Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Schistosoma japonicum Acetylcholinesterase Affects Parasite Growth and Development

To further investigate the importance of Schistosoma japonicum acetylcholinesterase (SjAChE) in cholinergic signaling for parasite growth and development, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock-down its expression in adults and eggs in vitro. This resulted in its reduced transcription but also expression of other important genes involved both in cholinergic signaling and glucose uptake were impacted substantially. Significant decreases in AChE protein expression, AChE enzymatic activity, and glucose uptake were observed in the SjAChE-knockdown parasites compared with luciferase controls. In vaccine/challenge experiments, we found that immunization of mice with recombinant SjAChE (rSjAChE) expressed in Escherichia coli elicited reductions in male worm numbers (33%), liver granuloma density (41%), and reduced numbers of mature intestinal eggs (73%) in the vaccinated group compared with the control group. These results indicate AChE plays an important role in the metabolism of male worms, and impacts indirectly on female fecundity leading to increased numbers of immature eggs being released and reduced sizes of liver granulomas. Furthermore, cytokine analysis showed that immunization of mice with rSjAChE elicited a predominantly Th1-type immune response characterized by increased production of IFNγ in splenic CD4+ T cells of vaccinated mice. The study confirms the potential of SjAChE as a vaccine/drug candidate against zoonotic schistosomiasis japonica.
Some Summation Theorems for Generalized Hypergeometric Functions

Essentially, whenever a generalized hypergeometric series can be summed in terms of gamma functions, the result will be important as only a few such summation theorems are available in the literature. In this paper, we apply two identities of generalized hypergeometric series in order to extend some classical summation theorems of hypergeometric functions such as Gauss, Kummer, Dixon, Watson, Whipple, Pfaff–Saalschutz and Dougall formulas and also obtain some new summation theorems in the sequel.
A novel constraint tightening approach for nonlinear robust model predictive control

In this paper, we present a novel constraint tightening approach for nonlinear robust model predictive control (MPC). This approach uses a simple constructive constraint tightening based on growing tubes. Contrary to other approaches, we require no complex offline computations to obtain a stabilizing control law. Instead, we consider the notion of incremental stabilizability and design tubes based on an estimate of the achievable exponential decay rate. In addition, we show how this tightening can be used as an ad-hoc modification to improve the robustness of MPC without terminal constraints. We study the system theoretic properties of the resulting closed-loop system, including bounds on the region of attraction and the minimal robust positively invariant (RPI) set. Within an MPC framework without terminal constraints, the proposed constraint tightening leads to a nonlinear robust controller without complex design procedures, which makes it appealing for practical applications.
Design of Active Controller for Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation Considering Noise Levels of Bandwidth-Extended Absolute Velocity Sensors

The low-frequency performance of active vibration isolation system depends on the low-frequency measurement ability of inertial sensor such as geophone. Bandwidth extension-based methods may serve as a cost-effective solution to increase the low-frequency measurement accuracy of geophone, but suffered the deteriorations of the noise. Traditionally, the available extension bandwidth of geophone is merely based on the measured noise level or sensor dynamic, which may result in a degraded vibration isolation performance due to geophone's over- or undercompensation. In this paper, an integrated approach to hybrid controller design and compensation of geophone dynamic is developed by weighing the influences of sensor dynamic and noise on vibration isolation performance, and sets low-frequency design rules to moderately utilize the noisy responses of sensor. In feedback controller design, the aimed frequency is selected by the stability condition, the signal-to-noise ratio of sensor gives the design constraint to avoid the overuse bandwidth of geophone, while in feedforward control, the analyses are reversed, and consequently different aimed frequencies are achieved. The effectiveness of the designed controller was validated by experiments, indicating that the results were good consistencies with the analysis models, and the deteriorations by noise were avoided at low frequencies.
Real-time Rendering of Endless Cloud Animation

In this paper, we propose a real-time animation method for dynamic clouds illuminated by sunlight and skylight with multiple scattering. In order to create animations of outdoor scenes, it is necessary to render time-varying dynamic clouds. However, the simulation and the radiance calculation of dynamic clouds are computationally expensive. In order to address this problem, we propose an efﬁcient method to create endless animations of dynamic clouds. The proposed method prepares a database of dynamic clouds consisting of a ﬁnite number of volume data. Using this database, volume data for the endless animation is generated at run time using the concept of Video Textures, and this data is rendered in real-time using GPU.
Controlling User Access to Cloud-Connected Mobile Applications by Means of Biometrics

