Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced Face Mask Filters Based on PCL Electrospun Meshes Dopped with Antimicrobial MgO and CuO Nanoparticles

The pandemic situation caused by coronavirus clearly demonstrated the need for alternatives able to protect the respiratory tract and inactivate the infectious agents. Based on this, antibacterial face-mask filters of polycaprolactone (PCL) dopped with magnesium oxide (MgO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were produced using an electrospinning technique. A morphological analysis of electrospun meshes evaluated the success of nanoparticles’ incorporation as well as the average fibers’ diameters (481 ± 272 nm). The performance of electrospun nanofibers was also assessed in terms of tensile strength (0.88 ± 0.25 MPa), water vapor permeability (11,178.66 ± 35.78 g·m−2·day−1), stability under wet conditions and antibacterial activity according to the standard guidelines. The filters showed structural stability up to 2 h of washing and improved antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) for optimized concentrations of MgO and CuO NPs. Overall, electrospun meshes with antibacterial activity were successfully developed for advanced filtering applications.
Second hit impels oncogenesis of retinoblastoma in patient-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids: direct evidence for Knudson's theory

Abstract Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a type of malignant tumor due to abnormal retinogenesis with biallelic mutations of the RB1 gene. Its pathogenesis has been proposed as a “two-mutation hypothesis” by Knudson since 1971; however, there remain some debates on disease onset sufficiency of the biallelic RB1 mutations. To obtain straightforward evidence for this hypothesis, we investigated whether two-hit mutations of the RB1 gene drive tumorigenesis in patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived human retinal organoids (hROs) and whether single allelic mutation hiPSC-derived hROs exhibit molecular and cellular defects. We generated hiPSCs with a heterozygous germline mutation (RB1m1/wt) from a Rb patient. A second-allele RB1 gene mutation was knocked in to produce compound heterozygous mutations (RB1m1/m2) in the hiPSCs. These two hiPSC lines were independently developed into hROs through a stepwise differentiation. The hiPSC-RB1m1/m2 derived organoids demonstrated tumorigenesis in dishes, consistent with Rb profiles in spatiotemporal transcriptomes, in which developmentally photoreceptor fate-determining markers, CRX and OTX2, were highly expressed in hiPSC-RB1m1/m2 derived hROs. Additionally, ARR3+ maturing cone precursors were co-labeled with proliferative markers Ki67 or PCNA, in agreement with the consensus that human Rb is originated from maturing cone precursors. Finally, we demonstrated that retinal cells of hROs with monoallelic RB1 mutation were abnormal in molecular aspects due to its haploinsufficiency. In conclusion, this study provides straightforward supporting evidence in a way of reverse genetics for “two-hit hypothesis” in the Rb tumorigenesis and opens new avenues for development of early intervention and treatment of Rb.
Role of Multiparametric Intestinal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Response to Biologic Therapy in Adults with Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is one of the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. Current medical therapies are based on the use of glucocorticoids, exclusive enteral nutrition, immunosuppressors such as azathioprine and methotrexate, and biological agents such as infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab. International guidelines suggest regular disease assessment and surveillance through objective instruments to adjust and personalize the therapy, reducing the overall rates of hospitalization and surgery. Although endoscopy represents the gold-standard for surveillance, its frequent use is strongly bordered by associated risks and costs. Consequently, alternative non-invasive tools to objectify disease activity and rule active inflammation out are emerging. Alongside laboratory exams and computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography, intestinal ultrasonography (IUS) shows to be a valid choice to assess transmural inflammation and to detect transmural healing, defined as bowel wall thickness normalization, no hypervascularization, normal stratification, and no creeping fat. Compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography, CT scan, IUS is cheaper and more widespread, with very similar accuracy. Furthermore, share wave elastography, color Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) succeed in amplifying the capacity to determine the disease location, disease activity, and complications. This review aimed to discuss the role of standard and novel ultrasound techniques such as CEUS, SICUS, or share wave elastography in adults with Crohn’s disease, mainly for therapeutic monitoring and follow-up.
Relationships Between the Eastward Propagation of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation and Its Circulation Structure

