Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NK cell-induced damage to P.falciparum-infected erythrocytes requires ligand-specific recognition and releases parasitophorous vacuoles that are phagocytosed by monocytes in the presence of immune IgG

Natural killer (NK) cells lyse virus-infected cells and transformed cells through polarized delivery of lytic effector molecules into target cells. We have shown that NK cells lyse Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBC) via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). A high frequency of adaptive NK cells, with elevated intrinsic ADCC activity, in people chronically exposed to malaria transmission is associated with reduced parasitemia and resistance to disease. How NK cells bind to iRBC and the outcome of iRBC lysis by NK cells has not been investigated. We applied gene ablation in inducible erythrocyte precursors and antibody-blocking experiments with iRBC to demonstrate a central role of CD58 and ICAM-4 as ligands for adhesion by NK cells via CD2 and integrin αMβ2, respectively. Adhesion was dependent on opsonization of iRBC by IgG. Live imaging and quantitative flow cytometry of NK-mediated ADCC toward iRBC revealed that damage to the iRBC plasma membrane preceded damage to P. falciparum within parasitophorous vacuoles (PV). PV were identified and tracked with a P.falciparum strain that expresses the PV membrane-associated protein EXP2 tagged with GFP. After NK-mediated ADCC, PV were either found inside iRBC ghosts or released intact and devoid of RBC plasma membrane. Electron microscopy images of ADCC cultures revealed tight NK–iRBC synapses and free GFP+ vesicles similar to GFP+ PV isolated from iRBC lysates by cell sorting. The titer of IgG in plasma of malaria-exposed individuals that bound PV was two orders of magnitude higher than IgG that bound iRBC. This immune IgG stimulated efficient phagocytosis of PV by primary monocytes. The selective NK-mediated damage to iRBC, resulting in release of PV, and subsequent phagocytosis of PV by monocytes may combine for efficient killing and removal of intra-erythrocytic P.falciparum parasite. This mechanism may mitigate the inflammation and malaria symptoms during blood-stage P. falciparum infection.
Taming the Domain Shift in Multi-source Learning for Energy Disaggregation

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a cost-effective energy disaggregation means to estimate the energy consumption of individual appliances from a central load reading. Learning-based methods are the new trends in NILM implementations but require large labeled data to work properly at end-user premises. We first formulate an unsupervised multi-source domain adaptation problem to address this challenge by leveraging rich public datasets for building the NILM model. Then, we prove a new generalization bound for the target domain under multi-source settings. A hybrid loss-driven multi-source domain adversarial network (HLD-MDAN) is developed by approximating and optimizing the bound to tackle the domain shift between source and target domains. We conduct extensive experiments on three real-world residential energy datasets to evaluate the effectiveness of HLD-MDAN, showing that it is superior to other methods in single-source and multi-source learning scenarios.
Current-matching versus non-current-matching in long wavelength interband cascade infrared photodetectors

We report on a comparative study of two sets of different long-wavelength (LW) interband cascade infrared photodetectors (ICIPs) based on a type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice. The devices in one set have a current-matched configuration while those in the other set are non-current-matched. It is shown that carrier transport in these LW ICIPs at high temperatures is diffusion limited and the diffusion length is estimated to be longer than or comparable to 0.5 μm at various temperatures. By comparing the two sets of devices, we demonstrate the necessity of current-matching to maximize utilization of absorbed photons for an optimal responsivity and the correlation of reduced responsivity with light attenuation in the optically deeper stages for non-current-matched ICIPs. However, the device performances for both sets are comparable in terms of detectivity. Electrical gain exceeding unity is observed, which is more significant in the last stage of non-current-matched ICIPs than in any other stages in order to obta.
Modeling Answer Change Behavior: An Application of a Generalized Item Response Tree Model

We present a novel application of a generalized item response tree model to investigate test takers’ answer change behavior. The model allows us to simultaneously model the observed patterns of the initial and final responses after an answer change as a function of a set of latent traits and item parameters. The proposed application is illustrated with large-scale mathematics test items. We also describe how the estimated results can be used to study the benefits of answer change and to further detect potential academic cheating.
A Design Theory for Certification Presentations

Prior information system research remains inconsistent of the effects of system certifications. In their current use, certifications are often reduced to graphical seals. This approach fails to incorporate detailed assurance information emanating from the certification process. To address this gap, we adopt a design science approach and deploy a four-phase research design to clarify how to design impactful IS certification presentations. First, we identify sources of users' limited understanding of seals and formulate a design proposal for a certification presentation by drawing upon the elaboration likelihood model. In the second phase, we formulate and validate a set of design meta-requirements and guidelines to improve certification presentation, using cognitive load theory and Toulmin's model of argumentation as kernel theories. In the third phase, new certification presentations that comply with the proposed guidelines are developed and evaluated for their effectiveness. We show that presentations that augment seal-based certification presentations with richer assurance information improve certification effectiveness. This increases users' assurance and trust perceptions when the presentations align with the users' cognitive information processing needs in ways that reduce their cognitive load and enhance argument quality of assurance information.
Kinematics of breaking rogue waves

