Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Haeckel's ABC of evolution and development

One of the central, unresolved controversies in biology concerns the distribution of primitive versus advanced characters at different stages of vertebrate development. This controversy has major implications for evolutionary developmental biology and phylogenetics. Ernst Haeckel addressed the issue with his Biogenetic Law, and his embryo drawings functioned as supporting data. We re‐examine Haeckel's work and its significance for modern efforts to develop a rigorous comparative framework for developmental studies. Haeckel's comparative embryology was evolutionary but non‐quantitative. It was based on developmental sequences, and treated heterochrony as a sequence change. It is not always clear whether he believed in recapitulation of single characters or entire stages. The Biogenetic Law is supported by several recent studies ‐ if applied to single characters only. Haeckel's important but overlooked alphabetical analogy of evolution and development is an advance on von Baer. Haeckel recognized the evolutionary diversity in early embryonic stages, in line with modern thinking. He did not necessarily advocate the strict form of recapitulation and terminal addition commonly attributed to him. Haeckel's much‐criticized embryo drawings are important as phylogenetic hypotheses, teaching aids, and evidence for evolution. While some criticisms of the drawings are legitimate, others are more tendentious. In opposition to Haeckel and his embryo drawings, Wilhelm His made major advances towards developing a quantitative comparative embryology based on morphometrics. Unfortunately His's work in this area is largely forgotten. Despite his obvious flaws, Haeckel can be seen as the father of a sequence‐based phylogenetic embryology.
Complementing the Dominant Social Paradigm with Sustainability

The dominant social paradigm (DSP) defines the basic belief structures and practices of marketplace actors and is manifested in existing exchange structures. Sustainability – a so-called megatrend – challenges the DSP by questioning its underlying assumptions, resulting in tensions or conflicts for different marketplace actors. This study examines a specific case of an alternative market arrangement that bridges tensions between the DSP and environmental concerns. Ethnography in the context of retail food waste disposition reveals tensions experienced by several marketplace actors – namely consumers, retail firms and regulators – and investigates an alternative market arrangement that alleviates those tensions by connecting the actors and their practices in a creative new way. We identify complementarity as the underlying mechanism of connection and resolution. Compared to previously identified alternative market arrangements that are either oppositional or parallel to the DSP, complementarity opens another path toward greater environmental sustainability through market-level solutions.
Design of Synchronization in OFDMA/TDD based Wibro System

The issues of time and frequency synchronization in OFDM system are quite essential to preserve the orthogonality among subcarriers, not to produce ICI. This paper deals with the efficient design of time and frequency synchronization in 802.16e and WiBro system which uses preamble sequence. We present the implementation issues and proper algorithm of the synchronization blocks such as coarse and fine timing synchronization, and fractional and integer frequency offset compensation. A technique to mitigate the false alarms of frame timing acquisition is proposed, which is added to the verification process using the results of cell search. Also, we present the frequency offset compensation process that compensates separate estimation result of fractional and integer frequency offset.
“Just another fish in the pond”: the transitional care experience of a hip fracture patient

Introduction Miscommunication and lack of coordination can compromise care quality and patient safety during transitions in care, especially for medically complex older adults. Little research has been done to investigate care transitions from the perspective of those receiving and providing care. Methods This study explored multiple care transitions for an elderly hip fracture patient, post-surgery. Interviews and observations were conducted with the patient, their family caregivers, and health care providers, at each point of transition between four different care settings. Results Four key themes were identified over the patients care trajectory: ‘Missing Crucial Coversations’—Patient and family caregivers did not feel involved or informed about decisions in care; ‘Who’s Who’—Confusion about the role of health care providers; ‘Ready or Not’—Not knowing what to expect or what is expected; and, ‘Playing by the Rules’—Health system policies and procedures hinder individualized care. Conclusion Study findings point to the need for the health care system to engage patients and family caregivers more fully and consistently in the process of care transitions as well as the importance of understanding these processes from multiple perspectives. Recommendations for system integration are proposed with a focus on transitional care.
Using the prototype willingness model to predict doping in sport

To enable preventive measures to be designed, it is important to identify modifiable distal and proximal factors underlying doping behavior. This study investigated aspects of the prototype willingness model in relation to doping. A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 729 competitive athletes. Following ethical approval, athletes (mean age = 28.8 ± 10.1 years; 63% male) completed an online questionnaire, which assessed doping‐related attitudes, norms, prototype perceptions, outcome expectancies, and behavioral willingness. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, 54.4% of the total variance in willingness to dope was explained. Specifically, past doping, attitudes, and favorability of performance enhancing substance user prototypes were the strongest unique predictors of willingness to dope. Athletes appeared most willing to dope if they were to suffer an injury, a dip in performance, or think others are doping and getting away with it. National‐level athletes displayed significantly greater willingness to dope (Kruskal‐Wallis γ2 = 35.9, P < 0.001) and perceived themselves as significantly more similar to a doper (Kruskal‐Wallis γ2 = 13.4, P = 0.004) than athletes competing at any other level. The findings highlight the importance of extending anti‐doping provision beyond elite‐level sport and the need to target athletes' doping‐related perceptions.
Quantifying population structure using the F‐model

