Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Female aggression in the European starling during the breeding season

Intraspecific female aggression during the breeding season can have several different functions: defence of resources, defence against intraspecific brood parasitism and defence of mating status. The intraspecific aggressive behaviour of breeding female starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, was examined by exposing them to a simulated intrusion of a conspecific bird. A caged male or female starling was placed close to the nest of a breeding pair. Aggressiveness was scored as the proportion of time birds spent near the caged birds after discovery. Caged females elicited stronger responses from females than caged males. Females sang at caged females and sometimes also attacked them. They were most aggressive towards them during the pre-laying period and less so during the egg-laying, incubation and nestling periods. Females were more aggressive towards a caged female when their mate had access to an additional nestbox to which he could attract an additional female, then when he had not. A time-budget study demonstrated that females spent more time near their nest site during the pre-laying period when their mate had access to an additional nestbox than when he had not. These patterns are most consistent with females trying to secure male brood-rearing assistance by preventing or delaying the settlement of secondary females, since early established secondary females may compete for male help in incubating eggs and feeding nestlings.
OnabotulinumtoxinA: An Effective Tool in the Therapeutic Arsenal for Chronic Migraine With Medication Overuse

Objective: To evaluate the early response of onabotulinumtoxinA as a treatment tool in patients with chronic migraine (CM) and medication overuse (MO). Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study in patients with CM and MO who received two cycles of onabotulinumtoxinA infiltrations following PREEMPT protocol. We evaluated the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in MO resolution, defined as less than 10 days/month of acute medication intake (triptans, opioids, and combinations) or 15 days/month (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - and simple analgesics). In addition, we analyzed changes in headache frequency, pain intensity, and headache-related disability (MIDAS scale). A multivariate analysis was carried out to identify factors independently related to MO resolution. Results: We included 139 consecutive patients with CM and MO. After 2 cycles of onabotulinumtoxinA, 73.4% had ≥50% reduction in acute medication intake and 57.6% achieved MO resolution. 7.9% of patients did not use any acute medication after treatment. Even though both MO-ongoing group and MO-resolution group improve in headache frequency, the reduction was significantly higher for the group which discontinued the use of acute medication after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment (p < 0.001). In this group, 73.0% reduced headache frequency ≥50%. Daily headache changed from 71.2 to 23.2% (p < 0.001). Both groups showed an improvement in pain intensity and in MIDAS score (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis we observed that MO resolution had an inverse association with medication intake at baseline (OR:0.294, p < 0.05) and a direct association with frequency (OR:20.455, p < 0.001) and MIDAS score (OR: 6.465, p < 0.05) improvements. Conclusion: OnabotulinumtoxinA has an early beneficial effect on the discontinuation of acute medication in a substantial proportion of patients with CM and MO. Therefore, onabotulinumtoxinA might be considered a therapeutic tool in CM with MO.
Spatiotemporal coordination of cell division and growth during organ morphogenesis

A developing plant organ exhibits complex spatiotemporal patterns of growth, cell division, cell size, cell shape, and organ shape. Explaining these patterns presents a challenge because of their dynamics and cross-correlations, which can make it difficult to disentangle causes from effects. To address these problems, we used live imaging to determine the spatiotemporal patterns of leaf growth and division in different genetic and tissue contexts. In the simplifying background of the speechless (spch) mutant, which lacks stomatal lineages, the epidermal cell layer exhibits defined patterns of division, cell size, cell shape, and growth along the proximodistal and mediolateral axes. The patterns and correlations are distinctive from those observed in the connected subepidermal layer and also different from the epidermal layer of wild type. Through computational modelling we show that the results can be accounted for by a dual control model in which spatiotemporal control operates on both growth and cell division, with cross-connections between them. The interactions between resulting growth and division patterns lead to a dynamic distributions of cell sizes and shapes within a deforming leaf. By modulating parameters of the model, we illustrate how phenotypes with correlated changes in cell size, cell number, and organ size may be generated. The model thus provides an integrated view of growth and division that can act as a framework for further experimental study.
Cage colour preferences and effects of home cage colour on anxiety in laboratory mice