The circulation associated with convection of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) has been suggested to have an impact on its propagation by a number of previous studies. This circulation contains both flanking Rossby waves to the rear and a Kelvin wave leading the convective center. In this study, individual MJO convective envelopes from a 40‐year database are tracked, a technique to scale the MJO by its zonal wavelength is employed, and statistical methods are used to assess how the MJO circulation pattern might impact its eastward propagation downstream. Results suggest that continuous eastward propagation of the MJO is favored when a strong Kelvin wave circulation is present east of MJO convection, indicated by both an easterly zonal wind anomaly and negative geopotential height anomaly. In addition to the known significance of having Kelvin wave easterly wind anomalies, the results of this study highlight that the existence of negative geopotential height is important to supporting moistening and MJO propagation. It is found that importance of the Kelvin wave signal to MJO propagation depends on the region that the MJO is located over. Kelvin wave circulation east of MJO convection enhances moistening to support continuous eastward propagation of the MJO, mainly through meridional moisture advection due to the coupling between the Kelvin wave and Rossby‐like disturbances east of the active convection. The roles of boundary layer convergence and vertical moistening are also discussed.
Genomic Organization of Microsatellites and LINE-1-like Retrotransposons: Evolutionary Implications for Ctenomys minutus (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) Cytotypes

Simple Summary In animals, several species contain substantial chromosomal and genomic variation among their populations, but as to what could have driven such diversification is still a puzzle for most cases. Here, we used molecular cytogenetic analysis to expose the main genomic elements involved in the population variation observed in the Neotropical underground rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae), which harbor the most significant chromosomal variation among mammals (2n = 10 to 2n = 70). These data provide evidence for a correlation between repetitive genomic content and localization of evolutionary breakpoint regions (EBRs) and highlight their direct impact in promoting chromosomal rearrangements. Abstract The Neotropical underground rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) comprise about 65 species, which harbor the most significant chromosomal variation among mammals (2n = 10 to 2n = 70). Among them, C. minutus stands out with 45 different cytotypes already identified, among which, seven parental ones, named A to G, are parapatrically distributed in the coastal plains of Southern Brazil. Looking for possible causes that led to such extensive karyotype diversification, we performed chromosomal mapping of different repetitive DNAs, including microsatellites and long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) retrotransposons in the seven parental cytotypes. Although microsatellites were found mainly in the centromeric and telomeric regions of the chromosomes, different patterns occur for each cytotype, thus revealing specific features. Likewise, the LINE-1-like retrotransposons also showed a differential distribution for each cytotype, which may be linked to stochastic loss of LINE-1 in some populations. Here, microsatellite motifs (A)30, (C)30, (CA)15, (CAC)10, (CAG)10, (CGG)10, (GA)15, and (GAG)10 could be mapped to fusion of chromosomes 20/17, fission and inversion in the short arm of chromosome 2, fusion of chromosomes 23/19, and different combinations of centric and tandem fusions of chromosomes 22/24/16. These data provide evidence for a correlation between repetitive genomic content and localization of evolutionary breakpoints and highlight their direct impact in promoting chromosomal rearrangements.
Value patterns of entrepreneurs in Europe: does the legacy of the transition still matter?

Abstract The article examines the values of individual entrepreneurs in the European context. From among the various available value theories, it applies Shalom H. Schwartz’s framework of Basic Human Values. Schwartz distinguishes 10 values that are dynamically interrelated with each other along several shared dimensions. Two main dimensions (self-centered and collective) and four categories (openness to change, self-enhancement, conservation, self-transcendence) of values can thus be distinguished. The empirical part of the study starts with a cluster analysis to differentiate entrepreneurial groups according to the relative importance of self-centered values, before turning to values with collective connotations in order to draw more comprehensive profiles of the identified clusters. One of the main findings of this study is that more than two-thirds of Eastern European entrepreneurs cannot be characterized by normatively framed entrepreneurial value preferences—they are actually entrepreneurs without entrepreneurship.
Validation of community models: Identifying events in space weather model timelines

I develop and document a set of procedures which test the quality of predictions of solar wind speed and polarity of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) made by coupled models of the ambient solar corona and heliosphere. The Wang‐Sheeley‐Arge (WSA) model is used to illustrate the application of these validation procedures. I present an algorithm which detects transitions of the solar wind from slow to high speed. I also present an algorithm which processes the measured polarity of the outward directed component of the IMF. This removes high‐frequency variations to expose the longer‐scale changes that reflect IMF sector changes. I apply these algorithms to WSA model predictions made using a small set of photospheric synoptic magnetograms obtained by the Global Oscillation Network Group as input to the model. The results of this preliminary validation of the WSA model (version 1.6) are summarized.
Deep reinforcement learning based joint partial computation offloading and resource allocation in mobility-aware MEC system

