Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic CD4 cytotoxic T cells improve protection against PRRSV-1 transplacental infection

Background Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the major swine pathogens causing reproductive failure in sows. Although modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines are available, only partial protection against heterologous strains is produced, thus vaccinated sows can be infected and cause transplacental infection. The immune effector mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Methods The present study investigated the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes, including cytotoxic T cells (CTL), NKT, and NK cells, from blood in preventing PRRSV-1 transplacental infection in vaccinated primiparous sows (two doses vaccinated). Sows from a PRRSV-1 unstable farm were bled just before the last month of gestation (critical period for transplacental infection), then followed to determine whether sows delivered PRRSV-1-infected (n=8) or healthy (n=10) piglets. After that, functions of CTL, NKT, and NK cells in the two groups of sows were compared. Results No difference was found through cell surface staining. But upon in vitro re-stimulation with the circulating field virus, sows that delivered healthy piglets displayed a higher frequency of virus-specific CD107a+ IFN-γ-producing T cells, which accumulated in the CD4+ compartment including CD4 single-positive (CD4 SP) and CD4/CD8α double-positive (CD4/CD8α DP) subsets. The same group of sows also harbored a higher proportion of CD107a+ TNF-α-producing T cells that predominantly accumulated in CD4/CD8α double-negative (CD4/CD8α DN) subset. Consistently, CD4 SP and CD4/CD8α DN T cells from sows delivering healthy piglets had a higher virus-specific proliferative response. Additionally, in sows that delivered PRRSV-1-infected piglets, a positive correlation of virus-specific IFN-γ response with average Ct values of umbilical cords of newborn piglets per litter was observed. Conclusion Our data strongly suggest that CTL responses correlate with protection against PRRSV-1 transplacental infection, being executed by CD4 T cells (IFN-γ related) and/or CD4/CD8α DN T cells (TNF-α related).
Role of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma and the regulation of traditional Chinese medicine

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs on the basis of chronic liver inflammatory diseases and cirrhosis. The liver microenvironment plays a vital role in the tumor initiation and progression. Exosomes, which are nanometer-sized membrane vesicles are secreted by a number of cell types. Exosomes carry multiple proteins, DNAs and various forms of RNA, and are mediators of cell-cell communication and regulate the tumor microenvironment. In the recent decade, many studies have demonstrated that exosomes are involved in the communication between HCC cells and the stromal cells, including endothelial cells, macrophages, hepatic stellate cells and the immune cells, and serve as a regulator in the tumor proliferation and metastasis, immune evasion and immunotherapy. In addition, exosomes can also be used for the diagnosis and treatment HCC. They can potentially serve as specific biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug delivery vehicles of HCC. Chinese herbal medicine, which is widely used in the prevention and treatment of HCC in China, may regulate the release of exosomes and exosomes-mediated intercellular communication. In this review, we summarized the latest progresses on the role of the exosomes in the initiation, progression and treatment of HCC and the potential value of Traditional Chinese medicine in exosomes-mediated biological behaviors of HCC.
Commentary: Identification of pulmonary infections with porcine Rotavirus A in pigs with respiratory disease

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Zhou, Niu, Zhang, Liao and Zhai. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Commentary: Identification of pulmonary infections with porcine Rotavirus A in pigs with respiratory disease
Escaping negative moods and concentration problems play bridge roles in the symptom network of problematic smartphone use and depression

Background Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has become an issue of great concern in the age of smartphones. PSU is associated with emotional problems, one of which is depression, as shown by empirical studies. However, previous studies have been limited in that they have focused solely on the total score for symptoms of PSU and depression while ignoring the symptomatic heterogeneity of these two concepts. Method This study filled this gap by exploring links between symptoms of PSU and depression among 1,849 university students (59.17% female participants, 17–23 years old). Network analysis was utilized to reveal symptom connections, central symptoms, and bridge symptoms between PSU and depression. Results (1) A total of 17 of 81 symptom connections (about 21%) between PSU and depression existed in the symptom network. For example, “self-control failure” for PSU was positively correlated with “concentration problems” for depression; (2) “recklessly continuing” for PSU and “fatigue” for depression were central symptoms within the PSU symptom network and depression symptom network, respectively; (3) “escaping negative moods” for PSU and “concentration problems” for depression were bridge symptoms. The former was maximumly connected with the depression symptoms and the latter was maximumly connected with the PSU symptoms; and (4) gender had very minimal influence on the network characteristics. Conclusion The results are in keeping with the central idea of the compensatory internet use theory that excessive smartphone use may be a coping strategy for depressed emotions derived from escaping motivation. Moreover, concentration problems may be a mediator explaining how negative emotions (e.g., depression) cause PSU, which is undefined in current internet use theories. Finally, symptom connections, central symptoms, and bridge symptoms could be potential targets for the prevention and intervention of PSU and depression in young adults.
Effect of mask coverage on face identification in Taiwanese men and women

