Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Land-to-sea transition in early whales: evolution of Eocene Archaeoceti (Cetacea) in relation to skeletal proportions and locomotion of living semiaquatic mammals

Abstract Skeletal remains of Eocene Archaeoceti provide the only direct and unequivocal evidence of the evolutionary transition of whales from land to sea. Archaeocete skeletons complete enough to be informative about locomotion are rare (principally Rodhocetus and Dorudon), and these deserve to be studied in comparison to the full spectrum of semiaquatic mammals. A principal components analysis of 14 trunk and limb measurements for 50 species of living semiaquatic mammals reduces the observed variation to three informative axes. The first principal axis (PC-I) represents overall size (water mice and shrews have the lowest scores on this axis and the hippopotamus has the highest); the second axis (PC-II) represents a spectrum of aquatic adaptation (seals have the lowest scores and tapirs have the highest); and the third principal axis (PC-III) represents a spectrum ranging from hindlimb- to forelimb-dominated locomotion (sea otters have the lowest scores and the platypus the highest). Dorudon fits poorly into a morphospace defined solely by living semiaquatic mammals; thus a second 53-species set was analyzed, adding an anthracothere to represent an artiodactyl ancestral morphology and two species of archaeocetes to represent successive stages of early whale evolution. This addition has little effect on the first two principal axes but changes the third substantially. PC-III now represents a contrast of lumbus- (and presumably tail-) dominated versus hindlimb-dominated locomotion (Dorudon has the lowest score and Rodhocetus the highest, whereas the otter shrew has the lowest score among living mammals and the desman the highest). Mammals that are more aquatic have a shorter ilium and femur combined with longer manual and pedal phalanges, whereas the reverse is true for more terrestrial taxa. Lumbus- and tail-dominated swimmers tend to have a longer lumbus combined with shorter pedal elements, whereas the reverse is true for hindlimb-dominated swimmers. Trunk and limb proportions of early middle Eocene Rodhocetus are most similar to those of the living, highly aquatic, foot-powered desmans. Trunk and limb proportions of late middle Eocene Dorudon indicate that it was a lumbus-and-tail-powered swimmer specialized in the direction of modern whales. Thus it appears that the land-to-sea transition in whale evolution involved at least two distinct phases of locomotor specialization: (1) hindlimb domination for drag-based pelvic paddling in protocetids (Rodhocetus), with tail elongation for stability, followed by (2) lumbus domination for lift-based caudal undulation and oscillation in basilosaurids (Dorudon). Rates of evolution in both phases of this change of adaptive zone are about an order of magnitude higher than background rates for the timescale involved.
Acantholysis may precede elevation of circulating anti‐desmoglein 3 antibody levels in pemphigus vulgaris presenting with desquamative gingivitis

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune, blistering disease that affects the mucosa and skin. The current theory favors the concept that anti‐desmoglein (Dsg) 3 autoimmunity is the only pathogenic event needed to induce acantholysis. However, a few cases of active PV in the oral cavity had no detectable anti‐Dsg 3 antibody. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in clinical and laboratory findings, whether or not the anti‐Dsg 3 antibodies were present. This study was based on a retrospective review of 10 PV cases. The evaluation of the circulating autoantibody titers to Dsg 3 was conducted by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An index value of 20 or more was used as the cutoff for a positive reaction. Only five of the 10 PV cases had a positive Dsg 3 ELISA. There were no differences in clinical, cytological, histopathological, and direct immunofluorescence findings, whether or not the anti‐Dsg 3 antibodies were present. Of the five patients with a negative reaction at the time of diagnosis, the Dsg 3 ELISA became positive in the follow‐up period in three cases. In the remaining two cases, the Dsg 3 ELISA was consistently negative for 18 months. Dsg 3 ELISA was negative early in some PV cases. Therefore, PV acantholysis may precede the elevation of circulating anti‐Dsg 3 antibody levels. The diagnosis of PV should be considered based on comprehensive clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescent criteria.
A Review of Digital Skills of Malaysian English Language Teachers

