Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longevity of phytophagous heteropteran predators feeding on transgenic Btt‐potato plants

As public opposition to insecticide use increases due to human and environmental health concerns, alternative methods for controlling agricultural pests must be found in order to maintain adequately high crop yields. One such method is the use of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) and its toxin that, when ingested by an appropriate host insect, binds to the brush-border of the insect’s gut and increases gut cell water permeability. The midgut epithelium cells swell and lyse, leading to bacterial septicemia and host death (Slaney et al., 1992). In the last decade, researchers have isolated theδ-endotoxin toxin gene from different strains of Bt, and have expressed the gene in corn, cotton, poplar trees, tobacco, potatoes, and eggplant to control lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. Potato plants have been transformed with the CryIIIA δ-endotoxin gene ofBacillus thuringiensis ubsp.tenebrionis(Btt) (Perlak et al., 1993) to control the Colorado potato beetle, one of the most serious insect pests of potatoes in the United States and Europe. This insect costs U.S. potato growers approximately $100 million annually to control (Perlak et al., 1993) and has developed resistance to most available pesticides (Ferro, 1994), making it an ideal target for alternate methods of control. Proponents of planting transgenic crops suggest that the use of toxin-expressing transgenic plants could permit fewer pesticide applications, which would allow natural enemies to survive and provide control of pest insects not affected by the transgenic gene products (Perlak et al., 1993). Colorado potato beetle is not the only pest of potato crops; aphids, loopers and cutworms, spider mites, and psyllids also are occasional or frequent pests that are not controlled by the CryIIIA endotoxin. Natural enemies including coccinellids, carabids, lacewings, and several heteropteran generalist predators feed on many of these potato pests (Hough-Goldstein et al., 1993; Hilbeck & Kennedy, 1996). These predators are frequently killed by the application of pesticides (Hilbeck & Kennedy, 1996), but if pesticide sprays are reduced by the use of transgenic plants, the predators can survive to control pest arthropods not affected by the Btt toxin. However, if the Btt toxin adversely affects predators, the natural enemies cannot provide control of pests remaining on the plants. A key group of predators, members of the Heteroptera, feeds directly on plants for nutrients and moisture to supplement their prey diet (Naranjo & Gibson, 1996; Coll, 1998). Several heteropteran predators feed on the mesophyll of leaves (Cohen, 1990; Armer et al., 1998), where high levels of Btt toxin are expressed ( ∼0.1% of total leaf proteins, [Perlak et al., 1993]). Therefore, these predators would encounter high concentrations of toxin when feeding on transgenic plants. This study examines the effect of direct feeding on transgenic Btt potato plants on the longevity of plant-feeding predatory Heteroptera.
Enabling an EO-Sensor-Based Capability to Detect and Track Multiple Moving Threats Onboard sUAS Operating in Cluttered Environments

In an increasingly complex environment for manned and unmanned traffic, technological advancements are thought to be able to provide alerts of the incoming threats autonomously and in a timely manner. This paper explores feasibility of integration of computer vision onboard a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) to detect and track multiple moving ground and aerial targets in the electro-optical (EO) sensor field of view. Towards this objective, the paper discusses the essence of the multiple moving targets detection (MMTD) algorithm that has been developed and tested off line already, and then proceeds with an analysis of two candidate sUAS platforms to host and run the MMTD algorithm in real time from the standpoint of hardware and software architecture design and applicability. It further continues with a description of a series of tests that were conducted progressively to assess and evaluate the overall concept with multiple sUAS and unmanned ground vehicles representing the cluttered operational environments. These tests proved the MMTD algorithm to be successful in detecting and tracking multiple moving targets, thus laying a foundation for future research on implementation of the developed techniques for autonomous vision-based collision-free operations. The paper also discusses certain hardware and software compatibility issues revealed during this study.
No More One Liners

As emojis are increasingly used in everyday online communication such as messaging, email, and social networks, various techniques have attempted to improve the user experience in communicating emotions and information through emojis. Emoji recommendation is one such example in which machine learning is applied to predict which emojis the user is about to select, based on the user’s current input message. Although emoji suggestion helps users identify and select the right emoji among a plethora of emojis, analyzing only a single sentence for this purpose has several limitations. First, various emotions, information, and contexts that emerge in a flow of conversation could be missed by simply looking at the most recent sentence. Second, it cannot suggest emojis for emoji-only messages, where the users use only emojis without any text. To overcome these issues, we present Reeboc (Recommending emojis based on context), which combines machine learning and k-means clustering to analyze the conversation of a chat, extract different emotions or topics of the conversation, and recommend emojis that represent various contexts to the user. To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed emoji recommendation system and understand its effects on user experience, we performed a user study with 17 participants in eight groups in a realistic mobile chat environment with three different modes: (i) a default static layout without emoji recommendations, (ii) emoji recommendation based on the current single sentence, and (iii) our emoji recommendation model that considers the conversation. Participants spent the least amount of time in identifying and selecting the emojis of their choice with Reeboc (38% faster than the baseline). They also chose emojis that were more highly ranked with Reeboc than with current-sentence-only recommendations. Moreover, participants appreciated emoji recommendations for emoji-only messages, which contributed to 36.2% of all sentences containing emojis.
Convex Optimization-based Motion Planner for Linear Variable Stiffness Actuators

