Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathogen dependence and inter-individual variability of post-infection reproductive fitness in Drosophila melanogaster

In the experiments reported in this manuscript, we explore the effect of bacterial infections on the reproductive output of Drosophila melanogaster females. Canonical view of host-pathogen interactions supposes two possible outcomes. Because of immune defence being an energy/resource intensive function, an infected female reallocates resources away from reproductive processes and towards immune defence, therefore compromising its reproductive output. Alternatively, faced with impending mortality, an infected female increases its reproductive output to compensate for lost opportunities of future reproduction. We tested if pathogen identity, infection outcome (survival vs. death), and/or time of death determines the reproductive output of females infected with three bacterial pathogens. Our results show that pathogen identity is a reliable predictor of population level response of infected females but does not reliably predict the behaviour of individual females. Additionally, females succumbing to infection exhibit greater variability in reproductive output, compared to both survivors and controls, but this variability is not explained by either the time of death or the identity of the infecting pathogen. Furthermore, survivors of infection have reproductive output similar to control females.
Interpreting the fossil record and the origination of birds

The fossil record is essential for understanding when lineages originate and their pace of diversification. However, numerous taphonomic biases in the fossil record can hinder interpretation, creating discord between palaeontological and phylogenetic estimates of clade origination dates. Here, I use the recently published Bayesian Brownian Bridge method to infer the age of birds using occurrence data from the Paleobiology Database. I also estimate the age of the speciose sub-clade Telluraves to compare age estimates with previous tip-dating analyses of the same group. Analyses of all birds show place the root age approximately 100 Ma, approximately 26 Myr before the oldest fossil occurrences. Increasing the time bin size from 2.5 to 5 Myr produced significantly older and less precise estimates. Divergence estimates for Telluraves were strikingly consistent with tip-dating analyses, placing origination of the group in the latest Cretaceous. Although these dates are consistent with a hypothesis of Mesozoic origination and Cenozoic diversification, significant diversification was estimated before the end-Cretaceous mass extinction suggesting analyses using pooled species counts may produce spurious results. Overall, these analyses provide further evidence to a growing consensus that several major avian lineages survived the end-Cretaceous mass extinction before diversifying into the most speciose extant tetrapod radiation.
A Seamless Mobile Learning and Tension Free Lifestyle by QoS Oriented Mobile Handoff

Today, people use their cell phones not only for making phone calls or sending messages, they use the cell phone for online banking, online shopping, checking Email, viewing video, using social apps like facebook, getting online health and medical information via Internet access while walking down in the street or sitting in the restaurants. This usage of Internet-oriented services via mobile devices makes the human life much easier by saving valuable time and money. Also, most of the school and college students use the mobile phone for learning by viewing educational videos from various video servers. Today video conferencing, online classes are quite common. For achieving these benefits of mobile communication effectively Quality of Service (QoS) with seamless mobility is important. In this paper, we tried to improve the QoS and seamless mobility for enhancing the lifestyle of the people by performing a QoS oriented handoff in widely deployed WLAN. Deployment of IEEE 802.11n wireless local area network (WLAN) is very popular due to quick installation, low cost and higher data rate of about 600Mbps. The backward compatible 802.11n could not utilize its new features fully in the presence of legacy 802.11a/b/g nodes. The existence of such legacy nodes in the 802.11n network is common today since the users tend to upgrade their devices slowly. The performance anomaly caused by the legacy nodes have to be minimized in WLANs for maximizing the quality of service (QoS). In this paper we have proposed a QoS based handoff algorithm which helps in minimizing the impact of legacy nodes on 802.11n nodes by performing either Level 2 or Level 3 handoff based on the mobile type, ongoing application's type (i.e. real-time or non-real-time), required bandwidth, subnet ID, acceptable packet delay and network condition. The primary objective of our proposed work is to isolate the 802.11n nodes from the legacy nodes, eliminate the number of ungainful handoffs, giving preference to Level 2 than Level 3 handoff for reducing the handoff latency, improve the individual node's throughput, decrease the individual node's packet delay, and improve the overall network throughput significantly. Simulation results show that the proposed handoff algorithm improves both individual mobile node performance and overall network throughput significantly.
Learning and Reasoning with Graph Data: Neural and Statistical-Relational Approaches (Invited Paper)

