Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continent‐scale global change attribution in European birds ‐ combining annual and decadal time scales

Species attributes are commonly used to infer impacts of environmental change on multiyear species trends, e.g. decadal changes in population size. However, by themselves attributes are of limited value in global change attribution since they do not measure the changing environment. A broader foundation for attributing species responses to global change may be achieved by complementing an attributes‐based approach by one estimating the relationship between repeated measures of organismal and environmental changes over short time scales. To assess the benefit of this multiscale perspective, we investigate the recent impact of multiple environmental changes on European farmland birds, here focusing on climate change and land use change. We analyze more than 800 time series from 18 countries spanning the past two decades. Analysis of long‐term population growth rates documents simultaneous responses that can be attributed to both climate change and land‐use change, including long‐term increases in populations of hot‐dwelling species and declines in long‐distance migrants and farmland specialists. In contrast, analysis of annual growth rates yield novel insights into the potential mechanisms driving long‐term climate induced change. In particular, we find that birds are affected by winter, spring, and summer conditions depending on the distinct breeding phenology that corresponds to their migratory strategy. Birds in general benefit from higher temperatures or higher primary productivity early on or in the peak of the breeding season with the largest effect sizes observed in cooler parts of species' climatic ranges. Our results document the potential of combining time scales and integrating both species attributes and environmental variables for global change attribution. We suggest such an approach will be of general use when high‐resolution time series are available in large‐scale biodiversity surveys.
Reassessing pattern separation in the dentate gyrus

The dentate gyrus (DG) is postulated to be a “pattern separator” (Marr, 1971; Rolls, 1989a,b, 1990; Treves and Rolls, 1994). Yet, the definition of pattern separation has become a haze, with researchers using the term interchangeably to describe computational processes, changes in cell ensemble activity, and even behavioral phenomena (Leutgeb et al., 2007; McHugh et al., 2007; Clelland et al., 2009; Bakker et al., 2010). To accurately assess the large influx of papers purporting to attribute pattern separation to the DG, the concept must be reassessed; the original definition of pattern separation as a computational process and its newer, colloquial definition as a form of behavioral context discrimination must be accurately parsed if relations between the data are to be made.
Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase Is Not Required for Axon Guidance to Netrin-1

During development, axons are directed to their targets by extracellular guidance cues. The axonal response to the guidance cue netrin-1 is profoundly influenced by the concentration of cAMP within the growth cone. In some cases, cAMP affects the sensitivity of the growth cone to netrin-1, whereas in others it changes the response to netrin-1 from attraction to repulsion. The effects of cAMP on netrin-1 action are well accepted, but the critical issue of whether cAMP production is activated by a netrin-1 induced signaling cascade remains uncertain. A previous report has suggested that axon guidance in response to netrin-1 requires cAMP production mediated by soluble adenyl cyclase (sAC). We have used genetic, molecular and biochemical strategies to assess this issue. Surprisingly, we found only extremely weak expression of sAC in embryonic neurons and determined that, under conditions where netrin-1 directs axonal pathfinding, exposure to netrin-1 does not alter cAMP levels. Furthermore, although netrin-1-deficient mice exhibit major axon guidance defects, we show that pathfinding is normal in sAC-null mice. Therefore, although cAMP can alter the response of axons to netrin-1, we conclude that netrin-1 does not alter cAMP levels in axons attracted by this cue, and that sAC is not required for axon attraction to netrin-1.
Efficacy of Antitumor Necrosis Factor(&agr;) Agents on Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objectives:This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of antitumor necrosis factor(TNF)(a) agents (etanercept, infliximab, golimumab or adalimumab) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods:A literature search was done using PubMed, Embaseand Cochrane databases. The reference section of all primary studies was inspected for additional references, and only those reporting the results of a randomized-controlled trial comparing etanercept, infliximab or adalimumab with placebo for patients with AS were included in this analysis. Results:Eleven trials with 1851 patients were included. Compared with placebo, anti-TNF(&agr;) agents was associated with significantly higher rates of Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) 20 responders (risk ratio [RR]: 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.13–2.82; P < 0.00001), ASAS 50 responders (RR: 3.77, 95% CI: 2.87–4.95; P < 0.00001), ASAS 70 responders (RR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.97–5.35; P < 0.00001) and patients with partial remission (RR: 5.39, 95% CI: 3.25–8.93; P < 0.00001). In addition, there were more patients with at least 50% improvement in the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score in the experimental groups (RR: 3.07, 95% CI: 2.44–3.86; P < 0.00001). Most adverse events in both treatment groups were mild or moderate in severity. Conclusions:Anti-TNF(a) agents is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for reducing clinical symptoms of AS.
Not quite the average: An empirical study of Web use

