Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Heartbeat and Compression Optical Coherence Elastography for Mapping Corneal Biomechanics

The biomechanical properties of the cornea have a profound influence on the health, structural integrity, and function of the eye. Understanding these properties may be critical for diagnosis and identifying disease pathogenesis. This work demonstrates how two different elastography techniques can be combined for a multimodal approach to measuring corneal biomechanical properties. Heartbeat optical coherence elastography (Hb-OCE) and compression OCE were performed simultaneously to measure the stiffness of the cornea in an in vivo rabbit model. Measurements were further performed after collagen crosslinking to demonstrate how the combined technique can be used to measure changes in corneal stiffness and map mechanical contrast. The results of this work further suggest that measurements from Hb-OCE and compression OCE are comparable, meaning that Hb-OCE and compression OCE may be used interchangeably despite distinct differences in both techniques.
Reproductive Toxicity and Recovery Associated With 4-Non-ylphenol Exposure in Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias garepinus)

Although, the effects of 4-non-ylphenol (4-NP) on fish’s reproductive hormones were assessed in several studies using adult models, however, the effect of this endocrine disruptor on immature fish’s reproductive hormones was not addressed commonly. We aimed to study the apoptosis induction, hematotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and the recovery associated with 4-NP exposure in juvenile African catfish [Clarias garepinus) using some hormones [17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)] and gonad histology as biomarkers. The toxic effects of 4-NP have been studied in many animal models, but there is still limited knowledge about the dose-dependent damage caused by 4-NP exposure in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. A healthy juvenile C. gariepinus was categorized into four groups (n = 3/group; three replicates in each group). The first group was the control, and the other three groups were subjected to 4-NP concentrations as 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/L for 15 days; they were left for a recovery period of another 15 days. The reproductive hormones of C. gariepinus exposed to 4-NP for 15 days exhibited significant variations between the treatment groups and the control (P < 0.05), which were evident in E2 and T-values, whereas FSH, LH, total protein, and lipid peroxidation values showed non-significant differences among all groups at P < 0.05. Such a situation referred to the fact that the 15-day recovery period was insufficient to remove the impacts of 4-NP doses in concern. The trend of dose-dependent increase/decrease was recorded for T, E2, FSH, and LH. The histopathological alterations of 4-NP treated in gonad tissues were recorded in juvenile C. gariepinus, reflecting their sensitivity to 4-NP estrogenic-like effects. Overall, our results investigate that recovery has improved the reproductive toxicity caused by 4-NP in juvenile C. garepinus. Significant variations between the treated groups and the control group (P < 0.05) were evident in hematological parameters except for hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The parameters exhibiting significance decreased with such increased doses [red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Hct), and white blood cells (WBCs)]. Similar patterns of significant variations toward the increase or decrease were recorded following the 15-day recovery period. Apoptotic frequency in erythrocytes and brain cells has increased significantly with increased 4-NP exposure, indicating that 4-NP caused cytotoxic effects, such as apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. However, these cellular alterations greatly decreased after the 15-day recovery period.
Robust tracking controller design for active dolly steering

In this paper, different actuation level steering control methods for an A-double vehicle combination (tractor–semitrailer–dolly–semitrailer) are proposed. The aim of the paper is to show the viability of advanced actuation control strategies for a practical vehicular application. Three different types of robust controller are proposed: a robust proportional–integral–derivative controller, an output feedback linear ℋ∞ controller and an induced ℒ2-norm minimizing linear parameter-varying controller. All controllers are augmented with anti-windup compensators to respect the steering-angle limit and the steering-rate limit. Each model-based controller robustly rejects external disturbances and tracks a reference steering angle generated by the motion control system. Frequency-domain analysis and time-domain analysis prove that the ℋ∞ controller and the linear parameter-varying controller outperform the proportional–integral–derivative controller in terms of reference tracking and disturbance rejection. Comparative simulation scenarios are provided on the basis of the high-fidelity vehicle simulator developed by Volvo Group Trucks Technology.
The Kynurenine Pathway and Mediating Role of Stress in Addictive Disorders: A Focus on Alcohol Use Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder

Stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of addictive disorders. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway involved in neuroimmune and cognitive functions is activated under stress. However, the neuroimmunological–neurocognitive mechanisms in the role of stress in addictive disorders are unclear still now. Ninety-nine young adults aged 18–35 years [alcohol use disorder (AUD), N = 30; Internet gaming disorder (IGD), N = 34; healthy controls (HCs), N = 35] participated in this study. Stress levels, resilience, addiction severity, and neurocognitive functions were evaluated, and serum levels of tryptophan (TRP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), KYN, and kynurenine acid (KYNA) were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry through blood samples. Both addictive disorder groups showed higher levels of stress, lower resilience, and impaired executive functions compared to the HC group. Importantly, the AUD group revealed significantly increased KYN levels and KYN/TRP ratios, as well as decreased KYNA levels and KYNA/KYN ratios compared to HCs (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.033, and p < 0.001, respectively). The IGD group showed KYN levels and KYNA/KYN ratios intermediate between those of the AUD group and HCs. Furthermore, in the AUD group, the mediating effect of AUD on KYN through stress level was moderated by resilience [index of moderated mediation = −0.557, boot S.E = 0.331, BCa CI (−1.349, −0.081)]. Stress may induce an imbalance in downstream of KYN pathway metabolites, and the KYN/TRP ratio may play as a neuromediator between stress and behavioral changes in both addictive disorders. This study suggests that regulation of the KYN pathway is critical in the pathophysiology of addictive disorders and it may serve as an important target for future treatment modalities.
Synergy Between Dietary Quercetin and Vitamin E Supplementation in Aged Hen’s Diet Improves Hatching Traits, Embryo Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity of Chicks Hatched From Eggs Subjected to Prolonged Storage

The current study aims to investigate the effects of the synergy between quercetin and vitamin E in aged hen’s diet on hatchability and antioxidant levels of the embryo and newly hatched chicks from prolonged storage eggs. A total of 400 breeder laying hens of 65 weeks of age were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups. Birds were fed a basal diet alone (Control), and basal diets supplemented with quercetin (Q) (0.4 g/kg) and vitamin E (VE) (0.2 g/kg) alone and their combination (0.4 g/kg Q + 0.2 g/kg VE) for 14 weeks, respectively, to determine their effects on yolk antioxidant status, fertility, embryonic mortality, hatchability, antioxidant status of embryonic tissues, as well as the antioxidant status of the newly hatched chicks. The results showed that the hen’s dietary Q + VE increased the yolk weight, as well as increased the antioxidant status of the egg yolk (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the supplementation of Q + VE significantly increased the hatchability of set-fertile eggs and decreased early embryonic mortality in eggs stored for 7 and 14 days, respectively (p < 0.05), and also improved the antioxidant capacity of the embryos obtained from eggs stored for 14 days (before incubation) (p < 0.05). Moreover, Q + VE increased the levels of SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, T-SOD, and CAT in the liver, heart, and pectoral muscle of the embryo, 1-day-old and 14-day-old chicks (p < 0.05), as well as upregulated the antioxidant related genes (GPx-1, GPx-2, GPx-4, DIO-1, and SOD-1) in the liver of the embryo, 1-day-old and 14-day-old chicks hatched from 14-days storage eggs (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the MDA levels were decreased by the Q + VE in the embryo and post-hatched chicks (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggested that maternal dietary Q + VE exerts beneficial synergistic effects on the antioxidant capacity of the egg yolk, embryo, and chicks during prolong egg storage, therefore, Q + VE could be used as a dietary measure to enhance hatchability and chick quality in poultry production.
Prospective Study on Dynamic Postural Stability in Youth Competitive Alpine Skiers: Test-Retest Reliability and Reference Values as a Function of Sex, Age and Biological Maturation

This study aimed 1) to assess the test-retest reliability of dynamic postural stability index (DPSI) assessments using a ski-specific jump protocol that consists of single-leg landings on a three-dimensional force plate after forward-performed double-leg drop jumps from a box over a hurdle (DJSLLs), 2) to provide reference values for female and male youth competitive alpine skiers; 3) to explore their changes in DPSI over 3 years during adolescence; and 4) to investigate potential associations of DPSI with age and biological maturation. Using three-dimensional force plates, 16 healthy subjects were tested on the same day (test-retest reliability experiment; five test-retest assessments of right leg landings), and 76 youth skiers aged 13–15 years were tested 3 times within 2 years (main experiment; average of two trials per leg each time). The test-retest reliability experiment revealed an ICC(3,1) and 95% CI of 0.86 [0.74, 0.94] for absolute DPSI assessment. The within-subject SEM of absolute DPSI was 16.30 N [13.66 N, 20.65 N], and the standardized typical error was moderate (0.39 [0.33, 0.50]). Both absolute and relative DPSI values were comparable between male and female youth competitive alpine skiers. The mean absolute DPSI in year 1 (195.7 ± 40.9 N), year 2 (196.5 ± 38.9 N) and year 3 (211.5 ± 41.3 N) continuously increased (i.e., worsened) (p < 0.001). Mean relative, i.e. body weight force normalized, DPSI values significantly decreased, i.e., improved, from year 1 to 2 (0.42 ± 0.01 vs. 0.36 ± 0.004; p < 0.001) and year 1 to 3 (0.42 ± 0.01 vs. 0.36 ± 0.01; p < 0.001). Absolute DPSI correlated with age and biological maturation, while no such correlations were found for relative DPSI values. Our findings suggest that DPSI is a reliable and sensitive measure of dynamic postural control during DJSLLs and that relative DPSI improves annually in competitive youth skiers when accounting for body weight. Future work should consider biological maturation testing during the growth spurt, and normalizing to body weight force could be a possible solution.
Functional Mobility Training With a Powered Knee and Ankle Prosthesis

