Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic architecture of parallel ecological divergence: Beyond a single environmental contrast

A common genomic architecture allowed a marine snail to rapidly adapt to heterogeneous environments in a replicated way. The study of parallel ecological divergence provides important clues to the operation of natural selection. Parallel divergence often occurs in heterogeneous environments with different kinds of environmental gradients in different locations, but the genomic basis underlying this process is unknown. We investigated the genomics of rapid parallel adaptation in the marine snail Littorina saxatilis in response to two independent environmental axes (crab-predation versus wave-action and low-shore versus high-shore). Using pooled whole-genome resequencing, we show that sharing of genomic regions of high differentiation between environments is generally low but increases at smaller spatial scales. We identify different shared genomic regions of divergence for each environmental axis and show that most of these regions overlap with candidate chromosomal inversions. Several inversion regions are divergent and polymorphic across many localities. We argue that chromosomal inversions could store shared variation that fuels rapid parallel adaptation to heterogeneous environments, possibly as balanced polymorphism shared by adaptive gene flow.
Decade of change in Enhalus acoroides seagrass meadows in Guam, Mariana Islands

Seagrasses provide important ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. However, there are significant gaps in our estimates of seagrass coverage, particularly in the western tropical Pacific. In the present study we assessed the status and extent of seagrass meadows, dominated by Enhalus acoroides, around Guam, the largest and most populated island in the Marianas. The combined above- and belowground biomass of E. acoroides (~2300g dry weight m–2) is the highest reported for this species and among the highest for all seagrass species. Elemental analysis of C, N and P revealed variations across site and plant part (i.e. above- v. belowground); N:P ratios suggested N limitation. Between 2004 and 2015, seagrass meadows in Guam decreased in total size by 22%, although it is unclear whether this change was part of a long-term trend and whether it was caused by natural or human factors. The high standing stock of E. acoroides suggests that further examination of this species and this region will be needed to better estimate global seagrass carbon stocks.
Eagle Syndrome-an Incidental Finding in a Case of Maxillofacial Trauma, a Case Report

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose due to the myriad of non-specific symptoms related to orofacial and cervical region and is a result of an abnormal elongation of styloid process causing compression of surrounding nerves or vessels. Patient can present with oropharyngeal, cervical, temporomandibular or auricular pain, globus sensation, dysphagia, transient ischemic attack and syncope. Diagnosis is established by correlating the symptoms with radiologic confirmation. This case report depicts a 50 year old male patient who reported with multiple facial fractures. His radiographs showed a markedly elongated styloid process of the right side and his medical history revealed that he experienced mild dysphagia, transient voice changes and right sided jaw pain occasionally and hence the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome was confirmed during the evaluation of maxillofacial injuries.
Detection and Discrimination of Incipient Stator Faults for Inverter-Fed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

The online detection of incipient faults for permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) has been a great challenge in recent decades, where the fault features are extremely trivial and the machine fault type is normally unknown in advance. An online fault detection and discrimination of incipient faults for PMSM, including stator interturn short-circuit and resistive unbalance fault, is proposed in this article. First, zero-sequence voltage signal is collected and the zero-sequence voltage component (ZSVC) is used to detect the abnormal status of the PMSM. Then, high frequency (HF) signals are injected to the PMSM to discriminate the fault type. It shows that the amplitude of the HF component in ZSVC is proportional to the frequency of the injected signal under interturn short-circuit while it is constant under the resistive unbalance fault, and due to this difference, the fault type may be discriminated. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis is validated by the simulation and experimental results.
Frequency-Domain Modal Analysis for Power-Electronic-Based Power Systems

This letter presents two frequency-domain modal analysis methods, “peak-picking” and “circle fit” methods, used for current control interactions of grid-connected voltage-source converters (VSCs). Differing from the conventional resonance mode analysis, the modal impedances are analyzed with their Nyquist plots, instead of the magnitude-frequency response, which leads to an accurate prediction on the damping behavior of system. Experimental tests verify the theoretical modal analysis methods.
Fluctuating selection strength and intense male competition underlie variation and exaggeration of a water strider's male weapon

