Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparision of Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of Sub-Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Farms of Erode District

Introduction Mastitis is the most costly disease of dairy cattle due to economic losses from reduced milk production, treatment costs, increased labour, milk withheld following treatment, death, and premature culling (Miller et al., 1993). Early detection of mastitic cows is important for most dairy farmers to reduce production losses and to enhance prospects of recovery. Diagnosis of clinical mastitis is based on the local and systemic reactions and changes in milk (e.g. off color, watery, bloody appearance and presence of flakes, clots and pus). The diagnosis of subclinical mastitis is more problematic since the milk appears normal but usually has an elevated somatic cell count. Early diagnosis of mastitis is vital because changes in the udder tissue take place much earlier than they become apparent. Various methods, based on physical and chemical changes of milk and cultural isolation of organisms, are used for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis (Emanuelson et al., 1987). The California mastitis test (CMT) and TANUVAS TRPVB ABT SCC Quick Count test are the reliable cowside screening tests for subclinical mastitis that can easily be applied. The CMT is a simple, inexpensive, rapid screening test for subclinical mastitis, based upon the amount of cellular nuclear protein present in the milk sample. Modern mastitis tests allow for indirect determination of the number of somatic cells in milk (Greiner et al., 2000). As the inflammatory process develops in udder tissue, the number of these cells (particularly leukocytes) in milk sharply increases. SCC, CMT and intramammary infection are associated significantly; therefore these parameters provide the necessary information to evaluate udder health status in cows. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare two indirect mastitis diagnostic tests – California mastitis test (CMT) and TANUVAS TRPVB ABT SCC Quick Count test for their ability to classify correctly udder health status of individual cows. The present study was designed to investigate the comparative efficiency of two indirect tests for the diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy farms of Erode District. Results of this study International Journal of Science, Environment ISSN 2278-3687 (O) and Technology, Vol. 6, No 2, 2017, 1321 – 1326 2277-663X (P)
Universal usability as a stimulus to advanced interface design

The desire to make computing available to broader populations has historically been a motivation for research and innovation that led to new breakthroughs in usability. Menus, graphical user interfaces and the World Wide Web are examples of innovative technological solutions that have arisen out of the challenge of bringing larger and more diverse groups of users into the world of computing. Universal usability is the latest such challenge: In order to build systems that are universally usable, designers must account for technology variety, user diversity and gaps in user knowledge. These issues are particularly challenging and important in the context of increasing the usability of the World Wide Web. To raise awareness, web designers are urged to provide universal usability statements that offer users information about the usability of their sites. These statements can inform users and thereby reduce frustration and confusion. Further steps toward universal usability might be achieved through research aimed at developing tools that would encourage or promote usability. The paper closes with five proposals for future research.
Sim-to-Real Robot Learning from Pixels with Progressive Nets

Applying end-to-end learning to solve complex, interactive, pixel-driven control tasks on a robot is an unsolved problem. Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithms are too slow to achieve performance on a real robot, but their potential has been demonstrated in simulated environments. We propose using progressive networks to bridge the reality gap and transfer learned policies from simulation to the real world. The progressive net approach is a general framework that enables reuse of everything from low-level visual features to high-level policies for transfer to new tasks, enabling a compositional, yet simple, approach to building complex skills. We present an early demonstration of this approach with a number of experiments in the domain of robot manipulation that focus on bridging the reality gap. Unlike other proposed approaches, our real-world experiments demonstrate successful task learning from raw visual input on a fully actuated robot manipulator. Moreover, rather than relying on model-based trajectory optimisation, the task learning is accomplished using only deep reinforcement learning and sparse rewards.
Periventricular leukomalacia in a neonatal calf

A 10-day-old, Japanese Black, female calf had shown astasia since just after birth. Focal symmetrical periventricular malacic lesions of the cerebrum and suppurative arthritis of the left hip joint were observed in macroscopic examination. Histologically, the cerebral lesions were confirmed as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). The location and histological features of the lesions were similar to PVL in humans, caused by neonatal ischemia/hypovolemia. This is the first report of PVL in a neonatal calf.
Social cognition in children at familial high-risk of developing an eating disorder

