Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rainbow Colormaps: What are They Good and Bad for?

Guidelines for color use in quantitative visualizations have strongly discouraged the use of rainbow colormaps, arguing instead for smooth designs that do not induce visual discontinuities or implicit color categories. However, the empirical evidence behind this argument has been mixed and, at times, even contradictory. In practice, rainbow colormaps are widely used, raising questions about the true utility or dangers of such designs. We study how color categorization impacts the interpretation of scalar fields. We first introduce an approach to detect latent categories in colormaps. We hypothesize that the appearance of color categories in scalar visualizations can be beneficial in that they enhance the perception of certain features, although at the cost of rendering other features less noticeable. In three crowdsourced experiments, we show that observers are more likely to discriminate global, distributional features when viewing colorful scales that induce categorization (e.g., rainbow or diverging schemes). Conversely, when seeing the same data through a less colorful representation, observers are more likely to report localized features defined by small variations in the data. Participants showed awareness of these different affordances, and exhibited bias for exploiting the more discriminating colormap, given a particular feature type. Our results demonstrate costs and benefits for rainbows (and similarly colorful schemes), suggesting that their complementary utility for analyzing scalar data should not be dismissed. In addition to explaining potentially valid uses of rainbow, our study provides actionable guidelines, including on when such designs can be more harmful than useful. Data and materials are available at https://osf.io/xjhtf
Leptogenesis with TeV Scale Inverse Seesaw in SO(10)

We discuss leptogenesis within a TeV-scale inverse seesaw model for neutrino masses where the seesaw structure is guaranteed by an SO(10) symmetry. Contrary to the TeV-scale type-I gauged seesaw, the constraints imposed by successful leptogenesis in these models are rather weak and allow for the extra gauge bosons W_R and Z' to be in the LHC accessible range. The key differences in the inverse seesaw compared to the type I case are: (i) decay and inverse decay rates larger than the scatterings involving extra gauge bosons due to the large Yukawa couplings and (ii) the suppression of the washout due to very small lepton number breaking.
Genetic mechanisms modulating behaviour through plastic chemosensory responses in insects

The ability to transition between different behavioural stages is a widespread phenomenon across the animal kingdom. Such behavioural adaptations are often linked to changes in the sensitivity of those neurons that sense chemical cues associated with the respective behaviours. To identify the genetic mechanisms that regulate neuronal sensitivity, and by that behaviour, typically *omics approaches, such as RNA‐ and protein‐sequencing, are applied to sensory organs of individuals displaying differences in behaviour. In this review, we discuss these genetic mechanisms and how they impact neuronal sensitivity, summarize the correlative and functional evidence for their role in regulating behaviour and discuss future directions. As such, this review can help interpret *omics data by providing a comprehensive list of already identified genes and mechanisms that impact behaviour through changes in neuronal sensitivity.
Behavior and welfare impacts of water provision via misting in commercial Pekin ducks

Abstract Ducks will access water to maintain feather condition and exhibit natural water-related behaviors such as wet preening. Providing water to ducks commercially is challenging as it may reduce litter and air quality leading to higher duck mortality or illness. This research aimed to measure the behavioral and welfare impacts of water provision via a misting system for commercial Pekin grower ducks in Victoria, Australia. Seven grower flocks were observed (four misted and three nonmisted in open-sided sheds) during May and November 2021. From 26 until 33 d of age, treatment ducks were provided 1 h of misting with shed curtains closed in both treatment and control sheds. At the start and end of the misting application period, external health and welfare measures were taken directly on the ducks via transect walks throughout each shed and catch-and-inspect observations on a sample of 150 ducks from each shed. Video recordings were also made of the misted and nonmisted ducks for 3 h representing time periods prior to, during, and after the 1-h misting across all sheds for all 8 d of the treatment period. Observations were made of all behavior that ducks exhibited at 10-min scan sample intervals across four cameras per shed, totaling 4,198 scans across the seven sheds. General linear mixed models showed the misting application predominantly had impacts on the patterns of behavioral change across the treatment time periods between the misted and nonmisted ducks rather than increasing or decreasing the overall expression of specific behaviors (interaction terms all P ≤ 0.003). The misted ducks increased drinking, tail wagging, and walking, and reduced preening, rooting litter, sitting, and stretching during misting relative to what they showed prior. The nonmisted ducks showed less sitting and more panting during misting relative to prior. Pearson’s Chi-square tests showed some differences between the treatment groups in feather cleanliness on the back and wings (both P < 0.0001), likely resulting from pre-existing differences between sheds in blood from pin feathers. Most welfare indicators showed no positive or negative effect of the misting treatment. These results indicate overhead misting does affect duck behavior to some degree without compromising their welfare, but further research with larger water droplet sizes resulting in greater accumulation of surface water or extended durations of misting may lead to greater effects.
Destruction of the vascular viral receptor in infectious salmon anaemia provides in vivo evidence of homologous attachment interference