In the past decade, the World Wide Web has been subject to dramatic changes. Web sites have evolved from static information resources to dynamic and interactive applications that are used for a broad scope of activities on a daily basis. To examine the consequences of these changes on user behavior, we conducted a long-term client-side Web usage study with twenty-five participants. This report presents results of this study and compares the user behavior with previous long-term browser usage studies, which range in age from seven to thirteen years. Based on the empirical data and the interview results, various implications for the interface design of browsers and Web sites are discussed. A major finding is the decreasing prominence of backtracking in Web navigation. This can largely be attributed to the increasing importance of dynamic, service-oriented Web sites. Users do not navigate on these sites searching for information, but rather interact with an online application to complete certain tasks. Furthermore, the usage of multiple windows and tabs has partly replaced back button usage, posing new challenges for user orientation and backtracking. We found that Web browsing is a rapid activity even for pages with substantial content, which calls for page designs that allow for cursory reading. Click maps provide additional information on how users interact with the Web on page level. Finally, substantial differences were observed between users, and characteristic usage patterns for different types of Web sites emphasize the need for more adaptive and customizable Web browsers.
A Comparative Study of Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Methods under Stochastic Inputs

This paper presents an application and extension of multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to account for stochastic input variables. More in particular, a comparative study is carried out among well-known and widely-applied methods in MCDM, when applied to the reference problem of the selection of wind turbine support structures for a given deployment location. Along with data from industrial experts, six deterministic MCDM methods are studied, so as to determine the best alternative among the available options, assessed against selected criteria with a view toward assigning confidence levels to each option. Following an overview of the literature around MCDM problems, the best practice implementation of each method is presented aiming to assist stakeholders and decision-makers to support decisions in real-world applications, where many and often conflicting criteria are present within uncertain environments. The outcomes of this research highlight that more sophisticated methods, such as technique for the order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Preference Ranking Organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE), better predict the optimum design alternative.
Tomato SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4, SlERF.C3 and SlERF.A3, Members of B3 Group of ERF Family, Are Required for Resistance to Botrytis cinerea

The Ethylene-Responsive Factors (ERFs) comprise a large family of transcriptional factors that play critical roles in plant immunity. Gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea, a typical necrotrophic fungal pathogen, is the serious disease that threatens tomato production worldwide. However, littler is known about the molecular mechanism regulating the immunity to B. cinerea in tomato. In the present study, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS)-based functional analyses of 18 members of B3 group (also called Group IX) in tomato ERF family were performed to identify putative ERFs that are involved in disease resistance against B. cinerea. VIGS-based silencing of either SlERF.B1 or SlERF.C2 had lethal effect while silencing of SlERF.A3 (Pit4) significantly suppressed vegetative growth of tomato plants. Importantly, silencing of SlERF.A1, SlERF.A3, SlERF.B4, or SlERF.C3 resulted in increased susceptibility to B. cinerea, attenuated the B. cinerea-induced expression of jasmonic acid/ethylene-mediated signaling responsive defense genes and promoted the B. cinerea-induced H2O2 accumulation. However, silencing of SlERF.A3 also decreased the resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 but silencing of SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4 or SlERF.C3 did not affect the resistance to this bacterial pathogen. Expression of SlERF.A1, SlERF.A3, SlERF.B4, or SlERF.C3 was induced by B. cinerea and by defense signaling hormones such as salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (an ethylene precursor). SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4, SlERF.C3, and SlERF.A3 proteins were found to localize in nucleus of cells and possess transactivation activity in yeasts. These data suggest that SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4, and SlERF.C3, three previously uncharacterized ERFs in B3 group, and SlERF.A3, a previously identified ERF with function in immunity to Pst DC3000, play important roles in resistance against B. cinerea in tomato.
[Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament by using two different techniques].

