Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics segregate different transcriptomic impacts of anti-IL-17A blockade on type 17 T-cells and regulatory immune cells in psoriasis skin

Durable psoriasis improvement has been reported in a subset of psoriasis patients after treatment withdrawal of biologics blocking IL-23/Type 17 T-cell (T17) autoimmune axis. However, it is not well understood if systemic blockade of the IL-23/T17 axis promotes immune tolerance in psoriasis skin. The purpose of the study was to find translational evidence that systemic IL-17A blockade promotes regulatory transcriptome modification in human psoriasis skin immune cell subsets. We analyzed human psoriasis lesional skin 6 mm punch biopsy tissues before and after systemic IL-17A blockade using the muti-genomics approach integrating immune cell-enriched scRNA-seq (n = 18), microarray (n = 61), and immunohistochemistry (n = 61) with repository normal control skin immune cell-enriched scRNA-seq (n = 10) and microarray (n = 8) data. For the T17 axis transcriptome, systemic IL-17A blockade depleted 100% of IL17A + T-cells and 95% of IL17F + T-cells in psoriasis skin. The expression of IL23A in DC subsets was also downregulated by IL-17A blockade. The expression of IL-17-driven inflammatory mediators (IL36G, S100A8, DEFB4A, and DEFB4B) in suprabasal keratinocytes was correlated with psoriasis severity and was downregulated by IL-17A blockade. For the regulatory DC transcriptome, the proportion of regulatory semimature DCs expressing regulatory DC markers of BDCA-3 (THBD) and DCIR (CLEC4A) was increased in posttreatment psoriasis lesional skin compared to pretreatment psoriasis lesional skin. In addition, IL-17A blockade induced higher expression of CD1C and CD14, which are markers of CD1c+ CD14+ dendritic cell (DC) subset that suppresses antigen-specific T-cell responses, in posttreatment regulatory semimature DCs compared to pretreatment regulatory semimature DCs. In conclusion, systemic IL-17A inhibition not only blocks the entire IL-23/T17 cell axis but also promotes regulatory gene expression in regulatory DCs in human psoriasis skin.
Effects of canopy connectivity on the arboreal ant community in coffee shade trees

Canopy connectivity influences foraging, movement, and competition in arboreal ant communities. Understanding how canopy connectivity affects arboreal ant communities could inform the development of management practices that maximize services from known biocontrol agents. We experimentally manipulated connectivity between the crowns of large shade trees to investigate the effects of canopy connectivity on arboreal ant species richness and composition in a coffee agroecosystem. A linear mixed‐effects analysis showed that the number of species observed at baits set in tree crowns increased significantly after the crowns had been connected with nylon ropes. Crowns that were connected increased in similarity of ant species composition, particularly between adjacent connected crowns. Connectivity may increase the number of species present in tree crowns by allowing ants to move and forage in the canopy while bypassing trunks with more aggressive, territorial species such as Azteca sericeasur. Because twig‐nesting species in the upper canopy have been shown to act as biocontrol agents of herbivores, an increase in species richness in tree crowns could have positive implications for agricultural pest‐control services.
Making Native Space: Colonialism, Resistance, and Reserves in British Columbia

Figures and Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction Part 1: The Colonial Period 1. The Imperial Background 2. The Douglas Years, 1850-64 3. Ideology and Land Policy, 1864-71 Part 2: Province and Dominion 4. The Confederation Years, 1871-76 5. The Joint Indian Reserve Commission, 1876-78 6. Sproat and the Native Voice, 1878-80 Part 3: Filling in the Map 7. O'Reilly, Bureaucracy, and Reserves, 1880-98 8. Imposing a Solution, 1898-1938 Part 4: Land and Livelihood 9. Native Space 10. Towards a Postcolonial Land Policy Appendix: Indian Reserves in British Columbia during the Colonial Period Notes Source Notes for Maps Bibliography Index
Maturity Assessment of Different Table Grape Cultivars Grown at Six Different Altitudes in Lebanon

Table grapes are harvested based on well-known maturity indices that must be monitored after fruit veraison. The aim of this study was to assess these indices across multiple locations and environmental conditions, encompassing different table grape cultivars such as Black Pearl, Crimson Seedless, Superior Seedless, and Red Globe. For this reason, grape sampling was conducted across six distinct locations characterized by varying altitudes above sea level (m asl) and environmental conditions over the ripening season. The main maturity indices, including pH, sugar content, titratable acidity, berry firmness, and other parameters were monitored over the growing season. Moreover, the quantification of total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity was determined using spectrophotometric assays at harvesting. The study has examined the effect of the vineyard’s location on grape quality and its interaction with the cultivar and environment. Crimson Seedless maintained a relatively high level of acidity with altitude near harvesting. Black Pearl exhibited a notable decline in both sugar content and berry firmness as elevation increased, whereas Red Globe demonstrated contrasting outcomes. The optimal maturity of Superior Seedless was observed at an elevation of 1000 m asl. Black Pearl and Crimson Seedless exhibited better adaptability to intermediate elevations (650 and 950 m asl), while Red Globe and Superior Seedless showed better adaptability to higher elevations (1000–1150 m asl). Among the studied cultivars, Black Pearl exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyphenols and anthocyanins, while close values were noticed between red and green cultivars.
Active Quantizer-Based Model-Free Adaptive Consensus Tracking for Multiple HSTs Against Sensor Bias