Abstract The minimalistic environment of standard laboratory cages can adversely influence the responses of animals in standard behavioural tests and other aspects of the animals' biology. To avoid this, cages should provide for the animals' species-specific behavioural characteristics. We hypothesized that, given their possible capacity for colour vision, laboratory mice, Mus musculus , would show preferences between cages of different colours. Studies show that environmental colour can influence emotionality and task performance in humans, suggesting that cage colour could also affect emotionality and performance of mice in behavioural tests. Seventy-two mice were housed in home cages painted red, black, green or white. Five weeks later, 24 mice were placed individually into an apparatus allowing them to choose between cages of each of the home cage colours. Each mouse showed a highly significant preference, which overall, was unrelated to home cage colour. White cages were most preferred and red were least. Home cage colour had a significant effect on body weight and food consumption as well as on behaviour in a raised plus maze. Mice from red home cages spent most time in the closed arms, indicating greater anxiety, possibly suggesting that the reduced occupancy of the red preference cages resulted from avoidance of environmental conditions that induced a negative mental state. These findings show that laboratory mice have strong preferences between cages of different colours. We also found that an apparently inconsequential environmental variable, home cage colour, can influence responses in standard behavioural tests, which should be considered in assessing the external validity of such tests. Copyright 2003 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Evaluating an Alleged Mimic of the Monarch Butterfly: Neophasia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) Butterflies are Palatable to Avian Predators

Some taxa have adopted the strategy of mimicry to protect themselves from predation. Butterflies are some of the best representatives used to study mimicry, with the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) a well-known model. We are the first to empirically investigate a proposed mimic of the monarch butterfly: Neophasia terlooii, the Mexican pine white butterfly (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We used captive birds to assess the palatability of N. terlooii and its sister species, N. menapia, to determine the mimicry category that would best fit this system. The birds readily consumed both species of Neophasia and a palatable control species but refused to eat unpalatable butterflies such as D. plexippus and Heliconius charithonia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Given some evidence for mild unpalatability of Neophasia, we discuss the results considering modifications to classic mimicry theory, i.e., a palatability-based continuum between Batesian and Müllerian mimicry, with a quasi-Batesian intermediate. Understanding the ecology of Neophasia in light of contemporary and historical sympatry with D. plexippus could shed light on the biogeography of, evolution of, and predation pressure on the monarch butterfly, whose migration event has become a conservation priority.
The stability of female social and mating preferences in the monogamous California mouse, Peromyscus californicus


Abstract Abstract. The stability of female social preferences for a male and its effect on subsequent mate preference was examined in the monogamous Peromyscus californicus by giving virgin females a choice of two tethered or yoke-restrained virgin males. Females were tested twice for 24 h with the same two males, first when not in oestrus and again during oestrus. In three experiments, females demonstrated significant social (association) preferences for a male within 24 h after first introduction. The vast majority of females maintained their initial social preference for the same male from the non-oestrous to the oestrous test, regardless of whether they were separated from males (experiment 1) or had constant access to males (experiments 2 and 3) between tests. Almost one third of all females, however, either reversed their initial preference or spent equal amounts of time in proximity to both males during the oestrous test. More than half of all females did not mate. Of the females that mated, only about 60% copulated with their preferred social partner. Thus, a female's social preference was not a reliable indicator of her mating preference. These results suggest that the link between female social and mating preferences may be established in the wild, in part, by a lack of opportunity to associate and mate with more than one male and that females may be reluctant to reproduce until the pair bond is well established.
Studies on the hygienic status of animal carcasses and their contact surfaces in some butchery shops

Cross-contamination of animal carcasses and their contact surfaces at any stage of meat handling is one major aspect in production of meat of high keeping quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the hygienic status of the animal carcasses (cattle, buffaloes, camel and sheep) and their contact surfaces (cutting boards, walls, knives, and butcher hands) in butchery shops among urban and rural areas in Sharkia province, Egypt. Microbial indicators for the hygienic measures adopted at butchery shops including total bacterial counts (TBC), total Enterobacteriacae counts (TEC), most probable number (MPN) of coliforms, total Staphylococcus aureus counts (TSC), total mould counts (TMC) and total yeast counts (TYC) were investigated. The results achieved in this study declared that cross-contamination of animal carcasses and their contact surfaces is well-observed and should be considered as an important factor that should be included in the microbiological risk assessments. Therefore, we recommend adoption of strict hygienic measures in all handling steps of animal carcasses.
Assessment of the Deformability and Velocity of Healthy and Artificially Impaired Red Blood Cells in Narrow Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microchannels

Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in underdeveloped regions. Thus, the development of rapid, efficient, and competitive diagnostic techniques is essential. This work reports a study of the deformability and velocity assessment of healthy and artificially impaired red blood cells (RBCs), with the purpose of potentially mimicking malaria effects, in narrow polydimethylsiloxane microchannels. To obtain impaired RBCs, their properties were modified by adding, to the RBCs, different concentrations of glucose, glutaraldehyde, or diamide, in order to increase the cells’ rigidity. The effects of the RBCs’ artificial stiffening were evaluated by combining image analysis techniques with microchannels with a contraction width of 8 µm, making it possible to measure the cells’ deformability and velocity of both healthy and modified RBCs. The results showed that healthy RBCs naturally deform when they cross the contractions and rapidly recover their original shape. In contrast, for the modified samples with high concentration of chemicals, the same did not occur. Additionally, for all the tested modification methods, the results have shown a decrease in the RBCs’ deformability and velocity as the cells’ rigidity increases, when compared to the behavior of healthy RBCs samples. These results show the ability of the image analysis tools combined with microchannel contractions to obtain crucial information on the pathological blood phenomena in microcirculation. Particularly, it was possible to measure the deformability of the RBCs and their velocity, resulting in a velocity/deformability relation in the microchannel. This correlation shows great potential to relate the RBCs’ behavior with the various stages of malaria, helping to establish the development of new diagnostic systems towards point-of-care devices.
Sunflower Genetics from Ancestors to Modern Hybrids—A Review

Domestication and the first steps of sunflower breeding date back more than 4000 years. As an interesting crop to humans, sunflower underwent significant changes in the past to finally find its place as one of the most significant oil crops today. Substantial progress has already been made in understanding how sunflower was domesticated. Recent advances in molecular techniques with improved experimental designs contributed to further understanding of the genetic and molecular basis underlying the architectural and phenotypic changes that occurred during domestication and improvements in sunflower breeding. Understanding the domestication process and assessing the current situation concerning available genotypic variations are essential in order for breeders to face future challenges. A review of the tools that are used for exploring the genetic and genome changes associated with sunflower domestication is given in the paper, along with a discussion of their possible implications on classical sunflower breeding techniques and goals.
Transmuscular quadratus lumborum versus lumbar plexus block for total hip arthroplasty: A retrospective propensity score matched cohort study

Background and Aims: Cadaveric studies have shown that injectate from transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) can spread to the lumbar plexus. Our aim was to compare analgesic efficacy of transmuscular QLB with lumbar plexus block (LPB) for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Material and Methods: Thirty patients receiving transmuscular QLB were propensity score matched with 30 patients receiving LPB for age, sex, ASA score, BMI, operative time, preoperative oxycodone, and intraoperative opioid use. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption during the first 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included static pain scores at 0–12, 12–24, and 24–48 h intervals, opioid consumption at 0–12, 12–24, and 24–48 h intervals and the length of hospital stay. The incidence of severe adverse events was also compared. Results: Opioid consumption (median [IQR]) in the first 24 h was similar between the transmuscular QLB and LPB patient groups—33.6 mg (22.9–48.5) versus 32.8 mg (24.8–58.3) intravenous morphine equivalents. There was no difference between groups in static pain scores or opioid consumption during any time interval up to 48 h postoperatively. Length of hospital stay (median [IQR]) was similar between the transmuscular QLB and LPB groups—55.6 h (53.7–60.3) versus 57.9 h (54.3–79.1). Conclusions: This study suggests that transmuscular QLB provides similar analgesia to LPB following THA. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this.
Assessment of Response to B-Cell Depletion Using Rituximab in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Importance Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can be severe and treatment resistant. B-cell depletion therapy (BCDT) with rituximab is well recognized in organ involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its efficacy in cutaneous manifestations is less well established. Objective To evaluate the outcomes of BCDT in CLE and its clinical subtypes in the setting of associated SLE. Design, Setting, and Participants This single-center, retrospective, cohort study was performed at the adult tertiary referral Rheumatology Department of University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom, from January 1, 2000, through March 31, 2016, with 12-month follow-up completed on March 31, 2017. Adult patients with carefully classified CLE and mucocutaneous British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) grade A or B who were treated with rituximab BCDT were selected from a prospective database of 709 patients with SLE. Data were analyzed from April through December 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical response was examined at 6 and 12 months after treatment for CLE and its subtypes acute CLE (ACLE), subacute CLE (SCLE), chronic CLE (CCLE), and nonspecific LE (NSLE). A complete response was defined as achieving BILAG grade D; partial response, BILAG grade C; stable disease, no change; and disease flare, change from BILAG grade C or D to grade A or B. Results A total of 50 patients with SLE were eligible for inclusion; mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 26.9 (12.1) years, and 49 (98%) were women. Twenty-one patients had ACLE; 6, SCLE; 10, CCLE; and 11, NSLE (including 2 with concurrent ACLE and CCLE). Overall, at 6 months, 38 patients (76%) improved their mucocutaneous BILAG grade A or B status, including 20 (40%) with a complete response. At 12 months, 28 of 46 patients (61%) maintained this response, including 24 (52%) with a complete response. Two of 6 patients (33%) with SCLE showed a complete response at 6 and 12 months. Five of 12 patients (42%) with CCLE showed a complete response at 6 months, and 5 of 11 (45%), at 12 months. Fifteen patients (30%) required further rituximab therapy within 12 months for cutaneous involvement. Conclusions and Relevance B-cell depletion therapy using rituximab appears effective in patients with SLE and severe active CLE; however, outcomes are variable in those with SCLE and CCLE subtypes.
For whom does the hen cackle? The function of postoviposition cackling