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged in recent years as a very powerful and popular modeling tool for graph and network data. Though much of the work on GNNs has focused on graphs with a single edge relation, they have also been adapted to multi-relational graphs, including knowledge graphs. In such multi-relational domains, the objectives and possible applications of GNNs become quite similar to what for many years has been investigated and developed in the field of statistical relational learning (SRL). This article first gives a brief overview of the main features of GNN and SRL approaches to learning and reasoning with graph data. It analyzes then in more detail their commonalities and differences with respect to semantics, representation, parameterization, interpretability, and flexibility. A particular focus will be on relational Bayesian networks (RBNs) as the SRL framework that is most closely related to GNNs. We show how common GNN architectures can be directly encoded as RBNs, thus enabling the direct integration of “low level” neural model components with the “high level” symbolic representation and flexible inference capabilities of SRL. 2012 ACM Subject Classification Computing methodologies → Logical and relational learning; Computing methodologies → Neural networks
Accelerated Cardiac Aging in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

An increasing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood but develop long-term complications including heart failure (HF). Cellular senescence, classically defined as stable cell cycle arrest, is implicated in biological processes such as embryogenesis, wound healing, and aging. Senescent cells have a complex senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), involving a range of pro-inflammatory factors with important paracrine and autocrine effects on cell and tissue biology. While senescence has been mainly considered as a cause of diseases in the adulthood, it may be also implicated in some of the poor outcomes seen in patients with complex CHD. We propose that patients with CHD suffer from multiple repeated stress from an early stage of the life, which wear out homeostatic mechanisms and cause premature cardiac aging, with this term referring to the time-related irreversible deterioration of the organ physiological functions and integrity. In this review article, we gathered evidence from the literature indicating that growing up with CHD leads to abnormal inflammatory response, loss of proteostasis, and precocious age in cardiac cells. Novel research on this topic may inspire new therapies preventing HF in adult CHD patients.
Planning Conservation Strategies of Guiana Dolphin Related to Canal Flow and Habitat Changes in the Estuarine Lagunar Complex of Cananéia

Anthropogenic activities have altered the structure and function of coastal and estuarine ecosystems, affecting the animals that occur in these areas. Predictive models are useful to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic characteristics over species distribution. In this study, we used generalized linear models to assess the influence Valo Grande canal, which allows fresh water to enter the Estuarine Lagunar Complex of Cananéia, has on the occurrence of Guiana dolphins. A population of this species resides in the study area, which comprises many coastal and marine protected areas. Abiotic data and information on species occurrence were gathered between January 2012 and November 2014, during three fieldworks per season, covering four sectors within the estuary. The predictions resulting from generalized linear models indicated that the discharge of fresh water, which decreases salinity in the estuary, has a negative influence on the populations of dolphins in all sectors but, mainly, on sector IV, the closest to Valo Grande Canal. Thus, it is clear that Guiana dolphins presented a heterogeneous distribution within the studied estuary, and the areas of higher concentration of individuals deserve greater attention during the elaboration of conservation strategies.
Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity in Q Fever Vaccine Development

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium which, in humans, causes the disease Q fever. Although Q fever is most often a mild, self-limiting respiratory disease, it can cause a range of severe syndromes including hepatitis, myocarditis, spontaneous abortion, chronic valvular endocarditis, and Q fever fatigue syndrome. This agent is endemic worldwide, except for New Zealand and Antarctica, transmitted via aerosols, persists in the environment for long periods, and is maintained through persistent infections in domestic livestock. Because of this, elimination of this bacterium is extremely challenging and vaccination is considered the best strategy for prevention of infection in humans. Many vaccines against C. burnetii have been developed, however, only a formalin-inactivated, whole cell vaccine derived from virulent C. burnetii is currently licensed for use in humans. Unfortunately, widespread use of this whole cell vaccine is impaired due to the severity of reactogenic responses associated with it. This reactogenicity continues to be a major barrier to access to preventative vaccines against C. burnetii and the pathogenesis of this remains only partially understood. This review provides an overview of past and current research on C. burnetii vaccines, our knowledge of immunogenicity and reactogenicity in C. burnetii vaccines, and future strategies to improve the safety of vaccines against C. burnetii.
Computed Tomography Registration-Derived Regional Ventilation Indices Compared to Global Lung Function Parameters in Patients With COPD

