Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Rigid Bodies Mining and Motion Estimation Based on Monocular Camera

Dynamic object perception is an important yet challenging direction in the field of robot navigation. Without any prior knowledge about motion and objects, a novel dynamic rigid bodies mining and motion estimation method based on monocular camera is proposed in this article. Different from the existing works based on sampling that associate feature points to motion hypotheses according to the reprojection errors, our work endeavors to find the intrinsic relevance among motion hypotheses. To represent this relevance, the concept of the probabilistic field on the Lie group Sim(3) manifold is introduced, which is established using random sampling. It provides a computable way for the regions on the manifold where rigid bodies possibly appear. The probability of a motion hypothesis falling on a region is expressed by its confidence. The regions with large confidences in the probabilistic field are selected as potential rigid bodies, whose corresponding feature points are further sampled for pose calculation. As a result, the randomness of sampling is reduced and the inliers for possible rigid bodies are enhanced, which guarantees the accuracy of motion estimation. On this basis, the tracking of rigid bodies is achieved. The proposed method distinguishes the feature points of dynamic objects with 3-D motion from those in the static background, thus enabling simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to be initialized in dynamic environments. The experimental results on the KITTI, Hopkins 155, and MTPV62 datasets demonstrate the effectiveness. Comparison experiments indicate that our method outperforms the other methods in sensitivity of dynamic objects perception.
Guanine quadruplexes in the RNA genome of the tick-borne encephalitis virus: their role as a new antiviral target and in virus biology

Abstract We have identified seven putative guanine quadruplexes (G4) in the RNA genome of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus causing thousands of human infections and numerous deaths every year. The formation of G4s was confirmed by biophysical methods on synthetic oligonucleotides derived from the predicted TBEV sequences. TBEV-5, located at the NS4b/NS5 boundary and conserved among all known flaviviruses, was tested along with its mutated variants for interactions with a panel of known G4 ligands, for the ability to affect RNA synthesis by the flaviviral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and for effects on TBEV replication fitness in cells. G4-stabilizing TBEV-5 mutations strongly inhibited RdRp RNA synthesis and exhibited substantially reduced replication fitness, different plaque morphology and increased sensitivity to G4-binding ligands in cell-based systems. In contrast, strongly destabilizing TBEV-5 G4 mutations caused rapid reversion to the wild-type genotype. Our results suggest that there is a threshold of stability for G4 sequences in the TBEV genome, with any deviation resulting in either dramatic changes in viral phenotype or a rapid return to this optimal level of G4 stability. The data indicate that G4s are critical elements for efficient TBEV replication and are suitable targets to tackle TBEV infection.
Do Double-Hybrid Functionals Benefit from Regularization in the PT2 Term? Observations from an Extensive Benchmark

We put to the test a recent suggestion [Shee, J., et al. J. Phys. Chem. Lett.2021, 12 (50), 12084–12097] that MP2 regularization might improve the performance of double-hybrid density functionals. Using the very large and chemically diverse GMTKN55 benchmark, we find that κ-regularization is indeed beneficial at lower percentages of Hartree–Fock exchange, especially if spin-component scaling is not applied [such as in B2GP-PLYP or ωB97M(2)]. This benefit dwindles for DSD and DOD functionals and vanishes entirely in the ∼70% HF exchange region optimal for them.
Recent Advances in Modified Cap Analogs: Synthesis, Biochemical Properties, and mRNA Based Vaccines

