Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interspecifi c aggregation of ectoparasites on bats : importance of hosts as habitats supersedes interspecifi c interactions

Patterns of aggregation of species or individuals may result from combinations of interspecifi c interactions such as competition, facilitation, or apparent facilitation, as well as from equivalent responses to environmental factors. Host – parasite systems are ideal for the investigation of mechanisms that structure assemblages. Interspecifi c aggregation is documented for multiple groups that are ectoparasitic on mammals and host-mediated apparent facilitation has been suggested to explain these aggregation patterns. To investigate the generality of this pattern and to determine likely structuring mechanisms, I analyzed species co-occurrence, correlations of abundances, and nestedness for ectoparasite assemblages from each of 11 species of Neotropical bat. Ectoparasite assemblages on four of 11 host species exhibited signifi cant positive co-occurrence for the entire assemblage or for at least one pair of species in the assemblage; ectoparasites on two host species exhibited positive co-occurrence that approached signifi cance. Th ere was no evidence of negative co-occurrence. Nine species-pairs exhibited positive abundance correlations, including seven of the eight species-pairs that exhibited positive co-occurrence. No species-pair exhibited a negative correlation of abundances (i.e. density compensation). Ectoparasite assemblages from fi ve of 11 host species exhibited nestedness, including all three assemblages that exhibited assemblage-wide positive cooccurrence. Multiple mechanisms associated with host characteristics may contribute to host aggregation in ectoparasite assemblages, including host body size, vagility, home range size, burrow or roost size and complexity, immunocompetence and social structure. In general, data in this study and elsewhere are not consistent with interspecifi c interactions among ectoparasites, including apparent facilitation, being primary structuring mechanisms of ectoparasite assemblages on mammalian hosts. Rather, host behavior and ecology are likely to aff ect the frequency of host – ectoparasite encounters and of conspecifi c host interactions that facilitate transfer of ectoparasites, thereby, molding patterns of ectoparasite co-occurrence, abundance and species composition on mammalian hosts. Combinations of characteristics that are primarily responsible for molding ectoparasite assemblage composition likely are host-taxon specifi c.
Sparse codes of V1 simple-cells and the emergence of globular receptive fields - a comparative study

Summary Abstract multiple cause models with sparse priors linear or non-linear superposition of basis functions maximization of the data likelihood on image patches likelihood maximization using a novel form of variational EM (ET) same parameter set and training method for both models comparative analysis of the obtained basis functions Results Gabor-like basis functions are obtained in both cases more elongated basis functions when using the non-linear model higher fraction of globular basis functions for the non-linear model
An Evaluation of Driving Ability in a Simulator: A Good Predictor of Driving Ability After Stroke?

The aim of this pilot-study was to evaluate the predictive quality of a driving evaluation in a simulator for people with stroke. Twenty-seven participants with stroke completed a driving evaluation in a technically advanced driving simulator. The participants also completed an on-road driving evaluation with a pass or fail outcome. Measures generated from the assessment tool, P-Drive, were compared to the on-road driving evaluation, in order to determine a definitive cut-off score. The definitive cut-off score of P-Drive was determined to 1,5 logits, however this score did not show satisfactory sensitivity. Instead of a definitive cut-off score, a cut-off zone of 1,4 to 1,7 logits was recommended. Six drivers within the cut-off zone were recommended for further evaluation of their driving ability.
Thioredoxin as a biomarker for graft rejection in lung transplant recipients

Abstract Primary graft dysfunction and rejection are common complications in lung transplant recipients. Increased expression of thioredoxin-1 (Trx), a 12-kDa redox-regulatory protein, has been reported in multiple lung pathophysiological conditions involving oxidative and inflammatory mediated injury including graft rejection in canine and rat models of lung transplantation. Our objective was to determine whether increased Trx expression is associated with progression of rejection pathophysiology in human lung transplant recipients. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and transbronchial biopsy samples were collected as a routine part of post-transplant clinical care from 18 lung transplant patients from our adult lung transplant programme. Lung transplant recipient profile included age/sex, ethnic background, days on ventilator, total ischaemic time, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) status. Based on histopathological grading criteria, patients were divided into two groups, rejecting (A1/A2 or B1) and non-rejecting (A0/B0). Rejecting and non-rejecting group total BAL cell counts and differential cell counts for neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils as well as total BAL cell Trx levels were analysed. Total BAL cell counts were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in graft rejecting versus non-rejecting patients. Differential BAL macrophage counts were comparable in rejection and non-rejection groups, whereas there were significant increases in neutrophils and lymphocytes but not eosinophils in patients with rejection versus non-rejection pathology (p<0.05). Total ischaemic time and days on ventilator in rejection and non-rejection groups were comparable. However, Trx levels were significantly elevated in BAL cells from graft-rejecting patients compared with non-rejecting patients (p<0.05). These data suggest that surveillance monitoring of BAL Trx levels after lung transplantation can serve as a biomarker to assess severity of graft rejection.
Level Crossing Rates of Ricean MIMO Channel Eigenvalues for Imperfect and Outdated CSI

In this paper, the exact closed-form expressions for the level crossing rates of the multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) channel ordered eigenvalues are derived for the Ricean propagation and arbitrary channel matrix dimensions. The novel expressions can be applied for the imperfect channel state information (CSI) and feedback delay, with or without prediction. The analytical results are validated by simulation.
Morphologic, molecular and microenvironment factors associated with stromal invasion in breast ductal carcinoma in situ: Role of myoepithelial cells.

