Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Optimization of a Compass Robot with Subject to Stability Constraint

Design and Optimization of a Compass Robot with Subject to Stability Constraint. (August 2012) Zohreh KeshavarzBagheri, B.S., University of Tabriz; M.S., Khajeh Nasir-al-Deen Toosi University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Reza Langari Dr. Richard J. Malak In the first part of this thesis, the design of a compass robot is explored by considering its components and their interaction with each other. Three components including robot’s structure, gear and motor are interacting during design process to achieve better performance, higher stability and lower cost. In addition, the modeling of the system is upgraded by considering the torque-velocity constraint in the motor. Adding this constraint of DC motor make the interaction of different components more complicated since it affects the gear and walking dynamics. After achieving the design method, different actuators (motor+ gear+ batteries) are selected for a given structure and the their performance is compared in the terms of cost, efficiency and their effect on the walking stability. In the second part of the thesis, structural optimization of the compass robot with stability constraint is investigated. The stability of a compass robot as a hybrid system is
0 A ug 2 01 3 3 + 1 D Massless Weyl spinors from bosonic scalar-tensor dual

We consider the fermionization of a bosonic free theory characterized by the 3+1D scalar tensor duality. This duality can be interpreted as the dimensional reduction, via a planar boundary, of the 4 + 1D topological BF theory. In this model, adopting the Sommerfield tomographic representation of quantized bosonic fields, we explicitly build a fermionic operator and its associated Klein factor such that it satisfies the correct anticommutation relations. Interestingly, we demonstrate that this operator satisfies the massless Dirac equation and that it can be identified with a 3+1D Weyl spinor. Finally, as an explicit example, we write the integrated charge density in terms of the tomographic transformed bosonic degrees of freedom. PACS Nos: 03.70. +k Theory of quantized fields; 11.10. -z Field theory; 03.65. Pm Dirac equation; 05.30. -d Fermi-Dirac statistics. 1 andrea.amoretti@ge.infn. it 2 alessandro.braggio@spin.cnr. it giacomo.caruso@ge.infn. it 4 nicola.maggiore@ge.infn. it 5 nicodemo.magnoli@ge.infn. it
A Random Evolution of Stochastic difference Equations related to M/M/1 Queueing System

We propose a stochastic model for evolution with single server queue. Birth and death of species occur with constant probabilities. It is shown that the Poisson like arrival process (births) with slowly diffusing like time dependent average inter-event time may be represented as a super statistical one and exhibits 1 �� arrival (birth). We obtain customers induces less to the system and they alter the dynamics of the net profit.
PRDM16 functions as a co-repressor in the BMP pathway to suppress neural stem cell proliferation

BMP signalling acts as an instructive cue in multiple developmental processes such as tissue patterning, stem cell proliferation and differentiation. It remains unclear how the same signalling input can be translated into a diverse range of cell-specific outputs. Here we have identified PRDM16 as a key regulator for BMP-induced neural stem cell (NSC) quiescence. We have determined genomic distribution of the SMAD4/pSMAD complexes in quiescent and proliferating NSCs and find that PRDM16 tethers the SMAD4 and pSMAD1/5/8 proteins at their co-bound genomic sites to prevent transcriptional activation of cell proliferation genes. Loss of Prdm16 led to relocation of the SMAD complex to neighbouring genomic regions, leading to aberrant upregulation of BMP target genes. Such function of PRDM16 is also required for the specification of choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells. Using a single-cell resolution fluorescent in situ approach, we show that a SMAD/PRDM16 co-repressed gene, Wnt7b, and Wnt activity become upregulated in the Prdm16 mutant ChP, which correlates with abnormally elevated cell proliferation. Together, our work defines the mechanism by which SMAD4 and pSMAD1/5/8 repress gene expression during the induction of cell quiescence and suggests a regulatory circuit composed of BMP and Wnt signaling and PRDM16 in the control of stem cell behaviors.
Piezo inhibition prevents and rescues scarring by targeting the adipocyte to fibroblast transition

