Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does size matter? Particle size vs. quality in bivalve suspension feeding

Increases in total suspended solids (TSS) in rivers have likely contributed to the decline in unionid mussel population sizes as feeding and reproduction are reduced at high TSS concentrations. Surprisingly, however, unionids are often found in turbid rivers. We predicted that clay‐sized particles, which comprise > 80% of river seston (particles in suspension), were too small to affect unionid clearance rate (CR) and thus explain this conundrum. We examined this hypothesis in laboratory experiments involving four unionid species exposed to four particle‐size based TSS treatments (mixed sediment: 0–63 μm; clay: 0–5 μm; fine silt: 5–38 μm; coarse silt: 38–63 μm; sourced from mussel sites) at 20 mg/L, which is a TSS concentration sufficient to reduce CR. Whereas the CR for all species was lower for mixed sediment, coarse silt and clay treatments—the latter was opposite to our prediction—the CR of mussels given the fine silt treatment was similar to the no‐TSS control for two species and higher than the other TSS treatments in the other two species. Fine silt contained the most fluorescent (i.e. algal) particles and the highest protein and lipid content, which suggests that CR were higher on the more nutritious diet. Particle quality, rather than size, is what modulates suspension feeding in turbid rivers. Our current understanding of the ecological effects of bivalve suspension feeding will need to be revised to incorporate field‐based measurements.
Consumer buying behaviour and purchase intention of organic food: a conceptual framework

The paper aims to investigate existing research in factors impacting organic food purchase with special reference to eco-labels and identify the relative influence of various determinants. ,A conceptual framework is proposed of organic food buying behaviour after analysing a sample of 154,072 consumers reported in 91 research studies from 2001–2020. The factors are categorised into four categories on the basis of relatedness. In addition, the factors were analysed based on time, region and national economic status. ,The impact of consumer psychographics, socio-demographic and product-related factor categories were found to be more pronounced compared to supply-related factor category. The results show that among individual factors like health concern, environment concern, knowledge and awareness, eco-labels and price followed by trust in organic food are the most important factors in organic food purchase. The findings suggest that eco-labels increase trust in organic food by reducing information asymmetry in consumers. However, there were differences in perception and factors importance between high-income economies and emerging economies. ,The study is unique, as it analyses secondary research based on criteria of high-income economies and emerging economies. The conceptual framework can also be incorporated further into different cognitive models like the theory of planned behaviour.
Hox Genes in Adult Tissues and Their Role in Endothelial Cell Differentiation and Angiogenesis

HOX genes belong to a family of transcription factors characterized by a 183 bp DNA sequence called homeobox, which code for a 61-amino-acid domain defined as the home -odomain. These genes play a central role during embryonic development by control- ling body organization, organogenesis, and stem cell differentiation. They can also play a role in adult processes such as embryo implantation, hematopoiesis, and endothelial differentiation. Since endothelial cell differentiation is one of the main steps to initiate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, we analyzed the role of several Hox genes in the regu- lation of these two processes. In this chapter, we summarized the evidence to support the function of Hox genes in adult tissues, specifically in endothelial cell differentiation, by studying their mechanism of action and how their target genes regulate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms triggered by Hox biological effects is pivotal for designing new drugs or therapies for high prevalent pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases.
Redescription and phylogenetic reassessment of the enigmatic anuran Eorubeta nevadensis (Amphibia) based on new specimens from ?latest Cretaceous–Paleocene beds of the Sheep Pass Formation, Nevada

ABSTRACT Eorubeta nevadensis was originally based on a poorly preserved specimen from a well core in Member B of the Late Cretaceous–Eocene Sheep Pass Formation, White Pine County, Nevada. Originally thought to be a member of Leptodactylidae, E. nevadensis was later determined to have uncertain affinities with other anurans. Additional specimens of E. nevadensis recently collected from the outcrop from Members B and C of the Sheep Pass Formation in the Sheep Pass Canyon area, White Pine County, fill many gaps in knowledge about this poorly understood anuran. The new information allows for the first time a phylogenetic analysis of Eorubeta using parsimony. This analysis places E. nevadensis as the sister taxon of Acosmanura. Eorubeta nevadensis was originally reported as early Eocene but is now considered to be ? latest Cretaceous–Paleocene, based on invertebrates and pollen. Thus, although it is uncertain if E. nevadensis spans the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary, it was at least part of the recovery fauna. The anuran fossil record from this time interval in North America is based on very fragmentary material of mostly uncertain relationships, making E. nevadensis the only nearly complete, well-preserved anuran fossil known. Eorubeta nevadensis, one of the larger fossil anurans recorded, is remarkable for being the only fossil anuran documented from a high-elevation environment, which has been compared to the modern Puna-Altiplano or the Tibetan Plateau.
Is there any Association of NOD2/CARD15 Gene Polymorphism with Tunisian Pemphigus Foliaceus?

Background: Knowledge about the pathogenesis of Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF), an autoimmune disorder of the skin natural barrier, is still modest. Genetic susceptibility factors have been widely studied, while environmental factors remain still ambiguous. NOD2/CARD15 gene encodes an intracytoplasmic receptor involved in recognition of microbial components and NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. Three common CD-associated variations (R702W, G908R and 1007fs) cause a "loss of function" of the molecule and lead to a chronic inflammation in the intestinal epithelial barrier. The aim of this study is to analyze NOD2/CARD15 gene polymorphisms in Tunisian endemic PF. Methods and Results:A case-control study including 79 PF patients and 160 controls was conducted using PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing. Our results showed that the three SNPs are not polymorphic in both patients and controls (allelic frequencies were 0.63% vs 1.25%, 0.63% vs 1.87% and 0% vs 0.62%, respectively). There was no association of mutant alleles with the disease. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the three common variants of NOD2/CARD15 gene are not involved in susceptibility to Tunisian PF. The alteration of the molecule's functionality caused by these mutations seems to not interfere with the development of the disease.
Evaluation of seed-borne fungi associated with tomato and their control measures

A number of seed borne fungi such as- Fusarium moniliforme , Curvularia lunata, Alternaria solani , Helminthosporium solani , Aspergillus flavus , A. niger and Penicillium spp. were identified from the selected BARI-8, Nilima, Patharkuchi, Roma and Ratan varieties of tomato seeds. The highest (2.53%) mean incidence of the fungi F. moniliforme were recorded in tomato variety Roma, BARI-8, Nilima and Ratan while the lowest (0.13%) mean incidence of the fungi Penicillium was found in Ratan. The maximum percent of germination (64%) was recorded in both BARI-8 and Patharkuchi varieties, while the minimum (7%) germination in Nilima. The highest seedling vigor index (632.96) was encountered in BARI-8 and the lowest in Nilima. Trichoderma viride , T. harzianum and T. koningii were used as bio-control agents against major seed borne fungi. T. viride showed the significantly effective mycelial growth inhibition against F. moniliforme and C . lunata , while T . harzianum and T. koningii showed poor performance against both tested fungi. In case of botanical extracts, Lawsonia inermis exhibited the maximum (82.15% and 86.24%) inhibition of mycelium growth of F. moniliforme and C. lunata , respectively. Chemical fungicides, Bavistin (0.5 gm/l) inhibited 65% mycelial growth against F. moniliforme , while higher concentration of chemical fungicide gave 81% inhibition of C. lunata. The results suggested that, L. inermis phytoextract can possibly be exploited for the management of seed-borne pathogenic fungi of tomato in an environmental friendly way. Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 6 (2): 59-66, 2017 (December)
Leader-member exchange and subjective well-being: the moderating role of metacognitive cultural intelligence

Purpose - This study examines employees' metacognitive cultural intelligence as a moderator in the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and employees' subjective well-being. Design/methodology/approach - We tested the conceptual model using regression analysis from a sample of 462 migrant workers in Findings - The results demonstrated that employees' metacognitive cultural intelligence moderated the relationship between LMX and employees' subjective well-being in such a way that the effect was stronger among those employees with lower levels of metacognitive cultural intelligence.Research limitations/implications - The cross-sectional design, with self-reporting at one point in time, could affect a causal relationship among variables, although each relationship was built on strong theoretical perspectives. However, prior research emphasizes that a single source is not considered to be an issue when interactions are examined.Practical implications - One way to improve metacognitive cultural intelligence for global leadership effectiveness could be through the introduction of diversity and cross-cultural training, such as didactic programs provided either in-house or by external institutions.Originality/value - Drawing on Conservation of Resources theory, this paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating that employees' metacognitive cultural intelligence is a boundary condition that alters the strengths of the LMX–subjective well-being relationship.
Delineating Microhyla ornata (Anura, Microhylidae): mitochondrial DNA barcodes resolve century-old taxonomic misidentification

Abstract Microhyla ornata, a species originally described from the southwest coast of India in 1841, was long reported to be wide-ranging throughout South, Southeast, and East Asia. Although the name M. ornata is restricted to populations from South Asia, the species is still considered to occur widely in India and its neighboring regions. To clarify the identity and geographical distribution of M. ‘ornata’, we performed DNA barcoding using a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene from 62 newly obtained samples. Our results show that this taxon is restricted to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, whereas, populations from the other parts represent three different species – M. mukhlesuri, M. mymensinghensis, and M. nilphamariensis, creating new country records for India. Our work reemphasizes the benefits of DNA barcoding for rapidly identifying populations of widespread species and provides insights into the patterns of genetic differentiation in the M. ‘ornata’ species complex of South Asia.
Effect of heat stress on udder health of dairy cows

Abstract This Research Reflection short review presents an overview of the effects of heat stress on dairy cattle udder health and discusses existing heat stress mitigation strategies for a better understanding and identification of appropriate abatement plans for future stress management. Due to high ambient temperatures with high relative humidity in summer, dairy cows respond by changes of physical, biochemical and biological pathways to neutralize heat stress resulting in decreased production performance and poorer immunity resulting in an increased incidence of intramammary infections (IMI) and a higher somatic cell count (SCC). In vitro studies on bovine polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) suggested that heat stress reduces the phagocytosis capacity and oxidative burst of PMN and alters the expression of apoptotic genes and miRNA which, together with having a negative effect on the immune system, may explain the increased susceptibility to IMI. Although there are limited data regarding the incidence rate of clinical mastitis in many countries or regions, knowledge of SCC at the cow or bulk tank level helps encourage farmers to improve herd health and to develop strategies for infection prevention and cure. Therefore, more research into bulk tank SCC and clinical mastitis rates is needed to explain the effect of heat stress on dairy cow udder health and functions that could be influenced by abatement plans.
Motor theory modulated by task load: behavioural effects of tDCS over the LSTG on phonological processing

ABSTRACT Previously we claimed that motoric participation in phonological processing is modulated by task nature, with tDCS responses showing the LIFG increasingly relevant from perception to production. Here we investigated if the claim for a changing and complementary interplay between the LIFG and the LSTG across the speech perception to speech production range holds. We sought the reversed pattern of behavioural responses while targeting the LSTG, considered decreasingly relevant across the range. The same speech perception and production tasks from our previous studies were administered during either anodal, cathodal or sham stimulation. A-tDCS facilitation and C-tDCS inhibition should decrease from perception to production, while facilitatory compensation of C-tDCS downregulation should increase. Overall, the expected reversed pattern was observed with the LSTG as target. For example, downregulation of the LSTG during word naming, considered of low relevance for the LSTG and of higher relevance for the LIFG, caused facilitation, suggesting compensation.
Molecular simulation study of CYP2B6 polymorphism with and without psoralen

ABSTRACT CYP2B6 is a polymorphic enzyme with a large number of variants which may lead to functional changes in enzyme activity and substrate selectivity. In this study, CYP2B6 and its three variants with and without psoralen, a mechanism-based inactivator, were investigated using molecular simulation method. The obtained docking orientation of psoralen was in agreement with previously identified site of metabolism. Stability analysis showed that the three variants displayed more flexibility than CYP2B6.1, and CYP2B6.34 was the most flexible one without psoralen binding. However, in the presence of psoralen, CYP2B6.34 became more rigidity. Tunnel analysis indicates that the bottleneck change of tunnels may be correlated to the increased or decreased activity of variants. Binding free energy analysis shows that van der Waals interaction dominates the binding of psoralen. CYP2B6.34 has the highest affinity to psoralen with lowest binding free energy. Ile114, Phe115 and heme contribute largely to the binding of psoralen with CYP2B6.6, while Phe206 and Leu363 play important roles for CYP2B6.1 and CYP2B6.4. These computational observations suggest that the increased activity of CYP2B6.4 and reduced activity of CYP2B6.6 may be due to changes in regional structures.
Effect of experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection on serum profiles of lipid and cholesterol in pack donkeys

The effect of experimental Trypanosoma congolense ( T. congolense ) infection on serum concentrations of lipids in donkeys was investigated. To establish the infection, four apparently healthy pack donkeys were, each, intravenously inoculated with blood (1 ml) from an infected donor donkey containing 1 x 10 6 T. congolense organisms. Following this, 5 ml of blood was collected from each of the experimental animals, starting from day zero and then every other day throughout the experimental period and used for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. Levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) in the serum were measured over a 28-day experimental period, using commercial test kits. The infection with T. congolense caused significant (P<0.05) decreases in serum concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in the experimental animals. Decreases were also observed in the serum concentrations of triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol but were not significant (P>0.05). With the indispensable roles of lipids as integral parts of cell membrane structures and in other metabolic processes in the mammalian hosts, it could be inferred that T. congolense infection-induced alterations in serum concentrations of lipids might be contributory pathophysiological mechanisms of some of the reported disorders in trypanosome-infected animals.
Adolescents’ eveningness chronotype and cyberbullying perpetration: the mediating role of depression-related aggression and anxiety-related aggression

ABSTRACT Recent empirical evidence has indicated a positive relationship between university students’ evening-type chronotype and their cyberbullying perpetration (CBP) scores while controlling for gender and Big Five personality dimensions. The aims of the present study were (i) to replicate the results of the aforementioned study with an adolescent sample, and (ii) to examine the mediating role of depression, anxiety, and aggression on the relationship between chronotype and CBP. In order to investigate these aims, 493 high-school students were recruited to complete a survey that included the Reduced Morningness–Eveningness Scale, Short Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Form, Aggression Questionnaire, and Cyberbullying Offending Scale. Results indicated that while females had higher depression and anxiety scores, males scored higher on CBP. Path analysis showed that aggression, depression-related aggression, and anxiety-related aggression fully mediated the relationship between evening-type chronotype and CBP. There were also significant gender differences in the model. Furthermore, physiological factors had an indirect effect on CBP via psychological risk factors and emotion-related negative behaviors.
Brain connectivity dynamics: Multilayer network switching rate predicts brain performance

Large-scale brain dynamics measures repeating spatiotemporal connectivity patterns that reflect a range of putative different brain states that underlie the dynamic repertoire of brain functions. The role of transition between brain networks is poorly understood and whether switching between these states is important for behavior has been little studied. Our aim here is to model switching between functional brain networks using multilayer network methods and test for associations between model parameters and behavioral measures. We calculated time-resolved functional MRI (fMRI) connectivity from one-hour long data recordings in 1003 healthy human adults from the Human Connectome Project. The time-resolved fMRI connectivity data was used to generate a spatiotemporal multilayer modularity model enabling us to quantify network switching which we define as the rate at which each brain region transits between different fMRI networks. We found i) an inverse relationship between network switching and connectivity dynamics –defined as the difference in variance between time-resolved fMRI connectivity signals and phase randomized surrogates–; ii) brain connectivity was lower during intervals of network switching; iii) brain areas with frequent network switching had greater temporal complexity; iv) brain areas with high network switching were located in association cortices; and v) using cross-validated Elastic Net regression, network switching predicted inter-subject variation in working memory performance, planning/reasoning and amount of sleep. Our findings shed new light on the importance of brain dynamics predicting task performance and amount of sleep. The ability to switch between network configurations thus appears to be a fundamental feature of optimal brain function.
Evaluation of Methanolic Extract Induced Antinociceptive, Anti-pyretic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ficus hispida Leaves

Objective: Traditionally Ficus hispida is used as a palliative for pain, inflammation, diabetes, fever and neurological disorders. The present study set out to evaluate the antinociceptive, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Ficus hispida leaves (MFHL). Methods: Pithy dried leaves of Ficus hispida were extracted with sufficient amount of pure methanol. The antinociceptive activity of MFHL was evaluated by using formalin induced paw licking, acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate methods in Swiss albino mice. Its anti-pyretic activity was evaluated by Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia test. And anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by using xylene-induced ear edema test. Results: The crude extract was found to have significant (p<0.05, vs. control) analgesic activity at the oral dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg b. wt. , in the tested animals. Extract at dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 Original Research Article Rahman et al.; JPRI, 24(3): 1-12, 2018; Article no.JPRI. 41664 2 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05, vs. control) reduced paw licking and abdominal writhing of mice, and revealed significant increase in latency (p<0.05, vs. control) in tail immersion and hot plate test at 30 and 60 min after their administration. In Brewer’s yeastinduced pyrexia test, the methanolic extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05, vs. control) reduced hyperthermia in mice in 1 hour observation and also lowering of temperature from 2 hours to 4 hours observation period respectively. In anti-inflammatory test, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extract exhibited significant (p<0.05, vs. control) ear weight differences and inhibition of ear edema. Conclusion: Results of above study indicate that Ficus hispida leaves can be a potential source of analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory medication.
High‐turbidity events in Western Lake Erie during ice‐free cycles: Contributions of river‐loaded vs. resuspended sediments

High‐turbidity events (HTEs) are common phenomena in shallow‐water environments that can alter ecological interactions. The relative contributions of river input (external loading) vs. resuspension (internal loading) to the occurrence, duration, and influenced areas of HTEs are not fully understood in most systems, owing to the lack of long‐term, source‐specified sediment maps. Using a Finite Volume Community Ocean Model‐based wave‐current forced sediment model, we investigated sediment dynamics in the shallow, river‐dominated Western Lake Erie during ice‐free cycles (April–November) of 2002–2012. Results indicated that wind waves predominated sediment dynamics in the offshore areas, with river discharges causing substantial inshore to offshore gradients. Owing to varying wind waves and river discharges, both the mean and extreme sediment dynamics had distinctive seasonal variations. The basin was turbid during spring and fall, with frequent (> 15%), broad (O [102–103 km2]), and more persistent (means of 3.2/4.4 d during spring/fall) HTEs caused mainly by resuspension events. During summer, the basin was clearer with occasional (< 1%), small (O [1–102 km2]), and short (mean of 1.5 d) HTEs near the mouths generated by pulsing river loadings. Although river loading rarely induced basin‐wide HTEs, they were important during floods, enlarging the high‐turbidity areas by 11.3%. Overall, by delineating the drivers of HTEs in Western Lake Erie, this study furthered the understanding of sediment dynamics in shallow ecosystems and provides a basis for investigating the ecological impact of sediments from different sources in river‐ and wave‐energetic systems.