Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EGCG identified as an autophagy inducer for rosacea therapy

Background: Rosacea is a common facial skin inflammatory disease featured by hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling in the epidermis. Due to unclear pathogenesis, the effective treatment options for rosacea remain limited. Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analyzed the relationship between epidermis autophagy and mTOR pathways in rosacea, and further demonstrated it through immunofluorescence and qPCR analysis. A potential therapeutic agent for rosacea was predicted based on the key genes of the WGCNA module. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify its therapeutic role. Drug–target prediction (TargetNet, Swiss, and Tcmsp) and molecular docking offered potential pharmacological targets. Results: WGCNA showed that epidermis autophagy was related to the activation of mTOR pathways in rosacea. Next, autophagy was downregulated in the epidermis of rosacea, which was regulated by mTOR. In addition, the in vivo experiment demonstrated that autophagy induction could be an effective treatment strategy for rosacea. Subsequently, based on the key genes of the WGCNA module, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was predicted as a potential therapeutic agent for rosacea. Furthermore, the therapeutic role of EGCG on rosacea was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Finally, drug–target prediction and molecular docking revealed that AKT1/MAPK1/MMP9 could be the pharmacological targets of EGCG in rosacea. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings revealed the vital role of autophagy in rosacea and identified that EGCG, as a therapeutic agent for rosacea, attenuated rosacea-like inflammation via inducing autophagy in keratinocytes. Graphical Abstract
Quadrature With Arbitrary Weight for the Numerical Solution of the Critical Slab Neutron Transport Equation

A standard procedure for the solution of singular integral equations is applied to the onedimensional transport equation for monoenergetic neutrons. The results obtained with two versions of the procedure, differing only in the extent of the basic region to which they are applied, are compared with analyticallly derived results available for benchmarking. The procedures considered yield consistent results for the calculated neutron densities and eigenvalues. Several approximate expressions of the neutron density are used to render closed-form formulas for the densities which can then be analytically operated on to obtain expressions for extrapolation distances or angular densities or serve other purposes that require an analytical expression of the neutron density.
Periodically slotted dielectrically filled parallel-plate waveguide as a leaky-wave antenna: E-polarization case

The analysis of a periodically slotted dielectrically filled parallel-plate waveguide as a leaky-wave antenna for infinite and finite periodic structures for the E-polarization case is discussed. For the analysis of the infinite periodic structure, an integral equation in which Floquet's modes and the strip electric current satisfying the edge condition are used and Bloch wave analysis using the single-slot equivalent circuit parameters are employed. An integro-differential equation with moment-method and transmission-line analysis with equivalent circuit representation are used to analyze the finite N-periodic structure. Results of interest such as complex propagation constant and the radiation pattern for the finite slot number case are observed to be in good agreement with those of the infinite geometry case for the appropriately chosen values of slot numbers, slot width, period, and waveguide height.
Frequency of Interim Reporting and Impairment Losses on Financial Assets

This study investigates the impact that increasing the frequency of interim reporting has on the amount of impairment losses on financial assets for a sample of listed banks. The difference-in-differences method is applied for a paired sample of 36 banks of EU-15, between 2009 and 2018. The results suggest the existence of a negative and significant association between the increase in the frequency of interim reporting and the amount of impairment losses on financial assets recognised in the profit or loss. This study is useful for regulators and supervisors, since its conclusions are relevant for the definition of the frequency of interim reporting, showing the consequences of its increase.
New Solutions for the Perturbed Lambert Problem Using Regularization and Picard Iteration

A new approach for solving two-point boundary value problems and initial value problems using the Kustaanheimo–Stiefel transformation and Modified Chebyshev–Picard iteration is presented. The first contribution is the development of an analytical solution to the elliptic Keplerian Lambert problem based on Kustaanheimo–Stiefel regularization. This transforms the nonlinear three-dimensional orbit equations of motion into four linear oscillators. The second contribution solves the elliptic Keplerian two-point boundary value problem and initial value problem using the Kustaanheimo–Stiefel transformation and Picard iteration. The Picard sequence of trajectories represents a contraction mapping that converges to a unique solution over a finite domain. Solving the Keplerian two-point boundary value problem in Kustaanheimo–Stiefel variables increases the Picard domain of convergence from about one-third of an orbit (Cartesian variables) to over 95% of an orbit (Kustaanheimo–Stiefel variables). These increases in .
A Clinical Outcome of Median Nerve Neurolysis For the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Conventional S-Shaped Versus Transwrist Mini-Incision Techniques