While past studies have suggested that plasticity exists between dermal fibroblasts and adipocytes, it remains unknown whether fat actively contributes to fibrosis in scarring. We show that adipocytes convert to scar-forming fibroblasts in response to Piezo-mediated mechanosensing to drive wound fibrosis. We establish that mechanics alone are sufficient to drive adipocyte-to- fibroblast conversion. By leveraging clonal-lineage-tracing in combination with scRNA-seq, Visium, and CODEX, we define a “mechanically naïve” fibroblast-subpopulation that represents a transcriptionally intermediate state between adipocytes and scar-fibroblasts. Finally, we show that Piezo1 or Piezo2-inhibition yields regenerative healing by preventing adipocytes’ activation to fibroblasts, in both mouse-wounds and a novel human-xenograft-wound model. Importantly, Piezo1-inhibition induced wound regeneration even in pre-existing established scars, a finding that suggests a role for adipocyte-to-fibroblast transition in wound remodeling, the least-understood phase of wound healing. Adipocyte-to-fibroblast transition may thus represent a therapeutic target for minimizing fibrosis via Piezo-inhibition in organs where fat contributes to fibrosis.
Differentiation and Integration of Competing Memories: A Neural Network Model

What determines when neural representations of memories move together (integrate) or apart (differentiate)? Classic supervised learning models posit that, when two stimuli predict similar outcomes, their representations should integrate. However, these models have recently been challenged by studies showing that pairing two stimuli with a shared associate can sometimes cause differentiation, depending on the parameters of the study and the brain region being examined. Here, we provide a purely unsupervised neural network model that can explain these and other related findings. The model can exhibit integration or differentiation depending on the amount of activity allowed to spread to competitors — inactive memories are not modified, connections to moderately active competitors are weakened (leading to differentiation), and connections to highly active competitors are strengthened (leading to integration). The model also makes several novel predictions — most importantly, that differentiation will be rapid and asymmetric. Overall, these modeling results provide a computational explanation for a diverse set of seemingly contradictory empirical findings in the memory literature, as well as new insights into the dynamics at play during learning.
When and why does motor preparation arise in recurrent neural network models of motor control?

During delayed ballistic reaches, motor areas consistently display movement-specific activity patterns prior to movement onset. It is unclear why these patterns arise: while they have been proposed to seed an initial neural state from which the movement unfolds, recent experiments have uncovered the presence and necessity of ongoing inputs during movement, which may lessen the need for careful initialization. Here, we modelled the motor cortex as an input-driven dynamical system, and we asked what the optimal way to control this system to perform fast delayed reaches is. We find that delay-period inputs consistently arise in an optimally controlled model of M1. By studying a variety of network architectures, we could dissect and predict the situations in which it is beneficial for a network to prepare. Finally, we show that optimal input-driven control of neural dynamics gives rise to multiple phases of preparation during reach sequences, providing a novel explanation for experimentally observed features of monkey M1 activity in double reaching.
Novel expression of MHC II in DRG neurons attenuates paclitaxel-induced cold hypersensitivity in male and female mice

Chemotherapy is often a life-saving treatment, but the development of intractable pain caused by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose-limiting toxicity that restricts survival rates. Recent reports demonstrate that paclitaxel (PTX) robustly increases anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and that T cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines are protective against CIPN. However, the mechanism by which CD4+ T cells are activated, and the extent cytokines released by CD4+ T cells target DRG neurons are unknown. Here, we found novel expression of functional major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) protein in DRG neurons, and CD4+ T cells in close proximity to DRG neurons, together suggesting CD4+ T cell activation and targeted cytokine release. MHCII protein is primarily expressed in small nociceptive neurons in male mouse DRG regardless of PTX, while MHCII is induced in small nociceptive neurons in female DRG after PTX. Accordingly, reducing MHCII in small nociceptive neurons increased hypersensitivity to cold only in naïve male mice, but increased severity of PTX-induced cold hypersensitivity in both sexes. Collectively, our results demonstrate expression of MHCII on DRG neurons and a functional role during homeostasis and inflammation. Graphical abstract Created with Biorender.com Summary Novel expression of functional MHCII protein was detected on the surface of DRG neurons, suggesting a potential mechanism for CD4+ T cell activation and targeted cytokine release. Reducing MHCII from a subpopulation of neurons known to contribute to CIPN increased the severity of PTX-induced cold hypersensitivity in female and male mice.
Measurement of Winds and Cloud Characteristics: a Comparison of Doppler Lidar Systems

