA data to provide a PoD in parallel to hazard identification (hazard ID) and GHS subclassification. Using these different testing sequences, a set of 188 chemicals with available in vitro data was evaluated for the final PoD. The results indicate that testing can start with DPRA / kDPRA and either of the cell-based assays, and that testing can stop with two congruent tests without major impact on the final PoD for chemicals within the applicability domain of the kDPRA.
Efficacy and safety of PD‐1 inhibitor combined with antiangiogenic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter retrospective study

Immunotherapy‐antiangiogenesis combination therapy has achieved excellent survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical trials. However, the combination therapy for HCC outside clinical trials is not well studied, and predictive factors are lacking. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy‐antiangiogenesis combination therapy in unresectable HCC patients in a real‐world setting.
Differential temperature effects on photoperiodism in female voles: A possible explanation for declines in vole populations

Many mammalian species use photoperiod as a predictive cue to time seasonal reproduction. In addition, metabolic effects on the reproductive axis may also influence seasonal timing, especially in female small, short‐lived mammals. To get a better understanding of how annual cycling environmental cues impact reproductive function and plasticity in small, short‐lived herbivores with different geographic origins, we investigated the mechanisms underlying integration of temperature in the photoperiodic‐axis regulating female reproduction in a Northern vole species (tundra vole, Microtus oeconomus) and in a Southern vole species (common vole, Microtus arvalis). We show that photoperiod and temperature interact to determine appropriate physiological responses; there is species‐dependent annual variation in the sensitivity to temperature for reproductive organ development. In common voles, temperature can overrule photoperiodical spring‐programmed responses, with reproductive organ mass being higher at 10°C than at 21°C, whereas in autumn they are less sensitive to temperature. These findings are in line with our census data, showing an earlier onset of spring reproduction in cold springs, while reproductive offset in autumn is synchronized to photoperiod. The reproductive organs of tundra voles were relatively insensitive to temperature, whereas hypothalamic gene expression was generally upregulated at 10°C. Thus, both vole species use photoperiod, whereas only common voles use temperature as a cue to control spring reproduction, which indicates species‐specific reproductive strategies. Due to global warming, spring reproduction in common voles will be delayed, perhaps resulting in shorter breeding seasons and thus declining populations, as observed throughout Europe.
Anti-adipogenic β-sitosterol and lupeol from Moringa oleifera suppress adipocyte differentiation through regulation of cell cycle progression.

Triterpenes and phytosterols enriched herbal formulations are known for glucose regulation and lipid metabolism. In this study, triterpenes and phytosterols from Moringa oleifera stem bark have been tested for their role in adipocyte differentiation. Chromatographic analysis revealed a wide range of phenolics, highlighting the presence of flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin), terpenoids (lupeol), and phytosterol (stigmasterol, β-sitosterol). Lupeol and β-sitosterol reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner showcasing increased G1 phase cell accumulation while reducing other cell cycle phases (S and G2 /M) and significant lowering of intracellular lipid accumulation. Additionally, lupeol (35.37% at 32 μM) and β-sitosterol (42.97% at 16 μM) inhibited reactive oxygen species generation and increased glucose uptake in adipocytes. Collectively, our results indicate that lupeol and β-sitosterol efficaciously attenuated adipogenesis via a controlled cell cycle progression and enhanced glucose uptake in adipocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Active components of Moringa oleifera effectively regulate adipocyte differentation suggest that it can be good medicial supllement for control of obesity.
Which role for predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma?

ABSTRACT Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide, still representing an important cause of cancer-related death. Recent years have seen the emergence of novel systemic treatments for HCC patients, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nonetheless, several questions regarding HCC immunotherapy remain unanswered, especially in terms of biochemical predictors of response. Areas Covered In the current paper, we will discuss available evidence regarding predictive biomarkers of response to HCC immunotherapy. A literature search was conducted in January 2022 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases. Expert Opinion The identification of predictive biomarkers represents an unmet need in HCC patients receiving ICIs. The HCC medical community is called to further efforts aimed to elucidate the effective role of PD-L1 expression, TMB, MSI, gut microbiota, and other emerging biomarkers.
Compact dual-band dual circularly polarised annular-ring patch antenna for BeiDou navigation satellite system application

