Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The presence of a furcula in tyrannosaurid theropods, and its phylogenetic and functional implications

ABSTRACT The distribution of clavicles (or furculae) within the Dinosauria has been poorly understood, and until recently many workers argued that they were not even present. It is now known that allosaurids, oviraptorids, Segisaurus, and troodontids possessed clavicles. Fused clavicles (furculae) recovered with several recently discovered tyrannosaurid skeletons are described in this paper. A rerun of Bryant and Russell's (1993) congruence test was conducted against a new and larger tree reflecting new ideas about theropod phylogeny. The results more consistently show that clavicles are primitively present in theropods.
Morphological adaptations to song flight in passerine birds: a comparative study

Song flight by birds is one of the most energetically expensive results of sexual selection, and behavioural or morphological features which reduce the magnitude of this cost should therefore be selectively advantageous. We use aerodynamical flight theory to predict how changes in morphology affect flight performance during song flight display. If manoeuvrability and gliding flight during aerial displays were important, this should favour reduced body size and increased wing span and wing area. If flapping flight endurance, climb rate, acceleration or maximum speed in gliding dive are important, selection should favour reduced body size and increased wing span, but not increased wing area. Selection should favour increased aspect ratio and decreased wing loading in most cases. These predictions were evaluated by using morphological data on males and females from eight pairs of related passerine species in which males of one species perform song flight but males of the other do not. Song flight was not associated with a reduction in body size, but wing span, wing area and aspect ratio increased, and wing loading decreased in males of species with song flight. This suggests that manoeuvrability and flapping flight performance have been the major selective forces affecting the morphology of males of species with song flight.
Alpha-helical CRF9–41, Blocks Stress- and CRF-induced Behavior Changes in Chicks

Abstract Zhang, R. , Ohgushi, A. , Takagi, T. , Nakanishi, T. , Saito, E. -S. , Yoshimatsu, T. , Denbow, D.M. and Furuse, M. 2002. Alpha-helical CRF9–41, blocks stress- and CRF-induced behavior changes in chicks. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 169–176. Three experiments were conducted, to test the role of the brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system in mediating stress-induced behaviors and regulating food intake by using CRF receptor antagonists (α-helical CRF9–41 and astressin) in chicks. In Experiment 1, birds were intracerebro-ventricularly (i.c.v.) injected with 10 fig of a-helical CRF9–41 or saline and placed individually into an acrylic glass recording chamber 20 min post-injection and automatically monitored by an audio analysis application for 60 seconds. The number of distress vocalizations (DVs) induced by isolation was significantly suppressed by α-helical CRF9–41 compared to the control group. Chicks were similarly treated with astressin in doses of 0, 5 and 10 fig in Experiment 2, but no significant difference of DVs was observed. In Experiment 3, after a 3h fast, birds were i.c. v. injected with either saline, 0.1 μg of CRF, 0.1 μg of CRF + 5 μg of α-helical CRF9–41 or 0.1 μg of CRF + 10 μg of α-helical CRF9–41 and food intake was measured for 2h. CRF suppressed food intake and α-helical CRF9–41 partially blocked such effect. The results suggested that 1) α-helical CRF9–41 attenuated the behavior changes induced by isolation and exogenous CRF; 2) CRF receptors in avian species may be somewhat different from that in mammals.
WOMEN’S RIGHT, A CALL FOR LIFE: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF PRES. DONALD TRUMP’S SPEECH FOR THE 2020 MARCH FOR LIFE

Political ideologies and power are shaped by politicians’ manipulation of linguistic features that appeared in their public discourses. Employing transitivity system, this study investigated President Donald Trump’s speech during the 2020 “March for Life” to identify the transitivity processes and to determine how these processes are assimilated in the said discourse. Findings revealed that 126 transitivity processes are dominantly material, relational, and mental. Being the first US president who graced this event, material processes constructed a self-statement of initiatives and efforts in preserving human life and his attack on his political nemesis as threats to the preservation of the value and dignity of life. Relational processes have constructed life-protection ideas by valuing the significance of the children and the unborn. Trump’s feelings toward the dignity of life are shaped by mental processes by his direct association to the public as among the advocates of human life. Ironically, transitivity processes have shown minimal involvement of women in his speech, contrary to the theme. Data prove that language employed in a public discourse builds power and ideologies that serve as the human framework to understand the mind of the speaker.
Phytophthora cinnamomi invasion, a major threatening process to conservation of flora diversity in the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia

The invasive soilborne plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands is a major threatening process in the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia, an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot. Comparatively recent introduction of P. cinnamomi into native plant communities of the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia since the early 1900s has caused great irreversible damage and altered successional change to a wide range of unique, diverse and mainly susceptible plant communities. The cost of P. cinnamomi infestation to community values is illustrated by examination of direct (mortality curves, changes in vegetation cover) and indirect impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, the proportion of Threatened Ecological Communities infested, Declared Rare Flora either directly or indirectly threatened by infestation and estimates of the proportion of the native flora of the South-west Botanical Province susceptible to the pathogen. While direct impacts of P. cinnamomi have been poorly documented in the South-west Botanical Province, even less attention has been given to indirect impact where destruction of the habitat by the pathogen affects taxa not directly affected by infection. Current poor understanding and quantification of indirect impacts of P. cinnamomi through habitat destruction results in an underestimation of the true impact of the pathogen on the flora of the South-west Botanical Province. Considerable variation of susceptibility to P. cinnamomi among and within families of threatened flora and responses of taxa within the genus Lambertia show how classification within family and genus are poor predictors of species susceptibility. Within apparently susceptible plant species, individuals are resistant to P. cinnamomi infection. Intra-specific variation in susceptibility can be utilised in the long-term management of threatened flora populations and needs to be a high research priority. Current control strategies for conservation of flora threatened by P. cinnamomi integrate hygiene and ex situ conservation with disease control using fungicide. Application of the fungicide phosphite has proven effective in slowing progress of P. cinnamomi in infested, threatened communities. However, variation in plant species responses to phosphite application is a major factor influencing effective control of P. cinnamomi in native communities. A greater understanding of the mechanisms of action of phosphite in plant species showing different responses to the fungicide may provide options for prescription modification to increase phosphite effectiveness in a range of plant species. The range of responses to P. cinnamomi infection and phosphite application described for Lambertia taxa suggests that the genus would make an ideal model system to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance to P. cinnamomi and the effectiveness of phosphite against the pathogen.
IMPACT OF DIET-SPECIFIC INPUT PARAMETERS ON SIMULATED RUMEN FUNCTION

Abstract Theories and concepts were investigated that have been applied in three extant models of rumen function by Baldwinet al.Danfaer and Dijkstraet al., as a preliminary step to investigate theories of intake regulation. These models are the most detailed at present and differed particularly in the description of microbial metabolism. Simulations were performed on inputs derived from seven experimental diets with very complete observations available of rumen dynamics. Comparison between models indicated that their simulation results differed markedly. In addition to daily feed intake and feed composition as model inputs, each model requires its own set of parameter inputs. However, some parameter inputs could not be estimated accurately from the available observations. The role of these unknown inputs on simulation results was studied by manipulating their estimated value. It was concluded that, in particular, parameter inputs whose concepts do not correspond to rumen observations have a large impact on model behaviour. Therefore, models need to be developed further to versions that use parameter inputs that can be readily estimated from rumen observations. The goal of the investigated rumen models is to simulate the chemical transactions inside and the nutrient release from the rumen. Nutrients absorbed after digestion seem to be important factors for regulation of daily intake. However, the models take daily feed intake as a known input instead of describing the regulation of intake, although it is highly unpredictable in practice. Thus, extant rumen models need to be developed and evaluated further before they can be used to investigate theories that go beyond the rumen compartment.
Frondoside a a novel triterpene glycoside from the holothurian cucumaria frondosa

The isolation and characterization of a novel triterpene glycoside from the sea cucumber Cucumariafrondosa, collected from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, are described. Physico-chemical data obtained on the underivatized saponin are presented in support of structure 1 for frondoside A. The structure is characterized by the presence of a branched oligosaccharidic chain composed of five units. The holostane-type aglycone features an endocyclic double bond at position C-7,8 and a β-acetoxy group at C-16. Keywords: triterpene glycoside; Cucumariafrondosa saponins; saponins, triterpene from holothurians; holothurian saponins; echinoderm triterpene saponins.
Robust constrained control of piecewise affine systems through set‐based reachability computations

This article addresses finite‐horizon robust control of a piecewise affine system affected by uncertainty and characterized by different affine dynamics (modes) associated with a polyhedral partition of the state space. The goal is to design a static state‐feedback control law that maintains the state of the system within given—possibly time‐varying—sets, subject to actuation constraints. The proposed approach rests on two phases: a reference mode sequence with a sufficiently large robustness level is determined first, and then a tracking state‐feedback control law defined on the reach sets of the controlled system is designed to counteract uncertainty and maintain the reach sets within the reference sequence. If this is not possible and the reach sets split over different modes, then, further reference mode sequences and tracking controllers are computed. The designed state‐feedback control law is represented through a collection of controllers defined on precomputed reach sets of the closed‐loop control system. Performance of the approach is shown on some numerical examples.
High concentrations of zinc and copper induce differential polyamine responses in micropropagated white poplar (Populus alba)

