Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial Targets: a versatile cell-free platform to characterize CAR T cell function in vitro

Cancer immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have tremendous potential and proven clinical efficacy against a number of malignancies. Research and development are emerging to deepen the knowledge of CAR T cell efficacy and extend the therapeutic potential of this novel therapy. To this end, functional characterization of CAR T cells plays a central role in consecutive phases across fundamental research and therapeutic development, with increasing needs for standardization. The functional characterization of CAR T cells is typically achieved by assessing critical effector functions, following co-culture with cell lines expressing the target antigen. However, the use of target cell lines poses several limitations, including alterations in cell fitness, metabolic state or genetic drift due to handling and culturing of the cells, which would increase variabilities and could lead to inconsistent results. Moreover, the use of target cell lines can be work and time intensive, and introduce significant background due to the allogenic responses of T cells. To overcome these limitations, we developed a synthetic bead-based platform (“Artificial Targets”) to characterize CAR T cell function in vitro. These synthetic microparticles could specifically induce CAR T cell activation, as measured by CD69 and CD137 (4-1BB) upregulation. In addition, engagement with Artificial Targets resulted in induction of multiple effector functions of CAR T cells mimicking the response triggered by target cell lines including cytotoxic activity, as assessed by exposure of CD107a (LAMP-1), expression and secretion of cytokines, as well as cell proliferation. Importantly, in contrast to target cells, stimulation with Artificial Targets showed limited unspecific CAR T cell proliferation. Finally, Artificial Targets demonstrated flexibility to engage multiple costimulatory molecules that can synergistically enhance the CAR T cell function and represented a powerful tool for modulating CAR T cell responses. Collectively, our results show that Artificial Targets can specifically activate CAR T cells for essential effector functions that could significantly advance standardization of functional assessment of CAR T cells, from early development to clinical applications.
Influencia de los Torneos en la Generación de Ingresos (Influence of Championships in the Revenues Generation)

Spanish Abstract: El objetivo del estudio ha sido investigar de que manera cada campeonato afecta la generacion de ingresos de los clubes de futbol. Se ha analizado el desempeno deportivo de 28 equipos brasilenos durante cinco temporadas (2010-14) en los siguientes torneos: Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, Campeonatos Estaduais, Copa Libertadores y Copa Sudamericana. Se ha llevado a cabo una regresion lineal con dados en panel y efectos fijos. El exito en la temporada anterior ha sido medido por variables retardadas. Como resultado, se evidencia que el modelo explica 65.1% de los ingresos totales. Ademas, se observa que la Liga de la temporada anterior, la Copa y la Libertadores actuales son los unicos torneos que afectan estadisticamente la generacion de ingresos. Se concluye que la importancia y el formato de los torneos influyen de manera distinta en la recaudacion de los clubes de futbol en Brasil. English Abstract: The aim of this paper was research how each kind of tournament affects the revenues generation in football clubs. We have analysed the sports performance of 28 Brazilian football clubs during five seasons (2010-14). We have studied the five most important tournaments there: Brazilian League, Brazilian Cup, State Championships, Libertadores Cup and South American Cup. We have carried out a linear regression in a panel data with football clubs fixed effects. The lagged variables of each tournament were employed to examine if the previous sports performance could improve the next revenues. The model explains 65.1% of the total revenues. In addition, the lagged performance in a League and the current performance in a Cup and Libertadores were the tournaments that statistically affect the revenues generation. We conclude that the importance and the competitive format have different impacts in the revenues generation on Brazilian football clubs.
A Novel Magnetic β-Cyclodextrin-Modified Graphene Oxide and Chitosan Composite as an Adsorbent for Trace Extraction of Four Bisphenol Pollutants from Environmental Water Samples and Food Samples

In this study, a novel functionalized magnetic composite (MNCGC) for magnetic solid-phase extraction of bisphenols from environmental and food samples was developed, featuring a multistep synthesis with Fe3O4, chitosan, graphene oxide, and β-cyclodextrin, crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. Characterization confirmed its advantageous morphology, intact crystal structure of the magnetic core, specific surface area, and magnetization, enabling efficient adsorption and separation via an external magnetic field. The optimized MSPE–HPLC–FLD method demonstrated excellent sensitivity, linearity, and recovery rates exceeding 80% for bisphenol pollutants, validating the method’s effectiveness in enriching and detecting trace levels of bisphenols in complex matrices. This approach offers a new avenue for analyzing multiple bisphenol residues, with successful application to environmental water and food samples, showing high recovery rates.
Estimating net primary productivity in tropical forest plantations in India using satellite-driven ecosystem model

