Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image-tiling system using optically addressed spatial light modulator for high-resolution and multiview 3D display

A miniature electrically addressed spatial light modulator (EASLM) using standard CMOS processing comprises a crystalline silicon transistor array underlying a layer of ferroelectric liquid crystals and is intended for use in optical information processing as a high-frame rate input device. But the resolution is insufficient for modern video display. We have investigated a display system that tile the image from the EASLM on a pixilated optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM) using a binary phase hologram. This system consists of a ferroelectric liquid crystal EASLM with 320 X 240 pixels, a high frame rate video signal controller, a 532 nm laser as a light source of video projector, a binary phase hologram for 4 X 4 image multiplying and a 4 X 4 pixilated OASLM, with the optics for projecting video images. The threshold sensitivity of the OASLM is about 10 (mu) W/cm2 and its spatial resolution is about 50 lp/mm. The binary phase hologram is designed to fan out the asymmetric project image into 3 X 4 in the ratio of horizontal and vertical size for being memorized on the one part of the pixilated OASLM. The experimental value of the diffractive efficiency of the hologram is quite similar to the theoretical value, but the zeroth of diffractive beam is not removed completely. The displayed video image has a very high-resolution of 1280 X 960 pixels or a 3D display of 4 X 4 multiviews, depending on the images of the video projector.
Multi-decade catches of manta rays (Mobula alfredi, M. birostris) from South Africa reveal significant decline

Manta rays (Mobula alfredi and M. birostris) are poorly understood in South Africa, despite their ecological importance and charismatic appeal. This study analyzed a 41-year dataset from the KwaZulu-Natal bather protection program to investigate catch per unit effort between 1981-2021. We used Generalized Additive Models and the probability of encounter to assess annual and seasonal trends, as well as the effect of location and moon phases on catch rates. We also evaluated the size composition and demographics of caught manta rays using the same dataset. Our analysis revealed a significant decline in overall manta ray catches since the late 1990s (p<0.0001), with increased catch rates during summer, suggesting seasonal visitation to South African waters. We found that manta rays were caught at least once in all 46 netted beaches along the 350 km span of coastline, but with significantly more catches in the Central Area, between Anstey’s beach in the north and Mtwalume in the south. We also observed that moon phase had an effect on manta ray presence, with significantly more catches during spring tides at new and full moon phases. Over half of the caught individuals were juveniles, and a total of 841 individuals (52% of the total catch) belonged to the confirmed juvenile size class (1400-2500 mm disc width). We further found that a greater proportion (70%) of juveniles were caught in the southernmost sampled area, from Hibberdene in the north to Mzamba in the south. These findings highlight the importance of South African waters as a seasonal habitat for manta rays along the southern African coastline. The significant decline and spatial-temporal patterns we observed have critical implications for management and conservation efforts. Our study provides valuable baseline data for future research and underscores the need for continued monitoring and protection of these iconic marine species.
The expression of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in pituitary tumors causing Cushing’s disease and silent corticotroph tumors

Objective Pituitary neuroendocrine corticotroph tumors commonly cause Cushing’s disease (CD) that results from increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion by the pituitary tumor and consequent increase of cortisol levels in blood. However, in some patients, corticotroph tumors remain clinically non-functioning. Cortisol secretion is regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and includes a negative feedback between cortisol and ACTH secretion. Glucocorticoids reduce ACTH level both by hypothalamic regulation and acting on corticotrophs via glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors. The aim of the study was to determine the role of GR and MR expression at mRNA and protein levels in both functioning and silent corticotroph tumors. Methods Ninety-five patients were enrolled, including 70 with CD and 25 with silent corticotroph tumors. Gene expression levels of NR3C1 and NR3C2 coding for GR and MR, respectively, were determined with qRT-PCR in the two tumor types. GR and MR protein abundance was assessed with immunohistochemistry. Results Both GR and MR were expressed in corticotroph tumors. Correlation between NR3C1 and NR3C2 expression levels was observed. NR3C1 expression was higher in silent than in functioning tumors. In CD patients NR3C1 and NR3C2 levels were negatively correlated with morning plasma ACTH levels and tumor size. Higher NR3C2 was confirmed in patients with remission after surgery and in densely granulated tumors. Expression of both genes and GR protein was higher in USP8-mutated tumors. Similar relationship between USP8 mutations and expression levels were observed in analysis of silent tumors that also revealed a negative correlation between GR and tumor size and higher NR3C1 expression in densely granulated tumors. Conclusions Although the associations between gene/protein expression and patients clinical features are not strong, they consistently show an evident trend in which higher receptor expression corresponds to more favorable clinical characteristics.
Observations of the Overland Reintensification of Tropical Storm Erin (2007)

