Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new species of Cantellius and a redescription of C. sextus (Hiro, 1938) (Cirripedia, Balanomorpha Pyrgomatidae) from the elephant skin coral, Pachyseris speciosa (Dana, 1846) (Scleractinia, Agariciidae) from Taiwan

Two species of Cantellius from Taiwan were identified from the elephant skin coral, Pachyseris speciosa Dana, 1846. Cantellius sextus was found on the underside of the coral plate and a new species, C. hoegi sp. nov., on the upper surface. The microdistribution indicates the different requirements of the two species. In the present study, both arthropodal and opercular plate characters of these two species were investigated using SEM techniques. Morphologically, C. hoegi is close to C. pallidus. However, the tergal scutal margins of C. pallidus are curved, whilst those of C. hoegi are straight, and its spur is narrower than that of C. pallidus. The apex of the scutum and tergum of C. hoegi forms a honeycomb-like surface, most probably the ‘imprint’ of the chitinous primordial valves. The separation of C. hoegi from C. pallidus is also supported by molecular analyses of three mitochondrial gene sequences (COI, 16S, and 12S rRNA). Cantellius hoegi differs from C. pallidus and C. sextus by >5% in all three mitochondrial genes (COI, 16S, and 12S rRNA) sequenced. The values of sequence divergence in 12S are comparable to the inter-specific divergence reported for other Cantellius and Savignium species. Interestingly, C. hoegi is not the sister group of C. pallidus, a morphologically similar species, in the present study. Further studies should focus on molecular phylogenetic analysis of Cantellius species.
Molecular characterization of Iranian Dracocephalum (Lamiaceae) species based on RAPD data

Taxonomic relationship and genetic diversity among 17 accessions belonging to six Iranian Dracocephalum L. species and one accession of Lallemantia as closely related genus was analyzed using RAPD markers. Forty RAPD markers were used and only twelve of them gave reproducible polymorphic bands among the accessions studied. In total 262 bands were produced out of which 10 bands were monomorphic and 252 bands were polymorphic. Among the taxa investigated Dracocephalum kotschyi (Damavand population) showed the highest number of RAPD bands (144), while D. multicaule (Zanjan population) showed the lowest num- ber (95). UPGMA cluster analysis showed efficacy of RAPD data to differentiate the species at molecular level. Dracocephalum polychaetum and D. surmandinum as two different species in Flora of Iranica revealed a close relationship with Dracocephalum kotschyi and formed a mixed subcluster. The RAPD analysis offered rapid and reliable tools for the estimation of inter- and intra specific variability in Dracocephalum.
Journalism matters: reporting peace in Cyprus

The article investigates journalism in societies that are working towards a peaceful resolution. Focusing on the ongoing peace process in Cyprus, it studies the influences and difficulties journalists experience when they report on the negotiations. The peace process in Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974 following a conflict between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, is continuing. Thematic analysis of the interviews conducted with 67 journalists identifies the key issues that affect journalists in Cyprus when they report on the conflict and peace negotiations. The results show that journalists experience tension between professional values and a sense of belonging and move between professional and national/ethnic identities to cope with it. The results also indicate that despite political and ideological pressures, journalists exercise agency, making attempts to challenge and alter them.
Nitrogen Forms Alter Triterpenoid Accumulation and Related Gene Expression in Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. Seedlings

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. is a multiple function tree species distributed in subtropical areas, and its leaves have been used in medicine and nutraceutical foods in China. However, little information on the effects of nitrogen (N) forms and ratios on growth and secondary metabolite accumulation is available for C. paliurus. The impact of five NO3−/NH4+ ratios on biomass production, triterpenoid accumulation and related gene expression in C. paliurus seedlings was evaluated at the middle N nutrition supply. Significant differences in seedling growth, triterpenoid accumulation and relative gene expression were observed among the different NO3−/NH4+ ratio treatments. The highest triterpenoid content was achieved in a sole NO3− or NH4+ nutrition, while the mixed N nutrition with equal ratio of NO3− to NH4+ produced the highest biomass production in the seedlings. However, the highest triterpenoid accumulation was achieved at the treatment with the ratio of NO3−/NH4+ = 2.33. Therefore, the mixed N nutrition of NO3− and NH4+ was beneficial to the triterpenoid accumulation per plant. The relative expression of seven genes that are involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis were all up-regulated under the sole NH4+ or NO3− nutrition conditions, and significantly positive correlations between triterpenoid content and relative gene expression of key enzymes were detected in the leaves. Our results indicated that NO3− is the N nutrition preferred by C. paliurus, but the mixture of NO3− and NH4+ at an appropriate ratio would improve the leaf triterpenoid yield per area.
Preparation, characterisation and enhanced properties of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites for UV-light-driven photocatalysis

