Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Hydrolytic Stability of Poly(lactic acid) Using Novel Stabilizer Combinations

Commercially available poly(lactic acid) exhibits poor hydrolytic stability, which makes it impossible for use in durable applications. Therefore, a novel hydrolysis inhibitor based on an aziridine derivative as well as a novel stabilizer composition, containing an aziridine derivative and an acid scavenger, were investigated to improve the hydrolytic stability. To evaluate the stabilizing effect, the melt volume rate (MVR) and molecular weight were monitored during an accelerated hydrolytic aging in water at elevated temperatures. Temperatures were selected according to the glass transition temperature (~60 °C) of PLA. It was shown that the novel hydrolysis inhibitor as well as the novel stabilizer composition exhibited excellent performance during hydrolytic aging, exceeding commercially available alternatives, e.g., polymeric carbodiimides. A molecular weight analysis resulted in a molecular weight decrease of only 10% during approximately 850 h and up to 20% after 1200 h of hydrolytic aging, whereas poly(lactic acid) stabilized with a commercial polycarbodiimide revealed comparable molecular weight reductions after only 300 h. Furthermore, the stabilization mechanism of the aziridine derivative alone, as well as in the synergistic combination with the acid scavenger (calcium hydrotalcite), was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition to an improved hydrolytic stability, the thermal properties were also enhanced compared to polymeric carbodiimides.
Southeast Asian Regionalism: An Examination of the Progress and Priorities of ASEAN through its Joint Communiqués

In pursuit of ASEAN’s objective to formalize the ASEAN Community, this article critically examines the community-building progress and the organization’s key priorities. The research is guided by two research problems. First, what are the subjects discussed in each ASEAN community pillar? Second, how are the key issues addressed in relation to each ASEAN community pillar? A thematic analysis of the joint communiqués published by ASEAN from 2004-2019 was conducted to respond to these questions. More specifically, each communiqué was tagged and analyzed, and themes were subsequently derived, enabling a comprehensive examination of each area of the ASEAN community. The article contributes significant insights into the evolving landscape of ASEAN’s cooperation and integration. The findings elucidate on the shifting dynamics and complexities that shape ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural communities, shedding light on the organization’s changing priorities and challenges. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) prioritizes key growth areas, such as tourism, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and energy. For the ASEAN political-security, its focus is on ascertaining continued peace in the region as exemplified by collaboration on non-traditional security issues. Meanwhile, the ASEAN socio-cultural community primarily centers on environmental issues, disaster response and management, and the youth. However, the advancement of the ASEAN community has faced setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Myanmar coup d’état. Overall, the joint communiqués manifests the different initiatives that ASEAN has taken to deepen integration and a sense of community.
Design of Interfacial Electrical Tree-Resistant Packaging Insulation Using Grafted Silicone Elastomer Nanocomposites for High-Temperature Power Modules

The interfacial electrical tree (IET) between the packaging insulation and the ceramic substrate is easily initiated by a high electric field around the triple point in the power modules, and the IET resistance is not considered in the current packaging insulation design. This article proposes a low-content POSS-grafted silicone elastomer nanocomposite to hinder the IET growth, and its electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties are tested. The IET patterns and the accompanying partial discharge (PD) characteristics are also investigated in the lateral and vertical packaging modules at low and high temperatures. The IET in the packaging modules appears at a much lower voltage than their breakdown voltage and takes longer until the ultimate breakdown of the modules. Besides, the IET is initiated at a lower voltage and grows faster at higher temperatures. The grafted nanocomposite packaging insulation inhibits the IET growth and decreases the IET breakdown probability by its reduced charge carrier mobility and enhanced molecular interaction. The mechanisms of inhibited charge transport on the enhanced electrical properties and hindered IET growth are revealed. Combined with the quantum chemical calculations, bipolar charge transport, and IET phase-field simulations, the design criteria and procedure for high-temperature IET-resistant packaging insulation are proposed.
Chrono-optimization of influenza vaccine administration: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background There is growing evidence that the strength of vaccine responses depends on the time of day of vaccine administration. This systematic review provides an overview of the literature regarding the effect of the timing of influenza vaccination on the vaccine response. To estimate the extent of this effect, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which antigen-specific antibody titers were monitored following either morning or afternoon administration of the influenza vaccine. Methods and results A systematic literature search identified five relevant studies that reported antigen-specific titers against multiple influenza vaccine strains after both morning and afternoon vaccination. Four of the five studies reported higher antibody titers for at least one vaccine strain following morning vaccination. Two RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, each of which reported the response to three vaccine strains, resulting in a total of six responses. The meta-analysis revealed that morning vaccination elicited a stronger antibody response than afternoon vaccination, with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.24 (95% CI=0.01 - 0.47). The between-study heterogeneity (I2=66%) was mainly due to the significantly greater effect of morning vaccination among adults aged 65 years or older than among adults aged 60 years or younger (SMD=0.32, 95% CI=0.21 - 0.43 versus SMD=0.00, 95% CI=-0.16 - 0.16, respectively). Conclusion Influenza vaccinations administered in the morning induced a stronger antibody response in adults aged 65 years or older, who represent a major target group for influenza vaccination programs. Therefore, chrono-optimization of influenza vaccination could offer a safe and simple strategy for enhancing vaccine effectiveness. The paucity of relevant studies suggests that accounting for the time of vaccine administration in future vaccination trials could provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of chrono-optimization strategies.
Brain eQTLs of European, African American, and Asian ancestry improve interpretation of schizophrenia GWAS

