Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological traits as indicators of sexual dimorphism in PrairieRattlesnakes ( Crotalus viridis )

As humans encroach into areas inhabited by predators, the potential of human-predator confrontations increases and the predators become regarded as dangerous pests. Predators exert a measure of population control over pest species such as small rodents, as well as limit the quantity and scope of diseases (e.g. spread of Hantavirus by these prey species). Control of these small rodent pest species can be aided by conserving and managing their predators like rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp). Management of any population requires detailed information on population composition and the ability to determine the key information (especially age and sex) for each individual quickly and with high accuracy. To determine the sex of a snake in the field, traditionally, a probe or forceful expulsion of the hemipenes are used. In the hands of a person unskilled in field herpetology, these methods can potentially be painful to the snake, as well as place the observer in unnecessary danger. The goal of this study was to develop a less invasive field method of determining sex for any life stage in Prairie Rattlesnakes (C. viridis) using morphological characteristics that are commonly collected. Snout-vent length (SVL), and absolute and relative measures of tail length (TL, TL/SVL), rattle length (RL, RL/SVL), number of subcaudal scales (SS, SS/SVL), and number of dorsal saddle patterns (DS, DS/SVL) were examined within and across life stages of a C. viridis populationnear Ulysses, Kansas, USA, collected from 2012-2015 to facilitate a safe working environment for a prairie restoration project. SVL, , RL, and DS as well ass RL/ SVL and DS/SVL did not differ between sexes within and across life stages. TL,SS,TL/SVL and SS/SVL did not differ between male and female neonates and juveniles, but were, on average, larger in adult males than females. Regression tree analysis, however, indicated that TL and SS as well as TL/SVL and SS/SVL are not very reliable for sex determination of adult snakes. Yet, if used in conjunction with other reliable methods, such as palpation of the ventral area of a snake to determine gravidity, both absolute and relative measures of tail length and number of subcaudal scales are viable alternatives to the more invasive methods currently in use.
Effects of Turkish and English Speaking Teachers on Students’ Foreign Language Skills

This research aims to investigate the effects of Turkish and English speaking teachers on students’ academic achievement and English language speaking skills. For the present study, a pretest-posttest control group design was utilized. Data were collected through an achievement test, speaking test materials and a speaking test assessment criterion. Paired samples t-test, independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Mann Whitney U test were carried out to compare the pretest and posttest scores in the experimental and control group and the improvement in students’ academic achievement and speaking performance. The results showed that there was a statistically significant higher academic achievement in the post-test of non-native English speaking teachers (non-NEST’s) students compared to native English speaking teachers (NEST’s) students; however, the post-test speaking score between the students of the NEST and non-NEST did not show a statistically significant difference
Cascading-driven upwelling in submarine canyons at high latitudes

[1] Numerical simulations and laboratory experiments confirm my initial research hypothesis stating that dense-water cascading down a submarine canyon induces localized upwelling of deeper water onto the shelf. This process, not described before, is associated with internal deformation radii inherent in the cascading process being less the canyon width and geostrophic adjustment of a density front that establishes along the canyon axis. Since submarine canyons are common to continental margins, this paper has identified a key process triggering the renewal of shelf waters at high latitudes.
Executive functions and social skills in pediatric brain tumor survivors

Abstract Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) may experience impairment in executive functions and social competence, but their interrelation is not well understood. This study aimed to address the specificity of this relationship. PBTSs (n = 91) were on average 11.21 years old, 5 years from diagnosis, and 48.4% female. One parent and PBTS completed the Social Skills Rating System (subscales: Cooperation, Assertiveness, Empathy, Self-Control, and Total), and parents also completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (General Executive Composite [GEC], Metacognition [MI], and Behavioral Regulation [BRI] indices) and the (Withdrawal scale). Based on proxy reports, more PBTSs had deficits in Cooperation, Assertiveness and Responsibility skills relative to normative data. MI was more consistently associated with parent reported social skills deficits than BRI. PBTSs reported fewer deficits in social skills relative to normative data across all scales; none of the correlations between PBTSs reported social skills and executive functions were significant. Time since diagnosis and proxy reported lower total social skills predicted greater withdrawal. These findings highlight the importance of assessing differential perspectives of PBTSs social competence, and that metacognitive strategies may bear particular importance for the social skills of PBTSs.
Effect of drought on yield components of maize hybrids (Zea mays L)