Objective: Diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED) has been associated with differences in social cognition. To date research investigating social cognition and ED has mainly employed patient and recovered samples. It is therefore unclear whether differences in social cognition are present prior to onset of ED, potentially contributing to development, or whether differences observed are a consequence of the disorder. We aimed to further explore whether individuals at high-risk for ED present social cognition characteristics previously found in ED groups. Methods: Our sample was drawn from a population-based cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Data on maternal ED behaviors over the lifetime were collected through in-depth clinical interviews (n = 1128) conducted using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SCID), and were used to categorize mothers according to ED behaviors over the lifetime: Restricting and Excessive Exercising (n = 58), Purging (n = 70), Binge-eating (n = 72), Binging and Purging (n = 66), no ED (n = 862). High-risk status of children was determined using these maternal lifetime behavioral phenotypes. Children at high-risk (maternal ED exposure) were compared to children at low-risk (born to mothers with no ED) on three measures of social cognition: the Social Communication Disorders Checklist (SCDC) (n = 922), the faces subtest of the Diagnostic Analysis of Non-Verbal Accuracy (DANVA) (n = 722), and the Emotional Triangles Task (n = 750). Results: Children at high-risk for ED showed poorer performance on measures of social cognition compared to children at low-risk. Maternal lifetime binge-eating, and maternal lifetime binging and purging were associated with poorer social communication in children (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.0, 5.7, p = 0.05; and OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.5, p = 0.03 respectively). Maternal binging and purging was also found to be associated with differential facial emotion processing and poorer recognition of fear from social motion cues (B: −0.7, 95% CI: −1.1, −0.2, p = 0.004). Discussion: Children at high-risk for ED showed slight differences in some areas of social cognition when compared to children at low-risk. Characteristic patterns in social cognition are present in children at high-risk for ED, particularly among children whose mothers have binge-eating and purging behaviors over the lifetime. Our findings support the hypothesis that these differences may be part of an intermediate phenotype for ED: perhaps contributing to development, or perhaps indexing a shared liability with psychiatric disorders characterized by abnormal social cognition.
B-1 Cell Heterogeneity and the Regulation of Natural and Antigen-Induced IgM Production

A small subset of B cells, termed B-1 cells, with developmental origins, phenotypes, and functions that are distinct from those of conventional B cells exist in mice. It contributes the vast majority of spontaneously produced “natural” IgM. Natural IgM is constitutively produced, even in the absence of microbiota, and fulfills many distinct functions in tissue homeostasis and host defense. B-1 cells also respond with IgM production to innate signals and pathogen exposure, while maintaining steady-state levels natural IgM. Thus, within the B-1 cell pool, cells of distinct and heterogeneous functionality must exist to facilitate these different functions. This review considers three factors that may contribute to this heterogeneity: first, developmental differences regarding the origins of the precursors, second, tissue-specific signals that may differentially affect B-1 cells in the tissue compartments, and finally responsiveness to self-antigens as well as innate and antigen-specific signals. All three are likely to shape the repertoire and responsiveness of B-1 cells to homeostatic- and antigen-induced signals and thus contribute to the functional heterogeneity among these innate-like B cells.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF MINIMAL BRAIN DYSFUNCTION *

Although the terms “minimal brain dysfunction” and “minimal brain damage” have been used extensively to describe children with certain observable behavioral disorders, there have been few detailed investigations of the extent to which these children resemble children with known structural brain lesions as contrasted with normal children. Selected behavioral deficiencies of braindamaged children have been described in the literature for many years,’ but only more recently have extensive comparisons of normal and brain-damaged children been pe r fo~med . ~ -~ These recent studies have provided a background of identification, in children with known brain lesions, of behavioral deficits across a wide range of psychological functions. The question posed in the present investigation concerns the extent to which children with “minimal cerebral damage” show deficits similar to those of brain-damaged children as contrasted with performances of normal children.
The Freedom to Pursue Happiness: Belief in Free Will Predicts Life Satisfaction and Positive Affect among Chinese Adolescents

