Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of Dendritic Cells in Tonsils Is Associated with CD8 T Cell Responses following Vaccination with Live Attenuated Classical Swine Fever Virus

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious disease caused by the classical swine fever virus (CSFV). The live attenuated C-strain vaccine is highly efficacious, initiating protection within several days of delivery. The vaccine strain is detected in the tonsil early after inoculation, yet little is known of the role that tonsillar immune cells might play in initiating protection. Comparing the C-strain vaccine with the pathogenic CSFV Alfort-187 strain, changes in the myeloid cell compartment of the tonsil were observed. CSFV infection led to the emergence of an additional CD163+CD14+ cell population, which showed the highest levels of Alfort-187 and C-strain infection. There was also an increase in both the frequency and activation status (as shown by increased MHC-II expression) of the tonsillar conventional dendritic cells 1 (cDC1) in pigs inoculated with the C-strain. Notably, the activation of cDC1 cells coincided in time with the induction of a local CSFV-specific IFN-γ+ CD8 T cell response in C-strain vaccinated pigs, but not in pigs that received Alfort-187. Moreover, the frequency of CSFV-specific IFN-γ+ CD8 T cells was inversely correlated to the viral load in the tonsils of individual animals. Accordingly, we hypothesise that the activation of cDC1 is key in initiating local CSFV-specific CD8 T cell responses which curtail early virus replication and dissemination.
Exploring the Interplay of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary Liver cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers. Two of the most common molecular aberrations in liver cancer are: (1) activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin (CTNNB1); and (2) promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Here, we review recent findings regarding the interplay between TERT and β-catenin in order to better understand their role in liver cancer. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. This review focuses on exploring the role of TERT and β-catenin in HCC and the current findings regarding their interplay. TERT can have contradictory effects on tumorigenesis via both its canonical and non-canonical functions. As a critical regulator of proliferation and differentiation in progenitor and stem cells, activated β-catenin drives HCC; however, inhibiting endogenous β-catenin can also have pro-tumor effects. Clinical studies revealed a significant concordance between TERTp and CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. In stem cells, TERT acts as a co-factor in β-catenin transcriptional complexes driving the expression of WNT/β-catenin target genes, and β-catenin can bind to the TERTp to drive its transcription. A few studies have examined potential interactions between TERT and β-catenin in HCC in vivo, and their results suggest that the coexpression of these two genes promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are required with vertebrate models to better understand how TERT and β-catenin influence hepatocarcinogenesis.
Comprehensive Review of Polysaccharide-Based Materials in Edible Packaging: A Sustainable Approach

Edible packaging is a sustainable product and technology that uses one kind of “food” (an edible material) to package another kind of food (a packaged product), and organically integrates food with packaging through ingenious material design. Polysaccharides are a reliable source of edible packaging materials with excellent renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Using polysaccharide-based materials effectively reduces the dependence on petroleum resources, decreases the carbon footprint of the “product-packaging” system, and provides a “zero-emission” scheme. To date, they have been commercialized and developed rapidly in the food (e.g., fruits and vegetables, meat, nuts, confectioneries, and delicatessens, etc.) packaging industry. However, compared with petroleum-based polymers and plastics, polysaccharides still have limitations in film-forming, mechanical, barrier, and protective properties. Therefore, they need to be improved by reasonable material modifications (chemical or physical modification). This article comprehensively reviews recent research advances, hot issues, and trends of polysaccharide-based materials in edible packaging. Emphasis is given to fundamental compositions and properties, functional modifications, food-packaging applications, and safety risk assessment of polysaccharides (including cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, chitosan, and polysaccharide gums). Therefore, to provide a reference for the development of modern edible packaging.
Relationship between Physical Fitness and Match Performance Parameters of Chile Women’s National Football Team