Mask wearing is the easiest and most effective way to avoid COVID-19 infection; however, it affects interpersonal activities, especially face identification. This study examined the effects of three mask coverage levels (full coverage, FC; coverage up to the middle [MB] or bottom of the nose bridge [BB]) on face identification accuracy and time. A total of 115 university students (60 men and 55 women) were recruited to conduct a computer-based simulation test consisting of 30 questions (10 questions [five face images each of men and women] for the three mask coverage levels). One unmasked target face and four face images with a specified mask coverage level were designed for each question, and the participants were requested to select the same face from the four covered face images on the basis of the target face. The ANOVA results indicated that identification accuracy was significantly affected by sex (p < 0.01) and the mask coverage level (p < 0.001), whereas identification time was only influenced by sex (p < 0.05). The multiple comparison results indicated that the identification accuracy rate for faces wearing a mask with FC (90.3%) was significantly lower than for those wearing masks with coverage up to the MB (93.7%) and BB (94.9%) positions; however, no difference in identification accuracy rate was observed between the MB and BB levels. Women exhibited a higher identification accuracy rate than men (94.1% vs. 91.9%) in identifying unfamiliar faces, even though they may spend less time identifying the images. A smaller mask coverage level (i.e., the BB level) does not facilitate face identification. The findings can be served as a reference for people to trade-off between wearing a mask and interpersonal interaction in their daily activities.
Pro-inflammatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endothelial dysfunction

Background Endothelial dysfunction is a critical component of both atherosclerotic plaque formation and saphenous vein graft failure. Crosstalk between the pro-inflammatory TNF-α-NFκB signaling axis and the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway potentially plays an important role in regulating endothelial dysfunction, though the exact nature of this is not defined. Results In this study, cultured endothelial cells were challenged with TNF-α and the potential of a Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor, iCRT-14, in reversing the adverse effects of TNF-α on endothelial physiology was evaluated. Treatment with iCRT-14 lowered nuclear and total NFκB protein levels, as well as expression of NFκB target genes, IL-8 and MCP-1. Inhibition of β-catenin activity with iCRT-14 suppressed TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion and decreased VCAM-1 protein levels. Treatment with iCRT-14 also restored endothelial barrier function and increased levels of ZO-1 and focal adhesion-associated phospho-paxillin (Tyr118). Interestingly, inhibition of β-catenin with iCRT-14 enhanced platelet adhesion in cultured TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells and in an ex vivo human saphenous vein model, most likely via elevating levels of membrane-tethered vWF. Wound healing was moderately retarded by iCRT-14; hence, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may interfere with re-endothelialisation in grafted saphenous vein conduits. Conclusion Inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway with iCRT-14 significantly recovered normal endothelial function by decreasing inflammatory cytokine production, monocyte adhesion and endothelial permeability. However, treatment of cultured endothelial cells with iCRT-14 also exerted a pro-coagulatory and moderate anti-wound healing effect: these factors may affect the suitability of Wnt/β-catenin inhibition as a therapy for atherosclerosis and vein graft failure.
Machine learning for noisy multivariate time series classification: a comparison and practical evaluation

Multivariate Time Series Classification (MTSC) is a complex problem that has seen great advances in recent years from the application of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. However, there is still a need for a thorough evaluation of the effect of signal noise in the classification performance of MTSC techniques. To this end, in this paper, we evaluate three current and effective MTSC classifiers – DDTW, ROCKET and InceptionTime – and propose their use in a real-world classification problem: the detection of mooring line failure in offshore platforms. We show that all of them feature state-of-the-art accuracy, with ROCKET presenting very good results, and InceptionTime being marginally more accurate and resilient to noise.
Investigation of autofocus algorithms for brightfield microscopy of unstained cells

In the past decade there has been significant interest in image processing for brightfield cell microscopy. Much of the previous research on image processing for microscopy has focused on fluorescence microscopy, including cell counting, cell tracking, cell segmentation and autofocusing. Fluorescence microscopy provides functional image information that involves the use of labels in the form of chemical stains or dyes. For some applications, where the biochemical integrity of the cell is required to remain unchanged so that sensitive chemical testing can later be applied, it is necessary to avoid staining. For this reason the challenge of processing images of unstained cells has become a topic of increasing attention. These cells are often effectively transparent and appear to have a homogenous intensity profile when they are in focus. Bright field microscopy is the most universally available and most widely used form of optical microscopy and for this reason we are interested in investigating image processing of unstained cells recorded using a standard bright field microscope. In this paper we investigate the application of a range of different autofocus metrics applied to unstained bladder cancer cell lines using a standard inverted bright field microscope with microscope objectives that have high magnification and numerical aperture. We present a number of conclusions on the optimum metrics and the manner in which they should be applied for this application.
Optimal design of nano-scale surface light trapping structures for enhancing light absorption in thin film photovoltaics

