Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The evolution of locomotor morphology, performance, and anti-predator behaviour among populations of Leiocephalus lizards from the Dominican Republic

Most ecomorphological studies use a comparative approach to examine adaptation by studying variation among species. A question of considerable interest is whether ecomorphological patterns observed among species also exist at the population level. We studied variation in morphology, performance, and behaviour in four populations of Leiocephalus personatus and two populations of Leiocephalus barahonensis in the Dominican Republic. We combined these data with measurements of predation intensity and habitat structure to test for convergence at the population level. We predicted that predation intensity would be higher in open habitats and that lizards in these habitats would have traits conferring higher predator evasion capacity (increased wariness, faster sprint speeds, and longer limbs). Principal components analysis suggests that sites tend to differ with respect to the abundance and spacing of low-lying vegetation (i.e. percentage of shrub cover and distance to nearest vegetation), but we did not detect any striking differences among sites in tail-break frequencies or attacks on clay lizard models. Consistent with predictions we find that in open habitats, lizards tend to have longer limbs, faster sprint speeds (relative to body size), and longer approach distances. These patterns corroborate findings in other ground-dwelling lizard species and indicate that they have evolved at least twice among populations of Leiocephalus lizards. The results of this study also suggest that these traits have evolved rapidly despite recent or ongoing gene flow. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 93, 445–456.
Ocean acidification outweighs nutrient effects in structuring seagrass epiphyte communities

Developing a framework for assessing interactions between multiple anthropogenic stressors remains an important goal in environmental research. In coastal ecosystems, the relative effects of aspects of global climate change (e.g. CO2 concentrations) and localized stressors (e.g. eutrophication), in combination, have received limited attention. Using a long‐term (11 month) field experiment, we examine how epiphyte assemblages in a tropical seagrass meadow respond to factorial manipulations of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2(aq)) and nutrient enrichment. In situ CO2(aq) manipulations were conducted using clear, open‐top chambers, which replicated carbonate parameter forecasts for the year 2100. Nutrient enrichment consisted of monthly additions of slow‐release fertilizer, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), to the sediments at rates equivalent to theoretical maximum rates of anthropogenic loading within the region (1.54 g N m−2 d−1 and 0.24 g P m−2 d−1). Epiphyte community structure was assessed on a seasonal basis and revealed declines in the abundance of coralline algae, along with increases in filamentous algae under elevated CO2(aq). Surprisingly, nutrient enrichment had no effect on epiphyte community structure or overall epiphyte loading. Interactions between CO2(aq) and nutrient enrichment were not detected. Furthermore, CO2(aq)‐mediated responses in the epiphyte community displayed strong seasonality, suggesting that climate change studies in variable environments should be conducted over extended time‐scales. Synthesis. The observed responses indicate that for certain locations, global stressors such as ocean acidification may take precedence over local eutrophication in altering the community structure of seagrass epiphyte assemblages. Given that nutrient‐driven algal overgrowth is commonly cited as a widespread cause of seagrass decline, our findings highlight that alternate climate change forces may exert proximate control over epiphyte community structure.
Painful Cervical Facet Joint Injury Is Accompanied by Changes in the Number of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses in the Superficial Dorsal Horn That Differentially Relate to Local Tissue Injury Severity

Study Design. Immunohistochemistry labeled pre- and postsynaptic structural markers to quantify excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the spinal superficial dorsal horn at 14 days after painful facet joint injury in the rat. Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between pain and synapse density in the spinal cord after facet injury. Summary of Background Data. Neck pain is a major contributor to disability and often becomes chronic. The cervical facet joints are susceptible to loading-induced painful injury, initiating spinal central sensitization responses. Although excitatory synapse plasticity has been reported in the superficial dorsal horn early after painful facet injury, whether excitatory and/or inhibitory synapse density is altered at a time when pain is maintained is unknown. Methods. Rats underwent either a painful C6/C7 facet joint distraction or sham surgery. Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured and immunohistochemistry techniques for synapse quantification were used to quantify excitatory and inhibitory synapse densities in the superficial dorsal horn at day 14. Logarithmic correlation analyses evaluated whether the severity of facet injury correlated with either behavioral or synaptic outcomes. Results. Facet joint injury induces pain that is sustained until day 14 (P <0.001) and both significantly greater excitatory synapse density (P = 0.042) and lower inhibitory synapse density (P = 0.0029) in the superficial dorsal horn at day 14. Injury severity is significantly correlated with pain at days 1 (P = 0.0011) and 14 (P = 0.0002), but only with inhibitory, not excitatory, synapse density (P = 0.0025) at day 14. Conclusion. This study demonstrates a role for structural plasticity in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the maintenance of facet-mediated joint pain, and that altered inhibitory, but not excitatory, synapse density correlates to the severity of painful joint injury. Understanding the functional consequences of this spinal structural plasticity is critical to elucidate mechanisms of chronic joint pain. Level of Evidence: N /A
The effect of strategic knowledge management on the universities' performance: an empirical approach