Viral interference is a process where infection with one virus prevents a subsequent infection with the same or a different virus. This is believed to limit superinfection, promote viral genome stability, and protect the host from overwhelming infection. Mechanisms of viral interference have been extensively studied in plants, but remain poorly understood in vertebrates. We demonstrate that infection with infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) strongly reduces homologous viral attachment to the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. vascular surface. A generalised loss of ISAV binding was observed after infection with both high-virulent and low-virulent ISAV isolates, but with different kinetics. The loss of ISAV binding was accompanied by an increased susceptibility to sialidase, suggesting a loss of the vascular 4-O-sialyl-acetylation that mediates ISAV attachment and simultaneously protects the sialic acid from cleavage. Moreover, the ISAV binding capacity of cultured cells dramatically declined 3 days after ISAV infection, accompanied by reduced cellular permissiveness to infection with a second antigenically distinct isolate. In contrast, neither infection with infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus nor stimulation with the viral mimetic poly I:C restricted subsequent cellular ISAV attachment, revealing an ISAV-specific mechanism rather than a general cellular antiviral response. Our study demonstrates homologous ISAV attachment interference by de-acetylation of sialic acids on the vascular surface. This is the first time the kinetics of viral receptor destruction have been mapped throughout the full course of an infection, and the first report of homologous attachment interference by the loss of a vascular viral receptor. Little is known about the biological functions of vascular O-sialyl-acetylation. Our findings raise the question of whether this vascular surface modulation could be linked to the breakdown of central vascular functions that characterises infectious salmon anaemia.
Selective immunocapture reveals neoplastic human mast cells secrete distinct microvesicle‐ and exosome‐like populations of KIT‐containing extracellular vesicles

Abstract Activating mutations in the receptor KIT promote the dysregulated proliferation of human mast cells (huMCs). The resulting neoplastic huMCs secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can transfer oncogenic KIT among other cargo into recipient cells. Despite potential contributions to diseases, KIT‐containing EVs have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we isolated and characterized KIT‐EV subpopulations released by neoplastic huMCs using an immunocapture approach that selectively isolates EVs containing KIT in its proper topology. Immunocapture of EVs on KIT antibody‐coated electron microscopy (EM) affinity grids allowed to assess the morphology and size of KIT‐EVs. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated KIT‐EVs have a distinct protein profile from KIT‐depleted EVs, contain exosome and microvesicle markers, and are separated into these subtypes by ultracentrifugation. Cell treatment with sphingomyelinase inhibitors shifted the protein content among KIT‐EV subtypes, suggesting different biogenesis routes. Proteomic analysis revealed huMC KIT‐EVs are enriched in proteins involved in signalling, immune responses, and cell migration, suggesting diverse biological functions, and indicated neoplastic huMCs disseminate KIT via shuttling in heterogeneous microvesicle‐ and exosome‐like EVs. Further, selective KIT‐immunocapture will enable the enrichment of specific huMC‐derived EVs from complex human biosamples and facilitate an understanding of their in vivo functions and potential to serve as biomarkers of specific biological pathologies.
Biology and therapeutic applications of the proton-coupled folate transporter

ABSTRACT Introduction The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) was discovered in 2006 as the principal mechanism by which folates are absorbed in the intestine and the causal basis for hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM). In 2011, it was found that PCFT is highly expressed in many tumors. This stimulated interest in using PCFT for cytotoxic drug targeting, taking advantage of the substantial levels of PCFT transport and acidic pH conditions commonly associated with tumors. Areas covered We summarize the literature from 2006 to 2022 that explores the role of PCFT in the intestinal absorption of dietary folates and its role in HFM and as a transporter of folates and antifolates such as pemetrexed (Alimta) in relation to cancer. We provide the rationale for the discovery of a new generation of targeted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates with selective PCFT transport and inhibitory activity toward de novo purine biosynthesis in solid tumors. We summarize the benefits of this approach to cancer therapy and exciting new developments in the structural biology of PCFT and its potential to foster refinement of active structures of PCFT-targeted anti-cancer drugs. Expert opinion We summarize the promising future and potential challenges of implementing PCFT-targeted therapeutics for HFM and a variety of cancers.
TLR2 axis on peripheral blood mononuclear cells regulates inflammatory responses to non-infectious immature dengue virus particles

Severe dengue virus (DENV) infection is characterized by exacerbated inflammatory responses that lead to endothelial dysfunction and plasma leakage. We have recently demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on blood monocytes senses DENV infection leading to endothelial activation. Here, we report that non-infectious immature DENV particles, which are released in large numbers by DENV-infected cells, drive endothelial activation via the TLR2 axis. We show that fully immature DENV particles induce a rapid, within 6 hours post-infection, inflammatory response in PBMCs. Furthermore, pharmacological blocking of TLR2/TLR6/CD14 and/or NF-kB prior to exposure of PBMCs to immature DENV reduces the initial production of inter alia TNF-α and IL-1β by monocytes and prevents endothelial activation. However, prolonged TLR2 block induces TNF-α production and leads to exacerbated endothelial activation, indicating that TLR2-mediated responses play an important role not only in the initiation but also the resolution of inflammation. Altogether, these data indicate that the maturation status of the virus has the potential to influence the kinetics and extent of inflammatory responses during DENV infection.
Integration of Complementary Medicine for Multilocal Chronic Pain: Treatment Results From the Patient Perspective.