We review a model‐based approach to estimate local population FST’s that is based on the multinomial‐Dirichlet distribution, the so‐called F‐model. As opposed to the standard method of estimating a single FST value, this approach takes into account the fact that in most if not all realistic situations, local populations differ in their effective sizes and migration rates. Therefore, the use of this approach can help better describe the genetic structure of populations. Despite this obvious advantage, this method has remained largely underutilized by molecular ecologists. Thus, the objective of this review is to foster its use for studying the genetic structure of metapopulations. We present the derivation of the Bayesian formulation for the estimation of population‐specific FST’s based on the multinomial‐Dirichlet distribution. We describe several recent applications of the F‐model and present the results of a small simulation study that explains how the F‐model can help better describe the genetic structure of populations.
Slope-Assisted Brillouin Optical Correlation-Domain Reflectometry Using Polymer Optical Fibers With High Propagation Loss

We have recently developed slope-assisted Brillouin optical correlation-domain reflectometry (SA-BOCDR) for higher speed distributed measurement of strain and temperature. However, no reports have been published yet on the use of high-loss fibers. Here, we implement SA-BOCDR using a high-loss polymer optical fiber (POF) for the first time. Due to the gradual reduction in the transmitted power along the POF, the measurement sensitivities are found to depend on sensing position. This unique effect is investigated experimentally, and then a correct POF-based distributed measurement is performed by compensating this effect.
Standardised test protocol (Constant Score) for evaluation of functionality in patients with shoulder disorders.

INTRODUCTION The Constant Score (CS), developed as a scoring system to evaluate overall functionality of patients with shoulder disorders, is widely used but has been criticised for relying on an imprecise terminology and for lack of a standardised methodology. A modified guideline was therefore published in 2008 with several new recommendations, but a standardised test protocol was not included. Also, this new version has not been translated into Danish. The aims of the present study were to develop a standardised English test protocol for the newly modified CS, and to translate and cross-culturally adapt this version into Danish. MATERIAL AND METHODS An English test protocol was developed and translated into Danish at two independent centres according to international recommendations. Consensus on a preliminary version was achieved. The subjective part was tested on six patients, while two physiotherapists gave feedback on the objective part. Relevant items were culturally adapted and rephrased, and a simple standardised test protocol was developed. RESULTS Only minor inconsistencies in the translations were found. A few questions and words had to be rephrased due to cultural and linguistic differences. One of the authors of the modified CS approved both the English and the Danish test protocol. CONCLUSION A simple test protocol of the modified CS was developed in both English and Danish. With precise terminology and definitions, the test protocol is the first of its kind. We suggest its use internationally for standardised assessment of the CS. Testing of validity, reliability and responsiveness of both versions needs to be done in future research. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Harmonized Italian version of the aging males' symptoms scale

Introduction. The interest in clinical investigations in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of aging men has increased over recent years, particularly in the context of partial androgen deficiency. The aim of this paper is to inform the scientific community about a harmonized Italian Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale. Methods. There were two slightly different Italian AMS scales, which both underwent an up-to-date linguistic & cultural translation process, i.e., were both valid to be applied in clinical research. However, there are potential long-term problems associated with having two Italian language versions of the scale in the same country. Therefore, an ad hoc committee of key persons related to both versions met with the scale's developer, to create a harmonized single Italian AMS. Results. The harmonization meeting came up with a consensus item-by-item and the new Italian reference scale was agreed upon. It was decided that this scale should be published to avoid any confusion among future users. Conclusion. The Italian AMS scale published in this paper should be used for future clinical and other research.
A Prospective Randomized Observer-Blinded Study to Assess Postoperative Analgesia Provided by an Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Children Undergoing the Nuss Procedure

