Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mouse Panx1 Is Dispensable for Hearing Acquisition and Auditory Function

Panx1 forms plasma membrane channels in brain and several other organs, including the inner ear. Biophysical properties, activation mechanisms and modulators of Panx1 channels have been characterized in detail, however the impact of Panx1 on auditory function is unclear due to conflicts in published results. To address this issue, hearing performance and cochlear function of the Panx1−/− mouse strain, the first with a reported global ablation of Panx1, were scrutinized. Male and female homozygous (Panx1−/−), hemizygous (Panx1+/−) and their wild type (WT) siblings (Panx1+/+) were used for this study. Successful ablation of Panx1 was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western immunoblotting in the cochlea and brain of Panx1−/− mice. Furthermore, a previously validated Panx1-selective antibody revealed strong immunoreactivity in WT but not in Panx1−/− cochleae. Hearing sensitivity, outer hair cell-based “cochlear amplifier” and cochlear nerve function, analyzed by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) recordings, were normal in Panx1+/− and Panx1−/− mice. In addition, we determined that global deletion of Panx1 impacts neither on connexin expression, nor on gap-junction coupling in the developing organ of Corti. Finally, spontaneous intercellular Ca2+ signal (ICS) activity in organotypic cochlear cultures, which is key to postnatal development of the organ of Corti and essential for hearing acquisition, was not affected by Panx1 ablation. Therefore, our results provide strong evidence that, in mice, Panx1 is dispensable for hearing acquisition and auditory function.
The Atg12-Atg5 Conjugate Has a Novel E3-like Activity for Protein Lipidation in Autophagy*

Autophagy is a bulk degradation process in eukaryotic cells; autophagosomes enclose cytoplasmic components for degradation in the lysosome/vacuole. Autophagosome formation requires two ubiquitin-like conjugation systems, the Atg12 and Atg8 systems, which are tightly associated with expansion of autophagosomal membrane. Previous studies have suggested that there is a hierarchy between these systems; the Atg12 system is located upstream of the Atg8 system in the context of Atg protein organization. However, the concrete molecular relationship is unclear. Here, we show using an in vitro Atg8 conjugation system that the Atg12-Atg5 conjugate, but not unconjugated Atg12 or Atg5, strongly enhances the formation of the other conjugate, Atg8-PE. The Atg12-Atg5 conjugate promotes the transfer of Atg8 from Atg3 to the substrate, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), by stimulating the activity of Atg3. We also show that the Atg12-Atg5 conjugate interacts with both Atg3 and PE-containing liposomes. These results indicate that the Atg12-Atg5 conjugate is a ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3)-like enzyme for Atg8-PE conjugation reaction, distinctively promoting protein-lipid conjugation.
A theory of error

Ideas developed in A Theory of Error explore notions of art and corporality, and in particular art representing the brain and mechanisms of thought, reflections about exploring the creative process and considering thought when the brain is simulated through digital imaging.Using personal thought processes as a model, this project explores the creative process resulting from error. Error, not in the mechanical or technical sense, or even in the form of diagnosed mental conflicts, but discussed in terms of cognitive functioning.In this instance the conception of error may be referred to as unpredictable disturbances to thought patterns.Forming a theoretical background to the project are various interwoven theories from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, art and technology that examine the mechanisms of creativity in relation to mutation and disorder, chaos and abstraction [1]. A Theory of Error is illustrated through visual metaphors, a weave of text and image, constructing a picture of a thought.
Visual recall ability and eye movements.

Pursuit eye movements induced by Deckert's technique, using a moving object of specific excursion and beat frequency, were compared between active watching of the moving object and recalling the motion with eyes closed. Ability for visual imagery and incidence of its use were evaluated by questionnaires and discussion following the test procedure. Eye movements during eyes-closed recall occurred significantly more frequently in visualizers than non-visualizers. Exceptions to the relationship suggest that the occurrence of eye movements during recall do not necessarily indicate presence of visual imagery, but that oculomotor activity may be recalled independently. Eye movements during eyes-closed recall generally under- or over-estimate both excursion and timing of the original motion.
Energy efficient forwarding strategies for wireless sensor networks in presence of fading and power control

In this paper we propose energy efficient forwarding techniques in a fading environment which exploit channel knowledge by means of nodes cooperation. Unlike forwarding strategies based on geographic information only, channel knowledge allows to take advantage from diversity by means of selection of the best node to forward the packet, and also to achieve higher energy savings thanks to power control. We also consider the case of multi-route diversity where redundancy packets are sent over different paths. We propose several adaptive strategies which explicitly address the energy issues and we compare them in terms of total consumed energy, mean packet error probability and delay. As a reference case we consider a forwarding strategy based on pure geographic routing (without channel knowledge). The results show that a considerable improvement can be obtained with respect to the pure geographic forwarding. Our algorithms are also in the direction of a cross layer view, since routing decisions are taken adaptively through physical layer information
Adenovirus-Associated Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Outbreaks — Four States, 2008–2010