Article information Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome [CTS] is the commonest entrapment syndrome of peripheral nerves. Many surgical approaches are in use for median nerve release. However, there is no consensus on the optimal approach. The aim of the work: The current work aimed to evaluate the outcome of two surgical approaches: the open longitudinal mini-incision and conventional approach. Methods: This was a retrospective study compared conventional to mini-incision approach for CTS treatment. Ninety patients were included, 45 in each group. The collected data included general patient characteristics, median nerve conduction electrophysiological study, operative and postoperative data. The final assessment at the end of the third postoperative month. Results: Patient’s age ranged between 30 and 65 years, and females were predominant in both groups. there were no significant differences between conventional and mini-incision groups regarding patient characteristics, operable side, clinical signs, duration of symptoms, preoperative pain scores, functional scores and electrophysiological results. However, the operative time and incision length were significantly shorter among mini-incision than conventional group [19.02 ± 1.60 vs. 22.53 ± 3.62 minutes and 14.44 ± 2.34 vs. 33.49 ± 3.28 mm]. Patients experiencing surgical wound pain were significantly lower among mini-incision than conventional group [6.7% vs. 24.4%], and pain scores were significantly lower among patients in mini-incision group. Conclusion: The open mini-incision surgical approach for treatment of CTS is as effective as the conventional approach and it had advantages over it [mainly, shorter operative time and better
Spin-dependent tunnelling in magnetic tunnel junctions

The phenomenon of electron tunnelling has been known since the advent of quantum mechanics, but continues to enrich our understanding of many fields of physics, as well as creating sub-fields on its own. Spin-dependent tunnelling (SDT) in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) has recently aroused enormous interest and has developed in a vigorous field of research. The large tunnelling magnetoresistance (TMR) observed in MTJs garnered much attention due to possible applications in non-volatile random-access memories and next-generation magnetic field sensors. This led to a number of fundamental questions regarding the phenomenon of SDT. In this review article we present an overview of this field of research. We discuss various factors that control the spin polarization and magnetoresistance in MTJs. Starting from early experiments on SDT and their interpretation, we consider thereafter recent experiments and models which highlight the role of the electronic structure of the ferromagnets, the insulating layer, and the ferromagnet/insulator interfaces. We also discuss the role of disorder in the barrier and in the ferromagnetic electrodes and their influence on TMR.
Language Influence on Children's Cognitive Number Representation

This study examined the effect of language on children's cognitive representation of number. The sample for the study consisted of 90 Arabic speaking children with a mean age of 80 months. Children were interviewed individually and asked to represent written two-digit numbers using base-10 blocks. A new approach for testing the linguistic relativity hypothesis was used. The results of the study revealed that language played an important role in children's cognitive number representation. On the other hand, the results support the argument that the instructions given with the task alter children's performance on it. This study suggests that language may explain the cross-cultural differences in mathematics achievement. However, the disadvantage that the language might place on children can be overcome with well-planned instruction.
Molecular mechanisms governing the progression of nephritis in lupus prone mice and human lupus patients

Introduction Pathologic inflammation is a major driver of kidney damage in lupus nephritis (LN), but the immune mechanisms of disease progression and risk factors for end organ damage are poorly understood. Methods To characterize molecular profiles through the development of LN, we carried out gene expression analysis of microdissected kidneys from lupus-prone NZM2328 mice. We examined male mice and the congenic NZM2328.R27 strain as a means to define mechanisms associated with resistance to chronic nephritis. Gene expression profiles in lupus mice were compared with those in human LN. Results NZM2328 mice exhibited progress from acute to transitional and then to chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). Each stage manifested a unique molecular profile. Neither male mice nor R27 mice progressed past the acute GN stage, with the former exhibiting minimal immune infiltration and the latter enrichment of immunoregulatory gene signatures in conjunction with robust kidney tubule cell profiles indicative of resistance to cellular damage. The gene expression profiles of human LN were similar to those noted in the NZM2328 mouse suggesting comparable stages of LN progression. Conclusions Overall, this work provides a comprehensive examination of the immune processes involved in progression of murine LN and thus contributes to our understanding of the risk factors for end-stage renal disease. In addition, this work presents a foundation for improved classification of LN and illustrates the applicability of murine models to identify the stages of human disease.
Interband-resonant light modulation by intersubband-resonant light in undoped quantum wells

