Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bortezomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (VRd) vs Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (KRd) as Induction Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Lenalidomide and dexamethasone with bortezomib (VRd) or carfilzomib (KRd) are commonly used induction regimens in the U.S. This single-center, retrospective study evaluated outcomes and safety of VRd and KRd. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Of 389 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, 198 received VRd and 191 received KRd. Median PFS was not reached (NR) in both groups; 5-year PFS was 56% (95%CI, 48%−64%) for VRd and 67% (60%−75%) for KRd (P = 0.027). Estimated 5-year EFS was 34% (95%CI, 27%−42%) for VRd and 52% (45%−60%) for KRd (P < 0.001) with corresponding 5-year OS of 80% (95%CI, 75%−87%) and 90% (85%−95%), respectively (P = 0.053). For standard-risk patients, 5-year PFS was 68% (95%CI, 60%−78%) for VRd and 75% (65%−85%) for KRd (P = 0.20) with 5-year OS of 87% (95%CI, 81%−94%) and 93% (87%−99%), respectively (P = 0.13). For high-risk patients, median PFS was 41 months (95%CI, 32.8–61.1) for VRd and 70.9 months (58.2-NR) for KRd (P = 0.016). Respective 5-year PFS and OS were 35% (95%CI, 24%−51%) and 69% (58%−82%) for VRd and 58% (47%−71%) and 88% (80%−97%, P = 0.044) for KRd. Overall, KRd resulted in improved PFS and EFS with a trend toward improved OS compared to VRd with associations primarily driven by improvements in outcome for high-risk patients.
Underwater legged robotics: review and perspectives

Nowadays, there is a growing awareness on the social and economic importance of the ocean. In this context, being able to carry out a diverse range of operations underwater is of paramount importance for many industrial sectors as well as for marine science and to enforce restoration and mitigation actions. Underwater robots allowed us to venture deeper and for longer time into the remote and hostile marine environment. However, traditional design concepts such as propeller driven remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, or tracked benthic crawlers, present intrinsic limitations, especially when a close interaction with the environment is required. An increasing number of researchers are proposing legged robots as a bioinspired alternative to traditional designs, capable of yielding versatile multi-terrain locomotion, high stability, and low environmental disturbance. In this work, we aim at presenting the new field of underwater legged robotics in an organic way, discussing the prototypes in the state-of-the-art and highlighting technological and scientific challenges for the future. First, we will briefly recap the latest developments in traditional underwater robotics from which several technological solutions can be adapted, and on which the benchmarking of this new field should be set. Second, we will the retrace the evolution of terrestrial legged robotics, pinpointing the main achievements of the field. Third, we will report a complete state of the art on underwater legged robots focusing on the innovations with respect to the interaction with the environment, sensing and actuation, modelling and control, and autonomy and navigation. Finally, we will thoroughly discuss the reviewed literature by comparing traditional and legged underwater robots, highlighting interesting research opportunities, and presenting use case scenarios derived from marine science applications.
The dicot homolog of maize PPR103 carries a C-terminal DYW domain and is required for C-to-U editing of chloroplast RNA transcripts

In plants, cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) editing is a crucial step in processing mitochondria and chloroplast-encoded transcripts. This editing requires nuclear-encoded proteins including members of the pentatricopeptide (PPR) family, especially PLS-type proteins carrying the DYW domain. IPI1/emb175/PPR103 is a nuclear gene encoding a PLS-type PPR protein essential for survival in Arabidopsis thaliana and maize. Arabidopsis IPI1 was identified as likely interacting with ISE2, a chloroplast-localized RNA helicase associated with C-to-U RNA editing in Arabidopsis and maize. Notably, while the Arabidopsis and Nicotiana IPI1 homologs possess complete DYW motifs at their C-termini, the maize homolog, ZmPPR103, lacks this triplet of residues which are essential for editing. We examined the function of ISE2 and IPI1 in chloroplast RNA processing in N. benthamiana. A combination of deep sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed C-to-U editing at 41 sites in 18 transcripts, with 34 sites conserved in the closely related N. tabacum. Virus induced gene silencing of NbISE2 or NbIPI1 led to defective C-to-U revealed that they have overlapping roles at editing a site in the rpoB transcript but have distinct roles in editing other transcripts. This finding contrasts with maize ppr103 mutants that showed no defects in editing. The results indicate that NbISE2 and NbIPI1 are important for C-to-U editing in N. benthamiana chloroplasts, and they may function in a complex to edit specific sites while having antagonistic effects on editing others. That NbIPI1, carrying a DYW domain, is involved in organelle C-to-U RNA editing supports previous work showing that this domain catalyzes RNA editing.
Hall probe mapping of melt processed superconductors with artificial holes