Limb loss at the transfemoral or knee disarticulation level results in a significant decrease in mobility. Powered lower limb prostheses have the potential to provide increased functional mobility and return individuals to activities of daily living that are limited due to their amputation. Providing power at the knee and/or ankle, new and innovative training is required for the amputee and the clinician to understand the capabilities of these advanced devices. This protocol for functional mobility training with a powered knee and ankle prosthesis was developed while training 30 participants with a unilateral transfemoral or knee disarticulation amputation at a nationally ranked physical medicine and rehabilitation research hospital. Participants received instruction for level-ground walking, stair climbing, incline walking, and sit-to-stand transitions. A therapist provided specific training for each mode including verbal, visual, and tactile cueing along with patient education on the functionality of the device. The primary outcome measure was the ability of each participant to demonstrate independence with walking and sit-to-stand transitions along with modified independence for stair climbing and incline walking due to the use of a handrail. Every individual was successful in comfortable ambulation of level-ground walking and 27 out of 30 were successful in all other functional modes after participating in 1–3 sessions of 1–2 h in length (3 terminated their participation before attempting all activities). As these prosthetic devices continue to advance, therapy techniques must advance as well, and this paper serves as education on new training techniques that can provide amputees with the best possible tools to take advantage of these powered devices to achieve their desired clinical outcomes.
Mastitis Control and Intramammary Antimicrobial Stewardship in Ireland: Challenges and Opportunities

The Veterinary Medicines Regulation (EU 2019/6) came into force in all EU member states on 28 January 2022. This regulation places particular emphasis on prudent and responsible antimicrobial use in food animal production. Key changes include restrictions on the prophylactic use of antimicrobials in animals, and the possibility to reserve certain antimicrobials for humans only. The Regulation presents challenges to the Irish dairy industry, particularly with respect to current approaches to dry cow therapy. In response, the CellCheck technical working group (TWG, a technical group working in support of CellCheck, the national mastitis control programme) have developed pragmatic national and farm-level recommendations in support of improved mastitis control and intramammary antimicrobial stewardship in the Irish dairy industry. This paper outlines these recommendations, and provides an overview of the evidence considered to inform the TWG during its work (including the Regulation, policy perspectives, international best-practice, international scientific reviews and specific Irish challenges). In many key areas of concern, the TWG recognises the challenges in seeking to shape recommendations in the absence of robust and practical scientific evidence. For this reason, some of the recommended actions are pragmatic in nature, informed by national and international experiences. Periodic programme review will be needed, informed by ongoing monitoring of key performance indicators, to identify those actions that are most effective in an Irish context.
A Multi-Omics Study of Familial Lung Cancer: Microbiome and Host Gene Expression Patterns

Background Inherited susceptibility and environmental carcinogens are crucial players in lung cancer etiology. The lung microbiome is getting rising attention in carcinogenesis. The present work sought to investigate the microbiome in lung cancer patients affected by familial lung cancer (FLC) and indoor air pollution (IAP); and further, to compare host gene expression patterns with their microbiome for potential links. Methods Tissue sample pairs (cancer and adjacent nonmalignant tissue) were used for 16S rRNA (microbiome) and RNA-seq (host gene expression). Subgroup microbiome diversities and their matched gene expression patterns were analyzed. Significantly enriched taxa were screened out, based on different clinicopathologic characteristics. Results Our FLC microbiome seemed to be smaller, low-diversity, and inactive to change; we noted microbiome differences in gender, age, blood type, anatomy site, histology type, TNM stage as well as IAP and smoking conditions. We also found smoking and IAP dramatically decreased specific-OTU biodiversity, especially in normal lung tissue. Intriguingly, enriched microbes were in three categories: opportunistic pathogens, probiotics, and pollutant-detoxication microbes; this third category involved Sphingomonas, Sphingopyxis, etc. which help degrade pollutants, but may also cause epithelial damage and chronic inflammation. RNA-seq highlighted IL17, Ras, MAPK, and Notch pathways, which are associated with carcinogenesis and compromised immune system. Conclusions The lung microbiome can play vital roles in carcinogenesis. FLC and IAP subjects were affected by fragile lung epithelium, vulnerable host-microbes equilibrium, and dysregulated immune surveillance and response. Our findings provided useful information to study the triple interplay among environmental carcinogens, population genetic background, and diversified lung microbiome.
Research Trends and Most Influential Clinical Studies on Anti-PD1/PDL1 Immunotherapy for Cancers: A Bibliometric Analysis

