Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses of Glucosinolates in Two Broccoli Cultivars Following Jasmonate Treatment for the Induction of Glucosinolate Defense to Trichoplusia ni (Hübner)

Lepidopteran larvae growth is influenced by host plant glucosinolate (GS) concentrations, which are, in turn, influenced by the phytohormone jasmonate (JA). In order to elucidate insect resistance biomarkers to lepidopteran pests, transcriptome and metabolome analyses following JA treatments were conducted with two broccoli cultivars, Green Magic and VI-158, which have differentially induced indole GSs, neoglucobrassicin and glucobrassicin, respectively. To test these two inducible GSs on growth of cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), eight neonate cabbage looper larvae were placed onto each of three plants per JA treatments (0, 100, 200, 400 µM) three days after treatment. After five days of feeding, weight of larvae and their survival rate was found to decrease with increasing JA concentrations in both broccoli cultivars. JA-inducible GSs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Neoglucobrassicin in Green Magic and glucobrassicin in VI-158 leaves were increased in a dose-dependent manner. One or both of these glucosinolates and/or their hydrolysis products showed significant inverse correlations with larval weight and survival (five days after treatment) while being positively correlated with the number of days to pupation. This implies that these two JA-inducible glucosinolates can influence the growth and survival of cabbage looper larvae. Transcriptome profiling supported the observed changes in glucosinolate and their hydrolysis product concentrations following JA treatments. Several genes related to GS metabolism differentiate the two broccoli cultivars in their pattern of transcriptional response to JA treatments. Indicative of the corresponding change in indole GS concentrations, transcripts of the transcription factor MYB122, core structure biosynthesis genes (CYP79B2, UGT74B1, SUR1, SOT16, SOT17, and SOT18), an indole glucosinolate side chain modification gene (IGMT1), and several glucosinolate hydrolysis genes (TGG1, TGG2, and ESM1) were significantly increased in Green Magic (statistically significant in most cases at 400 µM) while UGT74B1 and MYB122 were significantly increased in VI-158. Therefore, these metabolite and transcript biomarker results indicate that transcriptome profiling can identify genes associated with the formation of two different indole GS and their hydrolysis products. Therefore, these metabolite and transcript biomarkers could be useful in an effective marker-assisted breeding strategy for resistance to generalist lepidopteran pests in broccoli and potentially other Brassica vegetables.
Selective Nonoperative Management of Leaks After Gastric Bypass: Lessons Learned From 2675 Consecutive Patients

Objective:To compare outcomes of patients with leaks after primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) managed operatively with those managed nonoperatively and subsequently derive indications for selective nonoperative management. Summary of Background Data:There is no consensus on the management of leaks complicating GBP, which remains the commonest cause of death. Methods:We evaluated 2675 consecutive GBP procedures, determining incidence and outcomes of leaks in a program emphasizing early detection, routine drainage, and selective nonoperative management. Results:Leaks occurred in 46 patients (41 women) with mean (±SD) age of 46.9 ± 8.7 years, weight and body mass index (BMI) of 307.8 ± 56.9 lb and 51.2 ± 9.5 kg/m2, respectively. Leaks were initially identified by upper gastrointestinal contrast swallow (UGI) on the first postoperative day (22), abnormal drain output (11), delayed UGI (3), or on clinical suspicion (10) with a respective interval to diagnosis of 1.1*, 6.5, 7, and 7.9 days (*P < 0.007 vs. other groups). Leaks were located in the gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis (37), gastric pouch (4), gastric remnant (2), jejuno-jejunostomy (1), Roux limb (1), and cervical esophagus (1), and were radiologically contained (40) or diffuse (3) or not demonstrable (3). Contained leaks were treated nonoperatively (31), by operation (7), or required no treatment (2). Patients with diffuse leaks or bilious drain output were operatively managed. They were similar in duration for nil per oral order, drain and antibiotic use and readmission rates, whereas hospital stays were longer in the operative group, P < 0.01. There were no deaths. Conclusions:Many leaks after gastric bypass are radiologically contained GJ and pouch leaks and can be safely managed nonoperatively. Radiologic features and bilious drainage were key determinants of treatment, with operative treatment used for diffuse GJ leaks, bilious drainage, or clinical suspicion with a negative UGI. Outcomes were similar in both groups.
Effects of estrogen with and without progestin on urinary incontinence.