Mobile edge computing (MEC) emerges as a paradigm to free mobile devices (MDs) from increasingly dense computing workloads in 6G networks. The quality of computing experience can be greatly improved by offloading computing tasks from MDs to MEC servers. Renewable energy harvested by energy harvesting equipments (EHQs) is considered as a promising power supply for users to process and offload tasks. In this paper, we apply the uniform mobility model of MDs to derive a more realistic wireless channel model in a multi-user MEC system with batteries as EHQs to harvest and storage energy. We investigate an optimization problem of the weighted sum of delay cost and energy cost of MDs in the MEC system. We propose an effective joint partial computation offloading and resource allocation (CORA) algorithm which is based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to obtain the optimal scheduling without prior knowledge of task arrival, renewable energy arrival as well as channel condition. The simulation results verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, which undoubtedly minimizes the cost of MDs compared with other benchmarks.
Forking From the Future: How an Interorganizational Network Learned Its Way to New Software Business

Technological disruptions call for new capabilities beyond the reach of a single firm. How does a large interorganizational network learn its way to new Cloud software business while leveraging forking—that is, copying and branching of code common to software development? Such forking promotes commitment and innovation but may compromise joint learning in the network required for developing new capabilities under technological disruption. Elaborating a seminal learning theory in an interorganizational network context, we demonstrate how forking was about to sacrifice long-term aspirations to short-term interests early on. We contribute a new type of forking—forking from the future—and describe how this type of forking harnesses future aspirations and builds collaborative capabilities in the network while reducing tendencies for shortsightedness. Forking from the future consists of the introduction of external perspectives, the implementation of new rules, the use of integrative tools, and generally accelerating collaboration among the network participants from the future back (not from the present forward). As software becomes increasingly important across industries, forking from the future becomes foundational for future competitiveness.
Identification of an immune‐related gene signature as a prognostic target and the immune microenvironment for adrenocortical carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy. Even with complete tumor resection and adjuvant therapies, the prognosis of patients with ACC remains unsatisfactory. In the microtumor environment, the impact of a disordered immune system and abnormal immune responses is enormous. To improve treatment, novel prognostic predictors and treatment targets for ACC need to be identified. Hence, credible prognostic biomarkers of immune‐associated genes (IRGs) should be explored and developed.
Birdshot Chorioretinopathy: A Review

Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR) is a bilateral chronic inflammation of the eye with no extraocular manifestations. BSCR affects middle-aged individuals from European descent and is strongly associated with the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A29 allele. The immune mechanisms involved are not fully understood, but recent advances have shown the role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) in disease pathogenesis. Multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography, are useful in confirming the diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. Visual field testing is also important to assess the disease progression. To date, there is no consensus for optimal treatment regimen and duration. Local and systemic corticosteroids can be used for short periods, but immunosuppressive or biological therapies are usually needed for the long-term management of the disease. Here, we will review publications focused on birdshot chorioretinopathy to give an update on the pathophysiology, the multimodal imaging, and the treatment of the disease.
Radio Imaging of SN 1993J: The Story Continues

We present the most recent VLBI images of SN 1993J, taken at 1.7 GHz on 2010 March 5-6, along with a discussion of its evolution with time. The new image is the latest in a sequence covering almost the entire lifetime of the supernova. For these latest observations we used an "in beam calibrator" technique, and obtained a background rms brightness of 3.7 micro-Jy/beam. The supernova shell remains quite circular in outline. Modulations in brightness are seen around the rim which evolve relatively slowly, having remained generally similar over the last several years of observation. We determine the outer radius of the supernova using visibility-plane model-fitting. The supernova has slowed down to around 30% of its original expansion velocity, and continues to expand with radius approximately proportional to t^0.8, however, deviations from a strict power-law evolution are seen. We do not find any clear-cut evidence for systematically frequency-dependent evolution, suggesting that the radii as determined from visibility-plane model-fitting continue to provide reasonable estimates of the physical outer shock-front radius.
A Study of the Audio-frequency Radio Phenomenon known as

The main characteristics of dawn chorus, as observed at Wellington, New Zealand, between July 1955 and October 1956, are presented. These are: no general correlation with whistlers; a strong correlation with simultaneous local magnetic variations; a pronounced diurnal variation in activity, with the peak occurring near 0400 hr local time; and possibly a weak seasonal variation in activity.
Influence of Good Death Perception, Moral Anguish, and End-of-life Care Attitude on End-of-life Care Performance of General Hospital Health Managers

