Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recognition memory and source memory in autism spectrum disorder: A study of the intention superiority and enactment effects

It is well established that neurotypical individuals generally show better memory for actions they have performed than actions they have observed others perform or merely read about, a so-called ‘enactment effect’. Strikingly, research has also shown that neurotypical individuals demonstrate superior memory for actions they intend to perform in the future (but have not yet performed), an effect commonly known as the ‘intention superiority effect’. Although the enactment effect has been studied among people with autism spectrum disorder, this study is the first to investigate the intention superiority effect in this disorder. This is surprising given the potential importance this issue has for general theory development, as well as for clinical practice. As such, this study aimed to assess the intention superiority and enactment effects in 22 children with autism spectrum disorder, and 20 intelligence quotient/age-matched neurotypical children. The results showed that children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrated not only undiminished enactment effects in recognition and source memory, but also (surprisingly for some theories) typical intention superiority effects. The implications of these results for theory, as well as clinical practice, are discussed.
Psychological impacts of challenging behaviour and motivational orientation in staff supporting individuals with autistic spectrum conditions

Despite increased risk of experiencing challenging behaviour, psychological impacts on community and residential staff supporting adults with autistic spectrum conditions are under-explored. Studies examining related roles indicate protective psychological factors may help maintain staff well-being. This study investigated relationships between motivational orientation (eudaimonic or hedonic), challenging behaviour frequency and type (physical, verbal or self-injurious) and psychological impacts (anxiety, depression and life satisfaction). Participants (N = 99) were recruited from six organisations providing autism-specific adult services within Scotland. A series of binary logistic regressions demonstrated weekly challenging behaviour exposure (compared to monthly or daily) significantly increased the likelihood of anxiety caseness. Increased eudaimonic motivation significantly reduced the likelihood of anxiety caseness while also predicting higher life satisfaction. Furthermore, having high levels of eudaimonic motivation appeared to moderate the impact of weekly challenging behaviour exposure on anxiety. No motivational orientation or challenging behaviour factor significantly predicted depression. This sample also demonstrated higher anxiety, lower depression and equivalent life satisfaction levels compared with general population norms. The results highlight the need for considering staff’s motivational orientations, their frequency of exposure to challenging behaviour, and both positive and negative psychological outcomes, if seeking to accurately quantify or improve well-being in this staff population.
Parenting stress as an indirect pathway to mental health concerns among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

The link between autism spectrum disorder symptoms and maternal stress has been well established, yet many mothers remain resilient to more severe psychopathology. For the current online study, 111 mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder completed questionnaires about their child’s symptoms, their own stress related to parenting, and any psychopathology symptoms they were experiencing. Autism spectrum disorder symptom severity was positively related to both parenting stress and maternal psychopathology symptoms. Furthermore, parenting stress mediated the relation between autism spectrum disorder symptom severity and maternal psychopathology symptoms. These results provide evidence for a pathway through which psychopathology may develop among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and a potential point of intervention for clinicians serving this population.
Services for children with autism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Little information is available about autism spectrum disorder services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 205 parents completed an online survey about the use of autism spectrum disorder services for their children. The results revealed that on average, children began services by 3.3 years. Most parents reported utilizing non-medical treatments followed by biomedical treatments and cultural and religious treatment. The age at the initiation of services and the type of treatments used differed by parent’s income, educational attainment, the extent of knowledge about autism spectrum disorders, and geographic location. Some child characteristics also influenced the use of services. The disparities in service utilization in Saudi Arabia point to the need to develop policy and interventions that can mitigate the paucity of services for children with autism spectrum disorders. More research is needed to better understand service use and the decision-making processes that underlie treatment selection by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Comorbidity prevalence, healthcare utilization, and expenditures of Medicaid enrolled adults with autism spectrum disorders

