Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FibAR: Embedding Optical Fibers in 3D Printed Objects for Active Markers in Dynamic Projection Mapping

This paper presents a novel active marker for dynamic projection mapping (PM) that emits a temporal blinking pattern of infrared (IR) light representing its ID. We used a multi-material three dimensional (3D) printer to fabricate a projection object with optical fibers that can guide IR light from LEDs attached on the bottom of the object. The aperture of an optical fiber is typically very small; thus, it is unnoticeable to human observers under projection and can be placed on a strongly curved part of a projection surface. In addition, the working range of our system can be larger than previous marker-based methods as the blinking patterns can theoretically be recognized by a camera placed at a wide range of distances from markers. We propose an automatic marker placement algorithm to spread multiple active markers over the surface of a projection object such that its pose can be robustly estimated using captured images from arbitrary directions. We also propose an optimization framework for determining the routes of the optical fibers in such a way that collisions of the fibers can be avoided while minimizing the loss of light intensity in the fibers. Through experiments conducted using three fabricated objects containing strongly curved surfaces, we confirmed that the proposed method can achieve accurate dynamic PMs in a significantly wide working range.
Neural Network Representation Control: Gaussian Isolation Machines and CVC Regularization

In many cases, neural network classifiers are likely to be exposed to input data that is outside of their training distribution data. Samples from outside the distribution may be classified as an existing class with high probability by softmax-based classifiers; such incorrect classifications affect the performance of the classifiers and the applications/systems that depend on them. Previous research aimed at distinguishing training distribution data from out-of-distribution data (OOD) has proposed detectors that are external to the classification method. We present Gaussian isolation machine (GIM), a novel hybrid (generative-discriminative) classifier aimed at solving the problem arising when OOD data is encountered. The GIM is based on a neural network and utilizes a new loss function that imposes a distribution on each of the trained classes in the neural network's output space, which can be approximated by a Gaussian. The proposed GIM's novelty lies in its discriminative performance and generative capabilities, a combination of characteristics not usually seen in a single classifier. The GIM achieves state-of-the-art classification results on image recognition and sentiment analysis benchmarking datasets and can also deal with OOD inputs. We also demonstrate the benefits of incorporating part of the GIM's loss function into standard neural networks as a regularization method.
Contrasting Patterns of Movement across Life Stages in an Insular Iguana Population

Abstract. West Indian rock iguanas (genus Cyclura) represent the most endangered group of lizards in the world, with most taxa restricted to few or single islands. In addition to distribution and availability of resources, factors influencing optimal use of insular space in these large vertebrates may include a combination of social, ontogenetic, and long-term demographic factors. Life stage-specific dispersal and habitat use patterns have previously been characterized in Cyclura, but assessments across the lifespan are lacking. This study evaluates shifting patterns of movement in a single taxon, Cyclura nubila caymanensis. We used mark–recapture and radio tracking simultaneously to assess age- and sex-dependent variation in spatial ecology. Evidence for prolonged site fidelity among adults was consistent with territoriality-modulating space use in this long-lived taxon. Over 5–10 yr, some females were never resighted or recaptured outside of an 80-m perimeter. A notable exception was that gravid females migrated 1.17 ± 0.91 km to utilize coastal areas during the nesting season. In contrast, neonates dispersed farther (2.32 ± 2.26 km) and their trajectories were often nonlinear. Radio-tracked brother–sister pairs exhibited no tendency to disperse together during their first 4 wk, settling into final known locations at pairwise distances of 2.16 ± 1.74 km. Annual net displacement remained high over the first 1–3 yr of life. Our data are consistent with studies of related taxa wherein individual spatial requirements vary with population density and island size. Notably, panmixis of small island iguana populations appears largely driven by pre-reproductive movements.
Long-Term Monitoring Reveals Population Decline of Spectacled Caimans (Caiman crocodilus) at a Black-Water Lake in Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract. Knowledge on long-term population trends in crocodilians is essential to assess the effectiveness of conservation areas and to guide sustainable management practices. We studied changes in population size of spectacled (Caiman crocodilus) and black caimans (Melanosuchus niger) over a period of 17 yr at Mateococha, a black-water lake located in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, western Amazonia, Ecuador. Using standardized spotlight counts and two mark–recapture surveys, we estimated the population abundance, body size structure, and sex ratio in 1994, 2004, and 2011. The maximum number of C. crocodilus recorded in 1994 (147 individuals; 33 individuals/kilometer [ind/km] of lakeshore) declined by 2004 to 94 individuals (21.1 ind/km) and by 2011 to 63 individuals (14.2 ind/km). The number of M. niger recorded was low but constant (5–7 individuals; 1.1–1.6 ind/km) throughout the study, suggesting that factors causing the decline in C. crocodilus were not related to the M. niger population trend. Large C. crocodilus adults (total length 150–220 cm) were frequent in 1994 but became rare in 2004 and 2011. The sex ratio of captured C. crocodilus was male-biased during all periods. The causes of the population decline are unknown, but available evidence suggests that illegal hunting and habitat degradation are likely culprits despite the protected status of the Cuyabeno Reserve. Our findings question the effectiveness of protected areas to ensure long-term survival of caiman populations in Ecuador.
Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Vasculogenic Factors in Pterygium Pathogenesis

