Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecomorphology of the pectoral girdle in anurans (Amphibia, Anura): Shape diversity and biomechanical considerations

Abstract Frogs and toads (Lissamphibia: Anura) show a diversity of locomotor modes that allow them to inhabit a wide range of habitats. The different locomotor modes are likely to be linked to anatomical specializations of the skeleton within the typical frog Bauplan. While such anatomical adaptations of the hind limbs and the pelvic girdle are comparably well understood, the pectoral girdle received much less attention in the past. We tested for locomotor‐mode‐related shape differences in the pectoral girdle bones of 64 anuran species by means of micro‐computed‐tomography‐based geometric morphometrics. The pectoral girdles of selected species were analyzed with regard to the effects of shape differences on muscle moment arms across the shoulder joint and stress dissipation within the coracoid. Phylogenetic relationships, size, and locomotor behavior have an effect on the shape of the pectoral girdle in anurans, but there are differences in the relative impact of these factors between the bones of this skeletal unit. Remarkable shape diversity has been observed within locomotor groups indicating many‐to‐one mapping of form onto function. Significant shape differences have mainly been related to the overall pectoral girdle geometry and the shape of the coracoid. Most prominent shape differences have been found between burrowing and nonburrowing species with headfirst and backward burrowing species significantly differing from one another and from the other locomotor groups. The pectoral girdle shapes of burrowing species have generally larger moment arms for (simulated) humerus retractor muscles across the shoulder joint, which might be an adaptation to the burrowing behavior. The mechanisms of how the moment arms were enlarged differed between species and were associated with differences in the reaction of the coracoid to simulated loading by physiologically relevant forces.
Effects of Globally Stratified Temperature Distributions and NTC Characteristics on End-gas Combustion Modes

ABSTRACT This study numerically investigates the effects of stratified temperature distributions on the end-gas combustion mode in a constant volume reactor. The initial temperature in the reactor was globally stratified with linear gradients. The effects of negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristics are addressed through a comparison between the results of a non-NTC fuel and an NTC fuel. The compressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved with detailed chemistry. The results show that the addition of large temperature gradients such as −10 or −5 K/cm can prevent the pressure wave development associated with end-gas autoignition, and the knocking intensity is significantly reduced. In contrast, small temperature gradients such as −1 K/cm lead to the generation of the developing detonation mode and thus to large knocking intensities. In the NTC fuel case, the knocking intensity becomes relatively large because the spatial gradient of the ignition delay time decreases even with the addition of large temperature gradients, especially in the NTC regime. Based on all the results, a correlation is presented between the initial temperature and the reaction front speed (the spatial gradient of the ignition delay time) for the prediction of end-gas combustion mode. The correlation suggests that the possibility of preventing large knocking intensities by temperature gradients is reduced under high-pressure conditions because of the increase in the reaction front speed. Consequently, this study suggests that very large temperature gradients would be required under high-pressure conditions to prevent large knocking intensities under the concept of thermal stratification.
Massive surface membrane expansion without involvement of classical exocytic mechanisms

Activation of TMEM16F, a Ca2+ -dependent ion channel and lipid scramblase, causes massive surface membrane expansion in multiple cell types by unresolved mechanisms. We describe here that membrane expansion reflects opening of deeply invaginating surface membrane compartments when anionic phospholipids are lost from the cytoplasmic membrane leaflet. Compartments that open contain vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMPs) and can open with as little as one micromolar free Cai2+. Cationic peptides that sequester anionic phospholipids open the compartments from the cytoplasmic side without Ca2+. Monovalent cations facilitate membrane expansion via coupled permeation with anionic phospholipids through TMEM16F. When monovalent cation concentrations are reduced, membrane expansion can be reversed by changing ion gradients and membrane voltage. Depolarization closes the compartments by generating inward cation gradients through TMEM16F that promote influx of anionic phospholipids. In summary, TMEM16F-mediated membrane expansion likely does not reflect exocytosis but rather the relaxation of constrictions that close surface membrane invaginations. Summary The surface membrane of diverse cell types can be remodeled by opening and closing surface invaginations that are held shut by proteins that bind negatively charged lipids and constrict the orifices of these compartments.
Like parents, like children. Does the stratification of education systems moderate the direct effect of origins on destinations?