A small amount of research has examined the association between the belief in free will and subjective well-being (SWB) among Western laypersons from individualist cultures. However, no study has examined this association among participants from collectivist cultures (e.g., Eastern Asian cultures). Therefore, in this study, we explored this association among two large, independent cohorts of Chinese adolescents (N1 = 1,660; N2 = 639; high school students). The belief in free will was measured by a self-reported questionnaire (Cohorts 1 and 2) and a two-alternative forced choice question regarding the existence of free will (Cohort 2). SWB included cognitive well-being (life satisfaction) and affective well-being (positive and negative affect) in both cohorts. Data analyses indicated that a stronger belief in free will was consistently associated with higher life satisfaction and positive affect in both cohorts. Our investigation provides evidence supporting the cultural generality of the positive effects of believing in free will on SWB.
Correlation of dermoscopic structures of melanocytic lesions to reflectance confocal microscopy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the utility of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the in vivo evaluation of dermoscopic structures of melanocytic lesions. DESIGN For each described dermoscopic feature, we evaluated by RCM at least 2 melanocytic lesions. A digital camera connected to the confocal computer enabled direct analysis of the dermoscopic structures. To ascertain precision of correlation, the orientation of the dermoscopic and RCM images were compared using a superimposed grid. SETTING Dermatology clinic specializing in pigmented lesions. Patients Eleven patients with melanocytic lesions, including 2 melanomas, 1 Spitz nevus, 7 dysplastic nevi, and 1 compound nevus. Main Outcome Measure Direct correlation of structures seen using dermoscopy with those seen using RCM. RESULTS There was a good correlation between the global dermoscopic pattern and findings on the 4 x 4-mm mosaic of confocal images at the level of the dermoepidermal junction. The atypical network correlated with variability in the size and shape of dermal papillae. Globules corresponded with aggregates of bright cells, and darker shades of brown on dermoscopy appeared brighter on RCM. In peripheral streaks, RCM showed dense aggregates of pleomorphic cells of variable brightness and ill-defined cellular borders. These aggregates were continuous with the bright mesh that composed the central bulk of the lesion. A blue-white veil correlated with disruption of the rimmed papillae meshlike pattern and sometimes with the presence of bright cells corresponding to melanophages. CONCLUSION Correlating dermoscopic structures to RCM features is possible and a necessary step toward understanding the potential benefits of RCM in the clinical setting.
Natural occurrence of aflatoxin residues in fresh and sun-dried meat in Nigeria

Introduction In recent times, food safety and security have generally remained basic human needs, therefore because of the largely unregulated nature of the Nigerian markets, coupled with the poor housing and feeding conditions to which animals are subjected in the abattoirs, a survey for assessing potential mycotoxin exposure through meat consumption was undertaken. Methods Eighty Samples of meat bought randomly from 5 major markets distributed in 5 local government areas of Oyo state , Nigeria were analysed for contaminating mycoflora using the plate count and micromorphological methods, while aflatoxin detection and quantification was by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Results Mycological analysis of samples revealed a higher contamination level in the sun-dried samples. Eighteen fungi species belonging to 8 genera, namely, Aspergillus, Penicilliu, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Neurospora, Rhizopus and yeast were identified. The predominant genus Aspergillus yielded 7 species while the potential toxicogenic fungi represented 38% of the isolated mycoflora. The genera requiring higher water activity for growth ( Alternaria, Fusarium and yeast) were not obtained from the dried meat. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 were detected in all the samples analysed. The fresh samples with the exception of the total aflatoxin G (AFG) in kidney gave the highest mean concentrations for all aflatoxins, also an exceptionally high aflatoxin content was found in all the kidney samples. Conclusion Aflatoxin detection in meat should be addressed urgently to avert the possible adverse health effects like aflatoxicosis, exacerbated malnutrition, suppression of growth and immune functions on consumers. Also the animal health inspectors should pay more attention to the feeding conditions of the animals on farm and the abattoirs.
Ciona intestinalis environmental control points: field and laboratory investigations.

Life history processes, such as reproduction, survival and growth, are known to be strongly affected in ascidians by different types of environmental factors including temperature and salinity. In a field study conducted from 2005 to 2009 in southern Nova Scotia, an area affected by invasions of Ciona intestinalis, low winter and high summer temperatures were shown to be strongly associated with intraand interannual variation in larval recruitment. No clear patterns of association were seen with other environmental variables such as chlorophyll and indices of nutrient concentrations. In a 12 week challenge experiment in the laboratory, survival and growth of juvenile C. intestinalis were affected by both salinity and temperature. Individuals exposed to high temperature (25°C) and low salinity (20) did not survive the sustained exposure. In addition, Individual Specific Growth Rates were shown to decrease as salinity decreased. Temperature and salinity are factors which will subsequently influence distribution, persistence and potential for spread of adult populations. New favourable temperature and salinity conditions (e.g., potentially resulting from global climate change) will likely alter the distribution patterns of C. intestinalis. Conversely, infestation management techniques or site selection could benefit from unfavourable sustained temperature and salinity conditions.
Acceleration of ultra-high energy cosmic ray particles in relativistic jets in extragalactic radio sources