This paper is focused on control of variable stiffness actuators (VSA). One of the new approaches in this area is based on a linear VSA model, whose main features are the directly controlled linear stiffness dynamics and bilinear output torque model. The paper tackles the problem of motion planning for linear VSA. While the problem appears to be non-convex, the study demonstrates that it is possible to introduce a new parametrization of the model that produces a convex optimization formulation. It is proposed to limit the power input allowed for the controller, making sure that it does not exceed the physical capabilities of the motors implementing the trajectories. The paper shows the behavior of the planer when it reaches the limits of the allowed power input. The paper demonstrates the use of the proposed planner in planning trajectories for a lower-limb exoskeleton performing sit-to-stand transfer.
DENTAL MORPHOLOGY AND EVOLUTION

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COVID-19 FATALITY RISK: WHY IS AUSTRALIA LOWER THAN SOUTH KOREA?

Background: As the Covid-19 virus epidemic spreads, it is important to establish reliable estimates of fatality hazard rates. Australia and South Korea are ideal candidates for detailed consideration. Both have completed the first wave of the epidemic, they have extensive Covid-19 testing and tracking programs so that confirmed case load data are reliable, and neither country has had any significant case load stress in their hospital systems. Methods: For each country, mortality hazard models were estimated using a parameterized distributed lag model where the number of daily deaths was dependent on the number of confirmed cases in each of the preceding six weeks. Age cohort CFRs were also examined. Findings: We observed major difference in the mortality rates when comparing South Korea to Australia in both the simple age adjusted fatality rates and in the disease hazard curve. On a like-for-like basis, the CFR for South Korea appears to be close to double the Australian rate (aggregate; 2.4% vs 1.4%). Interpretation: Neither differences in the time pattern of the peaking of the case load of confirmed cases, nor differences in the size of age cohorts of confirmed cases explain the difference in mortality observed. We discuss possible explanations that point the way for further investigation. Funding: nil.
Persistence of a Core Microbiome Through the Ontogeny of a Multi-Host Parasite

Animal microbiomes influence their development, behavior and interactions with other organisms. Parasitic metazoans also harbor microbial communities; although they are likely to modulate host–parasite interactions, little is known about parasite microbiomes. The persistence of microbial communities throughout the life of a parasite is particularly challenging for helminths with complex life cycles. These parasites undergo major morphological changes during their life, and parasitize host species that are immunologically, physiologically, and phylogenetically very different. Here, using 16S amplicon sequencing, we characterize the microbiome of the trematode Coitocaecum parvum across four of its life stages: sporocysts, metacercariae and adults inhabiting (respectively) snails, crustaceans and fish, as well as free-living cercariae. Our results demonstrate that, at each life stage, the parasite possesses a phylogenetically diverse microbiome, distinct from that of its hosts or the external environment. The parasite’s microbiome comprises bacterial taxa specific to each life stage in different hosts, as well as a small core set of taxa that persists across the parasite’s whole life. The apparent existence of an ontogenetically and vertically transmitted core microbiome is supported by the findings that the diversity and taxonomic composition of the microbiome does not vary significantly among life stages, and that the main source of microbial taxa at any life stage is the previous life stage. Our results suggest that microbes are an integrated component of the trematode, possibly shaping its phenotype and host–parasite interactions.
Metal Oxides-Based Semiconductors for Biosensors Applications

The present mini review contains a concessive overview on the recent achievement regarding the implementation of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) in biosensors used in biological and environmental systems. The paper explores the pathway of enhancing the sensing characteristics of metal oxides by optimizing various parameters such as synthesis methods, morphology, composition, and structure. Four representative metal oxides (TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, and WO3) are presented based on several aspects: synthesis method, morphology, functionalizing molecules, detection target, and limit of detection (LOD).
Haemaphysalis japonica, Haemaphysalis jezoensis and “Haemaphysalis douglasi” (Acari: Ixodidae): Which tick is distributed in Hokkaido?

