Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Parasitic Intracellular Lifestyle of Trypanosomatids: Parasitophorous Vacuole Development and Survival

The trypanosomatid (protozoan) parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. are causative agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively. They display high morphological plasticity, are capable of developing in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, and are the only trypanosomatids that can survive and multiply inside mammalian host cells. During internalization by host cells, these parasites are lodged in “parasitophorous vacuoles” (PVs) comprised of host cell endolysosomal system components. PVs effectively shelter parasites within the host cell. PV development and maturation (acidification, acquisition of membrane markers, and/or volumetric expansion) precede parasite escape from the vacuole and ultimately from the host cell, which are key determinants of infective burden and persistence. PV biogenesis varies, depending on trypanosomatid species, in terms of morphology (e.g., size), biochemical composition, and parasite-mediated processes that coopt host cell machinery. PVs play essential roles in the intracellular development (i.e., morphological differentiation and/or multiplication) of T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. They are of great research interest as potential gateways for drug delivery systems and other therapeutic strategies for suppression of parasite multiplication and control of the large spectrum of diseases caused by these trypanosomatids. This mini-review focuses on mechanisms of PV biogenesis, and processes whereby PVs of T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. promote parasite persistence within and dissemination among mammalian host cells.
Genetic structure and allozyme-microhabitat associations in Bromus hordeaceus.

Genetic variation at alcohol dehydrogenase and phosphoglucoisomerase loci in Bromus hordeaceus on the Baltic island of Oland shows substantial spatial structuring among sites several km apart but also among plots within sites on a scale less than ten m. Oland habitats occupied by B. hordeaceus consist of a fine-scale mosaic in which thin soils on well-drained calcareous bedrock are interspersed with depressions containing deeper soil and subject to seasonal water logging. Among sites, the frequency of the Adh-1b-S allele was significantly associated with soil depth and with the cover of mosses and of grasses. The frequency of the Pgi-1b-F allele was significantly associated with soil depth and the Pgi-1b-M allele was significantly associated with soil depth and with the cover of mosses, lichen and grasses (.)
Coaxial Circular Test Structure Applicable to both Ohmic and Schottky Characteristics for ZnO/Si Heterojunctions Assessment

Characterizing junction is essential in new devices research. We are investigating a hybrid infrared-sensitive opto-electronic device on silicon-based large scale integrated circuits, among others, PbS colloidal quantum dots/ZnO/Si hybrid IR detector. To assess such new materials we propose a coaxial circular test structure. The structure is composed of common-central inner (circular) and outer (doughnut) electrodes. In addition to traditional Circular TLM (CTLM) test structure, which was used for ohmic contact, the junction type (ohmic or Schottky) can be identified and quantitatively be analyzed by measuring various gaps and surface areas of the proposed structure (Coaxial CTLM, CCTLM). The measurement using test structure on our n-type ZnO / n-type Si heterojunction sample revealed that the junction was Schottky type, which was opposite to our expectation.
Generation of Novel Plasmodium falciparum NF135 and NF54 Lines Expressing Fluorescent Reporter Proteins Under the Control of Strong and Constitutive Promoters

Transgenic reporter lines of malaria parasites that express fluorescent or luminescent proteins are valuable tools for drug and vaccine screening assays as well as to interrogate parasite gene function. Different Plasmodium falciparum (Pf ) reporter lines exist, however nearly all have been created in the African NF54/3D7 laboratory strain. Here we describe the generation of novel reporter lines, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene modification, both in the standard Pf NF54 background and in a recently described Cambodian P. falciparum NF135.C10 line. Sporozoites of this line show more effective hepatocyte invasion and enhanced liver merozoite development compared to Pf NF54. We first generated Pf NF54 reporter parasites to analyze two novel promoters for constitutive and high expression of mCherry-luciferase and GFP in blood and mosquito stages. The promoter sequences were selected based on available transcriptome data and are derived from two housekeeping genes, i.e., translation initiation factor SUI1, putative (sui1, PF3D7_1243600) and 40S ribosomal protein S30 (40s, PF3D7_0219200). We then generated and characterized reporter lines in the Pf NF135.C10 line which express GFP driven by the sui1 and 40s promoters as well as by the previously used ef1α promoter (GFP@ef1α, GFP@sui1, GFP@40s). The GFP@40s reporter line showed strongest GFP expression in liver stages as compared to the other two lines. The strength of reporter expression by the 40s promoter throughout the complete life cycle, including liver stages, makes transgenic lines expressing reporters by the 40s promoter valuable novel tools for analyses of P. falciparum.
The Data Visualization of Large Scale AIS Trajectories Data on Hadoop