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the level of physical fitness and the physical performance parameters recorded by GPS in official FIFA matches of the Chilean women’s senior national football team in the period 2018–2020. Twenty-six female field players (age (mean ± SD) 26.8 ± 3.3 years, height 157.8 ± 21.5 cm, weight 58.9 ± 4.9 kg) participated in the study. Physical fitness variables were assessed: muscular strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), speed, agility and aerobic fitness. Physical performance variables were recorded by GPS in 26 official FIFA matches. The most notable associations with significant statistical significance (p < 0.001) were those observed between neuromuscular variables such as time to run 10 m (T10; r = −0.629) and jump (CMJ; r = 0.502) and the number of accelerations; aerobic fitness showed a highly significant relationship with meters run per minute (M/M; r = 0.589). The findings of this study provide evidence of how the level of physical fitness (neuromuscular and aerobic) relates to physical performance parameters recorded in official competitions.
High-Performance Concatenation Decoding of Reed–Solomon Codes With SPC Codes

A novel single parity check-multiplicity assignment decoding algorithm based on voltage magnitude (VM_SPC-MA) is proposed, which is applied to the concatenated scheme of single parity check (SPC) inner code and Reed–Solomon (RS) outer code, following the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) standard. The algorithm determines whether the SPC code is in error by SPC, then obtains the reliability information of the inner code bits for error correction based on the characteristics of the received bit-level voltage, and decodes the outer code based on the reliability information of the inner codewords and the channel information. The decoding performance is greatly improved by connecting the inner and outer codes through the multiplicity assignment (MA) module, which makes full use of the channel information. Compared with the low-complexity Chase decoding based on the hard-decision decoding (HDD-LCC) and SPC_Kaneko-RS_Chase decoding, simulation results show that the SPC-RS concatenated decoding scheme based on VM_SPC-MA algorithm can provide up to 1.78 and 1.05 dB of coding gain when the bit error rate is (BER) = 10−5. Besides, the hardware design of the SPC-MA module is provided and applied to the serial LCC decoder based on syndrome calculation-polynomial selection (PS)-Chien search and Forney algorithm (SPCF). The implementation results in ASIC show that the area efficiency of the complete concatenated decoder increases by 27.38% compared to the unified syndrome computation (USC)-based LCC decoder in a 0.13- $\mu \text{m}$ process.
A Case Study of Analysis of Construals in Language on Social Media Surrounding a Crisis Event

The events that took place at the Unite the Right rally held in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11-12, 2017 caused intense reaction on social media from users across the political spectrum. We present a novel application of psycholinguistics - specifically, construal level theory - to analyze the language on social media around this event of social import through topic models. We find that including psycholinguistic measures of concreteness as covariates in topic models can lead to informed analysis of the language surrounding an event of political import.
Determination and verification of the gap dependent heat transfer coefficient during permanent mold casting of A356 aluminum alloy

In complex castings, the heat transfer across the casting / mold interface depends on the local gap size and contact pressure. Thus, an experimental setup is constructed to measure and evaluate the air‐gap dependent heat transfer coefficient during solidification of an A356 permanent mold casting. In order to evaluate the heat transfer coefficient, the temperature gradient and air gap development is measured at the casting / mold interface. This allows the interface temperatures and the time‐dependent heat flux across the gap to be calculated as a function of the measured gap size. Furthermore, the heat transfer coefficient and gap size are correlated to the interface temperature of the casting. The experimental setup and the evaluation procedure provide consistent and reproducible results. The heat transfer coefficient thus evaluated is employed to simulate the experimental setup. The temperatures measured are well reproduced. The results of the present work are compared to simulations using two heat transfer coefficient functions found in literature. This comparison shows a substantial improvement over the state of the art. This improvement is due to the exact knowledge of gap formation and the corresponding values of the heat transfer coefficient.
HDL in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: In Search of a Role

For a long time, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been regarded as a cardiovascular disease (CVD) protective factor. Recently, several epidemiological studies, while confirming low plasma levels of HDL-C as an established predictive biomarker for atherosclerotic CVD, indicated that not only people at the lowest levels but also those with high HDL-C levels are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) mortality. This “U-shaped” association has further fueled the discussion on the pathophysiological role of HDL in CVD. In fact, genetic studies, Mendelian randomization approaches, and clinical trials have challenged the notion of HDL-C levels being causally linked to CVD protection, independent of the cholesterol content in low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C). These findings have prompted a reconsideration of the biological functions of HDL that can be summarized with the word “HDL functionality”, a term that embraces the many reported biological activities beyond the so-called reverse cholesterol transport, to explain this lack of correlation between HDL levels and CVD. All these aspects are summarized and critically discussed in this review, in an attempt to provide a background scenario for the “HDL story”, a lipoprotein still in search of a role.
An Analytical Technique, Based on Natural Transform to Solve Fractional-Order Parabolic Equations