A compact rectangular-ring patch antenna with dual bands and dual circular polarisation is proposed for BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) application in this study. The compactness of the proposed antenna can be realised through using a rectangular-ring radiation patch for the higher band and a meandered-line-shaped ring radiation patch for the lower band. The radiation patches are stacked and printed, respectively, on the two layers of substrate separated by an air gap. Two pairs of inverted-L shaped strips and perturbation structures are inserted in two radiation patches, respectively, to achieve circularly polarised radiation in dual bands. Specifically, arc-shaped coupled feeding lines are employed to obtain preferable impedance matching. Simulated and measured results show a good performance such as a compact size of 0.201 λ g × 0.201 λ g × 0.076 λ g , satisfactory 10-dB return loss bandwidths (1595-1632 MHz, 2395-2574MHz) and desirable directional radiation patterns with the antenna gain of nearly 4.3 dBic at 1615.68MHz and 6.4 dBic at 2491.75MHz.
E2f4 is required for intestinal and otolith development in zebrafish

E2f4 is a multifunctional transcription factor that is essential for many cellular processes. Although the role of E2f4 during cell cycle progression has been investigated in great detail, less is known about E2f4 during embryonic development. Here, we investigated the role of E2f4 during zebrafish development. Zebrafish e2f4 mutants displayed ectopic otolith formation due to abnormal ciliary beating in the otic vesicle. The beating defects of motile cilia were caused by abnormal expression of ciliary motility genes. The expression of two genes, lrrc23 and ccdc151, were significantly decreased in the absence of E2f4. In addition to that, e2f4 mutants also displayed growth retardation both in the body length and body weight and mostly died at around 6 months old. Although food intake was normal in the mutants, we found that the microvilli of the intestinal epithelia were significantly affected in the mutants. Finally, the intestinal epithelia of e2f4 mutants also displayed reduced cell proliferation, together with an increased level of cell apoptosis. Our data suggested a tissue‐specific role of E2f4 during zebrafish development, which is distinct from the traditional views of this protein as a transcription repressor.
COVID-19 related thrombosis: A mini-review

Introduction COVID-19 associated VTE is a new disease entity with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to review contemporary emerging literature on the incidence, pathophysiology, predictive prognostic indicators, and management consensus for Covid-19 related thrombotic complications, in particular DVT and PE. Methods A literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. All searches were done via PubMed. References of review articles were further screened according to the exclusion criteria. Results In total, 154 records were identified and 20 duplicates were removed. A final 68 articles were included in the qualitative analysis. COVID-19 related thrombosis can affect multiple organs of the body, presenting in the form of arterial or venous thrombosis such as ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric ischemia, limb ischemia, DVT, or PE. DVT and PE has an overall incidence of 6–26%, and severely ill COVID-19 patients have even higher incidence of thromboembolism. On the other hand, incidence of arterial thromboembolism is much lower with incidence of 0.7%–3.7%. D-dimer is found to be an independent risk factor, and IMPROVE score, Caprini score, and Padua score have all been used as predictors. International guidelines suggest the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux for prophylaxis of VTE, and therapeutic dosage of weight adjusted LMWH for treatment if confirmed diagnosis. Conclusions Contemporary rapidly evolving evidence shows that COVID-19 associated thrombosis was a novel clinical entity, especially in severely ill COVID-19 patients. There are multiple society-driven guidelines only, but without any level 1 evidence for management regimen. The ideal dose for prophylaxis is not established and may vary depending on balance of bleeding and thrombosis risk. The risk of bleeding may be increased in patients in intensive care unit.
Restoration of Proprioceptive and Cutaneous Sensation Using Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces in Humans with Upper Limb Amputations

Summary: Without meaningful and intuitive sensory feedback, even the most advanced prosthetic limbs remain insensate and impose an enormous cognitive burden during use. The regenerative peripheral nerve interface can serve as a novel bidirectional motor and sensory neuroprosthetic interface. In previous human studies, regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces demonstrated stable high-amplitude motor electromyography signals with excellent signal-to-noise ratio for prosthetic control. In addition, they can treat and prevent postamputation pain by mitigating neuroma formation. In this study, the authors investigated whether electrical stimulation applied to regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces could produce appreciable proprioceptive and/or tactile sensations in two participants with upper limb amputations. Stimulation of the interfaces resulted in both participants reporting proprioceptive sensations in the phantom hand. Specifically, stimulation of participant 1’s median nerve regenerative peripheral nerve interface activated a flexion sensation in the thumb or index finger, whereas stimulation of the ulnar nerve interface evoked a flexion sensation of the ring or small finger. Likewise, stimulation of one of participant 2’s ulnar nerve interfaces produced a sensation of flexion at the ring finger distal interphalangeal joint. In addition, stimulation of participant 2’s other ulnar nerve interface and the median nerve interface resulted in perceived cutaneous sensations that corresponded to each nerve’s respective dermatome. These results suggest that regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces have the potential to restore proprioceptive and cutaneous sensory feedback that could significantly improve prosthesis use and embodiment.