Purpose: We investigated whether endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and vasculogenic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of pterygium and the mechanism underlying the selective recruitment of EPCs during this process. Methods: We studied 13 normal controls and 28 pterygium patients [ primary (n=15), recurrent (n=13)]. Substance-P, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and stem cell factor (SCF) were measured in plasma and tears using ELISA, and circulating CD34+ and c-kit+ mononuclear cells (MNCs) by flow cytometry. Anterior segment fluorescein angiography (FAG) was performed to evaluate hypoxic conditions in the early stage of pterygium. Surgically removed pterygial tissues were analyzed immunohistochemically using the progenitor cell markers, CD34, c-kit, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. Results: Anterior segment FAG findings showed an increase in non-perfusion areas and attenuated vessels in the nasal limbus during early stage pterygium. Circulating CD34+ MNCs and c-kit+ MNCs were increased in pterygium groups compared with normal controls. Systemic and local cytokines including SP, VEGF and SCF in pterygium groups were also elevated and showed positive correlations with CD34+ and c-kit+ MNC numbers. Immunohistochemical analysis of pterygium showed strong progenitor cell marker immunoreactivities. Conclusions: EPCs might be involved in pterygium development, and ocular hypoxia triggers this neovascualrization by recruiting EPCs derived from the bone marrow via the production of systemic and local cytokines.
Relationships Between Identity, Well-Being, and Willingness to Sacrifice in Personal and Collective Favorite Places: The Mediating Role of Well-Being

In line with research indicating positive associations between well-being and personal and collective people-place bonding, and that collectivistic compared to individualistic commitment may have stronger associations with pro-environmental behavior, we investigated relationships between identity, well-being, and willingness to sacrifice (type of pro-environmental behavior) in personal and collective favorite places. A total of 884 respondents, living in three Swedish municipalities, participated in this study. In line with the hypotheses, we showed congruent positive relationships between place-related: (1) personal identity and personal well-being; (2) collective identity and collective well-being, (3) collective identity and collective willingness to sacrifice; and (4) an incongruent positive association between collective identity and personal willingness to sacrifice. Additionally, a significant role of well-being in mediating the identity → willingness to sacrifice relationship was reported, suggesting that our willingness to pay higher taxes and prices and to accept cuts in standard of living in order to protect our personal and collective favorite places might be accounted for partly by how we feel visiting these places.
Pathogenesis of Celiac Disease and Other Gluten Related Disorders in Wheat and Strategies for Mitigating Them

