Identifying Regenerated Saplings by Stratifying Forest Overstory Using Airborne LiDAR Data.

Identifying the spatiotemporal distributions and phenotypic characteristics of understory saplings is beneficial in exploring the internal mechanisms of plant regeneration and providing technical assistances for continues cover forest management. However, it is challenging to detect the understory saplings using 2-dimensional (2D) spectral information produced by conventional optical remotely sensed data. This study proposed an automatic method to detect the regenerated understory saplings based on the 3D structural information from aerial laser scanning (ALS) data. By delineating individual tree crown using the improved spectral clustering algorithm, we successfully removed the overstory canopy and associated trunk points. Then, individual understory saplings were segmented using an adaptive-mean-shift-based clustering algorithm. This method was tested in an experimental forest farm of North China. Our results showed that the detection rates of understory saplings ranged from 94.41% to 152.78%, and the matching rates increased from 62.59% to 95.65% as canopy closure went down. The ALS-based sapling heights well captured the variations of field measurements [R2 = 0.71, N = 3,241, root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.26 m, P < 0.01] and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)-based measurements (R2 = 0.78, N =443, RMSE = 0.23 m, P < 0.01). The ALS-based sapling crown width was comparable with TLS-based measurements (R2 = 0.64, N = 443, RMSE = 0.24 m). This study provides a solution for the quantification of understory saplings, which can be used to improve forest ecosystem resilence through regulating the dynamics of forest gaps to better utilize light resources.

Oleic acid availability impacts thymocyte preprogramming and subsequent peripheral Treg cell differentiation.

The nature of activation signals is essential in determining T cell subset differentiation; however, the features that determine T cell subset preference acquired during intrathymic development remain elusive. Here we show that naive CD4+ T cells generated in the mouse thymic microenvironment lacking Scd1, encoding the enzyme catalyzing oleic acid (OA) production, exhibit enhanced regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation and attenuated development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Scd1 deletion in K14+ thymic epithelia recapitulated the enhanced Treg cell differentiation phenotype of Scd1-deficient mice. The dearth of OA permitted DOT1L to increase H3K79me2 levels at the Atp2a2 locus of thymocytes at the DN2-DN3 transition stage. Such epigenetic modification persisted in naive CD4+ T cells and facilitated Atp2a2 expression. Upon T cell receptor activation, ATP2A2 enhanced the activity of the calcium-NFAT1-Foxp3 axis to promote naive CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Treg cells. Therefore, OA availability is critical for preprogramming thymocytes with Treg cell differentiation propensities in the periphery.

Cardiometabolic Index (CMI), Lipid Accumulation Products (LAP), Waist Triglyceride Index (WTI) and the risk of acute pancreatitis: a prospective study in adults of North China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between anthropometric indexes [cardiometabolic index (CMI), lipid accumulation products (LAP), waist triglyceride index (WTI), and body mass index (BMI)] and acute pancreatitis (AP) in a Chinese adult population. METHODOLOGY: The present investigation consisted of a prospective group including 117,326 subjects who were enrolled in the Kailuan investigation. The individuals were categorized into quartiles based on their baseline levels of CMI, LAP, and WIT. BMI was categorized into three distinctive groups: normal weight group (BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight group (BMI 24-28 kg /m2), and obesity group (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). The data were subjected to analysis in order to investigate the correlation between these anthropometric indexes and the incidence of AP. Cox regression models were employed to assess the relative risk of AP while accounting for known risk factors through appropriate adjustments. OUTCOMES: Over the course of a median follow-up duration of 12.59 ± 0.98 years, we documented 401 incident AP cases. Incidence density and cumulative incidence rates of AP increased with the increase of CMI, LAP, and WTI. After multivariate adjustment, the fourth quartile of CMI, LAP, and WTI exhibited the greatest risk of AP [CMI: hazard ratio (HR) 1.93, 95% confidential interval (CI) (1.45-2.57); LAP: HR 2.00, 95% CI(1.49-2.68); WTI: HR 2.13,95% CI (1.59-2.83)]. In comparison to the normal weight group, the obesity group (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) had an elevated risk of AP (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.21-2.05). Furthermore, the incremental effect of BMI combined with CMI on the prognostic value of AP was greater than that of BMI alone (the C statistics demonstrated a result of 0.607 versus 0.546; the integrated discrimination improvement revealed a result of 0.321%; net reclassification improvement was 1.975%). CONCLUSION: We found that CMI, LAP, and WTI were positively and independently connected to the risk of AP. Additionally, CMI demonstrates a superior prognostic capacity than other indexes in anticipating AP.

