Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Dynamics and the Mechanoresponse in CD4+ T Cell Activation

Spatial Dynamics and the Mechanoresponse in CD4+ T Cell Activation Keenan T. Bashour The activation of naïve CD4+ T cells by antigen presenting cells is a critical step in the response of the immune system to foreign pathogens and in its acclimation to host tissues. Activation of naïve T cells proceeds through TCR engagement and is further augmented by CD28 costimulation: ensuring T cell survival and conferring numerous functional capabilities. The work in this dissertation highlights the spatial and temporal dynamics that regulate the initial coupling of CD28 with TCR signaling and also dissects the mechanical properties conferred by downstream effectors that are required to relay CD28 costimulation. A reaction-diffusion model that describes the spatial regulation of costimulation in activating human T cells is developed. The Src kinase Lck, though predominantly cytosolic, is an ideal candidate for the coupling of the TCR and CD28 pathways. Membrane associations bring Lck in contact with these receptors, where mediation of its active state by kinase activity and regulation of its spatial dynamics dictate its capacity to integrate early TCR and CD28 signaling. This developed reaction-diffusion model focusing on Lck is then extrapolated to mouse cells that do not share similar sensitivity to segregation of TCR and CD28 triggering: indicating that while Lck is essential for costimulation, it does not confer spatial sensitivity in activating mouse T cells. A comparison of human and mouse cells demonstrate underlying differences in the diffusivity of Lck across the membrane and the enrichment of the cytoskeleton at the interface. The role of the cytoskeleton in generating TCR-driven contractile forces is then investigated through use of micropillar arrays. This approach also enables the quantification of forces generated by T cells during cellular activation. The impact of CD28 costimulation on TCR-driven force generation is assessed and noted to increase cellular forces by 80% beyond what is induced through TCR triggering. By manipulating the presentation of CD28 activation, CD28 is determined to be a mechanoresponsive receptor that is not directly responsible for mechanosensitivty. Rather, CD28 mediates a change in cellular forces through PI3 kinase, whose inhibition normalizes force generation in T cells activated by TCR and those costimulated with TCR and CD28. Downstream of PI3 kinase, PDK1 is identified as being essential in both TCR and CD28 costimulatory force generation; inhibition of PDK1 fully abrogates cellular forces. Lastly, we qualitatively characterize T cell activation on micropillar arrays, where their complex topology reveals a multiphasic behavior during activation. Whereas T cells activated on planar surfaces are relatively stationary, T cells activated on micropillars slowly migrate towards the base of the array. Forces exerted during this migration are substantially greater than those previously measured, and the slow migration leads to the characterization of multiple phases and the relocalization of key cellular proteins.
Delft University of Technology Hygrothermal ageing behaviour of a glass/epoxy composite used in wind turbine blades

In this work, a glass/epoxy material system applied in wind turbine blades was used to evaluate degradation processes induced by water ingression. Composite and neat epoxy specimens were conditioned in demineralised water at 50◦C for 4800h and tested quasi-statically and in fatigue. Comparing results from mechanical tests in composite specimens, significant degradation was found, with up to 36% lower static shear strength and three orders of magnitude shorter fatigue life. For neat epoxy specimens, a lower degree of degradation was observed, with up to 17% lower tensile and bending moduli and strength. Specimens dried after having been immersed were also tested. For composite samples, recovery of shear stiffness and strength was incomplete. For neat resin, stiffness and bending strength were completely recovered but a decrease in the strain at failure was observed. It is hypothesised from differences in magnitude and reversibility of degradation between composite and neat resin that matrix degradation is accompanied by high differential swelling stresses and damage to the fibre/matrix interface in composites. The damage due to moisture ingression and the subsequent changes in failure behaviour are further investigated through thermal analysis (DSC, DMA) and optical microscopy.
Evaluation of the biochemical profile and biological activity of budu (a local fermented fish product) extracts on HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells

Budu is a fish product which is used as one of the condiments in daily Malaysian dish. As part of a safety evaluation of ingredients for use in everyday dishes, there is a need to determine its nutrient composition and toxicological profile. This study documented its biochemical profile in terms of macronutrients, food additives and heavy metals. The biological activity of budu was investigated in terms of its cytotoxic effects and antioxidant capacity. The macronutrients of budu were determined by proximate analysis. Both budu samples from Bachok and Tumpat, Kelantan showed high moisture contents. Detected food additives were colourants (Sunset Yellow FCF) and preservatives (benzoic acid). Heavy metals (mercury and lead) were not detected in both samples. All parameters in the biochemical profile conformed to the regulations of the Malaysian Food Act 1983. When investigated with the MTT (Microculture Tetrazolium Test) Assay, aqueous extracts of both samples did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells at low (60 μg/ml), moderate (500 μg/ml) or high (2000 μg/ml) concentrations. Weak antioxidant capacities were detected in the aqueous extract of both budu samples by the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) Assay. However, this capacity was not significant when the aqueous extract was tested in the presence of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, budu was considered not cytotoxic to HepG2 cells and had weak antioxidant capacities.
A Structural Format to Facilitate User Input for the Co-design of a Cardiac Health Unit

