Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversity Effects on Productivity Are Stronger within than between Trophic Groups in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

Background The diversity of plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been experimentally shown to alter plant and AMF productivity. However, little is known about how plant and AMF diversity interact to shape their respective productivity. Methodology/Principal Findings We co-manipulated the diversity of both AMF and plant communities in two greenhouse studies to determine whether the productivity of each trophic group is mainly influenced by plant or AMF diversity, respectively, and whether there is any interaction between plant and fungal diversity. In both experiments we compared the productivity of three different plant species monocultures, or their respective 3-species mixtures. Similarly, in both studies these plant treatments were crossed with an AMF diversity gradient that ranged from zero (non-mycorrhizal controls) to a maximum of three and five taxonomically distinct AMF taxa, respectively. We found that within both trophic groups productivity was significantly influenced by taxon identity, and increased with taxon richness. These main effects of AMF and plant diversity on their respective productivities did not depend on each other, even though we detected significant individual taxon effects across trophic groups. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that similar ecological processes regulate diversity-productivity relationships within trophic groups. However, productivity-diversity relationships are not necessarily correlated across interacting trophic levels, leading to asymmetries and possible biotic feedbacks. Thus, biotic interactions within and across trophic groups should be considered in predictive models of community assembly.
Daunorubicin and Cytarabine Liposome in Newly Diagnosed Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or AML With Myelodysplasia-Related Changes

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome in older adults with newly diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Data Source: A literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE (January 2017 to January 2018) was performed using the terms CPX-351, Vyxeos, daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome, and acute myeloid leukemia. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Phase I, II, and III clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome were reviewed with a specific focus on its use in older patients with newly diagnosed AML. All peer-reviewed articles with clinically relevant information were evaluated for inclusion. Data Synthesis: The phase II trial demonstrated that daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improved response rates (RR), but there was no difference in event-free survival and overall survival in the overall patient population. However, clinical benefit was most pronounced in secondary AML with an increased RR and survival. The phase III trial illustrated that daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improved survival and RR with tolerable toxicity compared with standard 7 plus 3 (daunorubicin and cytarabine) in patients 60 to 75 years of age with t-AML or AML-MRC. More patients proceeded to a stem cell transplant, and 30-day and 60-day mortality was lower with daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome. Grade 3 to 5 toxicities were similar between the 2 groups, except daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome had prolonged cytopenia and a higher risk of hemorrhage. Conclusions: Daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improves RR and survival, with tolerable toxicity in older patients with t-AML or AML-MRC.
Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Endemicity in Indonesia in 2010

Background Malaria control programs require a detailed understanding of the contemporary spatial distribution of infection risk to efficiently allocate resources. We used model based geostatistics (MBG) techniques to generate a contemporary map of Plasmodium falciparum malaria risk in Indonesia in 2010. Methods Plasmodium falciparum Annual Parasite Incidence (PfAPI) data (2006–2008) were used to map limits of P. falciparum transmission. A total of 2,581 community blood surveys of P. falciparum parasite rate (PfPR) were identified (1985–2009). After quality control, 2,516 were included into a national database of age-standardized 2–10 year old PfPR data (PfPR2–10) for endemicity mapping. A Bayesian MBG procedure was used to create a predicted surface of PfPR2–10 endemicity with uncertainty estimates. Population at risk estimates were derived with reference to a 2010 human population count surface. Results We estimate 132.8 million people in Indonesia, lived at risk of P. falciparum transmission in 2010. Of these, 70.3% inhabited areas of unstable transmission and 29.7% in stable transmission. Among those exposed to stable risk, the vast majority were at low risk (93.39%) with the reminder at intermediate (6.6%) and high risk (0.01%). More people in western Indonesia lived in unstable rather than stable transmission zones. In contrast, fewer people in eastern Indonesia lived in unstable versus stable transmission areas. Conclusion While further feasibility assessments will be required, the immediate prospects for sustained control are good across much of the archipelago and medium term plans to transition to the pre-elimination phase are not unrealistic for P. falciparum. Endemicity in areas of Papua will clearly present the greatest challenge. This P. falciparum endemicity map allows malaria control agencies and their partners to comprehensively assess the region-specific prospects for reaching pre-elimination, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of future strategies against this 2010 baseline and ultimately improve their evidence-based malaria control strategies.
ZrO₂ dissolution by molten zircaloy and cladding oxide shell failure. New experimental results and modelling

This report summarises the task 2.4 of the European Project on "Corium Interactions and Thermochemistry (CIT)" conducted within the 4 Framework Programme on "Nuclear Fission Safety". The experimental part of this task was performed during 1997/99 at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. The analytical part of the task 2.4 was conducted at the Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBRAE). The dissolution of ZrO2 by molten Zry (≥ 1760°C) influences many physico-chemical processes during core degradation: liquefaction of ZrO2 at about 1000°C below its melting point, relocation of (U, Zr, O) melts after failure of the outer ZrO2 layer on Zircaloy cladding tubes and fission product release rates. In order to understand apparent inconsistencies in the experimental results published in the literature and to reduce uncertainties on the clad failure conditions, different tests were carried out: (i) isothermal ZrO2 dissolution tests with ZrO2 crucibles of different dimensions with and without bottom isolation by yttria disks at 2100, 2200 and 2300°C and reaction times up to 30 min, and (ii) ZrO2 shell failure tests with short pre-oxidised cladding tubes filled with ZrO2 pellets. In addition, new post-test analysis of the earlier tests on ZrO2 crucibles dissolution performed by KfK in 1987 and AECL were performed and compared with the new FZK test data,. The main test results are: • The crucible/melt interaction is governed by the oxygen diffusion along ZrO2 grain boundaries and occurs in two stages: erosion (or dissolution) and corrosion of the ZrO2. During the corrosion stage of the ZrO2 the dissolution ceases and an interface oxide layer growth on the ZrO2 crucible wall commences. The erosion/corrosion process develops up to melt saturation by oxygen and in some tests continues with a slower rate accompanied by a ceramic ZrO2 phase precipitation in the oxygen-saturated (Zr,O) melt. The kinetics increases with the surface to volume (S/V) ratio, that means the ZrO2 surface (S) in contact with the melt volume (V), and strongly depends on the crucible wall thickness. • ZrO2 shell failure tests show a clear correlation between the heat-up rate and the failure temperature. The cladding failure temperature continuously decreases with increasing heat-up rate and after reaching a certain limit remains constant. The developed analytical model by IBRAE explains the disagreement observed in previous dissolution results and reproduces correctly the new FZK tests: • The ZrO2 dissolution model is able to describe self-consistently the erosion and corrosion stages observed in the previous KfK and AECL tests and the unique erosion stage observed in new FZK tests. Differences between the KfK, AECL and FZK results are due to different crucible/melt geometries which induce different characteristic times in dissolution and oxygen diffusion processes. • The analysis of ZrO2 dissolution results using the single rod degradation code SVECHA/QUENCH enables the identification and modelling of different failure modes observed in the new FZK tests.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-Induced Hyperactivity Is a Conserved Strategy of a Subset of BaculoViruses to Manipulate Lepidopteran Host Behavior

Many parasites manipulate host behavior to increase the probability of transmission. To date, direct evidence for parasitic genes underlying such behavioral manipulations is scarce. Here we show that the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) induces hyperactive behavior in Spodoptera exigua larvae at three days after infection. Furthermore, we identify the viral protein tyrosine phosphatase (ptp) gene as a key player in the induction of hyperactivity in larvae, and show that mutating the catalytic site of the encoded phosphatase enzyme prevents this induced behavior. Phylogenetic inference points at a lepidopteran origin of the ptp gene and shows that this gene is well-conserved in a group of related baculoviruses. Our study suggests that ptp-induced behavioral manipulation is an evolutionarily conserved strategy of this group of baculoviruses to enhance virus transmission, and represents an example of the extended phenotype concept. Overall, these data provide a firm base for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind baculovirus-induced insect behavior.
The WRKY transcription factors PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 promote Melampsora resistance in Populus

WRKY transcription factors play important roles in response to diverse environmental stresses, but exact functions of these proteins in poplar defense are still largely unknown. In a previous study, we have shown that poplar WRKY89 is induced by salicylic acid (SA) treatment and plays an important role in resistance against fungi in transgenic poplars. Here, we determined an increase in transcript levels of Group IIa WRKY members in transgenic poplars overexpressing WRKY89 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Yeast one-hybrid assay showed that PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 were potential target genes of WRKY89. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 were localized in the nucleus, and exhibited no transcription activation activity. Constitutive overexpression of PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 in poplars activated pathogenesis-related genes, and increased resistance to the biotrophic pathogen Melampsora. The results also provided support for the involvement of SA-mediated signaling in Melampsora resistance.
Identification of gait parameters from silhouette images

Gait analysis has applications not only in medical, rehabilitation and sports, but it can also play a decisive role in security and surveillance as a behavioral biometric factor. This paper discusses gait parameters extraction technique without using makers or sensors. Videos from a home digital camera are analyzed and a silhouette image based technique is used to identify gait parameter such as step length, stride length, silhouette height and width, foot length, center of gravity (COG) and gait signature. 10 healthy subject's sagittal view is considered in this research at RAMAN lab, MNIT Jaipur. Non-requirement of markers makes the system non-invasive, cheap, and also easier to implement. To ascertain the quality of data obtained, the data has been compared with the data extracted by marker based approaches for the same subject and satisfactory results conform that the proposed system is feasible and can be used in the aforementioned areas. This paper can help researchers by providing them with a general insight of the gait parameters extraction technique for gait analysis.
The role of (auto)-phosphorylation in the complex activation mechanism of LRRK2

Abstract Mutations in human leucine-rich-repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) have been found to be the most frequent cause of late-onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD). LRRK2 is a large protein with two enzymatic domains, a GTPase and a kinase domain. A cluster of (auto)-phosphorylation sites within the N-terminus of LRRK2 have been shown to be crucial for the localization of LRRK2 and is important for PD pathogenesis. In addition, phosphorylation of sites within the G-domain of the protein affect GTPase activity. Here we discuss the role of these (auto)-phosphorylation sites of LRRK2 and their regulation by phosphatases and upstream kinases.
MRI assessment of whole-brain structural changes in aging

Purpose One of the central features of brain aging is the accumulation of multiple age-related structural changes, which occur heterogeneously in individuals and can have immediate or potential clinical consequences. Each of these deficits can coexist and interact, producing both independent and additive impacts on brain health. Many of the changes can be visualized using MRI. To collectively assess whole-brain structural changes, the MRI-based Brain Atrophy and Lesion Index (BALI) has been developed. In this study, we validate this whole-brain health assessment approach using several clinical MRI examinations. Materials and methods Data came from three independent studies: the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Phase II (n=950; women =47.9%; age =72.7±7.4 years); the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (n=722; women =55.1%; age =72.7±9.9 years); and the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Research database on older adults (n=170; women =60.0%; age =62.9±9.3 years). The 3.0-Tesla MRI scans were evaluated using the BALI rating scheme on the basis of T1-weighted (T1WI), T2-weighted (T2WI), T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR), and T2*-weighted gradient-recalled echo (T2*GRE) images. Results Atrophy and lesion changes were commonly seen in each MRI test. The BALI scores based on different sequences were highly correlated (Spearman r2>0.69; P<0.00001). They were associated with age (r2>0.29; P<0.00001) and differed by cognitive status (χ2>26.48, P<0.00001). T2-FLAIR revealed a greater level of periventricular (χ2=29.09) and deep white matter (χ2=26.65, P<0.001) lesions than others, but missed revealing certain dilated perivascular spaces that were seen in T2WI (P<0.001). Microhemorrhages occurred in 15.3% of the sample examined and were detected using only T2*GRE. Conclusion The T1WI- and T2WI-based BALI evaluations consistently identified the burden of aging and dementia-related decline of structural brain health. Inclusion of additional MRI tests increased lesion differentiation. Further research is to integrate MRI tests for a clinical tool to aid the diagnosis and intervention of brain aging.
Associated Variables of Myositis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background This study aimed to estimate the point prevalence of myositis and identify associated variables of myositis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Material/Methods Clinical date of patients hospitalized with lupus at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and Anhui Provincial Hospital were collected. Patients were defined as having myositis if they reported the presence of persistent invalidating muscular weakness combined with increased levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and abnormal electromyography (EMG). Results The study sample comprised 1701 lupus patients, of which 44 had myositis. Patients with SLE-associated myositis are more likely to have skin rash, alopecia, pericarditis, vasculitis, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-dsDNA, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, low C3, low C4, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high D-dimer, and active disease. Multivariate logistic regression found positive associations between leukopenia, alopecia, and active disease with myositis. Negative associations between myositis with the use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs were revealed in univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions The point prevalence of myositis was 2.6% in SLE patients. The significant association of alopecia, leukopenia, and active disease with myositis suggests that organ damage, hematological abnormality, and high disease activity promote the progression of myositis in lupus patients.
QCD sign problem for small chemical potential

The expectation value of the complex phase factor of the fermion determinant is computed in the microscopic domain of QCD at nonzero chemical potential. We find that the average phase factor is nonvanishing below a critical value of the chemical potential equal to half the pion mass and vanishes exponentially in the volume for larger values of the chemical potential. This holds for QCD with dynamical quarks as well as for quenched and phase quenched QCD. The average phase factor has an essential singularity for zero chemical potential and cannot be obtained by analytic continuation from imaginary chemical potential or by means of a Taylor expansion. The leading order correction in the p-expansion of the chiral Lagrangian is calculated as well.
Effects of Small-Sided Games and High-Intensity Interval Training on Aerobic and Repeated Sprint Performance and Peripheral Muscle Oxygenation Changes in Elite Junior Basketball Players

Abstract Delextrat, A, Gruet, M, and Bieuzen, F. Effects of small-sided games and high-intensity interval training on aerobic and repeated sprint performance and peripheral muscle oxygenation changes in elite junior basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1882–1891, 2018—The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of 6 weeks of small-sided game (SSG) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on aerobic fitness and muscle oxygenation during a repeated sprint (RS) sequence in elite male junior basketball players. Twenty participants (14.3 ± 0.5 years; 176.8 ± 12.5 cm; 74.5 ± 9.8 kg) performed pre- and post-tests interspersed by 6 weeks of SSG or HIIT training. Testing sessions consisted of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test and an RS sequence (2 bouts of 15 seconds). During RS, muscle oxygenation parameters (tissue saturation index [TSI, %], postsprint muscle reoxygenation rate) were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that both training interventions similarly improved maximal aerobic speed (VIFT, 3.4 and 4.1%, respectively, for HIIT and SSG, P < 0.05) as well as RS ability (smaller percentage decrement by 62.5 and 21.6%, respectively, for HIIT and SSG, P < 0.05). Both training interventions also resulted in a greater &Dgr;TSI during the second sprint (47.8–114%, P < 0.05) and significant improvements in postsprint reoxygenation after both sprints (+23.0 to +107.7%). Finally, the variation in muscle reoxygenation after sprint 1 was significantly associated with improvements in aerobic (&Dgr;VIFT, r = 0.61, P = 0.008) and anaerobic (&Dgr;% Dec during RS, r = −0.487, P = 0.028) performances. The current study has observed that SSG and HIIT resulted in similar improvements in aerobic and anaerobic variables and a better muscle oxygenation capacity during RS. Coaches should be aware that both trainings are applicable methodologies to improve in-season aerobic and anaerobic fitness capacities in junior basketball players.
Effect of Environmental Relative Humidity and Damage on the Tensile Properties of Flax and Nettle Fibers

The effects of environmental conditions and mechanical damage on the tensile stiffness and strength of two natural fibers, flax and nettle, are investigated. Flax and nettle both contain cellulosic fiber bundles in the outer layer of the plant, each bundle comprising many individual cells bonded together. Novel experimental equipment is designed and constructed to measure, under varying environmental conditions, the static and dynamic tensile moduli and the strength of individual fiber cells. As previous work has shown, the tensile modulus is dependent on environ mental relative humidity, but the effect of fiber damage is also significant. There is a correlation between the extent of damage, measured as the proportion of the fiber showing as bright under a polarizing microscope, and the modulus. When the effect of damage is taken into account, there is a consistent relationship between modulus and relative humidity.
Elevated Pre–Antiretroviral Therapy CD39+CD8+ T Cell Frequency Is Associated With Early Mortality in Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Tuberculosis Co-infection

Correlates of death soon after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation remain unclear. We investigated the association between expression of CD39, a novel immune exhaustion marker, and early mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis co-infection. Elevated pre-ART CD39+CD8+ T cell frequency was independently associated with mortality within 6 months of ART initiation.
No Evidence for Immune Priming in Ants Exposed to a Fungal Pathogen

There is accumulating evidence that invertebrates can acquire long-term protection against pathogens through immune priming. However, the range of pathogens eliciting immune priming and the specificity of the response remain unclear. Here, we tested if the exposure to a natural fungal pathogen elicited immune priming in ants. We found no evidence for immune priming in Formica selysi workers exposed to Beauveria bassiana. The initial exposure of ants to the fungus did not alter their resistance in a subsequent challenge with the same fungus. There was no sign of priming when using homologous and heterologous combinations of fungal strains for exposure and subsequent challenges at two time intervals. Hence, within the range of conditions tested, the immune response of this social insect to the fungal pathogen appears to lack memory and strain-specificity. These results show that immune priming is not ubiquitous across pathogens, hosts and conditions, possibly because of immune evasion by the pathogen or efficient social defences by the host.