Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convolutional neural networks reveal differences in action units of facial expressions between face image databases developed in different countries

Cultural similarities and differences in facial expressions have been a controversial issue in the field of facial communications. A key step in addressing the debate regarding the cultural dependency of emotional expression (and perception) is to characterize the visual features of specific facial expressions in individual cultures. Here we developed an image analysis framework for this purpose using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that through training learned visual features critical for classification. We analyzed photographs of facial expressions derived from two databases, each developed in a different country (Sweden and Japan), in which corresponding emotion labels were available. While the CNNs reached high rates of correct results that were far above chance after training with each database, they showed many misclassifications when they analyzed faces from the database that was not used for training. These results suggest that facial features useful for classifying facial expressions differed between the databases. The selectivity of computational units in the CNNs to action units (AUs) of the face varied across the facial expressions. Importantly, the AU selectivity often differed drastically between the CNNs trained with the different databases. Similarity and dissimilarity of these tuning profiles partly explained the pattern of misclassifications, suggesting that the AUs are important for characterizing the facial features and differ between the two countries. The AU tuning profiles, especially those reduced by principal component analysis, are compact summaries useful for comparisons across different databases, and thus might advance our understanding of universality vs. specificity of facial expressions across cultures.
Une variante des tests de sphéricité pour l'adéquation de données transcriptomiques à un graphe de régulations génétiques

When analyzing genomic data, the researcher often encounters the situation where different genetic regulation graphs can be determined on the same dataset with several genetic regulation graph inference methods. One graph is very often compared to another with the help of databases gathering already known interactions between genes: the more known interactions an inferred graph contains, the better it is considered as. We propose a different approach, adapted from the theory of tests, to determine whether a graph fits the dataset.
Expression pattern and diagnostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in acute myocardial infarction

Background Ferroptosis is a form of regulatory cell death (RCD) caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The role of ferroptosis in the process of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still unclear and requires further study. Therefore, it is helpful to identify ferroptosis related genes (FRGs) involved in AMI and explore their expression patterns and molecular mechanisms. Methods The AMI-related microarray datasets GSE66360 and GSE61144 were obtained using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) online database. GO annotation, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed for the common significant differential expression genes (CoDEGs) in these two datasets. The FRGs were obtained from the FerrDb V2 and the differentially expressed FRGs were used to identify potential biomarkers by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The expression of these FRGs was verified using external dataset GSE60993 and GSE775. Finally, the expression of these FRGs was further verified in myocardial hypoxia model. Results A total of 131 CoDEGs were identified and these genes were mainly enriched in the pathways of “inflammatory response,” “immune response,” “plasma membrane,” “receptor activity,” “protein homodimerization activity,” “calcium ion binding,” “Phagosome,” “Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,” and “Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. ” The top 7 hub genes ITGAM, S100A12, S100A9, TLR2, TLR4, TLR8, and TREM1 were identified from the PPI network. 45 and 14 FRGs were identified in GSE66360 and GSE61144, respectively. FRGs ACSL1, ATG7, CAMKK2, GABARAPL1, KDM6B, LAMP2, PANX2, PGD, PTEN, SAT1, STAT3, TLR4, and ZFP36 were significantly differentially expressed in external dataset GSE60993 with AUC ≥ 0.7. Finally, ALOX5, CAMKK2, KDM6B, LAMP2, PTEN, PTGS2, and ULK1 were identified as biomarkers of AMI based on the time-gradient transcriptome dataset of AMI mice and the cellular hypoxia model. Conclusion In this study, based on the existing datasets, we identified differentially expressed FRGs in blood samples from patients with AMI and further validated these FRGs in the mouse time-gradient transcriptome dataset of AMI and the cellular hypoxia model. This study explored the expression pattern and molecular mechanism of FRGs in AMI, providing a basis for the accurate diagnosis of AMI and the selection of new therapeutic targets.
Spectropolarimetry of Magnetic Stars

