Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 3D-printed, functionally graded soft robot powered by combustion

Making jack jump efficiently In the future, soft-bodied robots may be able to squeeze into tight spaces or work in environments where they could be crushed. However, it is hard to ensure efficient power transmission in a soft-bodied device. One promising solution is to use explosions to drive the robot, using efficient weight-to-power energy sources. Using three-dimensional printing to fuse together multiple materials, Bartlett et al. built a combustion-powered robot. The robot has a rigid core that transitions to a soft exterior. They produced an efficient jumping robot in which the gradations in the hardness of the body materials also improved robustness. Science, this issue p. 161 Gradual interfacing of soft and rigid components creates a more robust, untethered, jumping soft robot. Roboticists have begun to design biologically inspired robots with soft or partially soft bodies, which have the potential to be more robust and adaptable, and safer for human interaction, than traditional rigid robots. However, key challenges in the design and manufacture of soft robots include the complex fabrication processes and the interfacing of soft and rigid components. We used multimaterial three-dimensional (3D) printing to manufacture a combustion-powered robot whose body transitions from a rigid core to a soft exterior. This stiffness gradient, spanning three orders of magnitude in modulus, enables reliable interfacing between rigid driving components (controller, battery, etc.) and the primarily soft body, and also enhances performance. Powered by the combustion of butane and oxygen, this robot is able to perform untethered jumping.
Characterization of A Folded Stepped Impedance Resonator for Miniature Microstrip Bandpass Filter Applications

In this paper we propose a Folded Stepped Impedance Resonator(FSIR) which is effective in realizing extremely compact microstrip bandpass filters. To characterize this new structure we use an FDTD algorithm where all discontinuity effects have been considered. For identical resonant frequencies, the proposed FSIR is found to be approximately 43 percent shorter in total length than conventional half-wavelength microstrip resonators. The accuracy of our FDTD analysis is verified through comparison with results in the open literature, and the effectiveness of the FSIR is also confirmed by experiments with two test resonators we have fabricated.
Genetic analysis of ColN plasmid determinants for colicin production, release, and immunity

Colicin N was identified as the 39,000-molecular-weight protein encoded by the 4,900-base-pair, multiple copy number, amplifiable plasmid ColN -284. Its production was controlled by the SOS regulatory circuit and by catabolite repression. Colicin accumulated intracellularly to ca. 10(6) molecules per cell after growth for 2 to 3 h in medium containing 0.5 microgram of mitomycin C per ml and was then released as the cells underwent partial lysis. Strains carrying pColN -284 and its derivatives exhibited low-level immunity to colicin N and were fully sensitive to all other colicins tested. Regions of the plasmid responsible for colicin N activity (cna), for mitomycin-induced lysis ( cnl ), and for colicin N immunity ( cni ) were localized and characterized by cloning, transposon Tn5 and hydroxylamine mutagenesis, and restriction endonuclease deletion and mapping analysis. The results are discussed in terms of both the organization of the cna, cnl , and cni genes and the respective role of cnl expression and colicin N production in mitomycin sensitivity, colicin export, and induced partial lysis of ColN + cells.
Evidence that exposure of the telomere 3′ overhang sequence induces senescence

Normal human cells cease proliferation after a finite number of population doublings, a phenomenon termed replicative senescence. This process, first convincingly described by Hayflick and Moorhead [Hayflick, L. & Moorhead, P. S. (1961) Exp. Cell Res. 25, 595–621] for cultured human fibroblasts 40 years ago, is suggested to be a fundamental defense against cancer. Several events have been demonstrated to induce the senescent phenotype including telomere shortening, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and oncogenic stimulation. The molecular mechanisms underlying senescence are poorly understood. Here we report that a 1-week exposure to oligonucleotide homologous to the telomere 3′-overhang sequence TTAGGG (T-oligo) similarly specifically induces a senescent phenotype in cultured human fibroblasts, mimicking serial passage or ectopic expression of a dominant negative form of the telomeric repeat binding factor, TRF2DN. We propose that exposure of the 3′ overhang due to telomere loop disruption may occur with critical telomere shortening or extensive acute DNA damage and that the exposed TTAGGG tandem repeat sequence then triggers DNA-damage responses. We further demonstrate that these responses can be induced by treatment with oligonucleotides homologous to the overhang in the absence of telomere disruption, a phenomenon of potential therapeutic importance.
Mutations at Two Key Sites in PP2A Safeguard Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons from Microcystin-LR Toxicity

