Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Osteology of the Basal Archosauromorph Tasmaniosaurus triassicus from the Lower Triassic of Tasmania, Australia

Proterosuchidae are the most taxonomically diverse archosauromorph reptiles sampled in the immediate aftermath of the Permo-Triassic mass extinction and represent the earliest radiation of Archosauriformes (archosaurs and closely related species). Proterosuchids are potentially represented by approximately 15 nominal species collected from South Africa, China, Russia, Australia and India, but the taxonomic content of the group is currently in a state of flux because of the poor anatomic and systematic information available for several of its putative members. Here, the putative proterosuchid Tasmaniosaurus triassicus from the Lower Triassic of Hobart, Tasmania (Australia), is redescribed. The holotype and currently only known specimen includes cranial and postcranial remains and the revision of this material sheds new light on the anatomy of the animal, including new data on the cranial endocast. Several bones are re-identified or reinterpreted, contrasting with the descriptions of previous authors. The new information provided here shows that Tasmaniosaurus closely resembles the South African proterosuchid Proterosuchus, but it differed in the presence of, for example, a slightly downturned premaxilla, a shorter anterior process of maxilla, and a diamond-shaped anterior end of interclavicle. Previous claims for the presence of gut contents in the holotype of Tasmaniosaurus are considered ambiguous. The description of the cranial endocast of Tasmaniosaurus provides for the first time information about the anatomy of this region in proterosuchids. The cranial endocast preserves possibly part of the vomero-nasal ( = Jacobson’s) system laterally to the olfactory bulbs. Previous claims of the absence of the vomero-nasal organs in archosaurs, which is suggested by the extant phylogenetic bracket, are questioned because its absence in both clades of extant archosaurs seems to be directly related with the independent acquisition of a non-ground living mode of life.
Ameliorative Effect of Camel's Milk and Nigella Sativa Oil against Thioacetamide-induced Hepatorenal Damage in Rats

Background: Camel milk (CM) and Nigella sativa (NS) have been traditionally claimed to cure wide range of diseases and used as medicine in different part of world, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Several research studies have been published that proved beneficial effects of CM and NS. Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the antihepatotxic potential of CM and NS oil (NSO) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepato and nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided in to six groups having five rats in each group. A single subcutaneous injection of TAA (100 mg/kg b. w.) was administered to all the rats in Group-II to VI on 1st day to induce hepatorenal damage. Group I served as a normal control while Group II served as toxic control for comparison purpose. Experimental animals in Group III, IV, and V were supplemented with fresh CM, (250 mL/24 h/cage), NSO (2 mL/kg/day p. o.), and NSO + fresh CM, respectively. Group VI was treated with a polyherbal hepatoprotective Unani medicine Jigreen (2 mL/kg/day p. o.) for 21 days. TAA-induced hepatorenal damage and protective effects of CM and NSO were assessed by analyzing liver and kidney function tests in the serum. Histopathology of liver and kidney tissues was also carried out to corroborate the findings of biochemical investigation. Results: The results indicated that the TAA intoxicated rats showed significant increase in the alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile, urea, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, and potassium levels in serum. Treatment of rats with CM, NSO, and CM plus NSO combination and Jigreen significantly reversed the damage and brought down the serum biochemical parameters and lipid profile toward the normal levels. The histopathological studies also support the hepato and nephroprotective effects of CM and NSO. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ameliorative effects of CM, NSO, and CM plus NSO combination against TAA-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Abbreviations used: CM: Camel milk; NS: Nigella sativa; NSO: Nigella sativa Oil; TAA: Thioacetamide; S.C. : Subcutaneous; Jig: Jigreen; b.w. : Body Weight; mL: Milli liter; mg: Milli gram; g: Gram; Kg: Kilo gram; ALT: Alanine transaminase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; GGT: Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase; ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase; TC: Total Cholesterol; HDL-C: High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol; LDL-C: Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol; TG: Triglyceride; TB: Total bilirubin; K+: Potassium; Na+: Sodium; CCl4: Carbon Tetrachloride; °C: Degree Celsius; p.o. : Per Oral; RPM: Revolutions per minute; H&E: Hematoxylin and Eosin; SEM: Standard Error of Mean; ANOVA: The one-way analysis of variance.
Acute Effects of Foam Rolling, Static Stretching, and Dynamic Stretching During Warm-ups on Muscular Flexibility and Strength in Young Adults.