For nearly a decade, the Wave Propagation Laboratory (WPL) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has pursued a program to develop and apply Doppler lidar techniques for measurement of a variety of atmospheric properties, including small-scale wind structure, turbulence, cloud properties, and aerosol climatology. Centerpiece of the effort has been a pulsed CO, lidar that was originally assembled in 1981, and which has undergone continuous modification, including a major upgrade in 1985. The current version of the system incorporates a pulsed TEA laser that produces approximately 1 J of energy per pulse at a wavelength of 10.6 pm with pulse repetition rates of up to 50 Hz. The system has a fundamental measurement accuracy of about 0.60 m s-l for velocity estimates at high signal levels. Range resolution is roughly 150 300 m, while maximum range varies from about 15 to 30 km, depending on aerosol concentration and absolute humidity. Although the system operating wavelength does not coincide with a water vapor absorption line, continuum absorption can still limit performance over longer path lengths. The lidar has been heavily used in field experiments ranging from Hawaii to California to Florida to Ontario, producing a number of new insights into atmospheric phenomena.
Transsynaptic labeling and transcriptional control of zebrafish neural circuits

Deciphering the connectome, the ensemble of synaptic connections that underlie brain function, is a central goal of neuroscience research. Here, we report mapping of connections between presynaptic and postsynaptic partners in a living vertebrate nervous system, that of the zebrafish, through the successful adaptation of the trans-Tango genetic approach, first developed for anterograde transsynaptic tracing in Drosophila. Neural connections were visualized between synaptic partners in the larval retina and brain and followed over development. Results were corroborated by functional experiments in which optogenetic activation of retinal ganglion cells elicited responses in neurons of the optic tectum, as measured by trans-Tango-dependent expression of a genetically encoded calcium indicator. Transsynaptic signaling through trans-Tango reveals predicted as well as previously undescribed synaptic connections in the zebrafish brain, providing a valuable in vivo tool to monitor and interrogate neural circuits over time.
Stochastic modeling of the dynamics of Salmonella infection of epithelial cells

Bacteria of the Salmonella genus are intracellular pathogens, which cause gastroenteritis and typhoid fever in animals and humans, and are responsible for millions of infections and thousands of deaths across the world every year. Furthermore, Salmonella has played the role of a model organism for studying host-pathogen interactions. Taking these two aspects into account, enormous efforts in the literature are devoted to study this intracellular pathogen. Within epithelial cells, there are two distinct subpopulations of Salmonella: (i) a large fraction of Salmonella, which are enclosed by vacuoles, and (ii) a small fraction of hyper-replicating cytosolic Salmonella. Here, by considering the infection of epithelial cells by Salmonella as a discrete-state, continuous-time Markov process, we propose a stochastic model of infection, which includes the invasion of Salmonella into the epithelial cells by a cooperative strategy, the replication inside the Salmonella-containing vacuole, and the bacterial proliferation in the cytosol. The xenophagic degradation of cytosolic bacteria is considered, too. The stochastic approach provides important insights into stochastic variation and heterogeneity of the vacuolar and cytosolic Salmonella populations on a single-cell level over time. Specifically, we predict the percentage of infected human epithelial cells depending on the incubation time and the multiplicity of infection, an d the bacterial load of the infected cells at different post-infection times.
Action does not enhance but attenuates predicted touch