Abstract Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is a significant biophysical vegetation variable to understand the spatio-temporal distribution of carbon and source-sink nature of the ecosystem. This study was carried out in a forest plantation area and aimed to (i) estimate the spatio-temporal patterns of NPP during 2009 and 2010 using Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach [CASA] model and (ii) study the effects of climate variables on the NPP using generalized linear modelling (GLM) approach. The total annual NPP varied from 157.21 to 1030.89 gC m−2 yr−1 for the year 2009 and from 154.36 to 1124.85 g C m−2 yr−1 for the year 2010. The annual NPP was assessed across four major plantation types, where maximum NPP gain (106 and 139 g C m−2 yr−1 ) in October was noticed in teak (Tectona grandis) and minimum (77 and 109 g C m−2 yr−1 ) in eucalyptus (Eucalyptus hybrid) during 2009 and 2010.The validation, using field-estimated NPP, showed under-estimation of modelled NPP, with maximum MAPE of 34% for eucalyptus and minimum of 13% for teak. The dominant influence of precipitation on the NPP was revealed by GLM explaining more than 20% of variation. CASA model efficiently estimated the annual NPP of plantations. The accuracy could be improved further with inclusion of higher resolution data.
Application of Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves to S-Phase Wave Anisotropy Estimation

The Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) is an increasingly used technique for recognition of a shallow geological structure and estimation of geotechnical parameters, e.g., S-wave velocity, layer density, layer thickness, shear modulus, estimated P-wave velocity, and estimated Poisson ratio. MASW surveys were carried out in two limestone quarries in the southern part of Poland. The experimental areas are characterised by a simple geological structure: consolidated Triassic limestone. Measurement profiles were arranged as a shapely six-pointed star. For each survey line, 12 geophones with 2-meter (Deposit 1) and 3-meter (Deposit 2) spacing were applied. The research allowed to compare P- and S-wave velocity changes with the main crack systems in the studied rock masses.
Preliminary conceptual model of an Alpine carbonate aquifer (Pale di San Martino, Dolomites, Italy)

A hydrogeological and hydrochemical monitoring was conducted in the Pale di San Martino mountain ridge (Trento and Belluno Provinces, Italy) to build a preliminary conceptual model of the groundwater system. The model derives from a combination of new fieldwork and preexisting data provided by various public authorities. New data include geological and hydrogeological surveys, such as in situ measurements of the physical and chemical parameters, geochemical sampling and streamflow measurements. The lithologies outcropping in the area were grouped into seven hydrogeological complexes, each playing a different role in groundwater circulation. The dolomitic body of the ridges forms the main aquifer complex and is located above a terrigenous and evaporitic aquiclude. Due to this geometrical relationship, the site can be considered an isolated hydrostructure with well-defined no-flow boundaries. The main springs outcome near the aquifer-aquiclude boundary and in particular where the elevation of the contact is low and the tectonic pattern favors the drainage. Most of them have a calciumbicarbonate water composition, low temperature and low electrical conductivity, supporting the hypothesis of a fast flowing circulation in carbonate rocks and a high-altitude recharge. Seasonal streamflow measurements allowed the identification of linear springs and provided the first cumulative discharge data at the scale of the entire mountain group. The resulting model highlights a great spatial and temporal variability of the groundwater resources. Considering the geometry of the aquifer and the great seasonal variability of the discharge, it is possible to infer the absence of significant groundwater reserves at a regional scale. Thus, the hydrostructure shows a great capacity to supply water resources (mean discharge of 6 m 3 /s), but a low selfregulation capacity. It is necessary to consider this aspect when planning a long-term exploitation of the water resources that are used in the area for drinking purposes and hydropower generation.
Participatory Air Quality Monitoring System