Atlantic Tropical Depression Five (2007) briefly strengthened into Tropical Storm Erin over the western Gulf of Mexico shortly before making landfall as a tropical depression near Corpus Christi, Texas, on the morning of 16 August 2007. During the overnight hours of 18–19 August 2007, nearly 3 days after landfall, Erin's remnant circulation strengthened over western Oklahoma, where sustained winds near the circulation's center exceeded 18 m s−1 for more than 3 h—the strongest reported during Erin's entire life cycle. Likewise, station pressure values reduced to sea level were lower at several measurement sites on 19 August than those recorded while Erin was classified by the National Hurricane Center as a tropical cyclone. During this period of lowest pressure, Erin developed an eye, an eyewall structure, and spiral bands, as observed by radar. The reintensification occurred within the domain of multiple observing networks and platforms, which provided rich detail on the near-surface behavior of Erin and .
Characterization of resistance genes and plasmids from sick children caused by Salmonella enterica resistance to azithromycin in Shenzhen, China

Introduction Samonella is 1 of 4 key global causes of diarrhoeal diseases, sometimes it can be serious, especially for yong children. Due to the extensive resistance of salmonella serotypes to conventional first-line drugs, macrolides (such as azithromycin) have been designated as the most important antibiotics for the treatment of salmonella. Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health problem in the world, and the mechanism of azithromycin resistance is rarely studied. Methods This study determined the azithromycin resistance and plasmids of Salmonella enterica isolates from children attending the Shenzhen Children’s Hospital. The susceptibility of ampicillin (AMP), ciprofloxacin (CIP), ceftriaxone (CRO), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), chloramphenicol (CL), and azithromycin (AZM) were detected and the genes and plasmids from azithromycin-resistant Salmonella were detected by Illumina hi-seq and Nanopore MinIone whole genome sequencing (WGS) using a map-based method, and the genomic background of these factors was evaluated using various bioinformatics tools. Results In total, 15 strains of nontyphoid Salmonella strains that were isolated (including S. typhimurium, S.London, S. Goldcoast, and S.Stanley) demonstrated resistance to azithromycin (minimum inhibitory concentration,MIC from 32 to >256 µg/mL), and the resistance rate was 3.08% (15/487). The sensitivity test to other antibiotics demonstrated 100% resistance to AMP, and the resistance to SMZ and CL was 86.7% and 80.0%, respectively. Through WGS analysis, all isolates were positive for a plasmid-encoded mphA gene. Plasmid incompatibility typing identified five IncFIB(K), five IncHI2/HI2A/Q1, two IncC, one IncHI2/HI2A/N, one IncR, one IncFII and one IncHI2/HI2A plasmids. Sequence analyses of plasmids revealed extensive homology to various plasmids or transposons in regions involved in plasmid replication/maintenance functions and/or in antibiotic resistance gene clusters. Conclusion mphA is the main gene involved in azithromycin, a macrolide, and resistance to Salmonella. It is usually located on plasmids and easily spreads, hence posing a great threat to the current treatment of Salmonella infection. The plasmid sequence similarities suggest that the plasmids acquired resistance genes from a variety of enterica bacteria and underscore the importance of a further understanding of horizontal gene transfer among enterica bacteria.
A co-delivery system based on chlorin e6-loaded ROS-sensitive polymeric prodrug with self-amplified drug release to enhance the efficacy of combination therapy for breast tumor cells

Background: Recently, various combination therapies for tumors have garnered popularity because of their synergistic effects in improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. However, incomplete intracellular drug release and a single method of combining drugs are inadequate to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Methods: A reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive co-delivery micelle (Ce6@PTP/DP). It was a photosensitizer and a ROS-sensitive paclitaxel (PTX) prodrug for synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy. Micelles size and surface potential were measured. In vitro drug release, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were investigated. Results: Ce6@PTP/DP prodrug micelles exhibited good colloidal stability and biocompatibility, high PTX and Ce6 loading contents of 21.7% and 7.38%, respectively. Upon light irradiation, Ce6@PTP/DP micelles endocytosed by tumor cells can generate sufficient ROS, not only leading to photodynamic therapy and the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, but also triggering locoregional PTX release by cleaving the thioketal (TK) bridged bond between PTX and methoxyl poly (ethylene glycol). Furthermore, compared with single drug-loaded micelles, the light-triggered Ce6@PTP/DP micelles exhibited self-amplified drug release and significantly greater inhibition of HeLa cell growth. Conclusion: The results support that PTX and Ce6 in Ce6@PTP/DP micelles exhibited synergistic effects on cell-growth inhibition. Thus, Ce6@PTP/DP micelles represent an alternative for realizing synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy.
Uncertainties of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment time-variable gravity-field solutions based on three-cornered hat method

