Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of pathological analysis on endobronchial ultrasound diagnostic accuracy

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure used for lung cancer diagnosis and staging. Several aspects, including pathological analysis, may impact on its diagnostic accuracy. Differences in diagnostic accuracy between the different specimen processing techniques have not been demonstrated. Cytological slides are generally adequate for diagnosis, subtyping and genotyping. However, some pathological laboratories may require cell blocks or histological core biopsies for a complete molecular profiling. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is a technique for immediate evaluation of samples obtained with EBUS-TBNA. The aims of ROSE are to increase sampling adequacy, improving diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA and ensuring collection of adequate material for ancillary studies. However, the reported data on the impact of ROSE in the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA and in lung cancer diagnosis and staging are controversial. Some series reported a valuable contribution of ROSE to diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and a high concordance between ROSE and the final diagnosis. However, randomized trials failed in finding differences in diagnostic yield between EBUS-TBNA performed with and without ROSE. The yield of EBUS-TBNA for molecular analyses varies between 72% and 98%, and ROSE may warrant the collection of adequate material for molecular profiling. In lung cancer diagnosis and staging a recommended number of three to four passes during EBUS-TBNA at each target is a minimum requirement to obtain enough material for molecular analysis. The use of ROSE may reduce the number of passes for molecular profiling and the number of additional invasive diagnostic procedures. EBUS-TBNA is a procedure with a high accuracy rate and ROSE may contribute to a further improvement of the results. The possibility to avoid additional invasive procedure is an important advantage leading to an overall improvement of patient care.
Eye development in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus): differentiation and development of the retina from early yolk sac stages through metamorphosis

L'oeil et la retine de fletans (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), des premiers stades de la larve vesiculee jusqu'a la metamorphose, ont ete examines apres dissection au microscope optique et, pour certains stades, au microscope electronique a transmission. A l'eclosion, les yeux sont transparents et la retine n'est pas encore differenciee. Elle se differencie lentement par secteurs et parait etre fonctionnelle environ 150 degres-jours (d°) apres l'eclosion (vitellus absorbe a environ 50 %). Ce moment coincide avec l'entree en fonction d'autres organes et la capacite observee de s'alimenter. Au moment du premier repas en elevage commercial (environ 210 d° ou 70% d'absorption du vitellus), les yeux ont completement acquis leur pigmentation. Leur migration commence environ 80 jours apres l'eclosion, au moment de la reorganisation des cones vers la surface de la retine, soit d'un alignement en rangees simples a une mosaique de carres formes de ces cones. Au bout de 130 jours, une fois la metamorphose completee, la retine contient des groupes de bâtonnets et parait etre completement fonctionnelle, mais jusqu'a ce stade, les cones constituent les principaux photorecepteurs. La formation d'une mosaique de cones, le recrutement des bâtonnets et le grossissement de l'oeil pointent tous vers une sensibilite visuelle accrue au moment de la migration vers le fond. Les resultats suggerent qu'en conditions d'elevage, les larves voient assez bien pour s'alimenter au bout de 150 d° et qu'au moment de s'installer au fond, elles voient assez bien pour s'alimenter sous une lumiere tamisee.
Activity-dependent outgrowth of neurons and overshoot phenomena in developing neural networks

Abstract During the development of the nervous system, all kinds of structural elements such as neurons, neuritic extensions and synapses are initially overproduced (so-called overshoot phenomena). Neurite outgrowth has been found to be regulated by electrical activity of the neuron. High levels of activity, resulting in high intracellular calcium concentrations, cause neurites to retract whereas low levels of activity, and consequently low calcium concentrations, allow further outgrowth. In this article, we have studied the implications of such activity-dependent neurite outgrowth for network formation, using a distributed simulation model. The model consists of initially disconnected cells that organize themselves into a network under the influence of their intrinsic activity. A neuron is modelled as a neuritic field, the growth of which depends upon its own level of activity, and the neurons become connected when their fields overlap. It is demonstrated here that activity-dependent outgrowth in combination with a neuronal response function with some form of firing threshold—which gives rise to a hysteresis effect—is sufficient to cause an overshoot with respect to connectivity or number of synapses. As a consequence of such hysteresis, the network connectivity at which a phase transition occurs from the quiescent to the activated state must be higher than that for maintaining activity at a level where neuritic fields and connectivity remain constant. A developing network will therefore first increase its connectivity until it becomes activated, upon which the neurites begin to retract. Connectivity then decreases until the equilibrium value is reached, thus causing the growth curve to exhibit overshoot. The results are robust under various alternative formulations of the model, and show certain similarities with findings in developing cultures of dissociated nerve cells, namely a transient overproduction of synapses and the existence of a transition period in which increasing electrical activity is associated with retraction of neurites.
Interesting Times: Relation between Test Times and StudentPerformance in Online Courses

