Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Taste Bud Cell Loss after Head and Neck Irradiation

Taste loss in human patients following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is a common and significant problem, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this loss are not understood. Taste stimuli are transduced by receptor cells within taste buds, and like epidermal cells, taste cells are regularly replaced throughout adult life. This renewal relies on progenitor cells adjacent to taste buds, which continually supply new cells to each bud. Here we treated adult mice with a single 8 Gy dose of x-ray irradiation to the head and neck, and analyzed taste epithelium at 1–21 d postirradiation (dpi). We found irradiation targets the taste progenitor cells, which undergo cell cycle arrest (1–3 dpi) and apoptosis (within 1 dpi). Taste progenitors resume proliferation at 5–7 dpi, with the proportion of cells in S and M phase exceeding control levels at 5–6 and 6 dpi, respectively, suggesting that proliferation is accelerated and/or synchronized following radiation damage. Using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine birthdating to identify newborn cells, we found that the decreased proliferation following irradiation reduces the influx of cells at 1–2 dpi, while the robust proliferation detected at 6 dpi accelerates entry of new cells into taste buds. In contrast, the number of differentiated taste cells was not significantly reduced until 7 dpi. These data suggest a model where continued natural taste cell death, paired with temporary interruption of cell replacement, underlies taste loss after irradiation.
@spam: the underground on 140 characters or less

In this work we present a characterization of spam on Twitter. We find that 8% of 25 million URLs posted to the site point to phishing, malware, and scams listed on popular blacklists. We analyze the accounts that send spam and find evidence that it originates from previously legitimate accounts that have been compromised and are now being puppeteered by spammers. Using clickthrough data, we analyze spammers' use of features unique to Twitter and the degree that they affect the success of spam. We find that Twitter is a highly successful platform for coercing users to visit spam pages, with a clickthrough rate of 0.13%, compared to much lower rates previously reported for email spam. We group spam URLs into campaigns and identify trends that uniquely distinguish phishing, malware, and spam, to gain an insight into the underlying techniques used to attract users. Given the absence of spam filtering on Twitter, we examine whether the use of URL blacklists would help to significantly stem the spread of Twitter spam. Our results indicate that blacklists are too slow at identifying new threats, allowing more than 90% of visitors to view a page before it becomes blacklisted. We also find that even if blacklist delays were reduced, the use by spammers of URL shortening services for obfuscation negates the potential gains unless tools that use blacklists develop more sophisticated spam filtering.
The Environment as an Unrecognized Reservoir for Community-Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300: A Case-Control Study

Background Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are spreading, but the source of infections in non-epidemic settings remains poorly defined. Methods We carried out a community-based, case-control study investigating socio-demographic risk factors and infectious reservoirs associated with MRSA infections. Case patients presented with CA-MRSA infections to a New York hospital. Age-matched controls without infections were randomly selected from the hospital's Dental Clinic patient population. During a home visit, case and control subjects completed a questionnaire, nasal swabs were collected from index respondents and household members and standardized environmental surfaces were swabbed. Genotyping was performed on S. aureus isolates. Results We enrolled 95 case and 95 control subjects. Cases more frequently reported diabetes mellitus and a higher number of skin infections among household members. Among case households, 53 (56%) were environmentally contaminated with S. aureus, compared to 36 (38%) control households (p = .02). MRSA was detected on fomites in 30 (32%) case households and 5 (5%; p<.001) control households. More case patients, 20 (21%) were nasally colonized with MRSA than were control indexes, 2 (2%; p<.001). In a subgroup analysis, the clinical isolate (predominantly USA300), was more commonly detected on environmental surfaces in case households with recurrent MRSA infections (16/36, 44%) than those without (14/58, 24%, p = .04). Conclusions The higher frequency of environmental contamination of case households with S. aureus in general and MRSA in particular implicates this as a potential reservoir for recolonization and increased risk of infection. Environmental colonization may contribute to the community spread of epidemic strains such as USA300.
An experimental study of individual subjective effort estimations and combinations of the estimates

The required effort of a task can be estimated subjectively in interviews with experts in an organization in different ways. Interview techniques dealing with which type of questions to ask are evaluated and techniques for combining estimates from individuals into one estimate are compared in an experiment. The result shows that the interview technique is not as important as the combination technique. The estimate which is best with respect to mean value and standard deviation of the effort is based on an equal weighting of all individual estimates. The experiment is performed within the Personal Software Process (PSP).
Multi-Way, Multilingual Neural Machine Translation with a Shared Attention Mechanism

We propose multi-way, multilingual neural machine translation. The proposed approach enables a single neural translation model to translate between multiple languages, with a number of parameters that grows only linearly with the number of languages. This is made possible by having a single attention mechanism that is shared across all language pairs. We train the proposed multi-way, multilingual model on ten language pairs from WMT'15 simultaneously and observe clear performance improvements over models trained on only one language pair. In particular, we observe that the proposed model significantly improves the translation quality of low-resource language pairs.
The Self-Normalized Estimator for Counterfactual Learning

