Deep learning fusion of RGB and depth images for pedestrian detection

In this paper, we propose an effective method based on the Faster-RCNN structureto combine RGB and depth images for pedestrian detection. During the training stage,we generate a semantic segmentation map from the depth image and use it to refine theconvolutional features extracted from the RGB images. In addition, we acquire moreaccurate region proposals by exploring the perspective projection with the help of depthinformation. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method achieves thestate-of-the-art RGBD pedestrian detection performance on KITTI [12] datas

Identification of LncRNA Linc00513 Containing Lupus-Associated Genetic Variants as a Novel Regulator of Interferon Signaling Pathway

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by augmented type I interferon signaling. High-throughput technologies have identified plenty of SLE susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) yet the exact roles of most of them are still unknown. Functional studies are principally focused on SNPs in the coding regions, with limited attention paid to the SNPs in non-coding regions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important players in shaping the immune response and show relationship to autoimmune diseases. In order to reveal the role of SNPs located near SLE related lncRNAs, we performed a transcriptome profiling of SLE patients and identified linc00513 as a significantly over expressed lncRNA containing functional SLE susceptibility loci in the promoter region. The risk-associated G allele of rs205764 and A allele of rs547311 enhanced linc00513 promoter activity and related to increased expression of linc00513 in SLE. We also identified linc00513 to be a novel positive regulator of type I interferon pathway by promoting the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2. Elevated linc00513 expression positively correlated with IFN score in SLE patients. Linc00513 expression was higher in active disease patients than those inactive ones. In conclusion, our data identify two functional promoter variants of linc00513 that contribute to increased level of linc00513 and confer susceptibility on SLE. The study provides new insights into the genetics of SLE and extends the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of SLE

Reversed-engineered human alveolar lung-on-a-chip model

Here, we present a physiologically relevant model of the human pulmonary alveoli. This alveolar lung-on-a-chip platform is composed of a three-dimensional porous hydrogel made of gelatin methacryloyl with an inverse opal structure, bonded to a compartmentalized polydimethylsiloxane chip. The inverse opal hydrogel structure features well-defined, interconnected pores with high similarity to human alveolar sacs. By populating the sacs with primary human alveolar epithelial cells, functional epithelial monolayers are readily formed. Cyclic strain is integrated into the device to allow biomimetic breathing events of the alveolar lung, which, in addition, makes it possible to investigate pathological effects such as those incurred by cigarette smoking and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pseudoviral infection. Our study demonstrates a unique method for reconstitution of the functional human pulmonary alveoli in vitro, which is anticipated to pave the way for investigating relevant physiological and pathological events in the human distal lung

Identification of Renal Long Non-coding RNA RP11-2B6.2 as a Positive Regulator of Type I Interferon Signaling Pathway in Lupus Nephritis

Objective: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Type I interferon (IFN-I) is associated with the pathogenesis of LN. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE, however, the roles of lncRNAs in LN are still poorly understood. Here, we identified and investigated the function of LN-associated lncRNA RP11-2B6.2 in regulating IFN-I signaling pathway.Methods: RNA sequencing was used to analyze the expression of lncRNAs in kidney biopsies from LN patients and controls. Antisense oligonucleotides and CRISPRi system or overexpression plasmids and CRISPRa system were used to perform loss or gain of function experiments. In situ hybridization, imaging flow cytometry, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and ATAC sequencing were used to study the functions of lncRNA RP11-2B6.2. RT-qPCR, ELISA, and western blotting were done to detect RNA and protein levels of specific genes.Results: Elevated lncRNA RP11-2B6.2 was observed in kidney biopsies from LN patients and positively correlated with disease activity and IFN scores. Knockdown of lncRNA RP11-2B6.2 in renal cells inhibited the expression of IFN stimulated genes (ISGs), while overexpression of lncRNA RP11-2B6.2 enhanced ISG expression. Knockdown of LncRNA RP11-2B6.2 inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK1, TYK2, and STAT1 in IFN-I pathway, while promoted the chromatin accessibility and the transcription of SOCS1.Conclusion: The expression of lncRNAs is abnormal in the kidney of LN. LncRNA RP11-2B6.2 is a novel positive regulator of IFN-I pathway through epigenetic inhibition of SOCS1, which provides a new therapeutic target to alleviate over-activated IFN-I signaling in LN

Diseño de instalación de ensayo y ensayo de una junta de rigidez variable para exoesqueletos y robots