Wheat is a major cereal crop providing energy and nutrients to the billions of people around the world. Gluten is a structural protein in wheat, that is necessary for its dough making properties, but it is responsible for imparting certain intolerances among some individuals, which are part of this review. Most important among these intolerances is celiac disease, that is gluten triggered T-cell mediated autoimmune enteropathy and results in villous atrophy, inflammation and damage to intestinal lining in genetically liable individuals containing human leukocyte antigen DQ2/DQ8 molecules on antigen presenting cells. Celiac disease occurs due to presence of celiac disease eliciting epitopes in gluten, particularly highly immunogenic alpha-gliadins. Another gluten related disorder is non-celiac gluten-sensitivity in which innate immune-response occurs in patients along with gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms, that disappear upon removal of gluten from the diet. In wheat allergy, either IgE or non-IgE mediated immune response occurs in individuals after inhalation or ingestion of wheat. Following a life-long gluten-free diet by celiac disease and non-celiac gluten-sensitivity patients is very challenging as none of wheat cultivar or related species stands safe for consumption. Hence, different molecular biology, genetic engineering, breeding, microbial, enzymatic, and chemical strategies have been worked upon to reduce the celiac disease epitopes and the gluten content in wheat. Currently, only 8.4% of total population is affected by wheat-related issues, while rest of population remains safe and should not remove wheat from the diet, based on false media coverage.
Sclerostin and Its Associations With Bone Metabolism Markers and Sex Hormones in Healthy Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals and Adolescents

Sclerostin is an important regulator of bone mass involving Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We aimed to obtain the profile of serum sclerostin level and explore its associations with bone metabolism markers and sex hormones in healthy community-dwelling Chinese elderly individuals and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed in three communities in Shanghai. In all, 861 participants, including 574 healthy elderly individuals, and 287 healthy adolescents, were recruited. The levels of serum sclerostin, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), β-CrossLaps of type I collagen containing cross-linked C-telopeptide (β-CTX), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in blood samples from all participants. Median sclerostin level was higher in males than in females and in elderly individuals than in adolescents (elderly males: 54.89 pmol/L, elderly females: 39.95 pmol/L, adolescent males: 36.58 pmol/L, adolescent females: 27.06 pmol/L; both P < 0.05). In elderly individuals, serum sclerostin was positively correlated with age (β = 0.176, P < 0.001) and T (β = 0.248, P = 0.001), but negatively associated to P1NP (β = −0.140, P = 0.001). In adolescents, circulating sclerostin was significantly and positively associated with P1NP (β = 0.192, P = 0.003). The directions of the association between sclerostin and P1NP were opposite in Chinese elderly individuals and adolescents, which may reflect that sclerostin plays distinct roles in different functional states of the skeleton. Our findings revealed the rough profile of circulating sclerostin level in general healthy Chinese population and its associations with bone metabolism markers and sex hormones, which may provide a clue to further elucidate the cross action of sclerostin in bone metabolism and sexual development.
Gut Microbiota Plasticity Influences the Adaptability of Wild and Domestic Animals in Co-inhabited Areas

Due to the increased economic demand for livestock, the number of livestock is increasing. Because of human interference, the survival of wild animals is threatened in the face of competition, particularly in co-inhabited grazing pastures. This may lead to differences in the adaptability between wild and domestic animals, as well as nutritional deficiencies in wild animals. The gut microbiota is closely associated with host health, nutrition, and adaptability. However, the gut microbiota diversity and functions in domestic and wild animals in co-inhabited areas are unclear. To reveal the adaptability of wild and domestic animals in co-inhabited areas based on gut microbiota, we assessed the gut microbiota diversity. This study was based on the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA and gut microbiota functions according to the metagenome analysis of fresh fecal samples in wild goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in the Qaidam Basin. The wild and domestic species showed significant differences in alpha- and beta-diversities. Specifically, the alpha-diversity was lower in goitered gazelles. We speculated that the nutritional and habitat status of the goitered gazelles were worse. The gut microbiota functions in the gazelles were enriched in metabolism and cellular processes based on the KEGG database. In summary, we reasoned that gut microbiota can improve the adaptability of goitered gazelles through energy maintenance by the functions of gut microbiota in the face of nutritional deficiencies. These findings highlight the importance of gut microbiota diversity to improve the adaptability of goitered gazelles, laying a foundation for the conservation of wild goitered gazelles. In addition, we further provide management suggestions for domestic sheep in co-inhabited grazing pastures.
AB0390 Cardiovascular Morbidity and Associated Risk Factors in Spanish Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases Attending Rheumatology Clinics: Baseline Data of the Carma Project