When investigating drought tolerance, it must not be forgotten that drought stress is a complex phenomenon ex¬hibiting quite different characters in different years and locations. For this reason, the plant response to drought is also a complex process. In our study, 83 maize hybrids originating from various countries were investigated over a period of two years, under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. The drought tolerance of plants in the non-irrigated plots was analysed in terms of flowering synchrony and yield components. It could be concluded from the results that in response to long-term water deficit the period between tasselling and silking became longer, while the analysis of yield components revealed the greatest reductions in the number of kernels per ear and in the proportion of seed set. As the degree of proterandry increased, there was a decline in the grain yield, confirming that the analysis of this trait could be a way of predicting drought tolerance. Considerable differences in drought tolerance were observed between the genetic materials included in the analysis, suggesting the presence among these parental lines and hybrids of genotypes resistant to long-term water deficit, suitable for cultivation under dry conditions. An analysis of correlations between the traits revealed that proterandry should be treated as a priority trait when investigating drought stress tolerance, as better predictions can be made of both drought tolerance and potential yields, leading to more reliable selection for higher yields.
The development of individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for dementia

Background Adopting a systematic approach to the development of an intervention, supported by robust theoretical, empirical, and clinical rationales represents best practice. The Medical Research Council (MRC) provides a framework for a systematic step-wise approach to the evaluation of complex interventions. This study describes the development phase of the individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for dementia trial, within this framework. Methods In the preclinical phase, a recent Cochrane Review of cognitive stimulation for dementia and the current literature on individual cognitive stimulation interventions were examined to establish an evidence base. In addition, people with dementia, carers, and care staff were consulted regarding the acceptability of iCST, and a panel was put together to advise the team on the adaptation of group cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). Phase I (modeling) involved consultations with service users and experts in a series of focus groups, interviews, an online survey, and a consensus conference. Finally, Phase II field testing of the intervention was carried out. Results Two drafts of the materials were produced before a final version ready for use in the main randomized controlled trial (RCT). Key changes between the drafts included: editorial amendments to improve the clarity of instructions, emphasize the person centeredness of the approach, and reduce the overall length of the introduction section; the simplification of academic terminology and activities deemed “too difficult”; adjustments made to the monitoring-progress forms and session rating scale to enhance user-friendliness; the addition of a “Getting started” section; amendments made to the content of the toolkit; and clearer distinction made between the level of difficulty of activities. Conclusion The rigorous development of the intervention was beneficial as the feasibility of the intervention was explored both in theory and practice, and consulting with service users ensured that materials were appropriately tailored to their needs. A Phase III RCT is currently being conducted to determine the effectiveness of iCST.
JOINT SEISMIC/ELECTRICAL EFFECTIVE MEDIUM MODELLING OF HYDRATE-BEARING MARINE SEDIMENTS AND AN APPLICATION TO THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MARGIN

