Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autistic Spectrum Disorder: What Video EEG Can Reveal about Its Pathophysiology

Objective: The autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disorder characterized by a defect in communication, social interaction and stereotype patterns of behavior. The etiology of ASD is probably heterogenous. EEG abnormalities were observed in autistic patients, but these findings are mostly based on the visual analysis and scarce studies used quantified EEG parameters. Changes in connectivity of various parts of brain cortex were described in some studies and that is why we decided to investigate an EEG measure which is capable to evaluate the connectivity: The coherence. Study aims are to, Assess the hypothesis of connectivity changes; Assess the impact of epileptiform discharges on neuropsychological development. Methods: We present a small study of 24 children with ASD who underwent complex neuropsychological, neurological, sleep video-EEG (whole night and part-day) and MRI of brain investigations. The video EEG and MRI data are compared with quasi-normal EEG and MRI data from the control group. The EEG data were evaluated by experienced EEG reader and then the parts of EEG in relaxed wakefulness were quantified in terms of inter-channel coherence in several EEG channels. Results: A coherence analysis across several EEG channels revealed a statistically significant correlation between inter hemispheric coherence of the rear temporal regions (T5-T6) at 16-31 Hz and Childhood Autism Rating Scale raw scores. Conclusion: The changes in connectivity measured by the coherence might be a part of pathophysiology of the ASD.
An Integrated Mapping Approach to Monitoring Burrowing Birds: Wedge-tailed Shearwaters on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland

At Point Lookout, on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, (approximately 50 km from Brisbane), a small colony of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus pacificus was first recorded in 1983 at the north and south headlands near Dune Rocks. In the 1990-91 season this young colony included 248 burrows that had surface level signs of recent activity. Although no colony existed there in the early 1970s (A. Smyth pers. comm.) some birds occupied the Point Lookout headland, a kilometre further south, in the early 1950s (J. Woodward pers. comm.). The eight burrows found there in November 1987 (B. Hines pers. comm.) may be all that remain of that colony.
Replacement of live food with a microbound diet in feeding Litopenaeus setiferus (Burkenroad) larvae

Microbound feeds have been well accepted by shrimps and farmers in many penaeid shrimp hatcheries. The present study focused on an adequate level of replacement of Artemia nauplii and microalgae by a microbound diet for rearing Litopenaeus setiferus (Burkenroad) larvae. A microbound diet (MBD) consisting of fishmeal, squid meal, shrimp meal, yeast meal and soybean meal was used. The first experiment was designed to obtain the optimum level of MBD to complete the live feeding schedule, from Protozoea (PZIII) to Mysis (MIII). The experimental levels of the microbound diet tested were 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg MBD L−1 day−1. The next step was to determine the Artemia nauplii replacement level from PZI to MIII by MBD. These experiments were carried out either in the presence (Experiment 2) or in the absence of algae (Experiment 3). Four replacement levels were tested: 0% (4 mg MBD L−1 day−1: 1 Artemia nauplii mL−1), 40% (5.5 mg MBD L−1 day−1: 0.6 Artemia nauplii), 60% (6.5 mg MBD L−1 day−1: 0.4 Artemia nauplii) and 100% (8 mg MBD L−1 day−1: 0 Artemia nauplii). In all experiments growth, survival, development, quality index (QI) and performance index (PI), were used to determine the optimum concentration of microbound diet. Results showed that 6 mg MBD L−1 day−1 can be recommended as a complement to live food for L. setiferus larvae from PZIII to MIII. In the presence of algae, maximum growth and survival may be obtained in 40–60% (5.5–6.5 mg MBD L−1 day−1) of Artemia nauplii replacement levels. In the absence of algae, the Artemia nauplii replacement resulted in slower development, less salinity resistance, lower growth and lower survival than was obtained in larvae fed with algae.
PTH-034 Do faecal calprotectin levels influence colonoscopy rates?