Experience-based co-design and post occupancy evaluation are two mechanisms adopted for future planning and design of built spaces. They share a common strategy in that they both require input from a prospective, or current, built environment user. In the case of healthcare spaces, these users include doctors, nurses, patients and family. However, obtaining relevant and useful information from these sources is problematic. The users lack any specific conceptual knowledge and skills required in the design process. Several authors have addressed this issue by asking the user to comment on specific healthcare environment variables. These variables are the results of prior evidence-based research. Based on the work of Van der Voort and Van Wegen (2005) the author has developed a survey questionnaire and user input procedure Waroonkun (2019) that addresses the functional elements of a healthcare, built environment (in this case, a cardiac health unit). The strength and impact of this method was its ability to tap into a broad functional view of the users' experience of a built environment. The results of the present study indicate using a POE based, structured assessment strategy provided a solid guideline for determining a wide range of design issues from a user perspective.
Intelligent Framework For Joint Data Hiding And Compression Using SMVQ And Fast Local Image In-Painting

: An intelligent framework for Joint Data Hiding and Compression on image has been proposed in this paper. The proposed framework is the combination of the schemes such as data hiding, compression and image in-painting. In this intelligent framework, we have used an existing technique called Side Match Vector Quantization (SMVQ) and the proposed Intelligent Fast Local Image In-painting(IFLII) techniques to overcome the drawbacks in the existing system. In addition, we have used the multi agents for data hiding, compression and in-painting process in this proposed intelligent framework. In implementation, a cover image is taken first and is divided into blocks of n x n matrices. The topmost and the leftmost blocks are compressed using Vector Quantization (VQ). Other remaining blocks are called residual blocks and are embedded with the secret data. Simultaneously Side Match Vector Quantization (SMVQ) and prediction are applied to this current block and neighboring pixels. If prediction error exists then VQ technique is applied again, else SMVQ technique is applied to that block. Embedding is adjusted by incorporating the fast local Image In-painting. Finally, the image decompression process takes place and then the embedded secret bits are extracted. The experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed intelligent frameworks. The proposed framework achieves better performance in the way of capability of data hiding, compression ratio and quality of decompression.
Correlation Techniques for the Identification of Defects: Case of a Non- Controllable Source

Passive identification is based on the estimation of system parameters by using only ambient excitations. However because of the partial knowledge of these excitations and their complex ity, they are regarded as random sources. The purpose of this work is to detect abnormal ities or defects in a plate, from the response of the structure for the case of a non-controllable source. Different signals using healthy and non healthy structures are acquired from sensor network positioned on the structure. The cr oss-correlation function has been tested for each pair of sensors. The analysis and processing of these signals could how the occurrence of events that may be related to the defect detection. We found that the cross-correlation function i s reproducible and could be a good indicator for defects. Many experimental results were obtained usin g an aluminum plate with introduced defects to verify the proposed method for non-controllable source ca se.
IMPAcT oF ocEAN wARMING AND ocEAN AcIDIFIcATIoN oN MARINE INvERTEbRATE lIFE HISToRy STAGES: vulNERAbIlITIES AND PoTENTIAl FoR PERSISTENcE IN A cHANGING ocEAN

Global warming and increased atmospheric co2 are causing the oceans to warm, decrease in pH and become hypercapnic. These stressors have deleterious impacts on marine inver - tebrates. Increasing temperature has a pervasive stimulatory effect on metabolism until lethal levels are reached, whereas hypercapnia has a narcotic effect. ocean acidification is a major threat to cal - cifying larvae because it decreases availability of the carbonate ions required for skeletogenesis and also exerts a direct pH effect on physiology. Marine invertebrate propagules live in a multistressor world and climate change stressors are adding to the mix. ocean pH, pco2 and caco3 covary and will change simultaneously with temperature, challenging our ability to predict future outcomes for marine biota. To address questions of future vulnerabilities, data on the thermo- and pH/ pco2 tolerance of fertilization and development in marine invertebrates are reviewed in the context of the change in the oceans that are forecast to occur over the next 100-200 years. Gametes and fertilization in many invertebrates exhibit a broad tolerance to warming and acidification beyond stressor values projected for 2100. Available data show that all development stages are highly sensitive to warming. larvae may be particularly sensitive to acidification/hypercapnia. Embryos that develop through the bottleneck of mortality due to warming may succumb as larvae to acidification. Early juveniles may be vulnerable to skeletal dissolution, although warming may diminish the negative impact of acidifi - cation on calcification. The effects of climate change stressors and their interaction differ among life history stages and species. Multistressor experiments show that if thermal thresholds are breached, embryos may not reach the calcifying stage. If the bottleneck for species persistence is embryonic thermotolerance, then the question of compromised calicification due to acidification may not be relevant. our limited knowledge of the interactive effects of climate change stressors is a major knowledge gap. Although climate change is deleterious for development in a broad range of marine invertebrates, some species and regional faunas will be more resilient than others. This has implica- tions for persistence, faunal shifts, species invasions and community function in a changing ocean.
Reservoir evaporation in a Mediterranean climate: comparing direct methods in Alqueva Reservoir, Portugal

