Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local-information-based uncorrelated feature extraction

In the past few years, the computer vision and pattern recognition community has witnessed the rapid growth of a new kind of feature extraction method, the manifold learning methods, which attempt to project the original data into a lower dimensional feature space by preserving the local neighborhood structure. Among them, locality preserving projection (LPP) is one of the most promising feature extraction techniques. Based on LPP, we propose a novel feature extraction method, called uncorrelated locality preserving projection (ULPP). We show that the extracted features via ULPP are statistically uncorrelated, which is desirable for many pattern analysis applications. We compare the proposed ULPP approach with LPP and principal component analysis (PCA) on the publicly available data sets, FERET and AR. Experimental results suggest that the proposed ULPP approach provides a better representation of the data and achieves much higher recognition accuracies.
Room temperature operation of epitaxial lead-telluride detectors monolithically integrated on midinfrared filters

Epitaxial PbTe midinfrared photodetectors are monolithically integrated on optical filter structures, like λ∕4 antireflection layers or λ∕2 microcavities. The antireflection layers result in an increased photoresponsivity of the detectors by a factor of 2.2, measured at the target wavelength of 3. 1μm. The microcavities, acting as efficient narrow band filters, consist of two PbEuTe∕EuTe Bragg interference mirrors separated by a PbEuTe cavity layer. The photoresponse spectra of the detectors integrated with the microcavity filters exhibit a single resonance at 3. 6μm with a relative line width of 2.7%. The narrow photoresponse peak is in coincidence with a molecular absorption line typical for nonaromatic aldehydes. For all devices room temperature operation is demonstrated either in photoconductive or in photovoltaic operation mode.
Pregalactic evolution in cosmologies with cold dark matter

On discute de l'eventualite que les premiers objets qui se forment dans un Univers compose de matiere sombre, froide, puissent influer sur la structure subsequente. Ces premiers objets auraient ete des etoiles se formant dans des amas de masses ∼10 5 M •
Optical modelling of cone concentrators for positive and negative IR emitters

InSb optical cone concentrators are modelled to assess their optical performance in positive and negative emission modes. The output distribution from the active layer is shown to be isotropic for thin active regions, tending towards Lambertian distribution as the layer thickness increases. Refraction from the emitting surface is shown to make the distribution more Lambertian. Optical efficiencies of straight-sided and Winston cone concentrators are modelled using a ray-tracing program, and those of straight-sided cones also determined using an analytical approximation, which allows use of the distribution derived earlier. The effect on the active layer thickness on the positive and negative emission is also determined. Normal light emitting diode structures are found to be poor positive emitters and to draw large currents when used as negative emitters. A Winston cone of area gain equal to n 2 is found to be the best option for devices required to work in both positive and negative modes. Intermediate structures are also considered. The optimum active layer thickness is derived for three emitter configurations.
Sum-rate maximising in cognitive MIMO ad-hoc networks using weighted MMSE approach

This reported work focuses on weighted sum-rate maximisation (WSRM) of cognitive radio ad-hoc networks, where a K user multiple-input multiple-output interference network ( K- MIMO-IFN) uses the same spectrum with a licenced primary user. Because the WSRM problem in K- MIMO-IFN is non-convex and it is difficult to get an optimal solution directly, the weighted minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach is used to make the problem easier to handle. This report then proposes a dual-MMSE-algorithm, which iteratively finds a local optimal solution and only needs the local channel knowledge. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other conventional algorithms.
The finite element post-processor of FLUX3D (field computation package)

The FLUX3D software is a package for three-dimensional analysis of electric and magnetic fields based on the classical components, including pre- and post-processor, mesh generator, and solver. FLUX3D is built on a database management system which allows several possibilities of connection of each component with external packages. Each component includes specific capabilities which enhance the use of FLUX3D. The main aspects of the architecture, entities, domain of computation, facilities and the various commands are described, and some illustrative examples are presented. >
Additivity of the genus of a graph

In this note a graph G is a finite 1-complex, and an imbedding of G in an orientable 2-manifold M is a geometric realization of G in M. The letter G will also be used to designate the set in M which is the realization of G. Manifolds will always be orientable 2-manifolds, and y(M) will stand for the genus of M. Given a graph G the genus y(G) of G is the smallest number y(M), for M in the collection of manifolds in which G can be imbedded. A block of G is a subgraph B of G maximal with respect to the property that removing any single vertex of B does not disconnect 5 , (A block with more than two vertices is a "true cyclic element" in Whyburn [3].) Given G there is a unique finite collection 33 of blocks B of G such that G = UB, 5 G 33. The collection 93 is called the block decomposition of G. If G is connected and 93 contains k blocks; then they may be listed in an order Bit • • • , Bk such that
Immune suppression of vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell responses by gamma retrovirus envelope is mediated by interleukin-10-producing CD4+ T cells