MHC class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells possess strong tumoricidal activities.

The importance of classical CD8+ T cells in tumor eradication is well acknowledged. However, the anti-tumor activity of MHC (major histocompatibility complex) Ib-restricted CD8+ T (Ib-CD8+ T) cells remains obscure. Here, we show that CX3CR1-expressing Ib-CD8+ T cells (Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells) highly express cytotoxic factors, austerely resist exhaustion, and effectively eliminate various tumors. These Ib-CD8+ T cells can be primed by MHC Ia (MHC class Ia molecules) expressed on various cell types for optimal activation in a Tbet-dependent manner. Importantly, MHC Ia does not allogeneically activate Ib-CD8+ T cells, rather, sensitizes these cells for T cell receptor activation. Such effects were observed when MHC Ia+ cells were administered to tumor-bearing Kb-/-Db-/-mice. A similar population of tumoricidal CX3CR1+CD8+ T cells was identified in wild-type mice and melanoma patients. Adoptive transfer of Ib-CD8+ T cells to wild-type mice inhibited tumor progression without damaging normal tissues. Taken together, we demonstrate that MHC class Ia can prime Ib-CD8+ T cells for robust tumoricidal activities.

Osteolectin increases bone elongation and body length by promoting growth plate chondrocyte proliferation.

Osteolectin is a recently identified osteogenic growth factor that binds to Integrin α11 (encoded by Itga11), promoting Wnt pathway activation and osteogenic differentiation by bone marrow stromal cells. While Osteolectin and Itga11 are not required for the formation of the skeleton during fetal development, they are required for the maintenance of adult bone mass. Genome-wide association studies in humans reported a single-nucleotide variant (rs182722517) 16 kb downstream of Osteolectin associated with reduced height and plasma Osteolectin levels. In this study, we tested whether Osteolectin promotes bone elongation and found that Osteolectin-deficient mice have shorter bones than those of sex-matched littermate controls. Integrin α11 deficiency in limb mesenchymal progenitors or chondrocytes reduced growth plate chondrocyte proliferation and bone elongation. Recombinant Osteolectin injections increased femur length in juvenile mice. Human bone marrow stromal cells edited to contain the rs182722517 variant produced less Osteolectin and underwent less osteogenic differentiation than that of control cells. These studies identify Osteolectin/Integrin α11 as a regulator of bone elongation and body length in mice and humans.

Endothelial and Leptin Receptor+ cells promote the maintenance of stem cells and hematopoiesis in early postnatal murine bone marrow.

Mammalian hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) colonize the bone marrow during late fetal development, and this becomes the major site of hematopoiesis after birth. However, little is known about the early postnatal bone marrow niche. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse bone marrow stromal cells at 4 days, 14 days, and 8 weeks after birth. Leptin-receptor-expressing (LepR+) stromal cells and endothelial cells increased in frequency during this period and changed their properties. At all postnatal stages, LepR+ cells and endothelial cells expressed the highest stem cell factor (Scf) levels in the bone marrow. LepR+ cells expressed the highest Cxcl12 levels. In early postnatal bone marrow, SCF from LepR+/Prx1+ stromal cells promoted myeloid and erythroid progenitor maintenance, while SCF from endothelial cells promoted HSC maintenance. Membrane-bound SCF in endothelial cells contributed to HSC maintenance. LepR+ cells and endothelial cells are thus important niche components in early postnatal bone marrow.

SCD1 Sustains Homeostasis of Bulge Niche via Maintaining Hemidesmosomes in Basal Keratinocytes.

