Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Effects of Elevated Temperature and Invertebrate Grazing Regulate Multispecies Interactions between Decomposer Fungi

Predicting the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on species interactions and ecosystem processes is among the primary aims of community ecologists. The composition of saprotrophic fungal communities is a consequence of competitive mycelial interactions, and a major determinant of woodland decomposition and nutrient cycling rates. Elevation of atmospheric temperature is predicted to drive changes in fungal community development. Top-down regulation of mycelial growth is an important determinant of, and moderator of temperature-driven changes to, two-species interaction outcomes. This study explores the interactive effects of a 4 °C temperature increase and soil invertebrate (collembola or woodlice) grazing on multispecies interactions between cord-forming basidiomycete fungi emerging from colonised beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood blocks. The fungal dominance hierarchy at ambient temperature (16 °C; Phanerochaete velutina > Resinicium bicolor > Hypholoma fasciculare) was altered by elevated temperature (20 °C; R. bicolor > P. velutina > H. fasciculare) in ungrazed systems. Warming promoted the competitive ability of the fungal species (R. bicolor) that was preferentially grazed by all invertebrate species. As a consequence, grazing prevented the effect of temperature on fungal community development and maintained a multispecies assemblage. Decomposition of fungal-colonised wood was stimulated by warming, with implications for increased CO2 efflux from woodland soil. Analogous to aboveground plant communities, increasing complexity of biotic and abiotic interactions appears to be important in buffering climate change effects on soil decomposers.
Development and Infectious Disease in Hosts with Complex Life Cycles

Metamorphosis is often characterized by profound changes in morphology and physiology that can affect the dynamics of species interactions. For example, the interaction between a pathogen and its host may differ depending on the life stage of the host or pathogen. One pathogen that infects hosts with complex life cycles is the emerging fungal pathogen of amphibians, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We sought to determine how conditions at the larval stage can affect variation in development and patterns of Bd infection across amphibian life stages. We used outdoor experimental mesocosms to simulate natural pond habitats and manipulated the presence of Bd, the larval density, and the number of host species in larvae of two co-occurring amphibian species (Rana cascadae and Pseudacris regilla). We found that infection differed between species throughout development; P. regilla consistently had higher infection severity compared to R. cascadae. Additionally, while up to 100% of larvae were infected, only 18.2% of R. cascadae and 81.5% of P. regilla were infected after metamorphosis. This indicates that amphibians have the ability to recover from Bd infection as they undergo metamorphosis. Higher larval densities in P. regilla led to a shorter larval period, and individuals with a shorter larval period had lower infection severity. This led to a trend where P. regilla larvae reared at high densities tended to have lower infection prevalence after metamorphosis. We also found that exposure to Bd increased larval mortality and prolonged the larval period in P. regilla, indicating that P. regilla are susceptible to the negative effects of Bd as larvae. This study demonstrates that host density, species composition, and pathogen exposure may all interact to influence development and infection in hosts with complex life cycles.
Invertible quantum operations and perfect encryption of quantum states

In this note, we characterize the form of an invertible quantum operation, i.e., a completely positive trace preserving linear transformation (a CPTP map) whose inverse is also a CPTP map. The precise form of such maps becomes important in contexts such as self-testing and encryption. We show that these maps correspond to applying a unitary transformation to the state along with an ancilla initialized to a fixed state, which may be mixed. The characterization of invertible quantum operations implies that one-way schemes for encrypting quantum states using a classical key may be slightly more general than the ``private quantum channels'' studied by Ambainis, Mosca, Tapp and de Wolf (FOCS 2000). Nonetheless, we show that their results, most notably a lower bound of 2n bits of key to encrypt n quantum bits, extend in a straightforward manner to the general case.
Efficient content-based event dispatching in the presence of topological reconfiguration