Abstract. Alqueva Reservoir is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe and is a strategic water storage for public supply, irrigation, and energy generation. The reservoir is integrated within the Multipurpose Alqueva Project (MAP), which includes almost 70 reservoirs in a water-scarce region of Portugal. The MAP contributes to sustainability in southern Portugal and has an important impact on the entire country. Evaporation is the key component of water loss from the reservoirs included in the MAP. Evaporation from Alqueva Reservoir has been estimated by indirect methods or pan evaporation measurements; however, specific experimental parameters such as the pan coefficient were never evaluated. Eddy covariance measurements were performed at Alqueva Reservoir from June to September in 2014 as this time of the year provides the most representative evaporation volume losses in a Mediterranean climate. This period is also the most important period for irrigated agriculture and is, therefore, the most problematic period of the year in terms of managing the reservoir. The direct pan evaporation approach was first tested, and the results were compared to the eddy covariance evaporation measurements. The total eddy covariance (EC) evaporation measured from June to September 2014 was 450.1 mm. The mean daily EC evaporation in June, July, August, and September was 3.7, 4.0, 4.5, and 2.5 mm d−1, respectively. A pan coefficient, Kpan, multivariable function was established on a daily scale using the identified governing factors: air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and incoming solar radiation. The correlation between the modelled evaporation and the measured EC evaporation had an R2 value of 0.7. The estimated Kpan values were 0.59, 0.57, 0.57, and 0.64 in June, July, August, and September, respectively. Consequently, the daily mean reservoir evaporation (ERes) was 3.9, 4.2, 4.5, and 2.7 mm d−1 for this 4-month period and the total modelled ERes was 455.8 mm. The developed Kpan function was validated for the same period in 2017 and yielded an R2 value of 0.68. This study proposes an applicable method for calculating evaporation based on pan measurements in Alqueva Reservoir, and it can be used to support regional water management. Moreover, the methodology presented here could be applied to other reservoirs, and the developed equation could act as a first evaluation for the management of other Mediterranean reservoirs.
Prototyping in theory and in practice A study of the similarities and differences between engineers and designers

Prototyping can be seen as the heart of the innovation process. Typically, engineers and designers both work on prototyping activities, but their diverse backgrounds make for different perspectives on prototyping. Based on earlier literature, this study investigates commonalities and differences in the prototyping behaviour of engineers and designers. For this study, semi-structured interviews and workshops with different experiments were conducted. Using low fidelity prototypes, our results indicated that there are differences in the early phase of prototyping. Engineers focused on the features and functions of a prototype and needed to meet specific goals in order to push the process forward. Designers, on the other hand, used prototypes to investigate the design space for new possibilities, and were more open to a variety of prototyping materials and tools, especially for low fidelity prototypes. In the later prototyping phases, the prototyping behaviours of engineers and designers became similar. Our study contributes to the understanding of prototyping purposes, activities, and processes across disciplines, and supports the management of prototyping in new product development processes.
Nine years of SMOS sea surface salinity global maps at the Barcelona Expert Center