The recent FDA approval of the mRNA vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) emphasizes the importance of mRNA as a powerful tool for therapeutic applications. The chemically modified mRNA cap analogs contain a unique cap structure, m7G[5′]ppp[5′]N (where N=G, A, C or U), present at the 5′‐end of many eukaryotic cellular and viral RNAs and several non‐coding RNAs. The chemical modifications on cap analog influence orientation's nature, translational efficiency, nuclear stability, and binding affinity. The recent invention of a trinucleotide cap analog provides groundbreaking research in the area of mRNA analogs. Notably, trinucleotide cap analogs outweigh dinucleotide cap analogs in terms of capping efficiency and translational properties. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis of various dinucleotide cap analogs such as dinucleotide containing a triazole moiety, phosphorothiolate cap, biotinylated cap, cap analog containing N1 modification, cap analog containing N2 modification, dinucleotide containing fluorescence probe and TAT, bacterial caps, and trinucleotide cap analogs. In addition, the biological applications of these novel cap analogs are delineated.
Active Ultrahigh‐Q (0.2 × 106) THz Topological Cavities on a Chip

Rapid scaling of semiconductor devices has led to an increase in the number of processor cores and integrated functionalities onto a single chip to support the growing demands of high‐speed and large‐volume consumer electronics. To meet this burgeoning demand, an improved interconnect capacity in terms of bandwidth density and active tunability is required for enhanced throughput and energy efficiency. Low‐loss terahertz silicon interconnects with larger bandwidth offer a solution for the existing inter‐/intrachip bandwidth density and energy‐efficiency bottleneck. Here, a low‐loss terahertz topological interconnect–cavity system is presented that can actively route signals through sharp bends, by critically coupling to a topological cavity with an ultrahigh‐quality (Q) factor of 0.2 × 106. The topologically protected large Q factor cavity enables energy‐efficient optical control showing 60 dB modulation. Dynamic control is further demonstrated of the critical coupling between the topological interconnect–cavity for on‐chip active tailoring of the cavity resonance linewidth, frequency, and modulation through complete suppression of the back reflection. The silicon topological cavity is complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible and highly desirable for hybrid electronic–photonic technologies for sixth (6G) generation terahertz communication devices. Ultrahigh‐Q cavity also paves the path for designing ultrasensitive topological sensors, terahertz topological integrated circuits, and nonlinear topological photonic devices.
Analysis of Waves

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Impact of COVID-19 shocks, precarity and mediating resources on the mental health of residents of share housing in Victoria, Australia: an analysis of data from a two-wave survey

Objectives COVID-19 lockdown measures have challenged people’s mental health, especially among economically vulnerable households. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of exposure to COVID-19 shocks (defined as job loss, living cost pressures and changing housing conditions throughout the lockdown period) and double precarity (defined as precarity in housing and employment) on mental health outcomes for members of share households as well as the mediating effects of a range of resources. Design We conducted a two-wave survey of occupants of share housing in June and October 2020 during a prolonged period of population lockdown. Research design involved fixed effects ordered logit regression models to assess the mental health consequences of baseline precarity and COVID-related shocks. Setting Victoria, Australia. Participants We surveyed 293 occupants of share houses (mean age 34 SD 11.5, 56% female). Members of share houses (where individuals are unrelated adults and not in a romantic relationship) are more likely to be young, casually employed, visa-holders and low-income. Outcome measures We measured household composition, housing and employment precarity, access to government support, household crowding, social networks and COVID-19 shocks. We used a self-reported measure of mental health. Results Those exposed to COVID-19 shocks reported a 2.7 times higher odds of mental health deterioration (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.53 to 4.85). People exposed to double precarity (precarity in both housing and employment) reported 2.4 times higher odds of mental health deterioration (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.99 to 5.69). Housing inadequacy and lack of access to sufficient government payments explained 14.7% and 7% of the total effect of double precarity on mental health, respectively. Conclusions Results indicate that residents of group households characterised by pre-existing precarity were vulnerable to negative mental health effects during lockdown. Access to sufficient government payments and adequate housing buffered this negative effect.
The Relationship Between Financial Decision-Making and Financial Exploitation in Older Black Adults