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the availability and use of IT solutions for strategic knowledge management (SKM) and the universities’ performance, measured in terms of scientific production. ,Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and the knowledge-based theory, the authors develop a conceptual framework for exploring the effect of SKM based on IT on the organisation’s performance that they empirically test by applying panel data methodology to a sample of 70 Spanish universities over the period 2011-2014. ,The authors confirm that the SKM based on IT influences the university’s performance. This effect is positive in the case of the IT solutions referred to the infrastructure of data grouping and more evident when the university’s performance is measured by indicators more directly related to scientific quality. Contrary to expected, the percentage of training and research staff that uses institutional tools of collaborative work is negatively related with the universities’ capacity of publication. ,The authors followed the system dynamics approach to identify a causal diagram and a flow sequence that lets them group universities in three different profiles in the knowledge management (KM) flow diagram. ,First, the authors develop a conceptual framework for exploring the effect of SKM based on IT on the organisation’s performance that could be applicable to analyse the case of other knowledge-driven organisations. Second, in contrast with the large number of studies dealing with SKM and performance focused on firms, the authors analyse universities. Third, the authors’ empirical approach used the panel data methodology with a large sample of universities over the period 2011-2014.
ole of conceptual knowledge in learning and retention of conditioned fear oseph

Associating sensory cues with aversive outcomes is a relatively basic process shared across species. Yet higher-order cognitive processes likely contribute to associative fear learning in many circumstances, especially in humans. Here we ask whether fears can be acquired based on conceptual knowledge of object categories, and whether such concept-based fear conditioning leads to enhanced memory representations for conditioned objects. Participants were presented with a heterogeneous collection of
Qualitative defects with normal sperm counts in a patient attending infertility clinic

Background: Sperm morphology is an important qualitative parameter in semen analysis. Aim: To assess qualitative defects in the semen with normal sperm counts. Setting and Design: This was a prospective and descriptive study done in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five semen samples with normal sperm counts were evaluated. Qualitative defects of sperms on Papanicolaou-stained slides were assessed. The defects were noted as follows: head (tapering head, large head, small head, round head, bifid head), middle piece (bent neck, broad middle piece, excess residual cytoplasm), and tail (coiled tail). Results: All cases showed the qualitative defects in spite of the normal counts. The defects found in head – pointed/tapering head (1%–20%), round head (1%–7%), large head (1%–3%) and others (0%–2%); in middle piece – bent neck (1%–8%), excess cytoplasm (1%–3%) or broad middle piece (1%–12%); and in tail – coiled tail (1%–5%). Conclusions: Qualitative defects are often seen even in cases with normal sperm counts.
TEST-RETEST REPRODUCIBILITY OF T1RHO MAPPING IN BRAIN AT 3T

for controls and diagnosed patients are small (4-9%) [2], accuracy and reproducibility is especially important in such studies. The current study evaluates the test-retest reproducibility of a novel fluid-suppressed 3D acquisition with high resolution at 3T to assess its potential utility in patient studies. Methods 4 healthy volunteers with no history of neurological disease were recruited in this IRB-approved study. Data was acquired using a Philips 3T Achieva TX scanner and an 8-channel head coil. Whole-brain T
Associations between job burnout and self-efficacy: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: This study aimed at systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the strength of associations between self-efficacy and job burnout (the global index and its components). We investigated whether these associations would be moderated by: (a) the type of measurement of burnout and self-efficacy, (b) the type of occupation, (c) the number of years of work experience and age, and (d) culture. Design and Methods: We systematically reviewed and analyzed 57 original studies (N = 22,773) conducted among teachers (k = 29), health-care providers (k = 17), and other professionals (k = 11). Results: The average effect size estimate for the association between self-efficacy and burnout was of medium size (−.33). Regarding the three burnout components, the largest estimate of the average effect (−.49) was found for the lack of accomplishment. The estimates of the average effect were similar, regardless of the type of measures of burnout and self-efficacy measurement (general vs. context-specific). Significantly larger estimates of the average effects were found among teachers (compared to health-care providers), older workers, and those with longer work experience. Conclusions: Significant self-efficacy–burnout relationships were observed across countries, although the strength of associations varied across burnout components, participants' profession, and their age.
Chemical Composition of Crop Biomass Impacts Its Decomposition