La colaboración humano-robot es una tendencia inevitable en el desarrollo de robots, y cada vez hay más investigaciones sobre las articulaciones de rigidez variable de los robots. Mis profesores Juan M. Muñoz-Guijosa y Enrique Navarro han concebido, desarrollado y probado con éxito un nuevo tipo de articulación de rigidez variable basada en el uso de un muelle helicoidal simple, esencialmente no lineal, que evita la necesidad de componentes adicionales para no linealizar el comportamiento del elemento elástico y, en última instancia, alterar el movimiento lineal rotacional, como en otros tipos de articulaciones. El presente artículo describe el diseño y la fabricación de un banco de ensayos utilizado para medir las curvas de par de un nuevo concepto de junta de rigidez variable. En el Capítulo 1, se proporciona una introducción al tema, incluyendo antecedentes, objetivos y planificación del trabajo realizado. El Capítulo 2 se enfoca en los estudios teóricos relacionados con la junta de rigidez variable. Se presenta el desarrollo de este tipo de junta, así como los principios generales que la rigen. Además, se examinan varios métodos de implementación del mecanismo de rigidez variable, como la estructura triangular, la estructura de cuatro barras, la estructura de palanca, entre otros. También se aborda el estudio teórico del nuevo concepto de junta de rigidez variable y se presenta la teoría sobre el par. En el Capítulo 3 se detalla el diseño del banco de ensayos. Se describen los objetivos, los parámetros de la junta de rigidez variable, y se presenta el diseño general y el principio de funcionamiento del sistema. Además, se abordan aspectos específicos como el diseño de la placa base, la unidad de accionamiento, el soporte de la junta, la posición de los sensores, entre otros. El Capítulo 4 se centra en la fabricación y simulación del banco de ensayos. Se mencionan los objetivos y se describen los procesos de fabricación mediante impresión 3D de diversas piezas del banco. También se analiza el coste y el precio de los componentes y de la impresión 3D. En el Capítulo 5 se presentan los resultados obtenidos a partir de las mediciones realizadas con el banco de ensayos. Se exponen las conclusiones derivadas de los resultados y se plantea el futuro del trabajo. Finalmente, en el Capítulo 6 se detalla la planificación y el presupuesto del proyecto, incluyendo la división del trabajo y la planificación temporal. En resumen, este artículo muestra el diseño y la fabricación de un banco de ensayos destinado a medir las curvas de par de un nuevo concepto de junta de rigidez variable. Los resultados obtenidos contribuyen al avance en el campo de las juntas de rigidez variable y abren la puerta a futuras investigaciones y aplicaciones en este ámbit

Growth of Ultrathin Al₂O₃ Films on n-InP Substrates as Insulating Layers by RF Magnetron Sputtering and Study on the Optical and Dielectric Properties

Here, we report an explorative study of an attempt to fabricate ultrathin aluminum oxide films on n-InP substrates by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering as a candidate for insulating layers in semiconductor lasers for optical communication. Film thickness and morphology were monitored to study the film growth and to explore the minimum thickness of a continuous film that RF magnetron sputtering could achieve. Originating from the weak wettability between the n-InP substrate and the Al2O3 film, Al2O3 films firstly grew in an island pattern which then turned into a layer-by-layer pattern when those islands became connected and continuous. Uniform and compact Al2O3 films were obtained when the film thickness reached 40 nm. The average transmittance, optical band gap, and optical absorption coefficient at a wavelength of 1550 nm of this Al2O3 film were about 80%, 3.72 eV, and 3.0 × 104 cm−1, respectively. At a frequency of 1 MHz, the permittivity, dielectric loss, and electrical resistivity were 8.96, 0.31, and 5 × 1010 Ω·cm, respectively. This work provides valuable references for the application of Al2O3 ultrathin films as insulating layers in micro-and opto-electronics

Circulating Plasmablasts from Chronically Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals Predominantly Produce Polyreactive/Autoreactive Antibodies

Understanding the B-cell response during chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is essential for eliciting broad and potent neutralizing antibodies (Abs). In this study, we analyzed the plasmablast repertoire of chronically HIV-infected individuals in combination with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among the obtained 72 recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 27.8% weakly bound to HIV gp140 and were non-neutralizing. Remarkably, 56.9% were polyreactive and 55.6% were autoreactive. The prominent feature of being polyreactive/autoreactive is not limited to anti-gp140 Abs. Furthermore, these polyreactive/autoreactive Abs displayed striking cross-reactivity with DWEYS in the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and this binding induced SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis. We also found higher frequencies of VH4-34 utilization and VH replacement in the plasmablast repertoire of chronically HIV-infected individuals, which may contribute to the generation of poly/autoreactive Abs. Taken together, these data demonstrate that circulating plasmablasts in chronically HIV-infected individuals experienced with ART predominantly produce poly/autoreactive Abs with minimal anti-HIV neutralizing capacity and potential cross-reactivity with autoantigens. This may represent another dysfunction of B cells during chronic HIV infection