Cloud-connected mobile applications are becoming a popular solution for ubiquitous access to online services, such as cloud data storage platforms. The adoption of such applications has brought security and privacy implications that are making individuals hesitant to migrate sensitive data to the Cloud; thus, new secure authentication protocols are needed. In this paper, we propose a continuous authentication approach integrating physical (face) and behavioral (touch and hand movements) biometrics to control user access to Cloud-based mobile services, going beyond one-off login. Experimental results show the security-usability tradeoff achieved by our approach.
Grasp and Stress Analysis of an Underactuated Finger for Proprioceptive Tactile Sensing

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a new sensorized underactuated self-adaptive finger. The design incorporates a two-degrees-of-freedom link-driven underactuated mechanism with an embedded load cell for contact force measurement and a trimmer potentiometer for acquiring joint variables. The utilization of proprioceptive (internal) sensors results in tactile-like sensations in the finger without compromising the size and complexity of the proposed design. To obtain an optimum finger design, the placement of the load cell is analyzed using finite element method. The design of the finger features a particular rounded shape of the distal phalanx and specific size ratio between the phalanxes to enable both precision and power grasps. A quantitative evaluation of the grasp efficiency by constructing a grasp wrench space is provided. The effectiveness of the proposed design is verified through experimental results that demonstrate the grasp external wrench tolerance, shape adaptability, and tactile capability. All CAD files and ROS package for the proposed underactuated design can be found on https://github.com/mahyaret.
The Effect of Diet on Improved Endurance in Male C57BL/6 Mice

The consumption of fruits and vegetables appears to help with maintaining an adequate level of exercise and improves endurance. However, the mechanisms that are involved in this process are not well understood. In the current study, the impact of diets enriched in fruits and vegetables (GrandFusion®) on exercise endurance was examined in a mouse model. GrandFusion (GF) diets increased mitochondrial DNA and enzyme activity, while they also stimulated mitochondrial mRNA synthesis in vivo. GF diets increased both the mRNA expression of factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), cytochrome c oxidase IV (COXIV) and ATP synthase (ATPsyn). Mice treated with GF diets showed an increase in running endurance, rotarod perseverance and grip strength when compared to controls who were on a regular diet. In addition, GF diets increased the protein expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), PGC-1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR-δ), which was greater than exercise-related changes. Finally, GF reduced the expression of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (p-S6K1) and decreased autophagy. These results demonstrate that GF diets enhance exercise endurance, which is mediated via mitochondrial biogenesis and function.
The kinetochore–microtubule interface at a glance

ABSTRACT Accurate chromosome segregation critically depends on the formation of attachments between microtubule polymers and each sister chromatid. The kinetochore is the macromolecular complex that assembles at the centromere of each chromosome during mitosis and serves as the link between the DNA and the microtubules. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we discuss the activities and molecular players that are involved in generating kinetochore–microtubule attachments, including the initial stages of lateral kinetochore–microtubule interactions and maturation to stabilized end-on attachments. We additionally explore the features that contribute to the ability of the kinetochore to track with dynamic microtubules. Finally, we examine the contributions of microtubule-associated proteins to the organization and stabilization of the mitotic spindle and the control of microtubule dynamics. Summary: Accurate chromosome segregation during cell division relies on attachments between the kinetochores and mitotic spindle microtubules. Here, we discuss the critical players at the kinetochore–microtubule interface.
Leader-Follower Consensus of Robotic Manipulators in Task Space with Uncertainties and Varying Communication Delays

This paper investigates leader-follower consensus of multiple robotic manipulators in the task space, subject to kinematic and dynamic uncertainties, time-varying communication delays and absence of task-space velocity measurements. Observers on task-space positions and adaptive laws on uncertain kinematic parameters are constructed such that the task-space velocities are not required in the controller design. Based on these observers, a set of filters are constructed to facilitate controller design and to deal with time-varying communication delays. The dynamic uncertainties are resolved by the corresponding adaptive updating laws.
Messages in a Concealed Bottle: Achieving Query Content Privacy With Accurate Location-Based Services