Retroviral envelope (Env) proteins have long been recognized to exhibit immunosuppressive properties, which affect the CD8+ T-cell response to an infection but also to immunization. Interestingly, we previously showed in the Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) model that the surface Env protein gp70 also plays a role in immunosuppression, in addition to the immunosuppressive function attributed to the transmembrane Env protein. We now demonstrate that immunization with F-MuLV Env leads to a significant increase in interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing CD4+ T cells and that the induction of CD8+ T-cell responses in the presence of Env is rescued if the capacity of CD4+ T cells to produce IL-10 is abrogated, indicating a mechanistic role of IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells in mediating the Env-induced suppression of CD8+ T-cell responses in Env co-immunization. We found that CD8+ T-cell responses against different immunogens are not all equally affected. On the other hand, suppression of immunity was observed not only in co-immunization experiments but also for immune control of subcutaneous tumor growth after an Env immunization. Finally, we show that suppression of CD8+ T cells by the surface Env protein is observed not only for Friend MuLV Env but also for the Env proteins of other gamma retroviruses. Taken together, our results show that IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells mechanistically underlie the Env-mediated suppression of CD8+ T-cell responses and suggest the presence of an immunosuppressive motif in the surface Env protein of gamma retroviruses.
An automatic identification system for citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) using a YOLO convolutional neural network

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, has complex and variable symptoms, making its diagnosis almost entirely reliant on subjective experience, which results in a low diagnosis efficiency. To overcome this problem, we constructed and validated a deep learning (DL)-based method for detecting citrus HLB using YOLOv5l from digital images. Three models (Yolov5l-HLB1, Yolov5l-HLB2, and Yolov5l-HLB3) were developed using images of healthy and symptomatic citrus leaves acquired under a range of imaging conditions. The micro F1-scores of the Yolov5l-HLB2 model (85.19%) recognising five HLB symptoms (blotchy mottling, “red-nose” fruits, zinc-deficiency, vein yellowing, and uniform yellowing) in the images were higher than those of the other two models. The generalisation performance of Yolov5l-HLB2 was tested using test set images acquired under two photographic conditions (conditions B and C) that were different from that of the model training set condition (condition A). The results suggested that this model performed well at recognising the five HLB symptom images acquired under both conditions B and C, and yielded a micro F1-score of 84.64% and 85.84%, respectively. In addition, the detection performance of the Yolov5l-HLB2 model was better for experienced users than for inexperienced users. The PCR-positive rate of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) detection (the causative pathogen for HLB) in the samples with five HLB symptoms as classified using the Yolov5l-HLB2 model was also compared with manual classification by experts. This indicated that the model can be employed as a preliminary screening tool before the collection of field samples for subsequent PCR testing. We also developed the ‘HLBdetector’ app using the Yolov5l-HLB2 model, which allows farmers to complete HLB detection in seconds with only a mobile phone terminal and without expert guidance. Overall, we successfully constructed a reliable automatic HLB identification model and developed the user-friendly ‘HLBdetector’ app, facilitating the prevention and timely control of HLB transmission in citrus orchards.
Ocean-continent subduction cannot be initiated without preceding intra-oceanic subduction!

The formation of new subduction zones is a key element of plate tectonics and the Wilson cycle, and many different controlling mechanisms have been proposed to initiate subduction. Here, we provide a brief overview of the known scenarios of subduction initiation in intra-oceanic and ocean-continent tectonic settings. Intra-oceanic subduction is most commonly associated with mechanical heterogeneities within the oceanic lithosphere, such as pre-existing fracture zones, spreading ridges, and transform faults. Numerous and well-recognized examples of new active subduction zones formed in intra-oceanic environments during the Cenozoic, suggesting that the initiation of ocean-ocean subduction must be a routine process that occurs “easily and frequently” in the mode of plate tectonics currently operating on Earth. On the contrary, the most traditional mechanisms for the establishment of classic self-sustaining ocean-continent subduction—passive margin collapse and subduction transference—are surprisingly rare in observations and difficult to reproduce in numerical models. Two alternative scenarios—polarity reversal and lateral propagation-induced subduction initiation—are in contrast much better documented in nature and experimentally. However, switching of subduction polarity due to arc-continent collision and lateral transmission of subducting plate boundaries are both inextricably linked to pre-existing intra-oceanic convergence. We, therefore, conclude that the onset of classic ocean-continent subduction zones is possible only through the transition from a former intra-oceanic subduction system. This transition is likely facilitated by the ductile damage accumulation and stress concentration across the aging continental margin. From this perspective, the future closure of the Atlantic Ocean can be viewed as an archetypal example of the role of transitional process between intra-oceanic subduction (Lesser Antilles) and the development of a new subduction zone at a passive continental margin (eastern North America).
Mechanisms of manganese-induced neurotoxicity and the pursuit of neurotherapeutic strategies