CONTEXT Foam rolling has been proposed to improve muscle function, performance, and joint range of motion (ROM). However, whether a foam rolling protocol can be adopted as a warm-up to improve flexibility and muscle strength is unclear. OBJECTIVES To examine and compare the acute effects of foam rolling, static stretching, and dynamic stretching used as part of a warm-up on flexibility and muscle strength of knee flexion and extension. DESIGN Crossover study. SETTING University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 15 male and 15 female college students (age 21.43 ± 1.48 y, weight 65.13 ± 12.29 kg, height 166.90 ± 6.99 cm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Isokinetic peak torque was measured during knee extension and flexion at an angular velocity of 60°/second. Flexibility of the quadriceps was assessed by the modified Thomas test, while flexibility of the hamstrings was assessed using the sit-and-reach test. The 3 interventions were performed by all participants in random order on 3 days separated by 48-72 hours. RESULTS The flexibility test scores improved significantly more after foam rolling as compared with static and dynamic stretching. With regard to muscle strength, only knee extension peak torque (pre vs. postintervention) improved significantly after the dynamic stretching and foam rolling, but not after static stretching. Knee flexion peak torque remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Foam rolling is more effective than static and dynamic stretching in acutely increasing flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings without hampering muscle strength, and may be recommended as part of a warm-up in healthy young adults.
Optimization of in vitro culture and transfection condition of bovine primary spermatogonial stem cells

The present study aimed to optimize the in vitro culture and transfection efficiency of bovine primary spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). To this end, SSCs were obtained from newborn Holstein bull calves by two-step enzymatic digestion. After enrichment and culture, SSCs were characterized by using alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining and expression of vasa and thy1 genes as specific bovine SSC markers. To evaluate the effect of antioxidants on vitality, colony formation, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes of bovine SSCs, various concentrations of vitamin C (5, 10, 25 and 50 μg/mL) and Trolox (a water soluble α-tocopherol analogue) (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL) were added to the SSC culture medium. The results showed that SSCs treated with 50 μg/mL of vitamin C or 25 μg/mL of Trolox individually could increase cell viability and colony formation significantly in comparison with other concentrations and the control group. Additionally, the expressions of bax (as a pro-apoptotic gene) and bcl2 (as an anti-apoptotic gene) were significantly lower and higher than the control group, respectively. To optimize the transfection condition, the effective dosages of vitamin C or Trolox, with various concentrations of two transfection reagents (X-tremeGENE HP and Turbofect) and DNA, at day 8 of culture, were studied. Results showed that 1 μl X-tremeGENE HP or 0.5 μl Turbofect and 2 μg of DNA are the best concentrations for transfecting SSCs. However, X-tremeGENE HP expressed more potential for transfecting SSCs in comparison with Turbofect. Besides, no difference was observed between the use of defined doses of vitamin C or Trolox.Keywords: Apoptosis, gene transfer, primary cells, viability, vitamin C, Trolox
Effect of Carbon on the Cold-worked State and Annealing Behavior of Two 18wt%Cr–8wt%Ni Austenitic Stainless Steels