Background and Objectives This prospective, randomized, single-blinded study evaluates the effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided bilateral thoracic paravertebral (BTPV) block for providing postoperative pain control in children undergoing the Nuss procedure. Methods Thirty American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II children with pectus excavatum, scheduled for the Nuss procedure, were enrolled at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The patients were randomly allocated into the BTPV block group or the control group. In the BTPV group, 0.25% ropivacaine 0.5 mL/kg with 1:200,000 epinephrine was injected under ultrasound guidance on each side at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra. Postoperative pain was evaluated in both groups for the first 48 hours. Total opioid administered and cumulative attempts on the patient/parent-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) pump were recorded. Postoperative negative behavioral changes in the children were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 7, and 30, respectively, using the posthospital behavior questionnaire. Results The pain scores were significantly reduced in the postanesthesia care unit and for the first 48 hours postoperatively in the BTPV group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The sufentanil use in the postanesthesia care unit was significantly greater in the control group [mean (SD), 0.2 (0) mcg/kg] compared to the BTPV group [mean (SD), 0.05 (0.06) mcg/kg] (P < 0.01). The postoperative sufentanil use was significantly higher in the control group during the first 24 hours (P < 0.01). Numbers of attempts on the PCA pump were significantly greater in the control group (P < 0.01). The posthospital behavior questionnaire score was lower in the BTPV group on day 1, day 7, and 1 month, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided BTPV block provides improved postoperative analgesia for children undergoing the Nuss procedure as compared with intravenous PCA and decreases the incidence of postoperative behavioral disturbance.
A Survey of Worldwide Spectrum Occupancy Measurement Campaigns for Cognitive Radio

Cognitive radio is the emerging technology which provide the innovative approach to improve the spectrum utilization and alleviate the spectrum scarcity. Evaluation of the spectrum occupancy is the step toward the future deployment of cognitive radio. Worldwide several spectrum occupancy measurement campaigns have been performed at different location in context of cognitive radio. We reviewed past measurement campaigns performed by different research groups and analysis of empirical results. We further provide a spectrum occupancy measurement framework for the proposed spectrum measurement in India.
Energy-aware morphable cache management for self-powered non-volatile processors

Wearable, implantable and Internet of Things devices are attracting increasing attention from both research and industry. Energy harvesting is a promising alternative of battery to power these embedded systems. However, the intrinsic instability of energy harvesting systems leads to potential frequent power interruptions. In order to survive the power failures, non-volatile processor (NVP) is proposed to back up volatile information before power depletion and recover the system status after power resumes. Non-volatile memory (NVM) is typically attached for cache and main memory backup. There are researches working on optimization of the backup, however, little of them involve multiple level cell (MLC) NVM. In this work, we first discuss the benefit of applying MLC NVM for cache backup, and then propose a three-stage energy-aware cache management strategy to improve the system performance and energy utilization while guaranteeing successful backups. Evaluation shows that the proposed scheme can achieve 16.7% energy reduction with comparative performance with the single level cell (SLC) based hybrid cache.
Paracrine upregulation of VEGF receptor mRNA in endothelial cells by hypoxia-exposed Hep G 2 cells

Suzuki, Hidekazu, Koichi Seto, Yuichi Shinoda, Mikiji Mori, Yuzuru Ishimura, Makoto Suematsu, and Hiromasa Ishii. Paracrine upregulation of VEGF receptor mRNA in endothelial cells by hypoxia-exposed Hep G2 cells. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 39): G92–G97, 1999. —Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a role in the growth of hypervascular tumors, mechanisms for paracrine regulation of its receptor expression on vascular endothelial cells remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether VEGF released from hypoxia-exposed Hep G2 cells alters expression of the two distinct receptors, kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) and fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (flt-1), in human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVEC). Hep G2 cells were cultured in 20% or 1% O2 for 16 h to examine induction of VEGF mRNA and its protein expression. Conditioned medium from Hep G2 cells (CM) was applied to HUVEC under normoxic conditions, and expression of mRNA for the VEGF receptors was determined by RT-PCR. In response to the hypoxic challenge, Hep G2 cells upregulated VEGF mRNA and the release of VEGF. Hypoxia-CM preferentially stimulated the mRNA expression of flt-1 but not that of KDR in HUVEC. When the VEGF release from hypoxia-exposed Hep G2 cells was blocked by its antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, the endothelial flt-1 mRNA upregulation elicited by the hypoxia-CM was still maintained. These results suggest that hypoxia-exposed Hep G2 cells not only produce VEGF but also evolve paracrine induction of flt-1 through VEGF-independent mechanisms.
A requirement for membrane cholesterol in the β-arrestin- and clathrin-dependent endocytosis of LPA1 lysophosphatidic acid receptors

