Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tox induces T cell IL-10 production in a BATF-dependent manner

Tox is a member of the high mobility group (HMG)-Box transcription factors and plays important roles in thymic T cell development. Outside of the thymus, however, Tox is also highly expressed by CD8 and CD4 T cells in various states of activation and in settings of cancer and autoimmune disease. In CD4 T cells, Tox has been primarily studied in T follicular helper (TFH) cells where it, along with Tox2, promotes TFH differentiation by regulating key TFH-associated genes and suppressing CD4 cytotoxic T cell differentiation. However, the role of Tox in other T helper (Th) cell subtypes is less clear. Here, we show that Tox is expressed in several physiologically-activated Th subtypes and its ectopic expression enhances the in vitro differentiation of Th2 and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Tox overexpression in unpolarized Th cells also induced the expression of several genes involved in cell activation (Pdcd1), cellular trafficking (Ccl3, Ccl4, Xcl1) and suppressing inflammation (Il10) across multiple Th subtypes. We found that Tox binds the regulatory regions of these genes along with the transcription factors BATF, IRF4, and JunB and that Tox-induced expression of IL-10, but not PD-1, is BATF-dependent. Based on these data, we propose a model where Tox regulates Th cell chemotactic genes involved in facilitating dendritic cell-T cell interactions and aids in the resolution or prevention of inflammation through the production of IL-10.
A Comparative Analysis of the Yolo Models for Intelligent Lobster Surveillance Camera

In lobster farming, monitoring of lobsters is essential and must be performed. Aruna, one of the lobster trading startups in Indonesia, is still using manual monitoring by sending divers underwater to observe the progress of the lobsters. This way is considered less effective because it is done intermittently, only at certain times and in good weather conditions. In this study, we propose to investigate object detection for underwater surveillance cameras as a means of real-time monitoring and counting of lobsters. Underwater video data is fed into the proposed system based on a deep learning-based model. This system consists of three processes: image enhancement with WaterNet as noise reduction, object counting with the YOLOv6/7/8 model, and object tracking using StrongSORT. For details, we annotated the lobster data by head only and full body. Our test results show that YOLOv7, with head annotation, has stable mean Average Precision (mAP), making it suitable for the proposed system. Then, we implemented a combination of WaterNet, YOLOv7 and StrongSORT to the proposed system architecture for the Intelligent surveillance camera.
Efficient Long-Time Coherent Integration and Detection Algorithm for Radar High-Speed Target Based on the Azimuth Resampling Technology

Prolonging radar observation time is capable of enhancing noise robustness for weak target detection, whereas the range migration phenomenon induced by the target's high-speed movement will deteriorate the energy accumulation ability of the traditional moving target detection method. This article concerns long-time coherent integration for radar high-speed target and proposes an efficient detection algorithm based upon azimuth resampling. The proposed algorithm can be implemented via azimuth nonuniform fast Fourier transform and further developed into the sparse representation mechanism utilizing 2-D sparse Fourier transform. Furthermore, the dictionary dynamic updating strategy is presented to improve the weak target detectability in the multitarget observation environment. The processed results of both simulated and measured radar data have been displayed to validate the effectiveness of the presented algorithm.
Ice-Core Micro-CT Image Segmentation With Deep Learning and Gaussian Mixture Model

Ice cores of polar regions (ice sheets) are one of the most prominent natural archives that can reveal essential historical information from the past environment of our planet. The ice-core microstructure is a key feature in determining the principal properties of ice such as pore close-off, albedo, and melt events. Microcomputer tomography (CT) scans can provide valuable information about the microstructure of materials, although achieving a high-quality automated segmentation of porous materials, especially with phase/density changes is still a challenge. This work proposes a new method for improving the segmentation of porous microstructures where a weak segmentation [Gaussian mixture model (GMM)] on high-resolution (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$30~\mu \text {m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) data is used as ground truth to train a deep-learning model (U-net) for segmentation of low-resolution (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$60~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) data. This approach has reached high segmentation accuracy in terms of quantitative metrics having the F1-score of 92.5% and an intersection over the union (IoU) of 91%, with a considerable improvement compared to thresholding and unsupervised methods. Also, the segmentation results of U-net are closer to the real weight, density, and specific surface area (SSA) of the specimen.
An Innovative Exploration of Psychological Research Methods Driven by Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study Using Facial Expression Technique to Improve Teenagers’ Self Awareness

Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into psychological research can significantly advance AI methodologies and concurrently address inherent biases and inaccuracies in traditional psychological research reliant on manual data collection and analysis. This study introduces an innovative fusion of traditional facial expression recognition, a method aimed at alleviating the self-awareness of teenager students, with contemporary AI facial recognition technology. Through the integrated facial expression recognition system, the project aims to motivate students to identify their emotion, subsequently enhancing their psychological well-being and alleviating self-care.
Exploring the Future of Cancer Impact in Alberta: Projections and Trends 2020–2040

The impact of cancer in Alberta is expected to grow considerably, largely driven by population growth and aging. The Future of Cancer Impact (FOCI) initiative offers an overview of the present state of cancer care in Alberta and highlights potential opportunities for research and innovation across the continuum. In this paper, we present a series of detailed projections and analyses regarding cancer epidemiological estimates in Alberta, Canada. Data on cancer incidence and mortality in Alberta (1998–2018) and limited-duration cancer prevalence in Alberta (2000–2019) were collected from the Alberta Cancer Registry. We used the Canproj package in the R software to project these epidemiological estimates up to the year 2040. To estimate the direct management costs, we ran a series of microsimulations using the OncoSim All Cancers Model. Our findings indicate that from 2020, the total number of annual new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths are projected to increase by 56% and 49% by 2040, respectively. From 2019, the five-year prevalence of all cancers in Alberta is projected to increase by 86% by 2040. In line with these trends, the overall direct cost of cancer management is estimated to increase by 53% in 2040. These estimates and projections are integral to future strategic planning and investment.
Brand-land equity nei territori del vino

I presupposti teorici alla base del lavoro sono rappresentati dagli studi sulla brand equity i quali sono stati qui adattati al settore vinicolo al fine di approfondire il valore che viene assegnato dai consumatori ai concetti di tipicita ed origine dei prodotti. La verifica empirica cerca quindi di individuare le componenti essenziali dell’immagine del territorio d’origine per la definizione delle preferenze dei consumatori graduando gli elementi della brand-land equity delle imprese e dei loro territori d’origine. La ricerca, adottando il modello di Keller, basato sulle due dimensioni della brand awareness e della brand image, mira quindi a verificare: il livello di notorieta e l’immagine di alcuni territori vinicoli italiani.
Constant On/Off-Time Digital Current Control and Design Methods in Three-Level Flying-Capacitor Boost Converters for Fast Transient and Voltage Balancing

Constant on/off-time current-mode control (CMC) techniques are useful for wide-duty-ratio operations in multilevel flying-capacitor converters. In this article, event-based constant on/off-time digital CMC architectures are proposed in a three-level flying-capacitor (3L-FC) boost converter, which offers inherent current loop stability, fast transient performance, and active flying-capacitor voltage balancing with stable periodic behavior using one voltage sample per switching cycle. Furthermore, a unified discrete-time (DT) framework is proposed, which is used to derive accurate DT large- and small-signal models. The model accuracy is verified using SIMPLIS switch simulation, and fast-scale stability boundaries are obtained using the root locus plot of the closed-loop poles. A hybrid design approach is presented using continuous-time and DT small-signal models for a balanced tradeoff between simplicity and accuracy. An adaptive on/off-time approach is adopted to regulate the switching frequency and also to retain high load efficiency. A 100-W 12/48-V 3L-FC boost converter prototype is developed in the laboratory. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate superior transient performance with enhanced fast-scale stability boundaries using the proposed architectures.
Exploring Security of Embedded SRAM in PIC and RISC-V Chips: Insights from Image Processing of Low-Cost Photon Emission Microscopy