To enhance traffic efficiency and operational safety of multiple high-speed trains (MHSTs) running on the same track, train-to-train (T2T)-based coordination among train groups has become necessary means. In this article, an active quantizer-based model-free adaptive control (AQMFAC) approach is proposed for MHSTs that accounts for random sensor bias in output channels. Firstly, the design process includes the equivalent linearization of train model, the quantizer establishment, and the controller design. Subsequently, theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed AQMFAC can converge speed tracking error to a bounded range. Finally, the AQMFAC scheme is validated using a real-time StarSim hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) semi-physical test platform.
Single-cell analysis of graft-infiltrating host cells identifies caspase-1 as a potential therapeutic target for heart transplant rejection

Aims Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying early allograft rejection is crucial for the development of effective immunosuppressant strategies. This study aims to investigate the cellular composition of graft-infiltrating cells during the early rejection stage at a single-cell level and identify potential therapeutic targets. Methods A heterotopic heart transplant model was established using enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-expressing mice as recipients of allogeneic or syngeneic grafts. At 3 days post-transplant, eGFP-positive cells infiltrating the grafts were sorted and subjected to single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Potential molecular targets were evaluated by assessing graft survival and functions following administration of various pharmacological inhibitors. Results A total of 27,053 cells recovered from syngrafts and allografts were classified into 20 clusters based on expression profiles and annotated with a reference dataset. Innate immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, constituted the major infiltrating cell types (>90%) in the grafts. Lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells represented a smaller population. Allografts exhibited significantly increased proportions of monocyte-derived cells involved in antigen processing and presentation, as well as activated lymphocytes, as compared to syngrafts. Differential expression analysis revealed upregulation of interferon activation-related genes in the innate immune cells infiltrating allografts. Pro-inflammatory polarization gene signatures were also enriched in these infiltrating cells of allografts. Gene profiling and intercellular communication analysis identified natural killer cells as the primary source of interferon-γ signaling, activating inflammatory monocytes that displayed strong signals of major histocompatibility complexes and co-stimulatory molecules. The inflammatory response was also associated with promoted T cell proliferation and activation in allografts during the early transplant stages. Notably, caspase-1 exhibited specific upregulation in inflammatory monocytes in response to interferon signaling. The regulon analysis also revealed a significant enrichment of interferon-related motifs within the transcriptional regulatory network of downstream inflammatory genes including caspase-1. Remarkably, pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 was shown to reduce immune infiltration, prevent acute graft rejection, and improve cardiac contractile function. Conclusion The single-cell transcriptional profile highlighted the crucial role of caspase-1 in interferon-mediated inflammatory monocytes infiltrating heart transplants, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for attenuating rejection.
Metagenomic characterization of the microbiomes in five different body habitats of otherwise healthy individuals with periodontal disease

Introduction Recent studies have proposed several plausible mechanisms supporting the association between periodontal disease and systemic disease. However, characterizing the microbial communities in individuals with periodontal disease before onset of other diseases is an important first step in determining how the altered microbial state contributes to disease progression. This study established microbiome profiles for five body habitats of carefully selected, otherwise healthy individuals with periodontal disease. Methods Blood, oral (buccal mucosa, dental plaque, and saliva), and stool samples were collected from ten healthy subjects with periodontal disease. Using 16S rRNA metagenomics, the taxonomic and functional compositions of microbiomes were investigated. Results The most predominant phylum in blood and stool was Bacillota. Pseudomonadota accounted for the largest proportion of microbes in the buccal mucosa and saliva, whereas Bacteroidota were the most prevalent in dental plaque. Differential abundance analysis revealed that 12 phyla and 139 genera were differentially abundant between body habitats. Comparison of alpha diversity showed that the blood microbiome has the most diverse community close to neither oral nor stool microbiomes. We also predicted the functional configurations of the microbiome in otherwise healthy subjects with periodontal disease. Principal coordinate analysis based on functional abundance revealed distinct clustering of the microbial communities between different body habitats, as also observed for taxonomic abundance. In addition, 13 functional pathways, including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and proteasome, showed differential expression between habitats. Discussion Our results offer insight into the effects of the microbiome on systemic health and disease in people with periodontal disease.
Perception of corruption across gender, religion, and socioeconomic status