This study attempted to identify the influence of good death perception, moral anguish, and End-of-life (EOL) care attitudes on the End-of-life (EOL) care performance of General Hospital Health Managers (GHHMs). This study was a quantitative and descriptive survey. The respondents of this study were 156 GHHMs working in three general hospitals with 300 beds or more and one general hospital with 100 beds or more in one of the cities in South Korea. The survey data were obtained from September 20 to October 20, 2021, and a total of 156 responses were analyzed by multiple linear regression using IBM SPSS/WIN 24.0 program. Results of the study revealed that it can be said that the higher the good death perception and the higher the moral anguish, the better the EOL care performance. The total explanatory power was 23.4%, and good death perception and moral distress explained EOL care performance by 23.4%. Furthermore, the general hospital managers' good health perception, moral anguish improved the performance and work satisfaction among nurses. It was necessary to implement a systematic EOL care education program to facilitate quality EOL care. Communication problems and lack of time are obstacles to EOL care performance, so hospital managers and the head of the nursing department provide communication-related education to EOL care GHHMs and allocate appropriate manpower so that GHHMs can actively and efficiently perform EOL care. It can be said that the higher the good death perception, the higher the moral anguish, and the higher the degree of EOL care performance. This study was meaningful in revealing good death perception, and moral agony in clinical practice have a significant effect on EOL care performance.
Morphological, physiological features and differences of Vriesea splendens ’Fire’ plants during in vitro multiplication and rooting

During in vitro multiplication and rooting of Vriesea splendens ’Fire’, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg l-1 benzyladenine (BAP), benzyladenine-riboside (BAPR), kinetin (KIN), meta-topoline (MT), indole-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA) were added to basal Murashige and Skoog (1962) MS medium. As compared to the hormone-free control, plants developed significantly more shoots on medium supplemented with almost all cytokinins (excepting KIN), especially BAP resulted the highest multiplication up to almost 26 shoots. Enhancement of cytokinin concentrations increased shoot number (and in case of BAP, peroxidase activity) but decreased plant height and rooting parameters. Regarding root production, both auxins were definitely beneficial (0.2 mg l-1 NAA resulted more than 7.5 roots and higher auxin concentrations efficiently stimulate root elongation); however, KIN had similar effects. After a three-month duration time of acclimatization, we observed that plants which were previously cultured on medium containing certain cytokinins (KIN in all doses and 0.1 mg l-1 MT) or both auxins had greater survival, moreover, as negative after-effect, higher cytokinin concentrations reduced the number of survived specimens.
The Effect of Social Cognitive Interaction Training on Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparison with Conventional Treatment

Background Existing antipsychotic medications may alleviate the majority of patients' symptoms, but they have no discernible impact on improving social function and quality of life. Psychotherapy is required for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, contemporary psychotherapy technology intervention techniques are limited to a single intervention, and there is a lack of holistic and complete intervention approaches. Social cognition and interaction training is a comprehensive therapy strategy that has been employed in clinical practice; however, the therapeutic efficacy has been inconsistently reported. As a result, we included controlled clinical trials for meta-analysis in order to carefully assess the efficacy of this therapy. Methods This meta-analysis searched all RCT literatures related to social cognitive interaction training (SCIT) published before April 2022 and assessed the effect of this method in the treatment of schizophrenia. The data in the literatures were combined, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to predict the negative symptom score, positive symptom score, PANSS score, and social function score of the patients after treatment. Results 14 RCT studies including 1167 inpatients with schizophrenia were included in this study using a retrospective observational study method, including 590 patients treated with SCIT and 577 patients treated with treatment as usual (TAU). The pooled analysis showed that patients after SCIT had lower negative symptom scores (SMD = −1.66, 95% CI (-2.32, -1.00), P < 0.0001), lower positive symptom scores (MD = −4.03, 95% CI (-7.69, -0.36), P = 0.03), lower PANSS total scores (MD = −6.33, 95% CI (-12.43, -0.23), P = 0.02), and higher social functioning scores (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI (0.34, 1.20), P < 0.001) than those after TAU. Conclusion Our findings support that SCIT is helpful to improve the relief of symptoms and the improvement of social function in patients with schizophrenia, providing a basis for the application of SCIT in hospitalized patients and community patients, and can guide the treatment and intervention of patients with schizophrenia.
Doing the Waltz with Light

Light with orbital angular momentum can be compared to a bundle of spaghetti held together firmly and twisted in the middle. Such optical spiral waves have numerous applications. For example, they can be used to selectively sort particles with optical tweezers. In microscopy, they enable edge enhancement, and in quantum cryptography, spiral waves allow for more information to be entangled.