Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Intensive Experimental Evaluation of an Enhanced Visible Light Communication System for Automotive Applications

As the interest toward communication-based vehicle safety applications is increasing, the development of secure wireless communication techniques has become an important research area. In this context, the article addresses issues that are related to the use of the visible light communication (VLC) technology in vehicular applications. Thus, it provides an extensive presentation concerning the main challenges and issues that are associated to vehicular VLC applications and of some of the existing VLC solutions. Moreover, the article presents the aspects related to the design and intensive experimental evaluation of a new automotive VLC system. The experimental evaluation performed in indoor and outdoor conditions shows that the proposed system can achieve communication distances up to 50 m and bit error ratio (BER) lower than 10−6, while being exposed to optical and weather perturbations. This article provides important evidence concerning the snowfall effect on middle to long range outdoor VLC, as the proposed VLC system was also evaluated in snowfall conditions. Accordingly, the experimental evaluation showed that snowfall and heavy gust could increase bit error rate by up to 10,000 times. Even so, this article provides encouraging evidence that VLC systems will soon be able to reliably support V2X communications.
Monitoring the autophagy-endolysosomal system using monomeric Keima-fused MAP1LC3B

The autophagy-endolysosomal pathway is an evolutionally conserved degradation system that is tightly linked to a wide variety of physiological processes. Dysfunction of this system is associated with many pathological conditions such as cancer, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, monitoring the cellular autophagy-endolysosomal activity is crucial for studies on the pathogenesis as well as therapeutics of such disorders. To this end, we here sought to create a novel means exploiting Keima, an acid-stable fluorescent protein possessing pH-dependent fluorescence excitation spectra, for precisely monitoring the autophagy-endolysosomal system. First, we generated three lines of transgenic (tg) mouse expressing monomeric Keima-fused MAP1LC3B (mKeima-LC3B). Then, these tg mice were subjected to starvation by food-restriction, and also challenged to neurodegeneration by genetically crossing with a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; i.e., SOD1H46R transgenic mouse. Unexpectedly, despite that a lipidated-form of endogenous LC3 (LC3-II) was significantly increased, those of mKeima-LC3B (mKeima-LC3B-II) were not changed under both stressed conditions. It was also noted that mKeima-LC3B-positive aggregates were progressively accumulated in the spinal cord of SOD1H46R;mKeima-LC3B double-tg mice, suggestive of acid-resistance and aggregate-prone natures of long-term overexpressed mKeima-LC3B in vivo. Next, we characterized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from mKeima-LC3B-tg mice. In contrast with in vivo, levels of mKeima-LC3B-I were decreased under starved conditions. Furthermore, when starved MEFs were treated with chloroquine (CQ), the abundance of mKeima-LC3B-II was significantly increased. Remarkably, when cultured medium was repeatedly changed between DMEM (nutrient-rich) and EBSS (starvation), acidic/neutral signal ratios of mKeima-LC3B-positive compartments were rapidly and reversibly shifted, which were suppressed by the CQ treatment, indicating that intraluminal pH of mKeima-LC3B-positive vesicles was changeable upon nutritional conditions of culture media. Taken together, although mKeima-LC3B-tg mice may not be an appropriate tool to monitor the autophagy-endolysosomal system in vivo, mKeima-LC3B must be one of the most sensitive reporter molecules for monitoring this system under in vitro cultured conditions.
Long‐distance seed dispersal, clone longevity and lack of phylogeographical structure in the European distributional range of the coastal Calystegia soldanella (L.) R. Br. (Convolvulaceae)

Aim To explore the relative effects of Quaternary climatic history vs. species‐specific biological properties (high seed dispersability, high seed longevity, clonal growth) on phylogeographical structure in European Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea material of the coastal dune plant Calystegia soldanella (L.) R. Br.
Erythropoietin, Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, and Death After Kidney Transplantation