The offshore and shipping industry require accurate prediction of the shape of the largest waves and associated velocities to design and operate marine structures. Of particular interest are the so-called rogue waves, these waves are at least twice the height of the surrounding waves and often prone to breaking. The kinematic field associated with breaking rogue waves is responsible for the largest hydrodynamic loads on marine structures that, over the decades, have been responsible for many accidents recorded at sea. The statistical properties of the velocity field associated with severe storm conditions are investigated in the first part of this dissertation. The kinematic field underneath breaking rogue waves, that naturally emerge from a random sea-state, is analysed in the second part of the dissertation. Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations are set-up to generate breaking rogue waves at a prescribed location and time. The breaking is controlled via different focussing techniques routinely adopted in model tests by the maritime industry. Measurements highlight that the physical mechanism leading to the formation of a breaking event strongly affects the velocity field and eventually the hydrodynamic loads. This work demonstrates that the simple linear potential wave theory, used for decades by engineers, is not a reliable tool to predict wave induced velocities and consequently hydrodynamic forces during storm conditions when rogue waves are more likely to occur. Ultimately, the dissertation provides an enhanced description of the velocity field associated with breaking and non-breaking rogue waves to improve the current design practice.
Continuous State Feedback Control Based on Intelligent Optimization for First-Order Nonholonomic Systems

This paper develops a quick and effective continuous state feedback control strategy based on intelligent optimization for a planar three-link passive–active–active (PAA) underactuated system with first-order nonholonomic characteristic. We analyze the integral characteristic of the system and find the passive link will be stabilized at different angle when the two active links of the system are controlled to different angles. Therefore, we design a set of continuous state feedback controllers based on the control targets of the two active links, and then we optimize the target angles of all links and the design parameters of the above controllers by employing intelligent optimization algorithm. In this way, the system can be stabilized at the target point by using these controllers with optimized parameters. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that the continuous control strategy based on intelligent optimization may make the planar PAA underactuated system be stabilized at any target point from any initial point.
Approximation Algorithms for Size-Constrained Non-Monotone Submodular Maximization in Deterministic Linear Time

In this work, we study the problem of finding the maximum value of a non-negative submodular function subject to a limit on the number of items selected, a ubiquitous problem that appears in many applications, such as data summarization and nonlinear regression. We provide the first deterministic, linear-time approximation algorithms for this problem that do not assume the objective is monotone. We present three deterministic, linear-time algorithms: a single-pass streaming algorithm with a ratio of 23.313 + ε, which is the first linear-time streaming algorithm; a simpler deterministic linear-time algorithm with a ratio of 11.657; and a (4 + O(ε))-approximation algorithm. Finally, we present a deterministic algorithm that obtains ratio of e + ε in O_ε (n log(n)) time, close to the best known expected ratio of e - 0.121 in polynomial time.
Not self-aware? Psychological antecedents and consequences of alienating from one’s actual motives, emotions, and goals

Philosophers and scientists have been puzzling over the potential antecedents and consequences of self-awareness or its relative absence since time immemorial. One major reason is the difficulty of identifying individuals’ actual needs, emotions, or goals and thus making statements about their level of self-awareness. Drawing on a “duality of mind” approach, we review our research that quantified discrepancies between first-person perspective and third-person perspective assessments of motives (“needs”), emotions, and goals as indicators of relative self-awareness. Also, we expand on their proximal causes related to personality–situation interactions and their emotional and motivational consequences. We discuss similarities among the three branches of research on motives, emotions, and goals and, lastly, provide an outlook for future research.
Alzheimer’s disease linked Aβ42 exerts product feedback inhibition on γ-secretase impairing downstream cell signaling

Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides accumulating in the brain are proposed to trigger Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, molecular cascades underlying their toxicity are poorly defined. Here, we explored a novel hypothesis for Aβ42 toxicity that arises from its proven affinity for γ-secretases. We hypothesized that the reported increases in Aβ42, particularly in the endolysosomal compartment, promote the establishment of a product feedback inhibitory mechanism on γ-secretases, and thereby impair downstream signaling events. We show that human Aβ42 peptides, but neither murine Aβ42 nor human Aβ17-42 (p3), inhibit γ-secretases and trigger accumulation of unprocessed substrates in neurons, including C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of APP, p75 and pan-cadherin. Moreover, Aβ42 treatment dysregulated cellular homeostasis, as shown by the induction of p75-dependent neuronal death in two distinct cellular systems. Our findings raise the possibility that pathological elevations in Aβ42 contribute to cellular toxicity via the γ-secretase inhibition, and provide a novel conceptual framework to address Aβ toxicity in the context of γ-secretase-dependent homeostatic signaling.
Growth-dependent concentration gradient of the oscillating Min system in Escherichia coli

The Min system contributes to the spatiotemporal regulation of division sites in Escherichia coli. The MinD and MinE proteins of this system self-organize into oscillatory waves in the form of concentration gradients. How the intracellular Min protein concentration gradients are coordinated with cell growth to achieve spatiotemporal accuracy of cell division is unknown. Here, we report that the MinD concentration gradient becomes progressively steeper as cells elongate, suggesting that the division inhibitory activity at the midcell also decreases with cell growth. Interestingly, the oscillation period appears relatively stable across different cell lengths. Similar features were found in cells under carbon stress conditions, but the gradient was even steeper, likely favoring division at shorter cell lengths. The length-dependent variation of the concentration gradient was further examined in silico using a reaction-diffusion model, which not only supported the above features, but also revealed a decrease in the midcell concentration as the shape of the gradient becomes steeper in growing cells. This growth-dependent regulation of the midcell concentration of MinD may be coupled with the FtsZ ring formation through the MinD-interacting protein MinC. We found that the variable concentration gradients occur by coordinating the reaction rates of the recruitment of MinD and MinE to the membrane and the recharging of MinD with ATP in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, this work uncovers the plasticity of MinD concentration gradients during interpolar oscillations throughout cell growth, an intrinsic property integrated during cell division.
ON THE A -SPECTRUM FOR A -BOUNDED OPERATORS ON VON-NEUMANN ALGEBRA

Let M be a von Neumann algebra and let A be a nonzero positive element of M . By σ A ( T ) and r A ( T ) we denote the A -spectrum and the A -spectral radius of T ∈ M A , respectively. In this paper, we show that σ ( PT P, P M P ) ⊆ σ A ( T ). Suﬃcient conditions for the equality σ A ( T ) = σ ( PT P, P M P ) to be true are presented. Also, we show that σ A ( T ) is ﬁnite for any T ∈ M A if and only if A is in the socle of M . Next , we consider the rela-tionship between elements S and T ∈ M A that satisfy one of the following two conditions: (1) σ A ( SX ) = σ A ( T X ) for all X ∈ M A , (2) r A ( SX ) = r A ( T X ) for all X ∈ M A . Finally, a Gleason-Kahane-˙Zelazko’s theorem for the A -spectrum is derived.
How do Funeral Practices Impact Bereaved Relatives' Mental Health, Grief and Bereavement? A Mixed Methods Review with Implications for COVID-19

Those who are bereaved during the current COVID-19 pandemic are subject to restrictions on funeral sizes and practices. We conducted a rapid review synthesising the quantitative and qualitative evidence regarding the effect of funeral practices on bereaved relatives’ mental health and bereavement outcomes. Searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, KSR Evidence, and COVID-related resources were conducted. 805 records were screened; 17 studies of variable quality were included. Current evidence regarding the effect of funeral practices on bereaved relatives’ mental health and bereavement outcomes is inconclusive. Five observational studies found benefits from funeral participation while six did not. However, qualitative research provides additional insight: the benefit of after-death rituals including funerals depends on the ability of the bereaved to shape those rituals and say goodbye in a way which is meaningful for them. Findings highlight the important role of funeral officiants during the pandemic. Research is needed to better understand the experiences and sequalae of grief and bereavement during COVID-19.
Learnable Fourier Features for Multi-Dimensional Spatial Positional Encoding: Appendix

where queries Q ∈ RN×dk , keys K ∈ RN×dk , and values V ∈ RN×Dv . N is the number of items 4 to consider, e.g., the number of tokens in a sequence or the number of pixel patches in an image. dk 5 is the dimension of a key and query, and Dv is the dimension of a value vector. Queries, keys and 6 values are acquired via a linear projection of the input at each attention layer. For self-attention, they 7 share the same input: 8 Q = EXMQ;K = EXMK ;V = EXMV (2) where MQ ∈ R|EX |×dk , MK ∈ R|EX |×dk and MV ∈ R|EX |×dv are the linear projection. EX ∈ 9 RN×|EX | is the embedding of input X , which is jointly represented by its content embedding, CX , 10 and its positional encoding, PX . 11
“ Human Pose Regression with Residual Log-likelihood Estimation ”

where gk, hk : R → RD−d are two arbitrary neural networks, D is the dimension of the input vectors, and d is the splitting location of the D-dimensional variable. The operator represents the pointwise product. In order to chain multiple functions fk, the input is permuted before each step. K is set to 6 in our experiments. In each function fk, we adopt Lfc fully-connected layers with Nn neurons for both gk and hk. Each fully-connected layer is followed by a Leaky-RELU [8] layer.
A Lab-Scale Experimental Framework for Studying the Phenomenon of Autorotation

While wind energy has emerged as a popular source of renewable energy, the traditional wind turbine has an inherent limitation, namely that it only generates power in the presence of sufficiently high and consistent wind speeds. As a result, wind farms are typically built in areas with a high probability of the required wind speeds, which are geographically sparse. One way of overcoming this drawback is to tap into the energy available in winds at high altitudes which are not only consistent and of high magnitude, but also globally pervasive. An airborne wind energy device based upon the phenomenon of autorotation could potentially be used to exploit the abundance of wind of energy present at high altitudes. The work in this thesis first presents our study of a tethered-airfoil system as a candidate airborne wind energy (AWE) system. A mathematical model was used to show the feasibility of energy capture and the stability of the device in a wind field. Subsequently, the research identified the principle of autorotation to be better suited for high altitude energy harvesting. To this end, the thesis first presents a theoretical basis of the principle of autorotation, which is developed from existing models in literature. The model was adapted to predict aerodynamic conditions when used for harvesting energy. Encouraging simulation results prompted the main emphasis of this thesis, namely design of an experimental framework to corroborate the theory. Several experiments were devised to determine basic performance characteristics of an autogyro rotor and the data from each experiment is presented. A lab-scale experimental setup was developed as part of this thesis. The setup, consisting of a flapping-blade autogyro rotor and sensors, was used to acquire preliminary aerodynamic performance data. It is envisioned that refinements to this setup will ultimately provide a means of directly comparing analytical and experimental data. In this regard, we provide conclusions and make comments on improvements for future experiments.
MiR-155 epigenetically counteracts hypoxia for mitochondrial fitness during germinal center positive selection

Germinal center (GC)-B cell proliferation relies on oxidative phosphorylation. Positively selected GC-B cells initiate cell division in the hypoxic light zone (LZ) microenvironment and continue vigorous proliferation upon migration to the dark zone. However, the mechanisms underlying how these GC-B cells reprogram mitochondrial bioenergetic functions to sustain cell division while overcoming hypoxia-driven energy stress are not understood. We found that microRNA (miR)- 155 directly repressed the expression of hypoxia-induced histone lysine demethylase 2a, resulting in fine-tuning of histone H3 di-methylated lysine 36 levels. This regulation optimized the expression of vital nuclear mitochondrial genes in LZ GC-B cells, thereby preventing excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Thus, miR-155-regulated epigenetic mechanisms facilitate dynamic mitochondrial remodeling of LZ GC-B cells.
Pupil size and EEG speech tracking as independent measures of listening effort and speech intelligibility

Speech is hard to understand when there is background noise. Speech intelligibility and listening effort both affect our ability to understand speech, but the relative contribution of these subjective factors is hard to disentangle. Previous studies suggest that speech intelligibility could be assessed with EEG speech tracking and listening effort via pupil size. However, these measures may be confounded, because poor intelligibility may require a larger effort. To address this we developed a novel word-detection paradigm that allows for a rapid behavioral assessment of speech processing. In this paradigm words appear on the screen during continuous speech similar to closed captioning. In two listening experiments with a total of 51 participants we manipulated intelligibility with changing auditory noise levels and modulated effort by varying monetary reward. Increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improved detection performance along with EEG speech tracking, suggesting improved intelligibility. Additionally, we find larger pupil size with increased SNR, suggestive of increased effort. Surprisingly, when we modulated both reward and SNR, we found that reward modulated only pupil size, while SNR modulated only EEG speech tracking. We suggest that this new paradigm can be used to independently and objectively assess speech intelligibility and listening effort.
Entanglement in a two-qubit Heisenberg XXX chain with x-components of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and Kaplan-Shekhtman-Entin-Wohlman-Aharony interactions

This article explores the concurrence, including entanglement, in a two-qubit Heisenberg XXX chain with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and Kaplan-Shekhtman-Entin-Wohlman-Aharony interactions. The concurrence expression was developed using the physical variables connected with the chosen system. Our results indicate that temperature, the spin coupling constant J , the x-components Dx, and Γx may all play a role in determining the degree of intricacy between states. Additionally, these findings imply that the separability of states is possible for high-temperature domains or ferromagnetic chains. In contrast, the entanglement of states may be achieved by using high values for the x-components Dx or Γx parameters or by using an antiferromagnetic chain. PACS numbers: 03.67-a, 03.67. Mn, 75.10Jm