Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methods and Challenges of Using the Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) as a Model Organism in Antimicrobial Compound Discovery

Among non-mammalian infection model organisms, the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella have seen increasing popularity in recent years. Unlike other invertebrate models, these larvae can be incubated at 37 °C and can be dosed relatively precisely. Despite the increasing number of publications describing the use of this model organism, there is a high variability with regard to how the model is produced in different laboratories, with respect to larva size, age, origin, storage, and rest periods, as well as dosing for infection and treatment. Here, we provide suggestions regarding how some of these factors can be approached, to facilitate the comparability of studies between different laboratories. We introduce a linear regression curve correlating the total larva weight to the liquid volume in order to estimate the in vivo concentration of pathogens and the administered drug concentration. Finally, we discuss several other aspects, including in vivo antibiotic stability in larvae, the infection doses for different pathogens and suggest guidelines for larvae selection.
Return Commonality in Cross Listings: Evidence from Hong Kong ADRs

In a return commonality framework, the authors estimate portfolio betas associated with changes in returns of 15 Chinese ADRs and their underlying H-shares, where the portfolios denote hosts (NYSE and SHSE) and home (Hang Seng) markets, and their returns are common determinants of ADR and H-share returns. In addition, the authors test whether returns on ADR and H-share portfolios determine their component ADR and H-share returns. Using a quantile regression methodology, the authors estimate those betas for four sample quartiles. The authors’ results indicate an asymmetric impact of changes in portfolio returns on changes in ADR and H-share returns; further, the asymmetries are enhanced across return quartiles. The authors interpret the market impact on ADR and H-share returns as denoting investor sentiments. TOPICS: Fundamental equity analysis, accounting and ratio analysis, technical analysis Key Findings • This article highlights the asymmetry in return distributions for ADRs and their underlying H-shares when means and variances of returns are considered. • Investor sentiment denoted by index returns asymmetrically impact ADR and H-share returns.
An assessment of potential climate impact during 1948–2010 using historical land use land cover change maps

Earlier studies of land use land cover change (LULCC) normally used only a specified LULCC map with no interannual variations. In this study, using an Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) coupled with a land surface model, biophysical impacts of LULCC on global and regional climate are investigated by using a LULCC map which covers 63 years from 1948 to 2010 with interannual variation. A methodology has been developed to convert a recently developed LULCC fraction map with 1° × 1° resolution to the AGCM grid points in which only one dominant type is allowed. Comprehensive evaluations are conducted to ensure consistency of the trend of the original LULCC fraction change and the trend of the fraction of grid point changes over different regions. The model was integrated with a potential vegetation map (CTL) and the map with LULCC, in which a set of surface parameters such as leaf area index, albedo and other soil and vegetation parameters were accordingly changed with interannual variation. The results indicate that the interannual LULCC map simulation is able to reproduce better interannual variability of surface temperature and rainfall when compared to the control simulation. LULCC causes negative effect on global precipitation, with the strongest significant signals over degraded regions such as East Asia, West Africa and South America, and some of these changes are consistent with observed regional anomalies for certain time periods. LULCC causes reduction in net radiation and evapotranspiration which leads to changes in monsoon circulation and variation in magnitude and pattern of moisture flux convergence and subsequent reduction in precipitation. Meanwhile, LULCC enhances surface warming during the summer in the LULCC regions due to greatly reduced evapotranspiration. In contradiction to the surface, upper troposphere temperatures are cool because of less latent heat released into the upper troposphere, which leads to weaker circulation in LULCC regions.
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a functional antibiofilm wound dressing

Abstract Biofilms comprise bacteria attached to wound surfaces and are major contributors to non-healing wounds. It was found that the increased resistance of biofilms to antibiotics allows wound infections to persist chronically in spite of antibiotic therapy. In this study, the reduced form of graphene oxide (rGO) was explored as plausible antibiofilm agents. The rGO was synthesized via reducing the functional groups of GO. Then, rGO were characterized using zetasizer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy and FESEM. The rGO were then formulated into sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) hydrogels to form rGO hydrogel and tested for antibiofilm activities in vitro using XTT test, and in vivo biofilm formation assay using nematodes C. elegans. Reduced GO hydrogel was successfully formed by reducing the functional groups of GO, and a reduction of up to 95% of functional groups was confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. XTT tests confirmed that rGO hydrogels reduced biofilm formation by S. aureus (81–84%) and P. aeruginosa (50–62%). Fluorescence intensity also confirmed that rGO hydrogel can inhibit biofilm bacteria in C. elegans experiments. This study implied that rGO hydrogel is an effective antibiofilm agent for infected wounds.
Interdependence of Narrative Characters: Implications for Media Theories