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between contextual measure of financial decision-making and the financial exploitation experiences of older Blacks, and the convergent validity of mental health measures of contextual decision-making items. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 104 older Black adults included 52 cases of confirmed financial exploitation. Participants were matched on age and gender. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine these relationships. Results: The contextual measure of financial decision-making was significantly associated with financial exploitation, above and beyond the relationship of demographic measures. Further, there was strong evidence for convergent validity between the contextual measure and mental health measures. Discussion: Results underscore the significant relationship of the contextual factors involved in financial decision-making and financial exploitation. This study provides a conceptually driven approach to understanding the experiences of older Black adult victims of financial exploitation.
Stretchable PPG sensor with light polarization for physical activity–permissible monitoring

Skin-attachable sensors, which represent the ultimate form of wearable electronic devices that ensure conformal contact with skin, suffer from motion artifact limitations owing to relative changes in position between the sensor and skin during physical activities. In this study, a polarization-selective structure of a skin-conformable photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor was developed to decrease the amount of scattered light from the epidermis, which is the main cause of motion artifacts. The motion artifacts were suppressed more than 10-fold in comparison with those of rigid sensors. The developed sensor—with two orthogonal polarizers—facilitated successful PPG signal monitoring during wrist angle movements corresponding to high levels of physical activity, enabling continuous monitoring of daily activities, even while exercising for personal health care.
Longevity of immunity following COVID-19 vaccination: a comprehensive review of the currently approved vaccines

ABSTRACT It is unknown how long the immunity following COVID-19 vaccination lasts. The current systematic review provides a perspective on the persistence of various antibodies for available vaccines.Both the BNT162b2 and the mRNA-1273 induce the production of IgA antibodies, reflecting the possible prevention of the asymptomatic spread. The mRNA-1273 vaccineʻs antibodies were detectable until 6 months, followed by the AZD1222, 3 months, the Ad26.COV2. S and the BNT162b2 vaccines within 2 months.The BNT162b2 produced anti-spike IgGs 11 days after the first dose and peaked at day 21, whereas the AZD1222 induced a neutralizing effect 22 days after the first dose.These vaccines induce T-cell mediated immune responses too. Each one of the AZD1222, Ad26.COV2. S, mRNA-1273 mediates T-cell response immunity at days 14-22, 15, and 43 after the first dose, respectively. Whereas for the BNT162b1 and BNT162b2 vaccines, T-cell immunity is induced 7 days and 12 weeks after the booster dose, respectively.
Proteinopathy and Longitudinal Cognitive Decline in Parkinson Disease

Background and Objectives People with Parkinson disease (PD) commonly experience cognitive decline, which may relate to increased α-synuclein, tau, and β-amyloid accumulation. This study examines whether the different proteins predict longitudinal cognitive decline in PD. Methods All participants (PD n = 152, controls n = 52) were part of a longitudinal study and completed a lumbar puncture for CSF protein analysis (α-synuclein, total tau [tau], and β-amyloid42 [β-amyloid]), a β-amyloid PET scan, and/or provided a blood sample for APOE genotype (ε4+, ε4−), which is a risk factor for β-amyloid accumulation. Participants also had comprehensive, longitudinal clinical assessments of overall cognitive function and dementia status, as well as cognitive testing of attention, language, memory, and visuospatial and executive function. We used hierarchical linear growth models to examine whether the different protein metrics predict cognitive change and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models to predict time to dementia conversion. Akaike information criterion was used to compare models for best fit. Results Baseline measures of CSF β-amyloid predicted decline for memory (p = 0.04) and overall cognitive function (p = 0.01). APOE genotypes showed a significant group (ε4+, ε4−) effect such that ε4+ individuals declined faster than ε4− individuals in visuospatial function (p = 0.03). Baseline β-amyloid PET significantly predicted decline in all cognitive measures (all p ≤ 0.004). Neither baseline CSF α-synuclein nor tau predicted cognitive decline. All 3 β-amyloid-–related metrics (CSF, PET, APOE) also predicted time to dementia. Models with β-amyloid PET as a predictor fit the data the best. Discussion Presence or risk of β-amyloid accumulation consistently predicted cognitive decline and time to dementia in PD. This suggests that β-amyloid has high potential as a prognostic indicator and biomarker for cognitive changes in PD.
Associations of Chronic Burden, Sleep Characteristics, and Metabolic Syndrome in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

