Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mountain Monarchs: Wild Sheep and Goats of the Himalaya , by George B. Schaller. Chicago U.P., £17.50.

This collection of 24 speeches by the Duke of Edinburgh, made in many countries between 1962 and 1977, deals with conservation in a wide sense, including the air, the seas, the countryside, buildings and energy as well as wildlife. Nevertheless, as he says, his conversion came about by stages through photography, bird-watching, the Wildfowl Trust and the World Wildlife Fund, before broadening out into conservation of the human environment. As the title suggests, the main theme is the extraordinary outburst of concern for the environment in very recent years in response to the often devastating effects of the technological revolution. 'From a situation of almost total and apathetic indifference we are suddenly confronted with a massive and passionate concern for everything in and to do with nature and the pollution of the environment. ' He points out that this phenomenon has occurred virtually simultaneously in almost all industrially advanced countries (and, although it is not emphasised in this book, there have been developments in their way as significant in many third world countries, despite the pressures of poverty and population). But, Prince Philip argues, twin dangers attend this otherwise encouraging change in attitudes: complacency bred of early success and extremism which could so easily produce a backlash. Somehow the claims of nature have to be balanced against the claims of man. It is therefore vitally important to establish incontrovertible facts on which acceptable policies may be based because 'emotion without facts only makes enemies'. The Duke of Edinburgh modestly disclaims originality for his views and says he is best described as a 'front man'. Certainly he has been in the forefront of the battle for conservation, and, unlike that fictional duke, he has never led his regiment from behind.
Polaronic Conductivity in Iron Phosphate Glasses Containing B2O3

We report on the electrical properties of glasses with nominal composition xB2O3–(100 − x)[40Fe2O3–60P2O5],x = 2–20, mol. %. The conduction transport in these glasses is polaronic and shows a strong dependence on Fe2O3 content and polaron number density. The changes in DC conductivity are found not to be directly related to B2O3, however structural changes induced by its addition impact frequency-dependent conductivity. All glasses obey Summerfield and Sidebottom procedures of scaling conductivity spectra indicating that the polaronic mechanism does not change with temperature. An attempt to produce a super-master curve revealed that shape of the conductivity dispersion is the same for glasses with up to 15.0 mol. % B2O3 but differs for glass with the highest B2O3 content. This result could be related to the presence of borate units in the glass network. Moreover, the spatial extent of localized polaron motions increases with the decrease of polaron number density, however, this increase shows a larger slope than for previously reported iron phosphate glasses most probably due to the influence of B2O3 on glass structure and formation of polarons. While Summerfield scaling procedure fails, Sidebottom scaling yields a super-master curve, which indicates that polaronic hopping lengths also change with changing polaron number density in these glasses.
Recent Advances in Applications of Cellulose Derivatives-Based Composite Membranes with Hydroxyapatite

The development of novel polymeric composites based on cellulose derivatives and hydroxyapatite represents a fascinating and challenging research topic in membranes science and technology. Cellulose-based materials are a viable alternative to synthetic polymers due to their favorable physico-chemical and biological characteristics. They are also an appropriate organic matrix for the incorporation of hydroxyapatite particles, inter and intramolecular hydrogen bonds, as well as electrostatic interactions being formed between the functional groups on the polymeric chains surface and the inorganic filler. The current review presents an overview on the main application fields of cellulose derivatives/hydroxyapatite composite membranes. Considering the versatility of hydroxyapatite particles, the hybrid materials offer favorable prospects for applications in water purification, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and hemodialysis. The preparation technique and the chemical composition have a big influence on the final membrane properties. The well-established membrane fabrication methods such as phase inversion, electrospinning, or gradual electrostatic assembly are discussed, together with the various strategies employed to obtain a homogenous dispersion of the inorganic particles in the polymeric matrix. Finally, the main conclusions and the future directions regarding the preparation and applications of cellulose derivatives/hydroxyapatite composite membranes are presented.
How TRPC Channels Modulate Hippocampal Function

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins constitute a group of receptor-operated calcium-permeable nonselective cationic membrane channels of the TRP superfamily. They are largely expressed in the hippocampus and are able to modulate neuronal functions. Accordingly, they have been involved in different hippocampal functions such as learning processes and different types of memories, as well as hippocampal dysfunctions such as seizures. This review covers the mechanisms of activation of these channels, how these channels can modulate neuronal excitability, in particular the after-burst hyperpolarization, and in the persistent activity, how they control synaptic plasticity including pre- and postsynaptic processes and how they can interfere with cell survival and neurogenesis.
Feedback regulation of heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1) activity by Hsp70‐mediated trimer unzipping and dissociation from DNA