The number of smartphone users is rapidly increasing worldwide. According to a recent prediction by Parks Associates [15], the number will quadruple by 2014. There are various reasons why a smartphone is getting popular. For example, it can be used for mobile business, so that people can work more efficiently without running out of time or being limited by place. Also, it is an efficient way for people to keep in touch with each other using social networking applications. One different thing that a smartphone has from a usual cell phone is that it is equipped with various sensors and devices such as a motion sensor (accelerometer), digital compass, and GPS receiver. These are usually used for games and location based services. However, uses of these sensors and devices can be extended to various applications like participatory sensing. Participatory sensing is a new way of sensing, which tasks mobile devices, such as PDAs, laptops and smartphones, to compose interactive, participatory sensor networks that enable the public to gather, analyze and share local knowledge [4]. In this thesis, as one of the participatory sensing applications, we propose Participatory Air Quality Monitoring System (PAQMon), which is a mobile phone based system to gather air quality information and provide useful information to the public. In our work, we design and implement PAQMon, which is composed of a gas sensor attached to a digital transmitter board, TelosB mote, and Nokia N95 phone. J2ME and nesC on the N95 phone and the TelosB mote, respectively, are used as software ii platforms. We experiment with different scenarios, such as walking and driving, with different parameters to show the practicality of the system. We analyze the results from the experiments to identify how efficient algorithms to monitor air quality can be designed. To understand the distribution of carbon monoxide concentration, we use Gaussian process, which has been widely used to model spatial and temporal phenomena. From our observations, we conclude that time-periodic sampling method performs better than random sampling and sampling at intersections. Finally, we present open challenges to make the system more practical and energy-efficient.
A influência do sistema BRT no preço dos imóveis em Curitiba : uma análise com modelos de preços hedônicos

The objective of the research is to analyze the influence of the BRT public transport system in the value of real estate in the city of Curitiba using a model of spatial hedonic prices for land and apartments. The surveyed data cover the period 2005-2014 and made through the research of the Division of Real Estate Evaluation and Research system by the Finance Department of the Curitiba City Hall. There was the treatment of the sample with getting the georeferencing of points surveyed and distance measurements of each point to ground zero of the city and points regarding the express bus stop stations, BRT. The study is based on existing literature on urban mobility through the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, and its impact on real estate prices, especially the works of Cervero and Kang (2011), Rodriguez and Mojica (2009), and the development of theory urban, central busines district, CBD, with the application of hedonic price analysis. The article uses the hedonic models with spatial linear regression, OLS, spatial autoregression, SAR, and spatial autoregression in the error term, SEM, to estimate the variations in property prices in direct urban areas affected and indirectly by the proximity to the stop points of BRT's. We analyzed the results for the SEM model as the final model, since it was the most adjusted to the data. To land the results presented to distance the points of BRT, the 62.60% recovery factor for the range of 100 meters and 60.58% for 200 meters, gradually decreasing to 14% in 1000 meters. For apartments the significant coefficients are reached only to the range of 400 meters were obtained and the adjustment coefficients 6.88% to 100 meters away, to 6.97% 200 3.97% to 300 and 4.20% for 400. The quality of the different models is compared with a series of hypotheses regarding the performance specifications of considering the spatial relationships between the observations and information criteria to select the model and type of matrix. The results confirm the positive influence on property prices in relation to proximity to points of BRT, compliance of Curitiba to the type of urban development guided by the structural axes defined by the transport system and adherence to the CBD configuration.
Microbiome: Role in Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Abstract As the body’s largest organ, the skin harbors a highly diverse microbiota, playing a crucial role in resisting foreign pathogens, nurturing the immune system, and metabolizing natural products. The dysregulation of human skin microbiota is implicated in immune dysregulation and inflammatory responses. This review delineates the microbial alterations and immune dysregulation features in common Inflammatory Skin Diseases (ISDs) such as psoriasis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis(AD), seborrheic dermatitis(SD), diaper dermatitis(DD), and Malassezia folliculitis(MF). The skin microbiota, a complex and evolving community, undergoes changes in composition and function that can compromise the skin microbial barrier. These alterations induce water loss and abnormal lipid metabolism, contributing to the onset of ISDs. Additionally, microorganisms release toxins, like Staphylococcus aureus secreted α toxins and proteases, which may dissolve the stratum corneum, impairing skin barrier function and allowing entry into the bloodstream. Microbes entering the bloodstream activate molecular signals, leading to immune disorders and subsequent skin inflammatory responses. For instance, Malassezia stimulates dendritic cells(DCs) to release IL-12 and IL-23, differentiating into a Th17 cell population and producing proinflammatory mediators such as IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This review offers new insights into the role of the human skin microbiota in ISDs, paving the way for future skin microbiome-specific targeted therapies.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Constituents of Dalbergia tonkinensis and Structural-Bioactive Highlights