With the establishment of Automatic Identification System(AIS) networks, maritime vessel trajectories are becoming increasingly available. The visualization of AIS trajectories data is an effective way on large scale spatiotemporal data analysis and is critical for real time applications ranging from military surveillance to transportation management. In this paper we uses the real AIS data as experimental data and uses Hadoop as data processing and storage, presents a dynamic visualization of global marine AIS data and local sea area situation. A multi-charts visualization model is presented, where the characteristics of complex ships in port area can be analyzed.
Application of cloud-based social robotics in cognitive exercises for elderly people

This paper demonstrates the application of cloudbased social robots in real world scenario - anti-dementia exercises for elderly people. Social robotics is a major issue in the field of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with dementia. Human-robot interaction is often helpful in expressing the patient’s true feelings. We also found differences in behaviour of patients during a human-human and human-robot interaction. For better understanding of the concept, however, we first need to look at the idea behind the Wizard of Oz.
Comparison Between PET-CT–Guided Neck Dissection and Elective Neck Dissection in cT1-2N0 Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: Neck management in cT1-2N0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains controversial. Our goal was to compare the survival difference between PET-CT–guided neck dissection and elective neck dissection (END) for the treatment of cT1-2 tongue SCC. Methods: Patients with surgically treated cT1-2N0 tongue SCC were retrospectively enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups. Group A: The decision of whether to perform neck dissection was mainly based on the results of preoperative PET-CT examinations. Group B: Patients received END treatment without preoperative PET-CT examinations. The study endpoints were regional control (RC) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rates. Results: Group A consisted of 66 patients, and 16 patients underwent neck dissection owing to positive PET-CT results. Group B consisted of 169 patients. The 5-year RC rates in group A and group B were 86 and 87%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.731). The 5-year DSS rates in group A and group B were 93 and 90%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.583). Conclusions: Neck dissection can be safely avoided when the PET-CT scan reveals no neck lymph node involvement.
A Neural Network implemented on NAND memory

This article describes how a NAND memory device is adapted to the implementation of an artificial neural network. To this aim, a new hardware realization of the elementary synapse (called here "Synaptic Cell") is proposed. Furthermore, a method for connecting neurons to form a multilayer ANN is proposed with necessary algorithms to run it. Some examples of neural behavior, like function approximation and classification are reported.
Image Based Centre Object Calculation Using Coordinate Averaging Method For Object Following Mobile Robot

Research about robot vision is growing and more focusing on using image processing algorithm to enhance the sensing ability of a robot mobile to aware about its surroundings. This research using Kinect sensor which has 2 cameras, one RGB visible light and IR camera / depth camera both with 640×480 pixels at 30fps (frame per second). An object following method is applied on a 4WD differential mobile robot chassis equipped with Kinect sensor 1.0 running at 640×480 pixels, 30fps. The method using pixel coordinate averaging which summing all the pixel coordinate of the object of interest. Each calculation (vertical and horizontal) will result in a single integer value of coordinate in i or j showing the center of the object. Two tests object using symmetrical and non-symmetrical shows that the center object only moves slightly off about 1 pixel on j axis. The result of the calculation for symmetrical object on j axis is 9 (rounded down) and for the non-symmetrical object is 8 (rounded up). with the calculation on i axis is similar (on pixe114).
A pilot analysis of gut contents in termites from the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve, Cameroon

Abstract. 1 Gut content analysis was carried out on eight species of higher termites representing the four included subfamilies and notional soil‐feeding and wood‐feeding forms. A lower termite species feeding on wood was also examined. 2 Pooled homogenates equivalent in volume to twenty hindguts of Thoracotermes macrothorax were diluted, stained and scored present/absent in 500 haemacytometer fields for ten content item categories: macerated organic material, lignified tissue, plant tissue fragments, fungal mycelium, arthropod parts, plant roots, safranin +ve, gentian violet +ve, humus and silica. For interspecific comparisons, the occurrence of each category was expressed as a proportion of the total haemacytometer cells examined. 3 A hierarchical classification of the species, based on gut contents, was prepared using a two‐way indicator species analysis, and suggested the following rank order of species along a hypothetical humification gradient (soil to sound wood): Thoracotermes macrothorax, Astalotermes quietus (both soil‐feeders), Termes hospes, Amalotermes phaecocephalus, Pseudacanthotermes militaris, Microtermes congoensis, Nasutitermes lujae, Microcerotermes parvus, Schedorhinotermes putorius (all notional wood‐feeders). Arthropod parts, silica and humus were identified as indicator factors. 4 It is proposed that wood‐feeding forms can be subdivided into a group consuming some silica and humus (five species: humified wood‐feeders) and a second group of sound wood‐feeders (two species). 5 Pianka's equations for diet breadth and diet overlap were also applied to the data. These identified Microtermes congoensis, Schedorhinotermes putorius and Pseudacanthotermes militaris as the most specialized feeders, i.e. that they can extract their nutrients from the least heterogenous substrates.
An Automatic Energy Consumption Measuring Platform for Embedded Systems