Affective disposition theory suggests that viewers of narratives develop dispositions toward characters through various cues, including appearance and behavior. Despite its predictive utility, the theory has yet to account for an essential component of narratives: character interdependence. Extant models treat disposition formation toward individual characters as an independent process. In the current paper, we posit that affective dispositions formed toward one character (e.g., a protagonist) are interdependent with affective dispositions formed toward others (e.g., an antagonist). We present two experimental studies that provide evidence of character interdependence. We show that dispositions toward a single character account for unique variance in dispositions toward another, and that the same character can be perceived as highly moral or immoral, depending on a comparison character. In the discussion section, we integrate our character interdependence model with extant theories to generate novel predictions for affective disposition theory and other areas of research relevant to communication.
A non-linear mathematical model for the X-ray variability classes of the microquasar GRS 1915+105 – II. Transition and swaying classes

The complex time evolution in the X-ray light curves of the peculiar black hole binary GRS 1915+105 can be obtained as solutions of a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations derived form the Hindmarsch-Rose model and modified introducing an input function depending on time. In the first paper,assuming a constant input with a superposed white noise, we reproduced light curves of the classes rho, chi, and delta. We use this mathematical model to reproduce light curves, including some interesting details, of other eight GRS 1915+105 variability classes either considering a variable input function or with small changes of the equation parameters. On the basis of this extended model and its equilibrium states, we can arrange most of the classes in three main types: i) stable equilibrium patterns: (classes phi, chi, alpha'', theta, xi, and omega) whose light curve modulation follows the same time scale of the input function, because changes occur around stable equilibrium points; ii) unstable equilibrium patterns: characterised by series of spikes (class rho) originated by a limit cycle around an unstable equilibrium point; iii) transition pattern: (classes delta, gamma, lambda, kappa and alpha'), in which random changes of the input function induce transitions from stable to unstable regions originating either slow changes or spiking, and the occurrence of dips and red noise. We present a possible physical interpretation of the model based on the similarity between an equilibrium curve and literature results obtained by numerical integrations of a slim disc equations.
Positive Immuno-Modulation Following Radiofrequency Assisted Liver Resection in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops on a background of chronic inflammation and a complex immunosuppressive network with increased regulatory T cells, impaired CD8+ T cells and the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Previous clinical studies have reported a superior disease-free survival (DFS) following a radiofrequency-based ablation or resection in HCC tumours compared to conventional liver resection techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any correlation with the use of a radiofrequency-assisted liver resection and clinical outcome. Material and Methods: Patients’ peripheral blood was collected prior and 7 days following surgery from patients undergoing a liver resection for HCC. There were 5 liver resections performed using CUSA and 6 liver resections with the RF-based device, HabibTM 4X. The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the immunological parameters of circulating immune cell populations as well as serum cytokines. The Student’s t-test, chi-square or Fisher’s Exact test were applied for statistical comparisons, as appropriate. Results: Patients undergoing an RF-assisted liver resection with HabibTM 4X had a significant decrease in the inhibitory Treg cells (p = 0.002) and a significant increase in CD8+ T lymphocytes (p = 0.050) and CD4+CD45RO+/CD4+ memory T cells (p = 0.002) compared to those patients undergoing a liver resection with CUSA. It was also noted that the RF-assisted liver resection group had a significant decrease in circulating TGF-ß (p = 0.000), IL10 (p = 0.000) and a significant increase in IFN-gamma (p = 0. 027) and IL-17 compared to the CUSA group. Conclusion: A liver resection with RF-based device HabibTM 4X was associated with positive immunomodulatory changes in circulating immune cells and circulating cytokines which could explain the significant improvement in DFS.
Three-dimensional assessment of condylar position following orthognathic surgery using the centric relation bite and the ramal reference line

Abstract Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is a relatively common procedure for solving functional and aesthetic problems in facial and jaw areas in patients with dentofacial deformities. The positioning of the mandibular condylar segment during OGS has an impact on the surgical outcome. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the condyle-fossa relationship three dimensionally after OGS using the centric relation (CR) bite and the ramal reference line (RRL). Thirty-two patients with skeletal malocclusion underwent OGS. Condylar repositioning was performed using the CR bite, as previously reported. A RRL was added to the existing method and used during the surgery. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were acquired at 4 time points. Sixty-four condyles were evaluated in the coronal, sagittal, and axial views. Two groups were created according to the amount of mandible setback (SB1 vs SB2), and another 2 groups were created according to the maxillary operation (1-jaw vs 2-jaw). Each was then compared at the 4 time points. Differences between the values before (T0) and a year after surgery (T3) were also investigated. The positions of the pogonion and the menton were examined at T2 and T3 for the simple evaluation of relapse. The change in the condylar position was significant over a time-course (P < .001) but not between T0 and T3 (P > .05). Neither the setback amount nor the maxillary operation affected the positional change (P > .05). There were no significant changes between T2 and T3 in the relapse evaluation. This condylar repositioning method using the CR bite and a RRL showed stable results after OGS. This method is noninvasive and cost-effective and can be easily performed even by an inexperienced surgeon because it reduces errors in repositioning the condyle during OGS.
Molecular studies of meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis patients in Ethiopia

