Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tethering Fat: Tethers in Lipid Droplet Contact Sites

Lipid droplets (LDs) are central hubs in cellular lipid handling. They serve as lipid storage organelles and are involved in neutral lipid biosynthesis and breakdown as well as in the production of phospholipids and sterols. For communication with other organelles, LDs are heavily engaged in contact sites. The molecular basis of these structures is formed by proteins or protein complexes termed tethers, which attach partner organelles to the surface of LDs. Here, we describe the structural and functional characteristics of recently identified LD tethers. Intriguingly, these LD tethers have additional features, such as the structural capacity to form tri-organellar contacts, domains specialized for interorganellar bulk lipid transfer, and connections to specific lipid metabolism enzymes, which might collectively contribute to the key role of LDs in cellular lipid flux.
The linearized alternating direction method of multipliers for low-rank and fused LASSO matrix regression model

Abstract Datasets with matrix and vector form are increasingly popular in modern scientific fields. Based on structures of datasets, matrix and vector coefficients need to be estimated. At present, the matrix regression models were proposed, and they mainly focused on the matrix without vector variables. In order to fully explore complex structures of datasets, we propose a novel matrix regression model which combines fused LASSO and nuclear norm penalty, which can deal with the data containing matrix and vector variables meanwhile. Our main work is to design an efficient algorithm to solve the proposed low-rank and fused LASSO matrix regression model. Following the existing idea, we design the linearized alternating direction method of multipliers and establish its global convergence. Finally, we carry out numerical experiments to demonstrate the efficiency of our method. Especially, we apply our model to two real datasets, i.e. the signal shapes and the trip time prediction from partial trajectories.
Dual therapy with lopinavir/ritonavir plus lamivudine could be a viable alternative for antiretroviral-therapy-naive adults with HIV-1 infection regardless of HIV viral load or subgenotype in resource-limited settings: A randomised, open-label and non-inferiority study from China

Backgrounds: This randomised controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial was conducted in antiretroviral-naïve HIV-1-infected patients to assess the efficacy and safety of 48-week dual therapy of LPV/r plus 3TC (DT group) compared with Chinese first-line triple-therapy regimen (TT group). Methods: 198 were randomised to DT (n = 100) or TT (n = 98). Results: Ninety-two DT patients (92%) and 88 TT patients (89.8%) achieved HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml at week 48 (P = 0.629). Moreover, the safety profile was similar between two groups, and no secondary HIV resistance was observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that dual therapy of LPV/r plus 3TC is non-inferior to the first-line triple-therapy regimen in China.
Phylogenetic revision of Agapophytinae subf.n. (Diptera: Therevidae) based on molecular and morphological evidence

Agapophytinae subf.n. is a highly diverse lineage of Australasian Therevidae, comprising eight described and two new genera: Agapophytus Guérin‐Méneville, Acupalpa Kröber, Acraspisa Kröber, Belonalys Kröber, Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg, Parapsilocephala Kröber, Acatopygia Kröber, Laxotela Winterton & Irwin, Pipinnipons gen.n. and Patanothrix gen.n. A genus‐level cladistic analysis of the subfamily was undertaken using sixty‐eight adult morphological characters and c. 1000 base pairs of the elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α) protein coding gene. The morphological data partition produced three most parsimonious cladograms, whereas the molecular data partition gave a single most parsimonious cladogram, which did not match any of the cladograms found in the morphological analysis. The level of congruence between the data partitions was determined using the partition homogeneity test (HTF) and Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Despite being significantly incongruent in at least one of the incongruence tests, the partitions were combined in a simultaneous analysis. The combined data yielded a single cladogram that was better supported than that of the individual partitions analysed separately. The relative contributions of the data partitions to support for individual nodes on the combined cladogram were investigated using Partitioned Bremer Support. The level of support for many nodes on the combined cladogram was non‐additive and often greater than the sum of support for the respective nodes on individual partitions. This synergistic interaction between incongruent data partitions indicates a common phylogenetic signal in both partitions. It also suggests that criteria for partition combination based solely on incongruence may be misleading. The phylogenetic relationships of the genera are discussed using the combined data. A key to genera of Agapophytinae is presented, with genera diagnosed and figured. Two new genera are described: Patanothrix with a new species (Pat. skevingtoni) and Pat. wilsoni (Mann) transferred from Parapsilocephala, and Pipinnipons with a new species (Pip. kroeberi). Pipinnipons fascipennis (Kröber) is transferred from Squamopygia Kröber and Pip. imitans (Mann) is transferred from Agapophytus. Agapophytus bicolor (Kröber) is transferred from Parapsilocephala. Agapophytus varipennis Mann is synonymised with Aga. queenslandi Kröber and Aga. flavicornis Mann is synonymised with Aga. pallidicornis (Kröber).
Determinants of infant mortality in rural India: An ecological study

