Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in Muzeina Bedouins from South Sinai: Multivariate analysis on dermatoglyphic traits with asymmetry and diversity

The objective of this study is to compare the pattern of sex differences between two different sets of dermatoglyphic traits: 22 quantitative and 40 indices of diversity and asymmetry through Multivariate analyses in Muzeina Bedouins with high inbreeding coefficient of 0.0908 (Kobyliansky and Hershkovitz 1997) from South Sinai. A degree of universality is observed in the “digital pattern size factor” indicate the genetic factor which has more influence on these variables than environmental factors in male and female. Similarity is also observed by the factors- “intra-individual diversity”, “bilateral asymmetry” extracted from 40 traits which also suggests that a common biological validity exists in the underlying component structure. All variables (two groups) scattered into a number of small clusters are mainly categorized into three large and those are markedly similar between sexes. The above similarity was confirmed by the Mantel statistics- the Z values are within the level of non-significance, very good similarities in 22 (0.88) and good similarities in 40 (0.79) traits. Therefore, sex dimorphism is similar between two categories of dermatoglyphic traits which may be used for sex-discrimination in different ethnic populations.
Visual Preference Assessment on Ultra-High-Definition Images

With the recent evolution of ultra-high-definition (UHD) display technology, viewers can enjoy high-resolution content more realistically over TVs, virtual reality, portable, and wearable devices. To increase the visual attraction viewers perceive, post-processing of video content has been more powerfully conducted in such commercial devices. In this paper, we define a new terminology visual preference to quantify viewer perceptual preferences in a certain viewing environment with UHD images processed using sharpness and contrast enhancements. Viewers' visual preference for UHD images depends on the spatial resolution afforded by the UHD display, which in turn depends on the viewing geometry of the display resolution, display size, and viewing distance. In addition, viewers can perceive different degrees of quality and sharpness according to the content enhancement type and level, which leads to variation in the statistical dynamics of spatial image information. In this paper, we explore a novel methodology called the visual preference assessment model (VPAM) that accounts for content enhancement features, diverse viewing geometry, and statistical dynamics variation. The VPAM is a no-reference assessment method designed using an elaborate subjective preference assessment with support vector regression as the machine learning algorithm. The VPAM far outperforms previous methods in terms of correlation, 0.45-0.56, with the visual preference assessment.
Tracing the Proterozoic continental collision in NW India: a geophysical approach

The 800 km‐long Aravalli–Delhi Fold Belt (ADFB) in the Aravalli Mountains of Rajasthan defines the largest tectonic feature in the northwestern (NW) Indian shield, situated between the late Proterozoic Marwar Basin in the west and the Vindhyan Basin in the east. The final collision between the Aravalli and Delhi domains defining ocean closure and continental amalgamation is critical in understanding the culmination of the Proterozoic Wilson Cycle in NW India. We present for the first time a regional three‐dimensional (3‐D) gravity model to evaluate the architecture of the continental collision signature of this region. The deep seismic reflection data along a 400 km‐long profile across the ADFB highlights two sets of reflection bands with opposite dips. The prominent west‐dipping reflections observed in the central domain, towards the western margin of the Mangalwar Complex could be related to the Palaeoproterozoic subduction of an oceanic lithosphere, and suggest a clear northwestward subduction polarity. The data showing gravity highs, the high elevation features, and the models proposed in the present study, together with the presence of high‐density bodies in the deep crust, is interpreted as a signature of magmatic underplating and/or mafic‐ultramafic intrusives. The high elevations and corresponding high‐density anomalies at depth can also be explained by domal uplift, following the extrusion of metamorphic orogens into the mid crust, as well as the presence of eclogitized material at depth associated with the subduction–collision tectonics and continental amalgamation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure based Bayesian sparse reconstruction using non-Gaussian prior

