Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Large Effect Size of Urinary Total Antioxidant Capacity in Behavioral Symptoms of Young Autistic Individuals: Comparion with Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Superoxide Dismutase in Plasma

Objective: The imbalance between increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defense has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Which of these has a greater impact on ASD behavioral symptoms is still unclear. We measured urinary levels of the oxidative stress biomarker hexanoyl-lysine (HEL), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the DNA methylation biomarker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8- OHdG) and their relation to the plasma levels of the oxidative stress biomarker superoxide dismutase (SOD) and of the anti-inflammatory fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Methods: We studied the relationships between these biomarkers and behavioral symptoms in 19 individuals with ASD (mean age 10.9 ± 5.3 years) and 11 healthy controls (mean age 14.3 ± 6.3 years). Behavioral symptoms were evaluated using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Results: Ages were not significant difference between two groups. The ASD group showed significantly reduced levels of urinary TAC and significantly increased levels of urinary HEL compared to the control group. Urinary 8- OHdG levels or plasma SOD and EPA levels were not significantly different between the two groups. The ABC subscale and total scores were significantly higher in the ASD group had significantly higher ABC subscale and total scores than he control group. Stepwise regression analysis and the standardized regression coefficient indicated that urinary TAC levels provided greater impact for distinguishing the two groups. There was significant correlation between the urinary TAC levels and plasma EPA levels and the ABC irritability scores. Conclusion: Urinary TAP levels may be important in the imbalance between the urinary levels of HEL and TAC, and altered plasma SOD levels may contribute to this imbalance.
A contribution to the phylogeny of Albanian Agathylla (Gastropoda, Clausiliidae): insights using morphological data and three mitochondrial markers

In the present study, we revised Albanian Agathylla, combining the traditional shell morphological approach with a phylogenetic reconstruction based on three mitochondrial DNA markers (COI, COII and 16S rRNA). From the faunistic perspective, Albania was an almost completely unexplored country until the end of the 1990s. Following recent intense field sampling activity in Albania, the number of known Agathylla populations has increased, providing an opportunity to investigate how additional material can contribute to the resolution of the taxonomy of the Albanian Agathylla species. Newly discovered populations indicate greater morphological variability than previously recorded and highlight the presence of various other character state combinations. Based on these findings, we argue that only two Agathylla taxa occur in the region, namely A. neutra and A. biloba. Due to apparent morphological differences, they are still treated as distinct species, but high intraspecific morphological variability makes it unjustifiable to delimit subspecies. The molecular phylogeny indicates a close relationship between A. neutra and A. biloba, but could neither confirm nor refute their reciprocal monophyly, so their possible conspecificity requires further evaluation.
Feature selection method for High Dimensional Data

— Feature selection is the process of identifying a subset of the most useful features that produces compatible results as the original entire set of features. A feature selection algorithm may be evaluated from both the efficiency and effectiveness points of view. While the efficiency concerns the time required to find a subset of features, the effectiveness is related to the quality of the subset of features. Based on these criteria, a Fast clustering-based feature Selection algorithm (FAST) is proposed and experimentally evaluated. The FAST algorithm works in two steps. In the first step, features are divided into clusters by using graph-theoretic methods. In the second step, the most representative feature that is strongly related to clustering target classes is selected from each cluster to form a subset of features. Features in different clusters are relatively independent; the clustering-based strategy of FAST has a high probability of producing a subset of useful and independent features. The Minimum-Spanning Tree (MST) using Prim’s algorithm can concentrate on one tree at a time. To ensure the efficiency of FAST, adopt the efficient MST using the Kruskal’s Algorithm clustering method. Display the graph with respect to time showing comparison between Prim’s and Kruskal’s algorithm.
Filtration on block copolymer solution used in directed self assembly lithography

In this paper, we presented the filtration effects on block copolymers (BCP) that are commonly used in directed self-assembly lithographic (DSAL) imaging schemes. Specifically we focused on filtration effects on micro-contaminants such as metal ions and metal induced gels. Gel removal efficiency studies carried out with HDPE, Nylon and PTFE filters pointed out that Nylon 6,6 membrane is the most effective in removing gels in block copolymer (BCP) solutions. Metal removal efficiency studies were conducted using multistep filtrations such as repetitive filtration of single membrane material and combination of different type of membranes. Results showed that a combination of Nylon-6,6 and ion-exchange filters is highly effective in reducing metals such as Li, Mg and Al to > 99.99% efficiency. The mechanism of metal removal efficiency is discussed in detail.
Plant species richness and community productivity: why the mechanism that promotes coexistence matters