The influence of carbon on the work hardening, formation and reversion of deformation induced martensite and on the recrystallization of two austenitic stainless steels 18%Cr-8%Ni type were studied with the help of different microstructural analysis techniques. Two steels were selected: the first an AlSl 304L with low carbon (%C=0.021) content and the second an AlSl 304 with higher carbon (%C=0.065) content. Both steels were heat treated to obtain two different initial conditions: one with the carbon completely in solid solution (after a solution annealing treatment at 1 100°C) and the other with practically all the carbon in the precipitated form, as (Cr,Fe) 23 C 6 (after a precipitation treatment at 750°C). The material having higher carbon content, both in solid solution and precipitated, presented in both cases higher strain hardening, smaller tendency to form strain induced martensite and higher resistance to recrystallization. Carbon in solid solution, as compared to the precipitated condition, led to a material with a higher tendency to strain hardening, less susceptibility to martensite formation and more resistance to recrystallization. Nucleation of recrystallization preferably occurred in the vicinity of grain boundaries. Based on the results of the kinetics of recrystallization and intergranular corrosion tests it was concluded that the usually recommended annealing temperatures (1 000 to 1 120°C) are sometimes unnecessarily high.
Molecular mechanism for cavitation in water under tension

Significance Cavitation, the formation of vapor-filled bubbles in a liquid at low pressures, is a powerful phenomenon with important consequences in nature and technology. For instance, cavitation bubbles may interrupt water flow in plants under dry conditions or severely damage the metal surfaces of machines such as pumps and propellers. Using molecular simulations, we have studied cavitation in water at strongly negative pressures and have revealed its molecular mechanism. We find that bubble growth is governed by the viscosity of the liquid. Although small bubbles are shaped irregularly, classical nucleation theory accurately describes the free energy barrier that impedes rapid bubble formation. Our simulations indicate that water can withstand negative pressures exceeding −120 MPa in agreement with recent experiments. Despite its relevance in biology and engineering, the molecular mechanism driving cavitation in water remains unknown. Using computer simulations, we investigate the structure and dynamics of vapor bubbles emerging from metastable water at negative pressures. We find that in the early stages of cavitation, bubbles are irregularly shaped and become more spherical as they grow. Nevertheless, the free energy of bubble formation can be perfectly reproduced in the framework of classical nucleation theory (CNT) if the curvature dependence of the surface tension is taken into account. Comparison of the observed bubble dynamics to the predictions of the macroscopic Rayleigh–Plesset (RP) equation, augmented with thermal fluctuations, demonstrates that the growth of nanoscale bubbles is governed by viscous forces. Combining the dynamical prefactor determined from the RP equation with CNT based on the Kramers formalism yields an analytical expression for the cavitation rate that reproduces the simulation results very well over a wide range of pressures. Furthermore, our theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with cavitation rates obtained from inclusion experiments. This suggests that homogeneous nucleation is observed in inclusions, whereas only heterogeneous nucleation on impurities or defects occurs in other experiments.
Sensitive Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin Types C and D with an Immunoaffinity Chromatographic Column Test

ABSTRACT A sensitive and specific immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of Clostridium botulinum type C (BoNT/C) and type D neurotoxin was developed. Goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin G was bound to polyethylene disks in a small disposable column used for this assay. The sample was preincubated together with monoclonal antibodies specific for the heavy chain of BoNT/C and D and affinity-purified, biotinylated polyclonal antibodies against these neurotoxins. This complex was captured on the assay disk. Streptavidin-poly-horseradish peroxidase was used as a conjugate, and a precipitating substrate allowed the direct semiquantitative readout of the assay, if necessary. For a more accurate quantitative detection, the substrate can be eluted and measured in a photometer. Depending on the preincubation time, a sensitivity of 1 mouse lethal dose ml−1 was achieved in culture supernatants.
Position-Specific Acceleration and Deceleration Profiles in Elite Youth and Senior Soccer Players

