Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Flow in Complex Landscapes: Testing Multiple Hypotheses with Causal Modeling

Predicting population‐level effects of landscape change depends on identifying factors that influence population connectivity in complex landscapes. However, most putative movement corridors and barriers have not been based on empirical data. In this study, we identify factors that influence connectivity by comparing patterns of genetic similarity among 146 black bears (Ursus americanus), sampled across a 3,000‐km2 study area in northern Idaho, with 110 landscape‐resistance hypotheses. Genetic similarities were based on the pairwise percentage dissimilarity among all individuals based on nine microsatellite loci (average expected \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $$\mathrm{heterozygosity}\,=0.79$$ \end{document} ). Landscape‐resistance hypotheses describe a range of potential relationships between movement cost and land cover, slope, elevation, roads, Euclidean distance, and a putative movement barrier. These hypotheses were divided into seven organizational models in which the influences of barriers, distance, and landscape features were statistically separated using partial Mantel tests. Only one of the competing organizational models was fully supported: patterns of genetic structure are primarily related to landscape gradients of land cover and elevation. The alternative landscape models, isolation by barriers and isolation by distance, are not supported. In this black bear population, gene flow is facilitated by contiguous forest cover at middle elevations.
The structure of umkomasiacean fructifications from the Triassic of Queensland

Abstract The plant fossil genera Umkomasia Thomas 1933 and Pteruchus Thomas 1933 emend. Townrow 1962 are known chiefly from the Middle and Upper Triassic of Gondwana. The structure of these fructifications has been conjectural, some being identified as pinnate, others as helically arranged. Specimens from the Ladinian-lower Norian of Queensland (northeastern Australia) show that the female and male fructifications - U. geminata (Shirley 1898) Rigby in Playford et al. 1982 emend. nov. and P. dubius Thomas 1933 emend. Townrow 1962, respectively - have a bipinnate structure. Those fructifications and the bipinnate leaf, Dicroidium feistmantelii (Johnston 1894) Gothan 1912, probably all belonged to the same parent plant. It was first suggested by John Townrow in 1962 that the sporangial heads of P. dubius have a pinnate structure; this character is confirmed herein. Pteruchus is recorded for the first time from the Carnian Tarong Basin, Queensland. The holotype of Stachyopitys simmondsii Shirley 1898 is shown to be ovuliferous. The species is recombined as Umkomasia simmondsii (Shirley 1898) comb. et emend. nov. Genuine male fructifications, previously identified as S. simmondsii, and later as Pteruchus simmondsii (Shirley 1898) Jones and de Jersey 1947, are assigned to P. minor Thomas 1933. That species comprises the smallest fructifications of the genus. Townrovia polaris Bomfleur et al. 2011 and Stachyopitys lacrisporangia Anderson & Anderson 2003 are identified as junior synonyms to P. minor. The diagnosis of Townrovia Retallack 1981 is inaccurate and the genus is insufficiently distinguished from Pteruchus.
Simulations of the Transformation Stage of the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones

Abstract The physical mechanisms associated with the transformation stage of the extratropical transition of a tropical cyclone are simulated with a mesoscale model using initial environmental conditions that approximate the mean circulations defined by Klein et al. The tropical cyclone structural changes simulated by the U.S. Navy Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Model Prediction System mesoscale model during the three steps of transformation compare well with available observations. During step 1 of transformation when the tropical cyclone is just beginning to interact with the midlatitude baroclinic zone, the main environmental factor that affects the tropical cyclone structure appears to be the decreased sea surface temperature. The movement of the tropical cyclone over the lower sea surface temperatures results in reduced surface heat and moisture fluxes, which weakens the core convection and the intensity decreases. During step 2 of transformation, the low-level temperature gradient and vertical wind shear .
Comparison of Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Different Plant Parts of Ficus deltoidea Jack var. Trengganuensis

Ficus deltoidea var. Trengganuensis (FDT) is one of the variety of a highly potential herbs, Ficus deltoidea Jack. This herb has pharmacologically been shown to possess numerous biological activities. Commonly, only leaves have been used medicinally. In order to assess whether other part such as fig and stem can also be used for medicinal purposes, chemical profile and biological activities were compared. Samples that consist of leaves, figs and stems were collected from four locations in Trengganu state, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to assess the chemical profile. Two compounds, vitexin and isovitexin were used as authentication marker of FDT. A good separation of the chemical components and marker in all sample with distinct spots observed on fig TLC chromatogram at the solvent system of ethyl acetate: formic acid (0.1%): methanol (4:6:2 v/v/v). FTIR fingerprints also exhibit different profile for fig, stem and leaf extract. Principle component analysis on FTIR data revealed that figs from four locations clustered into one group in positive PC2 quadrant suggest that fig has specific constituents, which discriminate them from leaf and stem. Biological activities were assessed by 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Comparison between plant parts discovered that figs from all locations have the highest inhibition on both activities compared to leaves and stems. Finding from this study revealed that figs of FDT could also be consumed for therapeutic purposes in addition to the leaves
Cortical and subcortical gray matter bases of cognitive deficits in REM sleep behavior disorder

Objective To investigate cortical and subcortical gray matter abnormalities underlying cognitive impairment in patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Fifty-two patients with RBD, including 17 patients with MCI, were recruited and compared to 41 controls. All participants underwent extensive clinical assessments, neuropsychological examination, and 3-tesla MRI acquisition of T1 anatomical images. Vertex-based cortical analyses of volume, thickness, and surface area were performed to investigate cortical abnormalities between groups, whereas vertex-based shape analysis was performed to investigate subcortical structure surfaces. Correlations were performed to investigate associations between cortical and subcortical metrics, cognitive domains, and other markers of neurodegeneration (color discrimination, olfaction, and autonomic measures). Results Patients with MCI had cortical thinning in the frontal, cingulate, temporal, and occipital cortices, and abnormal surface contraction in the lenticular nucleus and thalamus. Patients without MCI had cortical thinning restricted to the frontal cortex. Lower patient performance in cognitive domains was associated with cortical and subcortical abnormalities. Moreover, impaired performance on olfaction, color discrimination, and autonomic measures was associated with thinning in the occipital lobe. Conclusions Cortical and subcortical gray matter abnormalities are associated with cognitive status in patients with RBD, with more extensive patterns in patients with MCI. Our results highlight the importance of distinguishing between subgroups of patients with RBD according to cognitive status in order to better understand the neurodegenerative process in this population.
Nanoscale Zinc Oxide Particles for Improving the Physiological and Sanitary Quality of a Mexican Landrace of Red Maize

In this research, quasi-spherical-shaped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized by a simple cost-competitive aqueous precipitation method. The engineered NPs were characterized using several validation methodologies: UV–Vis spectroscopy, diffuse reflection UV–Vis, spectrofluorometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (ATR). A procedure was established to coat a landrace of red maize using gelatinized maize starch. Each maize seed was treated with 0.16 mg ZnO NPs (~7.7 × 109 particles). The standard germination (SG) and accelerated aging (AA) tests indicated that ZnO NP-treated maize seeds presented better physiological quality (higher percentage of normal seedlings) and sanitary quality (lower percentage of seeds contaminated by microorganisms) as compared to controls. The application of ZnO NPs also improved seedling vigor, correlated to shoot length, shoot diameter, root length, and number of secondary roots. Furthermore, shoots and roots of the ZnO NP-treated maize seeds showed a marked increment in the main active FTIR band areas, most notably for the vibrations associated with peptide-protein, lipid, lignin, polysaccharide, hemicellulose, cellulose, and carbohydrate. From these results, it is concluded that ZnO NPs have potential for applications in peasant agriculture to improve the quality of small-scale farmers’ seeds and, as a result, preserve germplasm resources.
Effects of MASP2 haplotypes and MASP‐2 levels in hepatitis C‐infected patients

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) and MBL‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP‐2) are components of the lectin pathway, which activate the complement system after binding to the HCV structural proteins E1 and E2. We haplotyped 11 MASP2 polymorphisms in 103 HCV patients and 205 controls and measured MASP‐2 levels in 67 HCV patients and 77 controls to better understand the role of MASP‐2 in hepatitis C susceptibility and disease severity according to viral genotype and fibrosis levels. The haplotype block MASP2*ARDP was associated with protection against HCV infection (OR = 0.49, p = .044) and lower MASP‐2 levels in controls (p = .021), while haplotype block AGTDVRC was significantly increased in patients (OR = 7.58, p = .003). MASP‐2 levels were lower in patients than in controls (p < .001) and in patients with viral genotype 1 or 4 (poor responders to treatment) than genotype 3 (p = .022) and correlated inversely with the levels of alkaline phosphatase, especially in individuals with fibrosis 3 or 4 (R = −.7, p = .005). MASP2 gene polymorphisms modulate basal gene expression, which may influence the quality of complement response against HCV. MASP‐2 levels decrease during chronic disease, independently of MASP2 genotypes, most probably due to consumption and attenuation mechanisms of viral origin and by the reduced liver function, the site of MASP‐2 production.
Using social media to enhance citizen engagement with local government: Twitter or Facebook?

