Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Close Homolog of L1 Deficiency Exacerbated Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function in Mouse Model of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis

The cell adhesion molecule CHL1, which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, functions in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including neural development, tissue injury, and repair. We previously found that the loss of CHL1 exacerbated the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In the present study, we further addressed the role of CHL1 in mouse model of DSS-induced colitis and its’ potential mechanism. Colon tissues were collected from CHL1+/+, CHL1+/−, and CHL1−/− mice after DSS induction to investigate the effects of CHL1 on the development of colitis. The data showed that CHL1 was expressed in intestine tissue, and expression of CHL1 was increased by DSS-induced inflammation. CHL1 deficiency induced more pronounced colitis features, exacerbated inflammation, and damage to colonic tissues in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, colonic tissues of CHL1−/− mice showed a marked increase in neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, be accompanied by more severe damage to intestinal epithelial cells and higher fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) leakage. Our results revealed deficiency of CHL1 exacerbated DSS-induced colitis, and this pathogenesis was potentially mediated by disruption of intestinal barrier integrity, indicating that CHL1 may be an attractive therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in mice.
Stimulus-Specific Individual Differences in Holistic Perception of Mooney Faces

Humans perceive faces holistically rather than as a set of separate features. Previous work demonstrates that some individuals are better at this holistic type of processing than others. Here, we show that there are unique individual differences in holistic processing of specific Mooney faces. We operationalized the increased difficulty of recognizing a face when inverted compared to upright as a measure of the degree to which individual Mooney faces were processed holistically by individual observers. Our results show that Mooney faces vary considerably in the extent to which they tap into holistic processing; some Mooney faces require holistic processing more than others. Importantly, there is little between-subject agreement about which faces are processed holistically; specific faces that are processed holistically by one observer are not by other observers. Essentially, what counts as holistic for one person is unique to that particular observer. Interestingly, we found that the per-face, per-observer differences in face discrimination only occurred for harder Mooney faces that required relatively more holistic processing. These findings suggest that holistic processing of hard Mooney faces depends on a particular observer’s experience whereas processing of easier, cartoon-like Mooney faces can proceed universally for everyone. Future work using Mooney faces in perception research should take these stimulus-specific individual differences into account to best isolate holistic processing.
Increased Frequencies of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Precede Immunodiscordance in HIV-Infected Subjects

Background We have previously observed increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers and Th17 as well as Treg cells, but not other T-cell specific alterations, preceding immunodiscordance of successfully-treated HIV-infected subjects. Our hypothesis is that this could be related with potential alterations in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and/or monocyte subsets. Methods We determined the frequencies of MDSCs and monocyte subsets and the expression of several functional markers (CCR2, β7-integrin, IDO, PDL1, CD11b) in HIV-infected subjects before treatment. We additionally analyzed follow-up samples after 24 months of suppressive cART in a subgroup of subjects. Bivariate regressions were performed, and correlations with soluble proinflammatory and bacterial translocation biomarkers, as well as with Th17/Treg ratio and anti-CMV titers were explored. Results Increased frequencies of MDSCs, but normal distribution of monocyte subsets, preceded immunodiscordance. The expression of several functional markers, such as CCR2, CD16, CD11b and PDL1, on MDSCs and monocyte subsets was altered in this scenario. MDSC and monocyte-related functional markers were associated with soluble biomarkers and T-cell parameters. Several of these cellular alterations were not restored after 24 months of suppressive cART. Conclusion An early immunosuppressive environment, characterized by the expansion of MDSCs and Tregs, precedes immunodiscordance and is related with a highly inflammatory status.
Music-based neurofeedback system for stress regulation and memory stimulation

Although musical neurofeedback is used in multiple works, few systems have been developed for stress regulation, and no systems have been developed for memory stimulation. For this reason, a music-based neurofeedback system for stress regulation and memory stimulation is proposed. This system was designed as a response to a previous research called “Neurophysiology of Emotions and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against Women”. The designed system uses 8 EEG channels to analyze alpha and theta brain-waves from 4 areas of the brain: prefrontal, frontal, temporal and central. By recording a 30 seconds baseline, the system is capable to detect changes in the EEG signal that can be used for the interaction. For feedback, three musical features are modified depending on the EEG analysis: tempo, loudness and loudness of the voice of the singer. For testing the system, two protocols were designed, these protocols focused on memory stimulation and stress regulation. They were designed specifically for each one of the three types of feedback. These protocols were applied on two women (43 and 52 years old), both had been part of the previous project. Results are promising, showing changes in the EEG signals of the participants when comparing the first session and the last one. Changes in performance of some specific tasks in the protocols, show an adequate usability of the system. Further studies will be carry on in order to evaluate long-term effects of the system with more activities.
Risk of Recurrence of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis in Posterior Circulation Seen to Be Higher Than That in Anterior Circulation in Long-Term Follow-Up

Background: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. In Asians, intracranial atherosclerotic disease leads to 33–50% of ischemic events. At present, treatment with medication vs. endovascular therapy (EVT) for symptomatic ICAS (sICAS) patients is still debatable. The clinical prognosis of patients who are not completely free of stroke symptoms despite regular medication and are not eligible for EVT for various reasons, is not yet investigated. Aim: To report the long-term recurrence rate of stroke in a cohort of symptomatic ICAS patients who intended to undergo EVT upon admission but could not for various reasons after digital subtraction angiography (DSA) evaluation. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive sICAS patients in a single center from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017 who underwent DSA assessment alone and were not eligible for further EVT. Demographic information, risk factors related to cerebrovascular disease, clinical comorbidities, medication, imaging data, and long-term outcomes were reported. Results: A total of 218 patients were included in the study; 42 (19.2%) patients had recurrence of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) at the 1-year follow up. Patients were divided into two groups according to lesions in anterior circulation (n = 120) or posterior circulation (n = 98). There was a higher stroke/TIA recurrence rate in the posterior circulation than anterior circulation group (25.5 vs. 14.2%, p = 0.035). Given the advanced age, higher prevalence of coronary heart disease, larger stenosis length, and poorer collateral circulation, the posterior circulation group showed a higher risk of recurrent stroke/TIA and death than the anterior circulation group [HR = 3.092, 95% CI (1.335–7.164), p = 0.0084], after adjusting for all confounding factors in the COX regression model. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that sICAS recurrence and mortality risk in the posterior circulation group was consistently higher than that in the anterior circulation group (log-rank-test, p = 0.033). Conclusions: Patients with posterior circulation sICAS have higher recurrence risk than those with anterior circulation managed with medication alone. Further, posterior circulation lesion is an independent risk factor for recurrence in sICAS patients.
Pushing the Envelope of Dynamic Spatial Gating technologies

There has been a recent surge in interest in dynamic inference technologies which can reduce the cost of inference, without sacrificing the accuracy of the model. These models are based on the assumption that not all parts of the output feature map (OFM) are equally important for all inputs. The parts of the output feature maps that are deemed unimportant for a certain input can be skipped entirely or computed at a lower precision, leading to reduced number of computation. In this paper we focus on one such technology that targets unimportant features in the spatial domain of OFM, called Precision Gating (PG). PG computes most features in low precision, to identify regions in the OFM where an object of interest is present, and computes high precision OFM for that region only. We show that PG leads to loss in accuracy when we push the MAC reduction achieved by a PG network. We identify orthogonal dynamic optimization opportunities not exploited by PG and show that the combined technologies can achieve far better results than their individual baseline. This Hybrid Model can achieve 1.92x computation savings on a CIFAR-10 model at an accuracy of 91.35%. At a similar computation savings, the PG model achieves an accuracy of 89.9%. Additionally, we show that PG leads to GEMM computations that are not hardware aware and propose a fix that makes PG technique CPU friendly without losing accuracy.
R Minus G

Long-term data show that the dynamic efficiency condition r>g holds when g is represented by the average growth rate of real GDP if r is the average real rate of return on equity, E(r e ) , but not if r is the risk-free rate, r f . This pattern accords with a simple disaster-risk model calibrated to fit observed equity premia. If Ponzi (chain-letter) finance by private agents and the government are precluded, the equilibrium can feature r f ≤E(g) , a result that does not signal dynamic inefficiency. In contrast, E(r e )>E(g) is required for dynamic efficiency, implied by the model, and consistent with the data. The model satisfies Ricardian Equivalence because, without Ponzi finance by the government, a rise in safe assets from increased public debt is matched by an increase in the safe (that is, certain) present value of liabilities associated with net taxes.
Bidimensional analysis of reverberant shear wave elastography with multiple aleatory mini-surface sources: simulation study