This paper delves into the analysis of photon emissions from SRAM in two distinct microcontrollers, utilizing a cost-effective setup. When visual inspection falls short, we harness the power of side channel attacks and image processing techniques to unearth valuable information from the SRAM blocks. In the first part of our study, we investigate the quiescent photon emissions from a PIC microcontroller's SRAM. By deploying a successful correlation attack, we recover the key for the AES algorithm. Furthermore, we apply the SSIM image processing method to discern the content of SRAM cells from the quiescent photon emission images, achieving a prediction accuracy of 97.86%. In the case of the second microcontroller, we investigate the photon emissions from different blocks of an SRAM block within a RISC-V chip for the first time. By employing the SSIM method, we were able to reveal the address of a targeted word, attaining a prediction accuracy of 93%. Our findings underline the efficacy of photon emission side channels for the security analysis of embedded devices.
Liquid organic fertilizer availability and utilization in Nigeria: A review

The word as in general has the responsibility to respond to the emerging food crisis to match the growing population. Africa and many other Low Income Countries under Stress [LICUS] will face a stiffer challenge. Africa and specifically Sub-Saharan Africa depends much on synthetic fertilizers with disease burden. The concept and awareness of Organic Fertilizer and its Utilization in Agro farming with attendant benefits in Nigeria is at its lowest ebb. This review highlighting availability, of Liquid Organic Fertilizer in Nigeria agro-allied market among farmers and the awareness/benefits in Organic farming reveals much on the scale of 10. 1-3 reliable fertilizers companies are visible with most emphasis on synthetic fertilizer blending only. 1-2 reliable fertilizer company manufactures urea and synthetic fertilizer from which other companies get involved in the distribution. 1-2 claimed that their fertilizers are purely organic in powdered sachet forms. 1-3 claimed to produce liquid organic fertilizer alongside synthetic fertilizer formulation. 1-2 notable liquid organic fertilizers available claimed foliar mode of application. 2 out of 10 makes use of solid human wastes for liquid organic fertilizer. 5 out of 10 liquid organic fertilizer were found to be compost in nature while 2 out of 10 claimed to be organic liquid in nature. 1 3 Liquid Organic Fertilizers encountered cannot be verified by literature on their composition, materials and process of production. The available liquid organic fertilizer in Nigeria is with mixed acceptance. Synthetic fertilizer manufacturers claimed that their products can be used as organic fertilizer. Droppings from animal waste claimed their products are manures and fertilizers. Other liquid organic fertilizer companies claimed use of sea weeds without clear mechanism of actions. Nevertheless, a liquid fertilizer company located in Kuje, Abuja has been identified to possess state of art product line facilities with purely organic materials as source.
Dietary Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Improves Nonspecific Immune Response of Chinese Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus)

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been recognized as a potential additive for aquafeeds due to its beneficial biological functions. In order to evaluate the potential application of EGCG in Chinese rice field eel (Monopterus albus), six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg EGCG were formulated and were fed to Monopterus albus (M. albus) for 9 weeks. The results showed that M. albus fed diets containing 0 and 100 mg/kg EGCG presented higher weight again and specific growth rate than the other groups. Fish fed with 25, 50, and 400 mg/kg EGCG displayed lower whole-body lipid content. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration significantly decreased in EGCG treated groups with the exception of 100 mg/kg group. Hepatic catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione (GSH) concentration decreased as EGCG level increased while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration showed an opposite trend. EGCG supplementation resulted in a promoted lysozyme (LZM) activity and immunoglobulin M (IgM) level in the liver of M. albus. Furthermore, transcription of three immune related genes including major histocompatibility complex (mhc-2α), hepcidin, and interleukin-8 (il-8) mRNAs was upregulated by EGCG treatment; while transcription of interleukin-6 (il-6) and nuclear factor kappa-B (nf-kb) genes was downregulated. Results also showed a linear relation between EGCG inclusion level and parameters of AST, CAT, GSH, MDA, LZM, IgM, and immune-related genes transcriptions. In summary, it could be suggested that EGCG supplementation enhanced the nonspecific immune response of the Chinese rice field eel. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of IgM, the optimal dietary EGCG supplementation for M. albus was estimated to be 109.81 mg/kg.
The Impact of Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Drug Therapy

