Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological evolution of the lizard skull: A geometric morphometrics survey

Patterns of diversity among lizard skulls were studied from a morphological, phylogenetic, and functional perspective. A sample of 1,030 lizard skulls from 441 species in 17 families was used to create a lizard skull morphospace. This morphospace was combined with a phylogeny of lizard families to summarize general trends in the evolution of the lizard skull. A basal morphological split between the Iguania and Scleroglossa was observed. Iguanians are characterized by a short, high skull, with large areas of attachment for the external adductor musculature, relative to their sister group. The families of the Iguania appear to possess more intrafamilial morphological diversity than families of the Scleroglossa, but rarefaction of the data reveals this to be an artifact caused by the greater number of species represented in Iguanian families. Iguanian families also appear more dissimilar to one another than families of the Scleroglossa. Permutation tests indicate that this pattern is real and not due to the smaller number of families in the Iguanidae. Parallel and convergent evolution is observed among lizards with similar diets: ant and termite specialists, carnivores, and herbivores. However, these patterns are superimposed over the more general phylogenetic pattern of lizard skull diversity. This study has three central conclusions. Different clades of lizards show different patterns of disparity and divergence in patterns of morphospace occupation. Phylogeny imposes a primary signal upon which a secondary ecological signal is imprinted. Evolutionary patterns in skull metrics, taken with functional landmarks, allow testing of trends and the development of new hypotheses concerning both shape and biomechanics. J. Morphol. 263:47–59, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: one‐ vs. two‐tunnel technique

As the techniques of arthroscopic surgery have evolved, so have the possibilities of reconstructing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). However, the indications for this procedure have been debated. We describe the results of reconstructing the PCL in 16 consecutive patients with chronic knee instability due to isolated PCL deficiency using either a patella bone–tendon–bone (pBTB) graft with proximal fixation in one femoral tunnel or double bundle hamstring grafts in two femoral tunnels. The patients were followed prospectively and had an additional evaluation after median 35 (25–51.5) months by a blinded observer. The objective stability and subjective scores increased significantly from the preoperative condition. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome between using a pBTB graft in one femoral tunnel compared with semitendinosus/gracilis grafts in two femoral tunnels.
Prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in smokers

OBJECTIVES:Smoking has been linked with colorectal neoplasia. Previous colonoscopy screening studies have omitted smoking and have examined only gender, age, and family history. Our aim was to use a screening population to measure the prevalence of neoplasia in smokers, the anatomic location of these lesions, and the strength of this association relative to other risk factors.METHODS:Data collected from the charts of 1988 screening colonoscopy patients included colonic findings, histology, risk factors for colorectal neoplasia, and smoking pattern. Current smokers were defined as those who had smoked more than 10 pack-years and were currently smoking or who had quit within the past 10 yr. Our outcomes were any adenomatous lesion and significant colonic neoplasia, which included adenocarcinoma, high grade dysplasia, villous tissue, large (>1 cm) adenomas, and multiple (more than two) adenomas.RESULTS:Multivariate analysis revealed that current smokers were more likely to have any adenomatous lesion (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.42–2.51; p < 0.001) as well as significant neoplasia (OR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.56–3.27; p < 0.001) than those who had never smoked. The increased risk for smokers was predominantly for left-sided neoplasia. The risk for significant neoplasia was greater for smokers than for patients with a family history of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 0.75–1.92; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Smoking is a significant risk factor for colorectal neoplasia in a screening population, especially for significant left-sided lesions. In our sample population, smoking posed a greater risk than family history of colorectal cancer.
Indonesia - Teacher certification and beyond : an empirical evaluation of the teacher certification program and education quality improvements in Indonesia

The certification program aimed to certify all teachers by 2015. The program was rolled out at a rate of approximately 200,000 teachers each year. This report evaluates the certification program as it was implemented, in terms of its impact on student-learning outcomes. Results of the analysis are sobering: despite its massive fiscal implications, the certification program has not led to substantial improvements in student-learning outcomes so far. The report provides leads into how to gradually transform the system into one that can yield higher returns in educational performance going forward. It emphasizes the importance of a system that rewards useful demonstrated competencies, such as minimum levels of subject-matter knowledge, rather than loose proxies for quality such as bachelor’s degrees or seniority alone (which is essentially what the current certification program does). The report also highlights the need for reforms in the pre-service system of teacher training and teacher hiring. Chapter one gives decade on for teacher certification in Indonesia; chapter two presents an empirical review of the teacher certification program in Indonesia; chapter three presents beyond certification: what matters and what doesn’t matter for student learning? ; and chapter four presents policy options for sizable and lasting changes in education quality.
Automatic Color Image Segmentation Using a Square Elemental Region-Based Seeded Region Growing and Merging Method