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious, severe form of conjunctivitis. During 2008–2010, six unrelated EKC outbreaks associated with human adenovirus (HAdV) in four states were reported to CDC. In total, 411 EKC cases were identified in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, and New Jersey. In each outbreak, health-care-associated transmission appeared to occur via ophthalmologic examination; however, community transmission was also documented. These outbreaks resulted in significant morbidity and cost resulting from the number of persons affected, duration of the outbreaks, and the temporary closure of a neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) and several clinics. Clusters of EKC infections should be reported to the appropriate state or local health department. In settings where ophthalmologic care is provided, routine adherence to basic infection control measures and early implementation of enhanced outbreak control measures are essential to prevent HAdV transmission.
Knowledge Management in Geospatial Information Context. A Preliminary Statistical Approach - A Case Study

Information is a determinant subject in modern organization operations. The success of joint and combined operations with organizations partners depends on the accurate information and knowledge flow concerning the operations theatre: provision of resources, environment evolution, markets location, where and when an event occurred. As in the past and nowadays we cannot conceive modern operations without maps and geo-spatial information (GI). Information and knowledge management is fundamental to the success of organizational decisions in an uncertainty environment. The georeferenced information management is a process of knowledge management, it begins in the raw data and ends on generating knowledge. GI and intelligence systems allow us to integrate all other forms of intelligence and can be a main platform to process and display geo-spatial-time referenced events. Combining explicit knowledge with peoples know-how to generate a continuous learning cycle that supports real time decisions mitigates the influences of fog of everyday competition and provides the knowledge supremacy. Geo-spatial information and intelligence systems allow us to integrate all other forms of intelligence and act as a main platform to process and display geo-spatial-time referenced events. Combining explicit knowledge with person know-how to generate a continuous learning cycle that supports real time decisions, mitigates the influences of fog of war and provides the knowledge supremacy. These investigation describes the analysis done after the construction and application of a questionnaire and interviews about the GI and intelligence management in a military organization. The study intended to identify the stakeholders requirements for a military spatial data infrastructure as well as the requirements for a future software system development.
Optical image encryption via photon-counting imaging and compressive sensing based ptychography

In this study, we investigate the integration of compressive sensing (CS) and photon-counting imaging (PCI) techniques with a ptychography-based optical image encryption system. Primarily, the plaintext real-valued image is optically encrypted and recorded via a classical ptychography technique. Further, the sparse-based representations of the original encrypted complex data can be produced by combining CS and PCI techniques with the primary encrypted image. Such a combination takes an advantage of reduced encrypted samples (i.e., linearly projected random compressive complex samples and photon-counted complex samples) that can be exploited to realize optical decryption, which inherently serves as a secret key (i.e., independent to encryption phase keys) and makes an intruder attack futile. In addition to this, recording fewer encrypted samples provides a substantial bandwidth reduction in online transmission. We demonstrate that the fewer sparse-based complex samples have adequate information to realize decryption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on integrating CS and PCI with conventional ptychography-based optical image encryption.
[A reliability growth assessment method and its application in the development of equipment in space cabin].

Objective. To assess and predict reliability of an equipment dynamically by making full use of various test informations in the development of products. Method. A new reliability growth assessment method based on army material system analysis activity (AMSAA) model was developed. The method is composed of the AMSAA model and test data conversion technology. Result. The assessment and prediction results of a space-borne equipment conform to its expectations. Conclusion. It is suggested that this method should be further researched and popularized.
Regulation of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in human breast carcinoma by exogenous leptin in nude mouse xenograft model.

BACKGROUND It is essential to clarify the interactions of hormones during the progression of human breast cancer. This study examined the effects of exogenous human leptin on estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta in human breast tumor tissue in a nude mouse xenograft model. METHODS We created nude mice xenografts of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and randomly divided them into an experimental group and a control group. The mice in experimental group were injected subcutaneously around tumors with human leptin, while the control group were injected with the same dose of normal saline. A real-time RT-PCR assay was developed to quantify the mRNA of ERalpha, beta in the tumor tissues. Western blotting analyses were used to assess the relative quantities of the ERalpha, beta proteins. RESULTS Leptin-treated xenografted nude mice were successfully established. The amount of ERalpha mRNA was significantly higher in the leptin group than in the control group (P < 0.01), while the amount of ERbeta mRNA was significantly lower in the leptin group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Western blotting analyses revealed that the ERalpha protein level was significantly higher in the leptin group than in the control group (P < 0.01), while the ERbeta protein level was significantly lower in the leptin group than in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Nude mouse xenograft model can be safely and serviceably treated with human leptin by subcutaneous injections around tumor. ERalpha, beta were both targets of leptin in breast cancer. Leptin can up-regulate the expression of ERalpha and down-regulate the expression of the ERbeta in human breast tumor.
Receptor MER Tyrosine Kinase Proto-oncogene (MERTK) Is Not Required for Transfer of Bis-retinoids to the Retinal Pigmented Epithelium*