Research on brain expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) has illuminated the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia (SCZ). Yet, the majority of these studies have been centered on European populations, leading to a constrained understanding of population diversities and disease risks. To address this gap, we examined genotype and RNA-seq data from African Americans (AA, n=158), Europeans (EUR, n=408), and East Asians (EAS, n=217). When comparing eQTLs between EUR and non-EUR populations, we observed concordant patterns of genetic regulation effect, particularly in terms of the effect size of eQTLs. However, 343,737 cis-eQTLs (representing ~17% of all eQTLs pairs) linked to 1,276 genes (about 10% of all eGenes) and 198,769 SNPs (approximately 16% of all eSNPs) were distinctively identified in the non-EUR populations. Over 90% of population differences of eQTLs could be traced back to differences in allele frequency. Furthermore, 35% of these eSNPs were notably rare (MAF < 0.05) in the EUR population. Focus on integrating brain eQTLs with SCZ signals from diverse populations, we noted a higher disease heritability enrichment of brain eQTLs in matched populations compared to mismatched ones. Prioritization analysis identified seven new risk genes (SFXN2, RP11-282018.3, CYP17A1, VPS37B, DENR, FTCDNL1, and NT5DC2), and three potential novel regulatory variants in known risk genes (CNNM2, C12orf65, and MPHOSPH9) that were missed in the EUR dataset. Our findings underscore that increasing genetic ancestral diversity is more efficient for power improvement than merely increasing the sample size within single-ancestry eQTLs datasets. Such endeavors will not only improve our understanding of the biological meaning of population structures but also pave the way for the identification of novel risk genes in SCZ.
Invasion by Cedrela odorata threatens long distance migration of Galapagos tortoises

Abstract Invasive alien species are among the most pervasive threats to biodiversity. Invasive species can cause catastrophic reductions in populations of native and endemic species and the collapse of ecosystem function. A second major global conservation concern is the extirpation of large‐bodied mobile animals, including long‐distance migrants, which often have keystone ecological roles over extensive spatial extents. Here, we report on a potentially catastrophic synergy between these phenomena that threatens the endemic biota of the Galapagos Archipelago. We used GPS telemetry to track 140 migratory journeys by 25 Western Santa Cruz Island Galapagos tortoises. We plotted the spatial interaction between tortoise migrations and recently established non‐native forest dominated by the invasive tree Cedrela odorata (Cedrela forest). We qualified (a) the proportion of migratory journeys that traversed Cedrela forest, and (b) the probability that this observed pattern occurred by chance. Tortoise migrations were overwhelmingly restricted to small corridors between Cedrela forest blocks, indicating clear avoidance of those blocks. Just eight of 140 migrations traversed extensive Cedrela stands. Tortoises avoid Cedrela forest during their migrations. Further expansion of Cedrela forest threatens long‐distance migration and population viability of critically endangered Galapagos tortoises. Applied research to determine effective management solutions to mitigate Cedrela invasion is a high priority.
Antifungal activity of green-synthesized curcumin-coated silver nanoparticles alone and in combination with fluconazole and itraconazole against Candida and Aspergillus species