ABSTRACT ZnO containing 0-10 wt% Ag was successfully synthesized by a simple solution deposition method using NaBH4 as a reducing agent at room temperature. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analytical results show that Ag nanoparticles were supported on hierarchical ZnO flowers. Photocatalytic performance of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites in degrading of methylene blue and methyl orange was increased with increasing in Ag content to the highest value at 5 wt% Ag. In this research, a photocatalytic mechanism of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites was also proposed and discussed.
GWAS Functional Variant rs2076295 Regulates Desmoplakin (DSP) Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells.

RATIONALE Genetic association studies have identified rs2076295 in association with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesized rs2076295 is the functional variant regulating desmoplakin (DSP) expression in human bronchial epithelial cells, and DSP regulates extracellular matrix-related gene expression and cell migration, relevant to IPF development. OBJECTIVE To determine whether rs2076295 regulates DSP expression, and the function of DSP in airway epithelial cells. METHODS Using CRISPR/Cas9 editing (including regional deletion, indel, CRISPRi, and single-base editing), we modified rs2076295 and measured DSP expression in edited 16HBE14o- and primary airway epithelial cells. Cellular integrity, migration, and genome-wide gene expression changes were examined in 16HBE14o- single colonies with DSP knockout. Expression of DSP and its relevant matrix genes were measured by RT-PCR and also analyzed in single-cell RNA-seq data from control and IPF lungs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS DSP is expressed predominantly in bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells with reduced expression in alveolar epithelial cells in IPF lungs. Deletion of the DNA region spanning rs2076295 led to reduced expression of DSP and edited rs2076295GG 16HBE14o- line has lower expression of DSP than rs2076295TT lines. Knockout of DSP in 16HBE14o- cells decreased transepithelial resistance but increased cell migration with increased expression of extracellular matrix-related genes, including MMP7 and MMP9. Silencing of MMP7 and MMP9 abolished increased migration in DSP knockout cells. CONCLUSIONS Rs2076295 regulates DSP expression in human airway epithelial cells. Loss of DSP enhances ECM-related gene expression and promotes cell migration, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Nitrogen fixation and symbiosis-induced accumulation of mineral nutrients by cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Abstract. Little information currently exists on the relationship between rhizobial symbiosis and mineral accumulation in nodulated legumes. The aim of this study was to measure fixed nitrogen (N) in whole plants and in young fully expanded trifoliate leaves of cowpea genotypes, and to relate this to mineral accumulation in the leaves. The data revealed marked differences between high and low N2-fixing genotypes, with the former consistently showing greater %N, plant or leaf total N, and amount of N fixed compared with the latter. There was a 2.0–3.8-fold difference in amount of N fixed at whole-plant level between high- and low-fixing cowpea genotypes at Taung, South Africa, and 2.4–4.0-fold at Manga, Ghana. Furthermore, the genotypes with high N2 fixation consistently exhibited greater concentration and content of minerals (e.g. P, K, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B) in their trifoliate leaves, whereas those that recorded low N2 fixation accumulated lesser amounts of mineral nutrients in leaves. In a nodulation assay, we found that rhizobial isolates TUT53b2vu and TUT33b4vu, which exhibited higher symbiotic efficiency (measured here as nodule number, nodule fresh weight, and plant dry matter yield), also elicited greater mineral accumulation in cowpea shoots, while strains with low N2-fixing ability induced limited mineral accumulation. These results, together with a correlation analysis, show that, at least in nodulated cowpea, there is a strong relationship between N2-fixing efficiency and mineral accumulation, two traits that could be exploited in breeding programs for improved human nutrition and health.
Decreased level of plasma nesfatin-1 in rats exposed to cell phone radiation is correlated with thyroid dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis

Abstract Context Exposure to Electomagnetic radiation fields of cell phones causes thyroid dysfunction and a previous study revealed that nesfatin-1 may affect functions of the thyroid gland. Objective To study the role of nesfatin-1 on functions of rat’s thyroid gland exposed to EMRF. Materials and methods Thirty adult male rats were divided equally into 3 groups as group I, group II and group III. The experiment extended for 30 days then the plasma nesfatin-1 level, thyroid functions, and thyroid tissue oxidative stress were assessed. Also; histological and immunohistochemical study studies were done to evaluate structural and apoptotic changes of the thyroid gland. Results There was a significant decrease in plasma nesfatin-1 level and thyroid functions with an increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis. Interestingly, there was a correlation between nesfatin-1 level and markers of thyroid function, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conclusion Nesfatin-1 plays a role in thyroid dysfunctions of rats exposed to mobile phone radiation.
Light and electron microscopic study of Pelomyxa binucleata (Gruber, 1884) (Peloflagellatea, Pelobiontida)

Summary Morphology of a pelobiont Pelomyxa binucleata (Gruber, 1884) has been studied using light and electron microscopy. The organisation of P. binucleata has been shown to differ from that of P. palustris, P. prima and P. corona. The cell surface of P. binucleata is represented by the plasma membrane with a thin but distinct layer of nonstructured glycocalyx. The ectoplasm, containing a network of fine fibrils, is separated from the endoplasm with a boundary layer of cisterns and reticulum channels. The flagella are poorly motile. The axoneme has a nonstable set of microtubules. A short kinetosome is about 200 nm long; the transition zone, also about 200 nm long, is situated above the cell border and contains a transition cylinder. Microtubular rootlet and microtubular cone are absent. From the kinetosome, almost in parallel to its longitudinal axis, 35�40 microtubules arranged in 3�4 rows start. Right below the kinetosome base they bend at a right angle to its longitudinal axis and pass further as a bundle in the ectoplasm below the cell surface. These microtubules do not penetrate into the endoplasm. The system of structural vacuoles is poorly developed. Glycogen bodies are rounded, smooth and surrounded with flattened reticulum cisterns. The set of endocytobionts includes two kinds of rodlike bacteria: thick bacteria with a poorly developed cleft and thin Grampositive ones. The length of both kinds of bacteria may be 30 µm and more. The nuclear envelope bears a multilaminar layer on its outer surface. The nucleolus is fragmented and situated at the centre of the nucleus. The species composition of the genus Pelomyxa Greeff, 1874 is discussed in the context of revision of outdated ideas about its monotypy. Morphology of its representatives is considered in comparative aspect.
Effect of temperature and drying on the longevity of stored Nothofagus alpina pollen

Long-term pollen storage is important so that producers and breeders may be able to utilise stored pollen to cross individuals that bloom at different times or in different places. The objective of the current study was to determine the moisture content and optimal temperature for the storage of Nothofagus alpina (P. et E.) Oerst pollen. Pollen samples used for this study were obtained from established trees at the ‘Huillilemu’ clonal seed orchard, located in the commune of San José de la Mariquina, in southwestern Chile. Pollen extraction was conducted by placing it in a climatic chamber (25 °C and 50% relative humidity) for 24 hours. The obtained pollen was subjected to various drying times and stored at three temperatures: 4 °C; –13 °C; and –80 °C. Longevity of pollen stored at 4 °C and –13 °C was short, although it was possible to increase longevity by storing it at –80 °C.
Numerical Modeling of Fracture Network Evolution in Organic‐Rich Shale With Rapid Internal Fluid Generation