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a secondary metabolite produced by cyanobacteria, globally renowned for its potent hepatotoxicity. However, an increasing body of research suggests that it also exhibits pronounced neurotoxicity. PP2A is a fundamental intracellular phosphatase that plays a pivotal role in cell development and survival. Although extensive research has focused on the binding of MC-LR to the C subunit of PP2A, few studies have explored the key amino acid sites that can prevent the binding of MC-LR to PP2A-C. Due to the advantages of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), such as ease of genetic editing and a short lifespan, we exposed nematodes to MC-LR in a manner that simulated natural exposure conditions based on MC-LR concentrations in natural water bodies (immersion exposure). Our findings demonstrate that MC-LR exerts comprehensive toxicity on nematodes, including reducing lifespan, impairing reproductive capabilities, and diminishing sensory functions. Notably, and for the first time, we observed that MC-LR neurotoxic effects can persist up to the F3 generation, highlighting the significant threat that MC-LR poses to biological populations in natural environments. Furthermore, we identified two amino acid sites (L252 and C278) in PP2A-C through mutations that prevented MC-LR binding without affecting PP2A activity. This discovery was robustly validated through behavioral studies and neuronal calcium imaging using nematodes. In conclusion, we identified two crucial amino acid sites that could prevent MC-LR from binding to PP2A-C, which holds great significance for the future development of MC-LR detoxification drugs.
Prevalence and Genotype Characterization of Blastocystis hominis Among the Baghmalek People in Southwestern Iran in 2013 - 2014

Background: Blastocystis hominis is a common globally distributed parasite. The prevalence of this parasite has been shown to vary among different countries. Molecular studies have also shown that there is a high level of genetic diversity among Blastocystis spp. isolated from humans and animals. Extensive information on parasitic genotypes will aid in devising more effective strategies for the identification and potential control of these pathogenic parasites. Objectives: This study aimed to gain information on the prevalence and abundance of Blastocystis subtypes in Iran. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 3 months, 1,410 stool samples were collected and examined by microscopy. Samples found to be positive for B. hominis were concentrated and phylogenetic analysis was subsequently performed. A questionnaire was completed by all study participants. Results: Blastocystis hominis was found to have a prevalence of 3.33% in the study population. There was no significant association of Blastocystis infection with age (P = 0.3) or gender (P = 0.57). The Blastocystis subtypes (ST) identified in this study were ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST7 with the most prevalent being ST4 (40.9%). Conclusions: The prevalence of B. hominis in the study area was lower than that reported for most developed countries, and unlike in other countries in the Middle East, ST4 was the most prevalent subtype.
Is intranasal midazolam better than rectal diazepam for home management of acute seizures?

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med Intranasal Midazolam vs Rectal Diazepam for the Home Treatment of Acute Seizures in Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy Maija Holsti, MD, MPH; Nanette Dudley, MD; Jeff Schunk, MD; Kathleen Adelgais, MD, MPH; Richard Greenberg, MD; Cody Olsen, MS; Aaron Healy, BS; Sean Firth, PhD, MPH; Francis Filloux, MD Objective: To compare intranasal midazolam, using a Mucosal Atomization Device (IN-MMAD), with rectal diazepam (RD) for the home treatment of seizures in children with epilepsy. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Patients' homes and a freestanding children's hospital that serves as a referral center for 5 states. Patients: A total of 358 pediatric patients who visited a pediatric neurology clinic from July 2006 through September 2008 and were prescribed a home rescue medication for their next seizure. Intervention: Caretakers were randomized to use either 0.2 mg/kg of IN-MMAD (maximum, 10 mg) or 0.3 to 0.5 mg/kg of RD (maximum, 20 mg) at home for their child's next seizure if it lasted more than 5 minutes. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was total seizure time after medication administration. Our secondary outcome measures were total seizure time, time to medication administration, respiratory complications, emergency medical service support, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and caretakers' ease of administration and satisfaction with the medication. Results: A total of 92 caretakers gave the study medication during a child's seizure (50 IN-MMAD, 42 RD). The median time from medication administration to seizure cessation for IN-MMAD was 1.3 minutes less than for RD (95% confidence interval, 0.0-3.5 minutes;P = .09). The median time to medication administration was 5.0 minutes for each group. No differences in complications were found between treatment groups. Caretakers were more satisfied with IN-MMAD and report that it was easier to give than RD. Conclusions: There was no detectable difference in efficacy between IN-MMAD and RD as a rescue medication for terminating seizures at home in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Ease of administration and overall satisfaction was higher with IN-MMAD compared with RD. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00326612. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010;164(8):747-753.
Applied Research for Advertising Products: Tactics for Effective Research