Background and Purpose: Regarding the wide-spectrum antimicrobial effects of curcumin and silver, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of green-synthesized curcumin-coated silver nanoparticles (Cur-Ag NPs) against a set of Candida and Aspergillus species. Materials and Methods: Cur-Ag NPs were synthesized by mixing 200 µL of curcumin solution (40 mM) and 15 mL of deionized water. The mixture was stirred for 3-5 min, followed by the addition of 2.5 mL of silver nitrate solution (2.5 mM). The resulting solution was incubated for 3 days. Antifungal susceptibility of 30 fungal isolates of Aspergillus and Candida to fluconazole and itraconazole, as well as the activity of Cur-Ag NPs against the isolates, were determined, both alone and in combination, using broth microdilution according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Cur-Ag NPs demonstrated promising antifungal activity, particularly against Candida species. The geometric mean value of the minimum inhibitory concentration of Cur-Ag NPs was significantly lower than that of fluconazole for all the studied fungi. Similarly, it was lower than those of itraconazole in C. albicans and A. fumigatus. The minimum fungicidal concentrations of Cur-Ag NPs were markedly better than those of fluconazole but still inferior to those of itraconazole. Conclusion: Cur-Ag NPs demonstrated indisputable antifungal activity and great potential that can be harnessed to combat fungal infections, particularly those caused by azole-resistant strains of Aspergillus and Candida.
A global clustering of terrestrial food production systems

Food production is at the heart of global sustainability challenges, with unsustainable practices being a major driver of biodiversity loss, emissions and land degradation. The concept of foodscapes, defined as the characteristics of food production along biophysical and socio-economic gradients, could be a way addressing those challenges. By identifying homologues foodscapes classes possible interventions and leverage points for more sustainable agriculture could be identified. Here we provide a globally consistent approximation of the world’s foodscape classes. We integrate global data on biophysical and socio-economic factors to identify a minimum set of emergent clusters and evaluate their characteristics, vulnerabilities and risks with regards to global change factors. Overall, we find food production globally to be highly concentrated in a few areas. Worryingly, we find particularly intensively cultivated or irrigated foodscape classes to be under considerable climatic and degradation risks. Our work can serve as baseline for global-scale zoning and gap analyses, while also revealing homologous areas for possible agricultural interventions.
The Development of a UK Culturally Adapted and Modified Version of the Person Attuned Musical Interactions Manual: Protocol for a 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study

Background: Previous research has suggested that care home interactions need significant improvements, especially those between staff and residents with dementia. Reasons for the lack of interactions are staff time pressures and residents’ language impairments. Although residents may experience reduced language abilities, they can continue to communicate through other forms, including nonverbal communication and music. Person Attuned Musical Interactions (PAMI) is a staff training tool that provides staff with music therapy skill-sharing to promote high-quality interactions between staff and residents using nonverbal communication and music. The tool was originally developed in Denmark. To ensure that the tool is appropriate for UK care homes, a team of researchers in the United Kingdom have modified and culturally adapted the tool. Objective: This study aims to investigate the appropriateness of the adapted and modified manual for UK care homes and to explore the impact of PAMI on residents with dementia and care staff. Methods: The project consists of 2 phases, a qualitative field-testing study and a mixed methods evaluation study, which have been developed following the Medical Research Council’s guidelines for complex interventions. Care staff and residents with dementia will be recruited from care homes in Lincolnshire, where the care staff will be trained in the PAMI intervention before implementing the intervention in their daily routines. Fortnightly reflective sessions will be provided throughout the phases to provide supervision and monitoring. The qualitative methods include interviews, reflective session transcripts, diary entries, and resident experience
stelfi: An R package for fitting Hawkes and log‐Gaussian Cox point process models

Abstract Modelling spatial and temporal patterns in ecology is imperative to understand the complex processes inherent in ecological phenomena. Log‐Gaussian Cox processes are a popular choice among ecologists to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of point‐referenced data. In addition, point pattern models where events instigate others nearby (i.e., self‐exciting behaviour) are becoming increasingly popular to infer the contagious nature of events (e.g., animal sightings). While there are existing R packages that facilitate fitting spatiotemporal point processes and, separately, self‐exciting models, none incorporate both. We present an R package, stelfi, that fits spatiotemporal self‐exciting and log‐Gaussian Cox process models using Template Model Builder through a range of custom‐written C++ templates. We illustrate the use of stelfi's functions fitting models to Sasquatch (bigfoot) sightings data within the USA. The structure of these data is typical of many seen in ecology studies. We show, from a temporal Hawkes process to a spatiotemporal self‐exciting model, how the models offered by the package enable additional insights into the temporal and spatial progression of point pattern data. We present extensions to these well‐known models that include spatiotemporal self‐excitation and joint likelihood models, which are better suited to capture the complex mechanisms inherent in many ecological data. The package stelfi offers user‐friendly functionality, is open source, and is available from CRAN. It offers the implementation of complex spatiotemporal point process models in R for applications even beyond the field of ecology.
Determining the drivers of global innovation under COVID-19: An FSQCA approach