A star´s magnetic field is important although stellar magnetic field generation is not completely understood. It´s necessary to investigate different types of stars and stars of different ages to learn how the magnetic fields are generated and how they affect the star and its surroundings. In this thesis I investigated six stars, HD 171488, GQ Lup, Tau Boo, HR 1099, HD 216489 and AU Mic with the help of high resolution circular polarization observations. They are all cool stars with relatively weak magnetic fields spanning in age from a young T-Tauri star, (GQ Lup), to an evolved subgiant, (HR 1099). Some of them have never before been investigated in terms of polarization. To obtain polarization profiles the Least Squares Deconvolution, LSD, technique was applied. A magnetic field was detected for all stars except Tau Boo, probably because the S/N ratio was too low. The values of the mean longitudinal magnetic field varied from a few G for Tau Boo up to -300 G for GQ Lup. GQ Lup also had two emission lines of HeI with even higher negative values up to -2000 G. The shape of the LSD polarization profiles indicates that AU Mic might have a dipole like field not aligned with the rotation axis, while GQ Lup showed the same polarity in all observations, possibly indicating a stable magnetic structure being observed pole-on. The two binaries, (HR 1099 and HD 216489), seemed to have complex fields, while HD 171488 seemed to have an azimuthal field.
Investigating features in augmented visual feedback for virtual reality rehabilitation of upper-extremity function through isometric muscle control

Previous studies have demonstrated how augmented feedback can accelerate motor learning. Still, how specific feedback features of complexity and intermittency can influence learning a challenging, force-driven motor task remains largely unknown. This study is an initial investigation of how variations in the complexity and intermittency of augmented visual guidance affect the performance of an isometric muscle control task with a computerized platform. This novel platform has been developed to rehabilitate upper-extremity function after neuromuscular dysfunction (e.g., spinal cord injury, stroke) while utilizing: 1) a position-adjustable arm brace for gravity support; 2) a myoelectric command interface; 3) virtual reality (VR) for motor training. Results from this study elucidate new motor control principles and suggest how augmented guidance may be leveraged in designing VR motor rehabilitation programs, which are highly flexible and customizable to individual users. This study demonstrated that simpler and more intermittent feedback typically resulted in better performance (i.e., shorter computerized motion pathlengths). Supplementary results suggested these feedback modes also reduced cognitive loading (i.e., alpha/beta band magnitudes in electroencephalography) but increased physical arousal (i.e., higher skin conductance). In sum, this study indicates that for complex, force-driven tasks, augmented guidance must be presented selectively to accelerate gains in motor performance. This study suggests that simple and intermittent feedback avoids cognitively overwhelming the user while encouraging physical engagement that supports better performance.
Editorial: Biogeochemical and ecological responses to wind- or tide-induced disturbances over marginal seas

COPYRIGHT © 2022 Hung, Huang, Chou, Soong and Muller. 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. TYPE Editorial PUBLISHED 03 November 2022 DOI 10.3389/fmars.2022. 1051194
Physiological and biochemical differences in diapause and non-diapause pupae of Sericinus montelus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

The swallowtail butterfly, Sericinus montelus Gray, is endemic to East Asia, has high ornamental value but faces an increased risk of extinction. To understand the overwintering strategies of this species, the dynamic changes in supercooling point (SCP) and water and biochemical contents of diapause-destined and non-diapause S. montelus pupae were investigated. The SCP of laboratory-reared diapause pupae was as low as −26°C compared to −24°C in diapause pupae in the field. Although there was no significant difference in total water content between diapause-destined and non-diapause pupae, the free water of diapause-destined pupae was significantly lower, and the bound water was significantly higher, than that of non-diapause pupae. Lipid, glycogen, and protein contents of diapause-destined pupae showed a downward trend, whereas the total sugar content showed the opposite trend after pupation. The glycogen content decreased rapidly during the initial stage of pupation, whereas the lipid content decreased significantly after 30 days of pupation, suggesting that diapause-destined pupae deplete glycogen stores during the pre-diapause period and then switch to using lipids during the diapause maintenance phase. Trehalose levels in diapause-destined pupae increased significantly and remained high after pupation. Meanwhile, the trehalose content of overwintering pupae during the diapause maintenance period was significantly higher than that of diapause termination pupae in the field. These results suggest that trehalose is the main cryoprotectant for overwintering pupae. Thus, diapausing S. montelus pupae appear to be freeze avoidant, accumulate trehalose as a cryoprotectant, and reduce the free water content to decrease the SCP, enhancing their cold tolerance.
Resveratrol ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammatory response and lipid metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with high-fat diet

