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We propose an image alignment algorithm based on weak supervision, which aims to identify the correspondence between a pair of reference and target images with no supervision of individual pixels. Since most existing methods have relied on a predefined geometric model such as homography, they often suffer from a lack of model flexibility and generalizability. To tackle the challenge, we propose a novel nonparametric transformation model based on graph convolutional networks without an explicit geometric constraint. The proposed method is generic and flexible in the sense that it is applicable to the image pairs undergoing diverse local and/or global transformations. To make the algorithm more suitable for real-world scenarios having potential noises from moving objects, we disregard those objects with an off-the-shelf semantic segmentation model. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on the Cityscapes dataset with annotated pixel-level correspondences and outperforms baseline methods relying on global parametric transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mean regression context, this study considers several frequently encountered heteroscedastic error models where the regression mean and variance functions are specified up to certain parameters. An important point we note through a series of analyses is that different assumptions on standardized regression errors yield quite different efficiency bounds for the corresponding estimators. Consequently, all aspects of the assumptions need to be specifically taken into account in constructing their corresponding efficient estimators. This study clarifies the relation between the regression error assumptions and their, respectively, efficiency bounds under the general regression framework with heteroscedastic errors. Our simulation results support our findings; we carry out a real data analysis using the proposed methods where the Cobb-Douglas cost model is the regression mean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of kimchi on hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice fed high cholesterol diet (HCD) with an oral administration of kimchi methanol extracts (KME, 200 mg kg bw−1 day−1) or distilled water for 8 weeks (n = 10 per group). Compared with the control group, plasma and hepatic lipid concentrations were lower in the kimchi group (p < 0.05), which was confirmed with hepatic histological examination by Oil Red O staining. Hepatic expressions for fatty acid synthesis were downregulated whereas those for beta-oxidation were upregulated in the kimchi group (p < 0.05). Hepatic expressions for cholesterol synthesis were decreased but those for cholesterol export was increased in the kimchi group (p < 0.05). Moreover, kimchi intake reduced expression for inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05). Kimchi exerted beneficial effects on HCD-induced hepatic damage by suppressing lipid synthesis and inflammation, and facilitating fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol excretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice crops are vulnerable to low temperatures. During development, the reproductive stage is particularly sensitive to cold exposure, which causes abnormal pollen development and a high degree of male sterility. In this study, shotgun proteomic analysis was used to analyze rice anthers containing pollen grains from a cold-tolerant variety, Dianxi 4. Protein expression was compared between normal anthers and anthers exposed to cold temperatures at the young microspore stage. In total, 3835 non-redundant proteins were identified in the rice anther. Of these, 441 proteins were differentially expressed between normal and cold-treated anthers. Pollen allergens, ATP synthase, actin, profilin, and β-expansin proteins were highly abundant, reflecting anther development, pollen germination, and pollen tube elongation. Starch and sucrose metabolic proteins such as α-amylase precursor and 4-α-glucanotransferase exhibited reduced expression after cold exposure. Among the proteins that exhibited increased expression after cold exposure, C2 domain proteins, and GRPs were identified as candidate signaling factors for mediation of the cold tolerance response. Through high-throughput proteomic analysis we were able to reveal proteomic changes against cold stress and suggest two signaling factors as the candidate genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of pressure-roasted dried radish (PRDR) against oxidative stress. To prepare PRDR extract, dried radish (DR) was pressure-roasted, boiled, and then freeze-dried. Mice fed a chow diet with oral administration of distilled water (DW) (normal group) or a high-fat diet with DW (control, CON group), DR (DR group, 237 mg/kg bw/day), or PRDR (PRDR group, 237 mg/kg bw/day) ( n = 8 each group) for 12 weeks. Hepatic lipid peroxidation level in the DR and PRDR groups was lower than that in the CON group, whereas hepatic glutathione level in these groups was higher ( p < 0.05). Hepatic expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and its related antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and peroxidases was the highest in the PRDR group ( p < 0.05). It is apparent that radish attenuate oxidative stress and the process of pressure roasting might contribute positively to this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A functional radish tea beverage was developed using pressure roasted radish pieces, barley, and cassia seeds. Stevia, short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), and inverted sugar syrup were used as sugar substitutes. The formula developed for mass production was, pressure roasted radish pieces, barley, and cassia seed teas prepared separately, then mixed (3:1:1, v/v/v). Inverted sugar syrup (54.4 g/L), stevia (0.73 g/L), scFOS (17 g/L), citric acid (0.01%), and vitamin C (0.05%) were added. Sweetness and caloric contents of the roasted radish tea beverage were 6.5°Bx and 19.35 Kcal/100 mL, respectively. Based on consumer acceptance testing ( n=60 persons), overall acceptance, taste, and sweetness scores of the roasted radish tea beverage were higher than for a commercially available H tea beverage. Caloric contents were reduced by approximately 23.5% using sugar substitutes. The IC value for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of hot water extracts of dried radish increased 2.5-fold after pressure roasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop a rice porridge containing perilla oil rich in α-linolenic acid which demonstrated anti-atherogenic effect in the previous study. Lipid lowering effect of emulsified perilla oil (EPO) was examined in apo E KO mice ( n=18) and that for rice porridge containing EPO (RPEPO) was investigated in the pilot scale human study ( n=20). Inhibitory effects of EPO on the plasma lipid levels and fatty streak lesion size in apo E KO mice were similar to those observed in mice fed perilla oil (PO), suggesting that EPO is applicable form of PO in manufacturing rice porridge product with PO's health benefit properties. In human study with young adults aged between 20-35 years old, changes in plasma triglyceride concentration of subjects consumed RPEPO for 30 days as a breakfast was significantly lowered than those for subjects consumed rice porridge ( p<0.05), of which calorie levels were the same (333 kcal/meal). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit the second-order nonlinear least square estimator proposed in Wang and Leblanc (Anne Inst Stat Math 60:883-900, ) and show that the estimator reaches the asymptotic optimality concerning the estimation variability. Using a fully semiparametric approach, we further modify and extend the method to the heteroscedastic error models and propose a semiparametric efficient estimator in this more general setting. Numerical results are provided to support the results and illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trophectoderm (TE) lineage development is pivotal for proper implantation, placentation, and healthy pregnancy. However, only a few TE-specific transcription factors (TFs) have been systematically characterized, hindering our understanding of the process. To elucidate regulatory mechanisms underlying TE development, here we map super-enhancers (SEs) in trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) as a model. We find both prominent TE-specific master TFs (Cdx2, Gata3, and Tead4), and >150 TFs that had not been previously implicated in TE lineage, that are SE-associated. Mapping targets of 27 SE-predicted TFs reveals a highly intertwined transcriptional regulatory circuitry. Intriguingly, SE-predicted TFs show 4 distinct expression patterns with dynamic alterations of their targets during TSC differentiation. Furthermore, depletion of a subset of TFs results in dysregulation of the markers for specialized cell types in placenta, suggesting a role during TE differentiation. Collectively, we characterize an expanded TE-specific regulatory network, providing a framework for understanding TE lineage development and placentation. Trophectoderm lineage development is essential for implantation, placentation, and healthy pregnancy. Here the authors map super-enhancers (SEs) in trophoblast stem cells and find both TE-specific master regulators and 150 previous uncharacterised transcription factors that are SE-associated, providing insight into trophectoderm-specific regulatory networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]