A mechanism of ultra-high energy cosmic ray accel- eration in extragalactic radio sources, at the interface between the relativistic jet and the surrounding medium, is discussed as a supplement to the shock acceleration in 'hot spots'. Due to crossing the tangential discontinuity of the velocity the particle can gain an amount of energy comparable to the energy gain at the shock crossing. However, the spectrum of particles accel- erated at the jet side boundary is expected to be much flatter than the one formed at the shock. Due to this fact, particles accelerated at the boundary can dominate the overall spectrum at highest energies. In conditions characteristic to extragalac- tic jets' terminal shocks, the mechanism naturally provides the particles with E 10 20 eV and complies with the efficiency requirements. The spectrum formation near the cut-off energy due to action of both the shock acceleration and the tangential discontinuity acceleration is modelled with the Monte Carlo particle simulations. It confirms that the upper energy limit can surpass the shock acceleration estimate.
Protein kinase Darkener of apricot and its substrate EF1&ggr; regulate organelle transport along microtubules

ABSTRACT Regulation of organelle transport along microtubules is important for proper distribution of membrane organelles and protein complexes in the cytoplasm. RNAi-mediated knockdown in cultured Drosophila S2 cells demonstrates that two microtubule-binding proteins, a unique isoform of Darkener of apricot (DOA) protein kinase, and its substrate, translational elongation factor EF1&ggr;, negatively regulate transport of several classes of membrane organelles along microtubules. Inhibition of transport by EF1&ggr; requires its phosphorylation by DOA on serine 294. Together, our results indicate a new role for two proteins that have not previously been implicated in regulation of the cytoskeleton. These results further suggest that the biological role of some of the proteins binding to the microtubule track is to regulate cargo transport along these tracks.
VQ-faces - unsupervised face recognition from image sequences

We propose a new method for unsupervised face recognition - VQ-faces, which operates on a sequential stream of face images and is able to handle both frontal and side-view faces at the same time. The method consists of two parts: in the first part, the VQ-faces are calculated as prototype vectors of local areas in image-space, coding for different face-views (i.e. a "view codebook" is generated), while in the second part the fact that each face-sequence corresponds to a single person (temporal constraint) is used to cluster the different sequences into face categories, using a combinatorial optimization process which maximizes an objective function, reducing the global representation error (distortion) by the VQ-faces as sequences are grouped together. The method was tested on real-world data gathered over a period of several months and including both frontal and side-view faces from 17 different subjects, achieving correct self-organization rate of 85.4%. The applicability of the proposed method is not limited to face recognition - it can be easily applied to other problems involving multi-view object recognition.
Modeling of Single Photon Avalanche Diode Array Detectors for PET Applications

We developed a configurable model of single photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) array photodetectors with intelligent control and active quenching. In this model individual components can be simulated independently and subsequently linked to provide the overall detector response. The model enables the simulation of the entire detector and analysis of performance, including photon detection efficiency, timing and energy resolution. It can be used to optimize detector performance for specific applications, such as positron emission tomography (PET). The simulator consists of multiple configurable and interchangeable modules to model the array geometry as well as physical and optical characteristics based on physical models and statistical equations. Readout electronics are also simulated in an algorithmic form. Monte Carlo simulations are used to model the 511 keV annihilation photon interactions and the optical photon transport in the scintillator, as well as carrier random walk in the silicon. Different methods to extract information from the digital output signal can be investigated. The simulator paves the way to the developement of new algorithms to extract relevant information in PET, but also for other applications such as Cerenkov radiation and fluorescence microscopy. Simulation results for photon detection efficiency, energy resolution and timing resolution are reported, showing the functionality of the simulator.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGENERATED NITROGEN TO PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTIVITY IN

Experiments utilizing epilimnetic water were conducted to determine the rate of am- monium regeneration, due to zooplankton excretion and microbial mineralization processes, in rela- tion to the rate of inorganic nitrogen assimilation by phytoplankton. The euphotic zone of dimictic, meso-oligotrophic Castle Lake is characterized by a rapid depletion of both nitrate and ammonium soon after spring thaw. External inputs of nitrogen are minimal during this period and levels of inorganic nitrogen remain low until fall overturn. The rate of ammonium assimilation was high relative to nitrate assimilation, and was significantly correlated with the rate of ammonium regeneration. The importance of this rapid turnover of nitrogen to phytoplankton growth is consistent with the results of previous Castle Lake studies, and with the current conceptual model of primary production in the mixed layer of nitrogen-deficient marine ecosystems.