Background: Long-term reductions in infant mortality (IM) are possible only by addressing the distal determinants. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between IM and its major distal determinants in rural India. Methods: The dependent variable used in the study was state wise IM rate (IMR), the values of which were obtained from the Sample Registration System, 2015. State level literacy rate in females, unemployment rates of females, GINI index, and round-the-clock neonatal services in primary health centers in the rural areas and the per capita gross state domestic product at purchasing power parity (GSDP at PPP) of the states, were used as the predictor variables for IM. Relationship between the variables was obtained by the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Bivariate and multivariable linear regressions were used to identify the magnitude and direction of the predictors on IM. Results: Correlation statistics showed none or weak positive correlation between the Gini coefficient and 24 × 7 primary health-care services and IMR. There was a strong negative correlation between female literacy rate and IMR, while the unemployment rates and per capita gross state domestic product (GSDP) were moderately negatively correlated to IMR. Bivariate analysis revealed that, for unit increase in unemployment rates in females, proportion of literate women, and 1000$ increase in the GSDP at current prices, IMR decreased by 0.07, 0.763, and 1.702, respectively. However, after adjustment, only the female literacy rates showed significant association with IMR. Conclusions: Of the major determinants included in the study, rural female literacy is the most important distal determinant of IM in rural areas of India.
Ultra-Compact Reconfigurable Band Reject UWB MIMO Antenna with Four Radiators

A compact reconfigurable UWB MIMO antenna with four radiators that accomplish on-demand band rejection from 4.9 to 6.3 GHz is presented. An LC stub is connected to the ground plane by activating the PIN diode for each radiator. Two radiators are placed perpendicular to each other to exploit the polarization diversity on a compact 25 × 50 mm 2 FR4 laminate. Two additional radiators are then fixed obliquely on the same laminate (without increasing size) in angular configuration at ±45 ∘ perpendicular to the first two planar radiators still exploiting polarization diversity. The design is validated by prototyping and comparing the results with the simulated ones. On demand band rejection through the use of PIN diodes, wide impedance matching (2–12 GHz), high isolation amongst the radiators, compactness achieved by angular placement of the radiators, low gain variation over the entire bandwidth, band rejection control achieved by adjusting the gap between stub and ground plane, and low TARC values makes the proposed design very suitable for commercial handheld devices (i.e., Huawei E5785 and Netgear 815S housings). The proposed configuration of the UWB MIMO radiators has been investigated first time as per authors’ knowledge.
How probiotics face food stress: They get by with a little help

Abstract The dietary consumption of probiotics in the form of pharmaceuticals or functional food can improve human health and contribute to disease prevention. However, the biological activity and health potential of food-delivered probiotics can be severely compromised by the stress conditions encountered by the microorganisms throughout the manufacture process, from probiotic preparation to their inclusion into food, subsequent storage and ingestion. Here, we give an account of the stress factors that can have major negative impacts on probiotic viability and functionality, with a focus on food-related environmental adverse conditions. We also describe some of the mechanisms elicited by the microbial cells to counteract these stresses and summarize a few relevant approaches proposed in literature to develop more robust and competitive probiotics by enhancing their stress tolerance, with the aim to improve the efficacy and health value of probiotic functional food.
Emerging precarity among international students in Singapore: experiences, understandings and responses

ABSTRACT In this paper, I explore precarity as experienced by international students studying in the honours college of a public university in the city–state of Singapore. Precarity for this group emanates from the intersection of their temporary migrant status, the country’s changing immigration and economic development policies and public opinion about international students in the country. Through interviews and focus group discussions, I examine the life trajectories and aspirations of this group, how they cope with precarity and the strategies they used to minimise their perceived precariousness. I use the term ‘emerging precarity’ to underscore the temporal nature of students’ precarity that arises as they are about to graduate. At this juncture, precarity is heightened by the removal of resources, the ending of their visa status as students and changing policies regarding their ability to stay on and work in the country after earning a degree. Students in this study found ways to counter the effects of precarity and underscore their potential as future workers, long-term residents and possibly future citizens by building their store of human capital and asserting that their understanding of Singaporean values and cultures made them ‘locals’, on par with the native-born in the workplace.
A randomized split mouth study for comparison of clinical success rate of GIOMER based sealant and conventional fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealant in first permanent molars