We present the effect of nanophotonic light trapping structures on optical absorption enhancement of crystalline silicon thin film solar cells, based on a rigorous coupled-wave analysis method. The calculation involves three different structures (i.e., hole, inverted-cone, and inverted-paraboloid), which are commonly applied on the top surface of thin film solar cells. Systematical calculation results in terms of geometrical parameters reveal sweet spots (i.e., optimum geometric structure) to obtain the highest cell efficiency for each structure, which provide a design guideline in thin film photovoltaic devices.
Surface plasmons in silver films—a novel undergraduate experiment

Surface plasmon phenomena are a topic of considerable current interest. We describe a simple experiment and theory for a senior level undergraduate investigation of surface plasmons in silver films. An ∠500‐A‐thick silver film is evaporated on the hypotenuse face of a right glass prism. Light (p‐polarized) from a He–Ne laser is incident through the prism on the metal film. At an angle of incidence a few degrees greater than the critical angle for total reflection, a sharp minimum in the reflected light is observed, corresponding to the excitation of the surface plasmon. The minimum in the reflectivity results from the absorption of the resonantly enhanced surface plasmon mode in the silver film. The dispersion relation for the surface plasmon and the reflectivity due to the excitation of this normal mode are calculated. Only a modest vacuum of ∠10−3 Torr is necessary to produce the required thin silver films.
A Tunable-Transmission Sagnac Interferometer Using an Optical Microfiber

This paper deals with fabrication of an optical microfiber and demonstration of a Sagnac loop interferometer constructed with it. An optical microfiber with a diameter ∼2 µm and loss ∼0.03 dB/mm is manufactured by tapering a conventional single-mode fiber using a flame-brushing technique. A Sagnac interferometer is assembled by twisting the fabricated microfiber into a loop. The intertwisted section of the loop functions as a directional coupler whose coupling ratio is tunable by changing the twist rate. Transmission characteristics of the interferometer may allow us to use it as a potential photonic device such as a linear edge filter, an optical variable attenuator, or a gain flattening filter.
Algorithm to detect bursts in water pipes for implementation in low-power devices

/ RESUMEN The current work presents a new algorithm to detect bursts in water pipes automatically, focused on its implementation in low-power embedded devices. The algorithm was implemented in an MSP430FR5994 microcontroller and it does not require computer devices with the processing capability to execute high-complexity mathematical operations, unlike most of the existing algorithms. The developed algorithm uses the approach of detecting bursts by enhancing the singularities they create and making decisions based on the application of thresholds. Instead of applying a single mathematically-complex threshold, two simpler ones are used that are compatible with the processing capability of low-power embedded devices. Two implementations for the convolution operation were tested using the micro controller’s Low Energy Accelerator module; it was found that the convolution in the time domain is faster than the FFT-based method in an average of 65.3%. The algorithm detects bursts with a detection probability of 100% and a probability of false positives of 0.13% on the performed tests.
Epac1 and PKA agonists inhibit ROS to reduce NLRP3 inflammasome proteins in retinal endothelial cells

Purpose Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate inflammatory pathways in several organs, including the retina. More recent work has shown that ROS activate the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway proteins. We recently showed that the exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1) and protein kinase A (PKA) regulates NLRP3 proteins in the retina. Our goal was to determine whether Epac1 and PKA reduce ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome proteins. Methods We used human primary retinal endothelial cells (RECs) grown in normal glucose (5 mM) and stimulated in normal glucose with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce ROS and measured NLRP3 pathway proteins. In some groups, we treated cells with an Epac1 or a PKA agonist in addition to H2O2 treatment to determine whether Epac1 and PKA reduced ROS and induced NLRP3 pathway proteins. Results The data showed that 500 µM H2O2 was the optimal dose to increase ROS in RECs. In RECs treated with H2O2, NLRP3 pathway proteins were increased, which were significantly reduced by cotreatment with PKA or Epac1 agonists. H2O2 significantly increased NIMA-related kinase 7 (Nek7) and purinergic 2X7 receptor 7 (P2X7) levels, which were blocked by Epac1 and PKA agonists. Conclusions Taken together, these data suggest that Epac1 and PKA reduce retinal inflammation through the reduced ROS-induced activation of NLRP3 pathway proteins.
Correlation functions of the XXZ spin-1/2 chain: recent progress

We review recent progress in the computation of correlation functions of the XXZ spin-1/2 chain and their long distance asymptotic behavior. Our method is based on the resolution of the quantum inverse scattering problem in the framework of the algebraic Bethe ansatz. It leads to multiple integrals representations of the correlation functions in the context of which we discuss their long distance asymptotic behavior.
In utero imaging of mouse embryonic development with optical coherence tomography