Elevated levels of erythropoietin (EPO) are associated with an increased risk of death in renal transplant recipients (RTRs), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Emerging data suggest that EPO stimulates production of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), another strong risk factor for death in RTRs. We hypothesized that the hitherto unexplained association between EPO levels and adverse outcomes may be attributable to increased levels of FGF23. We included 579 RTRs (age 51 ± 12 years, 55% males) from the TransplantLines Insulin Resistance and Inflammation Cohort study (NCT03272854). During a follow-up of 7.0 years, 121 RTRs died, of which 62 were due to cardiovascular cause. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, EPO was independently associated with all-cause (HR, 1.66; 95% CI 1.16–2.36; P = 0.005) and cardiovascular death (HR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.14–3.06; P = 0.01). However, the associations were abrogated following adjustment for FGF23 (HR, 1.28; 95% CI 0.87–1.88; P = 0.20, and HR, 1.45; 95% CI 0.84–2.48; P = 0.18, respectively). In subsequent mediation analysis, FGF23 mediated 72% and 50% of the association between EPO and all-cause and cardiovascular death, respectively. Our results underline the strong relationship between EPO and FGF23 physiology, and provide a potential mechanism underlying the relationship between increased EPO levels and adverse outcomes in RTRs.
Matrix Presentation of Uncertainties Propagation in the Realization of ITS-90 Temperature Scale using Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers

Abstract The paper presents a matrix approach to the propagation of uncertainties in the realization of the ITS-90 using Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers (SPRT) calibrated at Defining Fixed Points (DFPs). The procedure allows correlations to be included between SPRT resistances measured during the calibration at the DFPs (i.e., the realization of the ITS-90) and the resistances measured during the subsequent use of the SPRT to measure temperature T90. The example also shows the possible contribution of these correlations to the overall temperature uncertainty measured by a calibrated SPRT.
APPLICATION OF SFF TO PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND SURGICAL REHEARSAL FOR TREATMENT OF LIMB DEFORMITIES IN DOGS

This report describes SFF-aided assessment and preoperative planning for treatment of bilateral multifocal pelvic limb deformities in a one-year old German Shepherd dog. CT scans were converted to solid models and stereolithography patterns were prototyped. RTV silicone molds were constructed and three sets of polyurethane patterns were cast for pre-surgical rehearsal. The paper compares traditional osteotomy planning procedures, planning via virtual prototypes, and planning with full-scale physical prototypes.
Path of water for root growth

Do roots obtain water for their growth directly from soil surrounding the growth zone or indirectly, via phloem, from water absorbed elsewhere? Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied with time-lapse imaging of seminal axile roots, growing in soil and air in a custom-made laboratory rhizotron, before and after excision. The growth data were combined with a theoretical estimate of the amount of water that could be supplied from the phloem. Roots readily extended into air, providing strong evidence that they obtain a portion of their growth-sustaining water internally. The time-lapse experiments indicated that in moist soil, internal sources provided 26–45% of the water for root growth, but the rest came externally from the soil surrounding the growth zone. From the theoretical analysis, the phloem could supply, on average, 64% of the total, accounting for all the internal sources. This indicates that phloem water could be used when root tips cannot access external water, such as in cracks or pores, or regions of dry soil. The distribution of phloem-delivered water for root growth should be considered in whole-plant modelling of root systems. Maximising phloem flux at root tips might confer more efficient use of soil water by crops.
Revision of European and North African Folsomides Stach with special emphasis on the Canarian fauna (Collembola: Isotomidae)