Objectives To establish the cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and associated risk factors for CV disease (CVD) in Spanish patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) and unexposed individuals attending rheumatology clinics Methods Analysis of data from the baseline visit of a 10-year prospective study (CARdiovascular in rheuMAtology-CARMA-project) that includes a cohort of patients with CIRD [rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)] and another cohort of matched individuals without CIRD attending outpatient rheumatology clinics from sixty-seven hospitals in Spain. Prevalence of CV morbidity, CV risk factors and systematic coronary risk evaluation (SCORE) assessment were analyzed Results 2,234 patients (775 RA, 738 AS and 721 PsA) and 677 unexposed subjects were included. A high percentage of patients had low disease activity at the time of recruitment. PsA patients had more commonly classic CV risk factors and metabolic syndrome features than did the remaining individuals. Prevalence of CVD was higher in RA (10.5%) than in AS (7.6%), PsA (7.2%) and unexposed individuals (6.4%). A multivariate analysis adjusted for the presence of classic CV risk factors and disease duration revealed a positive trend for CVD in RA (OR=1.58; 95%CI=0.90-2.76; p=0.10) and AS (OR=1.77; 95%CI=0.96-3.27; p=0.07). Disease duration in all CIRD groups (RA: OR=1.06; 95%CI=1.01-1.11; AS: OR=1.06; 95%CI=1.01-1.06; PsA: OR=1.15; 95%CI=1.07-1.23) and functional capacity (HAQ) in RA (OR=2.15; 95%CI=1.29-3.56; p=0.003) were associated with an increased risk of CVD. Most patients had a moderate CV risk according to the SCORE charts. Conclusions Despite recent advances in the management of CIRD, prevalence of CVD remains increased in Spanish subjects with CIRD attending outpatient rheumatology clinics. Disclosure of Interest S. Castañeda: None declared, M. A. Martin Martinez: None declared, C. Gonzalez Juanatey: None declared, J. Llorca: None declared, M. J. Garcia Yebenes: None declared, S. Perez Vicente: None declared, J. T. Sanchez Costa: None declared, F. Diaz Gonzalez: None declared, M. A. Gonzalez Gay Grant/research support from: This project has been supported by an unrestricted grant from Abbvie, Spain. The design, analysis, interpretation of results and preparation of the manuscript has been done independently of Abbvie. Dr. González-Gay's studies have been supported by grants from “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” PI06/0024, PS09/00748 and PI12/00060, and RD12/0009/0013 (RIER) from “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” (ISCIII) (Spain).
Interactions Between Topological Defects and Nanoparticles

Liquid Crystal (LC) topological defects have been shown to trap nanoparticles (NPs) in the defect cores. The LC topological defects may thus be used as a matrix for new kinds of NP organizations templated by the defect geometry. We here study composites of LC smectic dislocations and gold NPs. Straight NP chains parallel to the dislocations are obtained leading to highly anisotropic optical absorption of the NPs controlled by light polarization. Combining Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), Rutherford Back Scattering (RBS), Spectrophotometry and the development of a model of interacting NPs, we explore the role of the Np size regarding the dislocation core size. We use NPs of diameter D = 6 nm embedded in an array of different kinds of dislocations. For dislocation core larger than the NP size, stable long chains are obtained but made of poorly interacting NPs. For dislocation core smaller than the NP size, the disorder is induced outside the dislocation cores and the NP chains are not equilibrium structures. However we show that at least half of these small dislocations can be filled, leading to chains with strongly enhanced electromagnetic coupling between the NPs. These chains are more probably stabilized by the elastic distortions around the defect cores, the distortion being enhanced by the presence of the grain boundary where the dislocations are embedded.
Microbial BMAA and the Pathway for Parkinson’s Disease Neurodegeneration

