Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variation in Growth, Reproduction and Nitrogen Content of Fucus vesiculosus L. in the Öresund, Southern Sweden

The autecology of Fucus vesiculosus at Barsebäck, Öresund, southern Sweden, was studied from May to December 1984. The length, growth rate, biomass increase, reproduction and nitrogen content were followed. Fucus vesiculosus at Barsebäck exhibited an average growth rate of 0.54 cm/week with the highest growth rates of 0.7 —0.8 cm/week observed during June and August. The mean length of the vegetative tips increased almost linearly with time during May to September. At the end of the year the new growth constituted over 80% of the total plant biomass. The mean total length increase was 15.6 cm during the period studied. Two reproductive periods were observed during 1984. Mature receptacles were found during May to July and new receptacles were initiated in July on the same plants and matured during September and October. The nitrogen content in F. vesiculosus varied both seasonally and between tissues of different ages within the plants. Variations were most pronounced in the new vegetative tips with the highest concentrations in winter; 1.71 mmol/gdw in December, and lowest during summer, about 0.5mmol/gdw in July and August. Basal parts did not show any seasonal variation in nitrogen content. In November —December the vegetative tissue grown during the year contained almost 90% of the total nitrogen within the plant.
Seasonal and environmental influences on the calling behaviour of Eurasian Scops Owls

Capsule Spontaneous calls and replies to playback of Scops Owls were significantly more frequent during the breeding period, when paired birds defend territories. The probability of spontaneous calls varied with moon phase, with a peak occurring during nights with a full moon. In some cases, during the winter, Scops Owls responded to playback calls of Little Owls, thus suggesting possible intra-guild competition between these species.
A Framework for in-Network QoE Monitoring of Encrypted Video Streaming

With the amount of global network traffic steadily increasing, mainly due to video streaming services, network operators are faced with the challenge of efficiently managing their resources while meeting customer demands and expectations. A prerequisite for such Quality-of-Experience–driven (QoE) network traffic management is the monitoring and inference of application-level performance in terms of video Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that directly influence end-user QoE. Given the persistent adoption of end-to-end encryption, operators lack direct insights into video quality metrics such as start-up delays, resolutions, or stalling events, which are needed to adequately estimate QoE and drive resource management decisions. Numerous solutions have been proposed to tackle this challenge on individual use-cases, most of them relying on machine learning (ML) for inferring KPIs from observable traffic patterns and statistics. In this paper, we summarize the key findings in state-of-the-art research on the topic. Going beyond previous work, we devise the concept of a generic framework for ML–based QoE/KPI monitoring of HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS) services, including model training, deployment, and re- evaluation. Components of the framework are designed in a generic way, independent of a particular streaming service and platform. The methodology for applying different framework components is discussed across various use-cases. In particular, we demonstrate framework applicability in a concrete use-case involving the YouTube service delivered to smartphones via the mobile YouTube app, as this presents one of the most prominent examples of accessing YouTube. We tackle both QoE/KPI estimation on a per-video-session level (utilizing the validated ITU-T P.1203 QoE model), as well as “real-time” KPI estimation over short time intervals. Obtained results provide important insights and challenges related to the deployment of a generic in-network QoE monitoring framework for encrypted video streams.
Identification of essential factors causing solder bridging of right-angle solder interconnects in laser jet solder ball bonding process

Solder bridging is a commonly seen and serious processing defect in electronic packaging, which may lead to short circuit even absolute failure of electronic devices and products. Solder bridging may occur in all types of solder interconnects and in each of soldering processes during manufacturing journey, for example, in ball grid array solder interconnects and three-dimensional (3D) interconnects, as well as in wave soldering and reflow soldering assemblies. With the increasing trend of electronic products towards miniaturization and multifunction, the pitch and size of solder interconnects have been scaling down. The finer pitch and decreased size of solder joints greatly increase the difficulty of soldering process and the solder bridging defect is more likely to appear. Notably, the laser jet solder ball bonding (LJSBB) with the advantages of localized heating and higher energy inputting provides a novel soldering technology for 3D packaging, for instance, the right-angle solder interconnects and temperature-sensitive components. When fabricating the right-angle solder interconnects, the liquid solder ball is blown by the protected N2 flow and hardly stays firmly in place during the LJSBB process, thus the solder bridging occurs more often in the LJSBB process. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to identify the essential factors causing solder bridging of right-angle solder interconnects and seeking the improvement measures for mass production.In this study, the crucial factors causing solder bridging of right-angle Au/Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Au interconnects during LJSBB process have been investigated and identified. The results demonstrate that the poor wetting and the large displacement are the main reasons causing the solder bridging defect. The composition analysis and surface morphology characterization results manifest that the contamination of Au bonding pads and a thicker oxidation layer on the surface of solder balls significantly prolong the time of the metallurgical reaction between the solder and Au pads, which results in poor wetting of the molten solder and consequently the solder bridging defect. The verification experiments indicate that a large displacement obviously increases the waving probability of the liquid solder ball. Thus, the solder bridging defect occurs more easily. In addition, the impurities attached onto the nozzle can occasionally lead to the solder bridging defect in mass production.
Importance of γ-secretase in the regulation of liver X receptor and cellular lipid metabolism