This paper presents an efficient automatic color image segmentation method using a seeded region growing and merging method based on square elemental regions. Our segmentation method consists of the three steps: generating seed regions, merging the regions, and applying a pixel-wise boundary determination algorithm to the resultant polygonal regions. The major features of our method are as follows: the use of square elemental regions instead of pixels as the processing unit, a seed generation method based on enhanced gradient values, a seed region growing method exploiting local gradient values, a region merging method using a similarity measure including a homogeneity distance based on Tsallis entropy, and a termination condition of region merging using an estimated desired number of regions. Using square regions as the processing unit substantially reduces the time complexity of the algorithm and makes the performance stable. The experimental results show that our method exhibits stable performance for a variety of natural images, including heavily textured areas, and produces good segmentation results using the same parameter values. The results of our method are fairly comparable to, and in some respects better than, those of existing algorithms.
Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity of (E,Z)‐1‐(dihydrobenzofuran‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenyl‐2‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐propen‐1‐ones

A series of (E,Z)‐1‐(dihydrobenzofuran‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenyl‐2‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐propen‐1‐ones (C1–C35) were designed and synthesized, and the structures of compounds (Z)‐C27 and (Z)‐C29 were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The antitumor activities of these novel compounds against cervical cancer (HeLa), lung cancer (A549), and breast cancer (MCF‐7) cell lines were evaluated in vitro. Majority of the title compounds exhibited strong antitumor activities and were much more promising than the positive control Taxol, which were also accompanied by lower cytotoxicity to normal cells. In particular, compounds (E,Z)‐C24 exhibited the most consistent potent activities against three neoplastic cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.2 to 7.1 μm. Further researches demonstrated that compounds (E,Z)‐C24 could induce cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at the G2/M and S phases. Meanwhile, the structure–activity relationship between the configurations and cytotoxicity of the compounds was also investigated.
A randomized controlled trial comparing a xyloglucan-based nasal spray with saline in adults with symptoms of rhinosinusitis

Abstract Background: This study assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a xyloglucan-based nasal spray in the treatment of symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Methodology: In this randomized, double-blind study, 40 patients with itching, nasal congestion or continuous sneezing and a Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of ≥8 were randomized to 2 weeks’ treatment with a xyloglucan-based nasal spray (“xyloglucan”) or a physiological saline nasal spray (“saline”). Assessments included the TNSS, rhinosinusitis severity index, nocturnal awakenings, use of rescue medication, safety and tolerability. Results: Baseline symptom scores were similar between groups. At treatment end, improvements from baseline were observed in both groups for TNSS (xyloglucan 58%; saline 35%, both p < .05) and number of nocturnal awakenings (p < .05). A significant improvement in the rhinosinusitis severity index was observed only with xyloglucan (p < .05). At treatment end, mean [SD] scores were significantly lower in the xyloglucan group versus the saline group for TNSS (3.60 [2.16] vs. 5.40 [2.64], p < .05), rhinosinusitis severity index (7.55 [1.19] vs. 6.45 [1.40], p < .05), and rhinorrhea and itching (both p < .05). No rescue medication was used. Both treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions: A xyloglucan-based nasal spray provided greater relief of rhinosinusitis symptoms than a physiological saline spray and was well tolerated. Trial registration number (EUDRACT): 2014-000143-32.
A late and difficult diagnosis of ochronosis

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase and resulting in accumulation of homogentisic acid in collagenous structures. This causes the classic clinical triad: (1) homogentisic aciduria (urine blackens on standing when oxidized or alkalinized); (2) eumelanin–like pigmentation of skin, sclera, cartilages, etc and (3) degenerative ochronic arthropathies usually in the fourth decade of life. Other important but more rare consequences of alkaptonuric ochronosis are cardiovascular and urinary tract involvement . We present a case of ochronosis with multiple visceral involvement : skin (fingers, ear sclera), severe spondylarthropaty with extensive calcifications of intervertebral discs and reduced mobility, osteoarthritis of both knees , right hip ostonecrosis , cardiovascular involvement ( severe stenosis and insufficiency of aortic valve that ) and urinary tract involvement (nephrolitiasis)
Prompt gamma imaging of proton pencil beams at clinical dose rate