As a general view, the ixodid tick Haemaphysalis japonica is distributed in Japan (Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido islands) and in a continental area including Russia Primorsky Krai, eastern China and the Korean Peninsula. The continental population is treated as a subspecies, Haemaphysalis japonica douglasi. The Hokkaido population was once named Haemaphysalis jezoensis, but synonymized with H. japonica. An irregular taxonomic revision, however, elevated H. japonica douglasi to specific rank for the continental and Hokkaido populations. The resultant “Haemaphysalis douglasi” sensu Kitaoka is obviously invalid because of the lack of taxonomic literatures about its specific status. Even in the present time, the invalid name has yet been used for tick identification in Hokkaido. In this study, nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA (large subunit ribosomal RNA gene) and nuclear DNA (internal transcribed spacer 2) were compared between adult samples of H. japonica from Honshu and those of “H. douglasi” from Hokkaido. The target sequences of the Hokkaido samples were completely identical with those of the Honshu samples, indicating that the elevation of H. japonica douglasi to specific rank or the resurrection of H. jezoensis is an inadequate treatment. The result clearly shows that H. japonica is distributed in
Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Working Memory-Related N2-P3 Components of the Event-Related Potential Waveform

Working memory is very sensitive to acute sleep deprivation, and many studies focus on the brain areas or network activities of working memory after sleep deprivation. However, little is known about event-related potential (ERP)-related changes in working memory after sleep loss. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of 36 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD) on working memory through ERPs. Sixteen healthy college students performed working memory tasks while rested and after 36 h of TSD, and electroencephalography (EEG) data were simultaneously recorded while the subjects completed working memory tasks that included different types of stimulus materials. ERP data were statistically analyzed using repeated measurements analysis of variance to observe the changes in the working memory-related N2-P3 components. Compared with baseline before TSD, the amplitude of N2-P3 components related to working memory decreased, and the latency was prolonged after TSD. However, the increased amplitude of the P2 wave and the prolonged latency were found after 36 h of TSD. Thus, TSD can impair working memory capacity, which is characterized by lower amplitude and prolonged latency.
Strategies of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 for Persistent Infection: Implications for Leukemogenesis of Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) establishes persistent infection in vivo in two distinct ways: de novo infection and clonal proliferation of infected cells. Two viral genes, Tax and HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) play critical roles in viral transcription and promotion of T-cell proliferation, respectively. Tax is a potent transactivator not only for viral transcription but also for many cellular oncogenic pathways, such as the NF-κB pathway. HBZ is a suppressor of viral transcription and has the potential to change the immunophenotype of infected cells, conferring an effector regulatory T cell (eTreg)-like signature (CD4+ CD25+ CCR4+ TIGIT+ Foxp3+) and enhancing the proliferation of this subset. Reports that mice transgenic for either gene develop malignant tumors suggest that both Tax and HBZ are involved in leukemogenesis by HTLV-1. However, the immunogenicity of Tax is very high, and its expression is generally suppressed in vivo. Recently, it was found that Tax can be expressed transiently in a small subpopulation of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) cells and plays a critical role in maintenance of the overall population. HBZ is expressed in almost all infected cells except for the rare Tax-expressing cells, and activates the pathways associated with cell proliferation. These findings indicate that HTLV-1 fine-tunes the expression of viral genes to control the mode of viral propagation. The interplay between Tax and HBZ is the basis of a sophisticated strategy to evade host immune surveillance and increase transmission – and can lead to ATL as a byproduct.
Hierarchical 0D−2D Co/Mo Selenides as Superior Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