The heat shock response is a universal transcriptional response to proteotoxic stress orchestrated by heat shock transcription factor Hsf1 in all eukaryotic cells. Despite over 40 years of intense research, the mechanism of Hsf1 activity regulation remains poorly understood at the molecular level. In metazoa, Hsf1 trimerizes upon heat shock through a leucine‐zipper domain and binds to DNA. How Hsf1 is dislodged from DNA and monomerized remained enigmatic. Here, using purified proteins, we demonstrate that unmodified trimeric Hsf1 is dissociated from DNA in vitro by Hsc70 and DnaJB1. Hsc70 binds to multiple sites in Hsf1 with different affinities. Hsf1 trimers are monomerized by successive cycles of entropic pulling, unzipping the triple leucine‐zipper. Starting this unzipping at several protomers of the Hsf1 trimer results in faster monomerization. This process directly monitors the concentration of Hsc70 and DnaJB1. During heat shock adaptation, Hsc70 first binds to a high‐affinity site in the transactivation domain, leading to partial attenuation of the response, and subsequently, at higher concentrations, Hsc70 removes Hsf1 from DNA to restore the resting state.
Beetle species richness along the forest productivity gradient in northern Finland

The occurrence and habitat associations of the majority of invertebrate groups in boreal forests are poorly known, even though these groups represent perhaps over 99% of the animal species diversity in the forests. We studied the beetle (Coleoptera) fauna of four forest site types in northern Finland: in spruce mires, herb rich, mesic and sub-xeric forests. We sampled beetles in 32 study sites with five window and five pitfall traps in each. We describe the species abundance and diversity patterns within and among forest types and relate these patterns to structural components of the forests. The volume of decaying wood varied from 14 to 93 m 3 ha -1 among sampling sites. The total beetle catch consisted of 100 333 individuals and 435 species. The beetle species richness did not vary according to site fertility but the number of specimens increased with increasing fertility in heath forest sites. The richness of beetle species correlated only weakly with any of the stand structure characteristics at the stand level. Nevertheless, the detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) indicated that different beetle assemblages are characteristic of different forest types. The high level of beta-diversity in beetles among forest types indicates that focusing exclusively on, for example, key-biotopes (presumed biodiversity hotspots) when selecting areas to be set aside would result in a situation where a large proportion of species, even of the rare and threatened ones, is not included in this network of protected areas. This suggests that the complementary set of different forest types may be the best general strategy to maintain the overall beetle species diversity in boreal forests.
Ecology of a Snake Community in Northeastern Brazil

Nineteen species of snakes representing four families were simultaneously studied in a caatinga habitat of northeastern Brazil. Of these, 10 are terrestrial, 3 are terrestrial-aquatic, 1 is arboreal-terrestrial, 4 are arboreal, and 1 is terrestrial-fossorial. Four species are nocturnal, 5 species are nocturnal and diurnal, and 10 are strictly diurnal. Diets include mammals, birds, bird eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and reptile eggs, with some snake species being food specialists and others being food generalists. Surprisingly, none of the species of snakes at the study site feed on invertebrates. A diversity of reproductive tactics is evident among the species in this snake community. There are oviparous and viviparous species, and clutch/brood size may be large or small depending upon the species. Both clutch/brood size and neonate (or egg) size were correlated with body size of female snakes. A principal components analysis (PCA) of morphological data revealed that two axes, one representing variation in body size and one representing variation in tail length and head size, explained 95% ofthe variation in the data. Portions of the morphological results corresponded well with ecological data. However, in some instances the morphological results were discordant with ecological results. Certain patterns, for example appear to have a phylogenetic basis. It is concluded that morphological analyses of snake communities cannot be adequately interpreted in the absence of ecological data.
Reproductive Coercion, Intimate Partner Violence, and Unintended Pregnancy Among Latina Women