In this work, we present experimental results of a prompt gamma camera for real-time proton beam range verification. The detection system features a pixelated Cerium doped lutetium based scintillation crystal, coupled to Silicon PhotoMultiplier arrays, read out by dedicated electronics. The prompt gamma camera uses a knife-edge slit collimator to produce a 1D projection of the beam path in the target on the scintillation detector. We designed the detector to provide high counting statistics and high photo-detection efficiency for prompt gamma rays of several MeV. The slit design favours the counting statistics and could be advantageous in terms of simplicity, reduced cost and limited footprint. We present the description of the realized gamma camera, as well as the results of the characterization of the camera itself in terms of imaging performance. We also present the results of experiments in which a polymethyl methacrylate phantom was irradiated with proton pencil beams in a proton therapy center. A tungsten slit collimator was used and prompt gamma rays were acquired in the 3–6 MeV energy range. The acquisitions were performed with the beam operated at 100 MeV, 160 MeV and 230 MeV, with beam currents at the nozzle exit of several nA. Measured prompt gamma profiles are consistent with the simulations and we reached a precision (2σ) in shift retrieval of 4 mm with 0.5 × 108, 1.4 × 108 and 3.4 × 108 protons at 100, 160 and 230 MeV, respectively. We conclude that the acquisition of prompt gamma profiles for in vivo range verification of proton beam with the developed gamma camera and a slit collimator is feasible in clinical conditions. The compact design of the camera allows its integration in a proton therapy treatment room and further studies will be undertaken to validate the use of this detection system during treatment of real patients.
The Effects of Using Embodied Interactions to Improve Learning Performance

In order to let students learn authentically, we provide an opportunity for them to learn naturally and apply knowledge by adding authentic learning experience in classrooms. We wanted to know whether integrating embodied interactions in authentic learning can enhance authentic learning experience, and even improve learning performance. In this research, we proposed a near-authentic environment that students can engage in a designed situation with their body movements. This study analyzed how this learning mechanic could enhance learning motivation or performance. We observed the subjects' perceptions of learning experience through the designed activity and examine whether they were engaging. This research uncovered that their intrinsic motivation was relatively high in this activity and there were some interesting behaviors among students' interactions.
Neuroendocrine dysfunction in acute phase of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: A prospective study

Abstrcat Objectives: Most of the retrospective studies have demonstrated that traumatic brain injury mediated hypopituitarism could be more frequent than previously known. Therefore, this study has prospectively investigated pituitary function and their correlation with severity, pressure effect and Glasgow Outcome Scale in the acute phase of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Patients and methods: One hundred consecutive moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury patients from August 2012 to November 2013 formed the study group. Apart from clinical assessment, non-contrast computed tomography of the head was performed on all patients on admission. The hormonal analysis (fT3, fT4, TSH, GH, Cortisol, Prolactin) was performed within 24 hours of traumatic brain injury and was repeated on the 7th day amongst the patients who survived. Results: Growth hormone was the most common hormone to decrease. Cortisol was the most common hormone to increase. Risk of pituitary insufficiency was increased in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, patients with increased intracranial pressure and who had low Glasgow Outcome Scale. Conclusion: Neuroendocrine dysfunction occurs often in the acute phase of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, more commonly in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, patients with pressure effects and low Glasgow Outcome Scale. Hormonal analysis should be considered in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, so that appropriate hormonal replacement can be done to optimize the clinical outcome.
Linkage analysis in familial melanoma kindreds to markers on chromosome 6p

Malignant melanoma occurs as a familial cancer in 5%‐10% of cases, where it segregates in a manner consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. Evidence from cytogenetics, fine mapping studies of deletions in melanomas and recent linkage studies supports the location of a human melanoma predisposition gene on the short arm of chromosome 9. Evidence also exists for a melanoma gene on I p, indicating genetic heterogeneity for melanoma predisposition. Previous studies have also reported findings suggestive of linkage of some melanoma families to the HLA region on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p), indicating the possibility of even greater heterogeneity. To further define the possible effect of a gene within the HLA region on melanoma susceptibility, we have typed 7 simple tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) from 6p in 16 Australian melanoma kindreds. Maximum 2‐point LOD scores ranged from 1.13 (θ = 0.2) to 2.03 (θ = 0.15) for 4 contiguous markers flanking the HLA complex, and multi‐point analysis gave a peak LOD score of 1.64, 24 centimorgans telomeric to D6S109. However, extended haplotype analysis of these markers showed that a region between D6S105 and HLAF segregated with melanoma in 5/16 families. These results are surprising given that the same cohort of families has previously been shown to be linked to chromosome 9. One interpretation of the current findings is that melanoma susceptibility in some families may result from a gene mapping within the HLA region of chromosome 6p.
Cyclic stretching of human osteoblasts affects proliferation and metabolism: A new experimental method and its application