Melt processed superconductors containing mechanically drilled holes parallel to the c-axis were investigated by means of Hall scans of the trapped field distribution and the magnetoscan technique. We show that the remnant flux profiles are affected by the perforation in different ways. The location of the holes can be resolved by field mapping at activation fields below that for complete penetration of the bulk. The magnetoscan technique allows one to spatially localize the array of holes.
Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine‐encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease‐related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial‐directed therapeutics.
Rotational and Vibrational Temperature Measurements in a High‐Pressure Cylindrical Dielectric Barrier Discharge (C‐DBD)

The rotational (TR) and vibrational (Tv) temperatures of N2 molecules were measured in a high‐pressure cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge (C‐DBD) source in Ne with trace amounts (0.02 %) of N2 and dry air excited by radio‐frequency (rf) power. Both TR and Tv of the N2 molecules in the C 3Πu state were determined from an emission spectroscopic analysis the 2nd positive system (C 3Πu → B3Πg). Gas temperatures were inferred from the measured rotational temperatures. As a function of pressure, the rotational temperature is essentially constant at about 360 K in the range from 200 Torr to 600 Torr (at 30W rf power) and increases slightly with increasing rf power at constant pressure. As one would expect, vibrational temperature measurements revealed significantly higher temperatures. The vibrational temperature decreases with pressure from 3030 K at 200 Torr to 2270 K at 600 Torr (at 30 W rf power). As a function of rf power, the vibrational temperature increases from 2520 K at 20 W to 2940 K at 60 W (at 400 Torr). Both TR and Tv also show a dependence on the excitation frequency at the two frequencies that we studied, 400 kHz and 13.56 MHz. Adding trace amounts of air instead of N2 to the Ne in the discharge resulted in higher TR and Tv values and in a different pressure dependence of the rotational and vibrational temperatures. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Will biomimetic robots be able to change a hivemind to guide honeybees’ ecosystem services?

We study whether or not a group of biomimetic waggle dancing robots is able to significantly influence the swarm-intelligent decision making of a honeybee colony, e.g. to avoid foraging at dangerous food patches using a mathematical model. Our model was successfully validated against data from two empirical experiments: one examined the selection of foraging targets and the other cross inhibition between foraging targets. We found that such biomimetic robots have a significant effect on a honeybee colony’s foraging decision. This effect correlates with the number of applied robots up to several dozens of robots and then saturates quickly with higher robot numbers. These robots can reallocate the bees’ pollination service in a directed way towards desired locations or boost it at specific locations, without having a significant negative effect on the colony’s nectar economy. Additionally, we found that such robots may be able to lower the influx of toxic substances from potentially harmful foraging sites by guiding the bees to alternative places. These effects also depend on the saturation level of the colony’s nectar stores. The more nectar is already stored in the colony, the easier the bees are guided by the robots to alternative foraging targets. Our study shows that biomimetic and socially immersive biomimetic robots are a relevant future research target in order to support (a) the bees by guiding them to safe (pesticide free) places, (b) the ecosystem via boosted and directed pollination services and (c) human society by supporting agricultural crop pollination, thus increasing our food security this way.
Outdoor environmental comfort evaluation for retail planning in a tropical business district using Integrated Environmental Modeller

This research proposes a simulation-based assessment of outdoor thermal and acoustic comfort for a planned business urban district in Singapore for retail planning using a customized OpenFOAM-centric multi-physics environmental simulation platform called the Integrated Environmental Modeller (IEM). IEM was employed to simulate the coupled impacts of solar radiation on wind and air temperature and wind and air temperature effects on traffic noise propagation in the district on the equinox and solstice day of the hottest period. Using IEM simulation results, we computed the thermal and acoustic comfort acceptability indicators derived from local field studies’ results. The spatial distribution of environmental comfort acceptability indicators in the worst-case scenario can be used to distinguish the zones exposed to thermal or noise influence. The noise-affected zones are near the main roads and overlap a part of the thermal-affected area. The thermal-affected area is almost everywhere in the studied sites in the worst-case scenario. Having outdoor retail spaces with both poor thermal and acoustic comfort is not recommended if the thermal and acoustic comfort cannot be improved simultaneously. For the high-level retail planning, a simplified parametric analysis considering solar irradiance blockage and wind speed enhancements, is provided. Considering the worst-case scenario, ≥50% thermal acceptability can be achieved by blocking 54%-68% solar irradiance among the pedestrian thoroughfares and the retail spaces. Coupled together, blocking the solar irradiance and enhancing the wind speed can further improve thermal comfort locally. These results can guide the retail mix (e.g., al fresco restaurants, pop-up kiosks etc.) near high footfall areas and provide reference for future plans combining landscape and infrastructure, (e.g., trees with shelter walkaways, green walls with outdoor ventilation fans etc.) taking into account the environmental acceptability of people working in or visiting the tropical urban district.
Do springboard divers violate angular momentum conservation

