Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Divergent selection along elevational gradients promotes genetic and phenotypic disparities among small mammal populations

Abstract Species distributed along mountain slopes, facing contrasting habitats in short geographic scale, are of particular interest to test how ecologically based divergent selection promotes phenotypic and genetic disparities as well as to assess isolation‐by‐environment mechanisms. Here, we conduct the first broad comparative study of phenotypic variation along elevational gradients, integrating a large array of ecological predictors and disentangling population genetic driver processes. The skull form of nine ecologically distinct species distributed over a large altitudinal range (100–4200 m) was compared to assess whether phenotypic divergence is a common phenomenon in small mammals and whether it shows parallel patterns. We also investigated the relative contribution of biotic (competition and predation) and abiotic parameters on phenotypic divergence via mixed models. Finally, we assessed the population genetic structure of a rodent species (Niviventer confucianus) via analysis of molecular variance and FST along three mountain slopes and tested the isolation‐by‐environment hypothesis using Mantel test and redundancy analysis. We found a consistent phenotypic divergence and marked genetic structure along elevational gradients; however, the species showed mixed patterns of size and skull shape trends across mountain zones. Individuals living at lower altitudes differed greatly in both phenotype and genotype from those living at high elevations, while middle‐elevation individuals showed more intermediate forms. The ecological parameters associated with phenotypic divergence along elevation gradients are partly related to species' ecological and evolutionary constraints. Fossorial and solitary animals are mainly affected by climatic factors, while terrestrial and more gregarious species are influenced by biotic and abiotic parameters. A novel finding of our study is that predator richness emerged as an important factor associated with the intraspecific diversification of the mammalian skull along elevational gradients, a previously overlooked parameter. Population genetic structure was mainly driven by environmental heterogeneity along mountain slopes, with no or a week spatial effect, fitting the isolation‐by‐environment scenario. Our study highlights the strong and multifaceted effects of heterogeneous steep habitats and ecologically based divergent selective forces in small mammal populations.
Insights into the impacts of rural honey hunting in Zambia

Trident Foundation, Jivundu Research Station, North-Western Province, Zambia; South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; 4 Environment and Sustainability Institute, Exeter University, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK *Corresponding author Summary: 1849 words (exclusive of tables, figures and references) Acknowledgements
New records of Lindernia s.l. (Linderniaceae) for eastern Australia

One new species of Lindernia All. is described (L. yarun Wannan) from south-eastern Queensland. The following three species of Lindernia are newly recognised for Queensland: L. clausa (F.Muell.) F.Muell. , L. procumbens (Krock.) Philcox and L. rotundifolia (L.) Alston. Illustrations of flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, stem anatomy, and specimens are provided. Notes on habitat, distribution and conservation status are also provided. A key to eastern Australian species of Lindernia, Bonnaya Link & Otto and Yamazakia W.R. Barker, Y.S. Liang & Wannan is provided.
DSMC Simulation of Rarefied Gas Flow over a Backward- Facing Step: Effect of Expansion ratio

Numerical simulations have been performed to study the effect of expansion ratio on the hypersonic rarefied flow past a backward-facing step. The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used for the present study. An opensource solver named dsmcFoam has been used for this purpose. The solver has been validated with well-established results from the literature and good agreement is found among them. Simulations have been carried out for expansion ratios (ER) of 2,4,6,8,10 in the transition regime. The different flow field properties such as velocity, pressure and temperature have been studied. The profiles have found to be influenced by the compressibility and rarefaction effects. Limiting case of ER=8 and above has no influence on the flow field properties.
Roundup Pro® Over the Top of Nursery Crops: Rates and Timing

Nine species of container-grown plants were treated over-the-top with Roundup Pro® (41% glyshosate) at four rates: 0.28, 0.56, 1.12, and 2.24 kg ai·ha−1 (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 lb ai·A−1) either in.
Effect of graded levels of concentrate supplementation on carcass yield and characteristics of local sheep fed urea treated maize cob as a basal diet