Corruption is a critical issue for Bangladesh, including corruption in higher education. The present study explored the perception of corruption based on gender, religion, and socioeconomic status with factorial survey research design. One hundred twenty participants were selected by purposive sampling technique from male and female university students aged 20-26 years. All the participants were studying in public and private universities. Personal Information Form (PIF) and Perception of Corruption Scale (PCS) were used for this study. The PCS measured the respondents’ level of perception about corruption consisting of 18 items. One-way analysis of variance and t-test were applied to analyze the data. The result indicates no significant difference in perception of corruption based on gender. In contrast, there is a significant difference in the perception of corruption based on religion, with the Hindus having the lowest perception of corruption. Moreover, there is a significant difference in perception of corruption based on socioeconomic status. Therefore, university students’ perceptions of different corrupt practices need to be addressed.
The Effect of Air Pollution on The Stomata Characteristics Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) Leaves, In the Tasikmalaya

This study aims to determine the effect of air pollution on the stomata characteristics in Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) leaves in Tasikmalaya. This research is quantitative. The Samples were taken through survey method with purposive sampling technique in the Singaparna Bus Station as an exposed area with the highest air pollution, Sukaraja-Mangunreja street as an exposed area with the moderate air pollution, and Mount Galunggung as an exposed area with the the lowest air pollution. The characteristics of the stomata observed using an Optilab camera type Professional Model Series MTN001 which already has the Image Raster application and previously calibrated with an object glass micrometer at 400 x magnifications. The Data analysed quantitatively and descriptively using one way ANOVA test. The results showed that different levels of air pollution could affect the characteristics of the stomata. Stomata in areas with high air pollution have the highest stomata index and stomata density, namely 8.2% and 326.11/mm2, with the category of medium density and oval stomata shape. Stomata in areas with moderate air pollution have the lower stomata index and stomata density, namely 7.3% and 256.47/mm2, with the low-density category and round stomata shape. Meanwhile, stomata in areas with low air pollution have the lowest stomata index and stomata density, namely 5.7% and 256.47/mm2, which indicate the category of low density and the shape of the stomata is round.
Seismic scattering in the subduction zone of the Middle America region

Seismic scattering is the direct consequence of the changes in the elastic properties of the medium. These so-call heterogeneities play a fundamental role for the understanding of the propagation of seismic waves and their possible effect on the analysis of seismic risk. This dissertation examines the scattering properties of Middle America region at continental scale, and provides a discussion of the current methods aimed to model the effect of small-scale heterogeneities in the crust. \newlineUsing data from a portable array deployed in Mexico perpendicular to the trench, we identified and modeled trapped crustal waves that were previously undocumented. When low frequency f<1Hz body phases from teleseismic events reach the trench from the ocean side, the lateral discontinuity between the continental and oceanic crust behaves as a line source that generates surface waves. This trapped mode travels with a significantly small attenuation through the crust as if it were propagating through a waveguide structure. Interestingly, conversion rates for this phase can reach up to 60% the amplitude of the incident phase in the vertical component. The scattered wave is better observed following the SP, PS, and SS phases for events in the southern hemisphere. Numerical models using a boundary element formulation support this hypothesis. Comparison between the simulations and the seismic records suggested that the structure formed by the flat-subducting slab and the crust behaves very similar to a sedimentary basin but at a larger scale. These observations could explain differences in attenuation along different paths of propagation in this area.
Spatial distribution of non-native invasive plants following large-scale wind damage at Larue Pine Hills - Otter Pond Research Natural Area, Union County, Illinois

i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . ii LIST OF TABLES . iv LIST OF FIGURES . v CHAPTERS CHAPTER 1 – Introduction. 1 CHAPTER 2 – Literature Review . 6 CHAPTER 3 – The Study Site . 32 CHAPTER 4 – Methods . 37 CHAPTER 5 – Results . 45 CHAPTER 6 – Discussion, Conclusion . 55 LITERATURE CITED . 61 APPENDIX . 73 VITA . 88
The Influence of Authoritarian-Benevolent Leadership on Subordinates’ Work Engagement: A Social Information Processing Perspective

