Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zfp462 deficiency causes anxiety‐like behaviors with excessive self‐grooming in mice

Zfp462 is a newly identified vertebrate‐specific zinc finger protein that contains nearly 2500 amino acids and 23 putative C2H2‐type zinc finger domains. So far, the functions of Zfp462 remain unclear. In our study, we showed that Zfp462 is expressed predominantly in the developing brain, especially in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions from embryonic day 7.5 to early postnatal stage. By using a piggyBac transposon‐generated Zfp462 knockout (KO) mouse model, we found that Zfp462 KO mice exhibited prenatal lethality with normal neural tube patterning, whereas heterozygous (Het) Zfp462 KO (Zfp462+/−) mice showed developmental delay with low body weight and brain weight. Behavioral studies showed that Zfp462+/− mice presented anxiety‐like behaviors with excessive self‐grooming and hair loss, which were similar to the pathological grooming behaviors in Hoxb8 KO mice. Further analysis of grooming microstructure showed the impairment of grooming patterning in Zfp462+/− mice. In addition, the mRNA levels of Pbx1 (pre‐B‐cell leukemia homeobox 1, an interacting protein of Zfp462) and Hoxb8 decreased in the brains of Zfp462+/− mice, which may be the cause of anxiety‐like behaviors. Finally, imipramine, a widely used and effective anti‐anxiety medicine, rescued anxiety‐like behaviors and excessive self‐grooming in Zfp462+/− mice. In conclusion, Zfp462 deficiency causes anxiety‐like behaviors with excessive self‐grooming in mice. This provides a novel genetic mouse model for anxiety disorders and a useful tool to determine potential therapeutic targets for anxiety disorders and screen anti‐anxiety drugs.
High-density genetic mapping of a major QTL for resistance to multiple races of loose smut in a tetraploid wheat cross

Loose smut, caused by Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr. , is a systemic disease of tetraploid durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.). Loose smut can be economically controlled by growing resistant varieties, making it important to find and deploy new sources of resistance. Blackbird, a variety of T. turgidum L. subsp. carthlicum (Nevski) A. Love & D. Love, carries a high level of resistance to loose smut. Blackbird was crossed with the loose smut susceptible durum cultivar Strongfield to produce a doubled haploid (DH) mapping population. The parents and progenies were inoculated with U. tritici races T26, T32 and T33 individually and as a mixture at Swift Current, Canada in 2011 and 2012 and loose smut incidence (LSI) was assessed. Genotyping of the DH population and parents using an Infinium iSelect 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array identified 12,952 polymorphic SNPs. The SNPs and 426 SSRs (previously genotyped in the same population) were mapped to 16 linkage groups spanning 3008.4 cM at an average inter-marker space of 0.2 cM in a high-density genetic map. Composite interval mapping analysis revealed three significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for loose smut resistance on chromosomes 3A, 6B and 7A. The loose smut resistance QTL on 6B (QUt.spa-6B.2) and 7A (QUt.spa-7A.2) were derived from Blackbird. Strongfield contributed the minor QTL on 3A (QUt.spa-3A.2). The resistance on 6B was a stable major QTL effective against all individual races and the mixture of the three races; it explained up to 74% of the phenotypic variation. This study is the first attempt in durum wheat to identify and map loose smut resistance QTL using a high-density genetic map. The QTL QUt.spa-6B.2 would be an effective source for breeding resistance to multiple races of the loose smut pathogen because it provides near-complete broad resistance to the predominant virulence on the Canadian prairies.
Multi-Sensor Lane Finding in Urban Road Networks

This paper describes a system for detecting and estimating the properties of multiple travel lanes in an urban road network from calibrated video imagery and laser range data acquired by a moving vehicle. The system operates in several stages on multiple processors, fusing detected road markings, obstacles, and curbs into a stable non-parametric estimate of nearby travel lanes. The system incorporates elements of a provided piecewise-linear road network as a weak prior. Our method is notable in several respects: it estimates multiple travel lanes; it fuses asynchronous, heterogeneous sensor streams; it handles high-curvature roads; and it makes no assumption about the position or orientation of the vehicle with respect to the road. We analyze the system’s performance in the context of the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. With five cameras and thirteen lidars, it was incorporated into a closed-loop controller to successfully guide an autonomous vehicle through a 90 km urban course at speeds up to 40 km/h amidst moving traffic.
Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin for Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and painful human illness that, unfortunately not responsive to commonly used antibiotics in current practice. The role of fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin in the era of growing bacteria resistance has been widely discussed. In this study, we aimed to know the local antimicrobial susceptibilities, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin susceptibility in particular, for urinary extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Escherichia pneumoniae (ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP) isolates in our hospital. We collected 464 urine isolates, including 384 ESBL-EC and 80 ESBL-KP isolates. Of 464 urine isolates culture positive ESBL-UTIs, EC caused 384 (82.75%), followed by Klebsiella in 80 (17.24%). Carbapenems and Colistin seems to remain as the first line therapy for the majority of ESBL-UTIs in the local setting. Colistin and fosfomycin remains the most sensitive antibiotic while nitrofurantoin still preserves the good sensitivity against ESBL and found to be an only oral sensitive antibiotic.
The Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis) Immune Deficiency Signaling Pathway Regulates Rickettsia typhi Infection