Objective: To compare and assess the application time, retention, marginal staining, development of carious lesion and plaque accumulation of GIOMER based pit and fissure sealants with conventional fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealant in first permanent molars. Study Design: Fifty children in the age range of 6-9 years, following acceptable home dental care, had participated in the study. A randomized split-mouth design was used in which two fissure sealants (Helioseal F and Beautisealant) were randomly placed in 50 harmonizing contralateral duo of permanent first molars. Sealants were gauged by a single skilled and calibrated examiner using mouth mirrors and probes following the USPHS criteria at 3-, 6- and 12-months follow up. Results: Mean application time for Beautisealant was significantly less i.e. 155.39 seconds than that of Helioseal F i.e. 260.91 seconds. The retention rates at 3, 6 and 12 months for Helioseal F was 80.4%, 76.1% and 60.9% and for Beautisealant was 71.7%, 65.2% and 47.8% respectively. Conclusion: Application time of Beautisealant was significantly less than Helioseal F, but Helioseal F demonstrates better retention rate, while both material displayed similarresults for marginal staining, development of carious lesion and plaque accumulation. Keywords: Pit and fissure sealants, Retention, Giomer.
Temporal associations in fig–wasp–ant interactions: diel and phenological patterns

In a complex multitrophic plant–animal interaction system in which there are direct and indirect interactions between species, comprehending the dynamics of these multiple partners is very important for an understanding of how the system is structured. We investigated the plant Ficus racemosa L. (Moraceae) and its community of obligatory mutualistic and parasitic fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) that develop within the fig inflorescence or syconium, as well as their interaction with opportunistic ants. We focused on temporal resource partitioning among members of the fig wasp community over the development cycle of the fig syconia during which wasp oviposition and development occur and we studied the activity rhythm of the ants associated with this community. We found that the seven members of the wasp community partitioned their oviposition across fig syconium development phenology and showed interspecific variation in activity across the day–night cycle. The wasps presented a distinct sequence in their arrival at fig syconia for oviposition, with the parasitoid wasps following the galling wasps. Although fig wasps are known to be largely diurnal, we documented night oviposition in several fig wasp species for the first time. Ant activity on the fig syconia was correlated with wasp activity and was dependent on whether the ants were predatory or trophobiont‐tending species; only numbers of predatory ants increased during peak arrivals of the wasps.
Do certificate of need regulations impact total shoulder arthroplasty volumes and associated complication rates?