Abstract. After more than 10 years in orbit, the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) European mission is still a unique, high-quality instrument for providing soil moisture over land and sea surface salinity (SSS) over the oceans. At the Barcelona Expert Center (BEC), a new reprocessing of 9 years (2011–2019) of global SMOS SSS maps has been generated. This work presents the algorithms used in the generation of BEC global SMOS SSS product v2.0, as well as an extensive quality assessment. Three SMOS SSS fields are distributed: a high-resolution level-3 product (with DOI https://doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/12601, Olmedo et al., 2020a) consisting of binned SSS in 9 d maps at 0.25∘×0.25∘; low-resolution level-3 SSS computed from the binned salinity by applying a smoothing spatial window of 50 km radius; and level-4 SSS (with DOI https://doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/12600, Olmedo et al., 2020b) consisting of daily 0.05∘×0.05∘ maps that are computed by multifractal fusion with sea surface temperature maps. For the validation of BEC SSS products, we have applied a battery of tests aimed at the assessment of quality of the products both in value and in structure. First, we have compared BEC SSS products with near-to-surface salinity measurements provided by Argo floats. Secondly, we have assessed the geophysical consistency of the products characterized by singularity analysis, and the effective spatial resolutions are also estimated by means of power density spectra and singularity density spectra. Finally, we have calculated full maps of SSS errors by using correlated triple collocation. We have compared the performance of the BEC SMOS product with other satellite SSS and reanalysis products. The main outcomes of this quality assessment are as follows. (i) The bias between BEC SMOS and Argo salinity is lower than 0.02 psu at a global scale, while the standard deviation of their difference is lower than 0.34 and 0.27 psu for the high- and low-resolution level-3 fields (respectively) and 0.24 psu for the level-4 salinity. (ii) The effective spatial resolution is around 40 km for all SSS products and regions. (iii) The results from triple collocation show the BEC SMOS level-4 product as the product with the lowest estimated salinity error in most of the global ocean and the BEC SMOS high-resolution level-3 as the one with the lowest estimated salinity error in regions strongly affected by rainfall and continental freshwater discharge.
Abundance And Activity Of Soil Actinomycetes From Livingston Island, Antarctica

ENCHEVA, M. , N. ZAHARIEVA, A. KENAROVA, N. CHIPEV, V. CHIPEVA, P. HRISTOVA, I. IVANOVA and P. MONCHEVA, 2013. Abundance and activity of soil actinomycetes from Livingston Island, Antarctica. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., Supplement 2, 19: 68–71 The soils of Antarctica are severe environments inhabited by well adapted microorganisms, the knowledge of which is scarce. The study on their abundance, diversity and physiology will provide the investigators with new data on the mechanisms of their adaptation and gives new opportunities to isolate microorganisms with unique properties for practical use. The aim of the present work was to study bacterial abundance including actinomycetes and physiological diversity of Antarctic soils, by agar plate method and BIOLOG EcoPlates technique, respectively, and based on this actinomycete strains to be isolated, identifi ed and screened for antimicrobial activity against different test bacteria. The objectives of our investigation were seven Antarctic soils taken from moss, Deschampsia vegetated and fell fi eld habitats of Livingston Island. Some of the soil physicochemical parameters, like pH, moisture and humus, were determined. Bacterial physiological activity and diversity were assessed based on the average color development of EcoPlate wells, and community capacity to utilize different chemical categories of carbon sources, respectively. The results showed that highest physiological diversity and more intensive utilization of polyols, amino acids and phenolic compounds, and high abundance of actinomycetes characterized soil bacteria from habitats with cryptogam (moss) coverage. Most morphologically different actinomycete strains were isolated from the moss habitat denoted in the study as S6. The affi liation of the strains to genus Streptomyces was proved by the PCR amplifi cation of 16S rDNA, using genus-specifi c primers. The screening of antimicrobial activity of the isolates by diffusion bioassay, using agar plugs showed that the strains synthesized antibacterial substances, active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. We conclude that the soils of moss habitats are favorable environments supporting high bacterial physiological activity, and high number and diversity of actinomycetes most of which are active producers of antibacterial metabolites.
ArticleFlow Cytometry-Based Characterization of Mast Cells in Human AtherosclerosisEva Kritikou 1

The presence of mast cells in human atherosclerotic plaques has been associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Mast cell activation, through the classical antigen sensitized-IgE binding to their characteristic Fcε-receptor, causes the release of their cytoplasmic granules. These granules are filled with neutral proteases such as tryptase, but also with histamine and proinflammatory mediators. Mast cells accumulate in high numbers within human atherosclerotic tissue, particularly in the shoulder region of the plaque. These findings are largely based on immunohistochemistry, which does not allow for the extensive characterization of these mast cells and of the local mast cell activation mechanisms. In this study, we thus aimed to develop a new flow-cytometry based methodology in order to analyze mast cells in human atherosclerosis. We enzymatically digested 22 human plaque samples, collected after femoral and carotid endarterectomy surgery, after which we prepared a single cell suspension for flow cytometry. We were able to identify a specific mast cell population expressing both CD117 and the FcεR, and observed that most of the intraplaque mast cells were activated based on their CD63 protein expression. Furthermore, most of the activated mast cells had IgE fragments bound on their surface, while another fraction showed IgE-independent activation. In conclusion, we are able to distinguish a clear mast cell population in human atherosclerotic plaques, and this study establishes a strong relationship between the presence of IgE and the activation of mast cells in advanced atherosclerosis. Our data pave the way for potential therapeutic intervention through targeting IgE-mediated actions in human atherosclerosis.