ABSTRACT Rickettsia species are obligate intracellular bacteria with both conserved and lineage-specific strategies for invading and surviving within eukaryotic cells. One variable component of Rickettsia biology involves arthropod vectors: for instance, typhus group rickettsiae are principally vectored by insects (i.e., lice and fleas), whereas spotted fever group rickettsiae are exclusively vectored by ticks. For flea-borne Rickettsia typhi, the etiological agent of murine typhus, research on vertebrate host biology is facilitated using cell lines and animal models. However, due to the lack of any stable flea cell line or a published flea genome sequence, little is known regarding R. typhi biology in flea vectors that, importantly, do not suffer lethality due to R. typhi infection. To address if fleas combat rickettsial infection, we characterized the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) innate immune response to R. typhi. Initially, we determined that R. typhi infects Drosophila cells and increases antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression, indicating immune pathway activation. While bioinformatics analysis of the C. felis transcriptome identified homologs to all of the Drosophila immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathway components, an AMP gene expression profile in Drosophila cells indicated IMD pathway activation upon rickettsial infection. Accordingly, we assessed R. typhi-mediated flea IMD pathway activation in vivo using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown. Knockdown of Relish and Imd increased R. typhi infection levels, implicating the IMD pathway as a critical regulator of R. typhi burden in C. felis. These data suggest that targeting the IMD pathway could minimize the spread of R. typhi, and potentially other human pathogens, vectored by fleas.
Corrected Continuous Correlation Filter for Long-Term Tracking

Recently, a large number of visual tracking algorithms based on discriminative correlation filter have been proposed with demonstrated success. However, most of algorithms cannot well handle long-term videos in which the locating error may accumulate and lead to drifting or tracking failure. Hence, it is of great importance to design a robust long-term tracker which can effectively alleviate tracking drift and redetect the object in case of tracking failure. In this paper, a continuous correlation filter has been proposed to achieve subpixel object locations in continuous domain. For scale estimation, we present a novel multipyramid strategy and the optimal scale tracker is used to correct object locating error in return. Meanwhile, we learn an online random fern classifier to redetect the target in case of tracking failure. By analyzing the confidence of predicted location, we update the translation model conservatively by the reliable targets throughout the sequence. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, extensive experiments are conducted on a benchmark with 100 video sequences, which demonstrate that our tracking mechanism is well fit to tackle long-term sequences and outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
How to Cache in Mobile Hybrid IoT Networks?

Content-centric mobile hybrid Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks consisting of mobile devices and static femto access points (FAPs) are studied, where each device moves according to the random walk mobility model and requests a content object from the library independently at random according to a Zipf popularity distribution. Instead of allowing access to content objects at macro base stations via costly backhaul providing connection to the core network, we consider a more practical scenario where mobile devices and static FAPs, each having a finite-size cache space, are able to cache a subset of content objects so that each request is served by other mobile devices or static FAPs. Under a general multihop-based content delivery protocol, we analyze the order-optimal throughput–delay trade-off by presenting a new cache allocation strategy. In particular, under a given caching strategy, we first characterize a throughput–delay trade-off in terms of scaling laws along with the general content delivery multihop routing protocol. Then, the order-optimal throughput–delay trade-off is characterized by presenting the order-optimal cache allocation strategy, which jointly finds the replication sets at mobile devices and static FAPs via a novel variable decoupling approach. In our mobile IoT network, an interesting observation is that highly popular content objects are mainly served by mobile devices while the rest of content objects are served by static FAPs. We perform numerical evaluation to validate our analytical results. We also show that the order-optimal strategy strictly outperforms a baseline approach, where the replication sets at mobile devices and static FAPs are optimized separately.
A Threshold Signature Key Protection Scheme Based on Blind Technology