Reverberant shear wave elastography (R-SWE) is a novel technique that takes advantage of reflected waves, applying multiple vibration sources near the region of interest, in order to create a diffuse field. Different studies show encouraging results assuming a full development of the desired field. However, the presence of the optimal diffuse field it is not guaranteed. Moreover, previous studies have performed numerical simulations and phantom experiments, considering the reverberant field generation through the summation of plane shear waves propagating with random amplitude, direction and phase. In contrast, these assumption is not accurate, since physical experiments could be performed using normal load sources with a reduce contact surface, propagating spherical shear waves. This work is based on a simulation study with four different scenarios with aleatory mini-surface sources considering their position, degree of similarity with theoretical models and shear wave speed (SWS) estimation. The results suggest that similar SWS maps can be reconstructed independently of the range of sources used. Furthermore, there is a significant bias (around 25%) for SWS estimation obtained by curve fitting estimation since this technique is optimized for plane waves.
Distribution and aggregation of engorging ticks on body parts of small rodent hosts

Abstract Small rodent species are the most important blood source of tick larvae; their role is crucial for tick survival, maintainance and spread in nature. From data of 1409 ticks collected from 282 individuals of three small rodent species live-trapped at a natural habitat, we drew conclusions about aggregation of ticks, the anatomical sites most frequently used for engorgement, different susceptibility of host species to tick infestation. We studied data of various age and sex groups of hosts, individuals of different reproductive status and recaptured rodents. The tick load of A. agrarius and A. flavicollis differed significantly, accumulation of ticks was shown on the auricles of both Apodemus species, and on the throat-neck region of A. agrarius. Old rodents carried more, lactating females less ticks, than the average. Data of recaptured hosts showed, that ticks invade the body via the toes and nose and they are aiming for the auricles. Voles were significantly more heavily infested with nymphs which fed in the auditory tracts, which were free of ticks in mice. The phenomenon of aggregation is important for understanding the ecology of tick-borne diseases, as only a minority of the hosts are responsible for disease risks, and it is particularly important for control strategies that apply acaricides to reservoir hosts.
A Real-Time Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Method for Rapid Detection of Vibrio vulnificus in Seafood

As an important foodborne pathogen, Vibrio vulnificus gives a significant threat to food safety and public health. Rapid and accurate detection methods for V. vulnificus are required to control its spread. The conventional detection methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, while the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- and quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based methods are limited because of their dependence on laboratory equipment. Nucleic acid isothermal amplification technologies have been applied to develop simpler assays. In this study, a rapid detection method based on real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) targeting the extracellular metalloprotease (empV) gene of V. vulnificus has been established. The method finished the detection in 2–14 min at 39°C with good specificity. The limit of detection was 17 gene copies or 1 colony-forming unit (CFU) per reaction, or 1 CFU/10 g of spiked food with enrichment. In a clinical sample detection test, the results of real-time RPA were 100% consistent with bioassay and qPCR. Moreover, the method could resist the effect of food matrix and could tolerate crude templates. The real-time RPA method established in this study is rapid and simple and has the potential to be widely applied for V. vulnificus detection in food safety control.
Evolutionary loss of foot muscle during development with characteristics of atrophy and no evidence of cell death

Many species that run or leap across sparsely vegetated habitats, including horses and deer, evolved the severe reduction or complete loss of foot muscles as skeletal elements elongated and digits were lost, and yet the developmental mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we report the natural loss of foot muscles in the bipedal jerboa, Jaculus jaculus. Although adults have no muscles in their feet, newborn animals have muscles that rapidly disappear soon after birth. We were surprised to find no evidence of apoptotic or necrotic cell death during stages of peak myofiber loss, countering well-supported assumptions of developmental tissue remodeling. We instead see hallmarks of muscle atrophy, including an ordered disassembly of the sarcomere associated with upregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligases, MuRF1 and Atrogin-1. We propose that the natural loss of muscle, which remodeled foot anatomy during evolution and development, involves cellular mechanisms that are typically associated with disease or injury.
Regulation of Enteroendocrine Cell Networks by the Major Human Gut Symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