Abstract Vigh-Larsen, JF, Dalgas, U, and Andersen, TB. Position-specific acceleration and deceleration profiles in elite youth and senior soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1114–1122, 2018—The purpose of the study was to characterize and compare the position-specific activity profiles of young and senior elite soccer players with special emphasis put on accelerations and decelerations. Eight professional senior matches were tracked using the ZXY tracking system and analyzed for the number of accelerations and decelerations and running distances within different speed zones. Likewise, 4 U19 and 5 U17 matches were analyzed for comparison between youth and senior players. In senior players, the total distance (TD) was 10,776 ± 107 m with 668 ± 28 and 143 ± 10 m being high-intensity running (HIR) and sprinting, respectively. Number of accelerations and decelerations were 81 ± 2 and 84 ± 3, respectively, with central defenders performing the lowest and wide players the highest number. Declines were found between first and second halves for accelerations and decelerations (11 ± 3%), HIR (6 ± 4%), and TD (5 ± 1%), whereas sprinting distance did not differ. U19 players performed a higher number of accelerations, decelerations, and TD compared with senior players. In conclusion, differences in the number and distribution of accelerations and decelerations appeared between player positions, which is of importance when monitoring training and match loads and when prescribing specific training exercises. Furthermore, youth players performed as much high-intensity activities as senior players, indicating that this is not a discriminating physiological parameter between these players.
Evaluation of particle shape and texture of mineral aggregates and their blends

Two important factors for minimizing rutting of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are: a) the fractured face count of aggregate when gravel is used as coarse aggregate, and b) the use of manufactured sand. Both these factors relate to the shape and texture of the aggregate particles. One of the objectives of this paper was to study the effect of crushed particle count on the particle shape and texture index (ASTM D3398) of gravel coarse aggregate and to determine if there is an upper limit on the crushed face count above which the particle shape and texture index of the coarse aggregate fraction would not increase significantly. A definite relationship was found to exist between the crushed face count and index of particle shape and texture of the coarse aggregate. Higher percentages of crushed particles increase the index of particle shape and texture significantly. Highway agencies also limit the amount of natural sand in HMA mixes. This is usually done by generically specifying the maximum allowable percentage of natural sand. A total of 18 fine aggregates (8 natural and 10 manufactured sands) of different mineralogical compositions were used from various sources in Pennsylvania. Particle shape and texture data were obtained using ASTM D3398 and two proposed methods of the National Aggregate Association (NAA). A particle index value of 14 based on ASTM D3398 appears to divide the natural and manufactured fine aggregates, and can be considered for specification purposes. Corresponding values for NAA's methods A and B are also reported. Test data also suggest that the major fraction particle index can be used in place of the weighted average particle index of the entire gradation when using ASTM D3398. Good correlations are found to exist between NAA's methods A and B and ASTM D3398, suggesting that the NAA methods, which are less time consuming, can be adopted as standard test methods in lieu of ASTM D3398. Equations needed to compute ASTM D3398 weighted average particle index values from NAA methods' results are given. The difference between two orifice diameters for the NAA methods was not found to be statistically significant in determining the uncompacted void content of the fine aggregates. However, the 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) diameter orifice resulted in lesser variation compared to the 1/2-in. (12.5-mm) orifice. Natural and manufactured fine sands were blended in various proportions to study the effect of using ASTM D3398. The particle shape and texture index decreases as higher percentages of natural sand are blended with the manufactured sand. There is no linear relationship, however.
Traumatic brain injury and obesity induce persistent central insulin resistance

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)‐induced impairments in cerebral energy metabolism impede tissue repair and contribute to delayed functional recovery. Moreover, the transient alteration in brain glucose utilization corresponds to a period of increased vulnerability to the negative effects of a subsequent TBI. In order to better understand the factors contributing to TBI‐induced central metabolic dysfunction, we examined the effect of single and repeated TBIs on brain insulin signalling. Here we show that TBI induced acute brain insulin resistance, which resolved within 7 days following a single injury but persisted until 28 days following repeated injuries. Obesity, which causes brain insulin resistance and neuroinflammation, exacerbated the consequences of TBI. Obese mice that underwent a TBI exhibited a prolonged reduction of Akt (also known as protein kinase B) signalling, exacerbated neuroinflammation (microglial activation), learning and memory deficits, and anxiety‐like behaviours. Taken together, the transient changes in brain insulin sensitivity following TBI suggest a reduced capacity of the injured brain to respond to the neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory actions of insulin and Akt signalling, and thus may be a contributing factor for the damaging neuroinflammation and long‐lasting deficits that occur following TBI.
Thermal stability of magnetic states in submicron magnetic islands