Introduction Faecal Calprotectin (FC) often helps clinicians to decide the need for colonoscopy in patient with variety of bowel symptoms. Many clinicians are uncomfortable with intermediately raised FC and tend to opt for colonoscopies to avoid the risk of missing an organic disease. The aim of this audit is to assess the influence the FC level on the rate colonoscopies and pathology found. Methods Data were collected from Northampton General Hospital database for all FC specimens tested between April 2015 and March 2016. We excluded all IBD patients and patients aged 18 and under. We compared patients who had an intermediately raised FC (IRFC) results (51–150), patients with significantly raised FC (SRFC) results (≥151) and a selected manageable sample with negative FC (≤50). Results 2169 patients were tested for FC. 501 had raised FCs. 79 known IBD patients were excluded. The remaining were 217 patient with IRFC and 205 with SRFC. 111 of the FC negative group from August 2015 were studied. Colonoscopies were done in 91 patients (42%) of the IRFC group, compared to 119 patients (58%) of SRFC. 24 patients (22%) with negative FC had colonoscopy. Age and gender had no influence on the colonoscopy rate, but FC significantly influenced the rate of colonoscopy referral (χ2 test, p<0.0001). Abstract PTH-034 Figure 1 Effect of faecal calprotectin on colonoscopy rate 96% of the patients scoped with FC ≤50 had normal colonic mucosa; one patient aged 66 had an adenoma. 78/91 (86%) patients with IRFC, had normal colons, 6 patients were newly diagnosed with IBD and 7 patients were found to have other colonic pathologies. This included 2 cancers seen in patients aged 42 and 55 who had weight loss or rectal bleeding. In the SRFC group, 70/121 (58%) had normal colons. 30 patients (25%) were newly diagnosed with IBD and 21 patients were found to have other colonic pathologies including 6 cancers. Conclusions Faecal calprotectin significantly influences the rate of colonoscopy referral and outcome. There was good evidence to support colonoscopy in patients with FC >150, but 86% of patients had normal colons with FC of 51–150 and a repeat FC in the absence of warning symptoms would be reasonable, particularly in younger patients.
Why Does Stagewise Training Accelerate Convergence of Testing Error Over SGD?

Stagewise training strategy is commonly used for learning neural networks, which uses a stochastic algorithm (e.g., SGD) starting with a relatively large step size (aka learning rate) and geometrically decreasing the step size after a number of iterations. It has been observed that the stagewise SGD has much faster convergence than the vanilla SGD with a continuously decreasing step size in terms of both training error and testing error. {\it But how to explain this phenomenon has been largely ignored by existing studies. } This paper provides theoretical evidence for explaining this faster convergence. In particular, we consider the stagewise training strategy for minimizing empirical risk that satisfies the Polyak-Łojasiewicz condition, which has been observed/proved for neural networks and also holds for a broad family of convex functions. For convex loss functions and "nice-behaviored" non-convex loss functions that are close to a convex function (namely weakly convex functions), we establish that the faster convergence of stagewise training than the vanilla SGD under the same condition on both training error and testing error lies on better dependence on the condition number of the problem. Indeed, the proposed algorithm has additional favorable features that come with theoretical guarantee for the considered non-convex optimization problems, including using explicit algorithmic regularization at each stage, using stagewise averaged solution for restarting, and returning the last stagewise averaged solution as the final solution. To differentiate from commonly used stagewise SGD, we refer to our algorithm as stagewise regularized training algorithm or {\start}. Of independent interest, the proved testing error bound of {\start} for a family of non-convex loss functions is dimensionality and norm independent.
A Wheel Slip Control Approach Integrated With Electronic Stability Control for Decentralized Drive Electric Vehicles

Wheel slip control, as a basis for vehicle stability control, prevents loss of traction. A new wheel slip control approach that does not require chassis velocity is proposed in this paper. The proposed approach uses the wheel speeds and the chassis acceleration measured on the acceleration sensor to estimate the maximum tire-road friction. Then, the motor torque is constrained using the maximum tire-road friction. To ensure the vehicle starts smoothly and to enhance its acceleration performance, a fuzzy controller is used to determine whether the output torque should be constrained. The main advantage of this approach is that it is indifferent to the vehicle mass and driving resistance. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation results validated that the proposed approach could improve the vehicle stability when the vehicle corners on slippery conditions, which is attributable to the approach's robustness to vehicle mass and driving resistance. Moreover, HIL simulation proved that it was feasible to implement the proposed approach in real vehicles.
METABOLIC CHANGES IN BITCHES AFTER EXPERIMENTAL ZEARALENONE MYCOTOXICOSIS

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of experimental zearalenone mycotoxicosis on the metabolic changes in the bitches receiving zearalenone for 100 d. The experiment was carried out on 9 sexually mature and clinically healthy bitches. The animals were divided into three groups: DI and DII, which were receiving orally zearalenone at 25 µg/kg b.w. and 50 µg/kg b.w. , respectively, and one control group. The haematological and biochemical parameters in blood plasma were measured using laboratory tests. The results of laboratory analyses may suggest that zearalenone apart from the induction of hyperoestrogenism leads to the metabolic dysfunction. After the phytoestrogen was introduced to the blood, it caused anaemia and led to erythropoenia that was accompanied by hypersideraemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. This condition is unfavourable for the excretion of bilirubin with bile acids but it intensifies the decrease in the intensity of hypocholesterolaemia and hyperproteinaemia. It is assumed that the oral administration of zearalenone in bitches caused changes in the general metabolic profile.
Pinguicula chuquisacensis (Lentibulariaceae), a new species from the Bolivian Andes, and first insights on phylogenetic relationships among South American Pinguicula