Context Chronic pain affects individuals' quality of life, physical functionality, and psychological well-being. In the case of multifactorial diseases with an increasing tendency to become chronic, individual therapies often can't alleviate symptoms. The integration of recognized naturopathic methods into a variety of therapies could increase their success. Objective The study intended to assess the benefits of integration of recognized naturopathic therapy methods into acute care as an option that provides holistic, patient-centered treatment. Design The author performed a case study. Setting The study took place at Waldhausklinik-Acute Hospital for Internal Medicine, Pain Therapy, Complementary and Individualized Patient-centered Medicine in Deuringen, Germany. Participant The participant was a 40-year-old female patient who had been admitted to the hospital for inpatient treatment, with acutely exacerbated, multilocular pain with advanced chronification in combination with concomitant pain-creating, sustained psychological illness. Intervention In addition to conventional medical therapy, the participant received a complex, naturopathic treatment under operation and procedure key 8-975 (The German procedure classification (Operationen- und Prozedurenschlüssel - OPS) is the official classification for the encoding of operations, procedures and general medical measures) with high density. The medical team used physical and physiotherapeutic units, drainage therapies, relaxation methods, behavior therapy, mind-body therapy, exercise therapy, hydro- and thermotherapy, and acupuncture. Outcomes Measures The study used the following outcome measures: (1) a VAS for pain, (2) an assessment of physical symptoms according to Zerssen, (3) the Pain Disability Index (PDI), (4) the Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire (FFbH), (5) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D), and (6) adverse effects. Results The participant's pain significantly decreased, and she slowly achieved mobility: (1) her pain score on the VAS decreased from 9.3/10 to 4/10; (2) her complaints list decreased from 28 points to 8 points; (3) her score on the PDI decreased from 59.8 points to 15.2 points; (4) her score on the FFbH increased from 55% to 66%; (5) her score on the PHQ-D decreased from 25 points to 2 points; (6) she experienced no adverse effects. Conclusions The complex naturopathic treatment is a procedure that can lead to positive therapy results, especially in the case of serious chronic illnesses that are accompanied by acute flare-ups. In the case of progression of severe chronic pain, medical practitioners should consider a multimodal therapy with the integration of naturopathic methods. In the past, the assessment of individual complementary techniques for individual clinical pictures has predominated. The aim of further research should be the use of several methods as multimodal therapies to meet the needs of patients with complex clinical pictures.
An integrative insight into the synsacral canal of fossil and extant Antarctic penguins.

The lumbosacral-canal system in birds most likely operates as a sense organ involved in the control of balanced walking and perching, but our knowledge of it is superficial. Penguins constitute interesting objects for the study of this system due to their upright walking, but only the Humboldt penguin, Spheniscus humboldti Meyen, 1834, and some incomplete fossil penguin synsacra have been studied in this respect. Here we give an integrative comparative insight into the synsacral canal of extant Emperor penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri G.R. Gray, 1844, Adelie penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae, (Hombron et Jacquinot, 1841), and Eocene giant Anthropornis Wiman, 1905 and/or Palaeeudyptes Huxley, 1859 Antarctic penguins, using computed tomography imaging and associated data-extraction methodologies, complemented by analytical approaches ranging from geometric morphometrics to modularity, curvature and wavelet analyses. We document that the variability in the number of synsacro-lumbar vertebrae is evolutionarily conserved, and all studied synsacra possess osteological correlates of the lumbosacral-canal system. We also found that Eocene and extant Antarctic penguins were separable on the basis of the main direction of the shape-related (size-independent) variability within said system, and A. forsteri was unique in the entire studied set in terms of the relative cranial shift of this compound structure. Moreover, we suggest that the evolutionary processes, shaping both the terrestrial posture and gait, were responsible for the increased, in extant penguins, simplicity and stability of the synsacral canal cross-sectional periodic patterns as well as pave the way for the lumbosacral-canal system modularity characterized by reduced atomization/complexity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Effect of Increasing Assistance From a Powered Prosthesis on Weight-Bearing Symmetry, Effort, and Speed During Stand-Up in Individuals With Above-Knee Amputation