Neisseria meningitidis infections in sub-Saharan Africa usually present with distinct symptoms of meningitis but very rarely as fulminant septicemia when reaching hospitals. In Europe, development of persistent meningococcal shock and multiple organ failure occurs in up to 30% of patients and is associated with a bacterial load of >106/ml plasma or serum. We have prospectively studied 27 Ethiopian patients with meningococcal infection as diagnosed and quantified with real-time PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. All presented with symptoms of meningitis and none with fulminant septicemia. The median N. meningitidis copy number (NmDNA) in serum was < 3.5 × 103/ml, never exceeded 1.8 × 105/ml, and was always 10–1000 times higher in CSF than in serum. The levels of LPS in CSF as determined by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay were positively correlated to NmDNA copy number (r = 0.45, P = 0.030), levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist, (r = 0.46, P = 0.017), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9; r = 0.009). We also compared the inflammatory profiles of 19 mediators in CSF of the 26 meningococcal patients (2 died and 2 had immediate severe sequelae) with 16 patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis (3 died and 3 with immediate severe sequelae). Of 19 inflammatory mediators tested, 9 were significantly higher in patients with pneumococcal meningitis and possibly linked to worse outcome.
Altered umbilical sex steroids in preterm infants born small for gestational age

Abstract Background: Boys born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, and girls born SGA face the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome later in life. Our aim was to study whether neonates born SGA have an altered profile of steroid hormones at birth. Materials and methods: A total of 168 singletons (99 boys, 69 girls) born at 32.0–36.9 gestational weeks were recruited to a population-based, university hospital, single-center study. Of these, 31 infants (17 boys, 14 girls) were born SGA. The concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, cortisone, and cortisol were analyzed in umbilical cord serum with mass spectrometry. Results: Girls born SGA had higher levels of androstenedione than girls born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (4.0 versus 2.6 nmol/L, p = .002). Boys born SGA had lower levels of estrone than boys born AGA (33 822 versus 62 471 pmol/L, p = .038). Infants born SGA had lower levels of cortisone than infants born AGA, both in girls (340 versus 579 nmol/L, p = .010) and in boys (308 versus 521 nmol/L, p = .045). Furthermore, boys born SGA had a higher cortisol/cortisone ratio than boys born AGA (0.41 versus 0.25, p = .028). Gestational age correlated with DHEAS (boys r = 0.48, p = .000, girls r = 0.35, p = .013), and cortisol (boys r = 0.48, p = .000, girls r = 0.29, p = .039). Conclusions: In moderate-to-late preterm infants born SGA, we observed a different steroid hormone profile in cord serum. Girls born SGA show increased levels of androstenedione and boys born SGA show decreased levels of estrone in cord serum, which could be related to placental aromatase deficiency in intrauterine growth restriction.
A Comparison Between Two Assays for Measuring Seminal Oxidative Stress and their Relationship with Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Semen Parameters

Oxidative stress (OS) is a significant cause of DNA fragmentation and is associated with poor embryo development and recurrent miscarriage. The aim of this study was to compare two different methods for assessing seminal OS and their ability to predict sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal semen parameters. Semen samples were collected from 520 men attending for routine diagnostic testing following informed consent. Oxidative stress was assessed using either a chemiluminescence assay to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) or an electrochemical assay to measure oxidation reduction potential (sORP). Sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) and sperm with immature chromatin (HDS) were assessed using sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Semen analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Reactive oxygen species sORP and DFI are negatively correlated with sperm motility (p = 0.0012, 0.0002, <0.0001 respectively) and vitality (p < 0.0001, 0.019, <0.0001 respectively). The correlation was stronger for sORP than ROS. Reactive oxygen species (p < 0.0001), sORP (p < 0.0001), DFI (p < 0.0089) and HDS (p < 0.0001) were significantly elevated in samples with abnormal semen parameters, compared to those with normal parameters. Samples with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have excessive ROS levels compared to those without (p < 0.0001), but sORP and DFI in this group are not significantly increased. DNA fragmentation was significantly elevated in samples with OS measured by ROS (p = 0.0052) or sORP (p = 0.004). The results demonstrate the multi-dimensional nature of oxidative stress and that neither assay can be used alone in the diagnosis of OS, especially in cases of leukocytospermia.
Understanding Convolutional Neural Networks With Information Theory: An Initial Exploration