Energy consumption is a critical evaluation index of embedded systems. It has a direct connection with battery life and maintainability. Traditional energy consumption measurement methods are not fully automated, requiring manual intervention and repetitive operations. A new design of an automatic energy consumption measuring platform is proposed to liberate researchers from this work. In this design, ready-made measuring instruments are used, together with specially developed software and auxiliary hardware, to automate the process of energy consumption measurement. A series of test sets are also designed to verify its capabilities of automated measurement. Comparing with traditional measurement methods, our design of the platform has similar accuracy and is capable of providing real-time energy consumption data as well as unattended automated measurements.
Organization of a Plant-Arthropod Association in Simple and Diverse Habitats: The Fauna of Collards (Brassica Oleracea)

Collards were grown at Ithaca, New York, in two experimental habitats: pure stands and single rows that were bounded on each side by diverse, meadow vegetation. The arthropods associated with these plants were sampled on 20 dates over a 3—year period. The status of the herbivore species was measured by their rank in biomass in each sample. The two most prominent species, Phyllotreta cruciferae and Pieris rapae, maintained high status throughout the investigation, but another important species, Brevicoryne brassicae, was absent for an entire season. Pit feeders usually formed the most important herbivore guild. Nevertheless, the guild spectrum, which describes the functional structure of the fauna, varied widely in time and space. The size distributions of species and of individuals were both highly skewed toward the smaller sizes. Herbivore loads, the mean biomass of herbivores per 100 g of consumable foliage, were consistently higher in the pure stands. Moreover, herbivore loads varied significantly with season in each experimental habitat. Both the number of herbivore species and the diversity of the herbivore load were greater in the diverse habitat. Biomass was more heavily concentrated among the prominent herbivores in the pure stands; increased dominance, rather than differences in species richness, appeared to be the major cause for the lower herbivore diversity in this habitat. The diversity of predators and parasitoids was higher in the pure stands. Most of the abundant species found on collards shared a similar narrow range of hosts. As a result the species in this core group of herbivores and parasitoids were regularly associated with each other. Predators and the less abundant herbivores tended to be less specialized and served to link the collard association with the surrounding community. Plant—arthropod associations are representative of component communities, well—integrated systems that form portions of larger compound communities. This distinction facilitates the analysis of community structure. Microclimates and the effectiveness of "enemies" did not appear to differ sufficiently in the two experimental habitats to account for the observed differences in the herbivore load. The results suggest a new proposition, the resource concentration hypothesis, which states that herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands; that the most specialized species frequently attain higher relative densities in simple environments; and that, as a result, biomass tends to become concentrated in a few species, causing a decrease in the diversity of herbivores in pure stands.
Characteristic Analysis of LC Series Resonant Bidrectional DC-DC Converter

Traditional bidirectional DC-DC converters have many problems, such as high return power, limited soft-switching range and switching off at peak current. LC series resonant DC-DC converter with inductive-capacitive resonance network has become a research hotspot. In this paper, the equivalent circuit and mathematical model of LC series resonant DAB converter are established by fundamental wave analysis method. On the basis of explaining the working principle of phase-shifting control mode in detail, the working mode of LC series resonant DC-DC converter is analyzed, the switching-off conditions of the converter are deduced, and the power transmission characteristics and soft switching characteristics of the converter under different switching-off conditions are analyzed. The simulation model is built on the simulation platform. Finally, the hardware experiment platform of the converter is built based on the TMS320F28335 and three-component lithium-ion batteries. The simulation analysis and experimental results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis in this paper.
A Mobile Robot and Vehicle Occupancy Map Construction Model

Occupancy gird map is a popular way of representing the environment regarding robots and vehicles. It consists of discrete cells, where each occupancy grid cell is valued independently. Because the represented grid structure is rigid it requires priori known memory resource concerning the size of the environment to obtain. Since their introduction, occupancy grid maps are still researched intensively [1] [2] [3]. In the current paper we propose the mathematical description of the computational simplification via alternative methods for occupancy map.
Multi-Location Evaluation of Global Wheat Lines Reveal Multiple QTL for Adult Plant Resistance to Septoria Nodorum Blotch (SNB) Detected in Specific Environments and in Response to Different Isolates

