Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipopolysaccharide and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibit Interferon Signaling in Hepatocytes by Increasing Ubiquitin-Like Protease 18 (USP18) Expression

ABSTRACT Inflammation may be maladaptive to the control of viral infection when it impairs interferon (IFN) responses, enhancing viral replication and spread. Dysregulated immunity as a result of inappropriate innate inflammatory responses is a hallmark of chronic viral infections such as, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that expression of an IFN-stimulated gene (ISG), ubiquitin-like protease (USP)18 is upregulated in chronic HCV infection, leading to impaired hepatocyte responses to IFN-α. We examined the ability of inflammatory stimuli, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 to upregulate hepatocyte USP18 expression and blunt the IFN-α response. Human hepatoma cells and primary murine hepatocytes were treated with TNF-α/LPS/IL-6/IL-10 and USP18, phosphorylated (p)-STAT1 and myxovirus (influenza virus) resistance 1 (Mx1) expression was determined. Treatment of Huh7.5 cells and primary murine hepatocytes with LPS and TNF-α, but not IL-6 or IL-10, led to upregulated USP18 expression and induced an IFN-α refractory state, which was reversed by USP18 knockdown. Liver inflammation was induced in vivo using a murine model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury led to an induction of USP18 expression in liver tissue and promotion of lymphocytic choriomeningitis replication. These data demonstrate that certain inflammatory stimuli (TNF-α and LPS) but not others (IL-6 and IL-10) target USP18 expression and thus inhibit IFN signaling. These findings represent a new paradigm for how inflammation alters hepatic innate immune responses, with USP18 representing a potential target for intervention in various inflammatory states. IMPORTANCE Inflammation may prevent the control of viral infection when it impairs the innate immune response, enhancing viral replication and spread. Blunted immunity as a result of inappropriate innate inflammatory responses is a common characteristic of chronic viral infections. Previous studies have shown that expression of certain interferon-stimulated genes is upregulated in chronic HCV infection, leading to impaired hepatocyte responses. In this study, we show that multiple inflammatory stimuli can modulate interferon stimulated gene expression and thus inhibit hepatocyte interferon signaling via USP18 induction. These findings represent a new paradigm for how inflammation alters hepatic innate immune responses, with the induction of USP18 representing a potential target for intervention in various inflammatory states.
Augmented Reality Enhanced Human Robot Interaction for Social Robots as e-Learning Companions

The recent advancements in technology are bringing both Augmented Reality (AR) and social robotics into classrooms to enhance interpersonal communications alongside students’ motivation and engagement in learning. This paper presents a systematic overview of the applications of AR technology in educational settings whilst exploring the role of social robots and discussing the possible utilisations and integrations of the two technologies to facilitate student learning. In this work in progress paper, the authors have considered factors such as the novelty, learning types, advantages and challenges of utilising AR alongside social robots in the classrooms. The authors have identified current gaps of applying AR technology effectively in e-Learning context, which need to be addressed in future research when integrating with social robots into the learning environment to enhance Human Robot Interaction (HRI) based e-Learning companions. The authors also have proposed and developed two different integrated solution frameworks, which aim to bridge the paradigms of supporting robots as social actors. These AR technologies based frameworks promote enhanced interactions among students, social robots and the learning materials in an integrated e-Learning environment.
Analyses of Coronavirus Assembly Interactions with Interspecies Membrane and Nucleocapsid Protein Chimeras

ABSTRACT The coronavirus membrane (M) protein is the central actor in virion morphogenesis. M organizes the components of the viral membrane, and interactions of M with itself and with the nucleocapsid (N) protein drive virus assembly and budding. In order to further define M-M and M-N interactions, we constructed mutants of the model coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) in which all or part of the M protein was replaced by its phylogenetically divergent counterpart from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). We were able to obtain viable chimeras containing the entire SARS-CoV M protein as well as mutants with intramolecular substitutions that partitioned M protein at the boundaries between the ectodomain, transmembrane domains, or endodomain. Our results show that the carboxy-terminal domain of N protein, N3, is necessary and sufficient for interaction with M protein. However, despite some previous genetic and biochemical evidence that mapped interactions with N to the carboxy terminus of M, it was not possible to define a short linear region of M protein sufficient for assembly with N. Thus, interactions with N protein likely involve multiple linearly discontiguous regions of the M endodomain. The SARS-CoV M chimera exhibited a conditional growth defect that was partially suppressed by mutations in the envelope (E) protein. Moreover, virions of the M chimera were markedly deficient in spike (S) protein incorporation. These findings suggest that the interactions of M protein with both E and S protein are more complex than previously thought. IMPORTANCE The assembly of coronavirus virions entails concerted interactions among the viral structural proteins and the RNA genome. One strategy to study this process is through construction of interspecies chimeras that preserve or disrupt particular inter- or intramolecular associations. In this work, we replaced the membrane (M) protein of the model coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus with its counterpart from a heterologous coronavirus. The results clarify our understanding of the interaction between the coronavirus M protein and the nucleocapsid protein. At the same time, they reveal unanticipated complexities in the interactions of M with the viral spike and envelope proteins.
Effects of the weight configuration of hand load on trunk musculature during static weight holding