Many instructors are now using online technology for the assessment of student learning. However, there are still relatively few empirical studies of the technology’s implications for student learning. In this study, the authors use student performance data from over two hundred students in principles of microeconomics to assess the correlation between student performance and the duration of an online exam. Conclusions were drawn regarding the “optimum” time allotted for multiple-choice, computerbased course examinations. The results should be of interest to all educators who are involved with distance learning programs generally, and those instructors who administer non-proctored online exams, specifically.
Arthropod abundance in tall fescue, Lolium arundinaceum, pastures containing novel ‘safe’ endophytes

Poor livestock performance on tall fescue is linked to infection by a fungal endophyte that enhances grass resistance to stress, including herbivory, while producing ergot alkaloids toxic to vertebrate grazers. Novel ‘safe’ endophyte/grass associations produce no ergot alkaloids yet retain stand persistence, but they could be more susceptible to insect outbreaks. We tested the hypothesis that grass‐feeding insects are more abundant in novel endophyte pastures compared with those containing common endophyte. Above‐ and below‐ground herbivores were sampled across two growing seasons in pastures containing common strain endophyte (KY31), novel endophytes (MaxQ or AR584) or endophyte free. We also sampled natural enemies as an indicator of possible tritrophic effects. With a few exceptions, numbers of predatory, chewing (grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars) or sucking insects (leafhoppers, planthoppers) were similar in common and novel endophyte pastures. Contrary to our hypothesis, Aphrodes spp. leafhoppers were more abundant in KY31 than other pasture types in 2008; their nymphs also were more abundant in KY31 than in MaxQ in 2009. Adults (but not total numbers or nymphs) of another leafhopper, Psammotettix striatus, were less abundant in KY31 than other pasture types in 2009. Popillia japonica and Cyclocephala spp. grubs did not differ in density, weight or instar among the endophyte‐containing associations. In feeding assays, armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta) survival was higher on MaxQ and NE9301, and weight gain was higher on NE9301, suggesting armyworm outbreaks could be more severe on such grasses, but that result may not be attributable solely to alkaloids because common strain and endophyte‐free grasses did not differ in either parameter. Caterpillar abundance did not differ among pasture types in the field. Our results suggest that re‐seeding common strain endophytic pastures with livestock‐safe novel endophyte/grass associations to alleviate fescue toxicosis is unlikely to promote markedly higher populations of plant‐feeding insects.
Outliers Detection in Multiple Circular Regression Model via DFBETAc Statistic

In regression analysis, an outlier is an observation for which the residual is large in magnitude compared to other observations in the data set. The investigation on the identification of outliers in linear regression models can be extended to those for circular regression case. In this paper, we study the relationship between more than two circular variables using the multiple circular regression model, which is proposed by [13]. The model has precise enough and interesting properties to detect the occurrence of outliers. Here, we concentrate the attention on the problem of identifying outliers in this model. In particular, the extension of DFBETAS statistic which has been successfully used for the same purpose to this model via the row deleted approach. The cut-off points and the power of performance of the procedure are investigated via Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the performance improves when the resulting residuals have small variance and when the sample size gets larger. The real data is applied for illustration purpose.
TRADITIONAL VS COLUMN-TOP ISOLATION FOR TYPICAL STRUCTURES

Traditional installations of base isolation can be expensive, especially in retrofit applications. Addition of a rigid diaphragm above the isolation layer, excavation of a seismic moat, and extensive foundation work increase construction time and costs. As a result, isolation retrofit projects are typically limited to buildings with historic significance and large budgets. Limiting the use of isolation to new and/or large budget structures means fewer buildings are likely to remain functional post-disaster, decreasing community resilience during large earthquake events. To make isolation retrofit accessible to a wider range of structures, the up-front costs must be reduced. This can be achieved by placing bearings on column tops, forgoing the need for construction of a seismic gap and an additional rigid diaphragm. However, columns under the isolation layer may be flexible, changing the traditionally assumed bearing end conditions. To assess the viability of column-top isolation, the performance of a pre-Northridge steel moment resisting frame office building, designed to the 1965 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), is compared against a column-top retrofit with stiffened first floor columns and a traditional base isolation retrofit design using lead-core rubber bearings. This study also explores the impacts of gravity frame modelling assumptions in moment resisting frame structures on the performance of the isolated systems. Suites of ground motions representing different fault types were selected and scaled to hazard levels prescribed in the 2015 NBCC. Using a nonlinear time history analysis in OpenSEES, the overall seismic performance of column-top isolation was investigated.
Policy implications of droughts and floods adaptation on household crop production and food security in Southern Malawi.