One of the purported benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was to improve the symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI). The primary aim of this analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone trials was to determine the effects of MHT (estrogen plus progestin or estrogen alone) on the 1-year incidence and severity of symptoms of UI in healthy postmenopausal women. The study population consisted of 27,347 women between 50 and 79 years old who were receiving MHT. Of these, 16,608 were in the estrogen plus progestin (E+P) arm, and 10,739 were in the estrogen only arm. Half of the women in each arm received placebo medication in a doubleblinded fashion. Women were determined to have prevalent UI if they answered yes to the question “Have you ever leaked even a very small amount of urine involuntarily and you couldn’t control it? ” Reassessment of UI occurred after one year. Logistic regression models were fit with UI status at 1 year to determine the overall risk of UI among asymptomatic women. Similar models were used for each type of UI. For women with UI at baseline, changes in frequency or severity of symptoms were assessed for change at 1 year. Among all participants, 64.1% reported UI at baseline. For those women who were asymptomatic at baseline, MHT was associated with an increased incidence of any UI (E+P relative risk [RR] 1.39; estrogen RR 1.53). For stress UI, RR was 1.87 for E+P, and 2.15 for estrogen alone. A significant effect of hormones on urge UI was not observed in the E+P group, but RR was 1.32 for estrogen alone. MHT also increased the risk of worsening UI symptoms for those women with UI at baseline. This effect was greater for the estrogen only arm than for the E+P arm. In a subgroup analysis at 3 years, similar findings for incidence and worsening of UI were seen. This, according to the authors, is the first randomized trial to demonstrate that MHT increased UI. “Considerations regarding the use of hormone therapy by postmenopausal women for any duration should incorporate the current findings in to the established risks and benefits of these agents. ”
Comment on “A blueprint for process‐based modeling of uncertain hydrological systems” by Alberto Montanari and Demetris Koutsoyiannis

Montanari and Koutsoyiannis [2012] (hereafter referred to as MK) offer an excellent discussion of the fundamental role of epistemic uncertainty in hydrologic modeling. They point out that epistemic uncertainty is unavoidable, and that ‘‘one of the most comprehensive, elegant and complete ways of dealing with uncertainty is provided by the theory of probability. ’’ In fact, we know from Cox’s [1946] theorem that probability theory provides the only method for quantifying epistemic uncertainty that is consistent with certain basic principles of logic [Howson and Urbach, 1989; Rathmanner and Hutter, 2011; Van Horn, 2003].
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Genomic RNA Persists In Vivo in the Absence of Viral Replication

ABSTRACT Our previous studies using intranasal inoculation of mice with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vaccine vectors showed persistence of vector genomic RNA (gRNA) for at least 60 days in lymph nodes in the absence of detectable infectious virus. Here we show high-level concentration of virus and gRNA in lymph nodes after intramuscular inoculation of mice with attenuated or single-cycle VSV vectors as well as long-term persistence of gRNA in the lymph nodes. To determine if the persistence of gRNA was due to ongoing viral replication, we developed a tagged-primer approach that was critical for detection of VSV mRNA specifically. Our results show that VSV gRNA persists long-term in the lymph nodes while VSV mRNA is present only transiently. Because VSV transcription is required for replication, our results indicate that persistence of gRNA does not result from continuing viral replication. We also performed macrophage depletion studies that are consistent with initial trapping of VSV gRNA largely in lymph node macrophages and subsequent persistence elsewhere in the lymph node.
A Shifting Bloom Filter Framework for Set Queries

Set queries are fundamental operations in computer systems and applications. This paper addresses the fundamental problem of designing a probabilistic data structure that can quickly process set queries using a small amount of memory. We propose a Shifting Bloom Filter (ShBF) framework for representing and querying sets. We demonstrate the effectiveness of ShBF using three types of popular set queries: membership, association, and multiplicity queries. The key novelty of ShBF is on encoding the auxiliary information of a set element in a location offset. In contrast, prior BF based set data structures allocate additional memory to store auxiliary information. We conducted experiments using real-world network traces, and results show that ShBF significantly advances the state-of-the-art on all three types of set queries.
Traffic Signal Control with Swarm Intelligence

Traffic signal control is an effective way to regulate traffic flow to avoid conflict and reduce congestion. The ACO (Ant Colony Optimization) algorithm is an optimization technique based on swarm intelligence. This research investigates the application of ACO to traffic signal control problem. The decentralized, collective, stochastic, and self-organization properties of this algorithm fit well with the nature of traffic networks. Computer simulation results show that this method outperforms the conventional fully actuated control, especially under the condition of high traffic demand.
MHC class I‐restricted killing of neurons by virus‐specific CD8+ T lymphocytes is effected through the Fas/FasL, but not the perforin pathway