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of manganese via occupational or environmental settings causes a neurological disorder known as manganism, resembling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as motor deficits and cognitive impairment. Numerous studies have been conducted to characterize manganese’s neurotoxicity mechanisms in search of effective therapeutics, including natural and synthetic compounds to treat manganese toxicity. Several potential molecular targets of manganese toxicity at the epigenetic and transcriptional levels have been identified recently, which may contribute to develop more precise and effective gene therapies. This review updates findings on manganese-induced neurotoxicity mechanisms on intracellular insults such as oxidative stress, inflammation, excitotoxicity, and mitophagy, as well as transcriptional dysregulations involving Yin Yang 1, RE1-silencing transcription factor, transcription factor EB, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 that could be targets of manganese neurotoxicity therapies. This review also features intracellular proteins such as PTEN-inducible kinase 1, parkin, sirtuins, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, and α-synuclein, which are associated with manganese-induced dysregulation of autophagy/mitophagy. In addition, newer therapeutic approaches to treat manganese’s neurotoxicity including natural and synthetic compounds modulating excitotoxicity, autophagy, and mitophagy, were reviewed. Taken together, in-depth mechanistic knowledge accompanied by advances in gene and drug delivery strategies will make significant progress in the development of reliable therapeutic interventions against manganese-induced neurotoxicity.
Novel assay to measure chromosome instability identifies Punica granatum extract that elevates CIN and has a potential for tumor- suppressing therapies

Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) have provided a useful tool to study kinetochore structure and function, gene delivery, and gene expression. The HAC propagates and segregates properly in the cells. Recently, we have developed an experimental high-throughput imaging (HTI) HAC-based assay that allows the identification of genes whose depletion leads to chromosome instability (CIN). The HAC carries a GFP transgene that facilitates quantitative measurement of CIN. The loss of HAC/GFP may be measured by flow cytometry or fluorescence scanning microscope. Therefore, CIN rate can be measured by counting the proportion of fluorescent cells. Here, the HAC/GFP-based assay has been adapted to screen anticancer compounds for possible induction or elevation of CIN. We analyzed 24 cytotoxic plant extracts. Punica granatum leaf extract (PLE) indeed sharply increases CIN rate in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. PLE treatment leads to cell cycle arrest, reduction of mitotic index, and the increased numbers of micronuclei (MNi) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs). PLE-mediated increased CIN correlates with the induction of double-stranded breaks (DSBs). We infer that the PLE extract contains a component(s) that elevate CIN, making it a candidate for further study as a potential cancer treatment. The data also provide a proof of principle for the utility of the HAC/GFP-based system in screening for natural products and other compounds that elevate CIN in cancer cells.
Using enactive robotics to think outside of the problem-solving box: How sensorimotor contingencies constrain the forms of emergent autononomous habits

We suggest that the influence of biology in ‘biologically inspired robotics’ can be embraced at a deeper level than is typical, if we adopt an enactive approach that moves the focus of interest from how problems are solved to how problems emerge in the first place. In addition to being inspired by mechanisms found in natural systems or by evolutionary design principles directed at solving problems posited by the environment, we can take inspiration from the precarious, self-maintaining organization of living systems to investigate forms of cognition that are also precarious and self-maintaining and that thus also, like life, have their own problems that must be be addressed if they are to persist. In this vein, we use a simulation to explore precarious, self-reinforcing sensorimotor habits as a building block for a robot's behavior. Our simulations of simple robots controlled by an Iterative Deformable Sensorimotor Medium demonstrate the spontaneous emergence of different habits, their re-enactment and the organization of an ecology of habits within each agent. The form of the emergent habits is constrained by the sensory modality of the robot such that habits formed under one modality (vision) are more similar to each other than they are to habits formed under another (audition). We discuss these results in the wider context of: (a) enactive approaches to life and mind, (b) sensorimotor contingency theory, (c) adaptationist vs. structuralist explanations in biology, and (d) the limits of functionalist problem-solving approaches to (artificial) intelligence.
On the existence of combinatorial configurations