Inhibition of the Alzheimer associated γ-secretase impairs the regulation of cellular lipid droplet homeostasis. Presenilins (PS) are the catalytic components of γ-secretase complexes that mediate intramembrane proteolysis. Mutations in the PS genes are a major cause of familial early-onset Alzheimer disease and affect the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein, thereby altering the production of the amyloid β-peptide. However, multiple additional protein substrates have been identified, suggesting pleiotropic functions of γ-secretase. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of γ-secretase causes dysregulation of cellular lipid homeostasis, including up-regulation of liver X receptors, and complex changes in the cellular lipid composition. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of γsecretase leads to strong accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets, associated with increased levels of acylglycerols, but lowered cholesteryl esters. Furthermore, accumulation of lipid droplets was augmented by increasing levels of amyloid precursor protein C-terminal fragments, indicating a critical involvement of this γ-secretase substrate. Together, these data provide a mechanism that functionally connects γ-secretase activity to cellular lipid metabolism. These effects were also observed in human astrocytic cells, indicating an important function of γ-secretase in cells critical for lipid homeostasis in the brain.
Impact of Home Quarantine on Physical Activity Among Older Adults Living at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Interview Study

Background Older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at risk of death from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). In this period of quarantine, one of the reasons for going out is physical activity. This issue is important, as the impact of a sedentary lifestyle might be lower for children and young adults, but is far more severe for older adults. Although older adults need to stay at home because they have a higher risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), they need to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is important for older adults, especially to maintain their level of independence, mental health, and well-being. Maintaining mobility in old age is necessary, as it may predict loss of independence in older adults. Objective Our first objective was to evaluate the impact of this quarantine period on physical activity programs and on the physical and mental health of older adults. Our second objective was to discuss alternatives to physical activity programs that could be suggested for this population to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Methods We conducted a qualitative survey using semistructured interviews with professionals (managers in charge of physical activity programs for older adults and sports trainers who run these physical activity programs) from the French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics (FFPEVG) and older adults participating in a physical activity program of the FFPEVG. We followed a common interview guide. For analysis, we carried out a thematic analysis of the interviews. Results This study suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has affected, before quarantine measures, the number of seniors attending group physical activity programs in the two study territories. In addition, despite the decline in their participation in group physical activities before the quarantine, older adults expressed the need to perform physical activity at home. There is a need to help older adults integrate simple and safe ways to stay physically active in a limited space. A national policy to support older adults for physical activity at home appears essential in this context. Conclusions Given the results of our study, it seems necessary to globally communicate how important it is for older adults to maintain physical activity at home. We are concerned about the level of independence and mental health state of older adults after the end of quarantine if there is no appropriate campaign to promote physical activity among them at home.
Management of Hypothyroidism in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background and Objectives: Thyroid hormones (TH) affect cardiac function through effects on cardiac contractility and systemic vascular resistance. While TH replacement for patients with hypothyroidism might be necessary for restoration of cardiac output after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it could theoretically lead to excessively rapid restoration of the metabolic rate. The appropriate management of hypothyroidism in patients with AMI is unknown. We describe the practice patterns in the management of hypothyroidism in the setting of AMI as well as patients’ clinical outcomes. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of patients that were admitted to a tertiary care hospital with AMI and newly diagnosed or uncontrolled hypothyroidism (TSH ≥ 10 mIU/L) between 2011–2018. Eligible patients were identified using diagnosis codes for AMI and laboratory values, followed by medical record review. We categorized patients according to treatment status with TH and by degree of hypothyroidism. Clinical outcomes included: 30-day mortality/readmission, bleeding, stroke, arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death, and new or worsening heart failure. Summary statistics and group comparisons are presented. Results: Sixty-four patients were included, their median age was 64 years and 61% (n = 39) were women. Most of the patients (59%) had a documented history of hypothyroidism. Of these, all were restarted on levothyroxine (LT4) during the index admission when compared to patients without a history of hypothyroidism, of which 54% received LT4 treatment (p = 0.001). The median TSH in those treated with LT4 was higher (25 mIU/L) when compared to those who were not (12 mIU/L), (p = 0.007). Patients who received intravenous LT4 had higher TSH levels and other variables suggesting worse clinical presentation, but these differences were not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were noted on clinical outcomes according to LT4 treatment status. Conclusion: A history of hypothyroidism and the degree of TSH elevation seem to guide the management of hypothyroidism in patients with AMI. The clinical effect of correcting hypothyroidism in this setting requires further evaluation.
ErbB4 Null Mice Display Altered Mesocorticolimbic and Nigrostriatal Dopamine Levels as well as Deficits in Cognitive and Motivational Behaviors