This research article is dedicated to solving fractional-order parabolic equations using an innovative analytical technique. The Adomian decomposition method is well supported by natural transform to establish closed form solutions for targeted problems. The procedure is simple, attractive and is preferred over other methods because it provides a closed form solution for the given problems. The solution graphs are plotted for both integer and fractional-order, which shows that the obtained results are in good contact with the exact solution of the problems. It is also observed that the solution of fractional-order problems are convergent to the solution of integer-order problem. In conclusion, the current technique is an accurate and straightforward approximate method that can be applied to solve other fractional-order partial differential equations.
Simplified Receivers for Generic Binary Single Side Band CPM Using PAM Decomposition

This paper investigated the pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) decomposition of a class of continuous phase modulation (CPM) signal, which has the property to be a single-side band. We used the PAM decomposition as a convenient solution to provide a large reduced complexity trellis detection to approach the theoretical optimal performance. Moreover, we developed an algorithm to obtain the necessary PAM pulses to approach the optimal performance bound using suboptimal receivers. The algorithm is generic; it can provide the results for any parameter combinations. The proposed demodulation system exhibits excellent performance with minimal complexity with respect to the maximum likelihood sequence detection (MLSD) optimal receiver.
Novel Blood Clot Retriever for Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world. Ischemic stroke, caused by the blockage of intracranial arteries, accounts for approximately 80% of strokes. Among this proportion, acute ischemic stroke, usually caused by the sudden formation of blood clots, can cause fatal blockages in arteries. We proposed a unique blood clot retriever for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, and conducted a series of tasks, including design, computer simulation, prototyping, and bench testing, for the proof of concept. Unlike most blood clot retrievers used today, our novel design deviates from traditional stent-like blood clot retrievers and uses large closed cells, irregular spikes, and strut protrusions to achieve maximum entanglement for better retrieval performance. Experimental results showed that the retrieval rate of our blood clot retriever was 79%, which demonstrated the feasibility of our new design concept.
Broadband Equal-Split Directional Couplers Composed of Cascade- and Tandem-Connected Coupled-Line Sections Having Unequal Lengths

A new concept of broadband equal-split coupled-line directional couplers is proposed. The proposed couplers are based on coupled-line sections, all having the same coupling coefficient, and feature frequency characteristics similar to the ones obtained for classic symmetrical three-section coupled-line couplers. It is shown that appropriate cascade- and tandem-connected coupled-line sections, having all the same coupling coefficients and different electrical lengths allow for achieving equal power split in a broadband frequency range together with the quadrature differential phase response. Therefore, a very flexible design process is possible, in which directional couplers with different bandwidths and coupling imbalances can be realized by changing solely the electrical lengths of the coupled-line sections. Moreover, the proposed networks require significantly lower coupling coefficients and feature slightly shorter overall electrical lengths than their classic counterparts. The theoretical analysis of the proposed circuits is shown in the paper and is followed by the design and measurements of two broadband equal-split quadrature directional couplers operating at the center frequency of 2 GHz.
An Investigation Into Miniaturised Closed-Loop DBS Devices

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an invasive neuromodulatory technique used for the treatment of individuals with neurological disorders. Open-loop DBS delivers fixed stimulation pulses while closed-loop DBS senses the state of disorder and delivers stimulation pulses optimized for the sensed state adaptively. This review focuses on current miniature closed-loop DBS devices. The latest progress in stimulation techniques and electrode configurations are discussed. We cover common circuit configurations used for stimulation and outline the latest methods for delivering rectangular and non-rectangular stimulation waveforms. Recent advances in feedback control for closing the loop in DBS are highlighted, as are cutting edge developments in artificial intelligence (AI) methods that analyse the sensed data to determine the state of disorder. Finally, we critically discuss present issues and future directions of miniaturized closed-loop DBS.
Participatory Development and Preliminary Psychometric Properties of the User-Friendly Patient Information Material Checklist (UPIM-Check)