ABSTRACT Objective Chronic exposure to stress is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the mechanism is unclear. We investigated the associations between chronic burden, sleep, and MetS in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Methods Chronic burden was self-reported (2000–2001) according to experiences with stressors for longer than 6 months. Wrist actigraphy-measured sleep duration and sleep efficiency were collected for 6 days; sleep duration, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness were self-reported (2003–2004). MetS was measured during the clinic visit, from 2005 to 2006. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazard models were fit to determine the associations of interest. Mediation by sleep was assessed using the product of coefficients approach. Results Among participants (n = 606), the average (standard deviation) age was 40 (3.6) years, 58% were female, and 43% were Black. The prevalences of chronic burden, short sleep (≤6 hours), and MetS were 35%, 43% and 20.5%, respectively. High versus low chronic burden was associated with shorter self-reported sleep duration and higher daytime sleepiness. Chronic burden was associated with 1.85 higher odds (95% confidence interval = 1.11–3.09) of MetS. Sleep characteristics were not associated with MetS. There was no evidence that sleep mediated the chronic burden–MetS relation. Conclusion Burden of chronic stress may be an emerging novel risk factor for both poor sleep and MetS.
Inherent single‐cell bioelectrical parameters of thousands of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils derived from impedance flow cytometry

Single‐cell bioelectrical properties are commonly used for blood cell phenotyping in a label‐free manner. However, previously reported inherent single‐cell bioelectrical parameters (e.g., diameter Dc, specific membrane capacitance Csm and cytoplasmic conductivity σcy) of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils were obtained from only tens of individual cells with limited statistical significance. In this study, granulocytes were separated into neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils based on fluorescent flow cytometry, which were further aspirated through a constriction‐microchannel impedance flow cytometry for electrical property characterization. Based on this microfluidic impedance flow cytometry, single‐cell values of Dc, Csm and σcy were measured as 10.25 ± 0.66 μm, 2.17 ± 0.30 μF/cm2, and 0.37 ± 0.05 S/m for neutrophils (ncell = 9442); 9.73 ± 0.51 μm, 2.07 ± 0.19 μF/cm2, and 0.30 ± 0.04 S/m for eosinophils (ncell = 2982); 9.75 ± 0.49 μm, 2.06 ± 0.17 μF/cm2, and 0.31 ± 0.04 S/m for basophils (ncell = 5377). Based on these inherent single‐cell bioelectrical parameters, neural pattern recognition was conducted, producing classification rates of 80.8% (neutrophil vs. eosinophil), 77.7% (neutrophil vs. basophil) and 59.3% (neutrophil vs. basophil). These results indicate that as inherent single‐cell bioelectrical parameters, Dc, Csm and σcy can be used to classify neutrophils from eosinophils or basophils to some extent while they cannot be used to effectively distinguish eosinophils from basophils.
Role of extracellular vesicles in severe pneumonia and sepsis

ABSTRACT Introduction Extracellular vesicles (EV) released constitutively or following external stimuli from structural and immune cells are now recognized as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication. They are involved in the pathogenesis of pneumonia and sepsis, leading causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) where mortality rates remain up to 40%. Multiple investigators have demonstrated that one of the underlying mechanisms of the effects of EVs is through the transfer of EV content to host cells, resulting in apoptosis, inflammation, and permeability in target organs. Areas covered The current review focuses on preclinical research examining the role of EVs released into the plasma and injured alveolus during pneumonia and sepsis. Expert opinion Inflammation is associated with elevated levels of circulating EVs that are released by activated structural and immune cells and can have significant proinflammatory, procoagulant, and pro-permeability effects in critically ill patients with pneumonia and/or sepsis. However, clinical translation of the use of EVs as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets may be limited by current methodologies used to identify and quantify EVs accurately (whether from host cells or infecting organisms) and lack of understanding of the role of EVs in the reparative phase during recovery from pneumonia and/or sepsis.
Associations of Reduced Sympathetic Neural Activity and Elevated Baroreflex Sensitivity With Non–Rapid Eye Movement Sleep: Evidence From Electroencephalogram- and Electrocardiogram-Based Sleep Staging