Abstract Natural genetic variants of Neuregulin1 (NRG1) and its cognate receptor ErbB4 are associated with a risk for schizophrenia. Whereas most studies on NRG1-ErbB4 signaling have focused on GABAergic interneurons, ErbB4 is also expressed by midbrain dopaminergic neurons where it modulates extracellular dopamine (DA) levels. Here, we report that extracellular steady-state levels of DA are reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC; −65%), hippocampus (−53%) and nucleus accumbens (NAc; −35%), but are elevated in the dorsal striatum (+25%) of ErbB4 knock-out mice (ErbB4 KOs) relative to wild-type controls. This pattern of DA imbalance recapitulates the reported prefrontal cortical reduction and striatal increase of DA levels in schizophrenia patients. Next, we report on a battery of behavioral tasks used to evaluate locomotor, cognitive and motivational behaviors in ErbB4 KOs relative to controls. We found that ErbB4 KOs are hyperactive in a novel open field but not in their familiar home cage, are more sensitive to amphetamine, perform poorly in the T-maze and novel object recognition (NOR) tasks, exhibit reduced spatial learning and memory on the Barnes maze, and perform markedly worse in conditioned place preference (CPP) tasks when associating cued-reward palatable food with location. However, we found that the poor performance of ErbB4 KOs in CPP are likely due to deficits in spatial memory, instead of reward seeking, as ErbB4 KOs are more motivated to work for palatable food rewards. Our findings indicate that ErbB4 signaling affects tonic DA levels and modulates a wide array of behavioral deficits relevant to psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia.
Ultrasound-guided versus blind subacromial bursa corticosteroid injection for paraplegic spinal cord injury patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomized, single-blind clinical trial

Abstract Introduction Shoulder pain is one of the common musculoskeletal complaints of the patients with spinal cord injury. Corticosteroid injection to the subacromial bursa is one of the confirmed therapies which can be guided by anatomic landmarks or ultrasound. This study is aimed to compare these two methods to find the one with the highest therapeutic impact. Materials and methods In this study, 30 patients with paraplegic SCI suffering from shoulder pain were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups based on 4-block randomization sampling. The first group received subacromial corticosteroid injection through anatomic landmarks; while in the second group, the injection was guided by ultrasound. VAS criterion was employed for investigation of pain severity; while the constant score was used to study the shoulder pain and function. BREF questionnaire was also applied to examine the quality of life. Findings The mean scores of VAS and Constant in both groups showed a significant improvement two months after intervention when compared with their condition before the intervention. This improvement was significantly higher in the ultrasound group. The physical, physiological and environmental health scores of BREF questionnaire as well as their total score showed a significant improvement in both groups two months after intervention. But this improvement was not significantly different between the two groups in terms of any of the items. Discussion Hence, although ultrasound-guided injection is more costly and requires higher skills in comparison with blind injection, it is significantly more effective in controlling the pain and improving the shoulder function.
Mercury speciation and bioaccumulation in lotic primary producers and primary consumers

Dans cette etude des niveaux trophiques inferieurs dans deux cours d'eau de l'est du Tennessee, la bioaccumulation du mercure et l'espece bioaccumulee dependaient etroitement de la position et de la distance trophiques de la source de contamination. On a dose le methyl-mercure et le mercure inorganique (Hg(II)) dans des echantillons de periphyton, de poissons brouteurs (roule-caillou, Campostoma anomalum) et de poissons omnivores (mene raye, Luxilus chysocephalus) preleves a trois sites dans un cours d'eau contamine par des polluants d'origine industrielle et a un site dans un cours d'eau de reference. Le mercure inorganique predominait dans les echantillons de periphyton et de poissons preleves a tous les sites, dans lesquels il representait toujours plus de 50% du mercure total. Toutefois, la proportion de methylmercure augmentait considerablement avec le niveau trophique et avec la distance vers l'aval. Les facteurs de bioconcentration du methylmercure augmentaient de 0,5 a 1,5 unites logarithmiques par niveau trophique a tous les sites, ce qui laisse supposer qu'il y a bio-amplification notable par cette espece. Les facteurs de bioconcentration du Hg(II) diminuaient au fur et a mesure qu'augmentait le niveau trophique a trois des quatre sites, et etaient de 1 a 2 unites logarithmiques plus faibles que ceux du methylmercure, indiquant ainsi qu'on ne peut guere conclure qu'il y a bio-amplification du Hg(II). Les producteurs primaires et les consommateurs primaires sont les intermediaires critiques du deplacement et de la bio-amplification du mercure de l'eau vers les niveaux trophiques superieurs.
Comparison of diatoms, fossil pigments and historical records as measures of lake eutrophication