The aims of this study were (1) to design a user-friendly instrument to assess and optimize patient information material (PIM), (2) to develop an English version, and (3) to test its psychometric properties. The instrument was needed to optimize the top-down developed PIM of the psycho-oncological care programme isPO. First, a literature-based PIM checklist was developed by a team of patient representatives, cancer care experts and professional researchers. Next, the checklist’s reliability and validity were analysed by having cancer survivors assess the initial and optimized version of the isPO-leaflet. The User-friendly Patient Information Material Checklist (UPIM-Check), developed participatorily, was found to be effective for evaluating PIM. It uses a traffic light scale, and suggestions for improvement can be given for each criterion. Its reliability appeared to be excellent (α = 0.927). The optimized leaflet was rated significantly better than the initial one. The UPIM-Check is a reliable and valid instrument, which enables end-users (e.g., patients) to assess and optimize the quality of PIM according to scientific criteria and the needs of end-users. A bottom-up approach was essential for developing and validating the UPIM-Check. End-users constantly contributed with their specific knowledge. Thus, their position as co-researchers was significantly strengthened.
Study on the Automatic Surgical Method of the Vascular Interventional Surgical Robot Based on Deep Learning

Because of the various shortcomings of traditional interventional surgery, it has become a trend to develop vascular interventional robots to assist doctors in completing operations. However, the existing vascular intervention robot assist system has given the doctor a large amount of data to assist the operation, but the doctor still needs a lot of energy and physical strength to operate the handle at the master side. Therefore, this paper aims to study the use of deep learning algorithms in a laboratory environment to assist the vascular interventional surgery robot to drive the catheter to the specified position. In the future, using this method can effectively reduce the burden on doctors and reduce operating errors caused by doctors' fatigue.
Post-Stroke Psychiatric and Cognitive Symptoms in West Asia, South Asia and Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Recent research has shown that the prevalence of stroke incidents and the number of survivors in developing countries surpass those from developed countries. This study aimed to enumerate the prevalence of post-stroke psychiatric and cognitive symptoms among stroke survivors from West and South Asia and Africa through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data from each country was systematically acquired from five major databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar (for any missing articles and grey literature)). Meta-analytic techniques were then used to estimate the prevalence of various post-stoke psychiatric and cognitive symptoms. A total of 36 articles were accrued from 11 countries, of which 25 were evaluated as part of the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of post-stroke depression as per the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale ranged from 28.00 to 50.24%. Pooled prevalence of post-stroke anxiety based on the HADS and SCAN was 44.19% and 10.96%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of post-stroke cognitive impairment as per the Mini-Mental Status Examination was 16.76%. This present review has suggested that both psychiatric and cognitive symptoms are common among stroke survivors. Concerted efforts are needed to institute robust studies using culturally sensitive measures to contemplate mechanisms that address the unmet needs of this vulnerable population.
Multi-Scale Structure–Mechanical Property Relations of Graphene-Based Layer Materials

Pristine graphene is one of the strongest materials known in the world, and may play important roles in structural and functional materials. In order to utilize the extraordinary mechanical properties in practical engineering structures, graphene should be assembled into macroscopic structures such as graphene-based papers, fibers, foams, etc. However, the mechanical properties of graphene-based materials such as Young’s modulus and strength are 1–2 orders lower than those of pristine monolayer graphene. Many efforts have been made to unveil the multi-scale structure–property relations of graphene-based materials with hierarchical structures spanning the nanoscale to macroscale, and significant achievements have been obtained to improve the mechanical performance of graphene-based materials through composition and structure optimization across multi-scale. This review aims at summarizing the currently theoretical, simulation, and experimental efforts devoted to the multi-scale structure–property relation of graphene-based layer materials including defective monolayer graphene, nacre-like and laminar nanostructures of multilayer graphene, graphene-based papers, fibers, aerogels, and graphene/polymer composites. The mechanisms of mechanical property degradation across the multi-scale are discussed, based on which some multi-scale optimization strategies are presented to further improve the mechanical properties of graphene-based layer materials. We expect that this review can provide useful insights into the continuous improvement of mechanical properties of graphene-based layer materials.