An in vitro model system of micropropagated shoots of the commercial clone ‘Villafranca’ of Populus alba (L.) was used to investigate polyamine (PA) biosynthesis and accumulation in response to high concentrations of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Based on leaf symptoms, rate of adventitious root formation and ethylene production, 0.5–1 mM Zn was transiently toxic while 2–4 mM Zn concentrations were increasingly toxic. Free and conjugated putrescine and spermidine accumulated in a dose–response manner and proportionally to toxicity. The expression profiles of the PA biosynthetic genes were analysed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in plants exposed to Zn. In both leaves and stems, PaADC and PaODC transcript levels were early enhanced by all Zn concentrations, while those of PaSAMDC were not. In adventitious roots, free and conjugated PA levels also rose, although their composition and reciprocal ratios were different from those of leaves and no changes in transcript levels of PA biosynthetic genes were detected. Several Cu concentrations (5–500 mM) were tested in shoots showing severe leaf toxicity, strongly impaired adventitious root formation and high ethylene production. No changes in PA levels were detected until end of culture. The different timing of the PA response to Zn and Cu, despite their rapid uptake and translocation already at 24 h, is discussed in relation to the extent of leaf toxicity.
Revealing the Role of Water in the Acid−Base Interaction between the Phosphate Groups of DNA and the Amino Acid Side Chains of Proteins: A Density Functional Theory Study of Molecular Models

Salt bridges between DNA and the Lys, Arg, and His side chains of proteins are studied at the B3-LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory using molecular models. Calculations show that for His the stabilization of the [deprotonated DNA phosphate group]-- -[protonated protein basic group]+ bridge requires its solvation by at least three water molecules. By analogy with acid−base interactions in inorganic chemistry, this is accounted for by the structure of the protonated His basic group (the imidazole ring), which does not allow the interaction of this group with the deprotonated phosphate group of DNA by more than one strong H-bond. For Lys and Arg the 2-fold H-bonding interaction between the acid and base residues is strong enough to stabilize the related ion-pair complexes without solvation. For all three salt linkages the nonspecific acid−base interaction is energetically permitted with a few water molecules lying between the oppositely charged acid and base moieties. For the used molecular models the difference i.
Efficient Information Transmission Using Smart OFDM for IoT Applications

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is one of the most widely adopted modulation schemes because it offers several desirable features, such as spectral efficiency and low complexity implementation. Moreover, it is highly suitable for adaptive implementation. Nevertheless, OFDM does not have any special immunity against multipath fading as compared to single-carrier systems. Therefore, we propose in this article a new OFDM configuration, denoted as OFDM-smart (OFDM-S), where superposition modulation is used to introduce transmit diversity to reduce the bit error rate (BER) while maintaining the spectral efficiency and bit rate fixed. The proposed scheme is based on clustering specific subcarriers that can cooperate by sharing their transmission resources. The cooperation is performed such that all subcarriers transmit their data jointly using all the subcarriers within their cluster. The system performance is derived in terms of BER performance over Nakagami- $m$ frequency-selective fading channels where efficient expressions are presented in terms of a single finite integral, and closed-form expressions are derived for the asymptotic BER. The obtained analytical results corroborated by simulation show that the OFDM-S can provide substantial BER improvement over conventional OFDM, due to the transmit diversity.
Numbers, migration phenology and survival of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima at Gourdon, eastern Scotland

Purple Sandpipers wintering on the Kincardine coast had a protracted autumn arrival (one-quarter and three-quarters of the birds arrived on 30 July and 21 October respectively, 83 days) but a faster spring departure (one-quarter and three-quarters departed on 9 April and 27 May respectively, 48 days). The long arrival period was partly due to differences in the migration phenology of the two main wintering populations: short-billed birds from Norway arrived before the long-billed birds, probably from Canada. There was a smaller difference in departure times of the two populations: short-billed birds left before the long-billed birds. Minimum annual survival was estimated from resightings of 92 marked birds. There was no evidence that survival differed between adults and first-years or between birds of different bill-size classes, which were of different sex and geographical origin. Minimum annual survival was estimated to be 79.5%(se = 2.8%). The similarity between the mortality rate (20.5%) and the percentage of first-year birds in populations of Purple Sandpipers probably reflects balanced population dynamics.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Induces Expression of Genes for Matrix Degradation in Human Chondrocyte‐like HCS‐2/8 Cells Through Activation of NF‐κB: Abrogation of the Tumor Necrosis Factor α Effect by Proteasome Inhibitors