Sexually selected traits can reach high degrees of expression and variation under directional selection. A growing number of studies suggest that such selection can vary in space, time and form within and between populations. However, the impact of these fluctuations on sexual trait expression is poorly understood. The water strider Microvelia longipes displays a striking case of exaggeration and phenotypic variation where males display extreme differences in the size of their rear legs. To study the origin and maintenance of this exaggerated trait, we conducted comparative behavioral and morphometric experiments in a sample of Microvelia species. We uncovered differences both in the mating behavior and the degree of sexual dimorphism across these species. Interestingly, M. longipes evolved a specific mating behavior where males compete for egg-laying sites, consisting of small floating objects, to intercept and copulate with gravid females. Field observations revealed rapid fluctuation in M. longipes habitat stability and the abundance of egg-laying sites. Through male-male competition assays, we demonstrated that male rear legs are used as weapons to dominate egg-laying sites and that intense competition is associated with the evolution of rear leg length exaggeration. Paternity tests using genetic markers demonstrated that small males could only fertilize about 5% of the eggs when egg-laying sites are limiting, whereas this proportion increased to about 20% when egg-laying sites become abundant. Furthermore, diet manipulation and artificial selection experiments also showed that the exaggerated leg length in M. longipes males is influenced by both genetic and nutritional factors. Collectively, our results highlight how fluctuation in the strength of directional sexual selection, through changes in the intensity of male competition, can drive the exaggeration and phenotypic variation in this weapon trait.
Effects of biodynamic preparations on concentration of phenolic compounds in the leaves of two white mulberry cultivars

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of biodynamic (BD) preparations 500 and 501 on the quality of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves. Leaves of the two mulberry cultivars, Plodovaja 3 and Turchanka, were collected in September 2015 and 2016. Quantitative determinations of phenolic, flavonoid and chlorogenic acid concentrations in mulberry leaves were conducted by UPLC methods. The results showed that the total phenolic compounds concentration (TPCC) and total flavonoid concentration (TFC) in the samples ranged from 4483 to 5005 and from 2944 to 3292 mg ChAE 100 g−1 DM, respectively, with leaves of Turchanka containing the highest concentrations and significant differences between the cultivars for treatments with BD application. The major flavonoids in the mulberry leaves were quercetin-acetylhexoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, kaempferol-acetylhexoside and astragalin, and the concentration of these varied depending on the cultivar (apart from for isoquercitrin and astragalin). The results demonstrated that BD preparations influenced the TPCCs of the two cultivars differently. The application of BD preparation 500 significantly increased the total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations in the leaves of Turchanka by 3.62% and 6.1%, respectively. Using the two preparations together (500 + 501) had significant effects on quercetin-acetylhexoside and kaempferol-acetylhexoside accumulation in the mulberry leaves of both cultivars. Application of preparation 501 significantly reduced the TPCC, TFC and chlorogenic acid concentration in the leaves of Plodovaja 3, compared with the control. The results showed that BD preparations had the greatest positive effect on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in the leaves of the Turchanka cultivar.
System Identification With Binary-Valued Observations Under Data Tampering Attacks

With the popularization and application of cyber–physical systems in many industry and infrastructure fields, the security issue has been quite an important concern. This article addresses the defense problem against the data tampering attack under the framework of system identification with binary-valued observations. From the perspective of the attacker, it is shown that how to achieve the maximum hit effect with the least attack energy. From the perspective of the defender, a so-called compensation-oriented defense approach is proposed, and the corresponding identification algorithm is designed. The strong consistency of the algorithm is proved, and the asymptotic normality is obtained, based on which the optimal defense scheme is established. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the defense algorithm and the main theoretical results.
Pancreatic polypeptide increases gastric activity through a vagal dependent mechanism