In this paper, we present a fast Bayesian method for sparse signal recovery that makes a collective use of the sparsity information, a priori statistical properties, and the structure involved in the problem to obtain near optimal estimates at very low complexity. Specifically, we utilize the rich structure present in the sensing matrix encountered in many signal processing applications to develop a fast reconstruction algorithm when the statistics of the sparse signal are non-Gaussian or unknown. The proposed method outperforms the widely used convex relaxation approaches as well as greedy matching pursuit techniques all while operating at a much lower complexity.
Evolution of drug‐tolerant nematode populations in response to density reduction

Resistance to xenobiotics remains a pressing issue in parasite treatment and global agriculture. Multiple factors may affect the evolution of resistance, including interactions between life‐history traits and the strength of selection imposed by different drug doses. We experimentally created replicate selection lines of free‐living Caenorhabditis remanei exposed to Ivermectin at high and low doses to assess whether survivorship of lines selected in drug‐treated environments increased, and if this varied with dose. Additionally, we maintained lines where mortality was imposed randomly to control for differences in density between drug treatments and to distinguish between the evolutionary consequences of drug‐treatment versus ecological processes due to changes in density‐dependent feedback. After 10 generations, we exposed all of the selected lines to high‐dose, low‐dose and drug‐free environments to evaluate evolutionary changes in survivorship as well as any costs to adaptation. Both adult and juvenile survival were measured to explore relationships between life‐history stage, selection regime and survival. Intriguingly, both drug‐selected and random‐mortality lines showed an increase in survivorship when challenged with Ivermectin; the magnitude of this increase varied with the intensity of selection and life‐history stage. Our results suggest that interactions between density‐dependent processes and life history may mediate evolved changes in susceptibility to control measures.
Nitrous oxide emissions from motor vehicles in tunnels and their global extrapolation

The finding that catalytic converters enhance the N2O emissions from motor vehicles gave rise to the concern that they may represent a significant source of N2O. Measurements of N2O and CO2 emissions of a fleet of about 40,000 cars were conducted in two roadway tunnels in Stockholm, Sweden, and Hamburg, Germany, to estimate N2O emissions under normal driving conditions. To avoid any risk of artifact N2O formation, samples were analyzed within 1 min after collection. Median N2O to CO2 molar emission ratios of 1.4 × 10−4 and 0.6 × 10−4 were measured in Stockholm and Hamburg, respectively. The lower emission ratio in Hamburg may well reflect the smaller fraction of catalyst-equipped cars in Germany (22%) compared to the Swedish vehicle fleet (33%) as well as low N2O emissions from trucks which were not allowed in the Stockholm tunnel. From our measurements we derive a N2O to CO2 molar emission ratio from cars equipped with catalysts in the median to interquartile range of 3.8 ± 2.2 × 10−4, from which present worldwide N2O emissions from cars are estimated to be 0.38 ± 0.22 Tg N2O (0.24 ± 0.14 Tg N) per year, corresponding to 3–16% of the atmospheric growth of 4.7 ± 0.9 Tg N2O/yr (3.0 ± 0.6 Tg N/yr). From the worldwide emission of 0.38 Tg N2O we derived an emission of about 170 mg N2O/km for catalyst-equipped cars, significantly higher than those reported in earlier studies. If the entire present fleet of cars were to be equipped with current types of catalysts, the global N2O emission could double and reach 6–32% of the atmospheric growth rate.
Late Cambrian Reworking of Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Granulites in Shillong-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex (Northeast India): Evidence from PT Pseudosection Analysis and Monazite Chronology and Implications for East Gondwana Assembly

Pressure-temperature (PT) pseudosection analysis of garnet-cordierite-sillimanite metapelites indicates that the granulites in the central part of the Shillong-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex (SMGC) in Northeast India evolved along a clockwise PT path with near isobaric heating (prograde) between 635° and 730°C at ∼5.7–5.5 kb, peak PT conditions of approximately 730°C/5.5 kb, and cooling between 650° and 595°C at 3.4–3.2 kb. Chemical dating indicates that an overwhelming majority of monazite in the metapelites and granites intrusive into the metapelites formed at Ma (). The retrograde PT segment of the Late Cambrian metamorphic PT path in the SMGC is similar to those estimated in the Prydz Bay area of East Antarctica. It is suggested that the Late Cambrian metamorphism, felsic magmatism, and deformation in central SMGC may be correlated with the Pan-African collision between India and Australia-Antarctica during the assembly of East Gondwana, consistent with paleogeographic reconstructions based on paleomagnetic data. By contrast, an overwhelming majority of chemical dates from monazite cores in western SMGC (Garo-Goalpara) metapelites are Paleo-Mesoproterozoic ( Ma, ), with younger rims of some matrix monazite grains dated at 1141–946, , and 649–524 Ma. PT pseudosection analysis of the Garo-Goalpara metapelites indicates a counterclockwise path of metamorphism that probably occurred at ∼1.6 Ga, with the end phase of retrogression possibly in the Neoproterozoic/Early Paleozoic. The final PT conditions at Garo-Goalpara (∼5.8 kb/630°C) are similar to the prograde conditions of Late Cambrian metamorphism in central SMGC. The 820-Ma dates from western SMGC correspond to high-grade metamorphism anatexis in the 876–784-Ma N-trending Eastern Indian Tectonic Zone at the eastern margins of Eastern Indian Precambrian gneissic complexes located further south in a reconstructed pre-Cretaceous configuration of the Indian shield.
Lithospheric structure in northwestern Canada from Lithoprobe seismic refraction and related studies: a synthesis

The SNORCLE refraction  wide-angle reflection (R/WAR) experiment, SNORE'97, included four individual lines along the three transect corridors. A combination of SNORE'97 results with those from earlier studies permits generation of a 2000 km long lithospheric velocity model that extends from the Archean Slave craton to the present Pacific basin. Using this model and coincident near-vertical incidence (NVI) reflection data and geological information, an interpreted cross section that exemplifies 4 Ga of lithospheric development is generated. The velocity structural models correlate well with the reflection sections and provide additional structural, compositional, and thermal constraints. Geological structures and some faults are defined in the upper crust. At a larger scale, the seismic data identify a variety of orogenic styles ranging from thin- to thick-skinned accretion in the Cordillera and crustal-scale tectonic wedging associated with both Paleoproterozoic and Mesozoic collisions. Models of Poisson.
Dhofar 125: A New Acapulcoite from Oman

Introduction. The intense search for meteorites in the desert of Oman has recently added a number of highly interesting meteorites to our collections. Among the more than 200 meteorites recovered so far two Martian (Dhofar 019, Sayh al Uhaymir 005/008) and three lunar meteorites (Dhofar 025, 026, and 081) were identified [1]. Our continuous classification work now lead to the discovery of the first acapulcoite from Oman. Dhofar 125 was found 2000 January 26 in Oman (18°59.20'N, 54°36.03'E) as a single fragment totally covered with fusion crust. With a total mass of 2697 g Dhofar 125 is the largest acapulcoite ever found and represents the 8 unpaired member of the acapulcoite meteorite group [2, 3]. Mineralogy. Dhofar 125 consists of olivine, augite, low-Ca pyroxene, plagioclase, Fe,Ni metal, troilite, chlorapatite, and chromite. Most silicate grains are euhedral although some large anhedral olivines and low-Ca pyroxenes were found. As all acapulcoites, Dhofar 125 displays a characteristic recrystallization texture with abundant 120° triple junctions. Interstices are frequently filled with Fe,Ni metal (Fig.1).
Pyridostigmine Crosses the Blood Brain Barrier to Induce Cholinergic and Non-Cholinergic Changes in Mouse Hypothalamus