In this study, a bibliometric analysis was carried out to identify the most influential clinical studies and research trends on anti-programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (anti-PD1/PDL1) immunotherapy. On January 1, 2022, we used Web of Science to identify the 100 most frequently cited papers on clinical studies investigating anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy, and extracted the following data: publication year, source title, country/region, institution, and the total number of citations. The research design and area were classified independently by the authors. Subsequently, we carried out a bibliometric analysis to determine the trends and identify the major journals on anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy. The authors analyzed the current research hotspots based on papers published in major journals from 2020 to 2021. These 100 papers were cited a total of 138,840 times, and the median number of citations was 899.5 (range: 341–7,983). “Safety, activity, and immune correlates of anti-PD-1 antibody in cancer” by Topalian et al. had the highest number of citations (7,983 times). New England Journal of Medicine had the highest number of top-cited papers (40 papers), average citations per paper (1,558.3 citations), and rate of top-cited papers (65.6%). Authors from the USA contributed most of the papers (76 papers). Lung cancer (30 papers, 46,422 citations) and melanoma (20 papers, 30,881 citations) were the most cited research areas. In summary, anti-PD1/PDL1 has become standard treatment for various cancer, while adjuvant anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy is currently a research hotspot. New England Journal of Medicine was identified as the most influential journal in this area. Non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma are the most well-studied cancers, while nivolumab and pembrolizumab are the most commonly investigated anti-PD1/PDL1 antibodies. Further studies are warranted to identify effective predictive biomarkers or models, clarify the molecular mechanism of combined therapy, and establish optimal therapeutic strategies. This study may assist researchers in obtaining a comprehensive impression of the landscape and current trends in anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy and gain inspiration to conduct further studies.
Extracellular Traps Increase Burden of Bleeding by Damaging Endothelial Cell in Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia

The rate of complete remission of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is currently over 90% because of the use of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) with arsenic trioxide (ATO). However, hemorrhagic mortality has emerged as the most significant barrier to APL-induced remission. Neutrophils extracellular traps (NETs/ETs) cause vascular leakage by damaging the integrity of endothelial cells. We have previously demonstrated that APL cells treated with ATRA/ATO undergo a cell death process, releasing extracellular chromatin, termed ETosis/NETosis. However, the mechanism underlying the involvement of ETs in endothelial injury in APL remain largely unknown. Here, we analysed the ability of mature and immature neutrophils to release ETs, and their interaction with platelets (PLTs) in APL. Importantly, the effect of ETs on vascular endothelium in APL was discussed. Our results showed that the ability of immature neutrophils to release ETs was impaired in APL, whereas mature neutrophils produced ETs, which were associated with activated PLTs. Moreover, ATRA+ATO induced immature neutrophil differentiation, as well as increased the release of ETs from mature neutrophils. The excessive ETs damaged endothelial cells, causing blood cell leakage. Removing ETs using DNase 1 alleviated endothelial damage and improved blood cells leakage. Our results indicate that vascular endothelial injury is at least partially associated with ETs in APL, and that targeting ETs production may be an effective approach for relieving vascular leakage and reducing the burden of bleeding in APL.
Thermal resistance of (H)BTs on bulk Si, SOI and glass

Thermal resistance of SiGe HBTs and Si BJTs on bulk silicon, SOI, and glass is investigated. The analysis includes self- and mutual heating. It is shown that a "floating" 10 /spl mu/m thick Cu island in close proximity to the device is already very effective to reduce the thermal resistance. A comprehensive method of thermal resistance extraction is presented.
Management Information and Accounting System and organizational Performance in Nigeria

The study investigated management information and accounting system and organizational Performance in Nigeria. The study adopted the empirical survey research design. A convenient sampling was used to select South West from the geopolitical zones and Oyo State from the states in the South West zone, and a total of one hundred (100) respondents were selected for the study. Information and data were obtained through the help of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated and tested through the Cronbach Alpha, and provided a reliability analysis of 0.75. Data obtained were analysed using the SPSS and statistical tools used were frequency, percentage, Spearman’s Correlation and binary logistic regression analysis. The findings of the study revealed that organisation in Nigeria have low and poor culture towards the deployment and use of Management accounting and information systems. Some demographic characteristics were observed to be significant in the use of MAS, while none was significant in the use of MIS. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between management accounting systems and management information systems (p>0.05). There was no significant relationship between management accounting systems and organizational performance (p>0.05). There was no significant relationship between management information systems and organizational performance (p>0.05). The use of Management Information systems in organization does have significant influence on the effectiveness of management accounting system used (p<0.05). The study recommended that organizations in Nigeria should deploy and use management accounting and information system to enhancing their business performance and also making it globally competitive especially in this competitive environment.