Abstract. Currently, various satellite processing centers produce extensive data, with different solutions of the same field being available. For instance, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) has been monitoring terrestrial water storage (TWS) since April 2002, while the Center for Space Research (CSR), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), and the Groupe de Recherche de Géodésie Spatiale (GRGS) provide individual monthly solutions in the form of Stokes coefficients. The inverted TWS maps (or the regionally averaged values) from these coefficients are being used in many applications; however, as no ground truth data exist, the uncertainties are unknown. Consequently, the purpose of this work is to assess the quality of each processing center by estimating their uncertainties using a generalized formulation of the three-cornered hat (TCH) method. Overall, the TCH results for the study period of August 2002 to June 2014 indicate that at a global scale, the CSR, GFZ, GRGS, and JPL presented uncertainties of 9.4, 13.7, 14.8, and 13.2 mm, respectively. At a basin scale, the overall good performance of the CSR was observed at 91 river basins. The TCH-based results were confirmed by a comparison with an ensemble solution from the four GRACE processing centers.
Alpha-linolenic acid pretreatment alleviates NETs-induced alveolar macrophage pyroptosis by inhibiting pyrin inflammasome activation in a mouse model of sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS

Background Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can cause acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by inducing macrophage pyroptosis. The purpose of this study was to find out whether pretreatment of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) could inhibit NETs-induced macrophage pyroptosis in sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS, as well as to identify which inflammasome is involved in this process. Methods LPS was instilled into the trachea to establish sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS in a mouse model. Lung injury was assessed by microscopic examination of lung tissue after hematoxylin and eosin staining, pathology score, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) total protein concentration. The level of NETs in lung tissue was detected by MPO-DNA ELISA. Purified NETs, extracted from peritoneal neutrophils, induced macrophage pyroptosis in vitro. Expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (Cl-caspase-1, Cl-GSDMD, ASC) and IL-1β in the lung tissue and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were determined by western blotting or ELISA. Specks of Pyrin/ASC were examined by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Mefv (Pyrin)-/- mice were used to study the role of Pyrin in the process of sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS. Results ALA alleviated LPS-induced lung injury. ALA reduced the level of NETs, pyroptosis-related proteins (Cl-caspase-1, Cl-GSDMD, ASC), and IL-1β in the lung tissue of sepsis mice. In vitro, NETs increased the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (Cl-caspase-1, Cl-GSDMD, ASC) and IL-1β significantly in BMDMs. Pyrin protein was found to be higher and form the inflammasome with ASC in NETs challenged-BMDMs. Knockout of Mefv (Pyrin) gene fully restored the increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (Cl-caspase-1, Cl-GSDMD, ASC) and IL-1β in vitro and in vivo. Lung injury was alleviated significantly in Mefv (Pyrin)-/- mice as well. ALA suppresses all the NETs-induced changes as mentioned above. Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate Pyrin inflammasome driving NETs-induced macrophage pyroptosis, and ALA may reduce ALI/ARDS by inhibiting the activation of the Pyrin inflammasome-driven macrophage pyroptosis.
Effects of a polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract (Memophenol™) on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background Polyphenols are naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants. Research suggests that their intake reduces the risk of cognitive decline and related dementias. Grapes and blueberries are polyphenol-rich foods that have attracted attention for their potential cognitive-enhancing effects. Purpose Examine the effects of supplementation with a standardized and patented polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract (Memophenol™) on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Study design Two-arm, 6 month, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods One hundred and forty-three volunteers aged 60 to 80 years with mild cognitive impairment were supplemented with either 150 mg of Memophenol™, twice daily or a placebo. Outcome measures included computer-based cognitive tasks, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A), the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, and the CASP-19. Results Compared to the placebo, Memophenol™ supplementation was associated with greater improvements in the speed of information processing (p = 0.020), visuospatial learning (p = 0.012), and the BRIEF-A global score (p = 0.046). However, there were no other statistically significant between-group differences in the performance of other assessed cognitive tests or self-report questionnaires. Memophenol™ supplementation was well-tolerated with no reports of significant adverse reactions. Conclusion The promising results from this trial suggest that 6-months of supplementation with Memophenol™ may improve aspects of cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Further research will be important to expand on the current findings and identify the potential mechanisms of action associated with the intake of this polyphenol-rich extract.
Online health community for change: Analysis of self-disclosure and social networks of users with depression

