Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An ENU-Mutagenesis Screen in the Mouse: Identification of Novel Developmental Gene Functions

Background Mutagenesis screens in the mouse have been proven useful for the identification of novel gene functions and generation of interesting mutant alleles. Here we describe a phenotype-based screen for recessive mutations affecting embryonic development. Methodology/Principal Findings Mice were mutagenized with N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea (ENU) and following incrossing the offspring, embryos were analyzed at embryonic day 10.5. Mutant phenotypes that arose in our screen include cardiac and nuchal edema, neural tube defects, situs inversus of the heart, posterior truncation and the absence of limbs and lungs. We isolated amongst others novel mutant alleles for Dll1, Ptprb, Plexin-B2, Fgf10, Wnt3a, Ncx1, Scrib(Scrib, Scribbled homolog [Drosophila]) and Sec24b. We found both nonsense alleles leading to severe protein truncations and mutants with single-amino acid substitutions that are informative at a molecular level. Novel findings include an ectopic neural tube in our Dll1 mutant and lung defects in the planar cell polarity mutants for Sec24b and Scrib. Conclusions/Significance Using a forward genetics approach, we have generated a number of novel mutant alleles that are linked to disturbed morphogenesis during development.
The Interaction of Pre-programmed Eye Movements With the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex

The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) works to stabilize gaze during unexpected head movements. However, even subjects who lack a VOR (e.g., vestibulopathic patients) can achieve gaze stability during planned head movements by using pre-programmed eye movements (PPEM). The extent to which PPEM are used by healthy intact subjects and how they interact with the VOR is still unclear. We propose a model of gaze stabilization which makes several claims: (1) the VOR provides ocular stability during unexpected (i.e., passive) head movements; (2) PPEM are used by both healthy and vestibulopathic subjects during planned (i.e., active) head movements; and (3) when a passive perturbation interrupts an active head movement in intact animals (i.e., combined passive and active head movement) the VOR works with PPEM to provide compensation. First, we show how our model can reconcile some seemingly conflicting findings in earlier literature. We then test the above-mentioned predictions against data we collected from both healthy and vestibular-lesioned guinea pigs. We found that (1) vestibular-lesioned animals showed a dramatic decrease in compensatory eye movements during passive head movements, (2) both populations showed improved ocular compensation during active vs. passive head movements, and (3) during combined active and passive head movements, eye movements compensated for both the active and passive component of head velocity. These results support our hypothesis that while the VOR provides compensation during passive head movements, PPEM are used by both intact and lesioned subjects during active movements and further, that PPEM work together with the VOR to achieve gaze stability.
Prediction method for mean corrosion depth of uncoated carbon steel plate subjected to rainfall effect using Fe/Ag galvanic couple ACM-type corrosion sensor

鋼構造物を腐食による致命的損傷に対して，安全に供用するためには，部材・部位レベルの腐食環境を定量的に把握した上で，その経時腐食挙動を評価することが重要になる．本研究ではFe/Ag対で構成されるACM型腐食センサーを用いて，降雨の影響を受ける無塗装普通鋼板の経時腐食挙動を評価するための方法を提案することを目的とした．そのために，無塗装普通鋼板を用いた大気暴露試験を行った．また，試験体の表裏面における腐食環境と平均腐食深さの関係を定量評価するために，それらの腐食環境をACM型腐食センサーによりモニタリングした．
JSgraph: Enabling Reconstruction of Web Attacks via Efficient Tracking of Live In-Browser JavaScript Executions

In this paper, we propose JSgraph, a forensic engine that is able to efficiently record fine-grained details pertaining to the execution of JavaScript (JS) programs within the browser, with particular focus on JS-driven DOM modifications. JSgraph’s main goal is to enable a detailed, post-mortem reconstruction of ephemeral JS-based web attacks experienced by real network users. In particular, we aim to enable the reconstruction of social engineering attacks that result in the download of malicious executable files or browser extensions, among other attacks. We implement JSgraph by instrumenting Chromium’s code base at the interface between Blink and V8, the rendering and JavaScript engines. We design JSgraph to be lightweight, highly portable, and to require low storage capacity for its fine-grained audit logs. Using a variety of both in-the-wild and lab-reproduced web attacks, we demonstrate how JSgraph can aid the forensic investigation process. We then show that JSgraph introduces acceptable overhead, with a median overhead on popular website page loads between 3.2% and 3.9%.
Identification of microRNA 885-5p as a novel regulator of tumor metastasis by targeting CPEB2 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and liver is the most frequent site of distant metastasis with poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to investigate microRNAs leading to liver metastasis. We applied microarray analysis and quantitative PCR to identify and validate dysregulated miRNAs in liver metastases when compared to primary CRCs. Functional significance and the underlying molecular mechanism of selected miRNA was demonstrated by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Our microarray analysis and subsequent quantitative PCR validation revealed that miR-885-5p was strongly up-regulated in liver metastases and in CRC cell-lines derived from distant metastases. Overexpression of miR-885-5p significantly induced cell migration, cell invasion, formation of stress fibre in vitro and development of liver and lung metastases in vivo. MiR-885-5p induced metastatic potential of CRC by repressing cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 2 transcription through directly binding to two binding sites on its 3′ untranslated region, and consequently led to up-regulation of TWIST1 and hence epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our findings demonstrated the overexpression of miR-885-5p in liver metastasis and its roles in inducing CRC metastasis, potentiating development of miR-885-5p inhibitor to treat advanced CRC in the future.
Lessons learned for reducing the negative impact of adverse events on patients, health professionals and healthcare organizations