A (v, b, r, k) combinatorial configuration can be defined as a connected, (r, k)-biregular bipartite graph with v vertices on one side and b vertices on the other and with no cycle of length 4. Combinatorial configurations have become very important for some cryptographic applications to sensor networks and to peer-to-peer communities. Configurable tuples are those tuples (v, b, r, k) for which a (v, b, r, k) combinatorial configuration exists. It is proved in this work that the set of configurable tuples with fixed r and k has the structure of a numerical semigroup. The semigroup is completely described whenever r = 2 or r = 3. For the remaining cases some bounds are given on the multiplicity and the conductor of the numerical semigroup. This leads to some concluding results on the existence of configurable tuples.
Specific high-resolution scheme to improve understanding of the spatio-temporal dispersion of lymphogranuloma venereum epidemic

Introduction Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is already endemic in vulnerable populations in several European countries; however, molecular epidemiology data with improved accuracy are necessary to better understand LGV epidemic in these countries. Current strategies to study the molecular epidemiology of LGV cases involve schemes based on a few genetic fragments of Chlamydia trachomatis, which have demonstrated limited discriminatory power for LGV. Therefore, this study aimed to propose a new combination of molecular markers based on the most variable genes of L-genotype genomes to improve the characterization of the current LGV epidemic in Madrid, Spain. Methods Four genes were selected according to their diversity index (CTLon_0054, CTLon_0087, CTLon_0243 and CTLon_0301) for use in combination with ompA. In silico and experimental studies were performed to compare the previously described multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes with our proposal. Moreover, the proposed scheme was applied (n = 68) to analyze the spatio-temporal spread of the LGV cases. Results Our proposal demonstrated higher diversity allowing the identification of three main groups compared to the previously published MLST based on hypervariable genes wherein only a single sequence type was identified. The temporal analysis showed that the major cluster was progressively diversifying, revealing a very active transmission chain. Furthermore, an L2b genome identical to that of the origin of the epidemic was detected, suggesting reintroductions or a low screening rate in vulnerable populations. The spatial distribution suggests that the selection and spread of new variants occurs from the central district to the peripheral regions. Discussion The scheme proposed in this study has proven to be useful for appropriate discrimination of LGV strains. This study, to our knowledge for the first time, demonstrates a spatio-temporal spread that increases our understanding and identifies areas with special susceptibility for maintenance of the endemic situation of LGV.
Comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomics profiling uncovering neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract on Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction: Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract (GBLE) has been reported to be effective for alleviating cognitive and memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nevertheless, the potential mechanism remains unclear. Herein, this study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of GBLE on AD and elaborate the underlying therapeutic mechanism. Methods: Donepezil, the most widely prescribed drug for AD, was used as a positive control. An integrated metabolomics and lipidomics approach was adopted to characterize plasma metabolic phenotype of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and describe the metabolomic and lipidomic fingerprint changes after GBLE intervention. The Morris water maze test and immunohistochemistry were applied to evaluate the efficacy of GBLE. Results: As a result, administration of GBLE significantly improved the cognitive function and alleviated amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in APP/PS1 mice, showing similar effects to donepezil. Significant alterations were observed in metabolic signatures of APP/PS1 mice compared with wild type (WT) mice by metabolomic analysis. A total of 60 markedly altered differential metabolites were identified, including 28 lipid and lipid-like molecules, 13 organic acids and derivatives, 11 organic nitrogen compounds, and 8 other compounds, indicative of significant changes in lipid metabolism of AD. Further lipidomic profiling showed that the differential expressed lipid metabolites between APP/PS1 and WT mice mainly consisted of phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, triglycerides, and ceramides. Taking together all the data, the plasma metabolic signature of APP/PS1 mice was primarily characterized by disrupted sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Most of the disordered metabolites were ameliorated after GBLE treatment, 19 metabolites and 24 lipids of which were significantly reversely regulated (adjusted-p<0.05), which were considered as potential therapeutic targets of GBLE on AD. The response of APP/PS1 mice to GBLE was similar to that of donepezil, which significantly reversed the levels of 23 disturbed metabolites and 30 lipids. Discussion: Our data suggested that lipid metabolism was dramatically perturbed in the plasma of APP/PS1 mice, and GBLE might exert its neuroprotective effects by restoring lipid metabolic balance. This work provided a basis for better understanding the potential pathogenesis of AD and shed new light on the therapeutic mechanism of GBLE in the treatment of AD.