Aims: This paper quantified the contribution of drought and flood related adaptation strategies on household food production and food security. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in lowland and highland areas of southern Malawi and data was collected from randomly sampled households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Methodology: The paper employed a Translog production function and a Tobit model to determine the effects of drought and flood related adaptation strategies on food production and food security. About 1000 households were randomly selected to participate in the household survey. Fifty percent of the respondents were from lowland areas while the remaining 50% was from highland areas of Southern Malawi. Results: Results show that households in the study area adapted through irrigation farming, income-generating activities, crop diversification and shifting planting dates. Irrigation farming significantly increased food production by 8% and 6% and improved
Leaf water potential, relative water content, and diffusive resistance as screening techniques for drought resistance in barley

At the three-leaf growth stage total leaf water potential (ψ t ) was measured on the third leaf of each plant under low stress conditions (predawn). Water was then drained from the sand bed to stress the plants. Leaf diffusive resistance (LDR) was measured at 1000 and 1300 h each day as stress developed. When the PM diffusive resistance reached about 1000 sm 1 , relative water content (RWC) of the second leaf was determined. Neither RWC nor LDR allowed separation of cultivars within resistant or susceptible groups, but ψ t did show differences between cultivars within groups. These techniques provide an easy method to screen for drought-resistant barley
Phase separation of Arabidopsis EMB1579 controls transcription, mRNA splicing, and development

Tight regulation of gene transcription and mRNA splicing is essential for plant growth and development. Here we demonstrate that a plant-specific protein, EMBRYO DEFECTIVE 1579 (EMB1579), controls multiple growth and developmental processes in Arabidopsis. We demonstrate that EMB1579 forms liquid-like condensates both in vitro and in vivo, and the formation of normal-sized EMB1579 condensates is crucial for its cellular functions. We found that some chromosomal and RNA-related proteins interact with EMB1579 compartments, and loss of function of EMB1579 affects global gene transcription and mRNA splicing. Using floral transition as a physiological process, we demonstrate that EMB1579 is involved in FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC)-mediated repression of flowering. Interestingly, we found that EMB1579 physically interacts with a homologue of Drosophila nucleosome remodeling factor 55-kDa (p55) called MULTIPLE SUPPRESSOR OF IRA 4 (MSI4), which has been implicated in repressing the expression of FLC by forming a complex with DNA Damage Binding Protein 1 (DDB1) and Cullin 4 (CUL4). This complex, named CUL4-DDB1MSI4, physically associates with a CURLY LEAF (CLF)-containing Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (CLF-PRC2). We further demonstrate that EMB1579 interacts with CUL4 and DDB1, and EMB1579 condensates can recruit and condense MSI4 and DDB1. Furthermore, emb1579 phenocopies msi4 in terms of the level of H3K27 trimethylation on FLC. This allows us to propose that EMB1579 condensates recruit and condense CUL4-DDB1MSI4 complex, which facilitates the interaction of CUL4-DDB1MSI4 with CLF-PRC2 and promotes the role of CLF-PRC2 in establishing and/or maintaining the level of H3K27 trimethylation on FLC. Thus, we report a new mechanism for regulating plant gene transcription, mRNA splicing, and growth and development.
The Potential of Epiphytic Twig Communities on Quercus Petraea in a Welsh Woodland Site (Tycanol) For Evaluating Environmental Changes

Abstract A survey of epiphytic species on annual increments of Quercus petraea twigs in a west Wales woodland has shown that distribution of lichen species and rates of succession are affected by a range of environmental conditions. Lichen communities were recorded for 1–15 years on randomly sampled twigs along marked woodland boundaries affected by a range of climatic and management conditions. Results show that there is a correlation between environmental condition and lichen communities of twigs, and that indicator species can be used to detect trends towards acidification or eutrophication.
The Privacy of the Analyst and the Power of the State