Interband-resonant light modulation by intersubband-resonant light in undoped quantum wells is investigated. Theoretical calculation for the modulation is carried out by considering not only the excitonic interband-transition but also the continuous level transition between the conduction and valence bands. The modulation characteristics are compared with those of the modulation using n-doped quantum wells. The possibility of the modulation using undoped quantum well is successfully shown by real-time single-shot experiment using Ti-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and CO/sub 2/ lasers for interband- and intersubband-resonant lights at room temperature.
Associations between Health Literacy, Trust, and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: The Case of Hong Kong

This study investigates how health literacy (HL) and trust in health information affected COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Chinese Hong Kong adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2022. A total of 401 participants completed the study. Participants completed a newly developed Hong Kong HL scale and self-reported their trust levels in health information from different resources. The proportions of early uptake of the first dose and booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine were 69.1% and 71.8%, respectively. The risk of delaying the first dose was higher among participants with inadequate functional HL (OR = 0.58, p = 0.015), adequate levels of two subdomains of critical HL (OR = 1.82, p = 0.013; OR = 1.91, p < 0.01), and low-level trust in health information from the government (OR = 0.57, p = 0.019). Respondents with adequate interactive HL (OR = 0.52, p = 0.014) and inadequate level of one subdomain of critical HL (OR =1.71, p = 0.039) were more likely to delay the booster dose. This negative association between critical HL and vaccination was suppressed by trust in health information from the government. This study shows that HL and trust in health information from the government are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Efforts should be directed at providing tailored communication strategies with regard to people’s HL and increasing public confidence in health authorities to decrease vaccine hesitancy.
Embedding engaged education through community service learning in HEI: a review

ABSTRACT Background Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly affording greater prominence to various forms of engaged education, including Community Service Learning (CSL). Embedding CSL into institutional cultures, climates and expectations so that it becomes a mainstream pedagogy is often referred to as institutionalisation. Given the growing significance of CSL within the higher education landscape, more needs to be understood about aspects that may contribute to its institutionalisation. Purpose This review study sought to gain insight into the factors that facilitate the institutionalisation of CSL, how they relate to each other, and how the institutionalisation process unfolds over time. Design and methods We conducted a systematic and configurative review of peer-reviewed literature that described the institutionalisation process in HEIs. Through a thematic analysis and synthesis, factors and related strategies that contributed to successful institutionalisation were identified and categorised. Findings Our literature analysis indicated that factors and strategies for institutionalisation of CSL can be categorised within three main phases: start-up, scale-up and sustaining. CSL can result from a top-down effort or might be initiated from the bottom up. Depending on the approach used, the strategies change accordingly. When scaling up CSL, various individuals need to decide if they want to adopt CSL; the review offers strategies to support adoption. Finally, the strategies related to the start-up and scale-up phases need to become formalised in order to sustain CSL within HEIs. Conclusion Our review resulted in a comprehensive overview of factors and related operational strategies that can contribute to the institutionalisation of CSL. By bringing the three phases and related strategies together, this review offers a synthesised view of how the institutionalisation process of CSL may be conceptualised.
Bayesian nonparametric hidden Markov models