No. However, divers and trampolinists can perform somersaults and twists even though they have zero angular momentum at all times during the stunt. Also, if a diver is somersaulting in space and possesses angular momentum only about his somersaulting axis, he can make a single discrete change in the position of his arms which initiates continuous twisting motion even in the absence of any applied torque. These apparent paradoxes have confused both physicists and coaches for some time. The present paper attempts to reduce this confusion. It discusses several different methods that performers use to initiate somersaults and twists and presents concrete examples of each method. Wherever possible quantitative calculations are presented and evaluated using information about the moments of inertia, mass, etc., of ’’typical’’ performers.
Genomic Comparisons Reveal Selection Pressure and Functional Variation Between Nutritional Endosymbionts of Cave-Adapted and Epigean Hawaiian Planthoppers

Abstract Planthoppers in the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha) harbor a diverse set of obligate bacterial endosymbionts that provision essential amino acids and vitamins that are missing from their plant-sap diet. “Candidatus Sulcia muelleri” and “Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea” have been associated with cixiid planthoppers since their origin within the Auchenorrhyncha, whereas “Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum” is a more recent endosymbiotic acquisition. Hawaiian cixiid planthoppers occupy diverse habitats including lava tube caves and shrubby surface landscapes, which offer different nutritional resources and environmental constraints. Genomic studies have focused on understanding the nutritional provisioning roles of cixiid endosymbionts more broadly, yet it is still unclear how selection pressures on endosymbiont genes might differ between cixiid host species inhabiting such diverse landscapes, or how variation in selection might impact symbiont evolution. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of Sulcia, Vidania, and Purcelliella isolated from both surface and cave-adapted planthopper hosts from the genus Oliarus. We found that nutritional biosynthesis genes were conserved in Sulcia and Vidania genomes in inter- and intra-host species comparisons. In contrast, Purcelliella genomes retain different essential nutritional biosynthesis genes between surface- and cave-adapted planthopper species. Finally, we see the variation in selection pressures on symbiont genes both within and between host species, suggesting that strong coevolution between host and endosymbiont is associated with different patterns of molecular evolution on a fine scale that may be associated with the host diet.
Milk glycan metabolism by intestinal bifidobacteria: insights from comparative genomics

Abstract Bifidobacteria are early colonizers of the human neonatal gut and provide multiple health benefits to the infant, including inhibiting the growth of enteropathogens and modulating the immune system. Certain Bifidobacterium species prevail in the gut of breastfed infants due to the ability of these microorganisms to selectively forage glycans present in human milk, specifically human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and N-linked glycans. Therefore, these carbohydrates serve as promising prebiotic dietary supplements to stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the guts of children suffering from impaired gut microbiota development. However, the rational formulation of milk glycan-based prebiotics requires a detailed understanding of how bifidobacteria metabolize these carbohydrates. Accumulating biochemical and genomic data suggest that HMO and N-glycan assimilation abilities vary remarkably within the Bifidobacterium genus, both at the species and strain levels. This review focuses on the delineation and genome-based comparative analysis of differences in respective biochemical pathways, transport systems, and associated transcriptional regulatory networks, providing a foundation for genomics-based projection of milk glycan utilization capabilities across a rapidly growing number of sequenced bifidobacterial genomes and metagenomic datasets. This analysis also highlights remaining knowledge gaps and suggests directions for future studies to optimize the formulation of milk-glycan-based prebiotics that target bifidobacteria.
Practitioners’ perspectives on acupuncture treatment for postpartum depression: A qualitative study