Digital advertising is the financial backbone of the Internet industry and is what allows most companies to monetize the traffic to their Internet products. Past research studies have focused on the user's perception of personalized ads, ad targeting and ranking, however, few articles explore the role of UX researchers in creating the advertising tools themselves and the practices they use. In short, for a set of tools that are critical to most internet companies, advertising tools have received little attention in UX research literature. This case study explores the processes, challenges, and tactics employed by UX researchers in advertising products. It provides tactics to conduct effective UX research in this arena. We explore tactics spanning the gamut from study preparation to conducting interviews to collaborating with sales managers. The hope is that this study will foster conversations in the broader CHI community on the UX research practices for advertising tools.
Cryptography by the Echacha20 Algorithm Based on Logistic and Chirikov Chaotic Maps

Nowadays, lightweight cryptography attracts academicians, scientists and researchers to concentrate on its requisite with the increasing usage of low resource devices. In this paper, a new lightweight encryption scheme is proposed using the chaotic map. This encryption scheme is an addition–rotation–XOR block cipher designed for its supremacy, efficacy and speed execution. In this addition–rotation–XOR cipher, the equation for chaotic map is iteratively solved to generate unique random numbers in a speedy manner using the logistic and Chirikov map. Chaotic maps, encryption algorithms, and cryptography are three approaches that are frequently used to safeguard digital data from unauthorized access and use. Chacha20 is a lightweight encryption algorithm, fast and secure and provides a balance between high security and little complexity and execution time the addition, in this work the development of the Chacha20 algorithm is used to provide the required security for data transmission. Therefore, we created a randomness key to power the algorithm against various attacks Using the chaotic map to generate a random key for the encryption/decryption operations to improve the diffusion of the ChaCha20 cryptography algorithm's stream secret key. Finally, the cipher results are constructed from the input data and evaluated with various statistical as well as randomness tests correlation coefficient, SNR, and UAIC metrics prove that the proposed enhancement of the Chaha20 stream cipher algorithm (EChacha20) with chaotic addition–rotation–XOR stream cipher is efficient in terms of randomness and speed. For the end discussed complete models with security measures in this research
Overexpression of SOD2 Increases Salt Tolerance of Arabidopsis1

The yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) SOD2 (Sodium2) gene was introduced into Arabidopsis under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Transformants were selected for their ability to grow on medium containing kanamycin. Southern- and northern-blot analyses confirmed that SOD2 was transferred into the Arabidopsis genome. There were no obvious morphological or developmental differences between the transgenic and wild-type (wt) plants. Several transgenic homozygous lines and wt plants (control) were evaluated for salt tolerance and gene expression. Overexpression of SOD2 in Arabidopsis improved seed germination and seedling salt tolerance. Analysis of Na+ and K+ contents of the symplast and apoplast in the parenchyma cells of the root cortex and mesophyll cells in the spongy tissue of the leaf showed that transgenic lines accumulated less Na+ and more K+ in the symplast than the wt plants did. The photosynthetic rate and the fresh weight of the transgenic lines were distinctly higher than that of wt plants after NaCl treatment. Results from different tests indicated that the expression of the SOD2 gene promoted a higher level of salt tolerance in vivo in transgenic Arabidopsis plants.
Epitope-Specific CD8+ T Cells Play a Differential Pathogenic Role in the Development of a Viral Disease Model for Multiple Sclerosis

ABSTRACT Theiler's virus-induced demyelinating disease has been extensively investigated as a model for persistent viral infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the role of CD8+ T cells in the development of disease remains unclear. To assess the role of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease, a single amino acid substitution was introduced into the predominant viral epitope (VP3 from residues 159 to 166 [VP3159-166]) and/or a subdominant viral epitope (VP3173-181) of susceptible SJL/J mice by site-directed mutagenesis. The resulting variant viruses (N160V, P179A, and N160V/P179A) failed to induce CD8+ T cell responses to the respective epitopes. Surprisingly, mice infected with N160V or N160V/P179A virus, which lacks CD8+ T cells against VP3159-166, did not develop demyelinating disease, in contrast to wild-type virus or P179A virus lacking VP3173-181-specific CD8+ T cells. Our findings clearly show that the presence of VP3159-166-specific CD8+ T cells, rather than viral persistence itself, is strongly correlated with disease development. VP3173-181-specific CD8+ T cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of these virus-infected mice expressed higher levels of transforming growth factor β, forkhead box P3, interleukin-22 (IL-22), and IL-17 mRNA but caused minimal cytotoxicity compared to that caused by VP3159-166-specific CD8+ T cells. VP3159-166-specific CD8+ T cells exhibited high functional avidity for gamma interferon production, whereas VP3173-181-specific CD8+ T cells showed low avidity. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that the induction of the IL-17-producing CD8+ T cell type is largely epitope specific and that this specificity apparently plays a differential role in the pathogenicity of virus-induced demyelinating disease. These results strongly advocate for the careful consideration of CD8+ T cell-mediated intervention of virus-induced inflammatory diseases.
Mental registration of 2D and 3D visualizations (an empirical study)