Abbreviations: AI, acid insoluble; AS, acid soluble; SOC, soil organic carbon; SOM, soil organic matter. Understanding the interaction between plant components and their subsequent decomposition provides insights on how plant quality differences may infl uence C sequestration within a given management system. Our hypothesis was that decomposition is a function of biochemical composition when all other variables are constant (e.g., particle size, temperature and moisture). Recognizing the challenges of reconciling laboratory and fi eld studies, this study examined the decomposition dynamics of fiselected crops with varying composition under controlled temperature and moisture regimes. Residue materials were partitioned into leaf, stem, and root organs to give a clearer indication of compositional control on decomposition. Plant quality varied among species (alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.], corn [Zea mays L.], cuphea [Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. ⋅ Cuphea lanceolata W.T. Aiton], soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] and switchgrass [Panicum virgatum L. ]). A two-component litter decomposition model was used to describe decomposition observed during 498 d. Stepwise multivariate regression indicated initial N concentration, starch, total lignin, and acid-insoluble ash (AI ash) were the four best predictors (r 2 = 0.83) of the rate of active component decomposition (k a ); however, initial composition poorly predicted the rate of passive decomposition (k p ). The best four-component model (r 2 = 0.43) identifi ed by stepwise multiple regression for k p included AI ash, hemicellulose, N concentration, and C/N ratio. Rate constants are a function of the incubation period, thus making direct comparison among separate experiments diffi cult. Chemical recalcitrance appears to slow root decomposition; such chemical recalcitrance to decay may partially explain why roots have been found to contribute more C to the SOC pool than surface residues.
MEMS tunable infrared metamaterial and mechanical sensors

Sub-wavelength resonant structures open the path for fine controlling the near-field at the nanoscale dimension. They constitute into macroscopic “metamaterials” with macroscale properties such as transmission, reflection, and absorption being tailored to exhibit a particular electromagnetic response. The properties of the resonators are often fixed at the time of fabrication wherein the tunability is demanding to overcome fabrication tolerances and afford fast signal processing. Hybridizing dynamic components such as optically active medium into the device makes tunable devices. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) compatible integrated circuit fabrication process is a promising platform that can be merged with photonics or novel 2D materials. The prospect of enormous freedom in integrating nanophotonics, MEMS actuators and sensors, and microelectronics into a single platform has driven the rapid development of MEMS-based sensing devices. This thesis describes the design and development of four tunable plasmonic structures based on active media or MEMS, two graphene-based MEMS sensors and a novel tape-based cost-effective nanotransfer printing techniques. First of all, we present two tunable plasmonic devices with the use of two active medium, which are electrically controlled liquid crystals and temperature-responsive hydrogels, respectively. By incorporating a nematic liquid crystal layer into quasi-3D mushroom plasmonic nanostructures and thanks to the unique coupling between surface plasmon polariton and Rayleigh anomaly, we have achieved the electrical tuning of the properties of plasmonic crystal at a low operating electric field. We also present another tunable plasmonic device with the capability to sense environmental temperature variations. The device is bowtie nanoantenna arrays coated with a submicron-thick, thermos-responsive hydrogel. The favorable scaling of
Eutrophication and predator presence overrule the effects of temperature on mosquito survival and development

Adequate predictions of mosquito-borne disease risk require an understanding of the relevant drivers governing mosquito populations. Since previous studies have focused mainly on the role of temperature, here we assessed the effects of other important ecological variables (predation, nutrient availability, presence of conspecifics) in conjunction with the role of temperature on mosquito life history parameters. We carried out two mesocosm experiments with the common brown house mosquito, Culex pipiens, a confirmed vector for West Nile Virus, Usutu and Sindbis, and a controphic species; the harlequin fly, Chironomus riparius. The first experiment quantified interactions between predation by Notonecta glauca L. (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) and temperature on adult emergence. The second experiment quantified interactions between nutrient additions and temperature on larval mortality and adult emergence. Results indicate that 1) irrespective of temperature, predator presence decreased mosquito larval survival and adult emergence by 20–50%, 2) nutrient additions led to a 3-4-fold increase in mosquito adult emergence and a 2-day decrease in development time across all temperature treatments, 3) neither predation, nutrient additions nor temperature had strong effects on the emergence and development rate of controphic Ch. riparius. Our study suggests that, in addition to of effects of temperature, ecological bottom-up (eutrophication) and top-down (predation) drivers can have strong effects on mosquito life history parameters. Current approaches to predicting mosquito-borne disease risk rely on large-scale proxies of mosquito population dynamics, such as temperature, vegetation characteristics and precipitation. Local scale management actions, however, will require understanding of the relevant top-down and bottom-up drivers of mosquito populations.
Improved drug loading via spray drying of a chalcone implant for local treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract Current chemotherapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), even the mildest forms, encompasses multiple and painful injections with toxic drugs that cause systemic adverse effects. Recently, we showed the promising use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles loaded with an antileishmanial nitrosylated chalcone (CH8) for effective, safe, local, and single-dose treatment of CL. Here, we proposed to optimize the delivery system by increasing the CH8 loading in PLGA-microparticles using spray drying instead of emulsification-solvent evaporation. The effect of solvent composition and polymeric matrix changes on thermal properties, loading efficiency, particle size, morphology, and spatial drug distribution of the CH8-loaded microparticles was evaluated. The results showed that spray drying allowed a higher CH8 content (18% w/w), as contrasting with the previous solvent evaporation technique that maximally incorporated 7.8% of CH8. In vitro studies on 96-hour incubation with L. amazonensis-infected macrophages showed that entrapment in spray-dried PLGA microparticles rendered CH8 safer, preserved its antileishmanial activity, and did not affect its antioxidant properties.
Impact of knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity on project performance: the moderating role of social processes