The genus Folsomides Stach, 1922 is redefined and given a narrow definition based on a limited set of consistent morphological characters: Position and distribution of tergal macrosensilla, chaetotaxy of mouth region, tibiotarsi, ventral tube and furca. Eighteen new species are described from the Canary Islands: semiparvulus sp. n. , xerophilus sp. n. , vinosus sp. n. , cumbrosus sp. n. , unicus sp. n. , terrus sp. n. , pocosensillatus sp. n. , nigrocellatus sp. n. , teno sp. n. , oromii sp. n. , ononicolus sp. n. , graminis sp. n. , famarensis sp. n. , pinicolus sp. n. , intermedius sp. n. , tonellus sp. n. , supranubius sp. n. and analuisae sp. n. The following European/African species are redescribed: parvulus Stach, portucalensis Gama, angularis (Axelson), cf. petiti Delamare, lawrencei Gers & Deharveng, cf. zairensis Martynova, nanus Ellis and centralis (Denis). Highly discriminate species characters are found in maxillary palp, tibiotarsal chaetotaxy and distribution of tergal microsensilla. A number of species are removed from Folsomides, and Subisotoma Stach, 1947 is given generic rank.
Exoenzyme Y Contributes to End-Organ Dysfunction Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients: An Exploratory Study

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes pneumonia in immunocompromised and intensive care unit (ICU) patients. During host infection, P. aeruginosa upregulates the type III secretion system (T3SS), which is used to intoxicate host cells with exoenzyme (Exo) virulence factors. Of the four known Exo virulence factors (U, S, T and Y), ExoU has been shown in prior studies to associate with high mortality rates. Preclinical studies have shown that ExoY is an important edema factor in lung infection caused by P. aeruginosa, although its importance in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa is unknown. We hypothesized that expression of ExoY would be highly prevalent in clinical isolates and would significantly contribute to patient morbidity secondary to P. aeruginosa pneumonia. A single-center, prospective observational study was conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Mechanically ventilated ICU patients with a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture positive for P. aeruginosa were included. Enrolled patients were followed from ICU admission to discharge and clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were genotyped for the presence of exoenzyme genes. Ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the study. ExoY was present in 93% of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Moreover, ExoY alone (ExoY+/ExoU−) was present in 75% of P. aeruginosa isolates, compared to 2% ExoU alone (ExoY−/ExoU+). We found that bacteria isolated from human samples expressed active ExoY and ExoU, and the presence of ExoY in clinical isolates was associated with end-organ dysfunction. This is the first study we are aware of that demonstrates that ExoY is important in clinical outcomes secondary to nosocomial pneumonia.
Osmundea purepecha, n. sp. (Rhodophyta: Ceramiales), from the Pacific Tropical Coast of Mexico, Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Abstract: Osmundea purepecha Sentíes, Mendoza-González & Mateo-Cid, n. sp. , is proposed from Zapote, Michoacán, tropical Mexican Pacific coast, on the basis of comparative morphology and rbcL sequence analysis. This species has characteristics typical of the genus Osmundea, including two pericentral cells per axial segment and male gametophytes with a “filament” type reproductive structure. Spermatangial branches are simple, terminating in one or two spherical sterile cells, developing in pocket-shaped pits located at tips of branchlets. Phylogenetic position of this species was inferred by analysis of chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 33 taxa, including one member of the Ceramiaceae as an outgroup. The Mexican Pacific sample, from Zapote, formed a distinctive and well-supported basal clade segregated from other Osmundea species. Osmundea purepecha, n. sp. , is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Osmundea species, supporting the assignment of this new taxon.
Hypothalamic tanycytes generate acute hyperphagia through activation of the arcuate neuronal network