The current cryptosystem is widely used in all walks of life, while people on the network to transmit sensitive information security requirements are getting higher and higher. Therefore, the key protection issue also becomes particularly significant. In this paper, a scheme based on elliptic curve cryptosystem is proposed to address the problem of signature key protection. In this scheme, the signature key is saved by threshold first, reducing the risk of signature key disclosure that results from a single hijacking. And then the single point signature is applied to each signature fragmentation, the signature of core fragment is realized by blind technique. Finally, all signatures fragmentations are synthesized and verified. The analysis results show that the scheme effectively solves the security problem of the key in the case of occupying the smaller communication resources. The security of the scheme is based on the difficulty of solving discrete logarithm and the security of Shamir threshold secret sharing scheme.
Why Do Teachers Use Game-Based Learning Technologies? The Role of Individual and Institutional ICT Readiness

This paper investigates how different individual and institutional factors pertaining to ICT readiness influence teachers' adoption of game-based learning technologies. The data were gathered from Finnish primary, lower secondary and upper secondary school teachers (N=1668) with an online survey. The results indicate that openness towards ICT, ICT attitude and the ICT compatibility with teaching positively influence the perceived value whereas openness towards ICT, supportive organizational ICT culture, ICT self-efficacy and ICT compatibility with teaching positively influenced the actual use of game-based learning technologies. However, the structural model could explain only little of the variance of the dependent variables indicating that these predictors might not be the most relevant factors in the adoption of game-based learning technologies.
Experimental Demonstration and Analysis of a 1.35-kV 0.92-m $\Omega \cdot \text {cm}^{2}$ SiC Superjunction Schottky Diode

This paper presents the fabrication, experimental analysis and electrical characterization of the first functional SiC superjunction (SJ) device. A trench-etching-and-sidewall-implant method has been developed to implement the SJ principle on a SiC Schottky diode. Several key process steps, including deep trench etching, ion implantation, and high-temperature annealing, are found to have noticeable influences on the device performances. The corresponding influences are studied by both simulation-aided theoretical analysis and experimental measurements. The highest measured cell blocking voltage was 1350 V, which achieves 95% of the simulated blocking voltage for the perfectly charge-balanced SJ structure. The measured device specific on-resistance was 0.92 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{m}\Omega \cdot \text {cm}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The SJ drift region specific on-resistance as low as 0.32 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{m}\Omega \cdot \text {cm}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> was obtained after subtracting the substrate resistance. This result successfully breaks the SiC 1-D unipolar limit.
Analytic Optimization of Porous Medium Heat Sinks for Energy Efficiency and Minimum Mass

Use of microchannel heat sinks for high heat flux applications is substantial for thermal management and it is also critical for scalable power generation. For both applications, the energy efficiency consideration of the pump power is crucial. A number of models have been created that predict the performance as a function of the geometrical parameters, taking into account, the pressure loss over the length and volume constraints. Most of the approaches either involve sophisticated calculations incorporating fluid dynamics in channels, or have an analogy with the pin-fin model, which gives simpler calculations but considers only a single laminar flow regime for optimization. Even with the simplified models available, the geometrical impact on mass and pumping power is nonlinear and not apparent for optimization. We propose an optimization of porous medium heat sinks with respect to the heat transfer rate, mass, and pumping power. These are functions of the simplest geometric parameters, i.e. porosity, pore density, and length of the porous medium.Considering large production, mass (cost of raw material) is nearly proportional to the cost of the heat sink, we consider minimizing the mass for indirectly minimizing the overall cost. The other factor for saving energy considered here is the pumping power. This connects to both the heat transfer rate and the power consumption to drive the fluid through the porous medium.The optimization is performed for a specific value of porosity and length of the heat sink. The model considers the effect of flow through the porous medium and the effective thermal conduction as a function of combined conductivity of the solid ligaments and the fluid in pores.An optimum coefficient of performance (COP) is found at over 90% of porosity for minimum mass, pumping work and maximum heat transfer. This mathematical expression of the model will give a quantifiable figure-of-merit to take into account the impact of the mass and the pumping power on the performance to cost ratio. © 2013 ASME
Examining the Association between Hemodialysis Access Type and Mortality: The Role of Access Complications.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES People receiving hemodialysis to treat kidney failure need a vascular access (a fistula, a graft, or a central venous catheter) to connect to the blood purification machine. Higher rates of access complications are considered the mechanism responsible for the excess mortality observed among catheter or graft users versus fistula users. We tested this hypothesis using mediation analysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We studied incident patients who started hemodialysis therapy from North America, Europe, and Australasia (the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study; 1996-2011). We evaluated the association between access type and time to noninfectious (e.g., thrombosis) and infectious complications of the access (mediator model) and the relationship between access type and time-dependent access complications with 6-month mortality from the creation of the first permanent access (outcome model). In mediation analysis, we formally tested whether access complications explain the association between access type and mortality. RESULTS Of the 6119 adults that we studied (mean age =64 [SD=15] years old; 58% men; 47% patients with diabetes), 50% had a permanent catheter for vascular access, 37% had a fistula, and 13% had a graft. During the 6-month study follow-up, 2084 participants (34%) developed a noninfectious complication of the access, 542 (8.9%) developed an infectious complication, and 526 (8.6%) died. Access type predicted the occurrence of access complications; both access type and complications predicted mortality. The associations between access type and mortality were nearly identical in models excluding and including access complications (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.55 to 2.58 versus hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.56 to 2.59 for catheter versus fistula, respectively). In mediation analysis, higher mortality with catheters or grafts versus fistulas was not the result of increased rates of access complications. CONCLUSIONS Hemodialysis access complications do not seem to explain the association between access type and mortality. Clinical trials are needed to clarify whether these associations are causal or reflect confounding by underlying disease severity.
Fibrous nonlinear elasticity enables positive mechanical feedback between cells and ECMs