Gut microbes have critical roles in maintaining host physiology, but their effects on epithelial chemosensory enteroendocrine cells (EEC) remain unclear. We investigated the role that the ubiquitous commensal gut bacterium Bacteriodes thetaiotaomicron (Bt) and its major fermentation products, acetate, propionate, and succinate (APS) have in shaping EEC networks in the murine gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The distribution and numbers of EEC populations were assessed in tissues along the GIT by fluorescent immunohistochemistry in specific pathogen free (SPF), germfree (GF) mice, GF mice conventionalized by Bt or Lactobacillus reuteri (Lr), and GF mice administered APS. In parallel, we also assessed the suitability of using intestinal crypt-derived epithelial monolayer cultures for these studies. GF mice up-regulated their EEC network, in terms of a general EEC marker chromogranin A (ChrA) expression, numbers of serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells, and both hormone-producing K- and L-cells, with a corresponding increase in serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. Bt conventionalization restored EEC numbers to levels in SPF mice with regional specificity; the effects on ChrA and L-cells were mainly in the small intestine, the effects on K-cells and EC cells were most apparent in the colon. By contrast, Lr did not restore EEC networks in conventionalized GF mice. Analysis of secretory epithelial cell monolayer cultures from whole small intestine showed that intestinal monolayers are variable and with the possible exclusion of GIP expressing cells, did not accurately reflect the EEC cell makeup seen in vivo. Regarding the mechanism of action of Bt on EECs, colonization of GF mice with Bt led to the production and accumulation of acetate, propionate and succinate (APS) in the caecum and colon, which when administered at physiological concentrations to GF mice via their drinking water for 10 days mimicked to a large extent the effects of Bt in GF mice. After withdrawal of APS, the changes in some EEC were maintained and, in some cases, were greater than during APS treatment. This data provides evidence of microbiota influences on regulating EEC networks in different regions of the GIT, with a single microbe, Bt, recapitulating its role in a process that may be dependent upon its fermentation products.
Climatology of Tropical Cyclone Strikes along the Southeastern Coastline of the United States

ABSTRACT Lindner, B.L. ; Holden, W. ; Neuhauser, A. , and Evsich, R. , 2020. Climatology of tropical cyclone strikes along the southeastern coastline of the United States. Journal of Coastal Research, 36(6), 1162–1177. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. It has been theorized that tropical cyclones originating in or passing through the Gulf of Mexico (hereafter referred to as GOM tropical cyclones) may significantly impact communities along the Atlantic coast of the southeastern United States. To explore this hypothesis, site-specific climatologies were compiled using National Hurricane Center records of tropical cyclones that passed within 139 km of either Savannah, Georgia, or Wilmington, North Carolina, during the years 1851–2018. Return periods for tropical cyclones are longer for Savannah than for Wilmington, particularly for intense hurricanes. Intense GOM hurricanes are weakened by land interaction, which would result in longer return periods. A secondary maximum in the number of tropical storms early in hurricane season is more pronounced with proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which is again consistent with the contribution from GOM tropical cyclones. Moreover, the percentage of tropical cyclones that passed near Savannah but did not make landfall is higher than that for Wilmington, again an indication of the significance of GOM tropical cyclones. Further evidence of the influence of GOM tropical cyclones is seen in the difference in approach angle and translational velocity between tropical storms and hurricanes. In addition, translational velocities for tropical cyclones increase with latitude, and translational velocities for tropical cyclones near either Savannah or Wilmington increase as the hurricane season progresses. Both relationships are likely due to the interaction of tropical cyclones with synoptic and planetary-scale winds. The median date for tropical cyclones has shifted earlier in recent decades for both Savannah and Wilmington, which is potentially an indication of climate change. An improved understanding of the climatology of tropical cyclones could lead to enhanced city planning, building codes, infrastructure, and resource management.
Soil Bacterial and Fungal Richness Forecast Patterns of Early Pine Litter Decomposition

Discovering widespread microbial processes that drive unexpected variation in carbon cycling may improve modeling and management of soil carbon (Prescott, 2010; Wieder et al., 2015a, 2018). A first step is to identify community features linked to carbon cycle variation. We addressed this challenge using an epidemiological approach with 206 soil communities decomposing Ponderosa pine litter in 618 microcosms. Carbon flow from litter decomposition was measured over a 6-week incubation. Cumulative CO2 from microbial respiration varied two-fold among microcosms and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from litter decomposition varied five-fold, demonstrating large functional variation despite constant environmental conditions where strong selection is expected. To investigate microbial features driving DOC concentration, two microbial community cohorts were delineated as “high” and “low” DOC. For each cohort, communities from the original soils and from the final microcosm communities after the 6-week incubation with litter were taxonomically profiled. A logistic model including total biomass, fungal richness, and bacterial richness measured in the original soils or in the final microcosm communities predicted the DOC cohort with 72 (P < 0.05) and 80 (P < 0.001) percent accuracy, respectively. The strongest predictors of the DOC cohort were biomass and either fungal richness (in the original soils) or bacterial richness (in the final microcosm communities). Successful forecasting of functional patterns after lengthy community succession in a new environment reveals strong historical contingencies. Forecasting future community function is a key advance beyond correlation of functional variance with end-state community features. The importance of taxon richness—the same feature linked to carbon fate in gut microbiome studies—underscores the need for increased understanding of biotic mechanisms that can shape richness in microbial communities independent of physicochemical conditions.