Dominant motor control theories propose that the brain predicts and attenuates the somatosensory consequences of actions, referred to as somatosensory attenuation. Support comes from psychophysical and neuroimaging studies showing that touch applied on a passive hand elicits attenuated perceptual and neural responses if it is actively generated by one’s other hand, compared to identical touch from an external origin. However, recent experimental findings have challenged this view by providing psychophysical evidence that the perceived intensity of touch on the passive hand is enhanced if the active hand does not receive touch simultaneously with the passive hand (somatosensory enhancement) and by further attributing attenuation to the double tactile stimulation of the hands upon contact. Here, we directly contrasted the hypotheses of the attenuation and enhancement models regarding how action influences somatosensory perception by manipulating whether the active hand contacts the passive hand. We further assessed somatosensory perception in the absence of any predictive cues in a condition that turned out to be essential for interpreting the experimental findings. In three preregistered experiments, we demonstrate that action does not enhance the predicted touch (Experiment 1), that the previously reported “enhancement” effects are driven by the reference condition used (Experiment 2), and that self-generated touch is robustly attenuated regardless of whether the two hands make contact (Experiment 3). Our results provide conclusive evidence that action does not enhance but attenuates predicted touch and prompt a reappraisal of recent experimental findings upon which theoretical frameworks proposing a perceptual enhancement by action prediction are based. Highlights Dominant motor control theories propose that action attenuates or cancels predicted touch. Recent theories propose that action enhances predicted touch. We show that action does not enhance but attenuates predicted touch.
Astrocytic Slc4a4 regulates blood-brain barrier integrity in healthy and stroke brains via a NO-CCL2-CCR2 pathway

Astrocytes play vital roles in blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance, yet how they support BBB integrity under normal or pathological conditions remains poorly defined. Recent evidence suggests pH homeostasis is a new cellular mechanism important for BBB integrity. In the current study, we investigated the function of an astrocyte-specific pH regulator, Slc4a4, in BBB maintenance and repair. We show that astrocytic Slc4a4 is required for normal astrocyte morphological complexity and BBB function. Multi-omics analyses identified increased astrocytic secretion of CCL2 coupled with dysregulated arginine-NO metabolism after Slc4a4 deletion. Using a model of ischemic stroke, we found that loss of Slc4a4 exacerbates BBB disruption and reactive gliosis, which were both rescued by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of the NO-CCL2 pathway in vivo. Together, our study identifies the astrocytic Slc4a4-NO-CCL2 axis as a pivotal mechanism controlling BBB integrity and repair, while providing insights for a novel therapeutic approach against BBB-related CNS disorders.
Biocontrol potential and action mechanism of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DB2 on Bipolaris sorokiniana

Introduction Bipolaris sorokiniana is the popular pathogenic fungi fungus which lead to common root rot and leaf spot on wheat. Generally, chemical fungicides are used to control diseases. However, the environmental pollution resulting from fungicides should not be ignored. It is important to study the mode of antagonistic action between biocontrol microbes and plant pathogens to design efficient biocontrol strategies. Results An antagonistic bacterium DB2 was isolated and identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The inhibition rate of cell-free culture filtrate (CF, 20%, v/v) of DB2 against B. sorokiniana reached 92.67%. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the CF significantly altered the mycelial morphology of B. sorokiniana and disrupted cellular integrity. Fluorescence microscopy showed that culture filtrate destroyed mycelial cell membrane integrity, decreased the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and nuclear damage which caused cell death in B. sorokiniana. Moreover, the strain exhibited considerable production of protease and amylase, and showed a significant siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. In the detached leaves and potted plants control assay, B. amyloliquefacien DB2 had remarkable inhibition activity against B. sorokiniana and the pot control efficacy was 75.22%. Furthermore, DB2 suspension had a significant promotion for wheat seedlings growth. Conclusion B. amyloliquefaciens DB2 can be taken as a potential biocontrol agent to inhibit B. sorokiniana on wheat and promote wheat growth.
The associations of gut microbiota, endocrine system and bone metabolism

