Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of pollution accumulation on coating aging of UHV line insulators with different suspension height in coal-ash polluted area

Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber is widely used to prevent pollution flashover with its excellent hydrophobicity and hydrophobicity transfer. However, RTV coatings are at the risk of deterioration and failure in heavily polluted operating environment. In this paper, RTV coated insulators with different suspension heights operating in coal ash polluted areas were sampled. Pollution degree, pollution composition and aging degree of coatings were tested. The result shows that the insoluble pollution contains Al(OH)3 filler precipitated from RTV coating, which indicates the aging of the RTV coating. The top surface coating is more affected by ultraviolet and rainwater than the bottom surface resulting in more serious degradation. As the pollution degree of the lower phase insulator is heavier than that of the upper phase insulator, the erosion effect of pollution on the RTV coating is more intense. The fillers and rubber molecules of RTV continuously precipitate into the pollution layer, leading to further aging. Therefore, the overall aging degree of the lower insulator coating is more serious than that of the upper insulator coating.
Sacred text as cultural genome: an inheritance mechanism and method for studying cultural evolution

ABSTRACT Any process of evolution requires a mechanism of inheritance for the transmission of information across generations and the expression of phenotypes during each generation. Genetic inheritance mechanisms have been studied for over a century but mechanisms of inheritance for human cultural evolution are far less well understood. Sacred religious texts have the properties required for an inheritance system. They are replicated across generations with high fidelity and are transcribed into action every generation by the invocation and interpretation of selected passages. In this article we borrow concepts and methods from genetics and epigenetics to study the “expressed phenotypes” of six Christian churches that differ along a conservative–progressive axis. Their phenotypic differences, despite drawing upon the same sacred text, can be explained in part by differential expression of the sacred text. Since the invocation and interpretation of sacred texts are often well preserved, our methods allow the expressed phenotypes of religious groups to be studied at any time and place in history.
Cladistic analysis of the family Nomoclastidae with descriptions of a new genus and eight new species (Opiliones, Laniatores)

Abstract. The family Nomoclastidae is revised and, based on a cladistic analysis, Callcosma Roewer, 1932 is transferred to the family from Cranaidae. The monotypic genus Napostygnus Roewer, 1929, hitherto considered incertae sedis, is also assigned to Nomoclastidae. Zygopachylus Chamberlin, 1925 and Poassa Roewer, 1943 are synonymised under Quindina Roewer, 1914, consequently creating the new combinations Quindina limbata (Roewer, 1914) and Quindina albomarginis (Chamberlin, 1925). The new combination Quindina marginata (Roewer, 1963), comb. nov. is proposed, as the type-species of Deriacrus, D. simoni Roewer, 1932, is not congeneric with Deriacrus marginatus Roewer, 1963 and has the synapomorphies of Quindina, such as a row of large rounded tubercles on the lateral margin and enlarged tubercles on the dorsal scutum. A new genus and species are proposed, Kichua rheimsae, sp. nov., from Ecuador (type locality: Ecuador, Napo, Cantón Quijos, Parroquira Cozanga, Yanayacu Research Station). In addition, seven new species are herein described: Callcosma abrapatricia, sp. nov. (type locality: Peru, Moyobamba, Abra Patricia Private Conservation Area); Callcosma cofan, sp. nov. (type locality: Ecuador, Sucumbíos, Cabanas Cuyabeno); Callcosma barasana, sp. nov. (type locality: Colombia, Vaupés, Tararira, Estacción Biológica da Caparu); Quindina albiocularia, sp. nov. (type locality: Panama, Coclé, Valle de Antón); Quindina burbayar, sp. nov. (type locality: Panama, Reserva Natural Privada Burbayar); Quindina kuna, sp. nov. (type locality: Panama, Darién, Chucantí); and Quindina morae, sp. nov. (type locality: Panama, Gamboa, Sendero del Oleoducto).
Characterization of Fusarium wilt in resistant and susceptible gladiolus (Gladiolus spp) genotypes using DNA markers