Abstract The performance of manual material handling tasks is one major cause of lower back injuries. In the current study, we investigated the influence of the weight configuration of hand loads on trunk muscle activities and the associated spinal stability. Thirteen volunteers each performed static weight-holding tasks using two different 9 kg weight bars (with medial and lateral weight configurations) at two levels of height (low and high) and one fixed horizontal distance (which resulted in constant spinal joint moment across conditions). Results of the current study demonstrated that holding the laterally distributed load significantly reduced activation levels of lumbar and abdominal muscles by 9–13% as compared with holding the medially distributed load. We believe such an effect is due to an elevated rotational moment of inertia when the weight of the load is laterally distributed. These findings suggest that during the design and assessment of manual material handling tasks, such as lifting and carrying, the weight configuration of the hand load should be considered. Practitioner summary: Elevated trunk muscle activities were found when holding a medially distributed load vs. a laterally distributed load (with an equivalent external moment to the spine), indicating a reduced spinal stability due to the reduced rotational moment of inertia. The configuration of the hand load should be considered when evaluating manual material handling tasks.
Characterization and biological properties of NanoCUR formulation and its effect on major human cytochrome P 450 enzymes

Curcumin (CUR) has been formulated into a host of n ano-sized formulations in a bid to improve its in vivo solubility, stability and bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the encapsulation of CUR in nan oc rriers would impede its biological interactivity, specifically its potential anti-canc er adjuvant activity via the modulation of CYP enzymes in vitro. NanoCUR, a micellar dispersion prepared via a thi n film method using only Pluronic F127 as excipient, was amenable to lyophil isat on, and retained its nano-sized spherical dimensions (17 – 33 nm) upon reconstituti on with water followed by dilution to 5 μM with HBSS or EMEM. NanoCUR was a weaker cytotoxi c agent compared to CUR in solution (sCUR), affecting HepG2 cell viability onl y when the incubation time was prolonged from 4 h to 48 h. Correlation with 2 h uptake data suggests this was due to a lower cellular uptake rate of CUR from NanoCUR than from sCUR. The poorer CUR accessibility might also account for NanoCUR being a weaker inhibitor o f CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 than sCUR. NanoCUR was, however, 1.76-fold more potent against the CYP3A4 (IC50 5.13 ± 0.91 μM) metabolic function. The higher activity against CYP 3A4 might be attributed to the synergistic action of Pluronic F127, since the blank micellar d ispersion also inhibited CYP3A4 activity. Both sCUR and NanoCUR had no effect on the CYP3A4 m RNA levels in the HepG2 cells. NanoCUR therefore maintained most of the biological activities of CUR in vitro, albeit at a lower potency and response rate.
An analysis of P seudomonas genomic diversity in take‐all infected wheat fields reveals the lasting impact of wheat cultivars on the soil microbiota

Summary Manipulation of the soil microbiota associated with crop plants has huge promise for the control of crop pathogens. However, to fully realize this potential we need a better understanding of the relationship between the soil environment and the genes and phenotypes that enable microbes to colonize plants and contribute to biocontrol. A recent 2 years of investigation into the effect of wheat variety on second year crop yield in the context of take‐all fungal infection presented the opportunity to examine soil microbiomes under closely defined field conditions. Amplicon sequencing of second year soil samples showed that P seudomonas spp. were particularly affected by the wheat cultivar grown in year one. Consequently, 318 rhizosphere‐associated P seudomonas fluorescens strains were isolated and characterized across a variety of genetic and phenotypic traits. Again, the wheat variety grown in the first year of the study was shown to exert considerable selective pressure on both the extent and nature of P seudomonas genomic diversity. Furthermore, multiple significant correlations were identified within the phenotypic/genetic structure of the Pseudomonas population, and between individual genotypes and the external wheat field environment. The approach outlined here has considerable future potential for our understanding of plant–microbe interactions, and for the broader analysis of complex microbial communities.
Multi-modal driver drowsiness detection: A feasibility study