High-fat diet is regarded as crucial inducers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic imbalance. In order to investigate the ameliorative potential of resveratrol against the progression of liver injury towards steatohepatitis, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were distributed into six experimental groups and were fed with a normal-fat diet, a high-fat diet, and supplemented with resveratrol (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. The high-fat diet decreased the antioxidant capacities, as well as causing the inflammatory response and lipid deposition of common carp. Resveratrol induced a marked elevation in the final body weight, weight gain rate, condition factor and significant decrease in the feed conversion ratio. Moreover, dietary resveratrol showed a significant decrease in the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels, which was accompanied by an increase in high-density lipoprotein concentration in serum. A significant elevation in total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and a decreased malondialdehyde content were observed, along with a substantial elevation in antioxidant activities were found. Additionally, fish fed with resveratrol had an up-regulation of hepatic catalase, copper, zinc superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase 1a, and glutathione peroxidase 1b gene expression via Nrf2 signaling pathway. Expectedly, our results also demonstrated that resveratrol regulates hepatic lipid metabolism in fish by inhibiting the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1), fatty acid uptake-related genes of lipoprotein lipase, and β-oxidation-related genes via PPAR-γ signaling pathway. Furthermore, dietary resveratrol reduced inflammation, as evident by down-regulating the interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression levels and upregulating the interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β2 expression levels via NF-κB signaling pathway. As a whole, our results demonstrated that resveratrol defensed the impacts against high-fat diet on the serum biochemical, hepatic antioxidants, inflammation, and lipid metabolism.
New Constraints on IGM Thermal Evolution from the Lyα Forest Power Spectrum

We determine the thermal evolution of the intergalactic medium (IGM) over 3 Gyr of cosmic time by comparing measurements of the Lyα forest power spectrum to a suite of ∼70 hydrodynamical simulations. We conduct Bayesian inference of IGM thermal parameters using an end-to-end forward modeling framework whereby mock spectra generated from our simulation grid are used to build a custom emulator that interpolates the power spectrum between thermal grid points. The temperature at mean density T0 rises steadily from at z = 5.4, peaks at 14,000 K for z ∼ 3.4, and decreases at lower redshift, reaching T0 ∼ 7000 K by z ∼ 1.8. This evolution provides conclusive evidence for photoionization heating resulting from the reionization of , as well as the subsequent cooling of the IGM due to the expansion of the universe after all reionization events are complete. Our results are broadly consistent with previous measurements of thermal evolution based on a variety of approaches, but the sensitivity of the power spectrum, the combination of high-precision measurements of large-scale modes ( ) from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey with our recent determination of the small-scale power, our large grid of models, and our careful statistical analysis allow us to break the well-known degeneracy between the temperature at mean density T0 and the slope of the temperature–density relation γ that has plagued previous analyses. At the highest redshifts, z ≥ 5, we infer lower temperatures than expected from the standard picture of IGM thermal evolution leaving little room for additional smoothing of the Lyα forest by free streaming of warm dark matter.
Animal models to investigate the effects of inflammation on remyelination in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In people with MS, impaired remyelination and axonal loss lead to debilitating long-term neurologic deficits. Current MS disease-modifying drugs mainly target peripheral immune cells and have demonstrated little efficacy for neuroprotection or promoting repair. To elucidate the pathological mechanisms and test therapeutic interventions, multiple animal models have been developed to recapitulate specific aspects of MS pathology, particularly the acute inflammatory stage. However, there are few animal models that facilitate the study of remyelination in the presence of inflammation, and none fully replicate the biology of chronic demyelination in MS. In this review, we describe the animal models that have provided insight into the mechanisms underlying demyelination, myelin repair, and potential therapeutic targets for remyelination. We highlight the limitations of studying remyelination in toxin-based demyelination models and discuss the combinatorial models that recapitulate the inflammatory microenvironment, which is now recognized to be a major inhibitor of remyelination mechanisms. These models may be useful in identifying novel therapeutics that promote CNS remyelination in inflammatory diseases such as MS.
PacBio full-length sequencing integrated with RNA-seq reveals the molecular mechanism of waterlogging and its recovery in Paeonia ostii

Paeonia ostii, a widely cultivated tree peony species in China, is a resourceful plant with medicinal, ornamental and oil value. However, fleshy roots lead to a low tolerance to waterlogging in P. ostii. In this study, P. ostii roots were sequenced using a hybrid approach combining single-molecule real-time and next-generation sequencing platforms to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the response to this sequentially waterlogging stress, the normal growth, waterlogging treatment (WT), and waterlogging recovery treatment (WRT). Our results indicated that the strategy of P. ostii, in response to WT, was a hypoxic resting syndrome, wherein the glycolysis and fermentation processes were accelerated to maintain energy levels and the tricarboxylic acid cycle was inhibited. P. ostii enhanced waterlogging tolerance by reducing the uptake of nitrate and water from the soil. Moreover, transcription factors, such as AP2/EREBP, WRKY, MYB, and NAC, played essential roles in response to WT and WRT. They were all induced in response to the WT condition, while the decreasing expression levels were observed under the WRT condition. Our results contribute to understanding the defense mechanisms against waterlogging stress in P. ostii.
Reanalysis of historic elemental speciation filters to investigate the presence of fibrous mineral particles using microscopy techniques