INTRODUCTION Modern literature concerning reconstructions of Anterior Cruciate Ligament is mostly focused on the choice of graft (hamstring or bone-tendon-bone), its placing, tensioning and fixation. The bone-hamstring-bone graft consists of compressed cancellous bone on its ends and it has been developed to achieve a more rigid fixation of the graft. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results in surgically treated patients two years after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 55 patients divided into two groups according to the implanted graft: bone-tendon-bone and bone-hamstring-bone graft. The results were assessed by Tegner and Lysholm scoring systems, arthrometric measurements, functional tests and International Knee Documentation Committee standard. RESULTS The average postoperative results did not show a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups (94 in the bone-tendon-bone group versus 93 in the bone-hamstring-bone group) according to Lysholm scoring system, nor in the arthrometric measurements obtained by Lachman test (2.0:2.1). According to the International Knee Documentation Committee standard, the bone-hamstring-bone group had more excellent results, but also three unsatisfactory ones; so, the bone-tendon-bone group was found to have uniform and better results (100% of excellent and good results vs. 91% in the bone-hamstring-bone group). Better results were also recorded by Tegner scoring system in the bone-tendon-bone group (8.6 vs. 7.1) due to the fact that there were more active athletes and greater preoperative level of activities in this group (3.1 vs. 7.1 in the bone-hamstring group). CONCLUSIONS The choice of graft is a less important factor in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament than its placing, tensioning and fixation, because a significant difference between groups was recorded only by the International Knee Documentation Committee standard.
Electrodeposition route to synthesize SnO2 microparticles as an anode material for Li-ion batteries

Tin dioxide (SnO2) samples were prepared by direct current electrodeposition method and their electrochemical properties as anode materials for Li-ion battery were investigated with Li as counter electrode. The as-prepared SnO2 powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2-adsorption-desorption experiments. It was found that SnO2 can be synthesized by one-step electrodeposition and the crystallinity improved markedly after annealed. The samples consisted of uniform spherical SnO2 crystal particles with size in the order of 100~200nm. After dried at 120°C and annealed at 400°C, 600°C, 800°C respectively, the samples were used as anode materials for Li-ion battery. The results showed that the samples annealed at 600°C had a high coulombic efficiency and had the best electrochemical performance.
PlantTribes: a gene and gene family resource for comparative genomics in plants

The PlantTribes database (http://fgp.huck.psu.edu/tribe.html) is a plant gene family database based on the inferred proteomes of five sequenced plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana, Carica papaya, Medicago truncatula, Oryza sativa and Populus trichocarpa. We used the graph-based clustering algorithm MCL [Van Dongen (Technical Report INS-R0010 2000) and Enright et al. (Nucleic Acids Res. 2002; 30: 1575–1584)] to classify all of these species’ protein-coding genes into putative gene families, called tribes, using three clustering stringencies (low, medium and high). For all tribes, we have generated protein and DNA alignments and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic trees. A parallel database of microarray experimental results is linked to the genes, which lets researchers identify groups of related genes and their expression patterns. Unified nomenclatures were developed, and tribes can be related to traditional gene families and conserved domain identifiers. SuperTribes, constructed through a second iteration of MCL clustering, connect distant, but potentially related gene clusters. The global classification of nearly 200 000 plant proteins was used as a scaffold for sorting ∼4 million additional cDNA sequences from over 200 plant species. All data and analyses are accessible through a flexible interface allowing users to explore the classification, to place query sequences within the classification, and to download results for further study.
Practice of Consanguinity and Unusual Cases of Inherited Familial Chromosome Abnormalities: A Case Report

We present 2 cases of likely rare event. In case 1, 3rd degree consanguineous marriage revealed inv(6) with same break points in parents who were found to be phenotypically normal. The same inv(6) being inherited in progeny but presented with low AMH (anti Mullerian hormone) and high level of FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) leading to polycystic ovarian syndrome/premature ovarian failure. In case 2, a couple was presented with 2nd degree consanguineous marriage and referred for 2 recurrent/ missed abortions. The amounts of shared genes are suggestive of more lethal genetic outcomes and inferred endogamy is a major driver to reproductive fiascoes, the ancestries of which are deeply tied at the meiotic level.
From Sea to Shining Sea and the Great Plains to Patagonia: A Review on Current Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus in Hispanics/Latinos in the US and Latin America