ISSR markers were used for molecular characterization of Fusarium wilt in resistant along with susceptible gladiolus (Gladiolus spp) genotypes namely Arka Amar, Arka Aayush, IIHRG-12 and Pink Friendship to identify markers for screening population for wilt resistance. Twenty nine ISSR primers were screened for the ability to generate reproducible polymorphic bands. Out of 29 primers, 11 primers produced good polymorphism. Among the selected 11 polymorphic primers, 8 primers produced 100 % polymorphism except three primers, viz. 888 (66.67%), 891 (85.71%) and 818 (85.71%). Primer UBC 861 has produced specific band of size 350 bp for both resistant genotypes, viz. Arka Amar and Arka Aayush. UBC Primer 891 primer produced band of size 250 bp for both susceptible genotypes, i.e. Pink Friendship and IIHRG 12. The dendrogram generated using Ward's method showed that high genetic similarity between genotypes Arka Amar and Pink Friendship at a genetic distance of 8.4. Genotypes Arka Aayush and IIHRG-12 are related to each other at a distance of 8. The results suggest that ISSR markers are useful for detection of resistant bands and also assessing genetic relationship in gladiolus varieties. The identified ISSR marker from the present investigation will help in screening the gladiolus population for Fusarium wilt resistance. Cloning and sequencing the desirable polymorphic DNA fragment converting to SCAR, which can be used as marker for detecting resistance in breeding for Fusarium wilt resistance mechanism in gladiolus.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (Solanaceae)

Abstract Capsicum chinense is one of the domesticated pepper species and well known for its distinctive pungency. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of C. chinense was generated by de novo assembly using next generation sequencing data. The chloroplast genome is 156 807 bp long, containing large single-copy region of 87 290 bp and small single-copy region of 17 911 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats of 25 803 bp. A total of 113 genes were predicted including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that C. chinense chloroplast genome was most closely related to Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (American bird pepper), a wild progenitor of C. annuum.
Survival and Departure of Corncrakes Crex crex on Managed Breeding Grounds

After losing their nests or broods due to mowing of grassland, ground-breeding birds may re-nest or disperse from the previous home-range. Breeding corncrakes are frequently affected by mowing of grasslands and often disperse over long distances afterwards. We studied the effects of mowing on departure rates of radio-tagged males from two river floodplain areas in Germany (LOV) and the Netherlands. Birds left from both study areas throughout the breeding season. Daily probabilities that birds survived and remained in the study areas varied between the study areas and within seasons, with lowest values in LOV in June 1998–2000, when mowing was most intensive. When mowing of corncrake habitats was almost completely postponed in LOV 2012–2015, males stayed more than three times as long as previously. Mowing had a strong direct effect on departure rates. The model results show that more than 50% of males died or dispersed within a week after mowing. At the same time, males which were not affected by mowing departed from all study areas, too. Postponed mowing increases the probability of males remaining at the breeding sites thus enabling them to re-nest or initiate second broods. Because dispersing birds can re-nest far away, assessing the situation of the population properly will require a large-scale approach.
Hydrologically contrasting environments induce genetic but not phenotypic differentiation in Solanum dulcamara

In contrasting habitats, locally adapted populations are expected to evolve through directional selection. Hydrological gradients provide a scenario where strong selection forces have led to species segregation in communities along the hydrological niche axes due to specific adaptations to their ambient environment. However, much less is known about the processes enabling species with wide ecological amplitudes, such as Solanum dulcamara L. , to occupy the contrasting niches at the far ends of the gradient. Here, we investigate the question whether local adaptation is indeed the driving mechanism enabling this species to inhabit contrasting wet and dry habitats. Using molecular analyses and performing a common garden experiment, we examined whether genetic and phenotypic differentiation had occurred between populations originating from flooding‐ and drought‐prone habitat pairs from nine different locations. We also tested whether plants were better adapted to their home site stress. We found a significant genetic variation but hardly any phenotypic differentiation between populations from contrasting habitats for plants grown under optimal conditions. Surprisingly, comparison of the genetic differentiation in neutral markers with that in phenotypic traits using the QST‐FST (estimated by ФPT) approach revealed that the QST values were consistently and significantly smaller than the ФPT values. This is in contrast to the hypothesis that directional selection is an important component enabling S. dulcamara to survive under contrasting habitat conditions. In addition, no home site effects were detected for responses to flooding and drought treatments. All plants were characterized by high levels of plasticity for traits associated with flooding and drought tolerance, such as rapid adventitious root formation upon flooding and increased root to shoot ratio in response to drought, irrespective of habitat of origin. Moreover, no trade‐offs in such flooding and drought responses were found. Synthesis. Our results show that S. dulcamara has not evolved locally adapted populations in response to flooding and drought stress, despite genetic differentiation and despite the presumably strong selection gradient. The generally high levels of adaptive plasticity in traits increasing flooding and drought tolerance may be the main mechanism allowing S. dulcamara to occupy hydrologically contrasting habitats.
Gene Cloning, Recombinant Expression and Purification of a Germin-Like Protein from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