Driver drowsiness is a significant contributing factor to road accidents and can lead to severe physical injuries, deaths, and significant economic losses. Earlier research primarily concentrated on estimating the level of drowsiness using a single measure such as lane or steering monitoring, behavioral measures or physiological ones. Hybrid systems employing multiple measures provide more reliable solutions because they minimize the number of false alarms and maintain a high recognition rate, which promote their acceptance. In this paper, we present an unobtrusive system that combines a dashboard-mount camera alongside with a watch-like wearable system recording optical (PPG) signals. Statistical analysis performed on 17 subjects demonstrates that our hybrid drowsiness detection system, which leverages both physiological and behavioral measures can reliably determine the drowsiness level with an accuracy ranging from 86% to 96% depending on the number of levels and the classification method used.
Yeast vacuolar HOPS, regulated by its kinase, exploits affinities for acidic lipids and Rab:GTP for membrane binding and to catalyze tethering and fusion

Acidic lipids act as coreceptors with Ypt7p to bind the HOPS complex to support membrane tethering and fusion. After phosphorylation by the vacuolar kinase Yck3p, phospho-HOPS needs both Ypt7p:GTP and acidic lipids to support fusion.
Feature-based Analysis of Gait Signals for Biometric Recognition - Automatic Extraction and Selection of Features from Accelerometer Signals

Gait recognition has been traditionally tackled by computer vision techniques. As a matter of fact, this is a still very active research field. More recently, the spreading use of smart mobile devices with embedded sensors has also spurred the interest of the research community for alternative methods based on the gait dynamics captured by those sensors. In particular, signals from the accelerometer seem to be the most suited for recognizing the identity of the subject carrying the mobile device. Different approaches have been investigated to achieve a sufficient recognition ability. This paper proposes an automatic extraction of the most relevant features computed from the three raw accelerometer signals (one for each axis). It also presents the results of comparing this approach with a plain Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) matching. The latter is computationally more demanding, and this is to take into account when considering the resources of a mobile device. Moreover, though being a kind of basic approach, it is still used in literature due to the possibility to easily implement it even directly on mobile platforms, which are the new frontier of biometric recognition.
Imaging and CSF analyses effectively distinguish CJD from its mimics

Objective To review clinical and investigation findings in patients referred to a specialist prion clinic who were suspected to have sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) and yet were found to have an alternative final diagnosis. Methods Review the clinical findings and investigations in 214 patients enrolled into the UK National Prion Monitoring Cohort Study between October 2008 and November 2015 who had postmortem confirmed sCJD and compare these features with 50 patients referred over the same period who had an alternative final diagnosis (CJD mimics). Results Patients with an alternative diagnosis and those with sCJD were of similar age, sex and frequency of dementia but CJD mimics had a longer clinical history. Myoclonus, rigidity and hallucinations were more frequent in patients with sCJD but these features were not helpful in classifying individual patients. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and genetic neurodegenerative disorders were alternative diagnoses in more than half of the CJD mimic cases, and 10% had an immune-mediated encephalopathy; lymphoma, hepatic encephalopathy and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy were seen more than once. Diffusion-weighted MRI was the most useful readily available test to classify cases correctly (92% CJD, 2% CJD mimics). The CSF cell count, 14-3-3 protein detection and S100B were of limited value. A positive CSF RT-QuIC test, introduced during the course of the study, was found in 89% of tested CJD cases and 0% CJD mimics. Conclusion The combination of diffusion-weighted MRI analysis and CSF RT-QuIC allowed a perfect classification of sCJD versus its mimics in this study.
MATE CHOICE AND HUMAN STATURE: HOMOGAMY AS A UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING MATING PREFERENCES