This paper identifies a severe problem of the counterfactual risk estimator typically used in batch learning from logged bandit feedback (BLBF), and proposes the use of an alternative estimator that avoids this problem. In the BLBF setting, the learner does not receive full-information feedback like in supervised learning, but observes feedback only for the actions taken by a historical policy. This makes BLBF algorithms particularly attractive for training online systems (e.g., ad placement, web search, recommendation) using their historical logs. The Counterfactual Risk Minimization (CRM) principle [1] offers a general recipe for designing BLBF algorithms. It requires a counterfactual risk estimator, and virtually all existing works on BLBF have focused on a particular unbiased estimator. We show that this conventional estimator suffers from a propensity overfitting problem when used for learning over complex hypothesis spaces. We propose to replace the risk estimator with a self-normalized estimator, showing that it neatly avoids this problem. This naturally gives rise to a new learning algorithm - Normalized Policy Optimizer for Exponential Models (Norm-POEM) - for structured output prediction using linear rules. We evaluate the empirical effectiveness of Norm-POEM on several multi-label classification problems, finding that it consistently outperforms the conventional estimator.
ISM observation of Phobos reinvestigated: Identification of a mixture of olivine and low‐calcium pyroxene

[1] We reinvestigate the infrared spectral image cube of the Martian satellite Phobos obtained by the Infrared Spectrometer for Mars (ISM) instrument on board PHOBOS 2 using a band detection method based on the wavelet transform. Two absorption bands are identified at 1.04 μm and 1.9 μm. The position and profile of these bands are compatible with a mixture of low-calcium pyroxene and olivine in specific regions on the surface of the satellite. This identification is confirmed by the strong spatial correlation of these two bands, which also corresponds to areas with a lower albedo. Finally, we discuss clues pointing toward possible local hydration of Phobos.
Two typical cases of pseudoankylosis of the jaw: same treatment, different outcome

Pseudoankylosis of the temporomandibular joint is a rare, extra-articular form of ankylosis of the jaw. It is characterised by limited mandibular movement caused by an extrinsic condition of the joint leading to fusion between the coronoid process and temporal, zygomatic or maxillary bone. Pseudoankylosis is less frequent than the intracapsular form. Extracapsular ankylosis can be congenital or acquired; approximately 70% of cases are associated with trauma. A CT scan is usually requested to achieve a diagnosis. CT can detect bony fusion, thus differentiating pseudoankylosis from true ankylosis. Once symptomatic bone ankylosis is diagnosed, surgery with postoperative physiotherapy is the recommended treatment. The ankylotic bone is removed together with the coronoid process and the mouth is forced open under general anaesthesia. Two cases of post-traumatic pseudoankylosis of the jaw treated with bilateral coronoidectomy and postoperative physiotherapy are described.
An experimental study of routing and data aggregation in sensor networks

Several sensor network applications, such as environmental monitoring, require data aggregation to an observer. For this purpose, a data aggregation tree, rooted at the observer, is constructed in the network. Node clustering can be employed to further balance load among sensor nodes and prolong the network lifetime. In this paper, we design and implement a system, iHEED, in which node clustering is integrated with multi-hop routing for TinyOS. We consider simple data aggregation operators, such as AVG or MAX. We use a simple energy consumption model to keep track of the battery consumption of cluster heads and regular nodes. We perform experiments on a sensor network testbed to quantify the advantages of integrating hierarchical routing with data aggregation. Our results indicate that the network lifetime is prolonged by a factor of 2 to 4, and successful transmissions are almost doubled. Clustering plays a dominant role in delaying the first node death, while aggregation plays a dominant role in delaying the last node death
Understanding the Positive Effects of Graphical Risk Information on Comprehension: Measuring Attention Directed to Written, Tabular, and Graphical Risk Information

Risk communications are an integral aspect of health education and promotion. However, the commonly used textual risk information is relatively difficult to understand for the average recipient. Consequently, researchers and health promoters have started to focus on so‐called decision aids, such as tables and graphs. Although tabular and graphical risk information more effectively communicate risks than textual risk information, the cognitive mechanisms responsible for this enhancement are unclear. This study aimed to examine two possible mechanisms (i.e., cognitive workload and attention). Cognitive workload (mean pupil size and peak pupil dilation) and attention directed to the risk information (viewing time, number of eye fixations, and eye fixation durations) were both measured in a between‐subjects experimental design. The results suggest that graphical risk information facilitates comprehension of that information because it attracts and holds attention for a longer period of time than textual risk information. Graphs are thus a valuable asset to risk communication practice for two reasons: first, they tend to attract attention and, second, when attended to, they elicit information extraction with relatively little cognitive effort, and finally result in better comprehension.
The Bubbling Galactic Disk