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulates heterotrimeric G protein signaling by activating three closely related receptors, termed LPA1, LPA2 and LPA3. Here we show that in addition to promoting LPA1 signaling, membrane cholesterol is essential for the association of LPA1 with β-arrestin, which leads to signal attenuation and clathrin-dependent endocytosis of LPA1. Reduction of clathrin heavy chain expression, using small interfering RNAs, inhibited LPA1 endocytosis. LPA1 endocytosis was also inhibited in β-arrestin 1 and 2-null mouse embryo fibroblasts (β-arrestin 1/2 KO MEFs), but was restored upon re-expression of wild-type β-arrestin 2. β-arrestin attenuates LPA signaling as LPA1-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis was significantly elevated in β-arrestin 1/2 KO MEFs and was reduced to wild-type levels upon re-expression of wild-type β-arrestin. Interestingly, extraction of membrane cholesterol with methyl-β-cyclodextrin inhibited LPA1 signaling, β-arrestin membrane recruitment and LPA1 endocytosis. Cholesterol repletion restored all of these functions. However, neither the stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by the M1 acetylcholine receptor nor its endocytosis was affected by cholesterol extraction. LPA treatment increased the detergent resistance of LPA1 and this was inhibited by cholesterol extraction, suggesting that LPA1 localizes to detergent-resistant membranes upon ligand stimulation. These data indicate that although LPA1 is internalized by clathrin- and β-arrestin dependent endocytosis, membrane cholesterol is critical for LPA1 signaling, membrane recruitment of β-arrestins and LPA1 endocytosis.
Everyday Sexism and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Women

This study examined the correlations between everyday (nonviolent) sexism and the development of trauma symptoms in women. A total of 382 women completed a subjective measurement of the experience of sexism, a checklist of gender-based stressors (including acts of violence), a measurement of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a demographic questionnaire. Results indicated a moderately strong relationship between the experience of everyday sexism and PTSD. A stepwise multiple regression revealed that when all variables (test scores, subscale scores, and demographic characteristics) were entered, the most predictive variable for trauma was recent sexist degradation, accounting for 20% of the variance in PTSD scores.
An Early Permian Coastal Flora from the Central Basin Platform of Gaines County, West Texas

Abstract Fossil plants are abundant in dolomite of the Clear Fork Group (Leonardian; late Early Permian) in the North Robertson Unit of the Robertson Clear Fork oil field of Gaines County, West Texas. The unit is a portion of the larger Robertson field. Thirty-seven separate collections were made from drill cores taken in three wells, spanning an interval 300 m thick from a depth below the surface of > 2000 m. The flora is depauperate, comprised of Comia sp. (most abundant), Taeniopteris sp. , Delnortea abbottiae, callipterid-like foliage of uncertain affinity, calamite stems, and unidentified foliage of cycad-like character. Plants occur in discrete intervals that are a few cm to 3 m thick and have limited lateral continuity (less then 0.5 km). Plant-bearing dolomites contain interspersed fossil roots and burrows, weakly developed soil horizons, thin coaly accumulations of organic material, and pedogenic and collapse breccias. Fusain is common throughout. Between the plant-bearing layers are heavily bioturbated dolomites with anhydrite-filled burrows, interpreted as lagoonal to shallow subtidal in origin, up to 50 m thick. Contacts between marine units and plant-bearing beds are sharp. The North Robertson Unit and the field is believed to be internal to the Central Basin Platform and bordered by a shallow seaway to the east. The Central Basin Platform probably represented a broad peninsula between the Midland Basin to the east and the Delaware Basin to the west. The site probably consisted of innumerable little islands separated by a network of waterways. Plants occur in “island complexes” consisting of deposits formed in ponded water, beach fronts, and lagoons. Vegetation must have been tolerant of salt or salt spray, seasonal drought, wind, and storms; all species were robust in construction, with either thick leaves or heavy cuticles. This flora, although clearly allied with other Early Permian floras from western North America, is sufficiently peculiar to indicate that habitat differentiation was well developed within the tropical lowlands during the Late Paleozoic.
Adaptive video streaming with smooth advertisement insertion

Advertisement has contributed a significant part of video streaming revenue nowadays. So far, advertisement insertion is mostly done at a streaming server or a proxy server inside the networks. However, this approach faces problems such as complexity and scalability issues. To this end, this paper presents a client-based approach in HTTP streaming which has becomes a cost effective means in multimedia delivery. In addition, a novel method is proposed for supporting smooth advertisement insertion. The experiment results show that our method can provide smooth transitions under different network conditions.
Force Tracking Impedance Control of Robot Manipulators for Environment with Damping

In this paper, a simple force tracking algorithm for robot manipulators is presented. In the framework of impedance control formulation, the controller can deal with uncertainties from unknown environment and unknown robot dynamics. Uncertainties in the robot dynamics are compensated by the time-delayed joint space control method. The damping characteristic of the environment which is usually ignored in the impedance force formulation is considered. The stability of the impedance function is analyzed and assured under uncertain environment. Extensive simulation studies are presented for testing the performance of the impedance function.