Niche for stem cells profoundly influences their maintenance and fate during tissue homeostasis and pathological disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms and tissue-specific features remain poorly understood. Here, it is reported that fatty acid desaturation catabolized by stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) regulates hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and hair growth by maintaining the bulge, niche for HFSCs. Scd1 deletion in mice results in abnormal hair growth, an effect exerted directly on keratin K14+ keratinocytes rather than on HFSCs. Mechanistically, Scd1 deficiency impairs the level of integrin α6ß4 complex and thus the assembly of hemidesmosomes (HDs). The disruption of HDs allows the aberrant activation of focal adhesion kinase and PI3K in K14+ keratinocytes and subsequently their differentiation and proliferation. The overgrowth of basal keratinocytes results in downward extension of the outer root sheath and interruption of bulge formation. Then, inhibition of PI3K signaling in Scd1-/- mice normalizes the bulge, HFSCs, and hair growth. Additionally, supplementation of oleic acid to Scd1-/- mice reestablishes HDs and the homeostasis of bulge niche, and restores hair growth. Thus, SCD1 is critical in regulating hair growth through stabilizing HDs in basal keratinocytes and thus sustaining bulge for HFSC residence and periodic activity.

Steroids Enable Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Promote CD8+ T Cell Proliferation Via VEGF-C.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) function as a formidable regulator of inflammation and tissue homeostasis and expanded MSCs are shown to be effective in treating various inflammatory diseases. Their therapeutic effects require the existence of certain inflammatory cytokines. However, in the absence of sufficient proinflammatory stimuli or in the presence of anti-inflammatory medications, MSCs are animated to promote immune responses and unable to alleviate inflammatory disorders. In this study, it is demonstrated that steroid co-administration interferes the efficacy of MSCs in treating acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). Molecular analysis reveals that vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is highly induced in MSCs by steroids and TNFα and VEGF-C in turn promotes CD8+ T cell response. This immune promoting effect is abolished by blockade or specific genetic ablation of VEGFR3 in CD8+ T cells. Additionally, administration of VEGF-C alone exacerbates aGvHD progression through eliciting more vigorous CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation. Further studies demonstrate that VEGF-C augments the PI3K/AKT signaling process and the expression of downstream genes, such as Cyclin D1. Thus, the data demonstrate that steroids can reverse the immunosuppressive effect of MSCs via promoting VEGF-C-augmented CD8+ T cell response and provide novel information for designing efficacious MSC-based therapies.

Method for Tunnel Displacements Calculation Based on Mobile Tunnel Monitoring System.

Efficient, high-precision, and automatic measurement of tunnel structural changes is the key to ensuring the safe operation of subways. Conventional manual, static, and discrete measurements cannot meet the requirements of rapid and full-section detection in subway construction and operation. Mobile laser scanning technology is the primary method for tunnel detection. Herein, we propose a method to calculate shield tunnel displacements of a full cross-section tunnel. The point cloud data, obtained via a mobile tunnel deformation detection system, were fitted, projected, and interpolated to generate an orthophoto image. Combined with the cumulative characteristics of the tunnel gray gradient, the longitudinal ring seam of the tunnel was identified, while the Canny algorithm and Hough line detection algorithm identified the transverse seam. The symmetrical vertical foot method and cross-section superposition analysis were used to calculate the circumferential and radial displacements, respectively. The proposed displacement calculation method achieves automatic recognition of a ring seam, reduces human-computer interaction, and is fast, intelligent, and accurate. Furthermore, the description of the tunnel deformation location and deformation amount is more quantitative and specific. These results confirm the significance of shield tunnel displacement monitoring based on mobile monitoring systems in tunnel disease monitoring.

The effect of parathyroid hormone on osteogenesis is mediated partly by osteolectin.

We previously described a new osteogenic growth factor, osteolectin/Clec11a, which is required for the maintenance of skeletal bone mass during adulthood. Osteolectin binds to Integrin α11 (Itga11), promoting Wnt pathway activation and osteogenic differentiation by leptin receptor+ (LepR+) stromal cells in the bone marrow. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and sclerostin inhibitor (SOSTi) are bone anabolic agents that are administered to patients with osteoporosis. Here we tested whether osteolectin mediates the effects of PTH or SOSTi on bone formation. We discovered that PTH promoted Osteolectin expression by bone marrow stromal cells within hours of administration and that PTH treatment increased serum osteolectin levels in mice and humans. Osteolectin deficiency in mice attenuated Wnt pathway activation by PTH in bone marrow stromal cells and reduced the osteogenic response to PTH in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, SOSTi did not affect serum osteolectin levels and osteolectin was not required for SOSTi-induced bone formation. Combined administration of osteolectin and PTH, but not osteolectin and SOSTi, additively increased bone volume. PTH thus promotes osteolectin expression and osteolectin mediates part of the effect of PTH on bone formation.