Background A key research question with theoretical and practical implications is to investigate the various conditions by which social network sites (SNS) may either enhance or interfere with mental well-being, given the omnipresence of SNS and their dual effects on well-being. Method/process We study SNS’ effects on well-being by accounting for users’ personal (i.e., self-disclosure) and situational (i.e., social networks) attributes, using a mixed design of content analysis and social network analysis. Result/conclusion We compare users’ within-person changes in self-disclosure and social networks in two phases (over half a year), drawing on Weibo Depression SuperTalk, an online community for depression, and find: ① Several network attributes strengthen social support, including network connectivity, global efficiency, degree centralization, hubs of communities, and reciprocal interactions. ② Users’ self-disclosure attributes reflect positive changes in mental well-being and increased attachment to the community. ③ Correlations exist between users’ topological and self-disclosure attributes. ④ A Poisson regression model extracts self-disclosure attributes that may affect users’ received social support, including the writing length, number of active days, informal words, adverbs, negative emotion words, biological process words, and first-person singular forms. Innovation We combine social network analysis with content analysis, highlighting the need to understand SNS’ effects on well-being by accounting for users’ self-disclosure (content) and communication partners (social networks). Implication/contribution Authentic user data helps to avoid recall bias commonly found in self-reported data. A longitudinal within-person analysis of SNS’ effects on well-being is helpful for policymakers in public health intervention, community managers for group organizations, and users in online community engagement.
The regulatory effects of p53 on the typical and atypical ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma: A systematic review

Study background: As a rare condition, osteosarcoma affects approximately 3% of all cancer patients. Its exact pathogenesis remains largely unclear. The role of p53 in up- and down-regulating atypical and typical ferroptosis in osteosarcoma remains unclear. The primary objective of the present study is investigating the role of p53 in regulating typical and atypical ferroptosis in osteosarcoma. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Studies (PICOS) protocol were used in the initial search. The literature search was performed in six electronic databases, including EMBASE, Cochrane library of trials, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus Review, using keywords connected by Boolean operators. We focused on studies that adequately defined patient profiles described by PICOS. Results and discussion: We found that p53 played fundamental up- and down-regulatory roles in typical and atypical ferroptosis, resulting in either advancement or suppression of tumorigenesis, respectively. Direct and indirect activation or inactivation of p53 downregulated its regulatory roles in ferroptosis in osteosarcoma. Enhanced tumorigenesis was attributed to the expression of genes associated with osteosarcoma development. Modulation of target genes and protein interactions, especially SLC7A11, resulted in enhanced tumorigenesis. Conclusion: Typical and atypical ferroptosis in osteosarcoma were regulatory functions of p53. The activation of MDM2 inactivated p53, leading to the downregulation of atypical ferroptosis, whereas activation of p53 upregulated typical ferroptosis. Further studies should be performed on the regulatory roles of p53 to unmask its possible clinical applications in the management of osteosarcoma.
The role of system justification theory in support of the government under long-term conservative party dominance in Japan

The applicability of system justification theory (SJT) in Japan, where political contexts differ from those in Western countries, was evaluated in this study. SJT explains the psychological mechanisms underlying conservatism. Japan, which has a relatively long history as a democracy among East Asian countries, has a special political context. For instance, (1) it has had almost uninterrupted conservative governance since the end of World War II; and (2) unlike Western countries, opinions on economic issues are not clearly linked to conservative attitudes. A web survey of Japanese voters (n = 1,428) revealed that high general system justification (GSJ) and economic system justification (ESJ) were correlated with conservatism. Further, path analysis results showed that GSJ and ESJ predicted conservative attitudes. Additional analysis suggested that the status-legitimacy hypothesis, in which lower status groups have higher system justification motives, is not supported.
Potential inhibitory effects of compounds ZK-PI-5 and ZK-PI-9 on trehalose and chitin metabolism in Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)

Introduction: Spodoptera frugiperda is an omnivorous agricultural pest which is great dangerous for grain output. Methods: In order to investigate the effects of potential trehalase inhibitors, ZK-PI-5 and ZK-PI-9, on the growth and development of S. frugiperda, and to identify new avenues for S. frugiperda control, we measured the content of the trehalose, glucose, glycogen and chitin, enzyme activity, and gene expression levels in trehalose and chitin metabolism of S. frugiperda. Besides, their growth and development were also observed. Results: The results showed that ZK-PI-9 significantly reduced trehalase activity and ZK-PI-5 significantly reduced membraned-bound trehalase activity. Moreover, ZK-PI-5 inhibited the expression of SfTRE2, SfCHS2, and SfCHT, thus affecting the chitin metabolism. In addition, the mortality of S. frugiperda in pupal stage and eclosion stage increased significantly after treatment with ZK-PI-5 and ZK-PI-9, which affected their development stage and caused death phenotype (abnormal pupation and difficulty in breaking pupa). Discussion: These results have provided a theoretical basis for the application of trehalase inhibitors in the control of agricultural pests to promote future global grain yield.