S McTigue, D.M. and Rogers, R.C. Pancreatic polypeptide increases the activity of dorsal vagal complex neurons in vivo. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, Vol 20, 1994. McTigue, D.M. and Rogers, R.C. Pancreatic polypeptide: an endoneurocrine modulator of gastric vago-vagal reflex circuits. Gastroenterology 106(4): A1038; 1994. McTigue, D.M. and Rogers, RC. Pancreatic polypeptide in the dorsal vagal complex stimulates gastric acid secretion and motility. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, Vol 19, 1993. McTigue, D.M. , Rogers, R.C. , and Stephens, R.L. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogue and serotonin interact within the dorsal vagal complex to augment gastric acid secretion. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, Vol 18, 1992. FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Physiology Studies in neurophysiology
Silver Nanoparticle and Plant Molecule Combinations Synergistically Inhibit Drug Resistant Biofilms in Candida albicans

Anti-biofilm activity of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in combination with four molecules i.e., Geraniol, β-Ionone, Citral and Carvacrol were analysed in a polystyrene microplate based in vitro biofilm model using XTT-metabolic assay. SNPs dosages required for the inhibition of anti-biofilm activity were reduced by the addition of the above molecules. MIC of SNPs against planktonic growth of C. albicans ATCC 90028 was reduced by eight fold in presence of geraniol. This interaction was also synergistic in case of C. albicans clinical isolate GMC 03. Geraniol-SNPs combination was synergistic against developing biofilms in both the strains and reduced the MIC of SNPs by 16 fold in C. albicans ATCC 90028. Eight fold decrease in MIC was observed in presence of 500 μg/ml of β-ionone in C. albicans ATCC 90028. MIC of SNPs against mature biofilm forms were brought down by sixteen fold by geraniol. Combination of SNPs-β-ionone caused eight fold decrease in the MIC of SNPs against mature biofilm forms in C. albicans ATCC 90028.
Dynamic Modeling, Simulation, and Testing of a Marine DC Hybrid Power System

The hybridization of power systems offers the low-emission and energy-efficient marine vessels. However, it increases the complexity of the power system. Design, analysis, control, and optimization of such a sophisticated system require reliable and efficient modeling tools to cover a wide range of applications. In this work, a typical dc hybrid power system model is developed using a bond graph modeling approach. Necessary component models of varying degrees of fidelity are developed and integrated to build a system model with reasonable accuracy. The developed system model, along with the rule-based energy management system, is used to simulate the entire system and to investigate the load-sharing strategies, as well as the system stability in various operating scenarios. Moreover, the simulation results are validated with experimental results conducted on a full-scale laboratory setup of the dc hybrid power system and with a ship load profile. The results show that the system model is capable of capturing the fundamental dynamics of the real system. The hybrid power system model is further used to analyze the bus voltage deviation from its nominal value. The computational efficiency presented by the system is fairly good as it can simulate faster than real-time. The developed system model can be used to build up a comprehensive simulation platform for different system analysis and control designs.
A comparison of deep learning and linear-nonlinear cascade approaches to neural encoding

A large body of work on neural encoding has focused on “cascade” type models such as the linear-nonlinear-Poisson (LNP) model. This approach seeks to describe the encoding process in terms of a series of stages: (1) projection of the stimulus onto a bank of linear filters; (2) a nonlinear function combining these filter outputs; and (3) a noisy spike generation process. Here we explore the relationship of the LNP modeling framework to more recent approaches arising from the deep learning literature. Specifically, we show that deep neural network (DNN) and convolutional neural network (CNN) models of neural activity sit firmly within the LNP framework, and correspond to particular parametrizations of the nonlinear stage of the LNP model. Using data from primate retina and primary visual cortex, we compare the performance of LNP models fit with deep learning methods to LNP models fit with traditional estimators, including spike-triggered covariance (STC), information-theoretic spike-triggered averaging and covariance (iSTAC), and maximum likelihood estimators also known as “maximally informative dimensions” (MID). We show that models with nonlinearities parametrized by deep networks achieve higher accuracy for a fixed number of filters, and can extract a larger number of informative filters than traditional models. Finally, we perform a dimensionality analysis of LNP models trained with deep learning methods, revealing that a large number of filters are needed to accurately describe the neural responses of many cells even early in the visual pathway. This result overturns one of the central tenets of the LNP modeling framework: that neural computations are low-dimensional, or depend on the stimulus only via its projection onto a small number of linear filters. We discuss the implications of these findings for both the fitting and interpretation of LNP encoding models.
First-principles-based kinetic modeling of the zeolite-catalyzed conversion of furans to aromatics

We present a detailed mechanism for the conversion of DMF (2,5dimethylfuran) and ethylene to p-xylene, obtained by gas-phase DFT electronic structure calculations. The conversion consists of Diels-Alder cycloaddition and subsequent dehydration of the cycloadduct, an oxa-norbornene derivative. We present the energetics of both the uncatalyzed and acid-catalyzed (Bronsted and Lewis) reactions. Even though the DMF-ethylene cycloaddition is thermally feasible, we show that Lewis acids can further lower the activation requirements by decreasing the HOMO-LUMO gap of the addends. The catalytic effect may be significant or negligible depending on whether the Diels-Alder reaction proceeds in the normal or the inverse electron-demand direction. We also show that Bronsted acids are
Unterrichtsstörungen aus Lehrenden- und Lernendenperspektive: Erste Ergebnisse des Forschungsprojekts DU STÖRST! 2.0

Im Zusammenhang mit dem Konzept Unterrichtsstörung wurde in der Vergangenheit versucht, verschiedene Kategorisierungen und Definitionen für das soziale, interpersonale Phänomen der Unterbrechung des Unterrichtsflusses zu finden. In der Forschungspraxis erfolgte die Betrachtung von Unterrichtsstörungen meistens monoperspektivisch entweder aus Lernendenoder aus Lehrendenperspektive. Neuere Studien richten den Fokus stärker auf die Interaktion zwischen Lehrer*innen und Schüler*innen in der Klasse als System. Besonders wichtig ist dabei die geteilte, reziproke Wahrnehmung aller Beteiligten. Die multiperspektivische Wahrnehmung von Störungssituationen im Unterricht wird im vorliegenden Beitrag sichtbar gemacht. Dies kann dabei helfen, angehende Lehrkräfte auf die Herausforderung des Umgangs mit Unterrichtsstörungen in Zukunft besser vorzubereiten.
Time course of l
-tryptophan metabolites when fermenting natural grape musts: effect of inoculation treatments and cultivar on the occurrence of melatonin and related indolic compounds

Background and Aims Tryptophan is involved in the formation of bioactive compounds, such as melatonin (MEL) and 3‐indoleacetic acid (3‐IAA), by yeast. Melatonin is a neurohormone whose occurrence in wine has been widely reported in recent years. The occurrence, however, of MEL and other indolic compounds related to tryptophan metabolism by wine yeast strains has been scarcely reported in grape musts. This work examined the occurrence of these compounds during the alcoholic fermentation (AF) of musts from seven grape cultivars, Corredera, Chardonnay, Moscatel, Palomino Fino, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and Vijiriega. Methods and Results Must was fermented with three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and then in two cases an additional sequential inoculation with the non‐Saccharomyces yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii was carried out. Fermented must samples were analysed by UHPLC/HRMS to determine the concentration of: l‐tryptophan, 5‐hydroxytryptophan, 5‐hydroxytryptamine, N‐acetyl‐5‐hydroxytryptamine, MEL, 3‐IAA, tryptamine, tryptophol and l‐tryptophan ethyl ester. The profile of indolic compounds during AF with the Aroma White strain depended on the cultivar. The yeast strain did not influence the profile of indolic compounds; instead, fermentation time was found to be a more influential factor. Conclusions The production of indolic compounds during the AF depends largely on the cultivar used and the day of fermentation on natural grape musts. Significance of the Study This is the first study that quantifies 5‐hydroxytryptophan and N‐acetyl‐5‐hydroxytryptamine during the AF of grape must. The occurrence of compounds with bioactive potential, for example 3‐IAA and ML, during fermentation with commercial yeast strains is also described.
Encoding of an engram for food location by satiety-promoting Drd2 hippocampal neurons