Distributed content-based publish-subscribe middleware provides the decoupling, flexibility, expressiveness, and scalability required by highly dynamic distributed applications, e.g., mobile ones. Nevertheless, the available systems exploiting a distributed event dispatcher are unable to rearrange dynamically their behavior to adapt to changes in the topology of the dispatching infrastructure. In this work, we first define a strawman solution based on ideas proposed (but never precisely characterized) in existing work. We then analyze this solution and achieve a deeper understanding of how the event dispatching information is reconfigured. Based on this analysis, we modify the strawman approach to reduce its overhead. Simulations show that the reduction is significant (up to 50%), and yet the algorithm is resilient to concurrent reconfigurations.
Influence of Exercise on Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on improving physical outcomes in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Methods: The PubMed database was searched for articles published up to and including February 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case reports, and quasi-experimental and single-subject designs published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals that assessed the impact of physical exercise on patients with GBS were included; study quality was assessed using Sackett's rules of evidence. Data are presented qualitatively and quantitatively using numerical values and percentages. Results: Seven articles were included in the systematic review. One RCT showed that high-intensity relative to lower intensity exercise significantly reduced disability in patients with GBS, as measured with the FIM (p<0.005, r=0.71). Overall, various types of exercise programmes improve physical outcomes such as functional mobility, cardiopulmonary function, isokinetic muscle strength, and work rate and reduce fatigue in patients with GBS. Conclusion: Because of insufficient high-quality literature, making confident conclusions about the effects of exercise interventions on physical outcomes in patients with GBS is not possible. Future research should consider using higher quality study designs to confirm the results outlined in this article.
A Novel Switching-Based Control Framework for Improved Task Performance in Teleoperation System With Asymmetric Time-Varying Delays

This paper addresses the adaptive control for task-space teleoperation systems with constrained predefined synchronization error, where a novel switched control framework is investigated. Based on multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals method, the stability of the resulting closed-loop system is established in the sense of state-independent input-to-output stability. Compared with previous work, the developed method can simultaneously handle the unknown kinematics/dynamics, asymmetric varying time delays, and prescribed performance control in a unified framework. It is shown that the developed controller can guarantee the prescribed transient-state and steady-state synchronization performances between the master and slave robots, which is demonstrated by the simulation study.
Long-term safety of bioresorbable scaffolds: insights from a network meta-analysis including 91 trials.

AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of biodegradable scaffolds and metallic stents. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed a total of 91 randomised controlled trials with a mean follow-up of 3.7 years in 105,842 patients which compared two or more coronary metallic stents or biodegradable scaffolds and reported the long-term clinical outcomes (≥2 years). Network meta-analysis showed that patients treated with the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) had a significantly higher risk of definite or probable scaffold thrombosis (ScT) compared to those treated with metallic DES. The risk of very late ScT was highest with the Absorb BVS among comparators. Pairwise conventional meta-analysis demonstrated that the elevated risk of ScT with Absorb BVS compared to cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stents was consistent across the time points of ≤30 days (early), 31 days - 1 year (late) and >1 year (very late) ScT. In addition, target lesion failure rates were significantly higher in the Absorb BVS cohort, driven by both increased risk of target vessel myocardial infarction and ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularisation. CONCLUSIONS Absorb BVS implantation was associated with increased risk of long-term and very late ScT compared to current-generation metallic DES. The risk of ScT occurred with a rising trend beyond one year.
Performance analysis of SIR-based dual selection diversity over correlated Nakagami-m fading channels

Signal-to-interference-ratio (SIR)-based selection diversity is an efficient technique to mitigate fading and cochannel interference in wireless communications systems. An approach to the performance analysis of dual SIR-based selection diversity over correlated Nakagami-m fading channels with arbitrary parameters is presented. Useful formulae for the outage probability, the average output SIR, and the average error probability for coherent, noncoherent, and multilevel modulation schemes are derived. The main contribution of the paper is that, for the first time, the proposed analysis is carried out assuming correlated Nakagami-m fading with arbitrary parameters for both the desired signals and the cochannel interferers, which is the real scenario in practical dual selection diversity systems with insufficient antenna spacing. It is shown that the presented general results reduce to the specific ones for the independent fading case, previously published. Numerical and simulation results are also presented to show the effects of various parameters, such as the fading severity, input SIR unbalance, and level of correlation, to the system's performance.
Adaptation, Validation, Reliability and Factorial Equivalence of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in Colombian and Spanish Population

Abstract The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is the most widely used instrument to assess self-esteem. In light of the absence of adaptations in Colombia, this study seeks to validate and adapt this scale in the Colombian population, and perform factorial equivalence with the Spanish version. A total of 1,139 seniors (633 Colombians and 506 Spaniards) were evaluated; the individuals answered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and sexual self-esteem scale. The average score of the items was similar to the questionnaire’s theoretical average, and standard deviations were close to one. The psychometric properties of the items are generally adequate with alphas of . 83 and . 86 and significant (CI = .95) and correlations with the sexual self-esteem scale ranging from . 31 and . 41. Factorial equivalence was confirmed by means of a structural equation model (CFI = .912 and RMSEA = .079), thus showing a strong level of invariance.
Why is my LMS so slow ? A Case Study of D 2 L Performance Issues

