Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First record of the sponge genera Crambe and Discorhabdella for the eastern Pacific, with description of three new species

Three new sponge species are described from the Pacific coast of Panama, namely Crambe panamensis n. sp. , Discorhabdella urizae n. sp. and Discorhabdella littoralis n. sp. This is the first record of the genera Crambe and Discorhabdella for the eastern Pacific, which represents not only a considerable expansion in their known biogeographical distribution, but also empirical support for their Tethyan origin. The new species provide a better understanding of the skeletal evolution in these peculiar genera, representing a lineage in which aster-derived spicules occur within a typical poecilosclerid skeleton. The skeleton of C. panamensis consists of ectosomal subtylostyles, choanosomal tylostyles with smooth tyle, basal desmas of astroclone type only, and anchorate isochelae. The skeleton of D. urizae consists of ectosomal subtylostyles, choanosomal tylostyles with tuberose tyle, basal acanthostyles with aster-like tyle, anchorate isochelae, sigmas, and distinctive twisted microxeas. The skeleton of D. littoralis consists of ectosomal tylostyles, choanosomal tylostyles that occasionally show remains of tubercles in the tyle, basal acanthostyles with a tyle intermediate between aster-like and regular morphology, and sigmas. The skeletal affinities of Crambe and Discorhabdella with the genera Lithochela and Monanchora are discussed, and a new family concept based on all four genera is proposed. The name Crambeidae is proposed for such a family, to replace the pre-occupied name Crambidae.
Combination Therapy With Zoledronic Acid and FES‐Row Training Mitigates Bone Loss in Paralyzed Legs: Results of a Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in rapid, severe osteoporosis and an increased risk of lower extremity fractures. Despite the medical complications associated with these fractures, there is no standard of care to prevent osteoporotic fractures following SCI. Functional electrical stimulation‐ (FES‐) assisted rowing is a promising intervention to improve bone health in SCI because of its ability to generate a muscular contraction in conjunction with mechanical loading of the lower extremity long bones. Combination therapy consisting of FES‐rowing plus zoledronic acid (ZA) may be a superior treatment via inhibition of bone resorption and stimulation of new bone formation. We studied participants enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing FES‐rowing alone with FES‐rowing plus ZA to improve bone health in SCI. Volumetric CT scans at the distal femur and proximal tibial metaphyses were performed. Bone geometric properties (cortical thickness index [CTI], cortical compressive strength index [CSI], buckling ratio [BR], bending strength index) and mineral (cortical bone volume [CBV], cortical bone mineral density, cortical bone mineral content) indices were determined. In models adjusting for baseline values, we found that the CBV (p = 0.05 to 0.006), the CTI (p = 0.009), and the BR (p = 0.001) at both the distal femoral and proximal tibial metaphyses were greater in the ZA plus rowing group compared with the rowing‐only group. Similarly, there was a significant positive association between the total rowing work completed and the BR at the proximal tibia (p = 0.05). A subgroup analysis of the rowing‐only arm showed that gains in the CSI at the tibial metaphysis varied in a dose‐dependent fashion based on the total amount of exercise performed (p = 0.009). These findings demonstrate that the osteogenic response to FES‐rowing is dose‐dependent. Combination therapy with ZA and FES‐row training has therapeutic potential to improve bone quality, and perhaps reduce fracture risk at the most common fracture site following SCI. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
An Envelope Detection based Broadband Ultrasonic Ranging System for Improved Indoor/Outdoor Positioning

Fine-grained location information at long range can benefit many applications of embedded sensor networks and robotics. In this paper, we focus on range estimation an important prerequisite for fine-grained localization in the ultrasonic domain for both indoor and outdoor environments, and make three contributions. First, we evaluate the characteristics of broadband signals, and provide useful statistics in their design and engineering to achieve a good tradeoff between range and accuracy. Second, to overcome the inaccuracies due to correlation sidelobes, we propose a signal detection technique that estimates the envelope of the correlated pulse using a simple least-square approximation approach, and undertake a simulation study to verify its ranging efficiency on linear chirps. Third, leveraging on the insights obtained from our initial study, we present the design and implementation of two different ultrasonic broadband ranging systems based on linear chirps: (1): PC-based system using the most basic commodity hardware and custom designed units, and (2): Mote-based system using the CSIRO Audio nodes, which comprises of a Fleck-3z mote along with audio codecs and a Blackfin DSP. Our evaluation results for both the systems indicate that they are precise enough to support source localization applications: a reliable operational range of 45m and 20m (outdoor) respectively, and an average accuracy of approximately 2cm.
Mutual knowledge rationality among international policy elites

In game theoretic experiments, the predictions made by Nash equilibrium sometimes fail, either because players choose irrational strategies or lack mutual knowledge of each other’s rationality. However, when game theoretic experiments are used to study international interactions, researchers worry that decision-making di ers between international policymakers and the convenience samples typically used in behavioral experiments. If so, the results of experiments using convenience samples may not generalize to decision-making by elite policymakers. In this research note, I examine whether international policy elites exhibit behavior that is consistent with both rationality and mutual knowledge rationality across a set of games. I find that, unlike convenience sample subjects, a high percentage of elites consistently act as if they are rational. However, very few elites consistently act as if they believe that all other elites are rational as well. So, when experimental results are driven by a lack of mutual knowledge rationality, the results may also apply to decision-making by international policy elites.
Female Students' Attitude towards E-learning in Saudi Higher Education

New technology has been used inside and outside the classroom to enhance student learning. Elearning is becoming increasingly important in the delivery of higher education in developing countries and has attracted more attention from different scholars recently. The study used the concept of e-learning to refer to the smart infrastructures adopted by various universities with the intention of improving education in institutions of higher education. This research aimed to discuss the factors that influence e-learning in Saudi higher education especially for females learning. The study adopted the survey method and used random sampling to identify the sample of 381 female students in Al-Baha University who filled the questionnaires as participants study. The researcher used SPSS different analytical techniques to get the findings of the study. According to the result, the research established that the attitude of the female University students were positively related to e-learning and demonstrated that Usefulness, Flexibility, Interactivity, and University Support were critical determination of female students attitude towards E-learning. Therefore, the research helped to prove that the multiple factors contribute to the formation of the students' attitude should be considered before installing any E-learning in any higher education institution in Saudi Arabia.
Rotation Measure variations for millisecond pulsars

Abstract As part of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA) project, frequent observations of 20 millisecond pulsars are made using the Parkes 64-m radio telescope. Variations in the mean position angle of the 20 millisecond pulsars can be studied by the PPTA data being recorded in full-polarization mode. We briefly discuss these results.
RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS ON BLOOD SERUM CHEMISTRY VALUES IN FOUR CLOSE -BRED FLOCKS OF ADULT JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica )

The present study was conducted to investigate blood serum chemistry values in four close-bred flocks of adult Japanese quails responded by different body weights maintained at Avian Research and Training Centre, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. A total of 432 adult (12 weeks-old) quails, comprising 108 males and 324 females were randomly divided into 108 experimental units, comprising one male and three females each. These experimental units were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups having 4 close-bred flocks x 3 female body weights (heavy 300-350g, medium 250-300g and small 200-250g) with randomized complete block design in factorial arrangements having 9 replicates in each treatment. Serum glucose, albumin, total protein, cholesterol and urea were studied. Mean serum glucose level in male and female quails was not significantly different among imported and local flocks. The total serum protein was significantly different in both the sexes, whereas, serum cholesterol and serum albumin levels were only significantly different in female quails of imported and local flocks. Serum urea concentration was only significantly (p<0.05) different in male quails. With respect to body size categories, all the biochemical parameters studied were not significantly different in both sexes of quails. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) for serum protein and urea in both the sexes, only significant (p<0.05) in male quails for serum cholesterol and was only significant (p<0.05) in females for serum albumin.
Assessing Ecological Restoration Potentials of Wisconsin (U.S.A.) Using Historical Landscape Reconstructions

Historical landscape reconstructions provide baseline information for evaluating current land management regimes and restoration potentials. We assessed the historical landscape composition and structure of the state of Wisconsin (U.S.A.). This knowledge forms a basis for delineation of potential spatial distribution of forest species and landscape structures before major human‐induced changes, quantification of the spatial extent and intensity of change in habitats and landscapes, and identification of target areas for ecological restoration (e.g., threatened ecosystems). Methods included two conceptually and methodologically different vegetation classifications. The classifications rely on the original U.S. Public Land Office Surveys conducted during the nineteenth century to sell land to Euro‐American settlers. The subjective classification method we examined was R. W. Finley's “Original Vegetation of Wisconsin. ” This classification accounts for qualitative information such as early land surveyors' descriptions of ecosystems (e.g., distinctions into wet and dry prairies). However, the classification is hard to reproduce because some criteria are not strictly hierarchical or exclusive. Numerical cluster analysis was used as an objective classification method. This method offers reproducible, quantitative results and full hierarchical distinction between the classes. Qualitative information, however, is not accounted for in the objective numerical approach and may thus be viewed as less complete when representing local landscape details. Both classifications represent major vegetation characteristics consisting of a complex mosaic of forests (coniferous, mixed coniferous–deciduous, deciduous, and swamps), savannas (oak and pine), and prairies. The objective classification indicates that savannas cover two times more (40%) and prairies six times less area (2%) compared with the subjective classification (savanna, 20%; prairie, 12%). We address the applications of these classifications to current and potential restoration projects, including eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), wetland/riparian, savanna, and prairie ecosystems.
Towards a Process Model of Sustained Attention Tests

Taking up new approaches and calls for experimental test validation, in the present study we propose and validate a process model of sustained attention tests. Four sub-components were postulated: the perception of an item, a simple mental operation to solve the item, a motor reaction, and the shift to the next item. In two studies, several cognitive tasks and modified versions of the d2-R test of sustained attention were applied in order to determine performance in the proposed sub-components. Their contribution for the prediction of performance in sustained attention tests and tests of higher cognitive abilities was assessed. The sub-components of the process model explained a large amount of variance in sustained attention tests, namely 55–74%. More specifically, perceptual and mental operation speed were the strongest predictors, while there was a trend towards a small influence of motor speed on test performance. The measures of item shifting showed low reliabilities and did not predict test scores. In terms of discriminant validity, results of Study 1 indicated that the postulated sub-components were insufficient to explain a large amount of variance in working memory span tasks, in Study 2 the same was demonstrated for reasoning tasks. Altogether, the present study is the first to disentangle sub-components in sustained attention tests and to determine their role for test performance.
Phenotypical and genotypical characterisation of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from feedingstuffs.

In this study, Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from feedingstuffs were characterised phenotypically (width of lecithinolysis and partial haemolysis zones, biochemical reactions and resistance to antibacterial substances) and genotypically (presence of toxin genes and genomic polymorphism analysis). C. perfringens toxin genes were detected by multiplex PCR and genomic polymorphism was analysed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. It was demonstrated that C. perfringens strains type A, among which more than half belonged to subtype β2, were the most commonly isolated strains. Strains containing cpb2 gene revealed higher diversity of their biochemical reactions, more often occurring antibiotic resistance, and lower genomic DNA profile similarity. Feedingstuffs may serve as a source of C. perfringens, the most important animal pathogen among anaerobic sporulating bacteria. Widely occurrence of cpb2 gene among C. perfringens isolates from feedingstuffs may suggest taking into account β2 toxin in animal immunoprophylaxis. The knowledge gained in this study shows feedingstuffs as a source of C. perfringens β2 toxin in food chain and sheds light on the animal immunoprophylaxis regarding diseases caused by this microorganism.
Potential grazing impact of the mixotrophic flagellate Ochromonas sp (Chrysophyceae) on bacteria in an extremely acidic lake

Flagellates are important bacterial grazers in most planktonic food webs. The prey-size preference of the mixotrophic flagellate, Ochromonas sp. (Chrysophyceae), isolated from an extremely acidic lake, Lake 111 (pH 2.6), was determined using fluorescently labelled microspheres (beads). According to grazing experiments with cultured bacteria, also isolated from Lake 111, the potential grazing impact on Lake 111"s single-celled bacterial production was calculated. Ochromonas sp. ingested the smallest beads offered (0.5 µm diameter) at the highest rate. Ingestion rate declined with increasing bead size. The highest prey volume-specific ingestion was measured for Ochromonas sp. feeding on intermediate-sized beads (1.9 µm). Ingestion rates were low due in part to the large fraction of inactive flagellates observed. According to the bacterial ingestion rate, a mean of 88% (epilimnion) and 68% (hypolimnion) of in situ single- celled bacterial production is potentially grazed daily by Ochromonas sp. In the epilimnion of Lake 111, the heterotrophic carbon gain is three times higher than the autotrophic production. Alongside carbon uptake, Ochromonas sp. also benefits from ingesting bacteria through the uptake of phosphorus. A biovolume minimum corresponding to the prey size at which Ochromonas sp. feeds most efficiently occurred in the Lake 111 epilimnetic bacterial community, implying top-down control of the bacterial community by Ochromonas sp.
Fractographic Analysis of Broken Ceramic Dental Restorations

This presentation shows fractographic analyses of seven fractured ceramic bridges and one crown made with modern dental restorative materials. The overall breakage patterns were evaluated and stereoptical and scanning electron microscopy used to find the causes of fracture. There were multiple causes of fracture, but faulty restoration design or fabrication laboratory faults accounted for most fractures. Fracture stresses were relatively low.
Variability Analysis of the Bulk Resistivity Measured Using Concrete Cylinders

Many agencies are interested in using a rapid test method for measuring the electrical properties of concrete (i.e., the resistivity or conductivity) because the electrical properties can be related to fluid transport (e.g., ion diffusion). The advantage of electrical testing is that it is relatively easy to perform, and the test method is relatively fast (it takes less than a minute). Over the past century, many studies have investigated different approaches for measuring electrical properties. This paper describes the variability associated with measuring the bulk resistivity along the longitudinal axis of a cylinder after placing electrodes on either end. A multi-laboratory evaluation was performed at ten laboratories. Data from this evaluation provided variability data for 12 concrete mixtures at testing ages of 28, 56, and 91 days. Information on the variability is important in the development of precision and bias statements for standard test methods. In addition, this work discusses how the resistivity results obtained from this test can be correlated with surface resistivity measurements made using a Wenner probe. Linear agreement was noticed between the Wenner test and the measurement through the cylinder, but with a factor confirmed by previous research by Morris et al. (“Practical Evaluation of Resistivity of Concrete in Test Cylinders Using a Wenner Array Probe,” Cem. Concr. Res., Vol. 26, 1996, pp. 1779–1787). Additionally, the effect of electrode resistance is discussed, and for high resistivity concrete such as that used in much transportation infrastructure, this effect appears to be negligible; however, it can be accounted for easily.
Atomization of a Liquid Jet in a Crossflow

This chapter provides a review on the penetration and atomization of liquid jets in subsonic crossflows (LJICF). More emphasis is put on the basic physics of the problem while a general overview of different types of research on the subject is presented. The categorization is based on the physics of the problem rather than the type of the studies (numerical, theoretical, or experimental) to help better understanding of the involving physics.
Larval Diet in Bromeliad Pools: A Case Study of Tadpoles of Two Species in the Genus Scinax (Hylidae)

Many species of frogs that breed in bromeliads exhibit parental care as females deposit unfertilized eggs to feed the tadpoles. Treefrogs of the genus Scinax are not known to exhibit this behavior, even though they have exotrophic tadpoles. The purpose of this study was to describe qualitatively and quantitatively the diets of tadpoles of hylids S. littoreus and S. perpusillus developing in the phytothelm of Alcantarea glaziouana (Bromeliaceae). We evaluate if there are seasonal and spatial differences (between tadpoles living in the central tank and the lateral tanks) in the diet, and to test for food selectivity of the species. The most abundant items in the diet of tadpoles of both species were, respectively, algae, fungi, and protozoa. Detritus and plant debris were present in the diet of more than 90% of the tadpoles of the two species. The trophic niche breadth for S. littoreus was 1.26, whereas that for S. perpusillus was 1.54. The tadpole diets were seasonally conservative for both tadpole species and spatially similar only for S. perpusillus. Tadpoles of Scinax littoreus showed differences in diet, depending on the microhabitat in which they developed in the bromeliad, and showed electivity favorable for fungi but negative for copepods. Our data suggest that tadpoles of S. perpusillus are, in general, non-selective omnivores feeding on items in a similar proportion to their occurrence in the environment, while tadpoles of S. littoreus are more selective-feeders, avoiding animal items. Muitas espécies de anuros que se reproduzem em bromélias apresentam cuidado parental com fêmeas depositando ovos não fertilizados para alimentar os girinos no fitotelma. Os hilídeos do gênero Scinax não apresentam este comportamento, mesmo apresentando girinos exotróficos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever quali-quantitativamente a dieta dos girinos das espécies S. littoreus e S. perpusillus que se desenvolvem no fitotelma da Alcantarea glaziouana (Bromeliaceae). Avaliamos se há diferenças sazonais e espaciais (entre girinos que residem no vaso central e nos vasos laterais da bromélia) na dieta, além de testar a existência de seleção de itens alimentares pelas espécies de anuros. Os itens mais abundantes na dieta de ambos os girinos foram respectivamente: algas, fungos e protozoários. Detrito e restos vegetais estavam presentes em mais de 90% dos estômagos de ambas as espécies. A amplitude de nicho trófico para S. littoreus foi 1,26 enquanto para S. perpusillus foi 1,54. As dietas foram sazonalmente conservativas para ambas as espécies e espacialmente similar apenas para S. perpusillus. Os girinos de Scinax littoreus apresentaram diferenças na dieta de acordo com o microhabitat em que se desenvolviam na bromélia além de apresentar eletividade positiva para fungos e negativa para copépodos. Nossos dados sugerem que S. perpusillus é, em geral, um onívoro não seletivo, alimentando-se de itens em proporção similar da que estes ocorrem no fitotelma, enquanto os girinos de S. littoreus são mais seletivos evitando itens animais.