Associative learning guides feeding behavior in mammals in part by using cues that link location in space to food availability. However, the elements of the top-down circuitry encoding the memory of the location of food is largely unknown, as are the high-order processes that control satiety. Here we report that hippocampal dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) neurons are specifically activated by food and that modulation of their activity reduce food intake in mice. We also found that activation of these neurons interferes with the valence of food and the acquisition of a spatial memory linking food to a location via projections from the hippocampus to the lateral septum. Finally, we showed that inputs from lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) to the hippocampus can also drive satiety via activation of D2R cells. These data describe a previously unidentified function for hippocampal D2R cells to regulate feeding behavior and identifies a LEC->Hippocampus->Septal high-order circuit that encodes the memory of food location.
Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction Due to Phytobezoar: Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to look through our patients with intestinal obstruction (IO) due to phytobezoars. Materials and Methods: Patients with intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar between April 2013 and January 2017 were evaluated in this study. Results: There were 13 patients. Seven patients were female; six patients were male, and the mean age was 54.6. Six of the patients had a history of gastric re–section, two patients had severe tooth disturbances, and two patients had diabetes. In four patients, there was a story of eating persimmon (diospyrobezoar). Three of the patients were diagnosed with computerized tomography (CT) and nine of the patients with the laparotomy. Two patients had bezoars in the endoscopy. Two patients were treated nonoperatively. Intravenous (IV) fluid, nasogastric decompression, oral cola beverage and IV metoclopramide were administered. The patients requiring surgery were operated within 72 hours. In the laparotomy, bezoars were found in the ileum and four also in the stomach. In three of the patients, bezoars were crushed manually and then transferred to ileum; in eight of the patients, bezoars were extracted with enterotomy. Two of the patients who had entero-tomy, underwent re–laparotomy due to a leak, and these two patients were lost. Superficial wound infection developed in four patients. Specimens were reported as a phytobezoar in pathology reports. Conclusion: Phytobezoars should be kept in mind in differential diagnosis in ileus patients with a gastric operation history and dental problems. Patients’ detailed anamnesis and eating habits should be questioned. CT and endoscopy may help. Patients with partial obstruction may benefit from conservative treatment.
Distinction of Gray and White Matter for Some Histological Staining Methods in New Zealand Rabbit's Brain

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the abilities of some staining methods used in histology to detect neuroglia, cell groups and moieties such as axons and dendrites in the brain, and the ability of detecting the white matter limit. Materials and Methods: Brain tissue from a 14-month-old New Zealand Rabbit was used in the study. The brain was sliced transversally to make it suitable for histological procedures. For this, the brains were placed on the millimeter paper and sliced into three equal parts. The obtained samples were cut 10μm thickness from same side and cranial to caudal and, slides were stained with six staining methods. Each of these slides was photographed as jpeg format by means of a microscope. The sectional images obtained were transferred to Image J programme to estimate their areas. The Likert scale was used to investigate the adequacy of staining methods to determine the border of gray and white matter and cell groups in the brain. As a result of these procedures, statistical results of obtained data were presented in tables and figures. Results: As a result of the Likert scale, CT was the highest score whereas MGG was the lowest average score. Considering all structures in the brain, KB, MGG, MMGG and CT stainings for neuroglia cells; KB, MGG and MMGG staining methods for axon, dendrite and Nissl bodies; furthermore for ependymal cells, pia mater and choroid plexus KB, MGG, MMGG, CT, AgNORs and HE staining methods were found to have the highest score. In the distinction of gray and white matter, KB, MG, MMGG and CT staining methods had the highest score, also. Conclusions: With this study, it is thought that it would help the researchers to determine the boundaries of the anatomical structures of interest in the brain and the selection of histological stains that should be used in the staining of the desired cell groups.