Pyridostigmine (PYR) is a quaternary amine whose ability to cross the blood brain barrier and affect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain has been rigorously debated. To determine whether PYR has regional brain effects, mice were sacrificed 15 min (acute) or 7 days (subacute) after treatment with PYR, PHY, or saline. AChE activity, protein and mRNA expression were analyzed in blood, hypothalamus and cortex. PHY inhibited blood, cortical and hypothalamic AChE activity in the acute and subacute groups. In contrast, PYR did not affect cortical AChE activity but inhibited hypothalamic activity after acute exposure. Subacute treatment with PYR increased hypothalamic AChE activity. Western blot analysis of the same tissues showed a significant increase in cortical and hypothalamic AChE protein following subacute PHY treatment. Subacute PYR treatment increased hypothalamic AChE protein levels (39%). Real-Time PCR analysis of AChE mRNA revealed significant increases in the cortex following subacute PYR (24%) and PHY (41%) and in the hypothalamus following subacute PYR (16%). Proteomic analysis of the cortex and hypothalamus by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry suggested significant changes in the protein profiles from hypothalamus following both subacute PYR and PHY treatment. The results suggest that PYR crosses the blood brain barrier into the hypothalamus to affect AChE mRNA, protein and activity.
Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking among Medical Iraqi Students

The researcher performed this cross sectional study at three different medical colleges in Baghdad during the period June 2005 to June 2006. The aim of this research was to study the prevalence of cigarette smoking among students from different colleges of medicine in Baghdad as well as studying some of the factors associated with smoking habit. The study included 500 medical students, from them, 198 were females and 302 were males. The researchers achieved data collection by using a questionnaire form. The survey dealt with various parameters including age, gender, family member smoking habit and self-reported cause of smoking. This paper reveals that the prevalence of cigarette smoking among medical students is (21%); about 42% of them started smoking at 18-19 years age or their first year of medical school. Although most of them knew that smoking is harmful, they did not wish to quit smoking. The study concluded that almost all smokers were males. There was no association between the smoking habit of family members and the smoking habit of medical students. The most common three causes of cigarette smoking reported by the students were entertainment(22.1%) followed by stress and stress relieves (18.3%) then anxiety & emotional causes (11.5%). The research team did a comparison of the present study with various international studies; and discussed both agreement and disagreements thoroughly.
Late Palaeozoic mollusc reproduction: cephalopod egg‐laying behavior and gastropod larval palaeobiology

Faunal analysis of an oxygen-depleted marine Lower Carboniferous succession (Late Mississippian Ruddle Shale) suggests how some cephalopod taxa laid their eggs during the Late Palaeozoic. At the Ruddle Shale collecting site in Arkansas, USA, the facies and overall fauna suggest severe oxygen depletion at the sediment/water interface. The Ammonoidea, with their small egg size, were probably laid in suspended gelatinous egg-filled masses in the water column above the bottom or by attachment of the egg masses to floating debris. The ammonitella embryos developed within the suspended or attached egg mass; hatched individuals became part of the free-swimming plankton biota. Based on shell morphology the Bactritoidea probably followed the same reproductive pattern. Coiled nautiloids (the Nautilida) and most orthoconic nautiloids (mostly the Pseudorthocerida) probably did not lay their eggs in the mid water column or as floatant attachments. This conclusion is based on the fact that, with one exception, all shells recovered of these two nautiloid orders are well past hatching. Gastropods in the Ruddle Shale are very small and cannot be visually detected in the field. However, microgastropods are abundant in washed residues. Most specimens are much smaller than 1 mm. The largest caenogastropod specimen is 1.3 mm high. These caenogastropods represent isolated larval shells and a successful metamorphosis was impossible because of oxygen depletion on the bottom. Allegations that a size of more than 1 mm is too large for pelagic larvae are refuted by examples of planktotrophic larval shells of modern gastropods (more than 1 mm high) and Triassic caenogastropods (up to 2 mm high) from the Cassian Formation (Northern Italy, South Alps). Repository information is given for the type-material of the gastropod species Nuetzelina striata Bandel, 2002 and Anozyga arkansasensis Bandel, 2002 which were both erected based on specimens from the Ruddle Shale that were illustrated by Nutzel & Mapes in 2001.
ANTIGEN RECOGNITION AND ANTIBODY SPECIFICITY