This paper reviews the use of digital skills among teachers to teach English language lesson at schools in Malaysia. It starts by tracking the scenario of digital natives in Malaysia who are studying at school. Next, it reviews the government policies related to the integration of ICT in education especially in English language education as the government has invested a large amount of money to roll out the plan. This is followed by the discussion on teachers’ digital skills in conducting English language classes. It reveals that the barriers of ICT integration are the lack of system support and teachers’ reluctance to adopt the integration in English language lesson. This paper also reviews the courses of continuous professional development among language teachers as to deliver e-learning effectively. This paper concludes the ICT integration in English language lessons is vital and the teachers have to equip themselves with adequate digitals skills to meet digital natives’ expectations in learning English.
Phylogeny of the Genus Cladonia s.lat. (Cladoniaceae, Ascomycetes) Inferred from Molecular, Morphological, and Chemical Data

Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Cladonia, including Cladina (Cladoniaceae, Lecanoromycetes), were reconstructed based upon simultaneous analyses of DNA sequences and morphological and chemical data. We used sequences from the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), the 5.8 rDNA gene, and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the nuclear rDNA gene cluster, and partial sequences from the protein‐coding β‐tubulin gene. The analyses included 235 specimens of 168 taxa representing all currently recognized sections of Cladonia and Cladina and the outgroup genera Cladia, Pycnothelia, and Ramalea. Analyses were performed using optimization alignment with three different parameter values. The results of all analyses support the inclusion of Cladina in Cladonia. The current sectional division of Cladonia was not supported, and a new provisional classification for the genus is proposed.
Plant-based vaccines for potential human application

The worldwide need to produce safe and affordable vaccines with a minimum requirement of manufacture and processing, together with the advancements achieved in biotechnology, have promoted the development of efficient alternatives to traditional ones. One of the available options is the use of transgenic plants, not only as a protein production system but as an antigen transportation system as well, being capable of delivering antigens to the mucosal immune targets, becoming what is known as edible vaccines. The versatility of the plant production system allows for instance, to express and to accumulate foreign antigens in edible plant tissues. Thus, the hypothesis for the choice of plant-based vaccines is that once a plant-based vaccine is eaten, the susceptible host mounts a mucosal immune response against the antigen that is expressed in the plant, becoming protected against the pathogen from which the antigen was selected. This idea is still under study. Here, we described the basis of the system, the promising future and the possible drawbacks.
The Competitive Displacement and Coexistence Principles

All insects, indeed all organisms, have certain habitable zones delimited by physical parameters, outside of which they cannot persist for long. Within these zones, populations of all long established species exhibit a typical "average" density which fluctuates within more or less narrow limits. They can be described very broadly as rare, common, or abundant. A very large proportion of population studies has been concerned with the mechanisms which regulate relative abundance within the habitable or tolerable zones of a species. By comparison, little emphasis has been given to the important fact that some species do not occur at all within zones or habitats which potentially are perfectly suitable to them as far as physical conditions are concerned, even though they may reach these habitats from time to time in suitable numbers. Sometimes species have become extinct i n such habitats and sometimes they are unable to invade successfully from adjacent habitats. The reasons for their absence obviously must involve some sort of i nteraction between species because the physical environment has been stated to be suitable. It should go without saying that the mere fact of geographical isolation keeps many species from reaching new habitats which would be eminently suitable to them. Thus, absence of a species from a habitat may be due to (a) unsuit­ ability of physical factors, (b) lack of physical or biological requisites, (c) geographical isolation, i . e . , the species never reaches the habitat, or Cd) inter­ specific interactions. This paper deals primarily with competitive displacement between ecological homologues which is a unique and special type of interaction between species where one species brings about the extinction or displace­ ment of another ecologically homologous species, or prevents a second such species from invading and successfully colonizing all or a part of its habitat. Obviously, this would limit the range of distribution of certain species. In its strictest application, competitive displacement is an all or none situation. One species wins, the other dies out. There is no natural balance for the loser in a classical case. In nature, and for many reasons to be discussed later, most cases are not black or white like this, but usually i nvolve different shades of gray represented by various degrees of coexistence or displace-
Impact of eutrophication on wood frog, Rana sylvatica, tadpoles infected with Echinostoma trivolvis cercariae