Purpose To summarize the knowledge about the aftermath of adverse events (AEs) and develop a recommendation set to reduce their negative impact in patients, health professionals and organizations in contexts where there is no previous experiences and apology laws are not present. Data sources Review studies published between 2000 and 2015, institutional websites and experts' opinions on patient safety. Study selection Studies published and websites on open disclosure, and the second and third victims' phenomenon. Four Focus Groups participating 27 healthcare professionals. Data extraction Study characteristic and outcome data were abstracted by two authors and reviewed by the research team. Results of data synthesis Fourteen publications and 16 websites were reviewed. The recommendations were structured around eight areas: (i) safety and organizational policies, (ii) patient care, (iii) proactive approach to preventing reoccurrence, (iv) supporting the clinician and healthcare team, (v) activation of resources to provide an appropriate response, (vi) informing patients and/or family members, (vii) incidents' analysis and (viii) protecting the reputation of health professionals and the organization. Conclusion Recommendations preventing aftermath of AEs have been identified. These have been designed for the hospital and the primary care settings; to cope with patient's emotions and for tacking the impact of AE in the second victim's colleagues. Its systematic use should help for the establishment of organizational action plans after an AE.
Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12® on health-related quality of life in college students affected by upper respiratory infections

College students are susceptible to upper respiratory infections (URI) due to inadequate sleep, stress and close living quarters. Certain probiotic strains modulate immune function and may improve health-related quality of life (HRQL) during URI. The present study recruited apparently healthy college students and assessed the effect of probiotics on HRQL outcomes (i.e. self-reported duration, symptom severity and functional impairment of URI) in those who developed URI. Missed school and work days due to URI were also considered. Subjects (n 231) were apparently healthy college students living on campus in residence halls at the Framingham State University (Framingham, MA, USA), and were randomised to receive placebo (n 117) or probiotic-containing powder (daily dose of minimum 1 billion colony-forming units of each Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12® (BB-12®); n 114) for 12 weeks. Subjects completed The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 to assess HRQL during URI. The final analyses included 198 subjects (placebo, n 97 and probiotics, n 101). The median duration of URI was significantly shorter by 2 d and median severity score was significantly lower by 34 % with probiotics v. placebo (P< 0·001), indicating a higher HRQL during URI. Number of missed work days was not different between groups (P= 0·429); however, the probiotics group missed significantly fewer school days (mean difference = 0·2 d) compared to the placebo group (P= 0·002). LGG® and BB-12® may be beneficial among college students with URI for mitigating decrements in HRQL. More research is warranted regarding mechanisms of action associated with these findings and the cost–benefit of prophylactic supplementation.
Effect of the medical insurance on the quality of care for Chinese patients with chronic heart failure.

Objective To assess the effect of medical insurance on the quality of care for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Design Seven quality indicators were used to assess the association between medical insurance and quality of care. Statistical analyses were conducted using multilevel logistic models for the total population and the subpopulation stratified by sex and age. Participants In total, 1862 CHF patients who were admitted in 20 tertiary hospitals between 1 January 2009 and 31 October 2010. Results Of 1862 patients, 53.8% patients had basic medical insurance and 26.9% patients paid the hospital costs by themselves. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) were more likely to receive warfarin (odds ratios [OR], 3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-13.99; P = 0.038), but less likely to receive aldosterone receptor antagonist (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.56; P = 0.002) than patients without any medical insurance. Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and NRCMS were associated with more use of discharge instructions ([OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 2.44-5.13; P < 0.001] and [OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.21-3.62; P = 0.009], respectively). After stratified by sex, male patients with UEBMI were more likely to receive the evaluation of left ventricular function than male patients without any medical insurance (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.06-2.98; P = 0.029). Conclusions UEBMI and NRCMS could increase the adherence to quality indicators of CHF to some extent. Improving the medical insurance system is expected to achieve equality in medical security and improve the quality of care for CHF patients.
Measurement and modelling of tropospheric reactive halogen species over the tropical Atlantic Ocean