During the COVID-19 epidemic, national innovation faced the challenges of high-risk research and development and intensified trade competition. How to allocate resources reasonably to promote national innovation has become a problem that must be solved. Based on the global innovation index (GII) framework, this study analyzes the influence of national innovation input elements (such as human capital resources, infrastructure, business maturity, etc.) on innovation output from the perspective of configuration, combining with the necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (FSQCA). The research results show that:(1) A single innovation input constitutes the necessary condition and serves as a bottleneck for high innovation output;(2) ITT, HCR, IFT, MS and BS are all “multiple concurrent” and form different configurations, namely, two high-innovation and four nonhigh innovation configurations, that drive national innovation governance is characterized by “different roads leading to the same goals. ” (3) As innovation is limited by the income levels of various countries, there are obvious differences in innovation drive paths between high- and low-income countries. Moreover, the configuration of asymmetric relationships with low-innovation output that occurs in high-income countries has unique characteristics. In this study, the influence of the coupling of national innovation input elements on innovation output is explored.
Uncovering receptor-ligand interactions using a high-avidity CRISPR activation screening platform

The majority of clinically approved drugs target proteins that are secreted or cell surface bound. However, further advances in this area have been hindered by the challenging nature of receptor deorphanization, as there are still many secreted and cell-bound proteins with unknown binding partners. Here, we developed an advanced screening platform that combines CRISPR-CAS9 guide–mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) and high-avidity bead-based selection. The CRISPRa platform incorporates serial enrichment and flow cytometry–based monitoring, resulting in substantially improved screening sensitivity for well-known yet weak interactions of the checkpoint inhibitor family. Our approach has successfully revealed that siglec-4 exerts regulatory control over T cell activation through a low affinity trans-interaction with the costimulatory receptor 4-1BB. Our highly efficient screening platform holds great promise for identifying extracellular interactions of uncharacterized receptor-ligand partners, which is essential to develop next-generation therapeutics, including additional immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The invasive legume Lupinus polyphyllus has minor site‐specific impacts on the composition of soil bacterial communities

Abstract Plant invasions can have major impacts on ecosystems, both above‐ and belowground. In particular, invasions by legumes, which often host nitrogen‐fixing symbionts (rhizobia), are known to modify soil bacterial communities. Here, we examined the effect of the invasive herbaceous legume Lupinus polyphyllus on the alpha diversity and community composition of soil bacteria. We also explored the relationships between these bacterial communities and vegetation cover, the cover of other (non‐invasive) legumes, or the number of vascular plants present. For this, we sampled rhizosphere soil and surveyed vegetation from ten paired sites (uninvaded versus invaded more than 10 years ago) in southwestern Finland, and identified bacterial DNA using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The presence of the plant invader and the three vegetation variables considered had no effect on the alpha diversity of soil bacteria in terms of bacterial richness or Shannon and Inverse Simpson diversity indices. However, the composition of soil bacterial communities differed between invaded and uninvaded soils at four out of the ten sites. Interestingly, the relative abundances of the top bacterial families in invaded and uninvaded soils were inconsistent across sites, including for legume‐associated rhizobia in the family Bradyrhizobiaceae. Other factors—such as vegetation cover, legume cover (excluding L. polyphyllus), number of plant species—also explained a small proportion of the variation in bacterial community composition. Our findings indicate that L. polyphyllus has the potential to modify the composition of local soil bacterial community, at least in sites where it has been present for more than a decade.
Novel hormonal therapy versus standard of care—A registry-based comparative effectiveness evaluation for mCRPC-patients

Background This paper presents results from one of the few comparative effectiveness evaluations of novel antiandrogen medications (NHT) against standard of care (SoC) for patients suffering from metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods The design and the analysis are published in a protocol before accessing outcome data. Two groups of patients are balanced on hundreds of important covariates measured before the prostate cancer diagnosis and up to the date of the prescription. While the design yields balance on the observed covariates, one cannot discard the possibility that unobserved confounders are not balanced. The unconfoundedness assumption is assessed by estimating placebo regressions on two health measures, not included in the design but added together with the outcome data after protocol publication. Results We find a substantial (64 percent) increase in mortality for patients prescribed with NHT rather than SoC. However, based on the results from one of the two placebo regressions, we cannot rule out that the difference in mortality may be due to confounding. Using a bounding strategy of the effect, we can, however, rule out that NHT reduces mortality compared to SoC. Under an empirical valid assumption that most mCRPC patients who die suffer from bone metastases, we have a strong indication of increased skeleton-related events in patients if prescribed NHT against SoC. Conclusions Generally, the SoC for this group of patients is docetaxel. Given the substantially higher costs of many of the NHT, the finding of no positive effects from NHT on both mortality and SRE is important. More comparative studies, including studies analysing quality of life outcomes, are thus needed.