In freshwater systems, environmental changes, such as eutrophication, are occurring that could impact the outcome of host–parasite interactions. Using tadpole infection with trematode cercariae as a host–parasite system, this study examined (i) growth, development, and maintenance of trematode (Echinostoma trivolvis (Cort, 1914)) infection levels in second intermediate host larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica LeConte, 1825) and (ii) post-infection impacts of eutrophication on R. sylvatica tadpoles infected to varying degrees with E. trivolvis cercariae. Results from the first experiment suggest no impact of infection with 50 cercariae on R. sylvatica growth and development compared with uninfected controls. Results from the second experiment, investigating the impact of eutrophication on infected tadpoles, showed that survival to metamorphosis of the individuals in the highest infection treatment (80 cercariae) was reduced regardless of eutrophication treatment. However, for individuals surviving infection .
Distribution of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in freshwater bodies of Europe

Data are presented on the current geographic distribution of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , in freshwater bodies of Europe. They dwell in 14 hydrological systems, including basins of U lakes and three rivers. Nine of the lakes (Ladoga, Onega, Kuito and others) arc located in Russia, one in Finland (Saimaa) and one in Sweden (Vanern). All the rivers inhabited by freshwater salmon flow within Norwegian borders. Most of the lakes and rivers have good connection with the Baltic, White or Norwegian Seas. Over the past 20 years the freshwater salmon stock in Lake Imandra (the Kola Peninsula) has completely disappeared as a result of heavy human impact. The situation with such non-migratory salmon, which used to be important to fishing and trade, is also critical in all other water bodies. It is necessary, therefore, to elaborate effective measures for protecting and restoring freshwater salmon in the lakes and rivers of Europe.
PEROXISOMES IN NERVOUS TISSUE *

Enzymes of the sort found in peroxisomes of the liver and kidney are known to occur in the brain. ’. ‘ These include both catalase and certain of the oxidases, such as D-aminO acid oxidase (DAAO). The abundance of these enzymes varies considerably among different brain regions. For example, DAAO seems particularly concentrated in the cerebellum. Definitive demonstration that the enzymes are associated with peroxisomes has yet to be accomplished biochemically, but there has been a study showing that much of the catalase, and oxidases, are associated with sedimentable particles. ‘ Interestingly, there are differences in sedimentation behavior between catalase and the oxidases suggesting that there may be significant enzymatic heterogeneity among the organelles, some being catalase-rich and oxidase-poor and others showing oxidases but not much catalase. The available data do not yet demonstrate whether some of the catalase-containing bodies lack oxidases altogether, or whether some of the oxidase-containing bodies lack catalase, but these remains open possibilities. Cytochemically. catalase and DAAO in nervous tissue are demonstrable in membrane-delimited organelles similar to the microperoxisomal variety of peroxisomes seen in other tissues. In our work, primarily on rat tissues, we find3-7: 1. Catalase-containing bodies are generally more abundant in the nonneuronal cells (glia, satellite cells, Schwann cells] of dorsal root ganglia and central nervous tissue than they are in neurons. The catalase-containing bodies in the non-neuronal cells tend to be larger (0.2 pm in diameter) than those in neurons (0.1 pm). In some of the non-neuronal cells, the peroxisomal population demonstrated with the catalase procedures is substantial. Thus, for example, in satellite cells of dorsal root ganglia there appear to be more peroxisomes than recognizable lysosomes. As estimated from thin sections, oligodendrocytes contain 30-40 peroxisomes per 100 pmz of cytoplasm whereas neurons of corresponding brain regions contain 0-7. In oligodendrocytes and satellite cells, the catalase-reactive bodies are distributed throughout the cell body; in astrocytes they tend to be present in processes and “end-feet. ” Endothelial cells of blood vessels, ependymal cells lining brain ventricles, and choroid plexus epithelial cells also contain appreciable populations of catalase-positive bodies. The catalase-containing peroxisomes of nervous system cell types show frequent propinquities to mitochondria. They also show the smooth-surfaced outpocketings or tails whose nature [connections to the ER vs. connections to other peroxisomes) is currently being debated. 2. Among the neurons of mature nervous tissue, certain types contain markedly larger populations of peroxisomes with cytochemically detectable catalase than do others. Catecholaminergic neurons especially, both in the peripheral nervous system and in the central nervous system, have large populations.
Previously unrecorded low-temperature Phytophthora species associated with Quercus decline in a Mediterranean forest in Eastern Spain.