Gut microbiota is of great importance in human health, and its roles in the maintenance of skeletal homeostasis have long been recognized as the “gut-bone axis. ” Recent evidence has indicated intercorrelations between gut microbiota, endocrine system and bone metabolism. This review article discussed the complex interactions between gut microbiota and bone metabolism-related hormones, including sex steroids, insulin-like growth factors, 5-hydroxytryptamine, parathyroid hormone, glucagon-like peptides, peptide YY, etc. Although the underlying mechanisms still need further investigation, the regulatory effect of gut microbiota on bone health via interplaying with endocrine system may provide a new paradigm for the better management of musculoskeletal disorders.
First Evaluation of Neutron Induced Single Event Effects on the CMS Barrel Muon Electronics

Neutron irradiation tests of the available electronics for the CMS barrel muon detector were performed using thermal and fast neutrons. The Single Event Upset rates on static RAMs were measured, while upper limits are derived for devices having experienced no failure. The results are used to guess the mean time between failures in the whole barrel muon detector.
Influence of maternal socioeconomic deprivation and living environment on newborn bloodspot 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels

Objectives Vitamin D deficiency in neonates can have life-threatening consequences, hence the knowledge of risk factors is essential. This study aimed to explore the effect of maternal socioeconomic status (SES) on newborn 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations. Design Over two 1-week periods (winter and summer of 2019), 3000 newborn heel prick dried blood spots (DBS) and additional data of newborns, from a regional newborn screening laboratory (52° N) in the West Midlands, UK, were gathered. Post code was replaced with lower layer super output area (LSOA). Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintiles for the corresponding LSOA was used to assess SES [quintile one (Q1): most deprived 20%, quintile five (Q5): least deprived 20%]. Each of the seven domains of deprivation were examined (income, employment, education, health, barriers to housing and services, crime and living environment). 25OHD was measured on 6mm sub-punch from DBS using quantitative liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and equivalent plasma values were derived. Results In total 2999 (1500 summer-born, 1499 winter-born) newborn DBS (1580 males) were analysed. Summer-born newborns had significantly higher 25OHD (IQR) concentrations [49.2 (34.3; 64.8) nmol/l] than winter-born newborns [29.1 (19.8; 40.6) nmol/l, p<0.001]. 25OHD levels varied significantly between the different IMD quintiles in the whole (p<0.001) and summer-born cohort (p<0.001), but not in the winter-born cohort (p=0.26), whereby Q1 had the lowest 25OHD concentrations. Among the domains of deprivation, living environment had a significant influence on 25OHD levels (β=0.07, p=0.002). In this subdomain, 25OHD levels varied significantly between quintiles in the whole (p<0.001) and summer-born cohort (mean 25OHD Q1 46.45 nmol/l, Q5 54.54 nmol/l; p<0.001) but not in the winter-born cohort (mean 25OHD Q1 31.57 nmol/l, Q5 31.72 nmol/l; p=0.16). In a regression model, living environment was still significant (p=0.018), albeit less than season of birth and ethnicity. Conclusion Among the seven domains of deprivation, maternal living environment had the greatest effect on newborn 25OHD levels. Whilst improved living environment positively influenced vitamin D status in the summer-born babies, winter-born had low 25OHD levels irrespective of the environment. Strategies such as enhanced supplementation and food fortification with vitamin D should be considered to overcome the non-modifiable main risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.
Investigating the effect of synthesis selection on O3-sodium layered oxide structural changes and electrochemical properties

Transition metal (TM) layered oxides constitute a promising family of materials for use in Na-ion battery cathodes. Here O3-Na (Ni1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3) O2 was synthesised using optimised sol-gel and solid-state routes, and the physico- and electrochemical natures of the resulting materials were thoroughly studied. Significant differences in electrochemical behaviour were observed, and the use of in operando XRD determined this stemmed from the suppression of the P3 phase in the sol-gel material during cycling. This was attributable to differences in the degree of transition metal migration in the materials ensuing from the selection of synthetic route. This demonstrates that not only the choice of material, but also that of synthesis route, can have dramatic impact on the resulting structural and electrochemical nature, making such considerations critical in the future development of advanced Na-ion cathode materials.