The vulnerable plant Dalbergia tonkinensis Prain, is a rare species, native to Vietnam. Phytochemical investigations and biological evaluations of this species are quite limited. Antimicrobial screening has suggested that, at the low dose of 1.0 mg/mL, the methanol extracts of the leaf, stem bark, and root, as well as chloroform fraction of heartwood can serve as useful sources against seven gram-positive skin microbacteria, Bacillus cereus (ATCC27522), Escherichia coli (JM109), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC14990), Streptococcus pneumonia (ATCC49619), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC12344), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (RIMD2210010), and four oral gram-positive microbacteria Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus mitis (ATCC903), Streptococcus sobrinus (ATCC 33478), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC33277), with an inhibitory percentage of 60-80% growth for several strains Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pneumonia. We further assessed antimicrobial activities of the enriched diverse flavonoids from chloroform fraction of its heartwood. Extensive structural activity relationship studies showed structure function closely related to the antimicrobial activity, in which methoxylation at C-2’, and 4’ in isoflavanones, hydroxylation at C-3’ in flavones, substitution at C-5 in isoflavones, and lactone opened ring in neoflavonoids were found to increase the effective inhibitions. In the second antimicrobial assessment, the isolated flavonoid liquiritigenin showed the MIC values of 50, and 100 μg/mL against the microbacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (ATCC 11632), and Aspergillus niger (439), respectively, whereas the MIC value of 100 μg/mL was assignable to biochanin A against microbacterium Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus.
Health Effects of Manganese and Some Recent Issues in Manganese Neurotoxicity Research.

Introduction: This article reviews the health effects of manganese (Mn) and introduces readers to recent issues in Mn neurotoxicity research. Methods: An extensive Medline search that covered publications up to December 2008 was conducted and the relevant papers and their references were evaluated for review. Results and Discussion: Exposure to excess levels of the essential trace element Mn produces cogni-tive, psychiatric, and motor abnormalities. The lungs and the gastrointestinal tract both absorb Mn, but homeostatic mechanisms limit the absorption of Mn by the gastrointestinal tract. Elimination of Mn occurs primarily by excretion into the bile. Average Mn levels in the blood reflect the total body burden on a group basis, but not on an individual basis. Previous studies have shown that blood Mn contributes to a high pallidal signal in a T1-weighted brain MRI and that the high signal is an effective predictor of neurobehavioral performance. Thus, a high pallidal signal on an MRI may offer clues concerning the target organ dose from Mn exposure in the spectrum of Mn symptomatology. Neuroimaging as well as a clinical evaluation with exposure history is very important in a differential diagnosis that can distinguish manganism from Parkinson disease (PD). this requires further research. Third, liver cirrhosis could be used as a model of manganism. Finally, functional neuroimaging such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, functional MRI, or diffusion tensor imaging appears to have promising applications in Mn research. Conclusion: Reviewing the health effects of Mn and recent issues in Mn neurotoxicity research pro-vides us with important suggestions for how to pursue other lines of toxicological research as well as for how best to develop a systematic understanding of Mn symptomatology.
Effects of Dietary Alfalfa Meal Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Simple Summary Raccoon dogs are typically omnivorous and exhibit a diverse dietary range, encompassing small mammals as well as plant matter, which underscores their high adaptability and renders them particularly intriguing subjects for study. Alfalfa meal, renowned for its superior nutritional composition, is employed as a high-quality feed ingredient for ruminants. Diet represents an important determinant influencing the intestinal microbiota. In this study, raccoon dogs were fed diets containing alfalfa meal to scrutinize alterations in their intestinal microbiota. The results showed that supplementation with appropriate alfalfa meal could enhance intestinal health without affecting the growth and overall health of raccoon dogs. This research indicates that raccoon dogs possess a certain tolerance to supplementation with alfalfa meal, thus confirming their ability to tolerate rough feeding. Abstract The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a typical omnivore possessing wide dietary adaptability and tolerance to rough feeding, which may be attributed to its intestinal microbiota. The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary alfalfa meal levels on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. Sixty raccoon dogs were randomly divided into four dietary treatments containing 0% (AM0), 5% (AM5), 10% (AM10), and 15% (AM15) alfalfa meal for a 60-day experiment. The results showed that compared to raccoon dogs fed the AM0 diet, those fed the AM5 and AM10 diets had no significant difference in growth performance, while those fed the AM15 diet experienced a significant decrease. Raccoon dogs fed the AM5 diet had no significant effect on the nutrient apparent digestibility. Dietary supplementation with alfalfa meal significantly decreased serum urea levels and increased the antioxidant capacity of raccoon dogs. The intestinal microbiome analysis showed that the richness and diversity of colonic microbiota significantly increased in the AM15 group. With the increase in dietary alfalfa meal levels, the relative abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria in the colon of raccoon dogs, such as Treponema, Phascolarctobacterium, and Christensenellaceae R-7 group, increased. However, the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria, including Anaerobiospirillum, decreased. In conclusion, the inclusion of 5% alfalfa meal in the raccoon dogs’ diet had no effect on growth performance, but it exhibited the potential to improve serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota. This indicates that raccoon dogs have a certain tolerance to the addition of alfalfa meal in their diet.