Remote determination of the hydrate content of marine sediments remains a challenging problem. In the absence of boreholes, the most commonly used approach involves the measurement of Pwave velocities from seismic experiments. A range of seismic effective medium methods has been developed to interpret these velocities in terms of hydrate content, but uncertainties about the pore-scale distribution of hydrate can lead to large uncertainties in this interpretation. Where borehole geophysical measurements are available, electrical resistivity is widely used as a proxy for hydrate content, and the measurement of resistivity using controlled source electromagnetic methods shows considerable promise. However, resistivity is commonly related to hydrate content using Archie’s law, an empirical relationship with no physical basis that has been shown to fail for hydrate-bearing sediments. We have developed an electrical effective medium method appropriate to hydrate-bearing sediments based on the application of a geometric correction to the Hashin-Shrikman conductive bound, and tested this method by making resistivity measurements on artificial sediments of known porosity. We have adapted our method to deal with anisotropic grains such as clay particles, and combined it with a well-established seismic effective medium method to develop a strategy for estimating the hydrate content of marine sediments based on a combination of seismic and electrical methods. We have applied our approach to borehole geophysical data from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 311 on the Vancouver Island margin. Hydrate saturations were determined from resistivity logs by adjusting the geometric factor in areas of the log where hydrate was not present. This value was then used over the entire resistivity log. Hydrate saturations determined using this method match well those determined from direct measurements of the methane content of pressurized cores.
KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP KUBUS DAN BALOK PADA SISWA KELAS VIII SMP NEGERI SE KECEMATAN ALALAK TAHUN PELAJARAN 2016/2017

Pemahaman konsep sangat penting bagi siswa dikarenakan konsep mate­matika saling berhubungan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan wawancara terlihat kemam­puan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa dalam materi kubus serta balok rendah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif, bertujuan mengetahui ke­mam­­­puan pemahaman konsep kubus serta balok siswa SMP Negeri kelas VIII se-keca­matan Alalak. Seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri se-kecamatan Alalak tahun pela­jaran 2016/2017 sebagai populasi dimanasampel diambil dari kelas VIII seba­nyak 30% dari tiap SMP Negeri kecamatan Alalak dengan teknik purposive sam ­ pling . Tek­nik pengumpulan data menggunakan tes, sedangkan teknik analisisnya meng­gu­na­kan persentase serta rata-rata. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan kemam­puan pema­ha­man konsep kubus serta balok siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri se-keca­matan Alalak terkualifikasi sangat tinggi dan tinggi serta nilai rata-rata pemahaman konsep mate­matikanya terkategori baik. Kata Kunci : Kemampuan pemahaman konsep, kubus dan balok.
Genotype and environmental interaction in growth and milk yield traits of indigenous Red Chittagong cattle

The present study was conducted to reveal the G×E interaction in growth and milk yield traits of indigenous Red Chittagong cattle reared in two production environments. Traits included: birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain (ADG), daily milk yield (DMY), lactation length (LL) and lactation yield (LY). Data accumulated on a total of 161 animals during 2005 to 2012 in growth traits and 76 animals during 2005 to 2008 in milk yield traits. The heritability of BW, WW and ADG were 0.47±0.04, 0.49±0.17, 0.49±0.16 respectively and the heritability of DMY, LL, LY were 0.47± 0.07, 0.47±0.06 and 0.47±0.08, respectively. The effect of genotype x environment interaction was non-significant (p>0.05) on BW, WW and ADG whereas its effect was highly significant (p<0.001)on DMY, LL and LY. Correlations (genetic) between the breeding values of BW, WW and ADG in two production environment were 0.19, 0.13 and 0.11, respectively and correlations (genetic) between breeding values of DMY, LL and LY were 0.07, 0.18 and -0.01, respectively. The said genetic correlation values represented the degree of genotype by environment interaction arising on the RCC in the said two production environments.Traits with positive genetic correlation values indicate their acceptability (no difference) where as traits with negative correlation values indicate that RCC parents should be selected and used separately in two production environments.
GLOBAL MANTLE TOMOGRAPHY: Progress Status in the Past 10 Years

▪ Abstract We review the present status of global mantle tomography and discuss two main classes of models that have been developed in the past 10 years: P velocity models based on large datasets of travel times from the International Seismological Centre bulletins, often referred to as “high resolution” models, and S velocity models based on a combination of surface wave and hand picked body wave travel times, or waveforms, referred to as “long wavelength” models. We discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses, as well as progress in the resolution of other physical parameters, such as anisotropy, anelasticity, density, and bulk sound velocity using tomographic approaches. We present the view that future improvements in global seismic tomography require the utilization of the rich information contained in complete broadband seismic waveforms. This is presently within our reach owing to theoretical progress as well as the increase in computational power in recent years.
Kmt2b conveys monovalent and bivalent H3K4me3 in mouse spermatogonial stem cells at germline and embryonic promoters