Studying progression of congenital diseases in animal models can greatly benefit from live embryonic imaging Mouse have long served as a model of mammalian embryonic developmental processes, however, due to intra-uterine nature of mammalian development live imaging is challenging. In this report we present results on live mouse embryonic imaging in utero with Optical Coherence Tomography. Embryos from 12.5 through 17.5 days post-coitus (dpc) were studied through the uterine wall. In longitudinal studies, same embryos were imaged at developmental stages 13.5, 15.5 and 17.5 dpc. This study suggests that OCT can serve as a powerful tool for live mouse embryo imaging. Potentially this technique can contribute to our understanding developmental abnormalities associated with mutations, toxic drugs.
The Gelfand-Kirillov conjecture for Lie algebras of dimension at most eight

Univ Reims, Dept Math, F-51687 Reims 2, France. Univ Limburg, Dept Math, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.Alev, J, Univ Reims, Dept Math, BP 1039, F-51687 Reims 2, France.
Plasma measurements in a 100 W cylindrical Hall thruster

Conventional annular Hall thrusters become inefficient when scaled to low power. Their lifetime decreases significantly due to the channel wall erosion. Cylindrical Hall thrusters, which have lower surface-to-volume ratio and, thus, seem to be more promising for scaling down, exhibit performance comparable with conventional annular Hall thrusters of the similar size. Plasma potential, ion density, and electron temperature profiles were measured inside the 2.6 cm cylindrical Hall thruster with the use of stationary and slow movable emissive and biased Langmuir probes. Potential drop in the 2.6 cm cylindrical Hall thruster is localized mainly in the cylindrical part of the channel and in the plume, which suggests that the thruster should suffer lower erosion of the channel walls due to fast ion bombardment. Plasma density has a maximum of about (2.6–3.8)×1012 cm−3 at the thruster axis. At the discharge voltage of 300 V, the maximum electron temperature is about 21 eV, which is not enough to produce multiple.
Impact of native defects in high‐k dielectric oxides on GaN/oxide metal–oxide–semiconductor devices

We perform first‐principles calculations to investigate the electronic structure of native defects in various oxide dielectrics to address the impact of defects on GaN/oxide metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) devices. We calculate defect formation energies in Al2O3, HfO2, and LaAlO3, as a function of the chemical potentials and of the Fermi‐level position in the band gap. By aligning the conduction‐band and valence‐band edges of these oxides to those of GaN, the role of native defect as charge‐trap or fixed‐charge centers in GaN‐based MOS devices is examined. We find that oxygen vacancies in the oxide dielectrics result in charge‐state transition levels near the GaN conduction‐band edge. They can therefore introduce border traps and/or leakage current through the gate dielectric in the n‐GaN/oxide MOS devices such as MOS field‐effect‐transistors. While the transition levels for other defects are well away from the GaN conduction‐band edge, these defects are stable in non‐neutral charge states and thus act as sources of fixed charge in MOS devices.
Automatic registration of laser point cloud using precisely located sphere targets

Abstract Sphere targets are used extensively in terrestrial laser scanning registration; however, in practice, it is still a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. This paper proposes an automatic registration method for laser point clouds based on sphere targets’ detection. First, a modified eight-neighbors check method is applied to mark occluding edge points. Then, for the sphere targets in the raster structure, occluding edge points are clustered, and circle and sphere detections are sequentially implemented in the cluster node and circular area, respectively. The sphere models that pass through multilevel constraints are considered the final results. Next, triangles constructed using three arbitrary noncollinear sphere centers in each scan station are selected as registration primitives and the area and interior angles of each are selected as similarity measures. Finally, the congruent sphere centers between two scan stations are matched in an iterative manner and used to calculate the transformation matrix. The results of experiments in which a lab was scanned from two locations indicate that our method can effectively detect four sphere targets in more than 10 million point clouds within ∼ 1.5 min , with the largest position error between congruent points < 2 mm .
Benchmarks for target tracking

The term benchmark originates from the chiseled horizontal marks that surveyors made, into which an angle-iron could be placed to bracket ("bench") a leveling rod, thus ensuring that the leveling rod can be repositioned in exactly the same place in the future. A benchmark in computer terms is the result of running a computer program, or a set of programs, in order to assess the relative performance of an object by running a number of standard tests and trials against it. This paper will discuss the history of simulation benchmarks that are being used by multiple branches of the military and agencies of the US government. These benchmarks range from missile defense applications to chemical biological situations. Typically, a benchmark is used with Monte Carlo runs in order to tease out how algorithms deal with variability and the range of possible inputs. We will also describe problems that can be solved by a benchmark.