ABSTRACT Objectives: Certificates of Need (CON) laws were introduced to improve resource utilization and reduce unnecessary health-care expansion. While many states have repealed their use, the debate continues as to their efficacy in achieving these goals. As such, we asked: 1) Are there differences in TSA incidence in CON/non-CON states? 2) Are there differences in procedural charges or reimbursement between CON/non-CON states? 3) Are there differences in the proportion of cases treated in high-, mid- or low-volume facilities between groups? 4) Are there differences in complications and length-of-stay (LOS) between high-volume and low-volume facilities? Methods: The 100% Medicare Standard Analytic files were queried for all TSA between 2005 and 2013, with minimum 1-year follow-up. Publically available data was used to identify states that upheld or repealed CON regulations, and comparisons were subsequently made between groups for normalized incidence of TSA per year and procedural charges and reimbursement rates. Comparisons were then made regarding the distribution of high-, mid- and low volume facilities, post-operative complication rates, and length-of-stay (LOS) between the different volume centers. Results: 167,288 patients undergoing TSA were identified. Normalized rates of TSA increased in both groups. Non-CON states had higher per-patient reimbursement, but paradoxically lower reimbursement rates compared with CON states. CON regulations lead to a greater proportion of procedures being performed in high-volume facilities compared with non-CON (p = 0.002). Finally, 30-day and 1-year complications, and length-of-stay, were significantly lower in high-volume facilities versus low-volume facilities (p ≤ 0.016). Conclusions: Where upheld, CON regulations contributed to a notable increase in the percentage of procedures performed in high-volume facilities, which in turn lead to a significant reduction in post-operative complications and LOS. Further study is necessary to definitely establish this relationship and the utility of CON regulations for the delivery of TSA care, particularly as it relates to clinical outcomes.
Are cannabis users less likely to gain weight? Results from a national 3-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND Pre-clinical studies indicate increased food intake and weight gain as cannabinoid effects. Cross-sectional epidemiological studies, however, indicate lower prevalence of obesity among cannabis users. Here, we aim to study the weight-gain research question in the prospectively conducted National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). METHODS NESARC was designed to produce nationally representative estimates for the US population. Participants (aged 18+) completed computer-assisted personal interviews on cannabis use, body weight and height at Waves 1 (W1, 2001-02) and 2 (W2, 2004-05). General linear modelling yields estimates for change in body mass index (BMI) regressed on cannabis-use status, with covariate adjustment based on a conceptual model for BMI determinants (n = 33 000). RESULTS At W2, 77% of the participants never used cannabis, 18% had discontinued use ('quit'), 3% were initiates and 2% were persistent users. Estimated W1-to-W2 BMI change shows an increase for all subgroups. Compared with never-users (reference), inverse slope estimates and attenuated change (%) in BMI between W1 and W2 are seen for cannabis-use subgroups: quitters [β = -0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.01, -0.60], initiates (β = -0.97; 95% CI = -1.36, -0.57) and persistent users (β = -1.26; 95% CI = -1.81, -0.72). CONCLUSION This new prospective study builds from anecdotes, pre-clinical studies and cross-sectional evidence on inverse associations linking cannabis use and obesity and shows an inverse cannabis-BMI increase association. Confirmatory studies with rigorous cannabis and BMI assays will be needed.
Association of Daily Aspirin Therapy With Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Importance Antiviral therapy cannot erase hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in patients with chronic hepatitis B, and it is not indicated for most hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. Another effective way of reducing HCC risk needs to be developed. Aspirin may prevent cancer development, but clinical evidence in patients with HBV-related HCC remains limited. Objective To investigate the association of daily aspirin therapy with HBV-related HCC risk. Design, Setting, and Participants In this Taiwan nationwide cohort study, we screened 204 507 patients with chronic hepatitis B for the period January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2012. After excluding patients with confounding conditions, 2123 patients who continuously received daily aspirin for 90 or more days (treated group) were randomly matched 1:4 with 8492 patients who had never received antiplatelet therapy (untreated group) by means of propensity scores, consisting of the follow-up index date, baseline characteristics, and potentially chemopreventive drug use during follow-up. Data were analyzed from August 1 to November 30, 2018. Exposures Daily aspirin therapy during the study period. Main Outcomes and Measures Both cumulative incidence of and hazard ratios (HRs) for HCC development were analyzed after adjusting patient mortality as a competing risk event. Results Of the 10 615 patients included in the analysis, 7690 (72.4%) were men; mean (SD) age was 58.8 (11.8) years. The cumulative incidence of HCC in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the untreated group in 5 years (5.20%; 95% CI, 4.11%-6.29% vs 7.87%; 95% CI, 7.15%-8.60%; P < .001). In the multivariable regression analysis, aspirin therapy was independently associated with a reduced HCC risk (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58-0.86; P < .001). Sensitivity subgroup analyses also verified this association (all HRs <1.0). In addition, older age (HR, 1.01 per year; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), male sex (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.43-2.14), and cirrhosis (HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 2.45-3.40) were independently associated with an increased HCC risk, but nucleos(t)ide analogue (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.71) or statin (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.90) use was correlated with a decreased HCC risk. Conclusions and Relevance Daily aspirin therapy may be associated with a reduced risk of HBV-related HCC.
Exploring the relationship between gamma-band activity and maths anxiety

ABSTRACT Previous research has outlined high anxiety in connection with gamma modulation, identifying that gamma-band activity (40–100 Hz) correlates with processing of threat perception, attention and anxiety. Maths anxiety research has also noted the involvement of these aspects, yet this has not been investigated from a neurophysiological standpoint. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to research gamma-band activity in relation to maths anxiety over two studies. The first measured gamma differences during the processing of complex addition and multiplication stimuli. Results identified differences between high and low maths anxious individuals; significantly greater gamma power was observed in those with high maths anxiety than those with low maths anxiety. As a control condition was not used, the second study replicated the design, but also applied a non-numerical control condition amongst the other stimuli sets. This showed significantly greater gamma activity in high maths anxious individuals across numerical conditions, but not in the non-numerical condition. High maths anxious individuals likely show attentional bias and threat perception to numerical-based stimuli, as indexed by gamma power. This study provides the first evidence of greater gamma-band activity in high maths anxious individuals and serves as a foundation for the exploration of gamma activity in high maths anxious individuals.
Evaluating textbooks for primary grade reading instruction: A usable heuristic for L1 education

Across a large number of countries, reading textbooks is widely used in primary grade reading instruction. In Denmark, a quantitative study has shown that one single reading textbook ( The first reading ) strongly dominates the primary grades classrooms. The first reading presents itself as a learning material that co-vers all aspects of reading instruction, and that is based on recent research on primary grade reading. This article presents a set of criteria for the analysis and evaluation of textbooks for primary grades reading instruction, based on an overview of recent research studies on reading instruction showing that a bal- anced approach is the most successful (i.e. a combination of technical and meaning-oriented elements). The criteria are exemplified by analysing The first reading with the purpose of answering the question of whether it is actually research based as claimed. The analysis shows that the technical elements are sys-tematically supported by The first reading , whereas the meaning-oriented elements are either left out or treated in an overridingly drill-based manner. In conclusion, it is argued that the set of evaluative criteria might constitute a helpful professional tool for teachers in relation to the challenging task of using text- books as part of a balanced reading instruction.