ABSTRACT The mammalian male germline is sustained by a pool of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that can transmit both genetic and epigenetic information to offspring. However, the mechanisms underlying epigenetic transmission remain unclear. The histone methyltransferase Kmt2b is highly expressed in SSCs and is required for the SSC-to-progenitor transition. At the stem-cell stage, Kmt2b catalyzes H3K4me3 at bivalent H3K27me3-marked promoters as well as at promoters of a new class of genes lacking H3K27me3, which we call monovalent. Monovalent genes are mainly activated in late spermatogenesis, whereas most bivalent genes are mainly not expressed until embryonic development. These data suggest that SSCs are epigenetically primed by Kmt2b in two distinguishable ways for the upregulation of gene expression both during the spermatogenic program and through the male germline into the embryo. Because Kmt2b is also the major H3K4 methyltransferase for bivalent promoters in embryonic stem cells, we also propose that Kmt2b has the capacity to prime stem cells epigenetically. Highlighted Article: Histological and molecular approaches reveal that Kmt2b epigenetically primes mouse SSCs to upregulate genes during late spermatogenesis and embryogenesis, and that Kmt2b is required for SSC differentiation.
The dual role of KCNQ/M channels upon OGD or OGD/R insults in cultured cortical neurons of mice: Timing is crucial in targeting M‐channels against ischemic injur
ies

KCNQ/M potassium channels play a vital role in neuronal excitability; however, it is required to explore their pharmacological modulation on N‐Methyl‐ d‐aspartic acid receptors (NMDARs)‐mediated glutamatergic transmission of neurons upon ischemic insults. In the current study, both presynaptic glutamatergic release and activities of NMDARs were measured by NMDAR‐induced miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in cultured cortical neurons of C57 mice undergoing oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) or OGD/reperfusion (OGD/R). The KCNQ/M‐channel opener, retigabine (RTG), suppressed the overactivation of postsynaptic NMDARs induced by OGD and then NO transient; RTG also decreased OGD‐induced neuronal death measured with MTT assay, suggesting the beneficial role of KCNQ/M‐channels for the neurons exposed to ischemic insults. However, when the neurons exposed to the subsequent reperfusion, KCNQ/M‐channels played a differential role from its protective effect. OGD/R increased presynaptic glutamatergic release, which was further augmented by RTG or decreased by KCNQ/M‐channel blocker, XE991. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced partly in a NO‐dependent manner. In addition, XE991 decreased neuronal injuries upon reperfusion measured with DCF and PI staining. Meanwhile, the addition of RTG upon OGD or XE991 upon reperfusion can reverse OGD or OGD/R‐reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Our present study indicates the dual role of KCNQ/M‐channels in OGD and OGD/R, which will decide the fate of neurons. Provided that activation of KCNQ/M‐channels has differential effects on neuronal injuries during OGD or OGD/R, we propose that therapy targeting KCNQ/M‐channels may be effective for ischemic injuries but the proper timing is so crucial for the corresponding treatment.
DIPOLE LIGHT MONITOR SYSTEM FOR THE ESRF INJECTOR

The visible part of the synchrotron radiation produced in a total of 9 dipoles of the ESRF injector is now extracted to obtain simultaneously images of the electron beam profile at these locations. This at each injection and in a non-destructive way to the electron beam. The first transferline (180MeV) contains three monitors on the 2 dipoles (0.38T) and the injection septum magnet. The Booster accelerator has one monitor that allows the profile measurement at any moment in its 50ms acceleration cycle by timing the internal camera shutter. In order to equip each of the 5 dipoles (0.9T) in the 2nd transferline (6GeV) with such a monitor, a compact and low-cost light extraction system was added at the end of the (non-modified) dipole vacuum chamber. All systems use low-cost commercial CCD cameras, sufficient light is produced at beam-currents a factor ~100 below nominal values. The video images are displayed to the control room operator at each injection, giving a quick & complete view of injection conditions all along the injector path. This paper describes the mechanics and optics of light extraction and collection, and the results obtained since mid-2004.
Characterization of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells on Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering In Vitro

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) are suitable for bone tissue engineering. Comparative data regarding the needs of BMC for the adhesion on biomaterials and biocompatibility to various biomaterials are lacking to a large extent. Therefore, we evaluated whether a surface coating would enhance BMC adhesion and analyze the biocompatibility of three different kinds of biomaterials. BMCs were purified from human bone marrow aspirate samples. Beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP, without coating or coated with fibronectin or human plasma), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and bovine cancellous bone (BS) were assessed. Seeding efficacy on β-TCP was 95% regardless of the surface coating. BMC demonstrated a significantly increased initial adhesion on DBM and β-TCP compared to BS. On day 14, metabolic activity was significantly increased in BMC seeded on DBM in comparison to BMC seeded on BS. Likewise increased VEGF-synthesis was observed on day 2 in BMC seeded on DBM when compared to BMC seeded on BS. The seeding efficacy of BMC on uncoated biomaterials is generally high although there are differences between these biomaterials. Beta-TCP and DBM were similar and both superior to BS, suggesting either as suitable materials for spatial restriction of BMC used for regenerative medicine purposes in vivo.
High-intensity interval training in people with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized, controlled feasibility trial

Objectives: To investigate whether people with Parkinson’s disease can exercise at a high-intensity across a 12-week intervention and to assess the impact of the intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness. Design: This is a randomized, controlled, feasibility study with waiting list control. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Setting: The intervention took place at an exercise centre and assessments at a district general hospital. Subjects: This study included 20 people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Intervention: A total of 36 exercise sessions over 12 weeks, with each session lasting ~45 minutes, were conducted. Main measures: The main measures were maximal heart rates achieved during exercise, recruitment rate, attendance, drop-out, change in peak oxygen consumption, cardiac output, cognitive function and quality of life. The study was considered technically feasible if participants achieved ⩾85% of maximal heart rate during exercise. Results: There were 12 male and 8 female participants; they had a mean age of 68.5 years (standard deviation 6.825). Two participants were of Hoehn and Yahr stage I, 11 stage II and 7 stage III. In all, 17 participants completed the intervention. The median (interquartile range) proportion of repetitions delivered across the intervention which met our high-intensity criterion was 80% (67% to 84%). Mean peak heart rate was 88.8% of maximal. Peak oxygen consumption increased by 2.8 mL kg−1 min−1 in the intervention group and 1.5 mL kg−1 min−1 in the control group after 12 weeks of exercise. We estimate that a fully powered randomized controlled trial would require 30 participants per group. Conclusion: High-intensity interval exercise is feasible in people with Parkinson’s disease. Improvements in cardiorespiratory function are promising.
Non-intercostal access for video-assisted thoracic surgery-analysis of technical advantages and disadvantages.

Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has become an accepted method for the treatment of early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The standard VATS approach is an intercostal one which is often followed by postoperative pain due to injury of the intercostal nerve. The non-intercostal techniques of VATS include the subxiphoid, transcervical, transdiaphragmatic and transoral procedures. Methods The technical difficulty of operative management of the anatomical structures during VATS anatomical resection are compared for the intercostal, subxiphoid and transcervical approaches. Results Some operative steps have different range of difficulty, which are analyzed in detail. Conclusions The clearest advantages of the non-intercostal approaches include less postoperative pain and superradial bilateral mediastinal lymphadenectomy in case of the transcervical approach. However, the non-intercostal approaches are more technically demanding procedures, which therapeutic role has to be clarified in the future.