BACKGROUND Ductal carcinoma in situ is the last step preceding invasive ductal carcinoma in breast carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE We investigated the role of myoepithelial cells and epithelium characteristics as predictors of the risk of stromal invasion. METHODS We selected 236 cases with initial diagnosis of DCIS followed by surgical ressection distributed in groups 1 (without invasion) and 2 (with invasive carcinoma). RESULTS The risk of stromal invasion after a DCIS diagnosis in biopsy was associated to triple-negative profile and loss of CD10 expression by myoepithelial cells, and inversely associated with CK5/6 expression by neoplastic cells and high expression of Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain (SMMHC) by myoepithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS A combination of characteristics of epithelial and myoepithelial cells in DCIS in biopsy specimens is related to the risk of stromal invasion.
Fundus artery occlusion caused by cosmetic facial injections

Background With the increasing popularity of cosmetic facial filler injections in recent years, more and more associated complications have been reported. However, the causative surgical procedures and preventative measures have not been studied well up to now. The aim of this stady was to investigate the clinical characteristics and visual prognosis of fundus artery occlusion resulting from cosmetic facial filler injections. Methods Thirteen consecutive patients with fundus artery occlusion caused by facial filler injections were included. Main outcome measures were filler materials, injection sites, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus fluorescein angiography, and associated ocular and systemic manifestations. Results Eleven patients had ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) and one patient each had central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). Injected materials included autologous fat (seven cases), hyaluronic acid (five cases), and bone collagen (one case). Injection sites were the frontal area (five cases), periocular area (two cases), temple area (two cases), and nose area and nasal area (4 cases). Injected autologous fat was associated with worse final BCVA than hyaluronic acid. The BCVA of seven patients with autologous fat injection in frontal area and temple area was no light perception. Most of the patients with OAO had ocular pain, headache, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and no improvement in final BCVA. Conclusions Cosmetic facial injections can cause fundus artery occlusion. Autologous fat injection tends to be associated with painful blindness, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and poor visual outcomes. The prognosis is much worse with autologous fat injection than hyaluronic acid injection.
The relative contributions of body image evaluation and investment in the prediction of dietary restraint in men

This study examined the importance of body image evaluation and investment to predict dietary restraint in men (N = 272). Measures of physical activity, evaluation, investment and dietary restraint were completed. A hierarchical regression was conducted to predict dietary restraint from physical activity and body mass index (entered on the first step), body image evaluation (entered on the second step) and investment (entered on the final step). The overall regression was significant, F(4, 271) = 15.12, p < . 001, R2adj = . 17). Body mass index, physical activity and body image investment were significant positive predictors of dietary restraint. The present findings emphasize measuring body image investment.
The Evolution of Stability in a Stochastic Predator-Prey System

Abstract This master's thesis aim to see if fluctuations in the environment can make a stable predator-prey system naturally evolve into an unstable system. In the paper “Prey adaptation as a cause of predator-prey cycles” (Evolution, 1997), Abrams and Matsuda uses numerical methods to investigate the stability properties of a predator-prey system and looks at the effect that the unstable population dynamics have on the mean population sizes and the mean predation pressure. After re-deriving some of their main results, I introduce white noise in the prey equation to model the fluctuations which occur in e.g. the weather. Using both algebraic and numerical methods I present how different sets of parameters will affect the evolution of the stability of the system. The evolution of the prey population is assumed to select through the trait that codes for the prey's vulnerability. The parameter describing the prey vulnerability is therefore used in the evaluation of the direction of the evolution, which is done using techniques from Adaptive Dynamics. Unlike Abrams and Matsuda, I choose to separate the time scales of which the population dynamics and evolution occur on and evaluate the direction of the evolution by looking at the selection gradient. It is found out that the system can change its stability properties if the fluctuations reach a certain level. Based on numerical simulations, this level of fluctuations seems possible to exist in real ecological systems. The unstable evolution is possible since cycling dynamics have a negative effect on the mean predator population and positive on the prey dito.
The levering laryngoscope

This is a report of a modification of the standard Macintosh laryngoscope blade to facilitate tracheal tube placement in cases of difficult visualisation of the larynx. The modification offers the unique advantage of a hinged blade tip, controlled by a lever on the handle of the larygoscope which allows elevation of the epiglottis while decreasing the overall laryngoscopic elevation or levering movement required. It is an adaptation which can be applied to most laryngoscope blades, does not require any special training in its use and will prove useful for both routine intubations as well as those which may be difficult and associated with an anterior larynx.
Immune-based interventions in HIV infection: doing the right studies, getting the right answers.

Strong immunological and medical rationales can be given for supporting the development of immune-based interventions in HIV-1 infection. Firstly, HIV-1 causes severe impairment of immune functions [1]. In addition to the massive destruction of CD4 T cells, HIV-1 has developed a series of strategies that invariably allow the virus to evade the virus-specific immune response [2]. Secondly, the current potent drug combination therapies are able to suppress virus replication effectively but not to eradicate it [3–5] and life-time therapies are just not possible due to the difficulties in maintaining optimal adherence to therapy and for the toxicity associated with long-term antiviral therapy [6].
Meta‐analysis of interferon randomized trials in the treatment of viral hepatitis C: Effects of dose and duration

The aims of this study were to evaluate the benefits of higher doses or of longer duration in comparison with a standard interferon regimen (3 MU three times per week for 6 months) in chronic hepatitis C, and to assess the efficacy of interferon in acute hepatitis C. Meta‐analysis made use of the Peto et al. and the Der Simonian and Laird methods, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. In chronic hepatitis, a total of 17 trials versus controls and of 16 trials comparing different interferon regimens were included. Standard regimen, 3 MU three times per week for 6 months, was associated with an increase of the complete alanine transaminase (ALT) response rate and sustained (ALT) response rate by 45% (95% confidence interval: 35% to 55%; P < .001) and 21% (13% to 28%; P < .001), respectively, with the natural course being less than 2% of spontaneous responses. There was a significant dose effect (6 vs. 3 MU three times per week) upon the sustained response rate at 12 months, with a mean 17% increase (7% to 28%; P < .001), but not at 6 months. There was a significant duration effect (12 vs. 6 months) upon the sustained response rate both at the dose of 3 MU with a mean of 16% (9% to 23%; P < .001), and at the dose of 6 MU three times per week with a mean of 20% (7% to 33%; P = .003). In acute hepatitis C, 3 months of interferon treatment showed significant efficacy versus controls (4 trials), upon the complete ALT response (69% vs. 29%; P < .001), the sustained response rate during the 12 months following treatment (53% vs. 32%; P = .02), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA clearance (41% vs. 4%; P < .001). The best efficacy/risk ratio was in favor of 3 MU three times per week for at least 12 months in patients with chronic hepatitis C who had never been treated with interferon. Patients with acute hepatitis should be treated with at least 3 MU three times per week for 3 months.
Long-term Low-Intensity Endurance Exercise along with Blood-Flow Restriction Improves Muscle Mass and Neuromuscular Junction Compartments in Old Rats

Background During the aging process, muscle atrophy and neuromuscular junction remodeling are inevitable. The present study aimed to clarify whether low-intensity aerobic exercise along with limb blood-flow restriction (BFR) could improve aging-induced muscle atrophy and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. Methods Forty-eight male Wistar rats, aged 23–24 months, were randomly divided into control, sham (Sh: subjected to surgery without BFR), BFR (subjected to BFR), exercise (Ex: subjected to 10 weeks of low-intensity exercise), Sh+Ex, and BFR+Ex groups. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, the animals were sacrificed and their soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed. The hypertrophy index was calculated, and molecular parameters were measured using western blotting. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA using SPSS (version 20), with a P<0.05 as the level of significance. Results The control and Sh groups showed weight gain (P=0.001), whereas the Ex, Sh+Ex, and BFR+Ex groups had significant weight loss (P<0.001). The hypertrophy index of the soleus was significantly higher in the BFR+Ex group than in the control, Sh, and BFR groups (P<0.001). BFR+Ex induced significant hypertrophic effects on the EDL (P<0.001 vs. the control, Sh, Ex, and Sh+Ex groups, and P=0.006 vs. the BFR group). BFR+Ex also increased nAChRs in the soleus (P=0.02 vs. the control and Sh groups) and the EDL (P=0.008 vs. the control and Sh groups). Conclusion BFR plus mild exercise is a safe method with potential beneficial effects in protecting and augmenting muscle mass and nAChR clustering at the neuromuscular junction in old rats.
What went wrong and what was done about it: pitfalls in the treatment of common shoulder surgery.