The experiment was conducted with the objective of investigating the effect of graded levels of wheat bran (WB) and noug seed cake (NSC) mixtures on carcass yield and characteristics of local Arsi-Bale sheep fed urea treated maize cob (UTMC). The experiment consisted of digestibility and ninety days of feeding trials followed by evaluation of carcass components at the end of these trials. The experimental sheep were vaccinated against common infectious diseases of sheep, de-wormed and disinfected against internal and external parasites, respectively. The experimental design was randomized complete block design. The treatments were ad libitum feeding of UTMC (T1) and supplementation with mixtures of WB and NSC at a ratio of 2WB:1NSC offered at 150 g (T2), 250 g (T3) and 350 g DM/head /day (T4). Water and salt were offered free choice and UTMC was given ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The result indicated that dressing percentage on slaughter weight (SWT) and hot carcass weight (HCW) basis was higher (P<0.001) for supplemented sheep than the control. Similarly, rib eye muscle area was higher (P<0.001) in supplemented sheep than the control group. Generally, T4 improved carcass yield as well as characteristics and could be used as an alternative feed supplement in UTMC based feeding of Arsi-Bale sheep.
The Calculus of explicit substitutions lambda-upsilon

lambda-upsilon-calculus is a new simple calculus of explicit substitutions. In the paper we explore its properties, namely we prove that it correctly implements B reduction, it is confluent, its simply typed version is strongly normalizing. We associate with it an abstract machine called the U-machine. We prove that it is a correct implementation of the calculus.
Chemical Characterization of Fine Particulate Matter in Gasoline and Diesel Vehicle Exhaust

This study investigated the chemical composition (carbonaceous species, water-soluble ions and metal elements) of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The emission factors of PM2.5, total hydrocarbons (THC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were also determined. The emission measurements were performed for four gasoline and four diesel vehicles on a dynamometer with a constant volume sampling system. Vehicles having larger engines and higher accumulated mileages had higher emission factors of gaseous pollutants. Moreover, the average emission factor of NOx was about 30 times higher for diesel vehicles than for gasoline vehicles. The average PM2.5 emission factors for gasoline and diesel vehicles were 1.57 mg km–1 and 57.8 mg km–1, respectively. The ratio of organic carbon to elemental carbon (OC/EC) was found to be a good indicator of gasoline vehicle emissions (OC/EC > 1) and diesel vehicle emissions (OC/EC < 1). Among water-soluble ions, Ca2+ and SO42– had the highest contribution to PM2.5 emitted by gasoline vehicles, while NO3–, SO42– and Ca2+ had the highest contribution to PM2.5 emitted by diesel vehicles. Na, Ca, Fe and Zn were the top four metal elements in terms of their contributions to PM2.5 mass for both types of the vehicles, while Cd, Cr, Pb and Sb were some of the toxic metal elements detected in PM2.5.
Contribution of Sodium-Calcium Exchanger Isoform-3 in Aβ1-42 Induced Cell Death

Aβ1-42 is a peptide which can alter intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and subsequently cause cell death. The molecular mechanisms underlying Aβ1-42 induced Ca2+ dyshomeostasis and neurodegeneration are not fully elucidated. The third isoform of the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) family, NCX3, plays a vital role in adjusting excitable cells Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, using NCX3 stably transfected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, we aim to study the role of NCX3 against Aβ1-42 induced cell death. Our result demonstrates that NCX3 stably transfected cells (BHK-NCX3) are more resistant to Aβ1-42 aggregation compared to their wild types (BHK-WT). The increased cellular loss in BHK-WT was correlated to increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by Aβ1-42. These results present that NCX3 protects against Aβ1-42 induced cell death and proclaim NCX3 and its downstream molecular pathways as critical components that take part in Aβ1-42 neurotoxicity. Our study substantiates molecular events through which Aβ1-42 can induce neurodegeneration such as Alzheimers disease and marks potential targets to slow down neuropathogenesis.
Diffusion of Atrazine, Propachlor, and Diazinon in a Silt Loam Soil