Query privacy has led to a serious concern for location-based services (LBSs). Existing mainstream schemes preserve query privacy by either introducing a third party or degrading the accuracy of LBS. To address these deficiencies, we propose a scheme named <italic>the content sealed bottle</italic> in this paper for the users to get accurate LBSs while the server learns zero knowledge on the query content. To realize this objective, the Euclidean distance based on homomorphic encryption is used to signal the difference between the query attribute vector of a user and each database attribute vector of the server; then, a Boolean circuit is designed to identify the exact match for the query attribute vector. By optimizing the traditional subcircuits, the total number of non-XOR gates, which is the main cost during the matching process, can be reduced by a factor of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$l$</tex-math> </inline-formula> compared to that of the traditional <italic>M</italic>-to-1 MIN subcircuit, where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$l$</tex-math></inline-formula> is the input bit length of the Boolean circuit. Finally, the computationally private information retrieval technique is employed to privately retrieve the points-of-interest set. To the best of our knowledge, our <italic>content sealed bottle</italic> is the first scheme that can achieve cost-effective query privacy preservation without the involvement of a third party or sacrificing the accuracy of LBSs. Our security analysis and extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
SUPRACHOROIDAL INJECTION OF TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE, CLS-TA, FOR MACULAR EDEMA DUE TO NONINFECTIOUS UVEITIS: A Randomized, Phase 2 Study (DOGWOOD).

PURPOSE Evaluate a single suprachoroidal injection of a proprietary triamcinolone acetonide suspension, CLS-TA, in subjects with macular edema due to noninfectious uveitis. METHODS Randomized, controlled, masked Phase 2 study. Safety and efficacy of a single suprachoroidal injection of CLS-TA (4.0 and 0.8 mg in a 4:1 ratio) were assessed at 1 and 2 months after injection. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in central subfield thickness from baseline to Month 2, assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS Twenty-two adults were enrolled. The primary endpoint was met in subjects who received suprachoroidal injection of CLS-TA 4.0 mg, mean central subfield thickness significantly decreased from baseline by 135 µm and 164 µm at Month 1 (P = 0.0056) and Month 2 (P = 0.0017), respectively. At Month 2, 69% of subjects who received 4.0 mg experienced ≥20% reduction in central subfield thickness, and 65% had improvement of best-corrected visual acuity of ≥5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, with a mean improvement of 9.2 letters (P = 0.0004). Safety analyses supported acceptable safety/tolerability, with no corticosteroid-related increases in intraocular pressure. CONCLUSION A single suprachoroidal injection of CLS-TA (4.0 mg; 0.1 mL) in subjects with macular edema due to noninfectious uveitis was well-tolerated, significantly reduced central subfield thickness from baseline at 2 months, and significantly improved visual acuity.
Baicalin attenuates liver hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by inducing autophagy

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of baicalin on liver hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and the possible mechanism involved. A cellular H/R model was established and cells were treated with 50, 100 and 200 µmol/l baicalin. Following reoxygenation for 6 h, cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 3 were assessed. Furthermore, levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers binding of immunoglobulin protein (BIP) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and autophagy markers microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3) and beclin 1 were measured. To confirm the involvement of autophagy in baicalin-mediated attenuation of H/R injury, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was administered. The results revealed that baicalin administration increased cell viability and decreased LDH levels, most notably at a dosage of 100 µmol/l. Baicalin pretreatment also downregulated the expression of caspase 3, cleaved caspase 3 and Bax, while upregulating the expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, BIP and CHOP were decreased while LC3 and beclin-1 were significantly increased by baicalin pretreatment. Inhibiting autophagy using 3-MA, resulted in a significant decrease in LC3-II, beclin-1 and LDH, as well as increase in the expression of BIP, CHOP, caspase 3, cleaved caspase 3 and Bax. Bcl-2 and cell viability were also decreased. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that baicalin exerts a protective effect on liver H/R injury and this may be achieved via the induction of autophagy.
Vibrational spectroscopy of tissue-engineered structures based on chitosan and carbon nanotubes