Accumulation of bis-retinoids in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is a hallmark of aging and retinal disorders such as Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. These aberrant fluorescent condensation products, including di-retinoid-pyridinium-ethanolamine (A2E), are thought to be transferred to RPE cells primarily through phagocytosis of the photoreceptor outer segments. However, we observed by two-photon microscopy that mouse retinas incapable of phagocytosis due to a deficiency of the c-Mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (Mertk) nonetheless contained fluorescent retinoid condensation material in their RPE. Primary RPE cells from Mertk−/− mice also accumulated fluorescent products in vitro. Finally, quantification of A2E demonstrated the acquisition of retinal condensation products in Mertk−/− mouse RPE prior to retinal degeneration. In these mice, we identified activated microglial cells that likely were recruited to transport A2E-like condensation products to the RPE and dispose of the dying photoreceptor cells. These observations demonstrate a novel transport mechanism between photoreceptor cells and RPE that does not involve canonical Mertk-dependent phagocytosis.
Evaluation of commercial honey bee queens quality in Egypt

To evaluate numbers of morphological characteristics of virgin honey bee queens, a total of 720 queens were obtained from five queen rearing stations were used. Queen samples were collected in March and August during seasons of 2015 and 2016. General characters as wet weight, thorax width and length, sum of third and fourth tergites length, abdomen length, number of ovarioles and volume of spermatheca were measured. The present result indicated that the queen weight was ranged from 134.33 to 156.34 mg in all tested samples. Insignificant difference of queen weights between the two trials in March or August was recorded. The averages of ovariole numbers were ranged from 118.93 to 130.11 in March, whereas they ranged from 125.32 and 131.26 in August. Both queen characters, weight and ovariole numbers were under the international standard for queen quality. The general mean of queen's acceptance percentage in August (83.33%) was differed significantly from the acceptance percentage in March (69.35%). The percentage of successful natural queen mating was ranged from 81.33 to 88.8 % in March and August, respectively. The present results Manifest a lack of queen quality and queen rearing practices in queen rearing stations in Egypt.
Exploring Personal Localization

We explored user attitudes toward personal indoor localization within the specific setting of UW CSE graduate students in the Allen Center. To do so, we used several HCI methodologies: Future Workshops, an online survey, a paper prototype, and user studies of the paper prototype. Taking inspiration from Value-Sensitive Design, we also identified values we wished to support. Fun and productivity were dual goals for the localization system, and we considered the privacy values of trust, plausible deniability, safety, calmness and social acceptance. Our contributions are the exploration of the wide range of user perspectives of the problem, and the development of a logging method that improves accountability and privacy in localization systems.
Body fat related to daily physical activity and insulin concentrations in non‐diabetic children

This study explored the associations between body fat versus daily physical activity and insulin concentrations in non‐diabetic young children in a cross‐sectional study of 172 children (93 boys and 79 girls) aged 8–11 years. Blood samples were analysed for serum insulin and daily physical activity was measured by accelerometers. Time spent performing vigorous activity was estimated from accelerometer data by using established cut‐off points. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to quantify abdominal fat mass (AFM) and total body fat (TBF), also calculated as percentage of body weight (BF%). Body fat distribution was calculated as AFM/TBF. Body fat distribution was independently linked to both insulin concentrations and physical activity. In contrast, TBF, AFM, and BF% were linked to physical activity only and not to insulin concentrations. In conclusion in this population of non‐diabetic children, body fat distribution was independently associated with increased concentrations of insulin and deceased amount of vigorous activity per day. Also, AFM, TBF, and BF% were independently related to minutes of vigorous activity per day.
THE DISCOVERY OF INFRARED RINGS IN THE PLANETARY NEBULA NGC 1514 DURING THE WISE ALL-SKY SURVEY

We report the discovery of a pair of infrared, axisymmetric rings in the planetary nebula NGC 1514 during the course of the WISE all-sky mid-infrared survey. Similar structures are seen at visible wavelengths in objects such as the “Engraved Hourglass Nebula” (MyCn 18) and the “Southern Crab Nebula” (Hen 2-104). However, in NGC 1514 we see only a single pair of rings and they are easily observed only in the mid-infrared. These rings are roughly 0.2 pc in diameter, are separated by 0.05 pc, and are dominated by dust emission with a characteristic temperature of 160 K. We compare the morphology and color of the rings to the other nebular structures seen at visible, far-infrared, and radio wavelengths, and close with a discussion of a physical model and formation scenario for NGC 1514.
An Intronic G Run within HIV-1 Intron 2 Is Critical for Splicing Regulation of vif mRNA

