Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intertidal Molluscan Diversity of Thirumullavaram, Kerala, India

Intertidal molluscs are benthic macroinvertebrates that are integral to most intertidal ecosystems. Molluscan diversity along the coast of Thirumullavaram was surveyed for a period of one year (January to December 2021). Specimens were collected during the low tide for each month at four sampling stations through the quadrat method and random handpicking. The samples were photo-documented and preserved in 5% formalin. The collected specimens were identified and classified taxonomically using standard keys and references. A total of 27 species of molluscans were identified during the study period. 17 species were identified from Class Gastropoda, which comprised three orders and 12 families. Littoraria scabra was the most numerous gastropod found in all stations. Class Bivalvia was represented by eight species belonging to six families and five orders. Only two species were identified from Class Polyplacophora. 23 species were recorded from Station 1, an undisturbed area, followed by Station 2 with 20 species and station 3 with 13 species. The least was observed in Station 4 (11 species), where heavy human activities were noted. Various diversity indices were estimated for each sampling station. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity index (H’) ranged from 1.14 to 1.55 among the sampling stations. Margalef diversity index was in the higher side for Station 1 and 3 (2.97 and 2.77 respectively) when compared to Stations 3 and 4 (1.82 and 1.57 respectively). The comparative assessment of the relative abundance of the molluscan assemblage revealed that, it did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among the four sampling stations. Littoraria scabra , L. undulata and Patella notata were obtained throughout the study period. Intertidal molluscans play important roles in ecosystem functioning by serving as food resources, promoting intertidal seaweed-litter decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, they are acting as ecological indicators of microhabitats, hence continuous monitoring is highly recommended for enabling the conservation of their habitat.
Silencing GMPPB Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion of GBM via Hippo/MMP3 Pathways

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive malignancy and represents the most common brain tumor in adults. To better understand its biology for new and effective therapies, we examined the role of GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase B (GMPPB), a key unit of the GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GDP-MP) that catalyzes the formation of GDP-mannose. Impaired GMPPB function will reduce the amount of GDP-mannose available for O-mannosylation. Abnormal O-mannosylation of alpha dystroglycan (α-DG) has been reported to be involved in cancer metastasis and arenavirus entry. Here, we found that GMPPB is highly expressed in a panel of GBM cell lines and clinical samples and that expression of GMPPB is positively correlated with the WHO grade of gliomas. Additionally, expression of GMPPB was negatively correlated with the prognosis of GBM patients. We demonstrate that silencing GMPPB inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo and that overexpression of GMPPB exhibits the opposite effects. Consequently, targeting GMPPB in GBM cells results in impaired GBM tumor growth and invasion. Finally, we identify that the Hippo/MMP3 axis is essential for GMPPB-promoted GBM aggressiveness. These findings indicate that GMPPB represents a potential novel target for GBM treatment.
Effects of Hot and Cold Water Pre-Treatments on Emergence of Acacia Senegal Seeds in the Nursery

An experiment was carried out to check the effect of two pre germination treatments on the emergence of seeds of acacia senegal at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri nursery. The treatments used were immersion of the seeds in cold water (at room temperature) for 8, 12 and 24 hours and hot water at 100 o C for 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The research seeks to find the best pre germination time to be used for each of the two pre- treatments used in the experiment. Completely randomized design (CRD) of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in analysis of obtained data for each of the treatments. Results from this study indicate no significant difference in the number of seeds that emerged from the cold water treatment (a = 0.05), while treatment with hot water showed significant differences among the treatment times (a =0.05). Treatment of a. senegal seeds with hot water for 10 minutes gave the highest number of emerged seeds (mean, 7.50) which significantly differed with the untreated control (Mean, 4.08). This study therefore, recommends treating seeds of a. senegal for 10 minutes in hot water as the best time for hot water pre treatment. Although there exists no significant difference in the values for the cold water pre treatment, 12 hour pre treatment gave the highest mean of 6.31 and can therefore be favored above the other treatments.
Nitric oxide, thyroglobulin, and calcitonin: unraveling the nature of thyroid nodules

Background Thyroid nodules (TN) are localized morphological changes in the thyroid gland and can be benign or malignant. Objective The present study investigates the relationships between biochemical markers in serum (s) and their homologs in washout (w) after fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the TN of interest and their correlation with cytology specimen findings. Methods We investigated the relationships between serum biochemical markers nitric oxide (NO), thyroglobulin (TG), and calcitonin (CT), their homologs in washout after FNAB of the TN of interest, and cytology findings of biopsy samples classified according to the Bethesda system for thyroid cytopathology in this study, which included 86 subjects. Results Washout TG (TGw) level positively correlates with the cytology finding of the biopsy. A higher level of TGw correlates with higher categories of the Bethesda classification and indicates a higher malignant potential. The levels of serum NO (NOs), serum TG (TGs), serum CT (CTs), and washout CT (CTw) do not correlate with the cytology finding of the biopsy, and the higher levels of washout NO (NOw) correspond to the more suspicious ultrasound findings. Conclusion The findings of our study suggest that TGw and NOw could be used as potential predictors of malignancy in TN.
The transition from weakening to strengthening in dehydrating gypsum: Evolution of excess pore pressures

Dehydration reactions can induce excess pore-fluid pressures that are high enough to affect the mechanical strength and ductility of rocks. Laboratory experiments have been conducted to investigate this phenomenon in dehydrating rocks with porosities that are initially negligible but increase as the reaction progresses. Polycrystalline gypsum samples were first heated under pressure to induce dehydration, then axially loaded after different amounts of reaction. Within the first 1% of reaction, the ultimate strength of the sample decreased and embrittlement was observed. The ultimate strength recovered within 3% of reaction and eventually exceeded that of pure gypsum. Our results indicate that the initial weakening and embrittlement correspond to a pulse of excess pore pressure in the sample interior. Subsequent strengthening is caused by a decrease in pore pressure and the higher strength of the product phase.
Time-dependent pullout behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) soil nail in sand

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) materials are gaining increasing use in geotechnical engineering applications in recent years. The long-term performance of reinforced geostructures may be influenced by the rheological properties of GFRP soil nails or anchors. However, a clear understanding of this effect is lacking. This work aims to investigate the interaction between GFRP soil nail and sand under pullout conditions considering the time-dependent effect. A time-dependent model was proposed to describe the load–deformation characteristics of a GFRP soil nail during pullout. Laboratory pullout tests were performed using a load-controlled pullout apparatus to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. Quasi-distributed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) optical fiber sensors were adhered on the pre-grooved GFRP soil nail to capture the variations of axial strain during testing. The test results are presented, interpreted, and discussed. It is shown that there is good agreement between the simulation resul.
The Effect of Multilevel Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Fatigue, Stress and Resilience

Objective: To evaluate the effects of surgical treatment on fatigue, stress, and resilience in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: Sixty patients who underwent multilevel sleep surgery for OSA (OSA group) and 32 non-OSA participants (control group) were recruited at a university hospital in Korea between January 2020 and March 2022. Fatigue, stress, and resilience levels were evaluated in both groups using the Chalder fatigue scale (CFS), daily hassles scale revised (DHS-R), and Connor–Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), respectively. The scores of each group were compared before and 6 months after surgery. Results: The initial CFS and DHS-R scores were significantly higher, while the CD-RISC score was significantly lower, in the OSA group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the patients with OSA, all three scores significantly improved after surgery (p < 0.05). Additionally, when compared between the groups at 6 months, there were no differences in the CFS, DHS-R, or CD-RISC scores (p > 0.05). Even when the OSA group was divided into a success group and a failure group according to surgical outcomes and compared with the control group, the three scores of both groups did not show statistical differences from the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Multilevel surgery may reduce fatigue as well as stress and increase resilience in patients with OSA to levels similar to those in non-OSA individuals.
Pattern of suspicious deaths of married females brought for medico-legal autopsy at teaching institute of India

Background: Death is unnatural and suspicious when it is caused by external causation like injury or poisoning or other than natural course. In such deaths of married females, the inquest is carried out, and a medico-legal autopsy is conducted to ascertain the cause of death and manner of death. Materials and Methods: This record-based, retrospective study was carried out at RVRS Medical College, Rajasthan in the year 2021 (1st January, 2021 to 31st December, 2021) to know the pattern of the suspicious death of married females brought for medico-legal autopsy. The inquest report, medico-legal autopsy report, histopathological examination report, and chemical analysis report findings were tabulated and analyzed. Results: The maximum number (31.62%) of female deaths belonged to the age group of 18–22 years of age. A total of 33.82% of females died during a marriage duration of less than 5 years of married life. A total of 22.79% of female deaths were related to dowry and 60.2% of females belonged to rural areas. A total of 59.56% of females were died due to poisoning and 75% of female deaths considered suicidal. Conclusion: Suspicious deaths of married women brought for medico-legal autopsy must be dealt with due to precaution to determine the cause and manner of death. One must be vigilant that the suspicious death of a married female may be associated with dowry in the Indian scenario.
A simulation of the temperature dependence of quartz fabrics

Abstract This paper presents the predictions of a hybrid model of fabric development in quartzites that combines aspects of previous models based on lattice rotations and dynamic recrystallization. The input parameters for the model have been systematically varied in order to investigate changes in deformation fabrics due to increasing temperature, and predictions of crystallographic preferred orientations and grain shape fabrics are made. The resulting fabrics reflect the combination of both deformation processes over the range of the parameters used. The fabrics evolve continuously with progressive deformation, and produce crossed girdles, single girdles and point maxima for a single deformation geometry. The results suggest that the coupling of dynamic recrystallization with lattice rotations can actually produce a larger variation in crystallographic preferred orientations with temperature than is predicted by using a model that only considers lattice rotations. Using this model point maxima develop even though a multiple slip model has been assumed.
Late and postglacial vegetational and paleoclimatic changes in subantarctic, temperate and arid environments in Argentina

Abstract A paleoclimatic chronology for southern South America is suggested by comparison of dated pollen records from Argentina (lat 32° to 34°S, 41°S and 51° to 54°S). The paleoenvironmental phases distinguished for the last 13,000 years are interpreted as paleoclimatic phases and explained as latitudinal shifts of atmospheric circulation anomalies by using the correlation of modern precipitation patterns with atmospheric circulation anomaly patterns over Argentina and Chile. The lateglacial type environment is characterized at all sites in the high southern latitudes by pollen assemblages of grasses, composites, sedges, and heath, suggesting climates as cold and wet as the modern Magellanic Moorland uniformly throughout Tierra del Fuego and southern Patagonia. At latitude 41°S the lateglacial pollen assemblages are dominated by rainforest types west of the Andes, suggesting cold and wet conditions, while east of the Andes grasses and herb pollen dominated the assemblages, suggesting conditions colder a.
Comparing the Driving Skills of Adolescents with Obstructive Sleep Apnea to Healthy Controls: The Results of a Case-Controlled Observational Study

Auto crashes are a leading cause of death and injury among adolescents. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause sleepiness and inattention, which could negatively impact novice drivers, but OSA-related studies have focused on older drivers. This study used a driving simulator to examine whether licensed 16–19-year-old adolescents with OSA have diminished driving skills. Twenty-one adolescents with OSA and twenty-eight without OSA (both confirmed using polysomnography) completed two randomly ordered driving trials in a simulator (with induced distractions versus without). A mixed ANOVA examined the between-subjects effect of the OSA group, the within-subjects effect of the distraction condition, and the group-by-condition interaction effect on the ability to maintain lane position and the frequency of extended eye glances away from the roadway. T-tests were also used to examine group differences in reported sleepiness and inattention during daily life. The distraction task increased extended off-road glances and difficulties maintaining lane position (p < 0.001). However, adolescents with OSA did not display worse eye glance or lane position than controls and there were no significant group-by-condition interactions. Although the groups differed on polysomonographic features, there were also no significant differences in reported sleepiness or inattention. The distraction task negatively impacted both groups of adolescent drivers, but those with OSA did not fare differentially worse. Most adolescents in our study had mild OSA (median obstructive apnea–hypopnea index = 4.4), the most common form in the community. It remains possible that youth with more severe OSA would show increased driving impairment.
Affinities of the Lower Ordovician (Tulean; lower Floian) trilobite 'Gladiatoria', with species from the Great Basin, western United States

Macropyge gladiator Ross, 1951a, is the type species of the previously monotypic Gladiatoria Hupe, 1955. It has been regarded as the only known post-Tremadocian macropygine ceratopygid, and the only known ceratopygid from the Ordovician of Laurentia. Well preserved new material from western Utah and southern Idaho includes the first positively identified cephalic sclerites and demonstrates that Gladiatoria is a component of Bathyuridae, a family common in shallow water Lower Ordovician assemblages from Laurentia. Gladiatoria is closely related to and regarded as the sister taxon of Bathyurellus Billings, 1865, to which it is nearly identical in cephalic morphology. In addition to an extended revision of the type species, which is from the lower Psalikilopsis cuspidicauda Zone, new species described include G. phoenixi (Hintzeia celsaora Zone), G. nielsenae (Psalikilopsis cuspidicauda Zone and Psalikilus typicum Zone), G. harrisi (upper Psalikilopsis cuspidicauda Zone), G. reedi (Psalikilus typicum Zone and Psalikilus hestoni Zone) and G. crowei (Protopliomerella contracta Zone). All are from the Tulean Stage (lower Floian).
Non-Glacial Varved Lake Sediment as a Natural Timekeeper and Detector on Environmental Changes

年縞(non-glacial varve)を用いた高精度年代測定法は,第四紀の年代決定法の中で最も有力な方法の一つである. 本論文では,第1にスウェーデン年縞編年学(Swedish Varve Chronology)を例として取りあげ,年縞研究の現状と問題点をレビューした. その結果,1. 最新年縞年代と現在との関係,2. 年縞の計数方法および,3. 年縞でない葉理の付加および年縞の消失が,編年に大きな影響を与えることが指摘できた. 第2に,福井県三方五湖の水月湖における数本の堆積物コアから得られた,過去16,000年間にわたる年縞堆積物を用いた編年学について詳しく述べた. この年縞堆積物では歴史記録から年代をさかのぼる計数,および広域テフラや泥流堆積層による対比や計数の検証が行われつつあり,Younger Dryas期や最終氷期極相期の編年が数年単位で明らかにできる可能性を指摘した. 第3に,集水域が狭く,周辺からの粗粒砕屑物が流入しない水月湖の細粒堆積物中の鉄鉱物や粘土鉱物組成の変動が,大陸起源の風成塵変動,日本海の海水準変動および若狭湾周辺の降水量変動を反映しており,年縞計数の結果から過去8,830年間の変動を1年～数年単位で明らかにした.
The influence of phase on the calculation of pseudo-static earth pressure on a retaining wall

Centrifuge modelling tests show clearly the phase change in lateral acceleration in the backfill behind a retaining wall as shear waves propagate from the base of the model towards the ground surface. However, design calculations for the dynamic lateral earth pressure on a retaining wall which use a pseudo-static approach assume that the backfill experiences a uniform acceleration throughout. Researchers have agreed that the total lateral earth pressure calculated using this approach is approximately correct, but have disagreed over the distribution of the dynamic increment of pressure. The Paper presents an analysis which takes into account a finite shear wave velocity in the backtill, thus allowing for the phase change in a prototype structure. The phase change does not have a significant influence on the magnitude of the total earth pressure, but it has a marked effect on the distribution of the dynamic increment. The resultant pressure is seen to act at a point above one third of the height of the wal.
Abundance, Behavior, and Habitat Utilization by Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout in Fish Creek, Oregon, as Influenced by Habitat Enhancement: Annual Report 1985.

Construction and evaluation of salmonid habitat improvements on Fish Creek, a tributary of the upper Clackamas River, is designed to increase the annual number of chinook and coho salmon, and steelhead trout smolt outmigrants. The primary objectives of the evaluation include the: (1) evaluation and quantification of changes in salmonid spawning and rearing habitat resulting from a variety of habitat improvements; (2) evaluation and quantification of changes in fish populations and biomass resulting from habitat improvements; and (3) evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of habitat improvements developed with BPA and Forest Service funds on Fish Creek. This report focuses on the projects completed in the basin in 1983, 1984, and 1985, and their evaluation.
The growth rate and genetic variability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) half-sibs in test crops of Northern Kazakhstan

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a valuable tree species, playing an important role in maintaining the ecological and economic balance not only in Kazakhstan, but also in many countries around the world. The purpose of this study was to assess the growth rate and to identify the genotypes of the half-sib progeny of Scotch pine plus trees in order to further obtain high-quality seeds with valuable genetic traits. A molecular genetic analysis was carried out using six microsatellite and 20 isoenzyme loci on 15 Scots pine half-sib families, represented by two samples of seeds collected in the subsequent harvesting periods (planted in 1986 and 1987), that evaluated the taxonomic characteristics such as tree height and trunk diameter (DBH, measured at 1.3 meters). Families with the highest growth rate in both samples were selected as candidates for the elite group. During the SSR analysis, a decrease in the level of expected heterozygosity (0.2377-0.5362 with an average value of 0.4593) was observed in P. sylvestris L. half-sibs compared to the sample of maternal plus trees (0.5444), with similar results to that of the “founder effect”. At the same time, the level of observed heterozygosity remained sufficiently high (0.3333-0.7037 with an average value of 0.4980 and 0.4556, respectively). During the isoenzyme analysis, the level of genetic variability either decreased or was similar to that of the maternal trees. Rare and unique alleles were found in seed samples of the analysed tree families. In general, this research showed that a comprehensive evaluation combining both traditional breeding methods (genetic assessment of progeny in the course of growth) and molecular genetic analysis is required for the selection of elite trees.
Evaporation of perennial semi‐arid woodland in southeastern Australia is adapted for irregular but common dry periods

Measurements of water vapour flux from semi‐arid perennial woodland (mallee) were made for 3 years using eddy covariance instrumentation. There have been no previous long‐term, detailed measures of water use in this ecosystem. Latent energy flux (LE) on a half hourly basis was the measure of the combined soil and plant evaporation, ‘evapotranspiration’ (ELE) of the site. Aggregation over 3 years of the site measured rain (1136 mm) and the estimated evaporation (794 mm) suggests that 342 mm or 30% of rain had moved into or past the root zone of the vegetation. Above average rainfall during 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 (633 mm, 15 months) would likely have been the period during which significant groundwater recharge occurred. At times immediately after rainfall, ELE rates were the same or exceeded estimates of potential E calculated from a suitably parameterized Penman–Monteith (EPMo) equation. Apparent free water E from plant interception and soil evaporation was about 2.3 mm and lasted for 1.3 days following rainfall in summer, while in autumn, E was 5.1 mm that lasted over 5.4 days. The leaf area index (LAI) needed to adjust a wind function calibrated Penman equation (EPMe) to match the ELE values could be back calculated to generate seasonal change in LAI from 0.12 to 0.46 and compared well with normalized difference vegetation index; r = 0.38 and p = 0.0213* and LAI calculated from digital cover photography. The apparently conservative response of perennial vegetation evaporation to available water in these semi‐arid environments reinforces the conclusion that these ecosystems use this mechanism to survive the reasonably common dry periods. Plant response to soil water availability is primarily through gradual changes in leaf area. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.