Significance Tanycytes are nutrient-sensing cells that line the third ventricle within the hypothalamus. The role of tanycytes in the regulation of food intake has not been documented. Indeed, the mechanistic link between nutrient concentrations in the CSF and activation of neurons responsible for the regulation of food intake, such as orexigenic (NPY/AgRP) or anorexigenic (POMC) cells, is not yet clear. Here, we demonstrate that tanycytes, engineered to express channelrhodopsin, can activate arcuate neurons to induce acute hyperphagia when activated by light. These data provide further evidence that tanycytes are an integral link between CSF nutrients and the hypothalamic neuronal networks that regulate appetite and energy balance. Hypothalamic tanycytes are chemosensitive glial cells that contact the cerebrospinal fluid in the third ventricle and send processes into the hypothalamic parenchyma. To test whether they can activate neurons of the arcuate nucleus, we targeted expression of a Ca2+-permeable channelrhodopsin (CatCh) specifically to tanycytes. Activation of tanycytes ex vivo depolarized orexigenic (neuropeptide Y/agouti-related protein; NPY/AgRP) and anorexigenic (proopiomelanocortin; POMC) neurons via an ATP-dependent mechanism. In vivo, activation of tanycytes triggered acute hyperphagia only in the fed state during the inactive phase of the light–dark cycle.
Why, when, and how to use lung ultrasound during the COVID-19 pandemic: enthusiasm and caution

Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy; Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care’, Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Emergency Medicine, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy; Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Via Mura delle Cappuccine 14, Genova, Italy; and Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
Leigh Marine Laboratory contributions to marine conservation

Abstract The Leigh Marine Laboratory (LML) has taken full advantage of its location on the shores of one of the world's first no-take marine reserves. The foresight of the founders of the laboratory has enabled the pursuit of ecological studies that have been amongst the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of reserves as a tool for conservation and restoration. The insights flowing from this work at Leigh are important, not only for targeted marine species, but also at the ecosystem level, and have proven to be highly relevant to broader resource management issues. Novel methodologies have been employed in the pursuit of these aims, helping to popularise their wider use. More recent work has focused on understanding the processes underlying the variability in response to marine conservation in marine reserves across the spectrum of coastal marine habitats in New Zealand. The LML has probably exceeded the expectations of its founders, who hoped the laboratory might generate information of interest in the fields of ‘resource management, food web dynamics and natural fluctuations distinct from man-induced changes’, and its contribution in the field of marine conservation has been significant both within New Zealand and internationally. This has been a 50-year journey that has gone from a focus on local effects of conservation to the broader context, from direct effects of protection to indirect effects, and from small-scale spatial conservation management to ecosystem-based management.
Retinal Dystrophies and the Road to Treatment: Clinical Requirements and Considerations

Retinal dystrophies (RDs) comprise relatively rare but devastating causes of progressive vision loss. They represent a spectrum of diseases with marked genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Mutations in the same gene may lead to different diagnoses, for example, retinitis pigmentosa or cone dystrophy. Conversely, mutations in different genes may lead to the same phenotype. The age at symptom onset, and the rate and characteristics of peripheral and central vision decline, may vary widely per disease group and even within families. For most RD cases, no effective treatment is currently available. However, preclinical studies and phase I/II/III gene therapy trials are ongoing for several RD subtypes, and recently the first retinal gene therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for RPE65-associated RDs: voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). With the rapid advances in gene therapy studies, insight into the phenotypic spectrum and long-term disease course is crucial information for several RD types. The vast clinical heterogeneity presents another important challenge in the evaluation of potential efficacy in future treatment trials, and in establishing treatment candidacy criteria. This perspective describes these challenges, providing detailed clinical descriptions of several forms of RD that are caused by genes of interest for ongoing and future gene or cell-based therapy trials. Several ongoing and future treatment options will be described.
Analysis of pulsed cisplatin signalling dynamics identifies effectors of resistance in lung adenocarcinoma

The identification of clinically viable strategies for overcoming resistance to platinum chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma has previously been hampered by inappropriately tailored in vitro assays of drug response. Therefore, using a pulse model that closely mimics the in vivo pharmacokinetics of platinum therapy, we profiled cisplatin-induced signalling, DNA-damage and apoptotic responses across a panel of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. By coupling this data to real-time, single-cell imaging of cell cycle and apoptosis we provide a fine-grained stratification of response, where a P70S6K-mediated signalling axis promotes resistance on a TP53 wildtype or null background, but not a mutant TP53 background. This finding highlights the value of in vitro models that match the physiological pharmacokinetics of drug exposure. Furthermore, it also demonstrates the importance of a mechanistic understanding of the interplay between somatic mutations and the signalling networks that govern drug response for the implementation of any consistently effective, patient-specific therapy.
Evaluation of the For Our Children’s Sake intervention, parental support in prison to influence positive parenting: study protocol for a controlled trial