This paper presents a network traffic measurement study of Desire2Learn (D2L), which is the Learning Management System (LMS) used by the University of Calgary. Our study is motivated by anecdotal reports of sluggish D2L performance, particularly for file uploads. Using active and passive network measurements, we identify the root causes of the poor D2L performance. The main issues identified are: (1) excessive HTTP redirections in our university’s D2L setup; (2) nonnegligible network latency to the server hosting the D2L content; and (3) suboptimal TCP configurations that limit end-to-end throughput. We discuss these issues, and identify potential solutions. keywords: Learning Management System (LMS), Network traffic measurement, User-perceived performance, Web-based systems, TCP, Throughput, Response time
Transcriptome analysis of genes and gene networks involved in aggressive behavior in mouse and zebrafish

Despite moderate heritability estimates, the molecular architecture of aggressive behavior remains poorly characterized. This study compared gene expression profiles from a genetic mouse model of aggression with zebrafish, an animal model traditionally used to study aggression. A meta‐analytic, cross‐species approach was used to identify genomic variants associated with aggressive behavior. The Rankprod algorithm was used to evaluated mRNA differences from prefrontal cortex tissues of three sets of mouse lines (N = 18) selectively bred for low and high aggressive behavior (SAL/LAL, TA/TNA, and NC900/NC100). The same approach was used to evaluate mRNA differences in zebrafish (N = 12) exposed to aggressive or non‐aggressive social encounters. Results were compared to uncover genes consistently implicated in aggression across both studies. Seventy‐six genes were differentially expressed (PFP < 0.05) in aggressive compared to non‐aggressive mice. Seventy genes were differentially expressed in zebrafish exposed to a fight encounter compared to isolated zebrafish. Seven genes (Fos, Dusp1, Hdac4, Ier2, Bdnf, Btg2, and Nr4a1) were differentially expressed across both species 5 of which belonging to a gene‐network centred on the c‐Fos gene hub. Network analysis revealed an association with the MAPK signaling cascade. In human studies HDAC4 haploinsufficiency is a key genetic mechanism associated with brachydactyly mental retardation syndrome (BDMR), which is associated with aggressive behaviors. Moreover, the HDAC4 receptor is a drug target for valproic acid, which is being employed as an effective pharmacological treatment for aggressive behavior in geriatric, psychiatric, and brain‐injury patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders - exposure assessment and gender aspects

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are widespread, and are, for unclear reasons, more common among females than in males. Several risk factors have been described; constrained and awkward postures, repetitive and/or force demanding motions, and lack of recovery. The exposure to such risk factors was systematically assessed in 116 male and 206 female fish-processing industry workers. Large differences were shown, females to a much higher extent performed repetitive work with constrained neck postures, while males had heavier, but more varied work tasks. Surface electromyography (EMG) was evaluated as a measurement method of muscular activity. An important aspect is time for recovery of muscle fibres, especially in work tasks that demand low level, long duration activity. Muscle fibres are recruited according to a predefined order, some them, probably, being active whenever the muscle is used. To assess recovery time in these, a method that quantifies resting time of the entire muscles is needed. Such a method, 'muscular rest', was further developed and validated. It discriminated well between workers in occupations with high and low prevalence of neck/shoulder myalgia. EMG is, moreover, extensively used to assess the level of muscular activity during work. Large differences have been shown between individuals that perform the same work task, which could be due to differences in strength or working technique, or to a measurement error. The precision of the method has been poorly known. Six females repeated three different work tasks at three different occasions. For m.trapezius, the variation between days (within individual) was small, 8%. For the forearm extensors, it was somewhat larger, 33%, probably because of less adequate normalisation. To study the impact of gender on the development of neck and upper limb disorders, 105 males and 172 females with identical repetitive and force demanding work tasks were examined. The prevalence of disorders was much higher among the females. Further, the physical exposure was quantified, separately for the genders, by EMG, as well as by inclinometry and goniometry for working postures and movements. When normalising to a maximal exertion, a significant difference was shown, with higher exposures for females. The relative peak load was 50% higher for m.trapezius, and 44% higher for the forearm extensors. Further, females had 45% less muscular rest in the forearm extensors, and 40% higher wrist flexion/extension velocity on the right side. It is likely that a substantial share of the excess morbidity among females can be explained by higher physical exposure at work.
Can we consider cesarean myomectomy as a safe procedure without long-term outcome?