The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a natural non-proteinogenic diamino acid produced by several species of both prokaryotic (cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic (diatoms and dinoflagellates) microorganisms. BMAA has been shown to biomagnify through the food chain in some ecosystems, accumulating for example in seafood such as shellfish and fish, common dietary sources of BMAA whose ingestion may have possible neuronal consequences. In addition to its excitotoxic potential, BMAA has been implicated in protein misfolding and aggregation, inhibition of specific enzymes and neuroinflammation, all hallmark features of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated in detail. Although BMAA is commonly detected in its free form, complex BMAA-containing molecules have also been identified such as the paenilamicins, produced by an insect gut bacterial pathogen. On the other hand, production of BMAA or BMAA-containing molecules by members of the human gut microbiota, for example by non-photosynthetic cyanobacteria, the Melainabacteria, remains only hypothetical. In any case, should BMAA reach the gut it may interact with cells of the mucosal immune system and neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and possibly target the mitochondria. Here, we review the available evidence and hint on possible mechanisms by which chronic exposure to dietary sources of this microbial neurotoxin may drive protein misfolding and mitochondrial dysfunction with concomitant activation of innate immune responses, chronic low-grade gut inflammation, and ultimately the neurodegenerative features observed across the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Successful Spontaneous Pregnancy and Live Birth in a Woman With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and 10 Years of Amenorrhea: A Case Report

Background: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a devastating diagnosis for reproductive-aged women due to the associated infertility and other serious health consequences. Spontaneous pregnancy without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and/or assisted reproductive technology (ART) rarely occurs in POI patients, particularly in those patients with long-term amenorrhea. Case: On March 4, 2019, a 31-year-old Chinese POI patient visited our hospital for a spontaneous pregnancy after 10 years of amenorrhea and discontinuation of HRT 4 years prior. The patient had menarche at the age of 13, with 3 years of regular menstruation followed by amenorrhea occurring at the age of 20. POI was diagnosed by several hospitals; chromosome examination revealed a normal 46, XX karyotype. Treatment with estradiol valerate and progesterone did lead to resumed menstruation, while amenorrhea resumed after withdrawal of HRT. The patient married at the age of 23 and tried to conceive by HRT until the age of 25; her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), estrogen (E2), and progesterone levels were 32987.7~119151.4 mIU/ml, 671.0~>1,000 pg/mL, and 6.6~27.9 ng/ml, respectively. On March 22, 2019, ultrasonography showed an intrauterine pregnancy with a normally developed gestational sac sized 45 × 42 × 32 mm with a 17 mm crown-rump length. On October 29, a 3,400 g healthy girl baby was delivered; the patient had a spontaneous delivery with natural labor. Conclusion: Spontaneous pregnancy is possible in women with POI and 10 years of amenorrhea.
THBS1 Is a Novel Serum Prognostic Factors of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Dysregulation of cytokines and growth factors is a general feature of tumor microenvironment, and unraveling the expression spectrum of cytokine and growth factor in niche is of utmost importance. Here, we evaluated cytokine profiling of bone marrow serum samples in AML patients and healthy controls. Protein expression profiling of serum from nine AML patients and five healthy controls was obtained using a biotinylated antibody chip. A total of 507 cytokines and growth factors were analyzed. Compared with healthy people, AML patients expressed 31 signature proteins, among which, 27 were significantly higher expressed and 4 proteins were lower. When patients were divided into favorable and poor prognosis, 12 signature proteins were significantly differentially expressed between these two groups. Furthermore, in order to identify the accuracy of cytokine expression profiles, we verified and analyzed the expression of THBS1 (Thrombospondin 1) in 116 patients and 9 healthy people. We found that THBS1 was lowly expressed in AML patients, which might be induced by promoter methylation, and patients with low THBS1 possessed shorter survivor time. Our data indicated that we successfully unveil differentially expressed proteins in AML patients using a biotinylated antibody chip; among them, THBS1 may be a potential therapeutic target for AML patients' treatment.