This paper stresses that the mechanism of coexistence is the key to understanding the relationship between species richness and community productivity. Using model plant communities, we explored two general kinds of mechanisms based on resource heterogeneity and recruitment limitation, with and without any trade-off between reproductive and competitive abilities. We generated different levels of species richness by changing model parameters, in particular the number of species in the regional pool, the degree of recruitment limitation, and the level of heterogeneity. Different diversity‐ productivity patterns are obtained with different coexistence mechanisms, indicating there is no reason to expect any general relationship between species richness and productivity. We discuss these results in the context of the within-site and across-site aspects of the relationship between species richness and productivity. Furthermore, we extend these results to hypothesize the relationship between species richness and productivity for other coexistence mechanisms not explicitly considered here.
Parallel relational databases for diameter calculation of large graphs

Parallel relational databases are seldom considered as a solution for representing and processing large graphs. Current literature shows a strong body of work on graph processing using either the MapReduce model or NoSQL databases specifically designed for graphs. However, parallel relational databases have been shown to outperform MapReduce implementations in a number of cases, and there are no clear reasons to assume that graph processing should be any different. Graph databases, on the other hand, do not commonly support the parallel execution of single queries and are therefore limited to the processing power of single nodes. In this paper, we compare a parallel relational database (Greenplum), a graph database (Neo4J) and a MapReduce implementation (Hadoop) for the problem of calculating the diameter of a graph. Results show that Greenplum produces the best execution times, and that Hadoop barely outperforms Neo4J even when using a much larger set of computers.
Over-expression of MicroRNA-124 using a Lentiviral Vector Regulates Neurogenesis of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Introduction The incidence of spinal cord injury is increasing. Injury to the spinal cord leads to loss of function such as movement, sensation, and autonomic control in the regions innervated from below the site of the damage. The transplantation of neural stem cells to heal spinal cord injuries is currently one of the hottest research fields in biology. However, neural stem cells are mainly obtained from embryos, which raise ethical and legal limitations. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a potentially promising source of cells for use in regenerative medicine because they are abundantly available, are easy to isolate from the patient themselves, are autologous tissue, and there is no ethical dispute over their use. BMSCs can be isolated and differentiated into a variety of cell lineages in vitro, including osteoblasts, myofibroblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and nerve cells. Cultured BMSCs are hypoimmunogenic and capable of homing and, thus, have great potential for various clinical applications, but there are still several open questions related to the limitations of BMSC differentiation, especially from the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons or neural stem cells. Addressing how to improve the differentiation efficiency of transplanted BMSCs into neurons is the subject of this study. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20–24 nt, endogenous, and evolutionary conserved RNA molecules that negatively regulate the translation of their target mRNAs by binding to their 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR). Recent research has identified that miRNAs play essential roles in neural development and neuronal function. For example, the brain-enriched miRNAs miR-9/9* and miR-124,which promote the assembly of neuron-specific BAF complexes (ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes), are also able to convert non-neuronal human dermal fibroblasts into post-mitotic neurons. In this study, we compared the miRNA profiles of BMSCs with cortical neurons and neural stem cells using GeneChip. We observed that miR-124 was one of the most downregulated miRNAs in BMSCs compared with cortical neurons and neural stem cells. To further investigate miR124 we overexpressed miR-124 in BMSCs using a lentiviral vector, evaluated the effects of overexpression of miR-124 on the differentiation of BMSCs, and assessed the efficacy of treatment with miR-124-BMSCs in an animal model of spinal cord injury.
High-Pressure Elastic, Vibrational and Structural Study of Monazite-Type GdPO4 from Ab Initio Simulations

The GdPO4 monazite-type has been studied under high pressure by first principles calculations in the framework of density functional theory. This study focuses on the structural, dynamical, and elastic properties of this material. Information about the structure and its evolution under pressure, the equation of state, and its compressibility are reported. The evolution of the Raman and Infrared frequencies, as well as their pressure coefficients are also presented. Finally, the study of the elastic constants provides information related with the elastic and mechanical properties of this compound. From our results, we conclude that monazite-type GdPO4 becomes mechanically unstable at 54 GPa; no evidence of soft phonons has been found up to this pressure at the zone center.
Necrophagous diptera associated with wild animal carcasses in southern Brazil

Necrophagous Diptera associated with wild animal carcasses in southern Brazil. The aim of this study was to acquire a better knowledge concerning the diversity of necrophagous Diptera that develop on wild animal carcasses. For this purpose, the decomposition of six wild animal carcasses was observed in order to collect and identify the main species of necrophagous flies associated with the decomposition process. The carcasses were found on highways near the cities of Pelotas and Capao do Leao in the initial stage of decomposition, with no significant injuries or prior larval activity. Four wild animal models were represented in this study: two specimens of Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840; two Tupinambis merianae Linnaeus, 1758; one Nothura maculosa Temminck, 1815; and one Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766. A total of 16,242 flies from 14 species were reared in the laboratory, where Muscidae presented the greatest diversity of necrophagous species. Overall, (i) carcasses with larger biomass developed a higher abundance of flies and (ii) the necrophagous community was dominated by Calliphoridae, two patterns that were predicted from published literature; and (iii) the highest diversity was observed on the smaller carcasses exposed to the lowest temperatures, a pattern that may have been caused by the absence of the generalist predator Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819). (iv) An UPGMA analysis revealed a similar pattern of clusters of fly communities, where the same species were structuring the groupings.
Challenges and Options for Estimating the Prevalence of Autism in Population Surveys