The exact specifiicity of anti-DNP antibody produced by Hartley guinea pigs immunized with a series of defined α,DNP and ε,DNP-oligolysines was studied by fluorescence quenching. All responder animals made anti-DNP antibody which recognized the precise chain length, ± 1 lysyl residue, of the DNP-oligolysines used to induce the immune response as measured by an increase in binding energy (–ΔF°) for that antigen. The ability of the immune system to detect the smallest possible change in oligolysine chain length suggests that the anti-hapten antibody-forming cell possesses a highly specific recognition system for carrier conformation. When DNP-oligolysines are incorporated in an adjuvant containing M. tuberculosis H37Rv, both responder and nonresponder produce anti-DNP antibody, but only the responder develops delayed skin sensitivity. In addition to their failure to develop delayed hypersensitivity, nonresponders produced anti-DNP oligolysine antibody which did not show the increase in –ΔF° for the immunizing antigen characteristic of responder antibody. These observations support a local environment hypothesis for antigen recognition at the level of the anti-hapten antibody-forming cell and suggest that the polylysine gene exerts its control at the same cell.
Use of specific conductance and contact time relations for separating flow components in storm runoff

The difference between the dissolved-solids concentration in base flow and in storm flow has often been used as the basis for separating components of flow. However, an analysis that explicitly relates the amount of time that runoff water has been in contact with watershed soils to the resulting dissolved-solids concentration shows that simple mass balance chemistry methods for hydrograph separation are misleading. Field studies of surface and subsurface storm flow, when coupled with laboratory determination of the relationship between contact time and dissolved solids content of a soil water mixture, suggest that the residence time of infiltrated water is as short as a few hours in the cases studied. In those cases, hydrograph separation methods based on the simple mass balance equation for the dissolved solids will yield considerable overestimates of the base flow component.
Early warning of large volatilities based on recurrence interval analysis in Chinese stock markets

Forecasting extreme volatility is a central issue in financial risk management. We present a large volatility predicting method based on the distribution of recurrence intervals between successive volatilities exceeding a certain threshold Q, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the expected recurrence time . We find that the recurrence intervals with large are well approximated by the stretched exponential distribution for all stocks. Thus, an analytical formula for determining the hazard probability that a volatility above Q will occur within a short interval if the last volatility exceeding Q happened t periods ago can be directly derived from the stretched exponential distribution, which is found to be in good agreement with the empirical hazard probability from real stock data. Using these results, we adopt a decision-making algorithm for triggering the alarm of the occurrence of the next volatility above Q based on the hazard probability. Using the ‘receiver operator characteristic’ analysis, we find that this prediction method efficiently forecasts the occurrence of large volatility events in real stock data. Our analysis may help us better understand reoccurring large volatilities and quantify more accurately financial risks in stock markets.
Diabetes care by general practitioners in South Auckland: changes from 1990 to 1999.

AIM To compare self-reported practices and preferences for diabetes care by general practitioners (GPs) in South Auckland between 1990 and 1999. METHODS Mail questionnaires were sent to all GPs in South Auckland in 1990, and again in 1999. RESULTS The response rate was 88% (163/185) in 1990 and 76% (186/245) in 1999 (p = 0.3). In 1999, compared with 1990, GPs had more diabetic patients (median 33 vs 20, p <0.001), more GPs screened for diabetes using a fasting laboratory glucose (33.6% vs 22.9%, p = 0.04), more screened with capillary whole-blood testing meters (19.5% vs 1.3%, p <0.001), more felt confident to detect complications (95.1% vs 84.3%, p 0.001) and probably more felt confident to initiate insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Women in both years, compared with male GPs, were more likely to refer newly diagnosed diabetic patients to secondary services (68.0% vs 42.8%, p <0.001) and more likely to prefer 'shared care' for ongoing care (74.7% vs 58.7%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS There have been large changes in GP diabetes care in South Auckland from 1990 to 1999. GPs in 1999 seem more confident to care for larger numbers of diabetes patients. Significant differences in practice style exist between male and female GPs.