The past two decades have witnessed many advances in the prevention, treatment, and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Increased screening has led to a greater recognition of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) and prediabetes; however, Hispanics/Latinos, the largest minority group in the US, have not fully benefited from these advances. The Hispanic/Latino population is highly diverse in ancestries, birth places, cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and it populates most of the Western Hemisphere. In the US, the prevalence of DM varies among Hispanic/Latino heritage groups, being higher among Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans, and lower among South Americans. The risk and prevalence of diabetes among Hispanics/Latinos are significantly higher than in non-Hispanic Whites, and nearly 40% of Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes have not been formally diagnosed. Despite these striking facts, the representation of Hispanics/Latinos in pharmacological and non-pharmacological clinical trials has been suboptimal, while the prevalence of diabetes in these populations continues to rise. This review will focus on the epidemiology, etiology and prevention of type 2 DM in populations of Latin American origin. We will set the stage by defining the terms Hispanic, Latino, and Latin American, explaining the challenges identifying Hispanics/Latinos in the scientific literature and databases, describing the epidemiology of diabetes—including type 2 DM and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)—and cardiovascular risk factors in Hispanics/Latinos in the US and Latin America, and discussing trends, and commonalities and differences across studies and populations, including methodology to ascertain diabetes. We will discuss studies on mechanisms of disease, and research on prevention of type 2 DM in Hispanics/Latinos, including women with GDM, youth and adults; and finalize with a discussion on lessons learned and opportunities to enhance research, and, consequently, clinical care oriented toward preventing type 2 DM in Hispanics/Latinos in the US and Latin America.
Adult Attachment as a Risk Factor for Intimate Partner Violence

This study examined the relationship between intimate partner violence and adult attachment in a sample of 70 couples. The attachment style of each partner and the interaction of the partners' attachment styles were examined as predictors of intimate partner violence. Additional analyses were conducted to examine violence reciprocity and to explore differences in the relationship between attachment and violence using continuous and dichotomous violence measures. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated the “mispairing” of an avoidant male partner with an anxious female partner was associated with both male and female violence. When controlling for partner violence, the relationship between attachment and violence was significant for males only. In addition, analyses using a dichotomized violence variable produced different results from analyses using a continuous violence measure. Clinical implications include focusing on the discrepancy between partners' needs for intimacy and distance within the couple as a strategy for treating intimate partner violence.
Deep Rewiring: Training very sparse deep networks

Neuromorphic hardware tends to pose limits on the connectivity of deep networks that one can run on them. But also generic hardware and software implementations of deep learning run more efficiently for sparse networks. Several methods exist for pruning connections of a neural network after it was trained without connectivity constraints. We present an algorithm, DEEP R, that enables us to train directly a sparsely connected neural network. DEEP R automatically rewires the network during supervised training so that connections are there where they are most needed for the task, while its total number is all the time strictly bounded. We demonstrate that DEEP R can be used to train very sparse feedforward and recurrent neural networks on standard benchmark tasks with just a minor loss in performance. DEEP R is based on a rigorous theoretical foundation that views rewiring as stochastic sampling of network configurations from a posterior.
The link between family background and later lifetime income: how does the UK compare to other countries?

The link between family background and labour market outcomes is an issue of great academic, social and political concern. It is frequently claimed that such intergenerational associations are stronger in Britain than other countries. But is this really true? I investigate this issue by estimating the link between parental education and later lifetime income, using three cross-nationally comparable datasets covering more than 30 countries. My results suggest that the UK is broadly in the middle of the cross-country rankings, with intergenerational associations notably stronger than in Scandinavia but weaker than in Eastern Europe. Overall, I find only limited support for claims that family background is a greater barrier to economic success in Britain than other parts of the developed world.
Not all brains are created equal: the relevance of individual differences in responsiveness to transcranial electrical stimulation

A current issue in the research of augmentation of brain functions using transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is the diversity and inconsistency in outcome results. Similar studies often report different results, depending on the parameters and tasks used. Such inconsistencies have led to significant doubts about the efficacy of the method in the broader scientific community, despite its promising potential for patient recovery and treatment. Evidence on the large variability in individual cortical excitability and response to tES suggests that stimulation may affect individuals differently, depending on the subject’s age, gender, brain state, hormonal levels, and pre-existing regional excitability. Certain factors might even lead to the reversal of polarity-dependent effects, and therefore have crucial implications for neurorehabilitation and cognitive enhancement. Research paradigms may have to be refined in the future to avoid the confounding effects of such factors.
The role of dopamine in motivation for food in humans: implications for obesity

Obesity is a major public health problem. The increasing number of obese individuals in the US adds urgency to the efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying pathological overeating. Imaging studies using positron emission tomography implicate the involvement of brain dopamine (DA) in normal and pathological food intake in humans. In normal body weight, fasting subjects, food presentation that could not be consumed was associated with increases in striatal extracellular DA, which provides evidence of an involvement of DA in non-hedonic motivational properties of food intake. In pathologically obese subjects, the authors showed reductions in striatal D2receptor availability that were inversely associated with the weight of the subject. The involvement of the DA system in reward and reinforcement has led to the hypothesis that low brain DA activity in obese subjects predisposes them to excessive use of food. A better understanding of the role of the DA system in the motivation for food intake will help the development of better therapeutic interventions.