The social media are becoming a major channel of online interactive participation, and local governments are seizing this opportunity to enhance citizen engagement in political and social affairs. This article analyses the various forms of social media used – that is, Twitter or Facebook – by citizens in their relations with Spanish local government, to determine which of these achieves the strongest degree of commitment. We also analyse the influence of various factors on this level of commitment. The results obtained show that Facebook is preferred to Twitter as a means of participating in local government issues. Other factors that are relevant to citizen engagement are the level of online transparency, mood, the level of activity in social media and the interactivity offered by the local government website. The findings of this study contribute significantly to understanding how citizen engagement is influenced by the type of social media adopted.
Interstellar and interplanetary carbonaceous solids in the laboratory

The interstellar medium (ISM) is a physico-chemical laboratory where extreme conditions are encountered and whereparticular environmental parameters (e.g., density, reactant nature, radiation, temperature, time scales) define the compositionof matter. With present observational possibilities, the fundamental question regarding the possible link betweenISM and solar system samples can be addressed by astrophysicists, planetologists, and cosmochemists. This article focuseson observations of diffuse ISM and dust components of molecular clouds, setting constraints on the composition oforganic solids and large molecules associated with matter cycling in the Galaxy. This study aims at drawing somecommonalities and differences between the materials found in the Solar System and those found in interstellar dust.
Nanoencapsulation and Nanoemulsion of Bioactive Compounds to Enhance Their Antioxidant Activity in Food

This work aims at investigating the effect of the n anoemulsion and nanoencapsulation delivery systems on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different bioactive components. Thymol, carvacrol, linalool and eugenol hydrophobic compounds were encapsulated in dextran of oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsions prepared by ult rasonic homogenization method and stabilized by different t ypes of emulsifier Tween 20, 40 or 80 and distilled water. The results showed that the reducing power, antioxidant capacit y, H2O2 scavenging and antioxidant activity of un-encapsul ated eugenol was the highest percent compared others ess ential oils. The highest essential oils nanoencapsu l ted yield (EY%) and efficiency (EE%) were observed for eugenol 91.7 4 and 97.81 %, respectively by using Dex/T 20 treatment. Nanoencapsulation of eugenol can enhance the aqueou s sol bility of eugenol at 25, 35 and 45 °C. Therma l st bility of eugenol increased from 63.5 to 143 °C after nanoenc apsulation by using Differential Scanning Coliremet ry (DSC). Antioxidant activity of nanoencapsulated eugenol 0. 5 mg/ml in linolic acid system compred with BHT act ivity at different periods storage were 98.97, 98.42, 98.12 and 97.89 % at 0, 60, 120 and 180 days, respectively. Sensory evaluation of jelly prepared with different levels of nano-encapsulated eugenol compared to 1% its un-encapsulated showed the Dex/T20 (0.3 %) formation was the most accepted by testers. The antimicrobial activity of nano-encapsulated eu genol was measured against three different microorganisms, such as Mol ds & yeasts, coliforms and salmonella. Significance and Impact of the Study: nanoencapsulation affects positively essenti al oils main compounds, improves antioxidant activi ty and retains antimicrobial activity, enhancing the quality of th e oils.
New results in the suitability analisys of using blind crossover operators in genetic algorithms for solving routing problems

This paper aims to be an extension of the previously published work ”Analisys of the suitability of using blind crossover operators in genetic algorithms for solving routing problems”. In that paper is shown that the crossover operator offers no advantage in the optimization process of the genetic algorithms when they are applied to routing problem. In this next step of the research we reinforce that hypothesis. For this purpose, we have conducted a new analysis of the results, and we make a new experimentation with two different vehicle routing problems, the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem and the Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls. Keywords—Genetic Algorithm, Crossover Operator, Combinatorial Optimization, Routing Problems.
Association of CDKAL1 Genetic Polymorphism with Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1c Level among Non-Diabetic Chinese Adults

Objectives: Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified as risk loci for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study was conducted to increase our understanding of the mechanisms through which three novel risk variants affect the risk of T2DM. Methods: 918 Chinese volunteers from Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China, were recruited in Oct-Dec, 2006. Collection of demographic and lifestyle characteristics, body measurements, bio-specimen collection and biochemistry assays were performed during the period. Genotyping of rs290487 at transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), rs9465871 at cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1-like 1(CDKAL1) and rs1359790 at chromosome 13q31.1 were conducted using Taqman approach. Results: Genotypes of TCF7L2-rs290487, CDKAL1-rs9465871 and rs1359790 at 13q31.1 were not associated with metabolic syndrome or its components. While average levels of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, serum lipids and anthropometrics did not differ by genotypes of TCF7L2-rs290487 and rs1359790 at 13q31.1, HbA1c level varied significantly by genotypes of CDKAL1-rs9465871, particularly among women. After adjusting for age, women carrying C allele had a higher level of HbA1c than those bearing T allele, with each C allele linking to appropriate 0.1% increase of HbA1c level (P for trend=0.025). However, the difference was no longer significant after multiple comparison correction. Similar patterns were consistently observed regardless of levels of energy, dietary fat and average glycemic index intake (P for interaction >0.05). Conclusions: CDKAL1-rs9465871 may slightly affect glycemic phenotypes in non-diabetic Chinese women. Our results support the potential role of CDKAL1 gene in the regulation of insulin secretion.
Evaluating Penetration Ability of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae into Multilayer Polypropylene Packages

The larvae of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), can invade or penetrate packaging materials and infest food products. Energy bars with three polypropylene packaging types were challenged with eggs (first instars), third instars, and fifth instars of P. interpunctella to determine package resistance at 28 °C and 65% r.h. The packing types were also challenged with two male and two female pupae of P. interpunctella under similar conditions in order to determine which package provided the greatest protection against larval penetration. Samples infested with eggs, third instars, and pupae were evaluated after 21 days and 42 days to count the number of larvae, pupae, and adults found inside the packages. Packages challenged with fifth instars were observed after 21 days to count the number of larvae, pupae, and adults inside each package. The number and diameter of the holes were determined in each package, followed by the amount of damage sustained to the energy bar. Third and fifth instars showed a higher tendency to penetrate all of the packaging types. First instars showed a reduction in package penetration ability compared with third and fifth instars. The increase in exposure time resulted in an increase in the damage sustained to the energy bars. Among packaging types, the thickest package (Test A) was most resilient to penetration by all of the larval stages. In conclusion, energy bar manufacturers need to invest more effort into improving packaging designs, creating thicker gauge films, or advancing odor barrier technology, in order to prevent penetration and infestation by P. interpunctella larvae.
Preseismic ULF electromagnetic effect from observation at Kamchatka

Abstract. Some results of ULF magnetic field observation at Karimshino site (Kamchatka, Russia) since June 2000 to September 2001 are presented here. Using case study we have found an effect of suppression of ULF intensity about 2–6 days before rather strong and nearby seismic shocks (magnitude M = 4.0 – 6.2). It is revealed for nighttime and horizontal component of ULF field (G) in the frequency range 0.01 – 0.1 Hz. Then we prove the reliability of the effect by computed correlation between G (or 1/G) and specially calculated seismic indexes Ks for the whole period of observation. Basing on the simple criteria we conclude that reliability of seismo-associated ULF suppression effect is comparable with well-known effect of connection between ULF variation and Kp index of global magnetic activity. It seems the reason of suppression is located at the atmosphere or ionosphere but not in the ground medium.
Spatial dynamics of the Nassau grouper Epinephelus striatus in a Caribbean atoll

Worldwide, chronic overfishing has depleted populations of large predatory reef fishes and caused unexpected, top-down changes in coral reef ecosystems. Groupers are especially sus- ceptible to overexploitation, because they aggregate to reproduce at specific locations and times. An understanding of the spatial dynamics of these fishes is critical for fisheries management and conser- vation. However, movements and migration dynamics of endangered reef fishes are poorly known. We show, using acoustic telemetry, that Nassau groupers Epinephelus striatus exhibit highly syn- chronised migration to spawning sites, despite their otherwise solitary habits. Reproductive adults leave their individual territories in shallow waters near the winter full moons, and migrate to the same spawning site up to 4 times yr -1 . At the spawning site, a remarkable population-wide depth change occurs within an hour as individuals dive to a maximum depth of 255 m. Our results greatly expand the previously known migration frequency and depth range of this species, and reveal an unexpected yet predictable complexity of adult fish migration between habitats. Effective conservation of this threatened species requires that deeper reefs and the timing of migration events be incorporated into fisheries management plans.
The “ North American shale composite ” : Its compilation , major and trace element characteristics

The compilation and major element composition of the “North American shale composite” (NASC) are reported for the first time, along with redeterminations for the REE and selected other elements by modem, high precision analytical methods. The NASC is not strictly of North American origin; 5 of the constituent samples are from Africa and Antarctica, and 15 are from unspecified locations. The major element composition of the NASC compares quite closely with other average shale compositions. New analyses of the NASC document that significant portions of the REE and some other trace elements are contained in minor phases (zircon and possibly other minerals) and that their uneven distribution in the NASC powder appears to have resulted in heterogeneity among analyzed aliquants. The results of this study show that the REE distributions of detrital sediments can be. dependent to some extent on their minor mineral assemblages and the sedimentological factors that control these assemblages. Consequently, caution should be exercised in the interpretation of the REE distributions of sediment samples as they may be variable and biased relative to average REE distribution of the crustal rocks supplying detritus. These effects appear to be largely averaged out in sediment composites, with the result that their REE distributions are more likely to be representative of their provenances.