A mechanosensitive peri-arteriolar niche for osteogenesis and lymphopoiesis.

Stromal cells in adult bone marrow that express leptin receptor (LEPR) are a critical source of growth factors, including stem cell factor (SCF), for the maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells and early restricted progenitors1-6. LEPR+ cells are heterogeneous, including skeletal stem cells and osteogenic and adipogenic progenitors7-12, although few markers have been available to distinguish these subsets or to compare their functions. Here we show that expression of an osteogenic growth factor, osteolectin13,14, distinguishes peri-arteriolar LEPR+ cells poised to undergo osteogenesis from peri-sinusoidal LEPR+ cells poised to undergo adipogenesis (but retaining osteogenic potential). Peri-arteriolar LEPR+osteolectin+ cells are rapidly dividing, short-lived osteogenic progenitors that increase in number after fracture and are depleted during ageing. Deletion of Scf from adult osteolectin+ cells did not affect the maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells or most restricted progenitors but depleted common lymphoid progenitors, impairing lymphopoiesis, bacterial clearance, and survival after acute bacterial infection. Peri-arteriolar osteolectin+ cell maintenance required mechanical stimulation. Voluntary running increased, whereas hindlimb unloading decreased, the frequencies of peri-arteriolar osteolectin+ cells and common lymphoid progenitors. Deletion of the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 from osteolectin+ cells depleted osteolectin+ cells and common lymphoid progenitors. These results show that a peri-arteriolar niche for osteogenesis and lymphopoiesis in bone marrow is maintained by mechanical stimulation and depleted during ageing.

IGF2R-initiated proton rechanneling dictates an anti-inflammatory property in macrophages.

Metabolic traits of macrophages can be rewired by insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2); however, how IGF2 modulates macrophage cellular dynamics and functionality remains unclear. We demonstrate that IGF2 exhibits dual and opposing roles in controlling inflammatory phenotypes in macrophages by regulating glucose metabolism, relying on the dominant activation of the IGF2 receptor (IGF2R) by low-dose IGF2 (L-IGF2) and IGF1R by high-dose IGF2. IGF2R activation leads to proton rechanneling to the mitochondrial intermembrane space and enables sustained oxidative phosphorylation. Mechanistically, L-IGF2 induces nucleus translocation of IGF2R that promotes Dnmt3a-mediated DNA methylation by activating GSK3α/ß and subsequently impairs expression of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase). This sequestrated assembly of v-ATPase inhibits the channeling of protons to lysosomes and leads to their rechanneling to mitochondria. An IGF2R-specific IGF2 mutant induces only the anti-inflammatory response and inhibits colitis progression. Together, our findings highlight a previously unidentified role of IGF2R activation in dictating anti-inflammatory macrophages.

Cross-Section Deformation Analysis and Visualization of Shield Tunnel Based on Mobile Tunnel Monitoring System.

With the ongoing developments in laser scanning technology, applications for describing tunnel deformation using rich point cloud data have become a significant topic of investigation. This study describes the independently developed CNU-TS-2 mobile tunnel monitoring system for data acquisition, which has an electric system to control its forward speed and is compatible with various laser scanners such as the Faro and Leica models. A comparison with corresponding data acquired by total station data demonstrates that the data collected by CNU-TS-2 is accurate. Following data acquisition, the overall and local deformation of the tunnel is determined by denoising and 360° deformation analysis of the point cloud data. To enhance the expression of the analysis results, this study proposes an expansion of the tunnel point cloud data into a two-dimensional image via cylindrical projection, followed by an expression of the tunnel deformation through color difference to visualize the deformation. Compared with the three-dimensional modeling method of visualization, this method is easier to implement and facilitates storage. In addition, it is conducive to the performance of comprehensive analysis of problems such as water leakage in the tunnel, thereby achieving the effect of multiple uses for a single image.

Scd1 controls de novo beige fat biogenesis through succinate-dependent regulation of mitochondrial complex II.