This paper presents a study of structures based on chitosan and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) carried out by vibrational spectroscopy methods (IR and Raman). Volumetric structures were created by the layer-by-layer laser evaporation of aqueous dispersion. The nature of the intermolecular bonds between nanotubes and chitosan has been clarified. These structures can be used for the cellular- and tissue engineering of the cardiovascular system.
Inkjet 3D Printing of Labs-on-a-Chip with Optical Detection

Inkjet 3D printing is one of the techniques of additive manufacturing that is successfully adapted to requirements of microfluidic structures development. In this paper result of author's research works on applicability of inkjet 3D printing is described. Special attention was paid to optical properties of the printed microstructures. Than examples of various microfluidic structures are briefly described. Finally a discussion on limits and potential directions of inkjet 3D printing development for microfluidics is presented.
Hankel-Norm Approach to Robust FIR Estimation of Dynamic Systems Under External Disturbances

We propose and develop a new Hankel-norm approach to the robust receding horizon (RH) finite impulse response (FIR) filter design in discrete-time state space under intensive external disturbances. A new condition is developed for the RH Hankel-norm FIR filter (HNFF) design based on the linear matrix inequality and an equality constraint. The proposed RH HNFF ensures unwanted memory reduction and reduces the effect of memory on errors caused by past disturbances. Another condition is also examined to avoid using the equality constraint. The approach is tested and compared with existing filters based on a numerical example to verify its high robustness against unpredictable model changes for an F-404 turbofan engine system model. An experimental study on the one-degree-of-freedom torsion system is also provided to demonstrate its validity.
Lichen planus-like keratosis: clinical applicability of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for an indeterminate cutaneous lesion

Lichen planus-like keratosis (LPLK) is an involuting cutaneous lesion often presenting between the fifth and seventh decades of life. These lesions typically appear abruptly as a solitary macule, papule, or plaque that continuously evolves as it undergoes regression. Clinical and dermoscopic features of LPLK can mimic both benign and malignant lesions, often prompting biopsy for accurate diagnosis. We describe a case of LPLK developing in a patient with a history of multiple skin cancers, including melanoma. Dermoscopy revealed peripheral granules and a central area with pinkish-brown pigmentation and a disorganized pattern with shiny white structures and rosettes. Handheld reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) showed a typical honeycomb pattern with millia-like cysts and comedo-like openings, and lacked pagetoid and dendritic cells. Based on the benign features seen with RCM, the lesion was followed until complete regression was observed. In conclusion, we describe a case of LPLK with clinically and dermoscopically indeterminate features that was successfully monitored with RCM. We intend to highlight the utility of RCM as a diagnostic aid in equivocal lesions in order to prevent unnecessary excisional procedures.
Uplink Scheduling Technique for the LTE System to Improve the Performance of the NB-IoT System

Massive connectivity is one of the major goals of 5G mobile communications. NB-IoT systems are emerging as a way to achieve this goal. In this paper, we analyze the interferences of inband-mode NB-IoT system from the LTE system when they coexist. We propose an uplink scheduling method for the LTE system to improve the performance of the inband-mode NB-IoT system.
A Novel Platform for Powertrain Modeling of Electric Cars With Experimental Validation Using Real-Time Hardware in the Loop (HIL): A Case Study of GM Second Generation Chevrolet Volt

This paper presents a novel platform for accurate mathematical modeling of the propulsion system of electric cars. It provides, for the first time, a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) real-time experimental verification case study of a General Motor Chevrolet Volt for power, control systems, and the mechanical systems. The contribution of this paper can be categorized into three approaches: First, each component of the powertrain is accurately modeled taking transient dynamics of all components of the electric vehicle into consideration. Further, a PSIM simulation platform is consequently developed to demonstrate the validity of this mathematical modeling. Finally, the Typhoon HIL is used to provide the experimental verification of the proposed model in real time, which precisely validates the viability of the model. HIL technology is used to prototype and test the proposed control system while simulating the power circuit on the HIL module platform. The permanent magnet synchronous motor and the power electronics hardware components are simulated in real time at which the parameters can be changed during the simulation. However, the control algorithm is generated as a C code and downloaded to the TI controller that exists on a digital signal processing board. The results from the simulation based on PSIM environment and hardware validations using HIL are in agreement, which validates the developed model. The performance has been investigated under different load operating conditions in real time to verify its robustness. The case study can be extended for any electric car as it provides a generic platform for modeling any propulsion system.