1. Analysis of fossil diatoms and pigments was used to examine the effects of land-management practises on the trophic status of Williams Lake, a eutrophic lake in central British Columbia, Canada. Published weighted-average (WA) models were used to infer changes in total phosphorus concentration (TP) during the past 200 years. 2. Diatom-inferred TP (DI-TP) was compared to 20 years of direct chemical TP measurements to determine the accuracy of diatom-TP models in inferring mean summer TP in Williams Lake. Plant pigments were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify historical changes in gross algal community composition and abundance and to evaluate further diatom-TP inferences. 3. Palaeolimnological analyses showed that Williams Lake has been productive throughout the last 200 years. Diatoms characteristic of alkaline, eutrophic conditions were continuously present c. 1765–1990 AD. Carotenoids from filamentous cyanobacteria (myxoxanthophyll, aphanizophyll) were regularly present in Williams Lake sediments, although cryptophytes (alloxanthin), diatoms (diatoxanthin), chlorophytes (lutein-zeaxanthin, b-phorbins), and siliceous algae (diatoms, chrysophytes) or dinoflagellates (fucoxanthin) were also important components of past algal communities. Terrestrial disturbance (railway and road constructions, cattle ranching) increased lake production, but resulted in relatively little permanent environmental change. 4. Comparison of DI-TP with measured TP (1972–91) showed that inferences from simple WA models were similar to average summer TP (39.1 vs. 35.2 μg TP l–1). Inferences resulting from data manipulations that down-weighted eutrophic lakes (outlier elimination, bootstrapping) or diatom species (square-root transformation, tolerance-weighting) were weakly and negatively correlated with measured TP, introduced bias into inference models, or underestimated measured TP. These patterns suggest that, when using diatom-TP models developed from sparsely populated regions, accurate palaeoecological inferences for TP in eutrophic lakes should avoid data manipulations which down-weight the most productive sites and taxa. 5. Comparison of DI-TP and fossil-inferred algal abundance during the past 200 years suggested that changes in nutrient inputs accounted for relatively little variation in past algal abundance. Although past changes in total algal biomass (as β-carotene) and DI-TP were broadly similar, the two variables were not significantly correlated (α = 0.05). In contrast, changes in DI-TP were significantly correlated with mean concentrations of diatom-specific carotenoids (diatoxanthin), although the explanatory power was low (r2 = 0.16). These patterns suggest that the DI-TP model reflects more closely environmental conditions in Williams Lake during periods of diatom growth, and not necessarily those when total algal biomass is greatest.
The Phylogeny of Amycolata autotrophica, Kibdelosporangium aridum and Saccharothrix australiensis

SUMMARY: The phylogenetic relationships of Kibdelosporangium aridum and Saccharothrix australiensis were examined using reverse transcriptase sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA. The sequences were aligned with other actinomycete sequences and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. K. aridum ATCC 39323 and S. australiensis ATCC 31947 formed distinct sublines within the family Pseudonocardiaceae. Their status as distinct genera was supported by the results of DNA: DNA pairing experiments. The inclusion of K. aridum and S. australiensis and two unpublished Amycolata spp. sequences in the rRNA analysis resulted in Amycolata autotrophica joining the family Pseudonocardiaceae. In previous studies, this strain had formed an isolated line of descent. It is proposed that the genera Amycolata and Kibdelosporangium be classified in the family Pseudonocardiaceae. Further work is needed to confirm the phylogeny of S. australiensis. Chemotaxonomic analyses of lipids and cell walls from S. australiensis support these findings and confirm previous work.
Comment on MRSAC Scheme

Although cloud storage features for its strengths of energy-saving and immediate access, potential concerns of data security, longevity and accessibility may limit its scale, development, and acceptance for users. Innovative methods are required to employ a cloud storage model securely while being efficient. Therefore, Anbuchelian et al. proposed a modified RSA cryptosystem algorithm in their paper of “Ef? cient and secure auditing scheme for privacy-preserving data storage in cloud” in 2019 to meet this goal. In their scheme, a multilevel hash tree algorithm combined with RSA cryptosystem algorithm (MRSAC) is combined to ensure both security and efficiency can be met in cloud storage. The authors offer comments on the MRSAC scheme through examining its validity based on the review of MRSAC algorithm and examples of experimental tests. Consequently, drawbacks and theoretical defects of this scheme are identified, and this scheme is proven to be invalidated. This study contributes to the knowledge by validating the current research of MRSAC scheme based on fundamental understanding of RSA encryption and digital signature.