Summary Oak decline has been a serious problem in Europe since the beginning of the twentieth century. In south-west Spain, Quercus ilex and Q. suber are the main affected species, and their decline has been associated with Phytophthora cinnamomi. During the last 10 years, a severe decline of Q. ilex and Q. faginea accompanied by a significant decrease in the production of acorns affecting natural regeneration was observed in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of Phytophthora spp. in the decline. A forest in the Natural Park ‘Carrascar de la Font Roja’ in Comunidad Valenciana (eastern Spain), which is dominated by Q. ilex and Q. faginea, was surveyed during 2010–2011. Symptomatic trees showed thinning and dieback of the crown, withering of leaves and death. An extensive loss of both lateral small woody roots and fine roots and callusing or open cankers on suberized roots were observed. Soil samples containing fine roots were baited using both Q. robur leaves and apple fruits. Six Phytophthora species were isolated: P. cryptogea, P. gonapodyides, P. megasperma, P. quercina, P. psychrophila and P. syringae. These are the first records of P. quercina and P. psychrophila on Q. faginea, of P. quercina in Spain and of P. psychrophila in mainland Spain. A soil infestation trial was conducted for 6 months under controlled conditions with 1-year-old seedlings of Q. ilex and Q. faginea. Phytophthora cinnamomi was included in the pathogenicity test for comparison. The results showed that Q. ilex seedlings were generally more susceptible to infection than Q. faginea with P. cinnamomi being the most aggressive pathogen to both oak species. The two most commonly isolated Phytophthora species, P. quercina and P. psychrophila, also proved their pathogenicity towards both Q. ilex and Q. faginea.
Infertility treatment and marital relationships: a 1-year prospective study among successfully treated ART couples and their controls

BACKGROUND: Evidence about the effects of infertility and assisted reproduction technique (ART) on marital relationships is discrepant. Here, we examined the impact of ART on marital relationships. The roles of life stressors, infertility and treatment characteristics in predicting marital relations were also evaluated. METHODS: Subjects: 367 couples with singleton IVF/ICSI pregnancies. Controls: 379 couples with spontaneous singleton pregnancies. Women and men were assessed when the child was 2 months (T2) and 12 months old (T3). They further reported stressful life events at T2 and depression in pregnancy. RESULTS: No between-group differences were found in marital satisfaction and dyadic cohesion. Dyadic consensus deteriorated from T2 to T3 only among control women. Sexual affection was low among control men at T2 and stressful life events decreased it further. Depression during pregnancy predicted deteriorated marital relations only in control couples. Several unsuccessful treatment attempts were associated with good dyadic consensus and cohesion among ART women. Spontaneous abortions and multiple parity predicted poor marital satisfaction in ART women, whereas long duration of infertility and multiple parity predicted poor marital relations in ART men. CONCLUSIONS: Successful ART does not constitute a risk for marital adjustment. The shared stress of infertility may even stabilize marital relationships.
Effects of Ethanol and Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) on Neuronal Proliferation and nCAM Expression