1Assistant Professor, Center for Spoken Language Understanding Institute on Development & Disability, Oregon Health & Science University 2Assistant Professor, Division of General Pediatrics Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University Affiliate Assistant Professor, Oregon Health & Science University – Portland State University School of Public Health 3Professor, Department of Psychiatry Director of Autism Research, Institute for Development & Disability Oregon Health & Science University
Chapter 8 Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic connective tissue disease afecting the skin, vessels, musculoskeletal system, and internal organs. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy of organ manifestations and new knowledge about the pathogenesis of SSc, there is still no efective universal treatment of this serious disease. The aim of this chapter is to introduce traditional, most commonly used experimental animal models of SSc, clarify their basic pathological mechanism, describe their advantages and limitations, and outline their use in preclinical tests of potential therapeutic agents with subsequent clinical trials in patients with SSc. The existing models have already contributed signiicantly to preclinical testing of several available biological agents and small molecules, some of which achieved promising results in early clinical studies, and could provide beter prospects for patients with this incurable disease.
Learning Geo-Temporal Image Features

We propose to implicitly learn to extract geo-temporal image features, which are mid-level features related to when and where an image was captured, by explicitly optimizing for a set of location and time estimation tasks. To train our method, we take advantage of a large image dataset, captured by outdoor webcams and cell phones. The only form of supervision we provide are the known capture time and location of each image. We find that our approach learns features that are related to natural appearance changes in outdoor scenes. Additionally, we demonstrate the application of these geo-temporal features to time and location estimation.
PLACEMENT OF DG AND CAPACITOR FOR LOSS REDUCTION AND RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENT IN RADIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS USING BFA

This paper presents a methodology for determining the optimal location and capacity of Distributed Generator (DG) and capacitor in the radial distribution system in view of loss reduction and improvement in voltage profile and reliability. The overall objective function includes reliability index, power loss reduction, DG and capacitor investment cost and voltage deviation index. Customer and energy based indices i.e. SAIFI, SAIDI, CAIDI, AENS, and ASAI have been optimized by using the optimum values of failure rate. In this paper, the most recent Bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA) is used to find optimal location of single DG and capacitor in radial distribution systems. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in finding best solutions, simulations are carried out with and without DG and capacitor installation on 10 bus and standard IEEE 33 bus radial distribution system. The obtained results are compared with binary particle swarm optimization algorithm (BPSO) for validation.
The Challenge of Organizational Change : A comparative study of private organizations' reflections on change processes

1 Theoretical Underpinnings. 2 Definitions of Organizational Change. 2 Theories on Organizational Change. 4 Reasons for Unsuccessful Change. 6 Profitable Organizational Behavior. 7 Employees’ Reflections and SWOT-based Interviews. 13 Present Study. 14 Methods. 16 Organizations and Participants. 16 Measures. 16 Procedure. 17 Data Treatment and Analyses. 17 Ethical Considerations. 22 Results. 22 Interview Conversations and Reflection on Change. 22 SWOT-categorization: Main and Interaction Effects. 23 The Sensitivity of SWOT on Psychological Models: Main and Interaction Effects. 28 Discussion. 33 Summary of Research Findings. 33 Focus on Organizational Change. 34 Findings 1 and 2: SWOT-characteristics and Organizational level. 34 Findings 3 and 4: SWOT-reflections in Relation to Psychological Models. 39 Limitations and Critics Regarding Methodological Approach. 44 Future studies. 48 Conclusion. 49
TC-O _ 01 Ammonia emission after slurry application to grassland

Ammonia (NH3) losses after field application of slurry from livestock is a key loss path contributing between 30 and 50% to the agricultural ammonia emissions released by European countries [1]. The main objective of this study was to quantify NH3 emission levels for the application of slurry to grassland and to evaluate the effects of the abatement techniques trailing hose, trailing shoe and shallow injection compared to the reference technique splash plate. Additionally, the emissions from different types of slurries and the influence of the timing of the application on the level of the losses were investigated.
Haemato-immunological responses to diazinon chronic toxicity in Barbus sharpeyi