The effect of soil temperature, soil moisture content, and soil bulk density on the diffusion of atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine], propachlor (2-chloro-N-isopropylacetanilide), and diazinon [O,O-diethyl O-(2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate] in Ida silt loam soil was studied in the laboratory. Diffusion coefficients of 1.90, 1.36, and 0.63 mm2/day at 27 C for propachlor, atrazine, and diazinon, respectively, show in a relative way the expected movement of these chemicals in Ida silt loam soil. The greatest amount of movement occurred with high temperatures and high moisture contents. Soil moisture had more effect on atrazine movement than on propachlor movement, and very little effect on diazinon movement. Movement for all chemicals decreased with an increase in bulk density.
Germination of Seeds of Turfgrasses as Affected by Glyphosate and Paraquat

Effects of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium ion) on turfgrass seed germination were evaluated in the greenhouse. Glyphosate caused little effect on germination of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), and tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.) when applied to the soil immediately before seeding or when applied directly over the seed on the soil surface. Paraquat sprayed directly over the seed on the soil surface prevented germination of most of the seeds of the three grass species. Covering seeds on the soil surface with clippings from grass turf sprayed with paraquat greatly reduced germination. About half of those that germinated either died later or were severely chlorotic. Covering seeds on the surface of the soil with clippings from turf that had been sprayed with glyphosate did not significantly reduce the number of seedlings established.
Antemortem diagnosis of rabies in buffaloes: Molecular approach

Antemortem diagnosis of rabies is highly desirable in animals for limiting the exposure of this fatal zoonotic viral disease. Molecular approaches offer a sensitive tool for detection of rabies viral genome. However, the sensitivity of antemortem detection of rabies from skin of buffalo by molecular approaches has not been compared so far. Comparison of TaqMan real time PCR and heminested reverse transcriptase PCR (HnRTPCR) was, therefore, undertaken to diagnose rabies from skin biopsy samples collected from eleven clinically rabies suspected buffaloes presented to veterinary clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana, from different districts of Punjab (India). RNA was extracted from all skin samples and converted to cDNA followed by PCR amplification using both molecular methods. Out of 11 cases incorporated in the study 8 skin samples were diagnosed positive using TaqMan real time PCR and HnRTPCR. FAT on brain tissue procured postmortem established same 8 cases as true positive for rabies. Thus, TaqMan real time PCR well as HnRT-PCR detected rabies with 100% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The agreement between the results obtained by these methods was 100%, thereby TaqMan real time PCR and HnRT-PCR are equally effective molecular approaches for antemortem diagnosis of rabies from skin biopsies of buffaloes.
A unity of opposites in between Nrf1- and Nrf2-mediated responses to the endoplasmic reticulum stressor tunicamycin

The water-soluble Nrf2 is accepted as a master regulator of antioxidant responses to cellular stress, it was also identified as a direct target of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-anchored PERK. However, the membrane-bound Nrf1 response to ER stress remains elusive. Herein, we report a unity of opposites in both Nrf1- and Nrf2-coordinated responses to the ER stressor tunicamycin (TU). The TU-inducible transcription of Nrf1 and Nrf2, as well as GCLM and HO-1, was accompanied by activation of ER stress signaling networks. The unfolded protein response (UPR) mediated by ATF6, IRE1 and PERK was significantly suppressed by Nrf1α-specific knockout, but hyper-expression of Nrf2, GCLM and HO-1 was retained in Nrf1α−/− cells. By contrast, Nrf2−/−ΔTA cells with a genomic deletion of its transactivation domain resulted in significant decreases of GCLM, HO-1 and Nrf1; this was accompanied by partial decreases of IRE1 and ATF6, but not PERK, along with an obvious increase of ATF4. Notably, Nrf1 glycosylation and its trans-activity to mediate transcriptional expression of 26S proteasomal subunits were repressed by TU. This inhibitory effect was enhanced by Nrf1α−/− and Nrf2−/−ΔTA, but not by a constitutive activator caNrf2ΔN (that increased abundances of non-glycosylated and processed Nrf1). Furthermore, caNrf2ΔN also enhanced induction of PERK and IRE1 by TU, but reduced expression of ATF4 and HO-1. Such distinct roles of Nrf1 and Nrf2 are unified to maintain cell homeostasis by a series of coordinated ER-to-nuclear signaling responses to TU. Overall, Nrf1α acts in a cell-autonomous manner to determine transcription of most of UPR-target genes, albeit Nrf2 is also partially involved in this process.
The influence of dielectric layer on the thermal boundary resistance of GaN‐on‐diamond substrate

The cooling behavior of GaN‐on‐diamond substrate can be enhanced by reducing the thermal boundary resistance (TBR), which is mainly determined by the nature of interlayer. Although SiN film is considered as the primary candidate of dielectric layer, it is still needed to be optimized. In order to facilitate the understanding of the influence of dielectric layer on the TBR of GaN‐on‐Diamond substrate, aluminum nitride (AlN), and silicon nitride (SiN) film were compared systematically, both of which are 100 nm. The time‐domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements, adhesion evaluation, and microstructural analysis methods were adopted to analyse these two interlayers. The results show the TBR of SiN interlayer is as low as 38.5 ± 2.4 m2K GW−1, comparing with the value of 56.4 ± 5.5 m2K GW−1 for AlN interlayer. The difference of TBR between these two interlayers is elucidated by the diamond nucleation density, and the adhesion between the diamond film and GaN substrate, both of which are affected by the surface charge and chemical groups of the dielectric layer.
New graduate nurses' perceptions of simulation training

New graduate nurses enter practice with basic critical thinking skills and have minimal experience applying learned concepts into clinical practice. Hiring institutions aim orientation programs at developing new graduate nurses' skills so that they are better prepared to meet patient needs. Human Patient Simulation is one tool employers have recently begun using. A qualitative study was conducted to gain insight into seven new graduate nurses' perceptions of utilizing simulated mock code training during the orientation process. Analysis of the focus group discussion identified four emerging themes: Developing Confidence, Developing Knowledge Base, Developing Critical Thinking, and Developing a Sense of Realism. Each of the four emerging themes contained sub-themes. This research showed that simulation can be a beneficial tool to assist with the new graduate nurse transition into the workforce with the right facilitator and proper safeguards to ensure a sense of realism in the HPS and simulation environment.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Dietary Supplements: Optimization of Extraction, Simultaneous Determination by HPLC And Stability Studies

In recent decades, consumption of multivitamin/mineral (MVM) dietary supplements has significantly increased, reflecting a huge demand from the commercial market. Meanwhile, there is a big concern of the stability and shelf-life of vitamins, including fat-soluble vitamins (FSVs), in the dietary supplements. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct precise analysis and stability evaluation of the FSVs in the commercial products so as to scrutinize their content levels. An optimized method to extract the encapsulated FSVs (i.e., vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3 and vitamin E succinate) from MVM supplements was developed in light of four critical factors, including the hydrolysis time by HCl solution, concentration of HCl solution and hydrolysis temperature, as well as the extraction solvents. Based on the response surface methodology (RSM), the extraction yields of the FSVs were fitted to second-order polynomial models, for which an optimized extraction condition was adopted with the following optimal parameters: 0.4 N HCl solution was used for MVM tablet samples at 50°C for 2 min. In addition, a mixture of hexane:ethyl acetate (7:3, v/v) was found to be the best solvent for an efficient extraction of the FSVs from the MVM supplement. Under this condition, extraction recoveries of the vitamin A esters (i.e., retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate) were determined in a range from 92% to 106%, and those for the vitamin E succinate and vitamin D ranged from 78% to 90%. Subsequently, a chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of the aforementioned four FSVs by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector was developed and validated in terms of high analytical precision and accuracy. For the four FSVs, the analytical limit of detection and limit of quantitation were determined to be in the range of 0.52 - 3.28 µg/mL and 1.56 - 9.94 µg/mL, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day tests for the analytical precision in terms of their relative standard deviations were determined to be below 7% for all of the four FSVs. In order to evaluate the stability of encapsulated FSVs, effects of light, temperature, pH, and storage conditions on the retention of FSVs were investigated. When dispersed in water and exposed to light, vitamin A acetate retained only 10% of its original amount after one day of storage, compared to its retention at 72% stored in darkness. In comparison, vitamin D3 and vitamin E were more stable than the vitamin A esters under the light exposure. Vitamin D3 and vitamin E possessed high retentions (72% and 50%, respectively) when they were exposed to light after 5 days, and even higher values at 78% and 84% when they were in darkness during the same period. On the other hand, all four FSVs have shown significantly higher degradations at 30°C, 40°C, and 60°C than at 25°C in course of the thermal treatment for five consecutive days, but all of their degradation rates were determined to follow the first-order kinetic models. …
Effects of training with different interval exercises on horses used for show jumping

Studies examining the effect of conditioning programs to improve the fitness of horses used in show jumping (Show Jumpers) are not available. Therefore, the effects of conditioning with 3 different interval type exercises were examined on 20 Show Jumpers divided into 3 groups matched by age and jumping performance level. Horses participated in 2 conditioning periods (CP) each of 6 weeks separated by 6 weeks without interval exercise. Training during a CP was the same for all horses but for one specific interval type exercise bout every 5th day. The specific interval exercise bouts were termed Gallop (n=13), Sprint (n=14) and Jump (n=13) and consisted of 4 times 90 s sessions each: Gallop were runs at the heart rate producing a blood lactate concentration (LA) of 4 mmol/l, Sprint were accelerations on the long-sides and decelerations in the short-sides of an arena, and Jump consisted of jumping obstacles of increasing height. Horses were submitted to 3 different standardised exercise tests (SET) before and.
Effect of rootstock thickness on wedge grafting in guava (Psidium guajava L.) under different growing conditions

The present investigation was conducted during the propagation season of 2017 at Centre for Quality Planting Material, RDS Seed Farm, CCS HAU, Hisar, and Haryana. The experiment comprised of 18 treatment combinations laid in RBD (factorial) design [3 rootstock sizes in terms of thickness (<0.8 cm, 0.8-1.2 cm & >1.2 cm); 6 growing conditions (polyhouse of 200 μ size with and without polycap, green shade-net ‘50% shade’ with and without polycap, open-field plus polycap and open-field only)], each replicated thrice. The results revealed that scion grafted on rootstock having thickness of 0.8-1.2 cm took minimum days for bud sprouting as well as first leaf opening and had maximum success percentage of grafts. Shoot length and its diameter, and the number of leaves as well as leaf area per graft were registered maximum with rootstock thickness of >1.2 cm and it was closely followed by rootstock thickness of 0.8-1.2 cm. However, the chlorophyll content of leaves was again recorded maximum with the rootstock thickness of 0.8-1.2 cm and closely followed by rootstock thickness of >1.2 cm, while the fresh and dry weight of shoot as well as roots were observed maximum with rootstock thickness of >1.2 cm followed by rootstock thickness of 0.8-1.2 cm. Considering the growing conditions, days for graft sprouting and first leaf opening were recorded minimum under polyhouse with polycap. The success percentage of grafts, shoot length and its diameter, number of leaves, leaf area per plant, and the fresh and dry weight of shoot as well as roots were also observed maximum in polyhouse with polycap over the grafts. Almost similar chlorophyll content of leaves was registered under polyhouse as well as open field conditions with and without polycap. Overall, the grafts with rootstock thickness 0.8-1.2 cm performed better and it was closely followed by thickness of >1.2 cm. Moreover, most of the growth traits of graft were observed significantly superior under polyhouse (200 μ) followed by the shade-net condition (50% shade) in comparison to open-field condition. Grafts covered with polycap performed better than the uncovered grafts under all the growing conditions.