Development of efficient electrocatalysts combining the features of low cost and high performance for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) still remains a critical challenge. Here, we proposed a facile strategy to construct in situ a novel hierarchical heterostructure composed of 0D−2D CoSe2/MoSe2 by the selenization of CoMoO4 nanosheets grafted on a carbon cloth (CC). In such integrated structure, CoSe2 nanoparticles dispersed well and tightly bonded with MoSe2 nanosheets, which can not only enhance kinetics due to the synergetic effects, thus promoting the electrocatalytic activity, but also effectively improve the structural stability. Benefiting from its unique architecture, the designed CoSe2/MoSe2 catalyst exhibits superior OER and HER performance. Specifically, a small overpotential of 280 mV is acquired at a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 for OER with a small Tafel slope of 86.8 mV·dec−1, and the overpotential is 90 mV at a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 for HER with a Tafel slope of 84.8 mV·dec−1 in 1 M KOH. Furthermore, the symmetrical electrolyzer assembled with the CoSe2/MoSe2 catalysts depicts a small cell voltage of 1.63 V at 10 mA·cm−2 toward overall water splitting.
Blend Sign Is a Strong Predictor of the Extent of Early Hematoma Expansion in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: It is unclear which imaging marker is optimal for predicting the extent of hematoma expansion (EHE). We aimed to compare the usefulness of the blend sign (BS) with that of other non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers for predicting the EHE in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Methods: Patients with sICH admitted to our Neurology Emergency Department between September 2013 and January 2019 were enrolled. The EHE was calculated as the absolute increase in hematoma volume between baseline and follow-up CT (within 72 h). The EHE was categorized into four groups: “no growth,” “minimal change” (≤5.1 ml), “moderate change” (5.1–12.5 ml), and “massive change” (>12.5 ml). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between the NCCT markers [BS, black hole sign (BHS), satellite sign, and island sign] and the EHE. Results: A total of 1,111 sICH patients were included (median age: 60 years; 66.5% males). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the presence of the BS and BHS was independently associated with the EHE, after adjusting for confounders (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). The presence of the BS and BHS was positively correlated with growth category (r = 0.285 and r = 0.199, both Ps < 0.001). The BS demonstrated a better predictive performance for the EHE than did the BHS [area under the curve (AUC): 0.67 vs. 0.57; both Ps < 0.001]. Conclusions: In patients with acute sICH, the BS showed a better performance in predicting the EHE compared with other NCCT markers. This imaging marker may help identify patients at a high risk of significant hematoma expansion and may facilitate its early management.
Genome-Wide Gene-Based Multi-Trait Analysis

Genome-wide association studies focusing on a single phenotype have been broadly conducted to identify genetic variants associated with a complex disease. The commonly applied single variant analysis is limited by failing to consider the complex interactions between variants, which motivated the development of association analyses focusing on genes or gene sets. Moreover, when multiple correlated phenotypes are available, methods based on a multi-trait analysis can improve the association power. However, most currently available multi-trait analyses are single variant-based analyses; thus have limited power when disease variants function as a group in a gene or a gene set. In this work, we propose a genome-wide gene-based multi-trait analysis method by considering genes as testing units. For a given phenotype, we adopt a rapid and powerful kernel-based testing method which can evaluate the joint effect of multiple variants within a gene. The joint effect, either linear or nonlinear, is captured through kernel functions. Given a series of candidate kernel functions, we propose an omnibus test strategy to integrate the test results based on different candidate kernels. A p-value combination method is then applied to integrate dependent p-values to assess the association between a gene and multiple correlated phenotypes. Simulation studies show a reasonable type I error control and an excellent power of the proposed method compared to its counterparts. We further show the utility of the method by applying it to two data sets: the Human Liver Cohort and the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data set, and novel genes are identified. Our method has broad applications in other fields in which the interest is to evaluate the joint effect (linear or nonlinear) of a set of variants.
Cardiovascular System Under Simulated Weightlessness: Head-Down Bed Rest vs. Dry Immersion

Background The most applicable human models of weightlessness are −6° head-down bed rest (HDBR) and head-out dry immersion (DI). A detailed experimental comparison of cardiovascular responses in both models has not yet been carried out, in spite of numerous studies having been performed in each of the models separately. Objectives We compared changes in central hemodynamics, autonomic regulation, plasma volume, and water balance induced by −6° HDBR and DI. Methods Eleven subjects participated in a 21-day HDBR and 12 subjects in a 3-day DI. During exposure, measurements of the water balance, blood pressure, and heart rate were performed daily. Plasma volume evolution was assessed by the Dill–Costill method. In order to assess orthostatic tolerance time (OTT), central hemodynamic responses to orthostatic stimuli, and autonomous regulation, the 80° lower body negative pressure–tilt test was conducted before and right after both exposures. Results For most of the studied parameters, the changes were co-directional, although they differed in their extent. The changes in systolic blood pressure and total peripheral resistance after HDBR were more pronounced than those after DI. The OTT was decreased in both groups: to 14.2 ± 3.1 min (vs. 27.9 ± 2.5 min before exposure) in the group of 21-day HDBR and to 8.7 ± 2.1 min (vs. 27.7 ± 1.2 min before exposure) in the group of 3-day DI. Conclusions In general, cardiovascular changes during the 21-day HDBR and 3-day DI were co-directional. In some cases, changes in the parameters after 3-day DI exceeded changes after the 21-day HDBR, while in other cases the opposite was true. Significantly stronger effects of DI on cardiovascular function may be due to hypovolemia and support unloading (supportlessness).