A retrospective data analysis using 2000–2008 three state Medicaid Analytic eXtract was conducted to examine the prevalence and association of comorbidities (psychiatric and non-psychiatric) with healthcare utilization and expenditures of fee-for-service enrolled adults (22–64 years) with and without autism spectrum disorders (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision–clinical modification code: 299.xx). Autism spectrum disorder cases were 1:3 matched to no autism spectrum disorder controls by age, gender, and race using propensity scores. Study outcomes were all-cause healthcare utilization (outpatient office visits, inpatient hospitalizations, emergency room, and prescription drug use) and associated healthcare expenditures. Bivariate analyses (chi-square tests and t-tests), multinomial logistic regressions (healthcare utilization), and generalized linear models with gamma distribution (expenditures) were used. Adults with autism spectrum disorders (n = 1772) had significantly higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity (81%), epilepsy (22%), infections (22%), skin disorders (21%), and hearing impairments (18%). Adults with autism spectrum disorders had higher mean annual outpatient office visits (32ASD vs 8noASD) and prescription drug use claims (51ASD vs 24noASD) as well as higher mean annual outpatient office visits (US$4375ASD vs US$824noASD), emergency room (US$15,929ASD vs US$2598noASD), prescription drug use (US$6067ASD vs US$3144noASD), and total expenditures (US$13,700ASD vs US$8560noASD). The presence of a psychiatric and a non-psychiatric comorbidity among adults with autism spectrum disorders increased the annual total expenditures by US$4952 and US$5084, respectively.
Parent-reported differences between school-aged girls and boys on the autism spectrum

More boys than girls are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; however, there are conflicting findings about whether they differ in their presentation. This study involved a survey of parents of school-aged children on the autism spectrum (171 parents of girls and 163 parents of boys) that was distributed via social media. The surveys provided insights regarding the characteristics of boys and girls (as perceived by parents) as well as some demographic information. There were very few differences reported regarding communication and social strengths and difficulties of boys and girls with autism. No differences were reported in the number of boys and girls on the autism spectrum with special interests or repetitive behaviours; however, significant differences were found in the types of special interests with boys and girls showing generally interests along traditional gender lines. Qualitative analysis of open comments indicated that some parents of girls on the autism spectrum described their daughter as trying to hide or mask her difficulties more but no parents of boys on the spectrum described this phenomenon.
The impact of childhood autism spectrum disorder on parent’s labour force participation: Can parents be expected to be able to re-join the labour force?

Parental employment is a significant factor in ensuring financial ability to access care for children with autism spectrum disorder. This article aimed to identify the influence of autism spectrum disorder on parental employment and whether childcare access may effect labour force participation using the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Children, with 12 years of follow-up data (2004–2015). Parental employment when the child was aged between 0 and 11 years was assessed. A significantly larger percentage of parents whose children had autism spectrum disorder were not in the labour force when their child was aged between 2–3 and 10–11 years. However, between the ages of 2 and 5 years, these differences were not significant after accounting for maternal and paternal age, education attainment, marital status and mother labour force status prior to birth. Childcare access did not moderate the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and maternal labour force participation. Once children were of schooling age, mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder had up to two times the odds of being not in the labour force compared to other mothers, after adjusting for confounders. Evaluations of new interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder should consider how the proposed service impacts on the labour force participation of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, particularly when the children are of schooling age.
A New Method for Measuring Packet Loss Probability Using a Kalman Filter

In this paper, a new packet loss probability (PLP) estimation method is developed based on the Kalman estimation procedure. The Kalman filter is used for the optimal and recursive estimation of the network traffic mean and standard deviation. The estimation is obtained from past measurements to calculate the one-step prediction and is then applied to calculate the PLP parameter with the large-buffer-based estimation formula based on the large deviation theory. The algorithm recursively runs and is applied for the online packet loss control loop, which keeps the PLP parameter under the limit negotiated in the service level agreement with the customer by the Internet service provider. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate its performance on the live NCIT*net2 network under different traffic arrival models, for two different aggregated traffic rates and different buffer sizes. The numeric results presented in this paper demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the algorithms introduced.
Uptake of Dissolved Organic Carbon by Gammaproteobacterial Subgroups in Coastal Waters of the West Antarctic Peninsula

ABSTRACT Heterotrophic bacteria are well known to be key players in the turnover of dissolved organic material (DOM) in the oceans, but the relationship between DOM uptake and bacterial clades is still not well understood. Here we explore the turnover and single-cell use of glucose, an amino acid mixture, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), and protein by gammaproteobacterial clades in coastal waters of the West Antarctic Peninsula in summer and fall. More than 60% of the cells within two closely related gammaproteobacterial clades, Ant4D3 and Arctic96B-16, were active in using the amino acid mixture, protein, and NAG. In contrast, an average of only 7% of all SAR86 cells used amino acids and protein even in summer when DOM use was high. In addition to DOM uptake within a group, we explored the contribution of the three gammaproteobacterial groups to total community uptake of a compound. SAR86 contributed 5- to 10-fold less than the other gammaproteobacterial subgroups to the uptake of all compounds. We found that the overall contribution of the Ant4D3 clade to DOM uptake was highest, whereas the SAR86 clade contributed the least to DOM turnover in West Antarctic Peninsula waters. Our results suggest that the low growth activity of a bacterial clade leads to low abundance, fewer active cells and a low contribution to the turnover of DOM components.
Self-reported stress among adolescent siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome

Despite the prevalence of studies showing increased stress among mothers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, few studies have examined general stress among typically developing siblings. This study used an online survey to compare the levels of self-reported stress between adolescent siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. Sibling of individuals with autism reported significantly more overall stress than did siblings of individuals with Down syndrome, as well as more stress specifically attributed to the brother/sister with autism. The two groups did not differ on perceived social support from family and friends. In linear regression models, the disability group (autism vs Down syndrome) was significantly related to sibling stress above and beyond target child behavior problems, perceived social support, and demographic factors. These results help shed light on the daily experiences of adolescent siblings of individuals with autism and call for more research into potential interventions to address increased stress levels.
Educator perspectives on the postsecondary transition difficulties of students with autism

Addressing the challenges of adolescents and emerging adults with autism spectrum disorder is crucial to improving the outcomes of these students in the postsecondary setting. Although secondary and postsecondary educators and staff are critical to helping these students access services, there has been little investigation into the perspectives of this stakeholder group, with respect to the needs of postsecondary students with autism spectrum disorder. A series of focus groups was conducted with secondary and postsecondary educators to understand educator perspectives related to the challenges faced by postsecondary students with autism spectrum disorder. Competence, autonomy and independence, and the development and sustainment of interpersonal relationships emerged as primary areas of difficulty and corresponding need. Results suggest that targeted interventions addressing these areas should be implemented, prior to and during enrollment in a postsecondary setting, to facilitate transition in a comprehensive manner.
Standardised technique for determining the centre of gravity of body and limb segments of horses

Summary A standardised method of disarticulating the equine cadaver into 19 segments and determining the centre of gravity of each segment is described. The location of the segment centre of gravity and total body centre of gravity of three horses was determined using these methods. The mathematical procedure (algorithm) required for the determination of the total body centre of gravity from film analysis is presented.
The association between socioeconomic status and autism diagnosis in the United Kingdom for children aged 5–8 years of age: Findings from the Born in Bradford cohort

There has been recent interest in the relationship between socioeconomic status and the diagnosis of autism in children. Studies in the United States have found lower rates of autism diagnosis associated with lower socioeconomic status, while studies in other countries report no association, or the opposite. This article aims to contribute to the understanding of this relationship in the United Kingdom. Using data from the Born in Bradford cohort, comprising 13,857 children born between 2007 and 2011, it was found that children of mothers educated to A-level or above had twice the rate of autism diagnosis, 1.5% of children (95% confidence interval: 1.1%, 1.9%) compared to children of mothers with lower levels of education status 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.5%, 0.9%). No statistically significant relationship between income status or neighbourhood material deprivation was found after controlling for mothers education status. The results suggest a substantial level of underdiagnosis for children of lower education status mothers, though further research is required to determine the extent to which this is replicated across the United Kingdom. Tackling inequalities in autism diagnosis will require action, which could include increased education, awareness, further exploration of the usefulness of screening programmes and the provision of more accessible support services.
Impact of Biochar Application to Soil on the Root-Associated Bacterial Community Structure of Fully Developed Greenhouse Pepper Plants

ABSTRACT Adding biochar to soil has environmental and agricultural potential due to its long-term carbon sequestration capacity and its ability to improve crop productivity. Recent studies have demonstrated that soil-applied biochar promotes the systemic resistance of plants to several prominent foliar pathogens. One potential mechanism for this phenomenon is root-associated microbial elicitors whose presence is somehow augmented in the biochar-amended soils. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of biochar amendment on the root-associated bacterial community composition of mature sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants. Molecular fingerprinting (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) of 16S rRNA gene fragments showed a clear differentiation between the root-associated bacterial community structures of biochar-amended and control plants. The pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons from the rhizoplane of both treatments generated a total of 20,142 sequences, 92 to 95% of which were affiliated with the Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes phyla. The relative abundance of members of the Bacteroidetes phylum increased from 12 to 30% as a result of biochar amendment, while that of the Proteobacteria decreased from 71 to 47%. The Bacteroidetes-affiliated Flavobacterium was the strongest biochar-induced genus. The relative abundance of this group increased from 4.2% of total root-associated operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in control samples to 19.6% in biochar-amended samples. Additional biochar-induced genera included chitin and cellulose degraders (Chitinophaga and Cellvibrio, respectively) and aromatic compound degraders (Hydrogenophaga and Dechloromonas). We hypothesize that these biochar-augmented genera may be at least partially responsible for the beneficial effect of biochar amendment on plant growth and viability.
The Josephson-Effect-Based Primary AC Power Standard at the PTB: Progress Report