Purpose This study aims to propose an integrated model to examine the impact of knowledge governance, knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity (ACAP) on project performance in the context of project-based organizations (PBOs). This study also examines the moderating role of social processes on the relationships among these variables. Design/methodology/approach To test the proposed model, cross-sectional data were collected regarding projects from 133 PBOs in Pakistan’s information technology/software industry. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method and PRCOESS tool. Finally, this study also uses causal asymmetry analysis to check asymmetric relationship in the key constructs. Findings The results generally support the proposed model. Knowledge governance and knowledge sharing are important antecedents for improving the ACAP of the project, which in turn significantly improves project performance. Additionally, social processes positively moderate the relationship between knowledge sharing and ACAP, as well as between ACAP and project performance. Research limitations/implications The findings suggest that PBOs should invest in developing a knowledge governance system that guides and stimulates knowledge sharing within and between projects. This would boost the ACAP of projects and lead to superior project performance. Originality/value This study addresses the important issue of knowledge management in IT/software projects. It proposes a unique model that integrates the key constructs of knowledge management and describes their effect on project performance.
Analytical engineering models for predicting high speed penetration of hard projectiles into concrete shields: A review

We describe virtually all known analytical models for predicting protective properties of concrete shields against normal high-speed impact by rigid projectiles. Presented formulas can be directly used in practical calculations. Particular emphasis is given to widely used one-stage and two-stage models which are systemized in a hierarchical classification system using a unified approach. One-stage models employ the same formula along the whole trajectory of a projectile for calculating a force exerted on a penetrating projectile by a shield. In the case of two-stage models, a resistance force at the first stage of penetration is a linear function of the instantaneous depth of penetration while at the second stage of penetration normal stresses at every location on projectile-shield contact surface are polynomial function of normal velocity component. Conditions of continuity of the resistance force and velocity of a projectile are invoked in the transition point between these two sub-models. A wide variety of models can be devised by using different sub-models at each stage of penetration.
AS03- and MF59-Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccines in Children

Influenza is a major cause of respiratory disease leading to hospitalization in young children. However, seasonal trivalent influenza vaccines (TIVs) have been shown to be ineffective and poorly immunogenic in this population. The development of live-attenuated influenza vaccines and adjuvanted vaccines are important advances in the prevention of influenza in young children. The oil-in-water emulsions MF59 and adjuvant systems 03 (AS03) have been used as adjuvants in both seasonal adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines (ATIVs) and pandemic monovalent influenza vaccines. Compared with non-adjuvanted vaccine responses, these vaccines induce a more robust and persistent antibody response for both homologous and heterologous influenza strains in infants and young children. Evidence of a significant improvement in vaccine efficacy with these adjuvanted vaccines resulted in the use of the monovalent (A/H1N1) AS03-adjuvanted vaccine in children in the 2009 influenza pandemic and the licensure of the seasonal MF59 ATIV for children aged 6 months to 2 years in Canada. The mechanism of action of MF59 and AS03 remains unclear. Adjuvants such as MF59 induce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including CXCL10, but independently of type-1 interferon. This proinflammatory response is associated with improved recruitment, activation and maturation of antigen presenting cells at the injection site. In young children MF59 ATIV produced more homogenous and robust transcriptional responses, more similar to adult-like patterns, than did TIV. Early gene signatures characteristic of the innate immune response, which correlated with antibody titers were also identified. Differences were detected when comparing child and adult responses including opposite trends in gene set enrichment at day 3 postvaccination and, unlike adult data, a lack of correlation between magnitude of plasmablast response at day 7 and antibody titers at day 28 in children. These insights show the utility of novel approaches in understanding new adjuvants and their importance for developing improved influenza vaccines for children.