Background Acupuncture may become a treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). Currently, little is known about the use of acupuncture in the treatment of PPD from the point of view of practitioners. The aim of this study was to explore practitioners’ perspectives on the treatment of PPD with acupuncture and provide suggestions for future improvement. Methods This study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 14 acupuncture practitioners from 7 hospitals via face-to-face or telephone interviews. The data were collected using interview outline from March to May 2022 and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results In general, the use of acupuncture for treating PPD was positively regarded by practitioners. They claimed that acupuncture is both safe and helpful for breastfeeding women who are experiencing emotional discomfort and that it can alleviate a variety of somatic symptoms. The following three themes were extracted: (a) patient acceptance and compliance; (b) acupuncture as a treatment for PPD; and (c) the advantages and drawbacks of acupuncture treatment. Conclusion Practitioners’ optimistic outlooks demonstrated that acupuncture is a promising treatment option for PPD. However, the time cost was the most significant barrier to compliance. Future development will focus mostly on improving acupuncture equipment and the style of service.
A potential long-range RNA-RNA interaction in the HIV-1 RNA

Abstract It is well-established that viral and cellular mRNAs alike harbour functional long-range intra-molecular RNA-RNA interactions. Despite the biological importance of such interactions, their identification and characterization remain challenging. Here we present a computational method for the identification of certain kinds of long-range intra-molecular RNA-RNA interactions involving the loop nucleotides of a hairpin loop. Using the computational method, we analysed 4272 HIV-1 genomic mRNAs. A potential long-range intra-molecular RNA-RNA interaction within the HIV-1 genomic RNA was identified. The long-range interaction is mediated by a kissing loop structure between two stem-loops of the previously reported SHAPE-based secondary structure of the entire HIV-1 genome. Structural modelling studies were carried out to show that the kissing loop structure not only is sterically feasible, but also contains a conserved RNA structural motif often found in compact RNA pseudoknots. The computational method should be generally applicable to the identification of potential long-range intra-molecular RNA-RNA interactions in any viral or cellular mRNA sequence. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Two liquid crystal on silicon panel projector with efficient light-emitting diode illumination engine

LED-based projectors have numerous advantages compared to traditional projectors. They are more compact, they exhibit a larger color gamut and a longer lifetime, the supply voltage is lower and they can even operate on batteries. LEDs can switch rapidly (possibility to pulse) and they have a high dimming ratio (contrast considerations). However, they have low optical power per etendue, although this is also improving consistently. With an efficient illumination engine design we can build an LED projector with a moderate light output and with superior properties. We present a relatively compact LED projector with two liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) light valves (LVs). One of these LVs alternately modulates red and blue information, while the other permanently modulates green information to achieve a good color balance. Additionally, we apply some methods to increase the brightness on the screen. Our two-LCOS approach results in a compact, efficient LED projector that produces 171 lm projected D65 flux.
Who Attempts Optional Practice Problems in a CS1 Course?: Exploring Learner Agency to Foster Mastery Learning

As enrollments in CS1 courses continue to rise, it has become essential for CS educators to support students with varying learning needs and prior programming experiences. Many experts have pointed to the use of mastery-based learning (MBL), which allows students to develop proficiency by engaging in formative practice problems at their own pace. However, less is known about the characteristics of students who use and benefit from such an approach. CS educators need strong evidence for whether formative practice helps to increase aggregate learning outcomes, especially among students who could gain the most from MBL. In this paper, we are interested in exploring the characteristics of students who engage with formative learning opportunities. We analyze data from 118 students enrolled in a CS1 course who were provided with weekly optional practice quizzes that contained multiple-choice and free-response questions. We used logistic regression to analyze who actually attempted these optional quizzes and found that while gender was not significant, students who do not have prior programming experience (PPE) were more likely to use optional practice than those with PPE. We also conducted a nonparametric two-sample analysis and found that students without PPE engage with optional practice questions to a higher level than students with PPE. Our findings explore the factors that may underpin students' agency and their academic behavior and performance. These results can inform educators on how to scaffold students' learning trajectories by accounting for expected group-based behavioral patterns while utilizing MBL in large CS1 courses.
Time-constrained Code Recall Tasks for Monitoring the Development of Programming Plans

Programmers rely on the recognition and utilization of reoccurring code sequences to understand and create code. Knowledge of these sequences --programming plans -- has been shown to be a factor that differentiates novice programmers from experts. Although the information on the development of programming plans would be beneficial to both teachers and students, explicitly following their development over a longer time period is scarce. In this article, we describe an easy-to-apply methodology for monitoring the development of programming plans. The development of programming plans is evaluated with time-constrained code recall tasks, where students are shown snippets of code for a short period of time, after which they write the snippets they saw. To determine the existence of programming plans, the short duration is designed so that reading the shown code is not feasible in the given time period. We demonstrate the methodology through an experiment in which we studied the development of programming plans in students in a beginner web programming course.