This paper reports the incorporation of a Josephson waveform synthesizer (JWS) into the primary standard for AC electrical power at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). The increase to 10 V of the amplitude delivered by the JWS has allowed matching of the levels of the signals measured to determine the active, reactive, and apparent power-at the 120-V and 5-A level, which is also measured by the device under test. The inherent noise- and drift-free voltages delivered by the JWS allow calibration of the core sampling voltmeter of the PTB primary power standard with an uncertainty of 0.4 muV/V(k = 1) in 100 signal periods and as part of the measuring sequence.
How To Live with Phosphorus Scarcity in Soil and Sediment: Lessons from Bacteria

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) plays a fundamental role in the physiology and biochemistry of all living things. Recent evidence indicates that organisms in the oceans can break down and use P forms in different oxidation states (e.g., +5, +3, +1, and −3); however, information is lacking for organisms from soil and sediment. The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB), Mexico, is an oligotrophic ecosystem with acute P limitation, providing a great opportunity to assess the various strategies that bacteria from soil and sediment use to obtain P. We measured the activities in sediment and soil of different exoenzymes involved in P recycling and evaluated 1,163 bacterial isolates (mainly Bacillus spp.) for their ability to use six different P substrates. DNA turned out to be a preferred substrate, comparable to a more bioavailable P source, potassium phosphate. Phosphodiesterase activity, required for DNA degradation, was observed consistently in the sampled-soil and sediment communities. A capability to use phosphite (PO3 3−) and calcium phosphate was observed mainly in sediment isolates. Phosphonates were used at a lower frequency by both soil and sediment isolates, and phosphonatase activity was detected only in soil communities. Our results revealed that soil and sediment bacteria are able to break down and use P forms in different oxidation states and contribute to ecosystem P cycling. Different strategies for P utilization were distributed between and within the different taxonomic lineages analyzed, suggesting a dynamic movement of P utilization traits among bacteria in microbial communities. IMPORTANCE Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for life found in molecules, such as DNA, cell walls, and in molecules for energy transfer, such as ATP. The Valley of Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila (Mexico), is a unique desert characterized by an extreme limitation of P and a great diversity of microbial life. How do bacteria in this valley manage to obtain P? We measured the availability of P and the enzymatic activity associated with P release in soil and sediment. Our results revealed that soil and sediment bacteria can break down and use P forms in different oxidation states and contribute to ecosystem P cycling. Even genetically related bacterial isolates exhibited different preferences for molecules, such as DNA, calcium phosphate, phosphite, and phosphonates, as substrates to obtain P, evidencing a distribution of roles for P utilization and suggesting a dynamic movement of P utilization traits among bacteria in microbial communities.
Pre-exercise carbohydrate meals: application of glycemic index

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare postprandial glycemic, insulinemic, and physiologic responses to a pre-exercise meal calculated to have a low glycemic index (LGI) with one calculated to have a moderately high glycemic index (HGI); each meal provided three foods totaling 1.5 g carbohydrate/kg body weight. Methods: After an overnight fast, 10 trained cyclists consumed one of the test meals or water 30 min before cycling 2 h at 70% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2max ), followed by cycling to exhaustion at 100% of VO 2max . Results: Plasma insulin levels were significantly lower (P< 0.05) after LGI than after HGI through 20 min of exercise. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) respiratory exchange ratios were observed after HGI than after LGI until 2 h of exercise. At that time plasma glucose levels were significantly higher and ratings of perceived exertion lower (P < 0.05) after LGI compared with after HGI. Time to exhaustion was 59% longer after LGI (206.5 ± 43.5 s) than after HGI (129.5 ± 22.8 s). Conclusions: These results suggest a pre-exercise LGI may positively affect maximal performance following sustained exercise. The LGI maintained higher plasma glucose levels at the end of 2 h of strenuous exercise than the HGI, which may have better supported subsequent maximal effort.