Abstract. Although tropospheric reactive halogen chemistry is well studied in coastal and polar environments, the presence of halogens over the open ocean environment has not been widely reported. The impacts of halogens on the tropical open ocean marine boundary layer (MBL), in particular, are not well characterised. This paper describes observations of iodine monoxide (IO) and bromine oxide (BrO) over eight months in the tropical open ocean MBL, on the north-eastern side of Sao Vicente (Cape Verde Islands, 16.85° N, 24.87° W). The highest BrO mixing ratio observed was 5.6±1 pmol mol−1, while the maximum observed IO mixing ratio was 3.1±0.4 pmol mol−1. The average values seen between 09:00–17:00 GMT were ~2.8 pmol mol−1 for BrO and ~1.5 pmol mol−1 for IO; these averages showed little variability over the entire campaign from November 2006 to June 2007. A 1-dimensional chemistry and transport model is used to study the evolution of iodine species and quantify the combined impact of iodine and bromine chemistry on the oxidising capacity of the MBL. It appears that the measured fluxes of iodocarbons are insufficient to account for the observed levels of IO, and that an additional I atom source is required, possibly caused by the deposition of O3 onto the ocean surface in the presence of solar radiation. Modelling results also show that the O3 depletion observed at Cape Verde cannot be explained in the absence of halogen chemistry, which contributes ~45% of the observed O3 depletion at the height of measurements (10 m) during summer. The model also predicts that halogens decrease the hydroperoxy radical (HO2) concentration by ~14% and increase the hydroxyl radical (OH) concentration by ~13% near the ocean surface. The oxidation of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) by BrO takes place at a comparable rate to oxidation by OH in this environment. Finally, the potential of iodine chemistry to form new particles is explored and conditions under which particle formation could be important in the remote MBL are discussed.
Housing conditions and risk of physical function limitations: a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults

Background Poor housing conditions have been associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in old age. Methods Prospective cohort of 1602 older adults followed from 2012 to 2015. Poor conditions were defined as living in a walk-up building, lacking piped hot water or heating, feeling frequently cold at home, lacking a bathtub/shower, a refrigerator, a washing machine, an own room or a landline. Frailty was assessed with the Fried criteria, lower extremities performance with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) with the Lawton and Brody questionnaire. Results During follow-up, 55 individuals (4.2%) developed frailty and 107 (7.2%) IADL disability. Mean (SD) SPPB values at baseline and at follow-up were 8.5 (2.5) and 8.6 (2.4), respectively. After multivariate adjustment, participants who lived in homes with ≥1 poor conditions showed a higher risk of frailty (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.09-3.75) and transportation disability (OR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.38-8.88). Lacking heating and feeling frequently cold were associated with an increased risk of exhaustion (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.00-5.48) and transportation disability (OR = 3.31; 95% CI: 1.07-10.2), respectively. Conclusions Prevention programs targeting functional limitations in older adults should ensure that they live in suitable housing conditions.
Monthly and seasonal variability of the land-atmosphere system

The land surface and the atmosphere can interact with each other through exchanges of energy, water, and momentum. With the capacity of long memory, land surface processes can contribute to long-term variability of atmospheric processes. Great efforts have been made in the past three decades to study land-atmosphere interactions and their importance to longterm variability. This paper reviews studies on monthly and seasonal variability of the landatmosphere system. Issues to be addressed include the importance of land surface processes, time scales, persistence, coupled patterns of soil moisture and precipitation, and prediction. A perspective on future studies is given.
Barriers to CPAP Use in India: An Exploratory Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To investigate adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and identify barriers to CPAP use among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in India. METHODS A self-devised semistructured questionnaire (which collected patients' demographic information, socioeconomic position, and information about disease status, symptoms, and complications) was administered to consecutive patients with moderate to severe OSA from June 2015 to August 2016. Patients were grouped according to CPAP device buying behavior (buyers versus nonbuyers) and CPAP compliance behavior (compliant versus noncompliant). RESULTS Out of 187 patients with moderate-severe OSA, 79 patients were enrolled for this study. The overall adherence rate (usage > 4 hours per night on > 70% nights) was 30.3%. Among the patients in the buyer group, adherence was 82.7%. Fifty patients did not buy a CPAP device; 30 of these 50 patients (60%) said financial constraints were the most important reason for not buying a CPAP device. Patients without financial constraints had higher chances-odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 4.85 (1.6-16.1)-of buying a CPAP device than patients with financial constraints. Patients with more severe disease (ie, lower nadir oxygen saturation during sleep, higher apnea-hypopnea index, or presence of obesity hypoventilation syndrome) were more likely to buy and use a CPAP device. CONCLUSIONS The main cause of nonuse of CPAP in India is the inability to buy a CPAP device. In patients who are able to buy a CPAP device, adherence was significantly higher (82.7%) compared to adherence in the study's overall population (30.3%). Furthermore, patients with more severe OSA were more likely to buy a device and adhere to CPAP. Patients' behaviors and attitudes are also important barriers in using CPAP. There needs to be increased awareness of the benefits of CPAP therapy among patients.
Chronic up‐regulation of sonic hedgehog has little effect on postnatal craniofacial morphology of euploid and trisomic mice