The present research aimed to determine acute toxicity and evaluate the effect of sub-lethal concentrations of diazinon on some haematological and immunological parameters of Barbus sharpeyi by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development methods. Juvenile B. sharpeyi were exposed to 0, 5%, 10% and 25% 96h LC50 concentrations of diazinon for 21 days. Blood samples were taken after 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure to diazinon. Haematological and biochemical parameters including: RBC, Hb, PCV and WBC, as well as serum enzymes were evaluated. Immunological indices and resistance against bacterial infection, were determined. Results showed that 96h LC50 of diazinon in B. sharpeyi was estimated at 3.987 mg/L. Diazinon toxicity at a level of 1 and 0.4 mg/L decreased RBC, Hb, and Hematocrite, in almost all sampling periods compared. WBC and globular index decreased significantly in fish exposed to 1 mg/L diazinon on days 14 and 21(p<0.05). Dose dependent increase in serum enzymes were seen in fish exposed to diazinon. Diazinon toxicity showed no effect on serum LDH level (p>0.05). Dose dependent decrease in serum total protein and globulin were indicated in diazinon exposed fish. Serum lysozyme and bactericidal activity decreased in T3 and T4 at days 14 and 21. Mortality following challenge to A.hydrophila increased in fish exposed to 1 mg/l diazinon. It can be concluded that diazinon is toxic to B. sharpeyi. Therefore, the strict biosecurity should be taken into consideration when this pesticide is used in agricultural fields surrounding freshwater sources of fish cultivation.
Making the Case for Proof-carrying Approximate Circuits

Approximated circuits trade-off computational accuracy against improvements in hardware area, delay, and/or energy consumption. IP core vendors who wish to create such circuits face two issues; first, they need an efficient way to approximate a given circuit for a target error metric, and second, they need to convince customers of the resulting approximation quality. In this paper, we propose a solution for both issues. We have developed an automated synthesis flow for the approximation of larger circuits which also yields a proof of approximation quality. The proof can be bundled with the circuit to implement a proof-carrying hardware method. Following this, the customer can formally verify the approximation quality of the core at a fraction of the typical computational cost. In this paper, we make the case for such proof-carrying approximate circuits, give an overview of this concept, and elaborate on our synthesis flow with a focus on the method for verifying error bounds. Experiments with different sequential circuit types demonstrate the functionality and performance of our approach. Keywords-Approximate Computing, Proof-Carrying Hardware, Formal Verification
Hybrid VCSPs with crisp and conservative valued templates

A constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) is a problem of computing a homomorphism ${\bf R} \rightarrow {\bf \Gamma}$ between two relational structures. Analyzing its complexity has been a very fruitful research direction, especially for fixed template CSPs, denoted $CSP({\bf \Gamma})$, in which the right side structure ${\bf \Gamma}$ is fixed and the left side structure ${\bf R}$ is unconstrained. Recently, the hybrid setting, written $CSP_{\mathcal{H}}({\bf \Gamma})$, where both sides are restricted simultaneously, attracted some attention. It assumes that ${\bf R}$ is taken from a class of relational structures $\mathcal{H}$ that additionally is closed under inverse homomorphisms. The last property allows to exploit algebraic tools that have been developed for fixed template CSPs. The key concept that connects hybrid CSPs with fixed-template CSPs is the so called "lifted language". Namely, this is a constraint language ${\bf \Gamma}_{{\bf R}}$ that can be constructed from an input ${\bf R}$. The tractability of that language for any input ${\bf R}\in\mathcal{H}$ is a necessary condition for the tractability of the hybrid problem. In the first part we investigate templates ${\bf \Gamma}$ for which the latter condition is not only necessary, but also is sufficient. We call such templates ${\bf \Gamma}$ widely tractable. For this purpose, we construct from ${\bf \Gamma}$ a new finite relational structure ${\bf \Gamma}'$ and define $\mathcal{H}_0$ as a class of structures homomorphic to ${\bf \Gamma}'$. We prove that wide tractability is equivalent to the tractability of $CSP_{\mathcal{H}_0}({\bf \Gamma})$. Our proof is based on the key observation that ${\bf R}$ is homomorphic to ${\bf \Gamma}'$ if and only if the core of ${\bf \Gamma}_{{\bf R}}$ is preserved by a Siggers polymorphism. Analogous result is shown for valued conservative CSPs.
DNA Based Techniques for Studying Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity is a study undertaken to classify an individual or population compared to other individuals or populations. This is a relative measure, as the distance between any pair of entries in the study is greater or lesser depending on all pairwise comparisons that can be made in the study. However, genetic fingerprinting is the unambiguous identification of an individual (based on the presence or absence of alleles at different markers) or a population (based on frequencies of alleles of the markers). This is an absolute measure and does not change depending on other individuals or populations under study. Both Genetic diversity and fingerprinting studies are done using molecular markers.