The slow rate of genetic gain for improving resistance to Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) is due to the inherent complex interactions between host, isolates, and environments. Breeding for improved SNB resistance requires evaluation and selection of wheat genotypes consistently expressing low SNB response in different target production environments. The study focused on evaluating 232 genotypes from global origins for resistance to SNB in the flag leaf expressed in different Western Australian environments. The aim was to identify resistant donor germplasm against historical and contemporary pathogen isolates and enhance our knowledge of the genetic basis of genotype-by-environment interactions for SNB response. Australian wheat varieties, inbred lines from Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), and International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and landraces from discrete regions of the world showed low to moderate phenotypic correlation for disease response amongst genotypes when evaluated with historical and contemporary isolates at two locations across 3 years in Western Australia (WA). Significant (P < 0.001) genotype-by-environment interactions were detected regardless of same or different isolates used as an inoculum source. Joint regression analysis identified 19 genotypes that consistently expressed low disease severity under infection with different isolates in multi-locations. The CIMMYT inbred lines, 30ZJN09 and ZJN12 Qno25, were particularly pertinent as they had low SNB response and highest trait stability at two locations across 3 years. Genome wide association studies detected 20 QTL associated with SNB resistance on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 7A, 7B, and 7D. QTL on chromosomes 1B and 5B were previously reported in similar genomic regions. Multiple QTL were identified on 1B, 5B, 6A, and 5A and detected in response to SNB infection against different isolates and specific environments. Known SnTox-Snn interactions were either not evident or variable across WA environments and SNB response may involve other multiple complex biological mechanisms.
Generalized Framework for Hybrid Analog/Digital Signal Processing in Massive and Ultra-Massive-MIMO Systems

The conventional fully-digital implementation of massive-MIMO systems is not efficient due to the large required number of radio-frequency (RF) chains. To address this issue, hybrid analog/digital (A/D) beamforming was proposed and to date remains a topic of ongoing research. In this paper, we explore the hybrid A/D structure as a general framework for signal processing in massive and ultra-massive-MIMO systems. To exploit the full potential of the analog domain, we first focus on the analog signal processing (ASP) network. We investigate a mathematical representation suitable for any arbitrarily connected feed-forward ASP network comprised of the common RF hardware elements in the context of hybrid A/D systems, i.e., phase-shifter and power-divider/combiner. A novel ASP structure is then proposed which is not bound to the unit modulus constraint, thereby facilitating the hybrid A/D systems design. We then study MIMO transmitter and receiver designs to exploit the full potential of digital processing as well. It is shown that replacing the linear transformation in the digital domain with a generic mapping can improve the system performance. In some cases, the performance of optimal fully-digital MIMO systems can be achieved without extra calculations compared to sub-optimal hybrid A/D techniques. An optimization model based on the proposed structure is presented that can be used for hybrid A/D system design. Specifically, precoding and combining designs under different conditions are discussed as examples. Finally, simulation results are presented which illustrate the superiority of the proposed architecture to the conventional hybrid designs for massive-MIMO systems.
CTL Attenuation Regulated by PS1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblast

Objective: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were associated with tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, their immunosuppressive roles in protecting cancer cells from the attack by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are not fully clear. In this study, we investigated whether and how CAFs regulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as well as their role in tumor immunosuppression. Methods: Eighty-three cases of ovarian cancer and 10 controls were analyzed for CAFs and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes by gene array and immunohistochemistry. We evaluated presenilin 1 (PS1) expression in CAFs, CTL penetration, tumor burden, dendritic cell function, and migration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and their function in vivo and in vitro after silencing PS1. In addition, the pathway via which PS1 affects the TME was also evaluated. Results: PS1 was highly expressed in CAFs, and its silencing significantly promoted CD8+ CTL proliferation and penetration in multiple ovarian models (p < 0.05), resulting in tumor regression and growth inhibition. Interleukin (IL)-1β was identified as a major immune inhibitor in the TME, and it was significantly decreased after PS1 silencing (p < 0.05), which was regulated by the WNT/β-catenin pathway. It was also showed that high expression of IL-1β in CAFs inhibits CTL penetration significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Highly expressed PS1 in CAFs plays a crucial role in regulating tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte populations in the TME via the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Targeting PS1 may retrieve functional CTLs in the TME and improve the efficacy of current immunotherapies.