A novel functional estimator for Rényi’s $\alpha $ -entropy and its multivariate extension was recently proposed in terms of the normalized eigenspectrum of a Hermitian matrix of the projected data in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). However, the utility and possible applications of these new estimators are rather new and mostly unknown to practitioners. In this brief, we first show that this estimator enables straightforward measurement of information flow in realistic convolutional neural networks (CNNs) without any approximation. Then, we introduce the partial information decomposition (PID) framework and develop three quantities to analyze the synergy and redundancy in convolutional layer representations. Our results validate two fundamental data processing inequalities and reveal more inner properties concerning CNN training.
‘Hey, I like ur videos. Super relate!’ Locating sisterhood in a postcolonial intimate public on YouTube

ABSTRACT This paper re-examines YouTube as a site of feminine, networked, and intimate sociality among Filipino women online. We unpack this by identifying how commenters on YouTube engage with the performativity of an intimate relationship between a Filipina and her foreign husband on YouTube. Extending Mina Roces’ concept of ‘local sisterhood’ in the digital context, we coin the term ‘online sisterhood’ to articulate the diverse ways through which Filipino women engage with interracial intimacies in the realm of online communication. By conducting a thematic analysis of comments on a popular YouTube channel of a Filipina married to a Caucasian man, we uncover the dimensions of an unfolding online sisterhood as aspirational, relatable, regulatory, and defensive modalities. We argue that these frames are informed by gendered, racialized and even class-based aspirations and contestations tied to Philippine postcolonial history and society. Ultimately, as a site for feminine sociality and intimacy, YouTube also becomes an avenue for constructing, reinforcing and countering the stereotypical representations of Filipino women in a networked and postcolonial space.
Recurrent and Progressive Facial Baroparesis on Flying Relieved by Eustachian Tube Dilation

Objectives: Facial baroparesis is a rare phenomenon of seventh cranial nerve palsy traditionally reported in divers, with only 11 cases reported in aviation so far. It is important to correctly diagnose facial baroparesis given the differential diagnosis of stroke and decompression disease and offer appropriate treatment for recurrent cases. Methods: The authors present the case of a patient with recurrent and progressive facial baroparesis treated with Eustachian tube balloon dilation. Institutional medical records were reviewed, and analysis of the current literature was performed. Results: A 37-year-old woman experienced recurrent and progressive left facial paralysis on descent from altitude on commercial airline flights, with resolution between flights. The patient flew frequently for work-related trips and for the past 7 years had noted facial paralysis that began with mild asymmetry of the face and progressed to an inability to close her left eye. She denied any otologic symptoms other than ear fullness and pressure causing left otalgia. The right side was not involved. After treatment with Eustachian tube dilation, the patient has been on numerous flights with complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: This study presents a rare case of facial baroparesis on commercial flight descent that resolved after left Eustachian tube dilation. Although unilateral facial palsy can be concerning for stroke, a history of ear fullness and pressure may suggest facial baroparesis instead. For recurrent and progressive cases, Eustachian tube dilation should be considered for treatment.
Association of rs10490924 in ARMS2/HTRA1 with age‐related macular degeneration in the Pakistani population

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the elderly in which central vision is lost because of degenerative changes of the macula. The current study investigated the association of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with AMD in the Pakistani population. Four SNPs were analyzed in this study: rs1061170 in the CFH, rs429608 near CFB, rs2230199 in the C3, and rs10490924 in ARMS2/HTRA1. This case‐control association study was conducted on 300 AMD patients (125 wet AMD and 175 dry AMD) and 200 unaffected age‐ and gender‐matched control individuals. The association of the SNP genotypes and allele frequency distributions were compared between patients and healthy controls, keeping age, gender, and smoking status as covariates. A significant genotype and variant allele association was found of rs10490924 in ARMS2/HTRA1 with wet AMD, while the SNPs in CFH, CFB, and C3 were not associated with AMD in the current Pakistani cohort. The lack of association of CFH, CFB, and C3 may be attributed to limited sample size. This study demonstrates that genetic causative factors of AMD differ among populations and supports the need for genetic association studies among cohorts from various populations to increase our global understanding of the disease pathogenesis.