After above-knee amputation, the missing biological knee and ankle are commonly replaced with a passive prosthesis, which cannot provide net-positive energy to assist the user. During activities such as sit-to-stand, above-knee amputees must compensate for this lack of power using their upper body, intact limb, and residual limb, resulting in slower, less symmetric, and higher effort movements. Previous studies have shown that powered prostheses can improve symmetry and speed by providing positive assistive power. However, we still lack a systematic investigation of the effect of powered prosthesis assistance. Without this knowledge, researchers and clinicians have no framework for tuning powered prostheses to optimally assist users. Here we show that varying the assistive knee torque significantly affected weight-bearing symmetry, effort, and speed during the stand-up movement in eight above-knee amputees. Specifically, we observed improvements in the index of asymmetry of the vertical ground reaction force at the point approximating maximum vertical center of mass acceleration, the integral of the intact vastus medialis activation measured using electromyography, and the stand-up duration compared to the passive prosthesis. We saw significant improvements in all three metrics when subjects used the powered prosthesis compared to the passive prosthesis. We saw improvements in all three metrics with increasing assistive torque levels commanded by the powered prosthesis. We also observed increased weight-bearing asymmetry at the end of movement, and increased kinematic asymmetry with increasing assistance from the powered prosthesis. These results show that powered prostheses can improve functional mobility, potentially increasing quality of life for millions of people living with above-knee amputations.
Predicting Time-to-Failure of Plasma Etching Equipment using Machine Learning

Predicting unscheduled breakdowns of plasma etching equipment can reduce maintenance costs and production losses in the semiconductor industry. However, plasma etching is a complex procedure and it is hard to capture all relevant equipment properties and behaviors in a single physical model. Machine learning offers an alternative for predicting upcoming machine failures based on relevant data points. In this paper, we describe three different machine learning tasks that can be used for that purpose: (i) predicting Time-To-Failure (TTF), (ii) predicting health state, and (iii) predicting TTF intervals of an equipment. Our results show that trained machine learning models can outperform benchmarks resembling human judgments in all three tasks. This suggest that machine learning offers a viable alternative to currently deployed plasma etching equipment maintenance strategies and decision making processes.
Effect of nonmagnetic dilution in the honeycomb-lattice iridates Na 2 IrO 3 and Li 2 IrO 3

We have synthesized single crystals of Na$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$)O$_3$ and polycrystals of Li$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$)O$_3$ and studied the effect of magnetic depletion on the magnetic properties by measurements of the magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and magnetocaloric effect at temperatures down to 0.1~K. In both systems, the non-magnetic substitution rapidly changes the magnetically ordered ground state into a spin glass, indicating strong frustration. While for the Li system the Weiss temperature $\Theta_{\rm W}$ remains unchanged up to $x=0.55$, a strong decrease $|\Theta_{\rm W}|$ is found for the Na system. This suggests that only for the former system magnetic exchange beyond nearest neighbors is dominating. This is also corroborated by the observation of a smeared quantum phase transition in Li$_2$(Ir$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$)O$_3$ near $x=0.5$, i.e. much beyond the site percolation threshold of the honeycomb lattice.
Impact of antivenom administration on the evolution of cutaneous lesions in loxoscelism: A prospective observational study

Background Spiders of the genus Loxosceles are distributed throughout tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Loxosceles spp. bites may evolve to necrosis, with or without intravascular hemolysis. There is no consensus regarding the best treatment to prevent necrosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the development of necrosis and the impact that antivenom administration has on the evolution of cutaneous loxoscelism. Methodology/Principal findings This was a prospective observational study carried out at a referral center for envenoming. Over a 6-year period, we included 146 patients with a presumptive or definitive diagnosis of loxoscelism. Depending on the symptom severity, a polyvalent anti-arachnid antivenom was administered or not—in 74 cases (50.7%) and 72 cases (49.3%), respectively. Cutaneous and systemic manifestations were assessed at admission and weekly thereafter. Adverse reactions to the antivenom were also evaluated. Cutaneous loxoscelism was observed in 141 cases (96.6%), and the spider was identified in 29 (19.9%). The mean time from bite to antivenom administration was 41.6 ± 27.4 h. After discharge, 130 patients (90.9%) were treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines and analgesics being prescribed as needed. The probability of developing necrosis was significantly lower among the patients who were admitted earlier, as well as among those who received antivenom (p = 0.0245). Among the 74 patients receiving antivenom, early and delayed adverse reactions occurred in seven (9.5%) and four (5.4%), respectively. Local infection was observed only in three (2.3%) of the 128 patients for whom that information was available. Conclusions/Significance Necrosis after a Loxosceles sp. bite appears to more common when hospital admission is delayed or when antivenom is not administered. In addition, the administration of a polyvalent anti-arachnid antivenom appears to be safe, with a relatively low rate of adverse reactions.