Medication non-adherence is a major healthcare barrier, especially among diseases that are largely asymptomatic, such as hypertension. The impact of poor medication adherence ranges from patient-specific adverse health outcomes to broader strains on health care system resources. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database was used to retrieve Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ data pertaining to blood pressure (BP) medication adherence, socio-economic variables, and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes across the United States. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the change in total CV deaths as a function of non-adherence to BP medications. For every percent increase in the non-adherence rate, the total number of CV deaths increased by 7.13 deaths per 100,000 adults (95% CI: 6.34–7.92), even after controlling for the percentage of residents with access to insurance, the percentage of residents who were eligible for Medicaid, the percentage of residents without a college education, median home value, income inequality, and the poverty rate (p < 0.001). There is a significant association between non-adherence to BP medications and total CV deaths. Even a one percent increase in the adherence rate in the United States could result in tens of thousands of preventable CV deaths. Based on recently published CDC data, this could also have a tremendous impact on health care costs. This provides compelling evidence for increased efforts to improve adherence.
Design, synthesis, anticancer evaluation and molecular docking studies of 1,2,4-oxadiazole incorporated indazole-isoxazole derivatives

Abstract A new series of 1,2,4-oxadiazole incorporated indazole-isoxazole (12a–j) derivatives were designed, synthesized and confirmed their structures by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and mass spectral analysis. Further, all compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against a panel of human cell lines like breast cancer (MCF-7), lung cancer (A549), prostate cancer (DU-145) and breast cancer (MDA MB-231) by using MTT assay. The etoposide used as a reference drug and the results were expressed with IC50 (µM). Most of the compounds were showed good to moderate activity with respective cell lines. Among them, compounds 12b, 12e, 12 g, 12h and 12i have exhibited more potent activity as compared with the reference drug etoposide. In which one of the compound 12i has showed most significant activity. Molecular docking studies were carried out using PyRx tool and visualized through Chimera and Pymol visualization tools, revealed that the interactions between the active site of the tubulin with the selected compound 12i exhibited good interactions with the active site amino acids. These findings suggested that the 12i compound acts as a potential binder to the tubulin complex. These results revealed that the selected synthesized compounds were used in anticancer therapies. Graphical Abstract
Mechanisms of Endothelial Cell Membrane Repair: Progress and Perspectives

Endothelial cells are the crucial inner lining of blood vessels, which are pivotal in vascular homeostasis and integrity. However, these cells are perpetually subjected to a myriad of mechanical, chemical, and biological stresses that can compromise their plasma membranes. A sophisticated repair system involving key molecules, such as calcium, annexins, dysferlin, and MG53, is essential for maintaining endothelial viability. These components orchestrate complex mechanisms, including exocytosis and endocytosis, to repair membrane disruptions. Dysfunctions in this repair machinery, often exacerbated by aging, are linked to endothelial cell death, subsequently contributing to the onset of atherosclerosis and the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and stroke, major causes of mortality in the United States. Thus, identifying the core machinery for endothelial cell membrane repair is critically important for understanding the pathogenesis of CVD and stroke and developing novel therapeutic strategies for combating CVD and stroke. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of endothelial cell membrane repair. The future directions of this research area are also highlighted.
Sustained Nrf2 Overexpression-Induced Metabolic Deregulation Can Be Attenuated by Modulating Insulin/Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling

The modulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) is associated with altered nutritional and metabolic states. The Drosophila genome encodes eight insulin-like peptides, whose activity is regulated by a group of secreted factors, including Ecdysone-inducible gene L2 (ImpL2), which acts as a potent IIS inhibitor. We recently reported that cncC (cncC/Nrf2), the fly ortholog of Nrf2, is a positive transcriptional regulator of ImpL2, as part of a negative feedback loop aiming to suppress cncC/Nrf2 activity. This finding correlated with our observation that sustained cncC/Nrf2 overexpression/activation (cncCOE; a condition that signals organismal stress) deregulates IIS, causing hyperglycemia, the exhaustion of energy stores in flies’ tissues, and accelerated aging. Here, we extend these studies in Drosophila by assaying the functional implication of ImpL2 in cncCOE-mediated metabolic deregulation. We found that ImpL2 knockdown (KD) in cncCOE flies partially reactivated IIS, attenuated hyperglycemia and restored tissue energetics. Moreover, ImpL2 KD largely suppressed cncCOE-mediated premature aging. In support, pharmacological treatment of cncCOE flies with Metformin, a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, restored (dose-dependently) IIS functionality and extended cncCOE flies’ longevity. These findings exemplify the effect of chronic stress in predisposition to diabetic phenotypes, indicating the potential prophylactic role of maintaining normal IIS functionality.
Gestational period and reproductive cycle in Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)

Abstract Spix's yellow-toothed cavies are rodents displaying high biological and farming potential. Knowledge of cavy reproductive aspects is paramount for satisfactory breeding. This study aimed to determine the gestation length and characterize the reproductive cycle phases of Spix's yellow-toothed cavies, also investigating potential male effects on these processes. The investigated animals were categorized into three groups: Gestational follow-up (G1), with a 5:1 female-to-male enclosure ratio; estrous cycle (G2), with a 5:1 female-to-male ratio with a male confined to a cage; and G3, consisting of five females and no male. Daily colpocytological examinations were performed, with the presence of spermatozoa on the microscopy slides indicative of copulation. G1 females were separated from the male immediately after copulation, with this being considered day "zero" of the pregnancy. G2 and G3 females were evaluated for two complete estrous cycles and qualitatively assessed through vaginal smears. The gestation length of the Spix's yellow-toothed cavies averaged 59 ± 2.24 days, with a continuous polyestrous cycle lasting 14.8 ± 0.73 days in G2 and 14.6 ± 0.75 days in G3. The proestrus phase was characterized by the dominance of parabasal cells, dyes, bacteria, and leukocytes; the estrus phase, by superficial cells with the predominance of anucleate cells with and without the presence of bacteria; the metestrus phase, by parabasal cells and numerous genuine cells, neutrophils, and bacteria; and the diestrus phase, mainly by basal, parabasal, and mutant cells, as well as high amounts of vaginal mucus, neutrophils, and bacteria. The presence of a male cavy significantly influenced diestrus duration, prolonging this phase, which is potentially attributed to female progesterone production effects.
Stem cell-based therapy for systemic sclerosis

Abstract Autoimmune diseases, including SSc, are prevalent, affecting autologous connective tissues and caused by the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms of the immune system. During the last 2 decades, stem cell therapy has been increasingly considered as a therapeutic option in various diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, bone disease, renal disease, respiratory disease and haematological abnormalities such as anaemia. This is due to the unique properties of stem cells that both divide and differentiate to the specialized cells in the damaged tissue. Moreover, they impose immunomodulatory properties affecting the diseases caused by immunological abnormalities such as SSc. In the present review, the efficacy of stem cell therapy with two main types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells, will be reviewed. Moreover, other related issues, including safety, changes in immunological parameters, suitable choice of stem cell origin, conditioning regimen and complications of stem cell treatment will be discussed.