Significance Mechanical interactions between cells and the ECM critically regulate cell function, including growth and migration. By measuring forces exerted by breast tumor cells embedded within collagen matrices, we reveal a positive mechanical cross-talk between the cell and ECM: cells pulling onto collagen fibers align and stiffen the matrices, and stiffer collagen matrices promote greater cell force generation. Our work highlights the importance of strain-induced fiber alignment in mediating cell–ECM interaction within a 3D architecture. The basic force regulation principle uncovered here can be extended to understand the tissue-stiffening processes occurring in many diseases, such as tumor progression and fibrosis, and better design biomaterial scaffolds to control cell behavior in tissue engineering applications. In native states, animal cells of many types are supported by a fibrous network that forms the main structural component of the ECM. Mechanical interactions between cells and the 3D ECM critically regulate cell function, including growth and migration. However, the physical mechanism that governs the cell interaction with fibrous 3D ECM is still not known. In this article, we present single-cell traction force measurements using breast tumor cells embedded within 3D collagen matrices. We recreate the breast tumor mechanical environment by controlling the microstructure and density of type I collagen matrices. Our results reveal a positive mechanical feedback loop: cells pulling on collagen locally align and stiffen the matrix, and stiffer matrices, in return, promote greater cell force generation and a stiffer cell body. Furthermore, cell force transmission distance increases with the degree of strain-induced fiber alignment and stiffening of the collagen matrices. These findings highlight the importance of the nonlinear elasticity of fibrous matrices in regulating cell–ECM interactions within a 3D context, and the cell force regulation principle that we uncover may contribute to the rapid mechanical tissue stiffening occurring in many diseases, including cancer and fibrosis.
Influence of microstructure in nitrile polymer on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of carbon black-filled rubber composite for seal applications

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is widely used in seal applications due to its excellent oil resistance. In this article, carbon black-filled NBR composites, which differed in their acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene content ratios, were prepared and their curing characteristics and mechanical properties were investigated. Curing characteristics were investigated by measuring chemical kinetics and onset temperature of cross-linking reaction. Cross-linking density was measured by the volume swelling test. Mechanical properties, oil resistance, and compression set (CS) tests were also conducted. From these results, it was found that the microstructure in NBR polymer is closely connected to the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of the composite. On increasing the ACN content, Shore A hardness, tensile strength at break, elongation at break, oil resistance, and CS were raised, while, on the other hand cross-linking density, kinetics of cross-linking reaction, and bound rubber content were decreased.
Synchronization of Heterogeneous Oscillators Under Network Modifications: Perturbation and Optimization of the Synchrony Alignment Function

Synchronization is central to many complex systems in engineering physics (e.g., the power-grid, Josephson junction circuits, and electro-chemical oscillators) and biology (e.g., neuronal, circadian, and cardiac rhythms). Despite these widespread applications-for which proper functionality depends sensitively on the extent of synchronization-there remains a lack of understanding for how systems can best evolve and adapt to enhance or inhibit synchronization. We study how network modifications affect the synchronization properties of network-coupled dynamical systems that have heterogeneous node dynamics (e.g., phase oscillators with non-identical frequencies), which is often the case for real-world systems. Our approach relies on a synchrony alignment function (SAF) that quantifies the interplay between heterogeneity of the network and of the oscillators and provides an objective measure for a system's ability to synchronize. We conduct a spectral perturbation analysis of the SAF for structural network modifications including the addition and removal of edges, which subsequently ranks the edges according to their importance to synchronization. Based on this analysis, we develop gradient-descent algorithms to efficiently solve optimization problems that aim to maximize phase synchronization via network modifications. We support these and other results with numerical experiments.