ABSTRACT This article aims to identify the moderating effect of the stratification of education systems (especially the extent to which the first selection is based on student ability) on the association between social origins and destinations, while holding the effect of education constant. Two hypotheses are formulated. The first hypothesis expects a negative moderating effect of the stratification of education systems on the direct effect of origins on destinations, while the null hypothesis argues for no moderating effect. Individual-level data from the European Social Survey (round 1–5) are complemented with new contextual indicators measuring various education system characteristics. Apart from employing these new indicators, another contribution of this article is the use of a more comprehensive measurement of social origins, simultaneously accounting for social class and parental education. Findings show that the direct effect of social origins on occupational attainment is not moderated by the extent to which the first selection is based on student ability. The null effect holds against several robustness checks employing different measurements, sample selections and model specifications.
Spatial variation of mammal richness, functional and phylogenetic diversity in the Mexican transition zone

The multi-dimensional analysis of biodiversity addresses several components, including the number of species, as well as their ecological and evolutionary identities. This approach can lead to key biodiversity patterns that remain covered when only species richness is studied. The convergence of the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions in Mexico suggests spatial variation in biodiversity patterns. In this study we analysed species richness, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity of mammal assemblages in relation to abiotic variables and their variation across the biogeographic regions. Our results showed contrasting patterns among biodiversity dimensions: 1) species richness followed the typical global pattern of a gradual increase from the Nearctic towards the Neotropical region, 2) phylogenetic diversity was highest in the Transitional region; and 3) functional diversity was highest in the Neotropical region, but not different between the Nearctic and Transitional regions. Abiotic variables had a significant relation with variation in biodiversity dimensions, but they had a higher contribution to explain functional diversity than species richness and phylogenetic diversity. The decoupled patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity among the biogeographical regions highlight the complementarity between these dimensions and the importance of transitional regions, and suggest that several historical, environmental and ecological processes may be structuring mammal assemblages. Likewise, different approaches should be followed in accordance to variation of functional and phylogenetic traits among regions.
Remineralization of Early Carious Lesions using Biomimetic Selfassembling Peptides Versus Fluoride agent. (In vitro and In vivo study)

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the remineralization potential of the self-assembling peptideP11-4 (Curodont repair) versus highly concentrated fluoride agent (Enamelast) after single & double applications (Atomic Force Microscopy study) and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of both agents in patients with early carious lesions. Materials and methods: Twenty children ranging from 10-16 years of age were selected with at least 2 white lesions (WSL) detected clinically on the buccal surface of permanent anterior teeth, one on each side. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to the re-mineralizing agent applied. A1: 20 WSL re-mineralized with Curodont. A2: 20 WSL re-mineralized with Fluoride varnish. Each group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups according to the number of applications with (A1B1):10 WSL treated with Curodont single application, (A1B2): 10 WSL treated with Curodont double applications, (A2B1): 10 WSL treated with fluoride single application and (A2B2): 10 WSL treated with fluoride double applications. Also this study was carried on 40 freshly extracted young upper or lower premolars. Teeth were extracted from patients ranging from 14 to 20 years, for orthodontic purpose. Forty enamel samples were prepared from teeth and then examined before and after demineralization and after remineralization with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Results: Both remineralizing agents showed decrease in enamel average roughness after remineralization, however group (A1: Curodont) showed the lowest results. Both groups show gradual decrease in the International Caries Detection Assessment System scores (ICDAS) from the base line to reach the lowest level after 6 months. The best results of ICDAS scores were recorded in subgroup (A1B2: Curodont double application). Both subgroups of curodont repair revealed an extremely significant higher percent increase of radiodensity percentage in comparison to fluoride subgroups. No significant difference between the 2 remineralizaing agents on the pH of saliva. Conclusion: Self-assembling peptides (Curodont repair) was successful as a remineralizing agent in young permanent teeth with white spot lesions. Codex : 21/1704 dentaljournal.forgirls@yahoo.com Paper was extracted from Doctor thesis entitled as “ Remineralization of Early Carious Lesions using Biomimetic Selfassembling Peptides Versus Fluoride agent (In vitro and In vivo study)”
Conversion of two dimensional images into multi-view images of bone using deep learning