When low‐permeability and organic‐rich rocks such as shale experience sufficient heating, chemical reactions including shale dehydration and maturation of organic matter lead to internal fluid generation. This may cause substantial pore fluid overpressure and fracturing. In the vicinity of igneous intrusions emplaced in organic‐rich shales, temperatures of several hundred degrees accelerate these processes and lead to intense fracturing. The resulting fracture network provides hydraulic pathways, which allow fluid expulsion and affect hydrothermal fluid flow patterns. However, the evolution of these complex fracture networks and controls on geometry and connectivity are poorly understood. Here, we perform a numerical modeling study based on the extended finite element method to investigate coupled hydromechanical fracture network evolution due to fast internal fluid generation. We quantify the evolution of different initial fracture networks under varying external stresses by analyzing parameters including fracture length, opening, connectivity, and propagation angles. The results indicate a three‐phase process including (1) individual growth, (2) interaction, and (3) expulsion phase. Magnitude of external stress anisotropy and degree of fracture alignment with the largest principal stress correlate with increased fracture opening. We additionally find that although the external stress field controls the overall fracture orientation distribution, local stress interactions may cause significant deviations of fracture paths and control the coalescence characteristics of fractures. Establishing high connectivity in cases with horizontally aligned initial fractures requires stress anisotropy with σV > σH, while the initial orientation distribution is critical for connectivity if stresses are nearly isotropic.
A new species of Ceratogaulus from Nebraska and the evolution of nasal horns in Mylagaulidae (Mammalia, Rodentia, Aplodontioidea)

Members of the Mylagaulidae have been known for over a century to bear nasal horns; the only rodents, extinct or extant, ever to have done so. This striking feature is known from five of the over 30 species of mylagaulid rodents discovered across North America and Eurasia, all relatively large animals that were likely less fossorial than their relatives. We describe herein a sixth new species of horned mylagaulid. This new taxon from Sioux County, Nebraska, offers the opportunity to reassess the phylogenetic relationships of Mylagaulidae and test several evolutionary hypotheses. Our analyses demonstrate that horns evolved only once in Mylagaulidae, in the common ancestor of Ceratogaulus, first as short horns exapted from the thickened nasals of fossorial ancestors, and later as taller horns. The horns evolved following a positive allometric scaling with body mass that suggests a response to predation pressure in these nearly blind animals. The evolution of tall horns also corresponds to a jump in body mass. The largest mylagaulids are not horn-bearing species, however. Additional analyses of the complex pattern of body mass evolution we reveal will be necessary to explain the evolution of the largest head-lift digging rodents in Earth history. https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:81FE999A-F79E-4BD4-9A81-2C7D3D5D81CD
Rhizome morphology and patterns of leaf production of secondary hemiepiphytic Oleandra pistillaris (Oleandraceae).

Secondary hemiepiphytic Oleandra pistillaris and Nephrolepis are characterized by rhizome dimorphism; the rhizomes are erect and creeping (stolon). The erect rhizome produces leaves in apparent whorls at subequal internodes, but the creeping rhizome of O. pistillaris is dor- siventral with variously long internodes, and the creeping stolon of N. cordifolia grows without any leaves. It is in contrast to the general monomorphic rhizome with regular phyllotaxy in other life forms of related ferns.
The Function of Words: Distinct Neural Correlates for Words Denoting Differently Manipulable Objects

Recent research indicates that language processing relies on brain areas dedicated to perception and action. For example, processing words denoting manipulable objects has been shown to activate a fronto-parietal network involved in actual tool use. This is suggested to reflect the knowledge the subject has about how objects are moved and used. However, information about how to use an object may be much more central to the conceptual representation of an object than information about how to move an object. Therefore, there may be much more fine-grained distinctions between objects on the neural level, especially related to the usability of manipulable objects. In the current study, we investigated whether a distinction can be made between words denoting (1) objects that can be picked up to move (e.g., volumetrically manipulable objects: bookend, clock) and (2) objects that must be picked up to use (e.g., functionally manipulable objects: cup, pen). The results show that functionally manipulable words elicit greater levels of activation in the fronto-parietal sensorimotor areas than volumetrically manipulable words. This suggests that indeed a distinction can be made between different types of manipulable objects. Specifically, how an object is used functionally rather than whether an object can be displaced with the hand is reflected in semantic representations in the brain.
Pax6 organizes the anterior eye segment by guiding two distinct neural crest waves