ABSTRACT Within target T lymphocytes, human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) encounters the retroviral restriction factor APOBEC3G (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3G; A3G), which is counteracted by the HIV-1 accessory protein Vif. Vif is encoded by intron-containing viral RNAs that are generated by splicing at 3′ splice site (3′ss) A1 but lack splicing at 5′ss D2, which results in the retention of a large downstream intron. Hence, the extents of activation of 3′ss A1 and repression of D2, respectively, determine the levels of vif mRNA and thus the ability to evade A3G-mediated antiviral effects. The use of 3′ss A1 can be enhanced or repressed by splicing regulatory elements that control the recognition of downstream 5′ss D2. Here we show that an intronic G run (GI2-1) represses the use of a second 5′ss, termed D2b, that is embedded within intron 2 and, as determined by RNA deep-sequencing analysis, is normally inefficiently used. Mutations of GI2-1 and activation of D2b led to the generation of transcripts coding for Gp41 and Rev protein isoforms but primarily led to considerable upregulation of vif mRNA expression. We further demonstrate, however, that higher levels of Vif protein are actually detrimental to viral replication in A3G-expressing T cell lines but not in A3G-deficient cells. These observations suggest that an appropriate ratio of Vif-to-A3G protein levels is required for optimal virus replication and that part of Vif level regulation is effected by the novel G run identified here.
Evaluating the Influence of the Client Behavior in Cloud Computing

This paper proposes a novel approach for the implementation of simulation scenarios, providing a client entity for cloud computing systems. The client entity allows the creation of scenarios in which the client behavior has an influence on the simulation, making the results more realistic. The proposed client entity is based on several characteristics that affect the performance of a cloud computing system, including different modes of submission and their behavior when the waiting time between requests (think time) is considered. The proposed characterization of the client enables the sending of either individual requests or group of Web services to scenarios where the workload takes the form of bursts. The client entity is included in the CloudSim, a framework for modelling and simulation of cloud computing. Experimental results show the influence of the client behavior on the performance of the services executed in a cloud computing system.
PCNA recruits CDK inhibitor Xic 1 to DNA and couples its proteolysis to DNA polymerase switching *

Current Address: Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, MB-7, La Jolla, CA 92037 *This work was supported by a Career Development Award (DAMD17-02-1-0589) from the U.S. Army Department of Defense and by the National Institute of Health (1RO1-GM066226) §To whom correspondence should be addressed: Tel: 210-567-7263, Fax: 210-567-7247, E-mail: yew@uthscsa.edu Running Title: Xic1 proteolysis requires PCNA loading onto DNA
Mice Lacking α-Tubulin Acetyltransferase 1 Are Viable but Display α-Tubulin Acetylation Deficiency and Dentate Gyrus Distortion*

Background: Biological functions of mammalian Atat1 and its contribution to α-tubulin acetylation in vivo remain elusive. Results: Atat1-null mice are viable but possess deficient α-tubulin acetylation and a bulge in the dentate gyrus. Conclusion: Mouse Atat1 is a predominant α-tubulin acetyltransferase in vivo and fine-tunes hippocampus development. Significance: Mammalian Atat1 is not required for survival and development but may regulate more advanced functions. α-Tubulin acetylation at Lys-40, located on the luminal side of microtubules, has been widely studied and used as a marker for stable microtubules in the cilia and other subcellular structures, but the functional consequences remain perplexing. Recent studies have shown that Mec-17 and its paralog are responsible for α-tubulin acetylation in Caenorhabditis elegans. There is one such protein known as Atat1 (α-tubulin acetyltransferase 1) per higher organism. Zebrafish Atat1 appears to govern embryo development, raising the intriguing possibility that Atat1 is also critical for development in mammals. In addition to Atat1, three other mammalian acetyltransferases, ARD1-NAT1, ELP3, and GCN5, have been shown to acetylate α-tubulin in vitro, so an important question is how these four enzymes contribute to the acetylation in vivo. We demonstrate here that Atat1 is a major α-tubulin acetyltransferase in mice. It is widely expressed in mouse embryos and tissues. Although Atat1-null animals display no overt phenotypes, α-tubulin acetylation is lost in sperm flagella and the dentate gyrus is slightly deformed. Furthermore, human ATAT1 colocalizes on bundled microtubules with doublecortin. These results thus suggest that mouse Atat1 may regulate advanced functions such as learning and memory, thereby shedding novel light on the physiological roles of α-tubulin acetylation in mammals.