S. Y. Liashko, I. S. Lobanov, V. M. Uzdin, H. Jónsson ITMO University, Kronverkskiy, 49, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia Kronverkskiy, 49, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia Science Institute and Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Iceland 107 Reykjavı́k, Iceland St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 198504, Russia Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA sergei.liashko@gmail.com, lobanov.igor@gmail.com, v uzdin@mail.ru, hj@hi.is
Polo-like kinase 2 promotes chemoresistance and predicts limited survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignances worldwide. Chemoresistance remains a major issue in the field of CRC treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2) in chemoresistance in CRC. The associations between Plk2 and clinicopathological factors, as well as chemotherapeutic benefit were analyzed with a publicly available CRC dataset. The correlation between Plk2 expression and chemosensitivity was further confirmed in CRC cells. Moreover, knockdown and exogenous overexpression experiments of Plk2 were carried out to uncover the potential role of Plk2 in regulating the chemoresistance of CRC cells. We found that the expression of Plk2 was significantly associated with proximally located tumors. In addition, it was found that high expression ofPlk2 was associated with deficient mismatch repair status, B-raf serine/threonine kinase proto-oncogeneand Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations. By contrast, tumor protein 53 mutation was correlated with a low expression level of Plk2. A higher expression level of Plk2 significantly predicted a poorer outcome in patients with CRC. However, the prognostic significance was only observed in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. In CRC cells, higher levels of Plk2 were associated with increased resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Knocking down the expression of Plk2 resulted in elevated cellular apoptosis induced by oxaliplatin. By contrast, exogenous overexpression of Plk2 exerted an anti-apoptotic effect and enhanced the resistance of CRC cells to chemotherapeutic agents. In conclusion, a high expression of Plk2 was associated with chemoresistant traits of CRC through inhibiting apoptosis. These results suggested that Plk2 may serve as a predictive marker for chemoresistance and a novel target in CRC treatment.
Estimating actigraphy from motion artifacts in ECG and respiratory effort signals

Recent work in unobtrusive sleep/wake classification has shown that cardiac and respiratory features can help improve classification performance. Nevertheless, actigraphy remains the single most discriminative modality for this task. Unfortunately, it requires the use of dedicated devices in addition to the sensors used to measure electrocardiogram (ECG) or respiratory effort. This paper proposes a method to estimate actigraphy from the body movement artifacts present in the ECG and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) based on the time-frequency analysis of those signals. Using a continuous wavelet transform to analyze RIP, and ECG and RIP combined, it provides a surrogate measure of actigraphy with moderate correlation (for ECG+RIP, ρ=0.74 ? >, p < 0.001) and agreement (mean bias ratio of 0.94 and 95% agreement ratios of 0.11 and 8.45) with reference actigraphy. More important, it can be used as a replacement of actigraphy in sleep/wake classification: after cross-validation with a data set comprising polysomnographic (PSG) recordings of 15 healthy subjects and 25 insomniacs annotated by an external sleep technician, it achieves a statistically non-inferior classification performance when used together with respiratory features (average κ of 0.64 for 15 healthy subjects, and 0.50 for a dataset with 40 healthy and insomniac subjects), and when used together with respiratory and cardiac features (average κ of 0.66 for 15 healthy subjects, and 0.56 for 40 healthy and insomniac subjects). Since this method eliminates the need for a dedicated actigraphy device, it reduces the number of sensors needed for sleep/wake classification to a single sensor when using respiratory features, and to two sensors when using respiratory and cardiac features without any loss in performance. It offers a major benefit in terms of comfort for long-term home monitoring and is immediately applicable for legacy ECG and RIP monitoring devices already used in clinical practice and which do not have an accelerometer built-in.