Introduction Children of incarcerated parents comprise a greatly disadvantaged group in society and positive parenting constitutes an important factor for children’s healthy development. Internationally developed parenting interventions for incarcerated parents suggest an impact on parenting outcomes, but no such evaluation has been undertaken in Sweden. This study aims to investigate the effects of the parenting programme currently offered in prisons in Sweden, For Our Children’s Sake (FOCS), through a controlled trial with a parallel implementation process evaluation. Methods and analysis The effectiveness trial is carried out as a non-blinded controlled trial with a parallel investigation of the implementation process using mixed methods. Participants comprise incarcerated parents (men and women) in Swedish prisons with a target sample size of 76 parents. Eligible parents have a child aged 0 to 18 years, no prohibition to contact or committed a crime against the child, or a violent crime against the other parent. The FOCS intervention is carried out in group format over 10 weeks. The primary outcome is closeness in parent-child relationship measured with the Child Parent Relationship Scale. Secondary outcomes comprise parent-child contact, parental criminal attitude and interest in other treatment programmes. Mediators comprise attitude to parenting, and self-efficacy. Outcome data are self-reported and collected over four time points: baseline (September to December 2019), mid and after intervention, and at 3 months follow-up. Implementation data is collected during and after intervention. Intervention fidelity is monitored through audio recordings, dose is registered per participant, reach comprise included versus eligible number of parents and acceptability is investigated through semi-structured interviews. Factors influencing implementation will be investigated using a questionnaire. Ethics and dissemination Ethical permission has been obtained by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority 2019–04227. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific conferences and presented to participants in writing. Trial registration number NCT04101799; Pre-results.
A hypoxia-induced Rab pathway regulates embryo implantation by controlled trafficking of secretory granules

Significance In many mammalian species, embryo implantation and processes of early pregnancy occur in a hypoxic environment. However, the mechanisms underlying maternal adaptation to hypoxia during early pregnancy remain unclear. This work has uncovered an important mechanism in mammalian reproduction and development by identifying maternal secretory granules that mediate molecular dialogue between the maternal tissue compartments during early pregnancy. This dialogue, which is the molecular basis of adaptation to hypoxia, is critical for embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy. Implantation is initiated when an embryo attaches to the uterine luminal epithelium and subsequently penetrates into the underlying stroma to firmly embed in the endometrium. These events are followed by the formation of an extensive vascular network in the stroma that supports embryonic growth and ensures successful implantation. Interestingly, in many mammalian species, these processes of early pregnancy occur in a hypoxic environment. However, the mechanisms underlying maternal adaptation to hypoxia during early pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, using a knockout mouse model, we show that the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (Hif2α), which is induced in subluminal stromal cells at the time of implantation, plays a crucial role during early pregnancy. Indeed, when preimplantation endometrial stromal cells are exposed to hypoxic conditions in vitro, we observed a striking enhancement in HIF2α expression. Further studies revealed that HIF2α regulates the expression of several metabolic and protein trafficking factors, including RAB27B, at the onset of implantation. RAB27B is a member of the Rab family of GTPases that allows controlled release of secretory granules. These granules are involved in trafficking MMP-9 from the stroma to the epithelium to promote luminal epithelial remodeling during embryo invasion. As pregnancy progresses, the HIF2α-RAB27B pathway additionally mediates crosstalk between stromal and endothelial cells via VEGF granules, developing the vascular network critical for establishing pregnancy. Collectively, our study provides insights into the intercellular communication mechanisms that operate during adaptation to hypoxia, which is essential for embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy.