Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The braincase of the early archosaurian reptile Erythrosuchus africanus

The fimt detailed description of the braincase of the Triassic early archosaurian reptile Elythrosuchus is presented. Features plesiomorphic for archosaurs that are described include an ossified laterosphenoid, a ‘semilunar depression’, posteroventrally positioned internal carotid foramina, a basisphenoid ‘intertuberal plate’, an un- or incompletely ossified medial wall of the otic capsule and channel for the perilymphatic duct, a metotic foramen undivided by bone, and a short lagenar recess. Among the earliest archosaurs, the braincase of Erythrosuchus is considered to share more derived similarities with the erythrosuchid Shansisuchus than with other taxa, although further study is required to ascertain whether these similarities are homologous. An understanding of non crown-group archosaur morphology is important for resolving controversial questions of homology concerning braincase features in extant archosaurs, as well as for improving estimates of archosaur phylogeny. The most recent common ancestor of crocodiles and birds is hypothesized to have lacked a ‘semilunar depression’ and basisphenoid ‘intertuberal plate’, and to have had laterally positioned internal carotid foramina, a short lagena, an undivided metotic foramen, an unossified eustachian system, and elements of the tympanic cavity that were not pneumatized.
Comparison of near seabed currents at two locations in the Porcupine Sea Bight—implications for benthic fauna

Recent measurements of benthic currents, within the depth range where the highest abundance of the hexactinellid sponge Pheronema carpenteri are found, have been made and compared to historical data for the northern Porcupine Sea Bight region where no Pheronema have been recorded. Bottom currents at a location where Pheronema have not been recorded are much higher than a location where the sponges have previously been sampled. The measurements provide some evidence to support the hypothesis that the sponges favour a location adjacent to regions where enhanced bottom tidal currents are found, but currents experienced by the sponges themselves are much reduced.
Optical measurement of microvascular oxygenation and blood flow responses in awake mouse cortex during functional activation

The cerebral cortex has a number of conserved morphological and functional characteristics across brain regions and species. Among them, the laminar differences in microvascular density and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase staining suggest potential laminar variability in the baseline O2 metabolism and/or laminar variability in both O2 demand and hemodynamic response. Here, we investigate the laminar profile of stimulus-induced intravascular partial pressure of O2 (pO2) transients to stimulus-induced neuronal activation in fully awake mice using two-photon phosphorescence lifetime microscopy. Our results demonstrate that stimulus-induced changes in intravascular pO2 are conserved across cortical layers I–IV, suggesting a tightly controlled neurovascular response to provide adequate O2 supply across cortical depth. In addition, we observed a larger change in venular O2 saturation (ΔsO2) compared to arterioles, a gradual increase in venular ΔsO2 response towards the cortical surface, and absence of the intravascular “initial dip” previously reported under anesthesia. This study paves the way for quantification of layer-specific cerebral O2 metabolic responses, facilitating investigation of brain energetics in health and disease and informed interpretation of laminar blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging signals.
Impact of health warning labels on selection and consumption of food and alcohol products: systematic review with meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Health warning labels (HWLs) could reduce harmful consumption of food (including non-alcoholic drinks) and alcoholic drinks. A systematic review with meta-analysis using Cochrane methods was conducted to assess the impact on selection (including hypothetical selection) or consumption of food or alcoholic drink products displaying image-and-text (sometimes termed ‘pictorial’) and text-only HWLs. Fourteen randomised controlled trials were included, three for alcohol, eleven for food. For the primary outcomes, eleven studies measured selection and one measured consumption (two measured only other secondary outcomes). Meta-analysis of twelve comparisons from nine studies (n=12,635) found HWLs reduced selection of the targeted product compared with no HWL (RR=0.74 (95%CI 0.68–0.80)), with participants 26% less likely to choose a product displaying a HWL. A planned subgroup analysis suggested a larger (although not statistically significant) effect on selection of image-and-text HWLs (RR=0.65 (95%CI 0.54–0.80)) than text-only HWLs (RR=0.79 (95%CI 0.74–0.85)). These findings suggest significant potential for HWLs to reduce selection of food and alcoholic drinks, but all experimental studies to date were conducted in laboratory or online settings with outcomes assessed immediately after a single exposure. Studies in field and naturalistic laboratory settings are needed to estimate the potential effects of food and alcohol HWLs. Study registration : PROSPERO 2018 (registration number: CRD42018106522).
The relationship between clinics and the venom of the causative Amazon pit viper (Bothrops atrox)

Snake venoms are complex mixtures of proteins with toxic activities, with many distinct isoforms, affecting different physiological targets, comprised in a few protein families. It is currently accepted that this diversity in venom composition is an adaptive advantage for venom efficacy on a wide range of prey. However, on the other side, variability on isoforms expression has implications in the clinics of human victims of snakebites and in the efficacy of antivenoms. B. atrox snakes are responsible for most of the human accidents in Brazilian Amazon and the type and abundance of protein families on their venoms present individual variability. Thus, in this study we attempted to correlate the individual venom proteome of the snake brought to the hospital by the patient seeking for medical assistance with the clinical signs observed in the same patient. Individual variability was confirmed in venoms of the 14 snakes selected for the study. The abundance of each protein family was quite similar among the venom samples, while the isoforms composition was highly variable. Considering the protein families, the SVMP group presented the best correlation with bleeding disorders and edema. Considering individual isoforms, some isoforms of venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), C-type lectin-like toxins (CTL) and snake venom serine proteinases (SVSP) presented expression levels that with statistically significant positive correlation to signs and symptoms presented by the patients as bleeding disorders, edema, ecchymosis and blister formation. However, some unexpected data were also observed as the correlation between a CTL, CRISP or LAAO isoforms with blister formation, still to be confirmed with a larger number of samples. Although this is still a small number of patient samples, we were able to indicate that venom composition modulates clinical manifestations of snakebites, to confirm at the bedside the prominent role of SVMPs and to include new possible toxin candidates for the development of toxin inhibitors or to improve antivenom selectiveness, important actions for the next generation treatments of snakebites.
Pre-farrowing behaviour of sows and gilts with access to space for locomotion

The expression of pre-farrowing behaviour in sows and gilts with access to space was investigated. Six multiparous sows and 6 gilts were observed in a test arena 6.5 by 7 m with a pen 2 by 2 m in 1 corner. No straw was provided in either pen. Observations commenced 4 days before farrowing. Each pig was observed from 0900 to 1700 hours, and the behaviour of the pig and her position in the pen and test arena were recorded. Pigs close to farrowing were also observed overnight. Both sows and gilts showed a highly significant (P 0.05) of parity on the level of pre-farrowing locomotion, or on the amount of nest building performed. This indicates that pre-farrowing behaviour is largely unaffected by experience of farrowing and that it may be largely under internal control.
Charles Glover Barkla, 1877-1944

The name of Barkla will always be distinguished on account of his fundamental researches on Rontgen rays. In 1905 he made the discovery that scattered X-rays are polarized, but only to a certain degree. He also established the fact that each chemical element can radiate Röntgen rays having properties characteristic of that element, and in this way he anticipated the assignment to each element of an ‘atomic number’, the number being, in general, about one-half the atomic weight. For these discoveries he was admitted a Fellow of the Society in 1912, his investigations having resulted in the most important additions to our knowledge of the Röntgen rays since their discovery. Barkla consistently adopted the electromagnetic wave or pulse theory of the nature of the rays. At the end of the year 1912, von Laue put forward his theory of the diffraction of X-rays by transmission through a crystal regarded as a three-dimensional grating, thus introducing an entirely new’ method of investigation.
In vitro antimicrobial and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of enantiopure cycloalkylglycine derivatives: Insights into their in silico pharmacokinetic, druglikeness, and medicinal chemistry properties

Adel Kadri1,2, Kaiss Aouadi3,4* 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, B.P. 11713000 Sfax,Tunisia. 2College of Science and Arts in Baljurashi, Al Baha University, P.O. Box (1988). Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. 3 University of Monastir, Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Laboratory of Heterocyclic Chemistry, Natural Products and Reactivity, Avenue of the Environment, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia. 4Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
The INPP4B Tumor Suppressor Modulates EGFR Trafficking and Promotes Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor lipid phosphatase INPP4B is common in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We generated a genetically-engineered TNBC mouse model deficient in INPP4B. We found a dose-dependent increase in tumor incidence in INPP4B homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice compared to wild-type, supporting a role for INPP4B as a tumor suppressor in TNBC. Tumors derived from INPP4B knockout mice are enriched for AKT and MEK gene signatures. Consequently, mice with INPP4B deficiency are more sensitive to PI3K or MEK inhibitors, compared to wild-type mice. Mechanistically, we found that INPP4B deficiency increases PI(3,4)P2 levels in endocytic vesicles but not at the plasma membrane. Moreover, INPP4B loss delays degradation of EGFR and MET, while promoting recycling of RTKs, thus enhancing the duration and amplitude of signaling output upon growth factor stimulation. Therefore, INPP4B inactivation in TNBC promotes tumorigenesis by modulating RTK recycling and signaling duration.
The Myths and Realities of Portopulmonary Hypertension

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH), defined as an increased mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in the setting of portal hypertension, is a commonly misunderstood pulmonary vascular complication of liver disease. Recent literature has expanded our knowledge regarding disease pathogenesis, the role of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) targeted therapy and liver transplantation (LT) in management, and long-term outcomes. However, many myths and misconceptions regarding POPH prognosis and treatment remain. The aim of this review is to examine the prevailing myths and current realities regarding POPH.
First report of field resistance by the stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) to Bt-transgenic maize

Reports of severe damage caused by the African stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) to Mon810-transgenic maize (Bt) prompted a study in which the survival of progenies of diapause larvae collected from both a Bt and non-Bt planting were compared when feeding on various Bt and non-Bt hybrids. Field and greenhouse grown plants were artificially infested with neonate larvae. Larval mass was recorded at two-day intervals for three weeks. Data were subjected to simple regression analyses followed by pair wise comparison of the slopes. The two borer populations showed similar larval mass gains on non-Bt hybrids but differed in the response to Bt-hybrids. Appreciable numbers of larvae from the non-Bt derived population survived only to the eighth day. In contrast, substantial numbers of larvae of the Bt-derived population survived over the entire trial period. The mean larval mass of the Bt-derived population at the conclusion of the experiment was less on Bt-hybrids than on their susceptible counterparts. This indicates that the Bt-derived population has attained a level of resistance where some larvae are able to survive in the presence of the Bt-toxin but not without some detrimental effect on larval growth rate. Since producers are inclined to provide refugia under rain fed conditions in the immediate vicinity of irrigated plantings rather than as part of irrigated fields, the known preference of moths for high humidity could have contributed to increased selection pressure towards the development of resistance to the Bt-toxin.
Mucosal associated invariant T cells are differentially impaired in tolerant and immunosuppressed liver transplant recipients

Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT‐) cells represent a semi‐invariant T cell population responsive to microbial vitamin B metabolite and innate cytokine stimulation, executing border tissue protection and particularly contributing to human liver immunity. The impact of immunosuppressants on MAIT cell biology alone and in context with solid organ transplantation has not been thoroughly examined. Here, we demonstrate that in vitro cytokine activation of peripheral MAIT cells from healthy individuals was impaired by glucocorticoids, whereas antigen‐specific stimulation was additionally sensitive to calcineurin inhibitors. In liver transplant (LTx) recipients, significant depletion of peripheral MAIT cells was observed that was largely independent of the type and dosage of immunosuppression, equally applied to tolerant patients, and was reproducible in kidney transplant recipients. However, MAIT cells from tolerant LTx patients exhibited a markedly diminished ex vivo activation signature, associated with individual regain of functional competence toward antigenic and cytokine stimulation. Still, MAIT cells from tolerant and treated liver recipients exhibited high levels of PD1, accompanied by functional impairment particularly toward bacterial stimulation that also affected polyfunctionality. Our data suggest interlinked effects of primary liver pathology and immunosuppressive treatment on overall MAIT cell fitness after transplantation and propose their monitoring in context with tolerance induction protocols.
Conditional expression of human TNF‐α: A system for inducible cytotoxicity

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is currently being used in clinical trials for cancer treatment, but toxic side effects, due to systemic administration and high doses, are observed. Inducible expression of TNF may permit selective killing of tumour cells in gene therapy protocols without need for prolonged and/or high‐level TNF expression. A conditional TNF expression vector has been constructed in which the coding sequences of human TNF have been placed under the transcriptional control of the glucocorticoid‐regulated murine mammary tumour virus long terminal repeat (MMTV‐LTR). Negligible levels of TNF expression, associated with no phenotypic alterations, are observed in cells transfected with MMTV‐TNF vectors in the absence of glucocorticoid. Expression levels could be stimulated by the addition of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Increasing expression levels of TNF were associated with enhanced cytotoxicity. Our results suggest the potential use of inducible TNF systems for the treatment of tumours in gene therapy protocols.
Information and Communication Technologies for the Promotion of Open and Distance Learning in Bangladesh