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) has been suggested to induce chondrocytic chondrolysis in both inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases. However, its intracellular signaling pathway leading to the chondrolysis has not been studied in detail. Thus, we investigated whether TNF‐α activates a transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) in human chondrocyte‐like cells (HCS‐2/8) and induces the expression of genes involved in the degradation of cartilage matrix. Treatment of the cells with TNF‐α markedly increased the levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐3, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), and cyclo‐oxygenase 2 (COX‐2) messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The increase in the mRNAs was associated with the activation of p65/p50 heterodimer NF‐κB. IκB‐α and IκB‐β, cytoplasmic molecules preventing the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, were degraded rapidly by TNF‐α followed by their synthesis to the basal level. Treatment with proteasome inhibitors inhibited the degradation of both IκB‐α and IκB‐β and prevented the TNF‐α‐dependent nuclear translocation of p65. Furthermore, the inhibitors completely prevented the TNF‐α‐dependent induction of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, ICAM‐1, and COX‐2 mRNAs. Thus, it is shown that the activation of p65/p50 NF‐κB by TNF‐α plays a cardinal role in inducing the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, ICAM‐1, and COX‐2 genes, which are involved in matrix degradation and inflammatory reaction in chondrocytes, leading to chondrocytic chondrolysis.
Rethinking Assessment in Medical Education in the time of COVID-19

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the design, delivery and processes in medical education. While the crisis continues, it is important to develop creative ways of assessment that continue to maintain the standards of medical education and accommodate the present environmental and social limitations brought on by COVID. This crisis also offers an opportunity to transition programs to a competency based curriculum.The transition should be comprehensive but staged to include current and prospective learners. It is important to first consider the existing framework of assessment and work backwards on design and process. As an immediate and first step would be to add multiple opportunities for formative assessment into the new approaches adopted for teaching/learning (T/L). Standard assessment formats in medical school that include written exams (like MCQs, SAQs and practical skills via OSCE) will need to be re-imagined and re-planned. It may now be time to consider shifting focus of assessment to attainment of competencies. This is a longer term process but can be phased in. As a start using low stakes assessment as part of entrustable professional activities that are task directed and encompass domain of knowledge, skills and attitude.Revisiting older modalities and introducing new ways that accommodate distant engagement may need consideration for e.g. structured viva, use of log books for assessment, virtual patients, e-portfolios.Thus an emphasis in assessment should be on using multimodal tools for formative and summative assessments that focus on mastery in clinical reasoning, problem solving and decision making skills allowing transition to a competency based curriculum.The key task will be the timely creation and monitoring of a balanced face to face and online assessment program keeping in mind resource availability, faculty buy-in and support of regulatory and licensing bodies.
The application of Chaboche model in uniaxial ratcheting simulations

Abstract This article presents the application of Chaboche nonlinear kinematic hardening model in simulations of uniaxial ratcheting. First, the symmetrical strain-controlled cyclic tension/compression tests for PA6 aluminum samples were done. Using the experimental stress–strain curve, initial material hardening parameters were determined by the ABAQUS software. The experimental curve was compared with the numerical one. For better fitting of both curves, the optimization procedure based on the least-square method was applied. Using the determined hardening parameters, numerical simulations of the ratcheting were done by the finite element analysis software. Numerical results were then compared with the experimental data obtained in the stress-controlled cyclic loading test.
Assessment of Root Freezing Damage of Two-year-old White Spruce, Black Spruce and Jack Pine Seedlings

Whole root systems of 2-yr-old containerized white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss], black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings, with intact root plugs, were exposed to various frost temperatures, which a preliminary test indicated would induce approximately 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and nearly 100% frost damage. Damage to root systems was evaluated using: (1) two measures of electrolyte leakage (relative conductivity and total tissue leakage after autoclaving); (2) water loss after pressurization; (3) chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm, maximal PSII photochemical efficiency) measured 4, 21 and 30 days after the beginning of seedling regrowth and (4) live root dry mass measured 21 days after the artificial frost and 60 days after the beginning of regrowth. Seedling survival and growth after the artificial frost were evaluated using live root dry mass measured after 60 days of regrowth and new shoot length, stem diameter, and root and shoot dry mass. Live root dry mass, dead tissue leakage, jack pine root water loss and fluorescence measurements were all significantly correlated with one or more of the growth variables and the number of significant correlations varied with species. Dead tissue leakage measurements appear to be the most promising method for evaluating root damage to 2-yr-old well-developed root systems of these species.