CT registration-derived indices provide data on regional lung functional changes in COPD. However, because unlike spirometry which involves dynamic maximal breathing maneuvers, CT-based functional parameters are assessed between two static breath-holds, it is not clear how regional and global lung function parameters relate to each other. We assessed the relationship between CT-density change (dHU), specific volume change (dsV), and regional lung tissue deformation (J) with global spirometric and plethysmographic parameters, gas exchange, exercise capacity, dyspnoea, and disease stage in a prospective cohort study in 102 COPD patients. There were positive correlations of dHU, dsV, and J with spirometric variables, DLCO and gas exchange, 6-min walking distance, and negative correlations with plethysmographic lung volumes and indices of trapping and lung distension as well as GOLD stage. Stepwise regression identified FEV1/FVC (standardized β = 0.429, p < 0.0001), RV/TLC (β = −0.37, p < 0.0001), and BMI (β = 0.27, p=<0.001) as the strongest predictors of CT intensity-based metrics dHU, with similar findings for dsV, while FEV1/FVC (β = 0.32, p=<0.001) and RV/TLC (β = −0.48, p=<0.0001) were identified as those for J. These data suggest that regional lung function is related to two major pathophysiological processes involved in global lung function deterioration in COPD: chronic airflow obstruction and gas trapping, with an additional contribution of nutritional status, which in turn determines respiratory muscle strength. Our data confirm previous findings in the literature, suggesting the potential of CT image-based regional lung function metrics as the biomarkers of disease severity and provide mechanistic insight into the interpretation of regional lung function indices in patients with COPD.
Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Elective High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Background The safety and feasibility of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as mechanical circulatory support in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) remain unclear. Methods This retrospective study included patients with complex and high-risk coronary artery disease who underwent elective PCI with VA-ECMO support pre-operatively during March 2019–December 2020. Rates of VA-ECMO-related complications, complications during PCI, death, myocardial infarction, and stroke during hospitalisation and 1-year post-operatively were analysed. Results Overall, 36 patients (average age: 63.6 ± 8.9 years) underwent PCI. The average duration of VA-ECMO support was 12.5 (range, 3.0–26.3) h. Intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation was used in 44.4% of patients. The SYNTAX score was 34.6 ± 8.4 pre-operatively and 10.8 ± 8.8 post-operatively (P < 0.001). Intraoperative complications included pericardial tamponade (N = 2, 5.6%), acute left-sided heart failure (N = 1, 2.8%), malignant arrhythmia requiring electrocardioversion (N = 2, 5.6%), and no deaths. Blood haemoglobin levels before PCI and 24 h after VA-ECMO withdrawal were 145.4 ± 20.2 g/L and 105.7 ± 21.7 g/L, respectively (P < 0.001). Outcomes during hospitalisation included death (N = 1, 2.8%), stroke (N = 1, 2.8%), lower limb ischaemia (N = 2, 5.6%), lower limb deep venous thrombosis (N = 1, 2.8%), cannulation site haematoma (N = 2, 5.6%), acute renal injury (N = 2, 5.6%), bacteraemia (N = 2, 5.6%), bleeding requiring blood transfusion (N = 5, 13.9%), and no recurrent myocardial infarctions. Within 1 year post-operatively, two patients (5.6%) were hospitalised for heart failure. Conclusions Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mechanical circulation support during HR-PCI is a safe and feasible strategy for achieving revascularisation in complex and high-risk coronary artery lesions. VA-ECMO-related complications require special attention.
Characterization of Three SEPALLATA-Like MADS-Box Genes Associated With Floral Development in Paphiopedilum henryanum (Orchidaceae)

Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) is one of the world’s most popular orchids that is found in tropical and subtropical forests and has an enormous ornamental value. SEPALLATA-like (SEP-like) MADS-box genes are responsible for floral organ specification. In this study, three SEP-like MADS-box genes, PhSEP1, PhSEP2, and PhSEP3, were identified in Paphiopedilum henryanum. These genes were 732–916 bp, with conserved SEPI and SEPII motifs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PhSEP genes were evolutionarily closer to the core eudicot SEP3 lineage, whereas none of them belonged to core eudicot SEP1/2/4 clades. PhSEP genes displayed non-ubiquitous expression, which was detectable across all floral organs at all developmental stages of the flower buds. Furthermore, subcellular localization experiments revealed the localization of PhSEP proteins in the nucleus. Yeast two-hybrid assays revealed no self-activation of PhSEPs. The protein–protein interactions revealed that PhSEPs possibly interact with B-class DEFICIENS-like and E-class MADS-box proteins. Our study suggests that the three SEP-like genes may play key roles in flower development in P. henryanum, which will improve our understanding of the roles of the SEP-like MADS-box gene family and provide crucial insights into the mechanisms underlying floral development in orchids.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling Signatures and Alterations of Microglia Associated With Glioblastoma Associate Microglia Contribution to Tumor Formation

Glioblastoma (GBM), which occasionally occurs in pediatric patients, is the most common tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Clinically, GBM is classified as low-grade to high-grade (from 1 to 4) and is characterized by late discovery, limited effective treatment methods, and poor efficacy. With the development of immunotherapy technology, effective GBM treatment strategies are of great significance. The main immune cells found in the GBM tumor microenvironment are macrophages and microglia (MG). Both these monocytes play important roles in the occurrence and development of GBM. Macrophages are recruited during tumorigenesis, whereas MG is present in the brain during embryonic development. Interestingly, the accumulation of these monocytes is inversely proportional to the survival of adult GBM patients but not the pediatric GBM patients. This study used single-cell RNA-seq data to reveal the heterogeneity of MG in tumor lesions and to explore the role of different MG subtypes in the occurrence and development of GBM. The results may help find new targets for immunotherapy of GBM.
Coordinated Singing in Coppery Titi Monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus): Resource or Mate Defense?