Preadipocytes can give rise to either white adipocytes or beige adipocytes. Owing to their distinct abilities in nutrient storage and energy expenditure, strategies that specifically promote "beiging" of adipocytes hold great promise for counterbalancing obesity and metabolic diseases. Yet, factors dictating the differentiation fate of adipocyte progenitors remain to be elucidated. We found that stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (Scd1)-deficient mice, which resist metabolic stress, possess augmentation in beige adipocytes under basal conditions. Deletion of Scd1 in mature adipocytes expressing Fabp4 or Ucp1 did not affect thermogenesis in mice. Rather, Scd1 deficiency shifted the differentiation fate of preadipocytes from white adipogenesis to beige adipogenesis. Such effects are dependent on succinate accumulation in adipocyte progenitors, which fuels mitochondrial complex II activity. Suppression of mitochondrial complex II by Atpenin A5 or oxaloacetic acid reverted the differentiation potential of Scd1-deficient preadipocytes to white adipocytes. Furthermore, supplementation of succinate was found to increase beige adipocyte differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Our data reveal an unappreciated role of Scd1 in determining the cell fate of adipocyte progenitors through succinate-dependent regulation of mitochondrial complex II.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis in Eggplant Reveals Selection Trends during Eggplant Domestication.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically and nutritionally important fruit crop of the Solanaceae family, which was domesticated in India and southern China. However, the genome regions subjected to selective sweeps in eggplant remain unknown. In the present study, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of cultivated and wild eggplant species with emphasis on the selection pattern during domestication. In total, 44,073 (S. sisymbriifolium) to 58,677 (S. melongena cultivar S58) unigenes were generated for the six eggplant accessions with total lengths of 36.6-46 Mb. The orthologous genes were assessed using the ratio of nonsynonymous (K a) to synonymous (K s) nucleotide substitutions to characterize selective patterns during eggplant domestication. We identified 19 genes under positive selection across the phylogeny that were classified into four groups. The gene (OG12205) under positive selection was possibly associated with fruit-related traits in eggplant, which may have resulted from human manipulation. Eight positive selected genes were potentially involved in stress tolerance or disease resistance, suggesting that environmental changes and biotic stresses were important selective pressures in eggplant domestication. Taken together, our results shed light on the effects of artificial and natural selection on the transcriptomes of eggplant and its wild relatives. Identification of the selected genes will facilitate the understanding of genetic architecture of domesticated-related traits and provide resources for resistant breeding in eggplant.

Integrated Airborne LiDAR Data and Imagery for Suburban Land Cover Classification Using Machine Learning Methods.

It is valuable to study the land use/land cover (LULC) classification for suburbs. The fusion of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and aerial imagery is often regarded as an effective method for the LULC classification; however, more in-depth analysis would be required to explore effective information for enhancing the suburban LULC classification. In this study, first, both aerial imageries and point clouds were simultaneously collected. Then, LiDAR-derived models, i.e., normalized digital surface model (nDSM) and surface intensity model (IM), were generated from the elevation and intensity of point clouds. Further, considering the surface characteristics of ground objects in suburb, we proposed a new LiDAR-derived model, namely surface roughness model (RM), to reveal the degree of surface fluctuations. Additionally, various combinations of aerial imageries and the LiDAR-derived data were used to analyze the effects of multi-variable fusion under different scenarios and optimize the multi-variable integration for suburban LULC classification. The mean decrease impurity method was used to identify the importance of variables; three machine learning classifiers, i.e., random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and artificial neural network (ANN) were adopted in various scenarios. The results were as follows. The fusion of aerial imagery and all the LiDAR-derived models, i.e., nDSM, RM and IM, with RF classifier performs best in the suburban LULC classification (overall accuracy = 84.75%, kappa coefficient = 0.80). Variable importance analysis shows that nDSM has the highest variable importance proportion (VIP) value, followed by RM, IM, and spectral information, indicating the feasibility of this proposed LiDAR-derived model-RM. This research presents effective methods relating to the application of aerial imagery and LiDAR-derived model for the complex suburban surface scenarios.

Single cell transcriptomic analysis of human mesenchymal stem cells reveals limited heterogeneity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells with a superior ability to promote tissue repair by regulating regeneration and inflammation. Effective application of MSCs in disease treatment relies on the production of relatively homogeneous cell population. However, the cellular heterogeneity and the differentiation trajectories of in vitro expanded MSCs remain largely unclear. We profiled the transcriptomes of 361 single MSCs derived from two umbilical cords (UC-MSCs). These UC-MSCs were harvested at different passages and stimulated with or without inflammatory cytokines. Weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed that UC-MSCs surprisingly possess only limited heterogeneity, regardless of donors, and passages. We also found that upon pretreatment with inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ and TNFα), a classical strategy that can improve the efficiency of MSC-based therapy, MSCs exhibited uniformed changes in gene expression. Cell cycle-based principal component analysis showed that the limited heterogeneity identified in these UC-MSCs was strongly associated with their entrance into the G2/M phase. This was further proven by the observation that one featured gene, CD168, was expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner. When CD168high UC-MSCs were sorted and cultured in vitro, they again showed similar CD168 expression patterns. Our results demonstrated that in vitro expanded UC-MSCs are a well-organized population with limited heterogeneity dominated by cell cycle status. Thus, our studies provided information for standardization of MSCs for disease treatment.

IGF-2 Preprograms Maturing Macrophages to Acquire Oxidative Phosphorylation-Dependent Anti-inflammatory Properties.

Recent investigations revealed that macrophages could be trained with an altered responsiveness, raising the possibility of combating autoimmune diseases by imparting anti-inflammatory capabilities to these cells. While investigating the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we found a critical role of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) in training macrophages to become anti-inflammatory during their maturation. IGF-2 exerts its effects by preprogramming maturing macrophages to commit oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). IGF-2-preprogrammed macrophages maintained the mitochondrial complex V activities even upon pro-inflammation stimulation, thus enabling an elevated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. PD-L1 neutralization abolished the beneficial effect of IGF-2 on EAE. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of IGF-2-preprogrammed macrophages to EAE mice increased Tregs and alleviated the diseases. Our results demonstrate that shaping macrophage responsiveness by IGF-2 is effective in managing inflammatory diseases, and the OXPHOS commitment can be preset to determine the anti-inflammatory fate of macrophages.

Study of the Integration of the CNU-TS-1 Mobile Tunnel Monitoring System.

A rapid, precise and automated means for the regular inspection and maintenance of a large number of tunnels is needed. Based on the depth study of the tunnel monitoring method, the CNU-TS-1 mobile tunnel monitoring system (TS1) is developed and presented. It can efficiently obtain the cross-sections that are orthogonal to the tunnel in a dynamic way, and the control measurements that depend on design data are eliminated. By using odometers to locate the cross-sections and correcting the data based on longitudinal joints of tunnel segment lining, the cost of the system has been significantly reduced, and the interval between adjacent cross-sections can reach 1-2 cm when pushed to collect data at a normal walking speed. Meanwhile, the relative deformation of tunnel can be analyzed by selecting cross-sections from original data. Through the measurement of the actual tunnel, the applicability of the system for tunnel deformation detection is verified, and the system is shown to be 15 times more efficient than that of the total station. The simulation experiment of the tunnel deformation indicates that the measurement accuracy of TS1 for cross-sections is 1.1 mm. Compared with the traditional method, TS1 improves the efficiency as well as increases the density of the obtained points.

The role of secreted factors in stem cells-mediated immune regulation.

Stem cells are characterized by self-renew and multipotent differentiation abilities. Besides their roles in cell compensation, stem cells are also rich sources of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, micro-RNAs and exosomes and serve as drug stores to maintain tissue homeostasis. Recent studies have revealed that the secretome of stem cells is regulated by the local inflammatory cues and highlighted the roles of these secretory factors in stem cell based therapies. Importantly, stem cell conditioned medium, in the absence of stem cell engraftment, have shown efficiency in treating diseases involves immune disorders. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the regulatory effects of stem cells secreted factors on different immune cells including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, NK cells, T cells, and B cells. We also discuss how stem cells released factors participate in the initiation, maintenance and resolution of inflammation. The in depth understanding of interaction between stem cells secreted factors and immune system would lead to new strategies to restore tissue homeostasis and improve the efficiency of stem cell therapies.