Induction of MHC class I genes in neurons of the central nervous system requires signals by pro‐inflammatory cytokines, in particular IFN‐γ, and the blockade of electric activity, which is known to suppress induction of MHC related genes in a highly ordered, but unusual fashion 1 , 2 . The present experiments explore the immunological function of neuronal MHC class I antigens expressed under permissive conditions. MHC class I proteins were induced in electrically silenced murine hippocampal neurons by treatment with the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin and recombinant IFN‐γ, conditions which also resulted in the induction of Fas molecules. The MHC class I positive neurons were challenged with CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for the H2‐Db binding peptide GP33, a dominant epitope of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus envelope glycoprotein, or with alloreactive CTL. Single primed neurons, attacked by GP33‐specific CTL, were continuously monitored for changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), an indicator of cytotoxic damage. MHC class I‐induced neurons pulsed with the GP33 peptide, but not a control peptide, showed a gradual and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i within 3 h following attack by GP33‐specific CTL, while in astrocytes [Ca2+]i elevation was rapid. The slow course of the neuronal response was consistent with a delayed apoptotic killing mechanism rather than rapid granule‐mediated plasma membrane lysis. Indeed, the attacked neurons bound annexin V, indicating membrane alterations preceding apoptotic cell death. In further support of apoptotic cell death, this sustained increase of [Ca2+]i levels was also observed following attack by perforin‐deficient CTL, but was not detected in neurons derived from mutant lpr mice, which lack functional Fas molecules.
Tides, Surges and Mean Sea-Level

Introduction: Early Ideas and Observations Tidal Patterns Meteorological and Other Non-tidal Disturbances Some Definitions of Common Terms Basic Statistics of Tides as Time Series Observations and Data Reduction Forces Analysis and Prediction Tidal Dynamics Biology: Some Tidal Influences Filters for Tidal Time Series Response Analysis Inputs and Theory Analysis of Currents Theoretical Tidal Dynamics Legal Definitions in the Coastal Zone.
Mitochondrial fission – a drug target for cytoprotection or cytodestruction?

Mitochondria are morphologically dynamic organelles constantly undergoing processes of fission and fusion that maintain integrity and bioenergetics of the organelle: these processes are vital for cell survival. Disruption in the balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission is thought to play a role in several pathological conditions including ischemic heart disease. Proteins involved in regulating the processes of mitochondrial fusion and fission are therefore potential targets for pharmacological therapies. Mdivi‐1 is a small molecule inhibitor of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1. Inhibiting mitochondrial fission with Mdivi‐1 has proven cytoprotective benefits in several cell types involved in a wide array of cardiovascular injury models. On the other hand, Mdivi‐1 can also exert antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects, particularly in hyperproliferative cells. In this review, we discuss these divergent effects of Mdivi‐1 on cell survival, as well as the potential and limitations of Mdivi‐1 as a therapeutic agent.
Cold Front Variability in the Southern United States and the Influence of Atmospheric Teleconnection Patterns

The variability of cold front passages in the southern United States and the effects of three teleconnection patterns on cold front frequencies are analyzed in this study. The Southern Oscillation is weakly correlated with cold front frequencies. However, cold front passage frequencies during El Niño and La Niña events are not significantly different. The Pacific/North American (PNA) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) teleconnection patterns exert a significant influence on cold front variability in this region. The PNA pattern is most strongly tied to variations in cold front passage frequencies in Florida. Meridional (zonal) flow conditions are associated with a southward (northward) displacement of storm tracks over the eastern United States, resulting in an increase (decrease) in cold front passages in Florida. Various parts of the southern United States are affected by the NAO. High NAO months are characterized by an expanded Atlantic Subtropical High which often results in fewer cold front passages in the eastern portions of the southern United States. During low NAO months, much of Texas experiences a higher frequency of cold front passages, a likely result of increased upper-air trough development over the region.
Relationships among Behavioral Intentions, Cognitive Event and Destination Images among Different Geographic Regions of Olympic Games Spectators

Sport tourism can arise from the unique interaction of people, places and activities (Weed, 2005). Consequently the characteristics of the place and the activity could influence sport tourists' behaviors. Given the international appeal of a mega event such as the Olympic Games, consideration should be given to spectators' geographic origins and how these impact the relationship and formation of event and destination images as well as spectators' behavioral intentions. This study aims: (a) to examine the impact of spectators' geographic regions on cognitive event and destination image perceptions and also on their intentions to revisit the destination; and (b) to test and quantify the impact of event image on destination image. Past experience with the destination and the event was controlled to account for differences between spectators from different geographic regions. Data were collected through onsite surveys from Olympic Games spectators who traveled to attend the event. MANCOVA and regression were used for the analysis. Differences were found between spectators from European and North American spectators on destination images related to the destination's local attractions and between Asians, Europeans and North Americans on event images related to Olympic Games infrastructure and organization. Spectators from different geographic regions did not differ in their intentions to revisit the hosting destination. However, their past experience with the destination was a significant predictor of their intentions. Regarding the relationship between event and destination images, certain aspects of the event image impacted cognitive destination images. Theoretical and practical implications are provided for event and destination marketers.
Adaptive Polynomial Filters