A visual examination of the images from the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE) has revealed 322 partial and closed rings that we propose represent partially or fully enclosed three-dimensional bubbles. We argue that the bubbles are primarily formed by hot young stars in massive star formation regions. We have found an average of about 1.5 bubbles per square degree. About 25% of the bubbles coincide with known radio H II regions, and about 13% enclose known star clusters. It appears that B4-B9 stars (too cool to produce detectable radio H II regions) probably produce about three-quarters of the bubbles in our sample, and the remainder are produced by young O-B3 stars that produce detectable radio H II regions. Some of the bubbles may be the outer edges of H II regions where PAH spectral features are excited and may not be dynamically formed by stellar winds. Only three of the bubbles are identified as known SNRs. No bubbles coincide with known planetary nebulae or W-R stars in the GLIMPSE survey area. The bubbles are small. The distribution of angular diameters peaks between 1' and 3' with over 98% having angular diameters less than 10' and 88% less than 4'. Almost 90% have shell thicknesses between 0.2 and 0.4 of their outer radii. Bubble shell thickness increases approximately linearly with shell radius. The eccentricities are rather large, peaking between 0.6 and 0.7; about 65% have eccentricities between 0.55 and 0.85.
Mycotransformation of organic and inorganic substrates

This article outlines the important biogeochemical roles that fungi play in the degradation, utilization and transformation of organic and inorganic substrates. Fungal populations are intimately involved in element cycling at local and global scales and such processes have major implications for living organisms, notably plant productivity and human health. While most attention has focussed on carbon cycling, the involvement of fungi in most other elemental cycles is emphasised. Some fungal transformations have applications in environmental biotechnology, e.g. in metal leaching, recovery and detoxification, xenobiotic and organic pollutant degradation, as well as result in adverse effects when these mechanisms are involved in degradation of foodstuffs, natural products and building materials. This account highlights the interdisciplinary approach that is necessary to further understanding of the important roles that fungi play in the biogeochemical cycling of elements, the chemical and biological mechanisms that are involved, and their biotechnological significance.
(1,4,7,10-Tetraoxacyclododecane)(trideuteroacetonitrile)lithium perchlorate

In the title compound, [Li(C8H16O4)(CD3CN)]ClO4, the Li atom is pentacoordinate. The O atoms of the 12-crown-4 ether form the basal plane, whereas the N atom of the trideuteroacetonitrile occupies the apical position. The Li+ atom is displaced by 0.794 (6) Å toward the apical position from the plane formed by the O atoms because the Li+ atom is too large to fit in the cavity of the 12-crown-4 ether, resulting in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry about the Li+ atom.
Correlations between tropopause height and total ozone: Implications for long‐term changes

For the central European station of Hohenpeissenberg, averaging of ozone profiles grouped by tropopause height shows that the ozone mixing ratio profile in the lower stratosphere shifts up and down with the tropopause. The shift is largest near the tropopause and becomes negligible above 20 to 25 km. As a consequence a high tropopause is correlated with low total ozone and a low tropopause with high total ozone. Independent of season, total ozone decreases by 16 Dobson units (DU) per kilometer increase in tropopause height. At Hohenpeissenberg the tropopause has moved up by 150±70 m (2 σ) per decade over the last 30 years. If the −16 DU per kilometer correlation between total ozone and tropopause height is valid on the timescale of years, it is speculated that the observed increase in tropopause height could explain about 25% of the observed −10 DU per decade decrease of total ozone. This is of the same magnitude as the 30% fraction of midlatitude ozone depletion which current stratospheric models have difficulty accounting for. For Hohenpeissenberg the increase in tropopause height appears to be correlated with observed tropospheric warming: At 5 km altitude, for example, temperature has increased by 0.7±0.3 K per decade (2 σ) since 1967.
Shock‐induced melting of MgSiO3 perovskite and implications for melts in Earth's lowermost mantle

New shock wave equation of state (EOS) data for enstatite and MgSiO3 glass constrain the density change upon melting of Mg‐silicate perovskite up to 200 GPa. The melt becomes denser than perovskite near the base of Earth's lower mantle. This inference is confirmed by shock temperature data suggesting a negative pressure‐temperature slope along the melting curve at high pressure. Although melting of Earth's mantle involves multiple phases and chemical components, this implies that the partial melts invoked to explain anomalous seismic velocities in the lowermost mantle may be dynamically stable.
PENGARUH PUPUK KANDANG SAPI PADA PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TERONG (Solanum melongena L) PADA POLA TANAM TUMPANGSARI DENGAN RUMPUT GAJAH (Penisetum purpureum) TANAMAN PERTAMA