Assortative mating for human height has long attracted interest in evolutionary biology, and the phenomenon has been demonstrated in numerous human populations. It is often argued that mating preferences generate this pattern, but other processes can also induce trait correlations between mates. Here, we present a methodology tailored to quantify continuous preferences based on choice experiments between pairs of stimuli. In particular, it is possible to explore determinants of interindividual variations in preferences, such as the height of the chooser. We collected data from a sample of 200 individuals from France. Measurements obtained show that the perception of attractiveness depends on both the height of the stimuli and the stature of the individual who judged them. Therefore, this study demonstrates that homogamy is present at the level of preferences for both sexes. We also show that measurements of the function describing this homogamy are concordant with several distinct mating rules proposed in the literature. In addition, the quantitative approach introduced here fulfills metrics that can be used to compare groups of individuals. In particular, our results reveal an important disagreement between sexes regarding height preferences in the context of mutual mate choice. Finally, both women and men prefer individuals who are significantly taller than average. All major findings are confirmed by a reanalysis of previously published data.
An Integral Detection Scheme for Moving Object Indication in Dual-Channel High Resolution Spaceborne SAR Data

Upcoming SAR satellite missions like TerraSAR-X or RADARSAT-2 will deliver high resolution dual channel SAR data with large coverage. These new missions - together with rising interest in area-wide traffic monitoring - motivate spaceborne GMTI as an attractive alternative to conventional traffic data acquisition. However, a moving object appears distorted in the SAR image since the well-known stationary world assumption in the SAR focusing process is violated. In this paper, a detection approach is presented, which considers simultaneously the effects of azimuthal and radial motion of an object. The mathematical framework of this detector combines information of the measured signal, the expected signal, and their variances. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed algorithm is analysed using experimental airborne SAR data.
Transient Characteristics Under Ground and Short-Circuit Faults in a ${\pm \text{500}\,\text{kV}}$ MMC-Based HVDC System With Hybrid DC Circuit Breakers

The development of voltage-source-converter (VSC)-based high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems has increased significantly. However, the implementation of VSC-HVDC systems is limited for lacking fast, low-loss, and reliable circuit breakers. Hybrid dc circuit breakers (DCCBs) may help to improve this situation. In this paper, an efficient modular multilevel converter (MMC) HVDC system model based on the Zhangbei–Beijing ${\pm \text{500}\,\text{kV}}$ bipolar MMC-HVDC transmission (overhead line) project is first established. Then, the system transient characteristics are investigated involving permanent line-to-ground faults (LGFs), permanent short-circuit faults (SCFs), temporary LGFs, and temporary SCFs with either ac circuit breakers (ACCBs) or DCCBs in service. Finally, the performances, including the fault clearance and recovery, comparison of DCCBs with two different breaking methods, and comparison of ACCBs and DCCBs, in the MMC-HVDC system are presented. This paper provides a deep understanding of LGF and SCF in the MMC-HVDC systems, operation of DCCB, and comparison of faults clearance and recovery under these faults conditions using ACCB and DCCB, respectively. Results also benefit the application of the DCCB and the operation strategies in high-voltage and high-power MMC-HVDC systems with overhead lines.
Activity Recognition as a Service for Smart Home: Ambient Assisted Living Application via Sensing Home

An aging population has inspired the marketing of advanced real-time ambient assisted living solutions. However, the accurate collection of behavior information, recognition of human activities and implementation of this scheme in a real living environment is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a feasible extended framework which is compatible with common devices and protocols. Specifically, we treat activity recognition as a cloud service; thus, the application of home automation, environment and health management and advance warning of risk can be directly applied using this service. Finally, we evaluate our approach and show that it can achieve a theoretical accuracy of 93%, and can be run on cost-effective devices such as BeagleBone.
Synergistic selection regimens drive the evolution of display complexity in birds of paradise

Integrated visual displays that combine gesture with colour are nearly ubiquitous in the animal world, where they are shaped by sexual selection for their role in courtship and competition. However, few studies assess how multiple selection regimens operate on different components of these complex phenotypes on a macroevolutionary scale. Here, we study this issue by assessing how both sexual and ecological selection work together to influence visual display complexity in the birds of paradise. We first find that sexual dichromatism is highest in lekking species, which undergo more intense sexual selection by female choice, than non-lekking species. At the same time, species in which males directly compete with one another at communal display courts have more carotenoid-based ornaments and fewer melanin ornaments. Meanwhile, display habitat influences gestural complexity. Species that dance in the cluttered understorey have more complex dances than canopy-displaying species. Taken together, our results illustrate how distinct selection regimens each operate on individual elements comprising a complex display. This supports a modular model of display evolution, wherein the ultimate integrated display is the product of synergy between multiple factors that select for different types of phenotypic complexity.