While linear filters are useful in a large number of applications and relatively simple from conceptual and implementational view points, there are many practical situations that require nonlinear processing of the signals involved. This article explains adaptive nonlinear filters equipped with polynomial models of nonlinearity. The polynomial system s considered are those nonlinear system s whose output signals can be related to the input signals through a truncated Volterra series expansion, or a recursive nonlinear difference equation. The Volterra series expansion can model a large class of nonlinear system s and is attractive in adaptive filtering applications because the expansion is a linear combina­ tion of nonlinear functions of the input signal. The basic ideas behind the development of gradient and recursive least-squares adaptive Volterra filters are first discussed, followed by adaptive algorithms using system models involving recursive nonlinear difference equations. Such system s are attractive because they may be able to approximate many nonlinear system s with great parsimony in the use o f coefficients. Also discussed are current research trends and new results and problem areas associated with these nonlinear filters. A lattice structure for polynomial models is also described. L inear filters have played a very crucial role in the development of various signal processing techni­ ques. The obvious advantage of linear filters is their inherent simplicity. Design, analysis, and im­ plementation of such filters are relatively straightfor­ ward tasks in many applications. However, there are several situations in which the performance of linear filters is unacceptable. A simple but highly pervasive type of nonlinearity is the saturation-type nonlinearity. Trying to identify these types of systems using linear models can often give misleading results. Another situation where nonlinear models will do well when linear models will fail miserably is that of trying to relate two signals with nonoverlapping spectral components. When confronted with a nonlinear systems problem, many engineers shy away from the situation (in the words of Rugh [Ru81], " hoping that the problem will go away") mainly because the solutions are often difficult from an analytical and/or computational point of view. Moreover, the rich variety of highly developed tools available for solving linear system s engineering problems are ju st not there when it comes to most nonlinear systems problems. The difficulties men­ tioned above are much more magnified in the case of adaptive nonlinear systems. The purpose of this paper is to give the …
Multi-domain Neural Network Language Generation for Spoken Dialogue Systems

©2016 Association for Computational Linguistics. Moving from limited-domain natural language generation (NLG) to open domain is difficult because the number of semantic input combinations grows exponentially with the number of domains. Therefore, it is important to leverage existing resources and exploit similarities between domains to facilitate domain adaptation. In this paper, we propose a procedure to train multi-domain, Recurrent Neural Network-based (RNN) language generators via multiple adaptation steps. In this procedure, a model is first trained on counterfeited data synthesised from an out-of-domain dataset, and then fine tuned on a small set of in-domain utterances with a discriminative objective function. Corpus-based evaluation results show that the proposed procedure can achieve competitive performance in terms of BLEU score and slot error rate while significantly reducing the data needed to train generators in new, unseen domains. In subjective testing, human judges confirm that the procedure greatly improves generator performance when only a small amount of data is available in the domain.
Unifying Bayesian Inference and Vector Space Models for Improved Decipherment

We introduce into Bayesian decipherment a base distribution derived from similarities of word embeddings. We use Dirichlet multinomial regression (Mimno and McCallum, 2012) to learn a mapping between ciphertext and plaintext word embeddings from non-parallel data. Experimental results show that the base distribution is highly beneficial to decipherment, improving state-of-the-art decipherment accuracy from 45.8% to 67.4% for Spanish/English, and from 5.1% to 11.2% for Malagasy/English.
A new Early Cretaceous coelacanth from Texas

Coelacanths have a long fossil record spanning from Early Devonian to the present globally, but until now only from Permian and Triassic sediments in Texas. Reported here is a partial skull, including an articulated lower jaw and disarticulated cranial elements, of a new coelacanth fish (Sarcopterygii: Actinistia) from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) of northern Texas. The presence of a single large pore opening for the supraorbital sensory canal, lack of ornamentation of the cheek and opercular bones, the presence of a few large pore openings in the cheekbones (five or less in the lachrymojugal, one in the other cheekbones) and the presence of small teeth are characters placing this specimen within a new clade along with the genera Libys, Ticinepomis and Diplurus. An upturned symphysis, unornamented gular plates whose posterior margins taper to points, and angular with sinuous dorsal edges reaching the same dorsal extent as the dentary are characters that make this specimen morphologically unique among the new clade. This specimen represents a new species here named as Reidus hilli.