2D and 3D views are used together in many visualization domains, such as medical imaging, flow visualization, oceanographic visualization, and computer aided design (CAD). Combining these views into one display can be done by: (1) orientation icon (i.e., separate windows), (2) in-place methods (e.g., clip and cutting planes), and (3) a new method called ExoVis. How 2D and 3D views are displayed affects ease of mental registration (understanding the spatial relationship between views), an important factor influencing user performance. This paper compares the above methods in terms of their ability to support mental registration. Empirical results show that mental registration is significantly easier with in-place displays than with ExoVis, and significantly easier with ExoVis than with orientation icons. Different mental transformation strategies can explain this result. The results suggest that ExoVis may be a better alternative to orientation icons when in-place displays are not appropriate (e.g., when in-place methods hide data or cut the 3D view into several pieces).
OPTIMAL PLACEMENT OF PHASOR MEASUREMENT UNITS FOR POWER SYSTEM OBSERVABILITY

This paper present a method to find minimum number of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for complete observability of power system network for normal operating conditions.A linear algorithm is used to determine the minimum number of PMUs needed to make the system observable. For state estimation and fault diagnosis in power system synchronized snapshot of whole system must be necessary. The proposed method is used to benchmark the optimal PMUs placement solution for the IEEE 14-bus, IEEE 18bus, IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 57-bus test systems.
Multiparameter elastic full-waveform inversion in the presence of azimuthally rotated orthorhombic anisotropy: Application to 9-C land data

Research reported in this publication was supported by competitive research funding from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. For computer time, this research used the resources of the Supercomputing Laboratory in KAUST. We thank the members of Seismic Wave Analysis Group (SWAG), particularly Vladimir Kazei and Nabil Masmoudi, in KAUST for helpful discussions.
Adaptive multimodal fusion with web resources for scene classification

To train a scene classifier with good generalization capability, a large number of human labeled training images are often needed. However, a large number of well-labeled training images may not always be available. To alleviate this problem, the web resources-aided scene classification framework was proposed. The present paper is a new development based on our previously proposed framework [1], with the following improvements. First, a text-based filtering algorithm is developed to remove irrelevant web search returns since irrelevant web search returns provide irrelevant or even wrong information about the class of an image. Second, an adaptive fusion algorithm is developed for the integration of visual feature-based and web textual feature-based classification results. This adaptive fusion algorithm is inspired by the multisensory integration mechanism of human whose adaptability is achieved by reliability-dependent weighting of different sensory modalities. Experimental results show that the proposed web textual resources aided image classification framework can improve classification accuracy of some classes by 13% and 12% in the UIUC-Sports and LabelMe8 datasets, respectively.
Complex hand dexterity: a review of biomechanical methods for measuring musical performance

Complex hand dexterity is fundamental to our interactions with the physical, social, and cultural environment. Dexterity can be an expression of creativity and precision in a range of activities, including musical performance. Little is understood about complex hand dexterity or how virtuoso expertise is acquired, due to the versatility of movement combinations available to complete any given task. This has historically limited progress of the field because of difficulties in measuring movements of the hand. Recent developments in methods of motion capture and analysis mean it is now possible to explore the intricate movements of the hand and fingers. These methods allow us insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning complex hand dexterity and motor learning. They also allow investigation into the key factors that contribute to injury, recovery and functional compensation. The application of such analytical techniques within musical performance provides a multidisciplinary framework for purposeful investigation into the process of learning and skill acquisition in instrumental performance. These highly skilled manual and cognitive tasks present the ultimate achievement in complex hand dexterity. This paper will review methods of assessing instrumental performance in music, focusing specifically on biomechanical measurement and the associated technical challenges faced when measuring highly dexterous activities.
Detection of man-made-objects based on spatial aggregations

This paper presents a method for detecting complex man-made-objects in im ages. The detection model is a bayesian net that aggregates cliques of image regions which may cover a complex object. Observable attributes of the regions are derived from a rich symbolic image description containing points, lines and regions as basic features including their relations. The model captures the dependency of the region aggregates on the features and their relations with respect to observability due to occlusions and to pers pective deformations. Cliques are classified using MAP estimation. Up to now, the model captures cliques with on e, two and three regions which is sufficient for detecting polyhedral objects. The model allows to detect an d locate multiple appearances of object classes. The joint distribution of the Bayesian net is determined in a superv ised learning step based on images with annotated regions. The method is realized and demonstrated for the detectio n of building roofs in aerial images.