The Bayesian approach to statistical modelling is a consistent and intuitive framework for dealing with uncertainty about the world. In this approach, we encode any prior knowledge about variables (observed or unobserved) with the goal of inferring a posterior distribution over unobserved variables. The most common approaches to Bayesian modelling to date are the so-called parametric Bayesian models: these are specified with a finite number of unobserved variables. With vast amounts of data readily available today, these models generally fail to leverage a learning opportunity: no additional structure beyond that which was defined in the prior can be learned. Any increase in data passed into the model will only affect the accuracy of the inferred posteriors. Non-parametric Bayesian models address this problem: they are probabilistic models whose additional flexibility allows for learning the structure of complex datasets. In this thesis we present new models and inference algorithms for non-parametric Bayesian models in the context of hidden Markov models. Our contribution is three-fold: we introduce for the first time, a family of algorithms for efficient and exact Monte Carlo inference in non-parametric Bayesian Markov models. Secondly, we apply non-parametric Bayesian hidden Markov models to the part-of-speech tagging problem in natural language processing. Thirdly, we introduce a new family of non-parametric Bayesian hidden Markov models with a factorial latent Markov chain structure. More specifically, in chapter 1 we motivate nonparametric Bayesian models using a simple mixture model example and give an overview of the literature on Bayesian approaches to hidden Markov modelling. Chapter 2 presents an overview of the foundations for Bayesian non-parametric modelling by introducing a number of fundamental and well understood Bayesian non-parametric building blocks. Using the building blocks introduced in chapter 2, chapter 3 describes a non-parametric extension to the hidden Markov model, called the infinite hidden Markov model (iHMM) and introduces a family of fast and exact Monte Carlo inference algorithms for this model. We also present an overview of extensions for the iHMM which exist in the literature while introducing some new ones. Chapter 4 presents a case study on the iHMM in the area of natural language processing. In particular, we look at the task of unsupervised part-of-speech tagging. We compare the non-parametric Bayesian approach against its parametric counterpart and introduce an alternative way of evaluating any unsupervised part-of-speech tagger. Our final chapter 5 introduces a new Bayesian non-parametric building block called the Markov IBP which we then use to build a non-parametric extension of the factorial hidden Markov model, called the infinite factorial hidden Markov model (iFHMM). We apply this model to the well-known cocktail party problem, where we separate the audio from an arbitrary number of speakers using a limited number of microphones.
Quadratus Lumborum Blockade for Postoperative Analgesia in Infants and Children Following Colorectal Surgery

Background Adult studies have indicated that the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) may provide superior analgesia compared to single-shot neuraxial and other truncal peripheral nerve blocks. The technique is being increasingly used for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery. To date, these pediatric reports have been limited by small sample sizes, which may hinder the interpretation of results and assessment of safety. In this study, we retrospectively examined QLBs performed at a large tertiary care hospital for evidence of effectiveness and safety in the pediatric colorectal surgery population. Methods Patients less than 21 years of age who underwent abdominal surgery and received a unilateral or bilateral QLB over a 4-year period were identified in the electronic medical record. Patient demographics, surgery type, and QLB characteristics were retrospectively examined. Pain scores and opioid consumption were tabulated over the first 72-h postoperative period. QLB procedural complications or adverse events attributable to the regional anesthetic were obtained. Results The study cohort included 204 QLBs in 163 pediatric-aged patients (2 days to 19 years of age, median age of 2.4 years). The most common indication was unilateral blockade for ostomy creation or reversal. The majority of QLBs were performed using ropivacaine 0.2% with a median volume of 0.6 mL/kg. The median opioid requirement in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) was 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 MME/kg on the first, second, and third postoperative days, respectively. Median pain scores were less than 2 over each time period. Aside from block failure (incidence 1.2%), there were no complications or postoperative adverse events related to the QLBs. Conclusion This retrospective review in a large cohort of pediatric patients demonstrates that the QLB can be performed safely and efficiently in children undergoing colorectal surgery. The QLB provides adequate postoperative analgesia, has a high success rate, may limit postoperative opioid consumption, and is associated with a limited adverse effect profile.
Photometric study of the short-period RS Canum Venaticorum binary RT Andromedae

Context. Long-term photometric observations of cool stars can reveal the evolution and activity cycles of the stellar active region. Furthermore, studying the stellar activity provides opportunities for understanding of stellar dynamo and valuable constraints for stellar dynamo theory. Aims. We analyze our observational data and discuss light-curve variability due to starspots on both a short and long time scale, especially the short-term variation. At the same time, we accumulate some results from the literature to discuss active-region evolution and activity cycles. Methods. By analyzing the light curves using the Wilson-Devinney program, the photometric solution of the system is obtained and the starspot parameters are also derived. Using the phase-dispersion minimization method, we infer the activity cycle of RT And. Results. The case of two spots being on the primary is most successful in reproducing the light curve distortion of RT And in 2004. Although the light curves in 1999 and 2005 do not have sufficient phase coverage, we still could use the spot model to explain their light-curve variation successfully based on the photometric solution in 2004. Comparing the light curves of 1999, 2004, and 2005, the light curve distortion changes on both short and long time scales, especially the significant variation around the secondary minimum on a time scale of two months. Analysis of the longitude of spots within the belt around 270 degrees suggests that the activity cycle of RT And may be 6.69 +/- 0.80 years.