ABSTRACT Advancement in technology has changed the viewpoint of the public towards the medical field. Patients believe in the correct diagnosis of a deformity/defect improper functioning before the commencement of actual treatment. Presentation of imaging strategies makes ease in doctors’ life. Now, they can provide satisfactory treatment to patients without performing hit and preliminary trials. The 2-Dimensional (2-D) imaging techniques give a clear idea of simple bone fractures but fail in visualising multiple fractures in a bone. 3-Dimensional (3-D) techniques overcome the challenges of 2-D imaging. In case of any injury such as fracture, arthritis, etc, doctor’s mainly recommended Computerised Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the affected part for the correct diagnosis. Computed Tomography scan is a collection of multiple image slices of a target body part. These slices provide a fair idea of intra-articular fractures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging deals with soft tissues for the correct diagnosis of defects. Computed Tomography scan exposes a patient with high ionising radiations of X-Rays, which make a patient more prone to cancer. Moreover, Computerised Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are unaffordable for the economically weaker section of society due to their high cost. The drawback of 3-Dimaging techniques motivates researchers to develop a model that accept X-Ray image as an input and yields 3-D view at all possible angels from 0° to 360° for a fed image. To serve this purpose, authors propose an innovative Conditional Generative Adversarial network machine learning model that takes input of an X-Ray image and predicts its multi-view.
Structural, Genetic and Physiological Analysis of the Juxtamembrane Region of Drosophila neuronal-Synaptobrevin

Synaptic transmission requires the fusion of neurotransmitter containing vesicles with the neuron's plasma membrane in a temporally restrictive manner. In Drosophila, this challenge is accomplished in part by the SNARE protein neuronal-Synaptobrevin (n-Syb). The juxtamembrane region of this molecule, linking the cytosolic SNARE motif and transmembrane region, is hypothesized to play a functional role in facilitating membrane fusion. This short, 10 amino acid, segment contains numerous charged residues and one conserved tryptophan residue. Its short rigid structure may be important in transducing force during SNARE complex assembly. Tryptophan residues, common in membrane proteins, are often observed at the membrane-water interface. It was hypothesized that this conserved tryptophan residue was important for anchoring and positioning n-Syb in the membrane. Proteins produced with tryptophan mutated were tested for anchoring and stability in a membrane model using NMR
The Effect of Tax Minimization and Exchange Rate on Transfer Pricing Decisions with Leverage as Moderating

Article History: Received January 2, 2020 Accepted June 30, 2020 Available July 30, 2020 The aims of this research are to analyze and to find empirical evidence about the effect of tax minimization and exchange rate on company decision of transfer pricing with leverage as moderating variable. The population of this research was mining companies which listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) over the period 2013 to 2018 from 45 companies. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. Eighteen companies were selected with 65 units analysis were obtained. In addition, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The data was processed by IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software. The results show that tax minimization and exchange rate have positive and significant effect on transfer pricing. Leverage does not moderate the effect of tax minimization on transfer pricing but leverage significantly moderate the effect of exchange rate on transfer pricing. The conclusion of this research is transfer pricing decision will be higher when tax minimization and exchange rate be higher, but leverage can moderate the effect of exchange rate to transfer pricing.
Comparison of Virtual Reality Visualizations With Traditional Visualizations in Hotel Settings

The objective of the current study was to investigate how virtual reality (VR) visualizations compare with traditional visualizations such as two-dimensional (2D) photos as a marketing tool for hotel websites. The specific research question was “How do VR visualizations compare with 2D photos in terms of (1) affective responses, (2) attitudinal/behavioral responses, and (3) cognitive load—that is, task efforts and experiences associated with technology? ” A quasi-experimental study was conducted over two time periods with independent sample pools. A boutique hotel lobby and a guest room were captured in 2D and VR formats. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two types of visualizations. The sample comprised 84 university undergraduate students from the South-Central United States. Nonparametric tests were used to test the proposed hypotheses. There was a statistically significant difference between two visual conditions for several variables—that is, pleasure, satisfaction, word of mouth, and so on. However, those differences were not always consistent between the two time periods. Overall findings suggest that the use of VR visualizations as a promotional tool might not be more effective than traditional photos. Limitations of the study include using students as a proxy for the general population of travelers, small sample size, self-reported measures, and narrow conditional scope. Those limitations should be addressed in future studies.
Exploration of Statewide Fragmentation of Activity and Travel and a Taxonomy of Daily Time Use Patterns using Sequence Analysis in California

Sequence analysis is used in this paper to measure fragmentation in activity participation and travel. Fragmentation here is defined as the sequencing of many short and long activities and trips that happen in a personal daily schedule. Studying sequences of daily episodes (each activity at a place and each trip) is preferable over other techniques of studying activity–travel behavior because sequences include the entire trajectory of a person’s activity during a day while jointly considering the number of activities and trips, their ordering, and their durations. We first identify places visited and duration at each place on a minute-by-minute basis, then we derive representative daily behavior patterns using hierarchical clustering. Our study shows there are at least nine distinct daily patterns with different sequencing of activities and travel as well as travel time ratios and modal split. These patterns include typical commute to work or school, staying at home all day, or traveling extensively. As expected, day of the week plays a major role in the type of daily activity–travel patterns. Travel time ratios are also examined for each daily pattern and we find differences in the role played within each pattern between central city, suburban, exurban, and rural dwellers. In a comparison of couples, we find systematically higher fragmentation in households that have children and their parents are employed, with women showing higher fragmentation in the activity–travel patterns.
Self-talk and emotions in tennis players during competitive matches