We developed an experimental system to stimulate cell cultures by uniform and cyclic biaxial strain of the cell culture surface. The studies reported here were designed to determine the uniformity of the strain distribution, the suitability of the surface for the growth of human osteoblasts, and the effects of strain magnitude on cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. Subconfluent cell cultures were grown in rectangular silicone dishes that were stretched cyclically (1 Hz) in the long axis by an electromechanical apparatus that controlled peak stretch and cycle frequency. We applied cyclic strains (1.0, 2.4, 5.3, and 8.8% surface strains) for 15 minutes per day on 3 consecutive days. Phase contrast microscopy confirmed the transfer of dish surface strain to the cells. Stretching of the dish resulted in a homogeneous strain distribution that deviated approximately 0.05% from the applied strain. In comparison with plastic dishes, there was a 20% reduction of cell proliferation on the silicone substrate whereas morphology, AP activity, and total protein content of the cells were similar. The proliferation of human osteoblasts was increased significantly (16.4–100%) by 1% strains, although higher strain magnitudes had lesser (nonsignificant) effects or decreased the mitotic activity of the cells. AP and lactate dehydrogenase activities were not influenced significantly by cyclic strains. This study demonstrates that the cell stretching system is suitable for the investigation of the effects of well defined cyclic strains.
The Absence of Cutaneous Lymph Nodes Results in a Th2 Response and Increased Susceptibility to Leishmania major Infection in Mice

ABSTRACT Lymph nodes (LNs) are important sentinel organs where antigen-presenting cells interact with T cells to induce adaptive immune responses. In cutaneous infection of mice with Leishmania major, resistance depends on the induction of a T-helper-cell-1 (Th1)-mediated cellular immune response in draining, peripheral LNs. We investigated whether draining, peripheral LNs are absolutely required for resistance against L. major infection. We investigated the course of experimental leishmaniasis in wild-type (wt) mice lacking peripheral LNs (pLNs), which we generated by in utero blockade of membrane-bound lymphotoxin, and in mice lacking pLNs or all LNs due to genetic deletion of lymphotoxin ligands or receptors. wt mice of the resistant C57BL/6 strain without local skin-draining LNs were still able to generate specific T-cell responses, but this yielded Th2 cells. This switch to a Th2 response resulted in severe systemic infection. We also confirmed these results with mice lacking pLNs due to genetic depletion of lymphotoxin-β. The complete absence of LNs due to a genetic depletion of the lymphotoxin-β receptor also resulted in a marked deterioration of disease and a Th2 response. Thus, in the absence of pLNs, an L. major-specific Th2 response is induced in the remaining secondary lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and non-skin-draining LNs. This indicates a critical requirement for pLNs to induce protective Th1 immunity and suggests that whether Th1 or Th2 priming to the same antigen occurs depends on the site of the primary antigen recognition.
Regional variation in smoking among African Americans.

BACKGROUND The impact of geographic region and metropolitan residence on smoking prevalence among African Americans has not been adequately examined. METHODS This study analyzed 5 years of data from the National Health Interview Survey (1990-1994) on current smoking and regional variation among 16,738 African Americans. Results. Respondents in the West had the lowest unadjusted smoking prevalence rates and Midwest residents had the highest. Current smoking was lower among African Americans living in non-central cities than in central cities even after adjusting for several sociodemographic covariates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that black women in the South were significantly less likely to be smokers compared with any other gender/region group. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest the significance of gender and regional factors such as the social history of migration, social stress and racism, exposure to tobacco advertisement, variations in cultural influences, community structures, and coping strategies in under standing African American smoking behavior.
Interactive effects of benzo(a)pyrene and cadmium and effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on antioxidant and peroxisomal enzymes and peroxisomal volume density in the digestive gland of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk

Exposure of marine animals to certain organic and metal pollutants is thought to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with concomitant alterations of antioxidant defence mechanisms. Some of these organic pollutants cause peroxisome proliferation, a process resulting also in possible enhanced production of ROS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two organic xenobiotics, benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), as well as the effects of cadmium (Cd), on antioxidant and peroxisomal enzymes and on peroxisomal volume density in the digestive gland of mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. , experimentally exposed for 21 days. Special attention was paid to the interactive effects of organic and metal compounds by exposing one group of mussels to a mixture of B(a)P and Cd. Exposure of mussels to Cd caused a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, in Mn-SOD protein levels and in volume density of peroxisomes. B(a)P exposure significantly increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and inhibited Mn-SOD after 21 days of exposure. B(a)P also caused a slight increase in acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX) activity and peroxisomal volume density after 21 days of exposure. Cd tended to inhibit changes provoked by B(a)P, indicating that responses to organic xenobiotics can be modulated by concomitant exposure to metal contaminants. Exposure to DEHP increased catalase and AOX and inhibited SOD activity and Mn-SOD protein levels. In conclusion, peroxisome proliferation, measured as an increase of the peroxisomal enzymes catalase and AOX (up to 1.53-fold for AOX), is a specific response to organic contaminants such as B(a)P and DEHP, whereas Cd does not cause peroxisome proliferation. Thus, peroxisome proliferation may be a specific biomarker of organic pollutants in mussels. Both organic and metal pollutants inhibited SOD activity and protein levels (up to 0.21-fold for Mn-SOD protein levels), the latter offering potential as general marker of pollution.