Abstract When performing revision shoulder surgery, it is important that the surgeon understands why the index procedure failed and has a clear plan to address problems in the revision procedure. The most common cause of failure after anterior instability shoulder surgery is a failure to treat the underlying glenoid bone loss. For most defects, a Latarjet transfer can effectively restore anterior glenoid bone stock and restore shoulder stability. Persistent anterior shoulder pain after rotator cuff surgery may be the result of missed biceps pathology. This can be effectively treated via a biceps tenodesis. The most difficult failures to treat after acromioclavicular joint reconstruction surgery are those involving fractures of either the coracoid or the clavicle. Clavicle hook plates can be used as supplemental fixation during the treatment of these fractures to help offload the fracture site and allow healing while restoring stability to the acromioclavicular articulation. A failed hemiarthroplasty for a proximal humeral fracture frequently results when the tuberosities fail to heal correctly. This complication can be avoided by paying close attention to the implant position and the tuberosity fixation. If hemiarthroplasty is unsuccessful, the patient is best treated with conversion to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
Investigation of the thermal head effect in a power transformer

TMs paper describes the numerical simulation for improving heat transfer in a power transformer by the difference in elevation between the center of the coils and the center of the radiators which was called the thermal head. The simulations were performed to analyze the heat transfer characteristics of the radiator in a power transformer using commercial CFD code (Fluent 6.3) and to optimize the design of radiator for obtaining reliability, safety, and low cost manufactures. By increasing the thermal head we can save the heat transfer area of radiators with increased mass flow rate of the oil. But we need to have a clear understanding of the cooling pattern in a radiator for optimizing the height of radiator due to the relation between the thermal head and heat transfer area. It is anticipated that in the design of power transformer, improving the thermal head would significantly help to minimize the cost and size of radiators.
Analysis and comparison of Si and SiC power devices on a grid-tie fuel cell energy storage system

In renewable energy applications power conversion efficiency is major concern. This is especially true for grid-tie energy storage systems based on bidirectional dc-dc and dc-ac converters where power flows through these system components. Latest developments in power semiconductors technology significantly reduced switching and conduction losses in dc-dc and dc-ac converters allowing efficiencies above 98%. This paper analyzes the efficiency improvement that is achieved by the introduction of SiC power semiconductors in dc-dc and dc-ac converters. The analysis is focuses on fuel cell grid-tie energy storage systems. Results highlight dc-dc conversion efficiencies up to 98.2% with an isolated topology and dc-ac conversion efficiencies up to 97.7%. Overall system efficiency improvements above 1% are achieved compared to traditional Si devices. Results on efficiency improvement are analyzed based on two laboratory converter prototypes of an isolated full bridge boost converter (IFBBC) and a three level T-type inverter (BSNPC).
Doppler only localization in GSM-based passive radar

The localization in a classical multistatic passive radar is based on finding bistatic ellipsoid crossing with at least three pairs of transmitter-receiver. The localization accuracy is dependent on the geometry and bandwidth of the illumination signal. For narrow band signals like GSM cellular phone transmission the bistatic range resolution is very poor, in a range of several kilometers. The paper presents an alternative solution - exploitation of Doppler information and localization based on Doppler-only measurements. Because there were 4 unknowns (in 2-D localization: two spatial and to velocity components) or 6 unknowns (in 3D localization) it is necessary to have at least 4 or 6 bistatic measurements to localized the target. The paper presents the theory of Doppler-only target localization in GSM passive radar, related simulation results and accuracy considerations.
Electrical Disturbances Apparently Of Extraterrestrial Origin

Electromagnetic waves of an unknown origin were detected during a series of experiments on atmospherics at high frequencies. Directional records have been taken of these waves for a period of over a year. The data obtained from these records show that the horizontal component of the direction of arrival changes approximately 360 degrees in about 24 hours in a manner that is accounted for by the daily rotation of the earth. Furthermore the time at which these waves are a maximum and the direction from which they come at that time changes gradually throughout the year in a way that is accounted for by the rotation of the earth about the sun. These facts lead to the conclusion that the direction of arrival of these waves is fixed in space; i.e., that the waves come from some source outside the solar system. Although the right ascension of this source can be determined from the data with considerable accuracy, the error not being greater than ±7.5 degrees, the limitations of the apparatus and the errors that might be caused by the ionized layers of the earth's atmosphere and by attenuation of the waves in passing over the surface of the earth are such that the declination of the source can be determined only approximately. Thus the value obtained might be in error by as much as ±30 degrees.
RENAL INFECTION IN THE RAT AFTER REFLUX CHALLENGE WITH PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Summary A rat‐pseudomonad reflux model was employed to examine the effect of the size of i noculum on the emergence of renal i nfection. Widely varying degrees of renal disease observed in challenged animals indicated that a number of variables influenced the outcome of the host‐parasite interaction. In this regard, animals in which there was a reduction of the colony counts below a threshold figure rarely gave evidence of renal infection when examined at autopsy on the eighth day following reflux. These results suggest that a threshold level of bacteriuria may also have to be exceeded if renal infection is to become established in patients with vesico‐ureteric reflux.