Reproductive coercion (RC) describes a range of behaviors that restrict reproductive autonomy including pregnancy coercion, birth control sabotage, and controlling the outcome of a pregnancy. RC is associated with pregnancies that are mistimed and unwanted (i.e., unintended). Past research demonstrates that Latina women have higher risk for RC and for unintended pregnancy. This cross-sectional descriptive study with Latina women (n = 482) examined prevalence and risk factors for RC, evaluated the association of RC and unintended pregnancy among women with a past-year pregnancy, and explored use of safety and harm reduction strategies. A tablet survey was administered to women attending a community health center, between the ages of 15 and 45, who self-identified as Latina and who had a dating or sexual partner in the past year. Approximately one in six (16.8%) experienced past-year RC and risk factors included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.91, 1.00], p = .038) and concurrent intimate partner violence (IPV; AOR = 4.47, 95% CI = [2.06, 9.70], p < .001). IPV questions were specific to the partner involved with RC behaviors. For the 185 participants who reported a past-year pregnancy, RC was associated with lower pregnancy planning scores (β = –.27, 95% CI = [–0.41, –0.13], p < .001). The combination of experiencing RC and IPV appeared particularly potent in lowering pregnancy planning scores (β = –.15, 95% CI = [–0.29, 0.00], p = .052). Approximately 10.6% of participants engaged in harm reduction strategies, most commonly ending an unhealthy or abusive relationship (6.1%) and using less detectable methods of contraception so that partners would not find out (3.4%). The study articulates the risk of RC and its intersection with IPV and unintended pregnancy for Latina women. Providers working with racially and ethnically marginalized women have an important role in promoting safety and harm reduction strategies that include offering less detectable methods of contraception and support in leaving unhealthy and abusive relationships.
Macular Ganglion Cell–Inner Plexiform Layer as a Marker of Cognitive and Sensory Function in Midlife

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases are public health challenges in aging populations. Early identification of people at risk for neurodegeneration might improve future treatment. Noninvasive, inexpensive screening tools are lacking but of great potential. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures nerve cell layer thicknesses in the retina, which is an anatomical extension of the brain and might be reflective of generalized neurodegeneration. We aimed to determine associations of macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness with cognitive and sensorineural function in midlife. This study included 1880 Beaver Dam Offspring Study participants from the 10-year follow-up examination. We assessed cognition (principal component analysis of multiple cognitive test scores), cognitive impairment, hearing sensitivity thresholds and impairment, central auditory processing (% correct on a dichotic digits test), and visual and olfactory impairment. We measured mGCIPL using the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT Macular Cube Scan. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to determine associations of mGCIPL thickness and thin mGCIPL, defined as 1 standard deviation below average, with cognitive and sensorineural functions. Thinner mGCIPL was associated with worse cognition (0.01 standard deviation increase per µm thickness;95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01,0.02;p<. 0001), worse central auditory function (0.07% increase per µm thickness;CI 0.01,0.13;p=.03) and visual impairment (Odds Ratio=0.95;CI 0.94,0.97;p<.0001). MGCIPL thickness was associated with hearing sensitivity in women only. There were no associations with impairments in hearing, olfaction and cognition. Results for thin group comparisons were consistent. MGCIPL thickness is associated with cognitive and sensorineural function and has potential as a marker for neurodegeneration in middle-aged adults.
Impact of dolomite lime on the ground vegetation and on potential net N transformations in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Lieb.) stands in the Belgian Ardenne

L'impact de l'apport de 5 T ha -1 de dolomie sur la vegetation et le cycle de l'azote a ete etudie dans deux ecosystemes forestiers, situes en Ardenne belge, une plantation d'epiceas (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) et une chenaie a Quercus petraea (Matt.) Lieb. La strate herbacee s'enrichit lors des deux annees qui suivent l'amendement d'especes pionnieres ou nitrophiles caracteristiques des trouees ou des bords de chemins. La strate muscinale reagit rapidement par la regression des especes acidophiles dominantes et l'apparition discrete de neutrophiles ou de ruderales. Six mois apres l'amendement, le pH a augmente significativement dans l'horizon organique des deux plantations et dans l'horizon organo-mineral de la chenaie. La production nette de NO 3 - du sol a ete influencee differemment par l'amendement dans les deux sites. Dans l'horizon organique de la chenaie, la production nette de NH 4 + a ete diminuee, la production de NO 3 - augmentee, sans modification de la mineralisation totale. Dans l'horizon organo-mineral, la production de NO 3 - a augmente dans la chenaie, alors qu'elle diminuait dans la pessiere. Ces resultats indiquent la possibilite de controles differents des transformations d'azote dans les deux sites.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and the Liver: Considerations in Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections

Globally, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has variably affected the various parts of the world and has been a major cause for significant morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been reported to have multiple clinical manifestations, although primarily they have been pulmonary manifestations. Hepatic manifestations have variably been present in up to 50% of infected individuals. The spectrum ranges from asymptomatic abnormalities in hepatic biochemical tests to the rare case of acute liver failure. The cause for hepatic manifestations is unclear at this stage and may be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a manifestation of a systemic illness, ischemic liver injury, immune-mediated liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, or a direct cytopathic effect of the virus. Not uncommonly, patients have concomitant infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, either alone or as co-infections, and the impact of the pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 on these infections and associated liver diseases is unknown. Further, the implications in people who inject drugs (PWIDs) may be unique. Observations continue to evolve regarding hepatic manifestations and challenges with COVID-19 and the liver, and as such, expectations and guidance on issues relevant to the multiple viral infections are important.
The effect of carrier and rate of nitrogen application on the growth and oil production of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in the Ord Irrigation Area, Western Australia.