Limbah peternakan yang semakin meningkat perlu dimanfaatkan sebagai pupuk kandang sapi untuk tanaman pakan ternak rumput gajah dengan sayuran terong dan dibutuhkan penanaman tumpangsari agar hasilnya lebih optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi pola tanam tumpangsari dengan pemberian dosis pupuk kandang sapi yang berbeda terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil panen tanaman terong dan rumput gajah tanaman pertama pada lahan yang sudah pernah terkena limbah peternakan sapi. Penelitian dilaksanakan mulai bulan Juli-Desember 2012 yang bertempat di lahan PT. Green Field (Farm and Milk Product) di Ngajum Malang. Rancangan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) diulang 3 kali, perlakuan-perlakuan tersebut adalah: P0: Terong monokultur+pupuk NPK, J1P1: tumpangsari barisan tunggal + Pupuk kandang sapi 5 t Ha -1 , J1P2: Tumpangsari barisan tunggal + Pupuk kandang sapi 10 t Ha -1 , J1P3: tumpangsari barisan tunggal + Pupuk kandang sapi 15 t Ha -1 , J1P4: tumpangsari barisan tunggal + Pupuk kandang sapi 20 t Ha -1 , J2P1: tumpangsari barisan ganda + Pupuk kandang sapi 5 t Ha -1 , J2P2: tumpangsari barisan ganda + Pupuk kandang sapi 10 t Ha -1 , J2P3: tumpangsari barisan ganda + Pupuk kandang sapi 15 t Ha -1 , J2P4: tumpangsari barisan ganda + Pupuk kandang sapi 20 t Ha -1 . Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kombinasi kandang sapi yang berbeda memberikan pengaruh yang nyata, perlakuan kombinasi terbaik pada pengamatan pertumbuhan tanaman juga hasil panen didapatkan pada perlakuan tumpangsari barisan ganda dengan pemberian dosis pupuk kandang sapi 5 ha -1 , begitu juga dengan hasil keuntungan ekonomi. Kata kunci: Solanum melonge na L, pupuk kandang sapi, tumpangsari, Penissetum purpureum
Bone Histology and Microanatomy of Alamosaurus sanjuanensis (Sauropoda: Titanosauria) from the Maastrichtian of Big Bend National Park, Texas

ABSTRACT Bones of Alamosaurus sanjuanensis were collected from the Upper Cretaceous Javelina and Black Peaks formations in Big Bend National Park, Texas, for use in the first extensive histological study of a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur. Samples include cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae; ribs; a scapula; humeri; an ulna; a metacarpal; an ischium; femora; a tibia; fibulae; and a metatarsal, representing a minimum of twenty two individuals between 35% and 100% maximum length. In elements of less than 60% maximum length, cortical tissue is primarily reticular or plexiform fibro-lamellar, often with modulations. Resorption in some specimens appears to have proceeded as outwardly expanding bands. In larger specimens (70–79% maximum length), primary tissue is only visible interstitially as either fibro-lamellar or parallel-fibered with low vascularity and annuli. Secondary osteons are in many places linearly arranged. Haversian systems are so pervasive in many of the largest specimens (80–100% maximum length) that virtually no primary tissue remains. However, one adult sized femur possesses laminar fibro-lamellar tissue in its outer cortex, suggesting that the adult size for Alamosaurus may have been underestimated. Camellae typical of titanosaur dorsal vertebrae are present in Alamosaurus but absent in caudal vertebrae. Although pneumatic dorsal ribs characterize Titanosauriformes, sections of ribs analyzed in this study show the cavities in Alamosaurus are much more extensive than most previously described. Overall, Alamosaurus bone histology combines characteristics found in less derived sauropods, such as an early onset of secondary reconstruction, with novel characters such as extensively pneumatic ribs and longer retention of juvenile tissue.
Octave-spanning supercontinuum generation for an Er-doped fiber laser frequency comb at a 1 GHz repetition rate

We developed a 1 GHz Er-doped femtosecond fiber laser system providing 2nJ pulses at ∼100fs durations and demonstrated octave-spanning supercontinuum generation from 1µm – 2. 4µm that is suitable for 1f–2f stabilizing the frequency comb.
Ampa Receptor Subunit Expression in the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Frontal Cortex of Elderly Patients with Schizophrenia

Several lines of evidence indicate altered trafficking of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptors in schizophrenia. Previous reports have shown potential changes in the trafficking of AMPA receptors based on subunit expression of endosomes, subcellular organelles located near post-synaptic sites. We hypothesized that alterations in AMPA receptor trafficking through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may also be altered in schizophrenia. Accordingly, we developed a technique to isolate and measure content of the ER from postmortem brain tissue. We used Western blot and electron microscopy to show that we isolated an ER enriched fraction. We found no changes in the expression of the AMPA receptor subunits, GluR1–4, in the ER from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. These data suggest that AMPA receptor trafficking through the ER is largely intact in schizophrenia.