Abstract Beck, S. G. , Fleischmann, A. , Huaylla, H. , Müller, K. F. & Borsch, T. : Pinguicula chuquisacensis (Lentibulariaceae), a new species from the Bolivian Andes, and first insights on phylogenetic relationships among South American Pinguicula. — Willdenowia 38: 201–212. — ISSN 0511-9618; © 2008 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.38. 38115 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Pinguicula chuquisacensis is described and illustrated as a new species from the department of Chuquisaca of Bolivia. Data on distribution, ecology and a key for identification among other central Andean species are given. DNA sequence data are presented for this new taxon and related Andean species of Pinguicula for the first time. The plastid tree reveals a lineage of central Andean species (within the clade of tropical growth type species), whereas the northern Andean (Colombia, Venezuela) P. elongata appears distantly related and sister to all remaining taxa of the Mexican-Central American-Caribbean clade of Pinguicula.
Changes in Solar Input, Water Temperature, Periphyton Accumulation, and Allochthonous Input and Storage after Canopy Removal along Two Small Salmon Streams in Southeast Alaska

Abstract Changes in solar radiation, water temperature, periphyton accumulation, and allochthonous inputs and storage were measured after we removed patches of deciduous, second-growth riparian vegetation bordering two small streams in southeast Alaska that produce coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch. Solar radiation and leaf litter input were measured at the water surface at random locations dispersed through six alternating closed- and open-canopy stream sections. Water temperature, periphyton, and stored organic samples were collected near the downstream end of each section. Solar radiation intensity was measured with digital daylight integrators and pyronometers, periphyton biomass and chlorophyll a were measured on red clay tile substrates, allochthonous input was measured with leaf litter baskets, and benthic organic matter was measured with a Hess sampler. Average intensity of solar radiation that reached the water surface of open-canopy sections was significantly higher than in closed-canopy sections.
Microgeographic variation in Anolis oculatus, on the island of Dominica, West Indies

The current study provides a quantitative description of the pattern of geographic variation in three morphological character systems of Anolis oculatus, on the ecologically diverse island of Dominica. Causal relationships were investigated by comparing observed patterns of variation to hypothesised patterns (derived from six ecological variables), using Mantel tests, partial correlations and canonical correlations. The similarity between generalised morphological and ecological matrices was highly significant. Partial correlations indicated which of the ecological factors had the most significant influence on individual characters, while canonical correlations showed that characters formed constellations which were influenced by constellations of ecological factors. This analysis also illustrates the incongruence of patterns of variation which result from ecogenetic adaptation. The conventional subspecific categories cannot adequately reflect this variation and consequently, in such cases, the use of subspecies is inappropriate.
Wallace's Line and plant distributions: two or three phytogeographical areas and where to group Java?

Wallace's Line or its variants divide the Malay Archipelago or Malesia into a western and eastern area, but is this suitable for plant distributions? Indeed, all boundaries satisfactorily divide Malesia into two parts, stopping far more species east or west of a line than disperse over the boundary. However, phenetic analyses (principal components analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) of 7340 species distributions revealed a stronger partitioning of Malesia into three instead of two regions: the western Sunda Shelf minus Java (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo), central Wallacea (Philippines, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, Moluccas, with Java), and the eastern Sahul Shelf (New Guinea). Java always appears to be part of Wallacea, probably because of its mainly dry monsoon climate. The three phytogeographic areas equal the present climatic division of Malesia. An everwet climate exists on the Sunda and Sahul Shelves, whereas most of Wallacea has a yearly dry monsoon. During glacial maxima, the Sunda and Sahul Shelves became land areas connected with Asia and Australia, respectively, whereas sea barriers remained within Wallacea. Consequently, the flora of the two shelves is more homogeneous than the Wallacean flora. Wallacea is a distinct area because it comprises many endemic, drought tolerant floristic elements.
Aerial Assessment of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.): on Idaho’s Deep Fire Burn