Lemongrass (Cymhopogon citrarus) was grown under irrigation in the Ord River Irrigation Area, Western Australia, on a sandy clay loam, to investigate its response to nitrogen (N) applications ranging from 0 to 1200 kg N/ha.year. Urea and ammonium sulphate were compared and they were not significantly different as N carriers. Six harvests were taken over a 390-day period, after an initial harvest 7 months after planting out. A curvilinear response was obtained over all N treatments with a linear response up to 600 kg/ha. At this level, fresh herbage, dry matter and oil yields for the 390 days were 115 t/ha, 28.4 t/ha and 433 L/ha, respectively. Higher N applications also increased tiller number and leaf area index, while depressing specific leaf area and oil content. The unharvested portion of lemongrass (i.e. stools, rhizomes and roots) decreased from 44 to 27% of total dry matter with additional N. The amount of N, P and K in the harvested herbage increased from 51, 8 and 121 kg/ha to 276, 30 and 357 kg/ha, respectively, for the 0 and 900 kg N/ha.year treatments. The N, P and K content of the unharvested portion was considerably less with 28, 6 and 27 kg/ha for 0 kg N/ha.year and 75, 9 and 32 kg/ha at the 900 kg N/ha.year level, respectively. The highest apparent N recovery was 31% at 600 kg N/ha.year and decreased with higher N applications. Considerable seasonal variation occurred within the 6 harvests for all components measured.
Clinical Value of Ultrasonographic Assessment in Lateral Epicondylitis Versus Asymptomatic Healthy Controls

Background: Ultrasonography (US) is often used in the assessment of lateral epicondylitis (LE). The strength of evidence supporting its role is, however, not well-documented. Purpose: To describe and compare the US tendinopathic changes observed in patients with LE and the general population, including any correlation between patient characteristics and US outcomes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Tendon thickness, color Doppler activity, and bone spur were assessed by US in 264 participants with healthy elbows and 60 patients with chronic LE. In addition to patient characteristics, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, pain, and disability were recorded. Results: Depending on the measurement technique used, mean LE tendon thickness increased by 0.53 mm (10.2%) or 0.70 mm (14.5%) as compared with the contralateral arm and 0.40 mm (7.9%) or 0.41 mm (8.5%) as compared with the general population. Mean color Doppler activity (scale, 0-4) was 3.47 in the LE arm versus 0.13 in the contralateral asymptomatic arm and 0.26 in the general population. Bone spur was observed in 78% of the LE arms as opposed to 45% in the contralateral arms and 50% in the general population. In the LE group and the general population, the prevalence of bone spur increases with age. No correlations were observed with pain, disability, PRTEE, and disease duration. Conclusion: Increased common extensor tendon thickness is part of the tendinopathic changes observed in LE. However, given the marked variation in natural tendon thickness and small increases in tendon thickness in patients with LE, this technique cannot be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool but rather as a supplement to the overall assessment. The contralateral elbow (if asymptomatic) is a better tendon thickness comparator than a general population mean value. Color Doppler activity is an indicator of ongoing tendinopathy and supports the LE diagnosis, but it is not pathognomonic for the condition. Absence of Doppler activity in a patient with suspected LE should raise suspicion of other diagnoses. Identification of a bone spur is of very limited clinical value given the high prevalence in the general population. The important outcomes of pain, disability, PRTEE, and disease duration did not correlate with any of the investigated US techniques.
Effects of grazing on the structure of mid-shore, intertidal assemblages on moderately exposed rocky shores of the Swedish west coast

A manipulative experiment was done on the Swedish west coast to test hypotheses about effects of grazing on assemblages of algae and sessile animals on moderately exposed shores. The experiments, which lasted for 15 mo, involved a total of 144 experimental units at 16 sites in 2 areas 3 km apart. Experimental treatments involved fences to exclude grazing snails, open fences to control for effects of fences, and control areas, which were not manipulated in any way. In contrast to results from moderately exposed shores in other parts of the world and in contrast to sheltered areas in the region, grazers did not appear to significantly influence the structure and composition of these assemblages. Fences and manual removal of snails were only partly successful in removing grazers. Additional observational evidence, however, supports the conclusion that grazers have a limited impact on structure and abundance of these intertidal assemblages.