Abstract In birds, the time immediately after oviposition has been assumed to be particularly favourable for an insemination to fertilize eggs. Based on this assumption, Thornhill (1988, Verhandlungen der Deutschen Zoologischen Gesellschaft , 81, 145–154) suggested that a particular vocalization, the postoviposition cackle, of female fowl, Gallus gallus , signalled a peak in fertility, which incited male sexual behaviour and resulted in females copulating with the most dominant males. It may therefore benefit females by indirectly selecting for competitive copulation partners. We tested this hypothesis in a free-ranging population of feral fowl. Contrary to the hypothesis, we found that: (1) postoviposition cackling was associated with a significantly lower probability of a female obtaining a copulation; and (2) males did not respond any differently to the experimental playback of the postoviposition cackling and a control call. These results are consistent with the period immediately after oviposition being an unfavourable time for an insemination to fertilize eggs. One function of postoviposition cackling may thus be to avoid the costs of sexual harassment by signalling to males a particularly unsuitable time for fertilization.
Efficient Greedy Coordinate Descent for Composite Problems

Coordinate descent with random coordinate selection is the current state of the art for many large scale optimization problems. However, greedy selection of the steepest coordinate on smooth problems can yield convergence rates independent of the dimension $n$, requiring $n$ times fewer iterations. In this paper, we consider greedy updates that are based on subgradients for a class of non-smooth composite problems, including $L1$-regularized problems, SVMs and related applications. For these problems we provide (i) the first linear rates of convergence independent of $n$, and show that our greedy update rule provides speedups similar to those obtained in the smooth case. This was previously conjectured to be true for a stronger greedy coordinate selection strategy. Furthermore, we show that (ii) our new selection rule can be mapped to instances of maximum inner product search, allowing to leverage standard nearest neighbor algorithms to speed up the implementation. We demonstrate the validity of the approach through extensive numerical experiments.
Low-Precision Random Fourier Features for Memory-Constrained Kernel Approximation

We investigate how to train kernel approximation methods that generalize well under a memory budget. Building on recent theoretical work, we define a measure of kernel approximation error which we find to be more predictive of the empirical generalization performance of kernel approximation methods than conventional metrics. An important consequence of this definition is that a kernel approximation matrix must be high rank to attain close approximation. Because storing a high-rank approximation is memory intensive, we propose using a low-precision quantization of random Fourier features (LP-RFFs) to build a high-rank approximation under a memory budget. Theoretically, we show quantization has a negligible effect on generalization performance in important settings. Empirically, we demonstrate across four benchmark datasets that LP-RFFs can match the performance of full-precision RFFs and the Nyström method, with 3x-10x and 50x-460x less memory, respectively.
On the Geometry of Adversarial Examples

Adversarial examples are a pervasive phenomenon of machine learning models where seemingly imperceptible perturbations to the input lead to misclassifications for otherwise statistically accurate models. We propose a geometric framework, drawing on tools from the manifold reconstruction literature, to analyze the high-dimensional geometry of adversarial examples. In particular, we highlight the importance of codimension: for low-dimensional data manifolds embedded in high-dimensional space there are many directions off the manifold in which to construct adversarial examples. Adversarial examples are a natural consequence of learning a decision boundary that classifies the low-dimensional data manifold well, but classifies points near the manifold incorrectly. Using our geometric framework we prove (1) a tradeoff between robustness under different norms, (2) that adversarial training in balls around the data is sample inefficient, and (3) sufficient sampling conditions under which nearest neighbor classifiers and ball-based adversarial training are robust.
Editorial: Advances in Transoral Approaches for Laryngeal Cancer

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Maxillofacial, and Thyroid Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS National Cancer Institute of Milan, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 4 Section Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium