Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study reveals sex-specific genetic architecture of facial attractiveness

Facial attractiveness is a complex human trait of great interest in both academia and industry. Literature on sociological and phenotypic factors associated with facial attractiveness is rich, but its genetic basis is poorly understood. In this paper, we conducted a genome-wide association study to discover genetic variants associated with facial attractiveness using 3,928 samples in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. We identified two genome-wide significant loci and highlighted a handful of candidate genes, many of which are specifically expressed in human tissues involved in reproduction and hormone synthesis. Additionally, facial attractiveness showed strong and negative genetic correlations with BMI in females and with blood lipids in males. Our analysis also suggested sex-specific selection pressure on variants associated with lower male attractiveness. These results revealed sex-specific genetic architecture of facial attractiveness and provided fundamental new insights into its genetic basis.
Revision of the genus Pugillaria Iredale, 1924 (Mollusca: Panpulmonata: Siphonariidae)

ABSTRACT The species of Pugillaria Iredale, 1924 are revised and redescribed. Having not been described adequately, the type species Siphonaria stowae Verco, 1906 of the genus Pugillaria has remained confused and hence the status and validity of the genus uncertain. Previous assessments of S. stowae were based solely on the interpretation of shell and radula characteristics. Three species of Pugillaria are described, two are new and all are endemic to Australia. Pugillaria species are amongst the smallest known members of the Siphonariidae. They are very uncommon and have probably been overlooked as juveniles of larger co-existing siphonariid or patelliform species in collections. They have a distinctive shell morphology, reproductive system and radula. The genus is differentiated from other siphonariid genera (Siphonaria Sowerby, 1823, Benhamina Finlay, 1927 and Williamia Monterosato, 1884) as well as the coexisting Trimusculus Schmidt, 1818 (Ellobiidae). http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7AB7567B-9889-4FEE-A403-FCC6448E9CA9
Plesiadapid Mammals from the Latest Paleocene of France Offer New Insights on the Evolution of Plesiadapis during the Paleocene-Eocene Transition

ABSTRACT Plesiadapidae are among the most successful mammal families of the Paleocene, but in North America they disappear abruptly around the Paleocene-Eocene boundary. In contrast, in Europe, they survive a few million years into the Eocene, although only as the genus Platychoerops. The latest Paleocene deposits of Petit-Pâtis (Paris Basin, France) have produced three new plesiadapid species, one of each genus known in Europe: Plesiadapis ploegi, sp. nov., Platychoerops boyeri, sp. nov., and Chiromyoides mauberti, sp. nov. Each of these new species is represented by the very characteristic upper incisor, thus ascertaining their concomitant presence and in particular the spatial and temporal coexistence of Plesiadapis and Platychoerops. Plesiadapis ploegi, sp. nov., is morphologically intermediate between Plesiadapis tricuspidens and Platychoerops russelli, with a tricuspid I1 typical of Plesiadapis and a semimolariform p4 closer to Platychoerops. Its relatively high morphological variability is illustrated. Platychoerops boyeri, sp. nov., has the simple derived I1 of all Platychoerops and a p4 slightly more molariform than that of Ples. ploegi. Chiromyoides mauberti, sp. nov., is closest to Chiromyoides campanicus, but it is smaller and has a particular I1 with multiple posterocones. The systematic position of ‘Platychoerops’ georgei is discussed; this taxon is considered a chimera, and its type I1 belongs to either Chiromyoides or Plesiadapis. Cladistic analysis highlights the paraphyly or polyphyly of all genera of Plesiadapidae. Finally, there is some indication of morphological convergences between European and North American plesiadapids, which may be the result of similar environmental changes on both continents just before the Paleocene-Eocene boundary.
Investigation of the Regulation of the Lysine Decarboxylase LdcI Activity by the Alarmone ppGpp and MoxR Family AAA+ ATPase RavA

The lysine-dependent acid stress response system in Escherichia coli protects the cells under moderately acidic conditions. It consists of LdcI, the inducible lysine decarboxylase and CadB, the lysine-cadaverine antiporter. LdcI interacts with both ppGpp, the signalling molecule in the stringent response, and RavA, a MoxR-family AAA+ protein induced in the stationary phase. Experiments in vitro have shown that ppGpp inhibits the activity of LdcI and that the interaction between LdcI and RavA antagonizes the inhibition. In this work, it was demonstrated, by using a media shift assay, that the antagonistic regulation of RavA and ppGpp of LdcI activity also takes place in vivo, thereby linking acid resistance to the stringnent response. As part of this study, components of the lysine decarboxylase pathway and the ravA-viaA operon were endogenously tagged with fluorescent proteins. These strains are useful tools to study the localization behaviour of these proteins under different stress conditions.
Review of the biology, fisheries, and conservation status of the Atlantic Sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Mitchill, 1815

Summary The Atlantic Sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, is a large member of the family Acipenseridae, historically reaching lengths of at least 4.6 m in length (with some estimates of 5–6 m). In North America, A. o. oxyrinchus occurs in major rivers and coastal environments along the east coast from Labrador, Canada to Florida, USA; there are also naturally occurring European populations in the Baltic and North Seas. There is evidence that at least 35 North American rivers historically supported spawning populations, although only about 27 rivers are currently known or suspected to support spawning populations. All North American populations are greatly reduced from their historical levels of abundance. The commercial fishery for A. o. oxyrinchus reached its height in the late 1800s, and, in part, caused a population crash from which the species has not yet recovered. In 2012, the species was listed as threatened or endangered under the US Endangered Species Act throughout its range in the United States. It remains unlisted under the Species At Risk Act in Canada although two populations are listed as Threatened by the Committee on Endangered Wildlife Species in Canada. Nevertheless, the Atlantic Sturgeon remains the subject of a regulated commercial fishery in Canada. There is a growing understanding of the biology of A. o. oxyrinchus, and this paper reviews the current state of knowledge of its biology, ecology, life history, conservation, and recovery, and provides an overview of the historical fisheries for this species.
Rickettsiae reservoirs among small mammals (Rats, Mice And Shrews) and their Arthropod Vectors in Sri Lanka

Rickettsioses are a group of emerging diseases caused by closely related bacteria. In Sri Lanka, to date, studies have been focused mainly on human subjects. The present study aimed to identify small mammal reservoir hosts and vectors of Rickettsia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi in two districts of Sri Lanka. Quantitative-PCR was carried out to detect Rickettsia using citrate synthase gene and Orientia using 47-kD outer membrane protein antigen gene in blood of small rodents and their infested ectoparasites. In both districts ~7.5% blood samples were positive for Rickettsia . Rattus rattus, Bandicota indica and Mus fernandoni were carriers. Three individuals of Suncus murinus, B. indica and Golunda ellioti had only infected ectoparasites. Copies of gltA/100 μL ranged from 133-1.2 × 10 4 in blood and 197-1.9 × 10 7 in ectoparasites. Of small mammals with ectoparasites, 43% had Rickettsia positive ectoparasites. Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Ixodes ceylonensis, Haemaphysalis spinigera, Haemaphysalis spp. , Stivalius aporus and Xenopsylla cheopis were positive. All study sites except three had infected small mammals or ectoparasites. All samples were negative for O. tsutsugamushi . This is the first study to report Rickettsia spp. in small mammals and their ectoparasites in Sri Lanka. Haemaphysalis spinigera , I. ceylonensis and S. aporus are new records of vectors for Rickettsia . This is also the first report of endemic M. fernandoni as a carrier of Rickettsia and G. ellioti with Rickettsia infected ectoparasites. Though rickettsiosis is not life threatening in most cases, it can lead to severe or fatal disease in vertebrate animals and humans. Hence, the knowledge of the distribution of said pathogen in the reservoirs is essential to control the disease.
Pollination deficit in mango orchards at Multan, Pakistan.

Mango, Mangifera indica is an indigenous fruit of the Indian sub-continent, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. In Pakistan it is grown mainly in Sindh and Southern Punjab. Despite its long history of cultivation the potential yield has not been achieved. Mango is dependent on insect pollinators to set fruit. Farmers in Pakistan are generally not aware of pollination needs of mango. A study was conducted in different orchards of Multan for relationship of different pollinator groups with the crop. It was observed that fruit weight and fruit quality is enhanced with increasing number of visitors per panicle, as well as vice versa. Similarly inter-cropping was also strongly associated with the average number of visitors. It can also be concluded that inter-cropping attracted pollinators which increased the fruit weight and quality. Moreover, inter cropping also increased the number of observed hives. Same trend was also observed between number of hives and floral diversity at the orchards. Conclusively, it can be depicted safely that intercrop, diversity and average number of visiting pollinators contributed positively to the fruit weight and fruit quality. Pollinators collected from Multan belonged to seventeen different species under 15 genera and 07 families. Ceratina binghami apparently seems to be the dominant bee species followed by Apis andreniformis though no significant difference was observed. Among flies, Episyrphus balteatus seems to be dominant fly visiting mango orchards compared to other pollinators.
Pathogenic and biological characterization of Phytophthora capsici isolates from zucchini and pepper in Southeast Spain

In this work, isolates from pepper and zucchini were tested for pathogenicity on crops commonly cultivated in Mediterranean greenhouses. Also, morphological and growing features and mating types have been studied to find any differences linked with the plant origin and pathogenicity of each isolate. Three isolates were highly pathogenic on all cucurbitaceous and solanaceous hosts tested and caused root rot and wilting. Eggplant and pepper were moderately susceptible, while zucchini, tomato and cucumber were highly susceptible. No root rot symptoms occurred on the fabaceous plants inoculated with Phytophthora capsici, including bean and pea. Moreover, the pathogen was never reisolated from the roots of fabaceous plants. Other isolate of P. capsici was less pathogenic on cucurbitaceous and solanaceous crops, causing only slight root damages. None of the isolates tested produced chlamydospores, and all belonged to A1 mating type. These findings suggest that beans or peas may be a feasible alternative crop for those Mediterranean greenhouses with a history of root rot due to P. capsici.
Local variations in microhabitat use by Stegastes fuscus (Cuvier, 1830) (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) in a tropical reef of Brazil

Due to their widespread abundance and territorial habits, damselfishes play central roles in reefs worldwide, but the extent to which they modify the reef’s substrate varies both amongst and within species. The present study evaluated microhabitat preferences and the role of the common damselfish Stegastes fuscus (Cuvier, 1830) (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) as a benthic community modifier in a tropical algal-dominated reef. We employed video survey techniques to assess fish density and microhabitat use and, additionally, the biomass of sessile components were compared inside and immediately outside algal farms of S. fuscus. Individuals showed pronounced microhabitat preference, but with prominent local (i.e. small-scale) variations in benthic cover. These local variations are reported for the first time and were due to individuals defending one of two contrasting microhabitats (i.e. turf-dominated or Palythoa caribaeorum-dominated). Further, significant differences in the biomass of sessile organisms were observed within algal farms suggesting that S. fuscus plays a keystone role in the benthic community of the reef. The implications of the prominent local variation in microhabitat use are discussed and strongly illustrate the behavioral plasticity of this damselfish.
Despite reproductive interference, the net outcome of reproductive interactions among spider mite species is not necessarily costly

This preprint has been reviewed and recommended by Peer Community in Evolutionary Biology (http://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.evolbiol.100025). Reproductive interference is considered a strong ecological force, potentially leading to species exclusion. This supposes that the net effect of reproductive interactions is strongly negative for one of the species involved. Testing this requires a comprehensive analysis of interspecific reproductive interactions, accounting for the order and timing of mating events, and for their effects on either fertility or fecundity. To this aim, we measured reproductive interactions between a focal species, Tetranychus urticae, and an invasive (T.evansi) and a resident (T. ludeni) species, varying the mating sequence and interval, and measuring the effect of such crosses on fecundity and offspring sex ratio (a measure of fertility, as these species are haplodiploid). We found that mating with heterospecifics affected fecundity and sex ratio negatively, but also positively, depending on the species involved, and on the order and timing of mating events. Overall, the net effect of reproductive interactions was weak despite strong effects of particular events. In natural situations, the outcome of reproductive interactions will thus hinge upon the frequency of each event.
Evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an anti-fumonisin B1 additive in a horse digestion model

In this study, the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to adsorb fumonisin B1 (FB1) was evaluated in in vitro assays. The digestion of nutrients from maize contaminated with FB1 was assessed as well as the influence of digestive enzymes and pH on the bioavailability of FB1 in solution. Adsorption assays in buffers containing 5 µg/ml of FB1 were conducted to determine the strain to be used in the in vitro digestion assays. Four different yeast strains (1, 2, 3 and 4) along with five different cell concentrations of each one were studied under pH 2 and 6.8 at 39 °C. Strain 4 showed higher adsorption values at 1×109 cfu/ml, adsorbing 39.4% of the mycotoxin at pH 2 and 37.5% at pH 6.8. After that, the in vitro enzymatic digestion was conducted in two separated experiments. First, maize artificially contaminated with FB1 (5 µg/g) was used in five different treatments. Then, assays with maize naturally contaminated with FB1 (Maize A: 3.2 µg/g and Maize B: 29.0 µg/g) were conducted. In all samples, FB1 was quan.
PATHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON TUMOR INCIDENCE IN FARM ANIMALS

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of neoplastic lesions affecting farm animals. A total of 202 tumors were collected from different farm animals in different localities of Egypt (Assiut, El-Menia and Sohag). The tumors were fibropapilloma (54.4%), equine sarcoid (32.1%), fibroma (8.4%), squamous cell carcinoma (1.9%), lymphosarcoma (0.9%), haemangiosarcoma (0.9%), Liposarcoma (0.4%) and malignant teratoma (0.4%). It was concluded that neoplasms of the skin were frequently observed tumors in farm animals. The benign neoplasm was more commonly observed than malignant one and the neoplasm was more commonly observed in females (56.5%) than males (43.5%).
Systematic Experimental Determination of Functional Constraints on Proteins and Adaptive Potential of Mutations: A Dissertation

Sequence-function relationship is a fundamental question for many branches of modern biomedical research. It connects the primary sequence of proteins to the function of proteins and fitness of organisms, holding answers for critical questions such as functional consequences of mutations identified in whole genome sequencing and adaptive potential of fast evolving pathogenic viruses and microbes. Many different approaches have been developed to delineate the genotype-phenotype map for different proteins, but are generally limited by their throughput or precision. To systematically quantify the fitness of large numbers of mutations, I modified a novel high throughput mutational scanning approach (EMPIRIC) to investigate the fitness landscape of mutations in important regions of essential proteins from the yeast or RNA viruses. Using EMPIRIC, I analyzed the interplay of the expression level and sequence of Hsp90 on the yeast growth and revealed latent effect of mutations at reduced expression levels of Hsp90. I also examined the functional constraint on the receptor binding site of the Env of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and uncovered enhanced receptor binding capacity as a common pathway for adaptation of HIV to laboratory conditions. Moreover, I explored the adaptive potential of neuraminidase (NA) of influenza A virus to a NA inhibitor, oseltamivir, and identified novel oseltamivir resistance mutations with distinct molecular mechanisms. In summary, I applied a high throughput functional genomics approach to map the sequence-function relationship in various systems and examined the evolutionary constraints and adaptive potential of essential proteins ranging from molecular chaperones to drug-targetable viral proteins.
Preliminary investigation of lake-use patterns in prairie lakes, stakeholder perceptions, and resulting management implications

ABSTRACT Nanayakkara L, Wissel B. 2017. Preliminary investigation of lake-use patterns in prairie lakes, stakeholder perceptions, and resulting management implications. Lake Reserv Manage. 49:49–61. To better understand use and perception of lakes in the prairie region of North America, we distributed 200 lake-use and management surveys at 9 lakes in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, during 2013 and received 65 responses. Survey results indicate recreational uses such as angling, swimming, and boating were most common. Anglers targeted walleye ∼3 times more than other taxa such as northern pike (Esox lucius) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and consumption or catch-and-release was based on species and size. Overall, pollution of waterbodies (76% of responses) and overfishing (60% of responses) were stated as issues of highest concern in response to an open-ended question, but results varied among user groups. When asked to rank a set of issues potentially related to lake health, urbanization ranked above both agriculture and climate change. Only about half of respondents had a general understanding of eutrophication and food-web composition, and anglers were unconcerned about overfishing and had little concern for critical matters such as climate change and invasive species. These results indicate a possible decoupling between science and public perception about anthropogenic influences on lake ecosystems in southern Saskatchewan prairie lakes. Importantly, 60% of respondents stated an interest in lake management involvement. Monitoring and committee participation garnered the most interest. Based on our results, scientific findings and future threats to lakes need to be better communicated to the public to successfully adapt to and mitigate the effects of important issues. Ultimately, enhanced science communication with stakeholders may increase citizen science involvement in lake monitoring and management.
Fluid Solver Independent Hybrid Methods for Multiscale Kinetic Equations

In some recent works [G. Dimarco and L. Pareschi, Comm. Math. Sci., 1 (2006), pp. 155-177; Multiscale Model. Simul. , 6 (2008), pp. 1169-1197] we developed a general framework for the construction o.
10. Moth Sex Pheromone Olfaction: Flux and Flexibility in the Coordinated Confluences of Visual and Olfactory Pathways

No chemotaxis: moths use two indirect responses to pheromone strands and clean air Pheromone-mediated optomotor anemotaxis involves longitudinal and transverse image flow; a turn-reversal involves rotatory image flow Three behavioral responses to pheromone strands coordinated by three protocerebral neuropils known to receive both visual and olfactory inputs Three observed behavioral outcomes in natural point-source pheromone plumes as a result of different frequencies of plume-strand contact
Ovarian maturity, egg development, and offspring generation of the deep-water shrimp Plesionika edwardsii (Decapoda, Pandalidae) from three isolated populations in the eastern North Atlantic

ABSTRACT Ovarian maturity, egg development and brood size were analysed for three isolated populations (Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde Islands) of Plesionika edwardsii (Decapoda, Pandalidae) in the eastern Atlantic. Multiple colour patterns were observed at the same ovarian maturity stage, which was verified histologically, invalidating the extensive use of ovarian colour as a maturity stage criterion. The physiological size at sexual maturity, based on the maturity of the ovaries, was higher in Madeira (carapace length of 19.73 mm) and decreased to the Cape Verdes (16.39 mm). Synchronic ovarian maturation was observed during the embryo incubation process, and ovigerous females bearing embryos at the final stage of development were found throughout the year. Females are multiple spawners during the reproductive season, after which the reproductive process ends and a rest period begins. The absence of females larger than the size at sexual maturity with ovaries in Stage 1, the incubation of embryos in the final developmental stages, suggests that the resting period begins with a process that reabsorbs the energy located in the ovaries and that the resting period occurs asynchronously in females in each of the studied populations. Embryo size was independent of female body size in the three populations studied, but increased with the developmental stage. A power equation was used to describe the relationship between brood size and female body size in the three areas studied. The mean number of external Stage I embryos carried by females decreased from Madeira (n = 7868) to the Cape Verdes (n = 3781), where less energy, in terms of the number of embryos and the size of the eggs, was invested in reproduction. Although female size decreases from north to south, the egg number was higher in Madeira than in the Cape Verdes for the same size range.