Abstract A theory-driven classification recently introduced to sport psychology distinguishes between goal-directed self-talk as a controlled type of self-talk, and spontaneous self-talk as an uncontrolled type of self-talk. Based on this classification, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between self-talk and emotions. To this end, twenty competitive tennis matches were video-recorded. Shortly after the match, the players were confronted with situations from the match and asked to rate the intensity of their emotions experienced, the intensity of their outward emotional reactions, and to report on their self-talk. Multilevel fixed and random effect models showed that the intensity of emotions experienced (fixed model: β = −1.40; p < .01; random model: β = −1.40; p < .01) and outward emotional reactions (fixed model: β = −0.79; p < .01; random model: β = −0.76; p < .05) were lower in instances where players reported solely goal-directed self-talk than in instances where players reported solely spontaneous self-talk. Moreover, in the fixed model, the intensity of emotions experienced was also lower in instances where players reported goal-directed self-talk in conjunction with spontaneous self-talk, compared to instances where players reported solely spontaneous self-talk (β = −0.46; p < .01). Finally, exploratory analyses suggest that these effects are mostly true for negative emotions rather than positive ones. Overall, the findings support the relevance of dual-process self-talk approaches. These findings encourage players to gain awareness about their emotions through spontaneous self-talk, while they can use goal-directed self-talk for emotion regulation. Lay summary During a match, most tennis players talk a lot to themselves. This study shows that their self-talk is related to (a) the emotions they experience and (b) the emotions they show to the outside. Specifically, a goal-oriented type of self-talk is related to less intense emotions. Implications for practice Players can gain awareness about their emotional states through spontaneous self-talk. Players can use goal-directed self-talk to proactively and reactively regulate emotions. Video-assisted recall can be helpful to assess and learn to deal with challenging psychological states during sport competitions.
Quantitative Characterization of Impact Crater Materials on the Moon: Changes in Topographic Roughness and Thermophysical Properties With Age

Impact craters are the dominant features on the Moon, and their degradation with time is the most common geological process on this body. This work is aimed at detailed quantitative characterization of this process. We quantitatively characterize crater materials by (1) the topographic roughness calculated from Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter and (2) rock abundances and nighttime soil temperatures derived from Diviner measurements. In contrast to preceding works, we separately consider crater material subunits: central peaks, floors, walls, and continuous ejecta to study their degradation in detail. We mapped totally 4,770 individual crater material subunits. All subunits of the youngest craters are characterized by increased roughness, rock abundance, and soil temperature. These parameters decrease with age and tend toward equilibrium, stable state; the continuous ejecta reach equilibrium more rapidly than other subunits. Kilometer‐baseline roughness of crater walls in the lunar maria is higher than in the highlands. Rock abundances and soil temperatures of the walls and floors of simple craters in the maria are also higher than in the highlands. We attribute these trends to differences in the mechanical properties of the target materials. Although the properties studied are not exact proxies for age, they can be used to assess individual age predictions; for example, several craters that were erroneously classified as Copernican have been detected. We also found that the unusual thermophysical signature of the walls of the Late Imbrian crater Bonpland D is due to recent regolith flows that could have been caused by a strong, shallow seismic event.
International Trade and Public Protest: Evidence from Russian Regions

How does economic globalization influence domestic political stability? Building on innovations in trade theory, we argue that international trade amplifies political discontent and protest in contexts in which trade losers concentrate, but has a pacifying effect in contexts dominated by beneficiaries of free trade. We examine this argument focusing on variation in Russian regions. Using negative binomial regression models on data from 2007 to 2012, we show that regional education levels condition the effect of trade intensity on protest frequency. High exposure to trade leads to more protests in regions with low average education levels, but fewer protests in regions in which residents are well-educated. Probing the underlying mechanism, we find that the effect of trade on regional economic welfare is conditioned by education levels, that poorly educated Russians face more economic difficulties when they live in regions exposed to trade, and that economically aggrieved individuals participate more in protests.