High-resolution aerial surveys are a highly effective means for monitoring new and dispersed invasive-species infestations across extensive areas of wildland. Invasive species constitute a leading threat to native vegetation in wildland settings. Monitoring and controlling these species are essential actions to preserving nativeplant community integrity and historic wildland character. Infestations continue to increase. Monitoring with conventional ground or lower-resolution aerial data may be problematic as these tools are of questionable value for detecting small or dispersed weed populations. In July 2006, we conducted a dual-camera aerial survey acquiring 1-and 10-mm ground sample distance (GSD) imagery in the Medicine Lodge watershed in eastern Idaho. The survey included most of the 2003 Deep Fire Burn. Survey data were used to determine leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L. [Euphorbiaceae]) distribution on burned and unburned lands and to relate spurge distribution to ecosystem structure, associated vegetation, and control efforts. Leafy spurge was detected in 10% of 10-mm GSD samples versus 8% of 1-mm GSD samples. We conclude that 10-mm GSD is best for detecting leafy spurge because it optimizes the balance between resolution and field-of-view. Litter was about 4% greater where spurge was present than where it was not, and spurge occurrence was associated with significant decreases in cover of native grasses, forbs, and sagebrush (Artemisia spp. L. [Asteraceae]). Leafy spurge proximity to water was higher than a random distribution would predict.
A non-interventional, prospective, multicentric real life Indian study to assess safety and effectiveness of un-denatured type 2 collagen in management of osteoarthritis

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting the quality of life. Undenatured collagen type II has emerged as one of the promising treatment options in treatment of OA. Despite being available in India, clinical safety and efficacy have not been evaluated. We performed a non-interventional, real-life study to determine its safety and efficacy in Indian population. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A non-interventional,<strong> </strong>real-life study was performed in patients with OA of knee by 18 orthopaedicians in India. Patients enrolled were followed-up at day 30 (visit 2), day 60 (visit 3) and day 90 (visit 4). Efficacy was assessed by Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analogue scale (VAS) on each visit. Safety was assessed by incidence of suspected adverse events (AEs), and abnormal laboratory parameters. <strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Among 291 enrolled patients 226 patients completed the study. Mean age of the population was 56.2±8.7 years and 53.3% of them were females. In 291 patients included in safety analysis, at least one treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE) was seen in 4.47% patients. None of the AEs were serious or resulted in termination of patient from the study. Nausea (1.37%) and headache (1.03%) were the common AEs. Treatment with undenatured collagen type II was associated with significant reduction in WOMC score (p<0.0001) and VAS scores (p<0.0001) from baseline to day 90. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Undenatured collagen type II is safe and efficacious in Indian patients with OA. This can be considered early in the initial management of OA. </p>
Comparative study of the proliferative activity of serous- and mucous-type acinar cells in developing mongolian gerbil mixed salivary glands

We estimated the proliferative activity of serous and mucous acinar cells in mixed-type salivary glands of sucking Mongolian gerbils, using immunohistochemistry with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and in vivo labeling of S-phase cells with the thymidine analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). In both sublingual and Weber's (postlingual) salivary glands, acinar secretory cells showing immunoreactivity for anti-PCNA and anti-BrdU were restricted to serous-type cells that were also positive for a serous component, lysozyme. Some less-differentiated cells found in the serous demilunes or acini, which were negative for lysozyme, also showed proliferative activity, while mucous-type cells never did. These results suggest that in the histogenesis of the mixed gland endpieces, the serous-type cells include immature, differentiating cells, while the mucous-type cells consist of only mature, well-differentiated cells.
Information use and density-dependent emigration in an agrobiont spider

Density of conspecifics is considered as one of the main conditions affecting dispersal behavior and leading to a stabilization of population dynamics. Density-dependent dispersal can be induced by local competition at different phases during development and/or by density-related sources of social information. Here, we assessed the importance of population density on emigration rates and the degree to which the presence of silk threads at dispersal takeoff locations affects immediate dispersal decision making in the spider Erigone atra. By quantifying behaviors in wind tunnels under standardized laboratory conditions, silk-assisted long- and short-distance dispersal is quantified before the actual onset of the dispersal event.Increased densities during juvenile development only affected short-distance dispersal behavior. In females, short-distance dispersal increased with the female density experienced during development, whereas responses in males increased under combined high male/low female-experienced densities. Elevated densities at the onset of dispersal led to a general increase of predispersal behaviors. The presence of silk threads at takeoff platforms similarly induced an increase of dispersal displays, with specifically an increase in long-distance dispersal in both sexes.Our results demonstrate that the spider E. atra uses information related to density during development, most probably to avoid competition by performing short-distance dispersal. In contrast, density-related cues at the time of dispersal (i.e., increased densities and the presence of silk threads) increase general dispersal activities and long-distance ballooning events. Short- and long-distance dispersal strategies are consequently guided by differential density-related information use. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.