BACKGROUND Developmental events targeted by ethanol are cell proliferation, neuronal migration, and neurite outgrowth; the latter processes being mediated by neural cell adhesion molecule (nCAM). TGFbeta1 affects all three of these events. Therefore, the effects of ethanol on transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 mediated activities in neocortical neurons in vitro were examined. METHODS Primary cultures of cortical neurons were obtained from 16-day-old fetuses and were treated with TGFbeta1 (0 or 10 ng/ml) and ethanol (0 or 400 mg/dl) for 48 hr. The effects of these substances on cell numbers, [ H]thymidine incorporation, and the expression of nCAM were determined. RESULTS Both cell growth (the change in cell numbers over time) and cell proliferation were inhibited by TGFbeta1 and ethanol. The action of these two anti-mitogenic factors was additive. In contrast, TGFbeta1 also promoted the expression of three isoforms of nCAM. Likewise, ethanol also up-regulated nCAM expression. On the other hand, ethanol blocked TGFbeta1-mediated nCAM expression, particularly of the 120 and 180 kDa isoforms. CONCLUSIONS TGFbeta ligands inhibit neuronal proliferation and stimulate the expression of cell adhesion proteins that promote the movement of postmitotic neurons and process outgrowth. Ethanol alters these phenomena as well. Thus, in neurons, as in astrocytes, TGFbeta1 and ethanol may interact.
A randomized controlled trial to compare effects of different volume and concentration of lidocaine for preventing propofol injection pain in adults

Background: Pain on propofol injection is an unwanted effect which can lead to decreased patient satisfaction. Although many studies have shown that pre-treatment with lidocaine injection is effective in this pain, nevertheless, very few studies have been done on different concentration and volume of lidocaine, effective of reducing pain significantly. Objective of the current study was to assess and compare the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine with 0.4% and 2% concentration in reducing the incidence and severity of propofol injection pain.Methods: A total of 126 American Society of Anesthesiologist grade I and II patients with age ≥18 years, scheduled for an elective surgery, were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two equal groups of 63 each. Group A (n = 63) received pretreatment with 0.4% lidocaine and group B (n = 63) received 2% lidocaine. Propofol injection pain was measured by using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Withdrawl Response Scale (WRS). Unpaired t test, ANOVA and Chi square test were used for statistical analysis.Results: A statistically significant decrease in the pain was recorded in group A (0.4% lidocaine) as compared to group B (2% lidocaine). Using NRS scale, 12% of patients in group A as compared to 33% patients of group B, experienced pain (p =0.02); while using WRS, 8% patients of group A as compared to 27% group B patients experienced pain (p= 0.04). Conclusions: The pain on injection of propofol is significantly decreased by the use of 0.4% lidocaine in comparison with 2% Lidocaine.
Predicting rapid invasion of the Florida Everglades by Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum)

Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. (Lygodiaceae) is a climbing fern that is becoming one of the worst non‐indigenous invasive plant species in the greater Everglades ecosystem of southern Florida, USA. We examined the fern across a range of scales including the seasonality of its spore production, its height growth within infested sites and its community ecology. These attributes, combined with a series of aerial transects that identified L. microphyllum infestations across southern Florida, were used to develop a spatial model to predict its future spread in the Everglades landscape. The model shows that this non‐indigenous invader could become widely established throughout the Everglades by 2014. Although several factors, such as release from natural enemies, may help explain the invasion success of L. microphyllum, it appears likely that traits related to its reproduction, such as propagule pressure, and its ability to grow in a low‐light understorey environment, may be among the most important in explaining its ability to invade both disturbed and undisturbed areas far from source populations.
New determinations of somatic chromosome number in cultivated and wild species of Saccharum

Thirty-one clones of Saccharum officinarum, collected from New Guinea, were analysed and the somatic chromosome number was determined. Of the 31 clones, 29 showed 2n = 80 (typical clones), while two clones, NG 77-56 and NG 77-26, were atypical with 2n = 116 and 70 respectively. Chromosome number was determined for 62 clones of S. spontaneum, available in the world germplasm collection, through root tip mitosis. Variable numbers were identified from the same area of collection. Clones collected from north-western regions (Gujarat and Rajasthan) of India showed a majority of 2n = 80 types and 2n = 64 types, whereas 62% of clones collected from Meghalaya (north-east) showed 2n = 64. This is the first time that 2n = 80 cytotypes of S. spontaneum have been reported from the western sector of India. The clones collected from Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal showed lower number, e.g. 2n = 56 and 2n = 60.