Purpose The dynamic and complex external environment calls for leaders to be both benevolent and authoritarian to cope with the mutually exclusive demands in the management process. But few research paid attention to the dark side of leaders’ inconsistent behaviors on employees’ work outcomes. Based on social information processing theory, this study investigated the impact of authoritarian-benevolent leadership on subordinates’ work engagement and explored the mediating role of leader-member exchange ambivalence and the moderating role of trait mindfulness. Methods A two-wave time-lagged survey approach was employed and data from 309 employees from three Chinese companies were collected. R 4.2. 1 and SPSS 26.0 were used to test our hypotheses. Results The findings demonstrated how subordinates were influenced in their work engagement by authoritarian-benevolent leadership and leader-member exchange ambivalence and emphasized the value of maintaining a high level of trait mindfulness. This study indicated that (1) authoritarian-benevolent leadership was negatively associated with work engagement, which was mediated by leader-member exchange ambivalence; (2) subordinates’ trait mindfulness moderated the relationship between leader-member exchange ambivalence and work engagement; (3) the indirect effect of authoritarian-benevolent leadership on subordinates’ work engagement through leader-member exchange ambivalence was moderated by subordinates’ trait mindfulness. Conclusion This study reveals the dark side of authoritarian-benevolent leadership and deepens our understanding of the mechanism underlying the effect of authoritarian-benevolent leadership on subordinates’ work engagement from a new theoretical perspective. Practical implications are provided for managers to effectively develop authoritarian-benevolent leadership skills and improve subordinates’ work engagement.
High-Fat Mouse Model to Explore the Relationship between Abnormal Lipid Metabolism and Enolase in Pancreatic Cancer

Malignant tumors have become a major social health problem that seriously threatens human health, among which pancreatic cancer has a high degree of malignancy, difficult diagnosis and treatment, short survival time, and high mortality. More and more attention has been paid to abnormal lipid metabolism as a momentous carcinogenesis mechanism. Here, we explored the relationship between abnormal lipid metabolism, enolase, and pancreatic cancer by clinical data analysis. A high-fat mouse model was constructed, and then, a subcutaneous tumorigenesis mouse model of carcinoma of pancreatic cells and a metastatic neoplasm mouse pattern of pancreatic carcinoma cells injected through the tail vein were constructed to explore whether abnormal lipid metabolism affects the progression of pancreatic cancer in mice. We constructed a high-lipid model of pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and knockdown and overexpressed enolase in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and investigated whether high lipid regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating enolase (ENO), thereby promoting the cells of pancreatic carcinoma to invade and migrate. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, free cholesterin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) from pancreatic cancer patients and nonpancreatic cancer patients were tested. The differences in blood lipids between patients with and without pancreatic carcinoma were compared, and the correlation between blood lipids and neuron-specific enolase was analyzed. We confirmed that the serum triglyceride level of pancreatic cancer patients at initial diagnosis is overtopping nonpancreatic cancer patients, and the neuron-specific enolase level of patients with pancreatic carcinoma is better than nonpancreatic carcinoma sufferers. Triglyceride level is positively correlated with neuron-specific enolase level, and serum triglyceride level has predictive value for pancreatic cancer. Hyperlipidemia can promote tumor growth and increase the expression levels of ENO1, ENO2, and ENO3 in subcutaneous tumor formation of pancreatic cancer in mice. Additional hyperlipidemia promoted pancreatic carcinoma metastasis in the lung in mice injected through the tail vein, which confirmed that hyperlipidemia accelerated the process of EMT by increasing the expression of ENO1, ENO2, and ENO3, therefore promoting the pancreatic cancer cell metastasis.
Ultrafast vortices generation at low pump power and shearing interferometer-based vortex topological detection

A single mode fiber coupled laser diode was employed to generate a low threshold femtosecond vortex by using an off-axis pumping technique and mode converter with a pair of cylindrical lenses. In this way, the pump threshold of a laser system can be decreased and the slope efficiency can be increased. Two lateral interferometric techniques for optical vortex detection were improved using the circular common-path (CCP) geometry configuration. In the CCP interferometer, the object optical vortex was divided into two beams that transmit oppositely along the interferometer and interfere with themselves in the beam splitter. The two beams traveled along the same path through the same optical elements. These new designs omit delicate adjustment of two interference arms, and can easily manipulate the optical path difference between the two beams. The results show that the experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical simulation. These CCP interferometers are insensitive to the environment and are suitable for the measurement of topological charge of a laser source with a short coherence length, including white lasers.
Happiness in the Javanese context: Exploring the role of emotion regulation and resilience

Javanese, with their unique values, behaviors, and habits, represent the largest population among the many ethnicities in Indonesia. They adhere to specific values to maintain happiness in their lives, namely narima (acceptance) and rila (compliance). These values have psychological significance as they encompass resilience and the ability to regulate emotions. Furthermore, from a psychological perspective, resilience and emotion regulation play crucial roles in shaping the happiness of the Javanese population. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between emotion regulation, resilience, and happiness among the Javanese population. 250 Javanese from East Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta were involved. This study utilized the interdependent happiness, resilience, and emotion regulation scales. The findings showed a significant relationship between resilience, emotion regulation, and happiness among Javanese. Both independent variables accounted for 51.8% of the happiness experienced by the participants. Therefore, these findings shed light on the psychological processes and mechanisms underlying happiness among Javanese.