Background: In Ts65Dn, a mouse model of Down syndrome (DS), brain and craniofacial abnormalities that parallel those in people with DS are linked to an attenuated cellular response to sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling. If a similarly reduced response to SHH occurs in all trisomic cells, then chronic up‐regulation of the pathway might have a positive effect on development in trisomic mice, resulting in amelioration of the craniofacial anomalies. Results: We crossed Ts65Dn with Ptch1tm1Mps/+ mice and quantified the craniofacial morphology of Ts65Dn;Ptch+/− offspring to assess whether a chronic up‐regulation of the SHH pathway rescued DS‐related anomalies. Ts65Dn;Ptch1+/− mice experience a chronic increase in SHH in SHH‐receptive cells due to haploinsufficiency of the pathway suppressor, Ptch1. Chronic up‐regulation had minimal effect on craniofacial shape and did not correct facial abnormalities in Ts65Dn;Ptch+/− mice. We further compared effects of this chronic up‐regulation of SHH with acute pathway stimulation in mice treated on the day of birth with a SHH pathway agonist, SAG. We found that SHH affects facial morphology differently based on chronic vs. acute postnatal pathway up‐regulation. Conclusions: Our findings have implications for understanding the function of SHH in craniofacial development and for the potential use of SHH‐based agonists to treat DS‐related abnormalities. Developmental Dynamics 245:114–122, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism Study of the Blocking of Ladle Well Due to Sintering of Filler Sand

The present work is aimed at a mechanism study of blocking of ladle well by filler sand. Laboratory experiments are carried out using two different chromite‐based filler sands. The interaction between the liquid steel and the sand is also studied by using steels containing different contents of Mn and Al. The reaction between the silica phase and the chromite phase is found to be the main mechanism for the sintering of sand. The reaction results in a liquid oxide phase, which becomes the binding phase between the solid oxide grains. The amount of silica phase and its grain size are found to have great impact on the formation of the liquid oxide phase. Faster formation of the liquid oxide phase leads to more serious sintering of the sand. It is found that liquid steel can hardly infiltrate into sand. On the other hand, the presence of steel considerably increases the amount of liquid phase and enhances the sintering of the sand.
Effect of the degree of particle melt on mechanical properties in selective laser-sintered Nylon-12 parts

Selective laser sintering (SLS®, a trademark of 3D systems Inc.) is a manufacturing process which has emerged from numerous other technologies as the leading process considered viable for rapid manufacturing (RM). SLS of polymers has found use in a wide range of industries ranging from aerospace to medicine. The ability to manufacture easily parts that previously have been difficult or impossible to produce, without tooling, has proved invaluable for many applications. A major area of focus within RM is the requirement to produce parts with more repeatable mechanical properties than can currently be achieved. This research has investigated the use of a novel method of interpreting a differential scanning calorimetry curve to indicate the level of melting within semicrystalline selective laser-sintered parts, or the degree of particle melt (DPM). The DPM has been shown firstly to be affected by the amount of energy input into the process whereby, as the energy input increases, the DPM also increases. Results have also shown that, as the DPM increases, the tensile strength and elongation at break also increase, whilst there is no significant effect on the Young's modulus. These findings will enhance the ability to optimize and predict the properties of the SLS process, an area which is critical when producing end-use parts, particularly when considering demanding applications such as in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Volunteering in the Community: Potential Benefits for Cognitive Aging

Objectives This review aims to advance understanding of the potential benefits of volunteering in the community for older adults' cognitive functioning by taking an in-depth look at the relevant evidence to date. Method This review describes the main pathways through which volunteering could plausibly benefit cognitive functioning and critically examines research that has specifically investigated links between volunteering and cognition. Fifteen articles that assessed in adults aged ≥ 55 years the relationship between volunteering (predictor) and cognitive functioning (outcome) were identified via literature database searches. Results On balance, evidence from the small number of relevant studies to date supports the idea that volunteering can protect against cognitive aging with respect to global functioning and at least some specific cognitive domains. Studies that used robust designs and assessed domain-specific cognitive functioning produced the largest effect sizes. Discussion To help advance the field, this review puts forward recommendations for future research, with an emphasis on the need for robust study designs and specific investigations into the nature and extent of the cognitive benefits of volunteering. Through that work, researchers can determine how a simple and accessible activity like volunteering can best be used to help reduce the burden of age-related cognitive decline.