Coordinated singing, performed as duets by mated pairs and often joined by offspring to form choruses, is a distinctive behavioral attribute of the social system of pair-living and pair-bonded Neotropical titi monkeys. Duets and choruses are presumed to be associated with mate or territorial defense, but no consensus has yet been reached regarding their function. Here, we examined temporal and spatial patterns of coordinated singing in eight wild groups of coppery titi monkeys, Plecturocebus cupreus, in Peruvian Amazonia to test predictions of the joint resource and mate defense. We investigated singing rates in relation to female reproductive state, fruit consumption and demographic context using a dataset based on 227 observation days and analyzed temporal and spatial distribution of songs using a dataset based on 150 songs, collected between June 2017 and September 2021. Titi monkeys sang least frequently when females were likely to be sexually receptive and most frequently when females were likely to be pregnant. Groups also sang slightly more often when fruits were consumed more intensively, although this association did not reach statistical significance. The duration of songs was not associated with female reproductive state or fruit consumption, but songs were longer during inter-group encounters compared to non-encounter contexts. Songs were not concentrated in the core areas of home ranges; rather, they were distributed throughout the home ranges in concordance with its use. Finally, songs were concentrated around dawn. Our results provide support for a function in joint resource defense and inter-group communication of coordinated songs in coppery titi monkeys. The function of coordinated songs for mate defense in the form of paternity guarding, on the other hand, was not supported by our findings.
Long-Term Clinical Benefit in EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma With Local Squamous Cell Carcinoma Transformation After EGFR TKI Resistance: A Case Report

The histological transformation from adenocarcinoma (ADC) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare but recurrently occurs post TKI treatment in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients with a very limited number of clinical cases published. The outcome of patients after SCC onset is poor as no established treatment guidelines were available. Here we report a case who was initially diagnosed with lung ADC with EGFR L858R driver mutation and demonstrated a partial response (PR) to gefitinib for 27 months before disease progression. The rapidly progressive lung metastatic lesions were determined as an SCC histology with positive PD-L1 expression. Besides EGFR L858R, the metastatic SCC harbored the amplification of CD274 and PDCD1LG2 detected by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), which encode PD-L1 and PD-L2, respectively. The disease remained stable on the combination therapy of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for eight months until the primary ADC lesion progressed. After the failure of progressed primary ADC lesion with radiotherapy and immunotherapy, systemic ADC metastases were developed in multiple locations including kidney, liver, and chest wall with EGFR L858R mutation but negative PD-L1 expression. The patient then received the combination therapy of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy and the disease remained stable for five months. Since August 2021, afatinib has been administrated which led to a PR and the disease has remained stable up till present. This study demonstrated a primary lung ADC who developed systemic ADC metastases and local SCC transformation with distinct molecular features. The patient has achieved long-term clinical benefit upon multiple lines of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which provided valuable insight into the treatment of advanced SCC-transformed lung ADC patients.
Control approach of three-phase grid connected PV inverters for voltage unbalance mitigation in low-voltage distribution grids

Low-voltage distribution grids (LV) experience unbalanced voltage condition due to the high penetration levels of rooftop mounted single-phase photovoltaic (PV), the existence of single-phase transformers, unbalanced cable impedances and different load levels on each phase. The voltage unbalance (VU) has a harmful impact on the loads and equipment connected to grid that leads to overheating and fast thermal ageing. There are several solutions proposed to mitigate the VU, that requires the installation of extra hardware components or incorporate complex type of controllers that need special tuning procedures and special arrangements. Therefore, in this study a new and simple control approach of three-phase grid connected PV inverter is proposed to mitigate the unbalanced voltage. The new control approach is able to fully mitigate the unbalanced voltage without the need to extra hardware installation or negative sequence voltage magnitude and phase angle measurements, provided that the ampacity of the converter is high enough. The new system is tested in a LV grid with high PV penetration from Germany. The results show that the VU factor did not exceed 0.8% at the feeder connection point.