Cranial neural crest (NC) contributes to the developing vertebrate eye. By multidimensional, quantitative imaging, we traced the origin of the ocular NC cells to two distinct NC populations that differ in the maintenance of sox10 expression, Wnt signalling, origin, route, mode and destination of migration. The first NC population migrates to the proximal and the second NC cell group populates the distal (anterior) part of the eye. By analysing zebrafish pax6a/b compound mutants presenting anterior segment dysgenesis, we demonstrate that Pax6a/b guide the two NC populations to distinct proximodistal locations. We further provide evidence that the lens whose formation is pax6a/b-dependent and lens-derived TGFβ signals contribute to the building of the anterior segment. Taken together, our results reveal multiple roles of Pax6a/b in the control of NC cells during development of the anterior segment.
Outcome of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in SCUBA Divers.

OBJECTIVES Good Eustachian tube (ET) function is necessary in order to equalize middle ear (ME) pressure with ambient pressures and avoid barotrauma among divers. Since placement of ventilation tubes is not compatible with diving, balloon eustachian tuboplasty is a potential surgical solution for divers with ET dysfunction (ETD). This is the first report of the outcome of balloon tuboplasty for ETD among divers. METHODS A retrospective analysis of medical records and clinical examinations of adult divers treated in a single tertiary medical center. RESULTS Four male divers (age range 21-71 years, 5 ETs) underwent balloon tuboplasty for ETD. None had identifiable risk factors for ETD. Symptom duration ranged from 2 to 5 years and was restricted to diving in 3 patients. The most common symptom was difficulties in equalizing air pressure during descent and ascent, followed by aural fullness and hearing loss. The validated Hebrew version of ETD-7 questionnaire (ETDQ-7H) results were normal in 3 ears and pathological (2.9 and 3.3) in 2 ears. The averaged postoperative ETDQ-7H score was 1.2 points, significantly better than the preoperative score (P < .05). While diving, pressure-equalizing sensation improved in all ears. CONCLUSION Balloon eustachian tuboplasty is a safe method for treating diving-induced baro-challenge ETD. This procedure can improve symptoms and enable the patient to resume diving.
Policing, Recognition, and the Bind of Legal Cynicism

We draw on a unique dataset of 60 semi-structured interviews with recently arrested suspects in Cleveland, Ohio, a city currently under federal consent decree due to police use of excessive force. Through these interviews we shed light on an apparent paradox in research to date—that residents of disadvantaged communities are deeply skeptical about policing, while still believing that the police remain a viable institution for seeking security in their communities. By connecting research on legal cynicism with insights from cultural sociology and the sociology of law, we find that respondents make meaning of this apparent paradox – and the resulting bind in which they find themselves – by stressing the promise of law that underwrites a transformative potential of policing. Through these ideals of legality, residents aspire to material and symbolic forms of recognition from law enforcement, ranging from police presence and safety, to expressions of understanding and feelings of worth. We propose that this desire for broad recognition is central to how suspects make sense of their reliance on police, and we suggest further research into how this struggle for recognition provides a cultural approach for understanding social inequality and its intersection with legality and criminal justice.
Engaging EFL Readers in Literature Circles to Escalate Intercultural Communicative Competence

Cultural clashes have driven the goal of language instruction toward mastering intercultural communicative competence (ICC). However, the instruction on ICC in expanded circles has not gained its traction in English instruction although its significance has been confirmed by teachers in teaching and testing context. This work study investigated Indonesian student-teachers’ cultural viewpoints as they encounter the notion of ‘otherness’ in intercultural circles. Thirty-five first-semester students partook in literature circles, embedded with culturally-laden readings, during 3 weeks of an Intensive Reading course. The study evinced that intercultural circles had significantly improved the students’ ICC, with Intercultural knowledge found dominant in determining the overall ICC. The students voiced positive attitude on the power of intercultural circles to encourage them to be open-minded and tolerant to cultural differences.