Abstract Aim: To investigate short- and long-term outcomes in women undergoing cesarean myomectomy (CM). Methods: This was a retrospective study that explored short-term outcomes of women, who underwent cesarean operations with or without myomectomies (CM controls) in a single tertiary center throughout a 6-year-period. For long-term outcomes, the mean duration of follow-up was 6.3 ± 1.0 years. Results: There were no differences among the CM (n= 91) and control groups (n = 60) considering mean change in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, hemorrhage, as well as requirement for blood transfusions with a slightly increased operative time. Multiple myomas, and cervical and cornual localization were associated with an increased drop of hemoglobin and hematocrit (p < 0.05). Subsequent pregnancy and recurrence rates were 35% (32/91) and 5.5% (5/91), respectively. Preterm delivery (n = 1, 3.1%), uterine dehiscence (n = 1, 3.1%), placenta previa (n = 1, 3.1%) and mild-to-severe post-CM adhesions (n = 8, 25%) were observed in subsequent pregnancies. Recurrence was identified in five of the nonpregnant (5.5%) women, and three of these (4.1%) underwent an additional major surgery. There was no recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Conclusion: The recurrence of myoma was relatively low following CM. Subsequent pregnancy is protective for recurrence of myoma without increased adhesion formation and obstetric complications.
Workplace Health Promotion and Wellbeing

For most humans work is an important fact of life and something that is necessary for survival and individual wellbeing. However, the circumstances under which we work may vary considerably and are, in part, contingent on geographical location, governmental regulations, design of social welfare systems, production systems, and human resource management strategies. In many industrialized countries, demographic developments entailing an ageing workforce increase the importance of developing sustainable employments.
Egg Laying of Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris brassicae) on Arabidopsis thaliana Affects Subsequent Performance of the Larvae

Plant resistance to the feeding by herbivorous insects has recently been found to be positively or negatively influenced by prior egg deposition. Here we show how crucial it is to conduct experiments on plant responses to herbivory under conditions that simulate natural insect behaviour. We used a well-studied plant – herbivore system, Arabidopsis thaliana and the cabbage white butterfly Pieris brassicae, testing the effects of naturally laid eggs (rather than egg extracts) and allowing larvae to feed gregariously as they do naturally (rather than placing single larvae on plants). Under natural conditions, newly hatched larvae start feeding on their egg shells before they consume leaf tissue, but access to egg shells had no effect on subsequent larval performance in our experiments. However, young larvae feeding gregariously on leaves previously laden with eggs caused less feeding damage, gained less weight during the first 2 days, and suffered twice as high a mortality until pupation compared to larvae feeding on plants that had never had eggs. The concentration of the major anti-herbivore defences of A. thaliana, the glucosinolates, was not significantly increased by oviposition, but the amount of the most abundant member of this class, 4-methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate was 1.8-fold lower in larval-damaged leaves with prior egg deposition compared to damaged leaves that had never had eggs. There were also few significant changes in the transcript levels of glucosinolate metabolic genes, except that egg deposition suppressed the feeding-induced up-regulation of FMOGS-OX2, a gene encoding a flavin monooxygenase involved in the last step of 4-methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate biosynthesis. Hence, our study demonstrates that oviposition does increase A. thaliana resistance to feeding by subsequently hatching larvae, but this cannot be attributed simply to changes in glucosinolate content.
Mucin Expression and Corticosteroid Efficacy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an upper airway respiratory disease of the sinuses which may develop resistance to corticosteroid efficacy. Corticosteroids are the main therapy of this disease and as part of their anti-inflammatory activity they are known to exert an effect in mucin expression. This review aims to describe the current state-of-the-art knowledge regarding mucin expression in CRSwNP and its possible relation with corticosteroid efficacy, by highlighting the differential expression of membranetethered versus secreted mucins in different subsets of CRSwNP with an emphasis in corticosteroid non-responder patients. In addition, this review aims to suggest potential interactions between mucins and corticosteroids that could be addressed in future research to ascertain the role of mucins in the corticosteroid resistant mechanisms of this disease. In this sense, among the different mucins, we will highlight the membrane-tethered MUC1 and its potential role in corticosteroid-resistant CRSwNP, as it is currently considered an especially relevant mucin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.