A case is presented for the value of archiving air quality filters to allow for retrospective analysis of emerging contaminants, that is filter constituents not considered to be harmful (and thus not identified or quantified specifically) at the time of collection but subsequently considered to be of interest. As an example, filters from a 20-year historical archive consisting of 16,000 filters from three sites across Auckland are re-examined for the presence of elongated mineral fibres known to be present in rock across the city. Originally collected for the purpose of the source apportionment of particulate matter, 10 filters from each of the three sites were chosen for reanalysis based on their high silica and aluminium content, and thus considered more likely to contain fibre-like particles (FLP). These filters were analysed using various microscopic methods, including phase contrast microscopy (PCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that although the commonly used fibrous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material of the filters may hamper the visual identification of any fibre-like particles under a certain length, their key components are able to be identified using a combination of PCM and SEM when they are of a suitable dimension and have settled in a certain orientation on the filter. In this case, the use of EDS confirmed the silicon content of the fibres and also revealed elemental spectra. Although the exact identification of the mineral fibre is uncertain, the EDS scan is consistent with hazardous zeolites such as erionite, known to be present in the rock found in Auckland. This study highlights the value in maintaining filter archives for the purpose of investigating the historical evolution of emerging atmospheric pollutants.
Predictive markers for efficiency of the amino-acid deprivation therapies in cancer

Amino acid deprivation therapy (AADT) is a promising strategy for developing novel anticancer treatments, based on variations in metabolism of healthy and malignant cells. L-asparaginase was the first amino acid-degrading enzyme that received FDA approval for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Arginase and arginine deiminase were effective in clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic melanomas and hepatocellular carcinomas. Essential dependence of certain cancer cells on methionine explains the anticancer efficacy of methionine-g-lyase. Along with significant progress in identification of metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells, new amino acid-cleaving enzymes appear as promising agents for cancer treatment: lysine oxidase, tyrosine phenol-lyase, cysteinase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. However, sensitivity of specific cancer cell types to these enzymes differs. Hence, search for prognostic and predictive markers for AADT and introduction of the markers into clinical practice are of great importance for translational medicine. As specific metabolic pathways in cancer cells are determined by the enzyme expression, some of these enzymes may define the sensitivity to AADT. This review considers the known predictors for efficiency of AADT, emphasizing the importance of knowledge on cancer-specific amino acid significance for such predictions.
Editorial: Electrical stimulation for immersive virtual and augmented reality

Electrical stimulation has a long tradition in medicine and neuroscience, where it is typically used to understand the human body by triggering neurons using electricity. A canonical example of electrical stimulation in medicine is muscle rehabilitation, in which clinicians attach electrodes to a patient’s muscle (e.g., in the legs) and connect these to a medical stimulator. Currents running through these electrodes induce an involuntary muscle contraction on themuscles, assisting the patient to rehabilitate a weakmuscle (e.g., muscles that were weak because the patient wore a cast due to a fractured leg). Many such electrical stimulation approaches exist in neuroscience andmedicine, including peripheral nerve stimulation, brain stimulation, and so forth. The key question behind our Research Topic is not understanding the value that these techniques have for medicine, but rather “what value does electrical stimulation have outside of medicine”?
Uncoupling cell division and cytokinesis during germline development in metazoans

The canonical eukaryotic cell cycle ends with cytokinesis, which physically divides the mother cell in two and allows the cycle to resume in the newly individualized daughter cells. However, during germline development in nearly all metazoans, dividing germ cells undergo incomplete cytokinesis and germ cells stay connected by intercellular bridges which allow the exchange of cytoplasm and organelles between cells. The near ubiquity of incomplete cytokinesis in animal germ lines suggests that this is an ancient feature that is fundamental for the development and function of this tissue. While cytokinesis has been studied for several decades, the mechanisms that enable regulated incomplete cytokinesis in germ cells are only beginning to emerge. Here we review the current knowledge on the regulation of germ cell intercellular bridge formation, focusing on findings made using mouse, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans as experimental systems.