ABSTRACT Objective Autonomic neural controls in sleep regulation have been previously demonstrated; however, whether these alternations can be observed by different sleep staging approaches remains unclear. Two established methods for sleep staging—the standardized visual scoring and the cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis based on electrocardiogram—were used to explore the cardiovascular profiles of sleep. Methods Overnight polysomnography was recorded together with continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure. Cortical activity, heart rate variability, blood pressure variability, and baroreflex sensitivity during sleep stages from 24 nights of sleep were obtained from 15 normotensive participants and analyzed. Results Non–rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) from visual scoring and restful sleep (RS) of CPC both showed the highest delta power of electroencephalogram (EEG) and lowest beta activity of EEG in comparison with other sleep stages (p < .001); likewise, the lowest total power of heart rate variability and suppressed vascular-sympathetic activity, reflected by low-frequency power of blood pressure variability, as well as a trend in elevated baroreflex sensitivity, were observed in the NREM or RS. This suppressed vascular-sympathetic activity during stable sleep further exhibited a significant correlation with increased slow-wave activity (NREM: r = −0.292 ± 0.34, p = .002; RS: r = −0.209 ± 0.30, p = .010). Conclusions Autonomic nervous system is evidently associated with stable sleep, as indicated by the similar findings obtained from sleep stages categorized by standardized visual scoring or CPC analysis. Such association between cardiovascular neural activity and sleep EEGs can be observed regardless of the sleep staging approach followed.
Eremophilane and Cadinene Sesquiterpenes from Syringa oblata and Their Protective Effects against Hypoxia‐Induced Injury on H9c2 Cells

Seven sesquiterpenes including four eremophilanes (1–4) and three cadinenes (5–7), were isolated from the heartwood of Syringa oblata Lindl. Among them, three new eremophilane‐type sesquiterpenes were identified and named oblatanoids A–C (1–3), respectively. Their structures were established by extensive analyses of spectroscopic methods, and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All these new compounds were evaluated for protective effects against hypoxia‐induced injury on H9c2 cells, and 1–3 exhibited significantly protective activities toward H9c2 cells in vitro.
Targeting fetal hemoglobin expression to treat β hemoglobinopathies

ABSTRACT Introduction Sickle cell disease and β thalassemia are the principal β hemoglobinopathies. The complex pathophysiology of sickle cell disease is initiated by sickle hemoglobin polymerization. In β thalassemia, insufficient β-globin synthesis results in excessive free α globin, ineffective erythropoiesis, and severe anemia. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) prevents sickle hemoglobin polymerization; in β thalassemia HbF compensates for the deficit of normal hemoglobin. When HbF constitutes about a third of total cell hemoglobin, the complications of sickle cell disease are nearly totally prevented. Similarly, sufficient HbF in β thalassemia diminishes or prevents ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis. Areas covered This article examines the pathophysiology of β hemoglobinopathies, the physiology of HbF, intracellular distribution, and the regulation of HbF expression. Inducing high levels of HbF by targeting its regulatory pathways pharmacologically or with cell-based therapeutics provides major clinical benefit and perhaps a ‘cure. ’ Expert opinion Erythrocytes must contain about 10 pg of HbF to ‘cure’ sickle cell disease. If HbF is the only hemoglobin present, much higher levels are needed to ‘cure’ β thalassemia. These levels of HbF can be obtained by different iterations of gene therapy. Small molecule drugs that can achieve even modest pancellular HbF concentrations are a major unmet need.