Recent explosion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the developed countries offers tremendous opportunities for electronic delivery of course materials for open and distance learners. In spite of some socio-economic constraints, ICTs are expanding fastly in the developing countries and thus offer a new scope for the promotion of open and distance learning. Bangladesh is recently connected to the information super-highway through submarine cables, which will add a new spin in the expansion of the Internet and other ICTs. More than 10 million mobile phone users throughout the country reflect the real phenomenon of quick acceptance of the modern ICTs by the people. However, the only distance teaching public university, Bangladesh Open University (BOU) is still far behind of using modern ICTs for delivering her course materials to the distance learners. Considering the rapid expansion of computer and internet after 1998s, it is now appropriate time to consider inclusion of some interactive ICTs i.e. e-learning in delivering course materials of BOU and other academic institutes to promote distance education in Bangladesh. In this paper, we discuss the current situation and future prospects of ICTs in Bangladesh for the expansion of open and distance education. Key words: ICTs, ODL, mobile learning.
Small lakes dominate a random sample of regional lake characteristics

SUMMARY 1. Lakes are a prominent feature of the Northern Highland Lake District (NHLD) of Wisconsin, covering 13% of the landscape. Summarising the physical, chemical, or biological nature of NHLD lakes at a regional scale requires a representative sample of the full size distributions of lakes. In this study, we selected at random 168 lakes from the full size distribution of lakes in the NHLD and sampled each lake for a broad suite of limnological variables. 2. Most lakes were small. The median lake area was 1.1 ha, however, half of the surface area of water was in a relatively small number of lakes larger than 162 ha. Smaller lakes tended to be low in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and high in dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Inclusion of small lakes (<4 ha) in the survey resulted in an acid neutralising capacity (ANC) median (76.5 lEq L )1 ) much lower than previous estimates, and a DOC median (10.1 mg L )1 ) about 50% higher than it would have been without the smaller lakes. Unlike DOC, total P tended to be evenly distributed across lake sizes. 3. The implications of these findings are that regional summaries of lake characteristics for the NHLD are influenced by the inclusion of small lakes in the sample, even though most of the water surface area is in lakes larger than 162 ha. Excluding small lakes introduces bias in the estimates of organic carbon and inorganic carbon values, for example. Similar biases may be introduced for lake characteristics at the global scale if small lakes are not sampled, because the size distribution of lakes globally is dominated in number by small lakes.
Microinjection of pollen-specific actin-depolymerizing factor, ZmADF1, reorientates F-actin strands in Tradescantia stamen hair cells

Summary Maize actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF) binds both monomeric and filamentous actin and increases actin dynamics in vitro. To test its effects in vivo, recombinant pollen ADF1 was expressed in bacteria and microinjected into Tradescantia stamen hair cells. Initially, all cytoplasmic streaming ceased and the central, longitudinal transvacuolar strands were disrupted. After 20–45 min, streaming resumed but in the form of conspicuous transverse pathways of movement in the cortex. Staining the actin filaments by a second injection of fluorescein-conjugated phalloidin showed that the longitudinal actin cables seen in controls had been replaced by a thickening of the transverse cortical arrays, whose orientation matched the new pattern of streaming. Microinjection of rhodamine–tubulin confirmed that the microtubules also formed a transverse cortical array and it is suggested that the spatial cues for re-modelling the actin after ADF1 injection may be provided by the microtubular system.
BARK ANATOMY AND INTERCELLULAR CANALS IN THE STEM OF DELARBREA PARADOXA (ARALIACEAE)

The anatomy of the primary tissues and secondary phloem in the stem of Delarbrea paradoxa Vieill. (Araliaceae) was examined with emphasis on structure and topography of secretory canals. Secretory canal systems of primary (axial canals in cortex and pith, radial canals in medullary rays) and secondary origin (axial canals in secondary phloem, radial canals in rays of secondary phloem and secondary xylem) were distinguished. Two distinct types of axial parenchyma (sheath parenchyma near axial secretory canals, and phloem parenchyma associated with conducting elements) occur in the secondary phloem. Distribution, size and number of cells per strand, occurrence of starch, and mode of transformation during phloem collapse serve to distinguish these two types. Three stages of secretory canal development (canal formation, active secretion, and senescence) were distinguished on the basis of TEM observations. The secretory canal lumina are formed simultaneously with the differentiation of meristematic cells into epithelial secretory cells. During the active secretion phase the epithelial cells contain leucoplasts aggregated into small groups, each accompanied by 2 to 3 mitochondria. These aggregations indicate terpene production in the cell. The secretion of terpenes is accompanied by swelling and loosening of the cell walls facing the canal lumina. Secretory processes were not indicated in the highly vacuolated senescent epithelial cells.