We initiate the study of "privacy for the analyst" in differentially private data analysis. That is, not only will we be concerned with ensuring differential privacy for the data (i.e. individuals or customers), which are the usual concern of differential privacy, but we also consider (differential) privacy for the set of queries posed by each data analyst. The goal is to achieve privacy with respect to other analysts, or users of the system. This problem arises only in the context of stateful privacy mechanisms, in which the responses to queries depend on other queries posed (a recent wave of results in the area utilized cleverly coordinated noise and state in order to allow answering privately hugely many queries). We argue that the problem is real by proving an exponential gap between the number of queries that can be answered (with non-trivial error) by stateless and stateful differentially private mechanisms. We then give a stateful algorithm for differentially private data analysis that also ensures differential privacy for the analyst and can answer exponentially many queries.
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. triggers oxidative stress mediated apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers. (Lythraceae) commonly known as Banaba has been used in different forms in traditional medicinal systems for treating various diseases which include diabetes and obesity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic Banaba leaf extract (EBLE) in HepG2 cells. The phytochemical analysis of EBLE was performed by HPTLC. HepG2 cells were treated with EBLE at 25, 50, 100, and 150 μg/mL concentrations, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Oxidative stress was assessed by the evaluation of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione. Apoptosis‐related morphology was investigated by acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated by JC‐1 staining. Apoptosis‐related marker genes were evaluated by qPCR. HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of corosolic acid (12.87 μg/mg), berberine (3.19 μg/mg), and gallic acid (2.94 μg/mg) in EBLE. EBLE treatments caused significant and concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Dual staining with AO/EB confirmed membrane distortion and nuclear chromatin condensation upon EBLE treatments. JC‐I staining revealed the loss of ΔΨm. Furthermore, at a molecular level, EBLE treatments interfere with Bax/Bcl‐2 homeostasis and induced the pro‐apoptotic marker genes such as cytochrome c, Apaf‐1, and caspases 9 and 3. EBLE treatments caused cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, and this could be due to the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis via the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway.
Seasonal Changes in the Cold Tolerance of Eggs of the Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria L. (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria L. , has one to four generations per year in China, overwintering as eggs in the soil. In temperate Hebei province, this species has two generations per year, known as the summer and fall generations. In this study, locust populations occurring in different seasons were compared to investigate the adaptation of eggs to a cold environment. Large seasonal variations were observed in the supercooling point (SCP) and lower lethal temperature (Ltemp50, the temperature that causes 50% mortality in a population) of locust eggs. Mean SCP values of the fall population were −26.0 ± 0.1°C, while those of the summer and postwinter populations were −22.0 ± 0.8 and −23.4 ± 0.7°C, respectively. The fall population also had significantly lower Ltemp50 values (−14.2°) than the summer (−4.8°) and postwinter populations (−6.7°C). The survival ability of eggs at different development stages was also compared; 10-d-old eggs incubated at 25°C were more cold hardy than other stages. Prechilling at 5°C was effective in increasing the cold hardiness of eggs. These results confirm that eggs of the fall population are better conditioned for overwintering. The low mortality of overwintering eggs often leads to high population density and serious crop damage in the next season or following year.
Protein concentrate of water hyacinth partially replaces soybean meal in the diet of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles.

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of water hyacinth leaf protein concentrate (WHLPC) on survival, growth, feed conversion efficiency and carcass composition of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Four experimental diets containing WHLPC replacing soybean meal at 0, 15, 30 and 45% were fed to triplicate groups of tilapia fingerlings. Data shows that survival rates (85-88%), feed intake, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratios were all statistically similar among dietary treatments. However, carcass protein was higher in fish fed diets at 15 and 30% replacement levels than in those fed the control; those fed diets with 45% replacement was similar with those fed the control diet. In contrast, carcass lipid in fish fed the control diet was statistically similar with that in fish fed diets with 30 and 45% substitution levels. Increasing levels of WHLPC replacement did not significantly affect the levels of ash and NFE in fish carcass at the end of the growth trial. Conclusion: WHLPC could partially replace soybean meal in the diet of the Nile tilapia up to 45% which was equivalent to 11.7% inclusion in the diet.
Do Infections Lead to Higher Feather Mite Loads in Birds? A Test with Mycoplasmal Conjunctivitis in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Abstract. Current evidence suggests that the health effect of avian feather mites is minimal. However, feather mites can still proliferate without effective preening, such as might occur during sickness. House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) are prone to infection by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, symptoms of which include conjunctivitis. Impaired vision and lethargy associated with the disease may limit preening ability. We examined trapping data from a 4-year study of Mycoplasma infection dynamics in House Finches in Atlanta, Georgia, to determine whether birds with conjunctivitis had higher feather mite loads. Abundance of feather mites (Proctophyllodes spp.) and conjunctivitis severity were visually scored on >800 House Finches of known age and sex. Feather mite abundance showed a distinct seasonal pattern: mite loads increased in July and remained high through January. Limiting the analyses to these months, we found that average mite scores were higher in birds with (n = 94) than in those without (n = 275) conjunctivitis, and mite loads increased with conjunctivitis severity. Although not significant, the mite scores in recaptured birds in relation to infection status support the other findings in the present study. Although these results from field-collected birds do not demonstrate cause and effect, they are consistent with prior studies in which feather mites increased in experimentally infected birds. The implications of this proliferation for the birds require further study, but given that feather mites consume oil and debris from feathers, their high numbers during illness could be beneficial.