ABSTRACT Germin-like proteins (GLPs) are plant glycoproteins belonging to the “cupin” superfamily. These structurally similar but functionally diverse proteins are reportedly involved in conferring biotic and/or abiotic stress tolerance on different plant species. Here we report the molecular cloning and recombinant expression of an uncharacterized gene encoding a GLP belonging to GER 2 subfamily of tomato. Analyses revealed the presence of germin motifs along with the conserved amino acid residues involved in metal ion (Mn2+) binding. Homology-based modeling revealed the characteristic β jelly-roll structure of the protein. Following optimization of recombinant expression, a simple strategy for purification of the recombinant protein in the presence of detergent was optimized. Keeping in mind the high level of resistance of GLPs against detergents, these results could be useful in identifying functional activity of GLP. Moreover, the recombinant protein will be useful in raising antibodies for further applications for gene expression profiling at protein level.
Differential paralog divergence modulates evolutionary outcomes in yeast

Evolutionary outcomes depend not only on the selective forces acting upon a species, but also on the genetic background. However, large timescales and uncertain historical selection pressures can make it difficult to discern such important background differences between species. Experimental evolution is one tool to compare evolutionary potential of known genotypes in a controlled environment. Here we utilized a highly reproducible evolutionary adaptation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate whether other yeast species would adopt similar evolutionary trajectories. We evolved populations of S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus, S. mikatae, S. uvarum, and interspecific hybrids between S. uvarum and S. cerevisiae for ~200-500 generations in sulfate-limited continuous culture. Wild-type S. cerevisiae cultures invariably amplify the high affinity sulfate transporter gene, SUL1. However, while amplification of the SUL1 locus was detected in S. paradoxus and S. mikatae populations, S. uvarum cultures instead selected for amplification of the paralog, SUL2. We measured the relative fitness of strains bearing deletions and amplifications of both SUL genes from different species, confirming that, converse to S. cerevisiae, S. uvarum SUL2 contributes more to fitness in sulfate limitation than S. uvarum SUL1. By measuring the fitness and gene expression of chimeric promoter-ORF constructs, we were able to delineate the cause of this differential fitness effect primarily to the promoter of S. uvarum SUL1. Our data show evidence of differential sub-functionalization among the sulfur transporters across Saccharomyces species through recent changes in noncoding sequence. Furthermore, these results show a clear example of how such background differences due to paralog divergence can drive significant changes in evolutionary trajectories of eukaryotes.
Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of extended spectrum beta-lactamase

Antibiotic resistance poses a great problem in curing the diseases which are normally cured by use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance can affect anyone, in any age and even in any area worldwide. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are those bacteria which are not controlled or even not killed by an antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but prolonged use of antibiotics or misuse of antibiotics in human or animals can accelerate this process. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) is an enzyme which is made by some bacteria that are able to hydrolyze extended spectrum of Cephalosporins and also inhibited Clavulanic acid. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was first reported in 1983. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase is that enzyme which is responsible for the cause of hospital-acquired infection. Beta-lactam antibiotic is used to treat the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but beta-lactamases produced by Gram-negative organisms. GIT plays an important role in the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in humans and animals. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase infection may spread through in the environment through contaminated feces in which E. coli or other bacteria are present. About 630 samples were collected and after proceeding they all were analyzed by standard microbiological techniques. The result showed that 158 samples were given positive and rest of 472 samples had no growth.
Productivity Versus Motivation in Adolescent Human Capital Production: Evidence from a Structurally-Motivated Field Experiment

We leverage a field experiment across three distinct school districts to identify key pieces of a structural model of adolescent human capital production. Our focus is inspired by the contemporary psychology of education literature, which expresses learning as a function of the ratio of the time spent on learning to the time needed to learn. By capturing two crucial student-level unobservablesâ€”which we denote as academic efficiency (turning inputs into outputs) and time preference (motivation)â€”our field experiment lends insights into the underpinnings of adolescent skill formation and provides a novel view of how to lessen racial and gender achievement gaps. One general insight is that students who are falling behind their peers, whether correlated to race, gender, or school district, are doing so because of academic efficiency rather than time preference. We view this result, and others found in our data, as fundamental to practitioners, academics, and policymakers interested in designing strategies to provide equal opportunities to students.
List of Odonates from the Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula (FLONA - SFP), with two new distribution records for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

A survey of Odonata was carried out in the National Forest FLONA - SFP, Northeastern region of the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. This conservation unit is mainly covered by Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF), a subtype of Atlantic Forest biome, being also areas covered in planted Pinus, planted Araucaria and open fields. Our sampling efforts were conducted in thirty aquatic environments inside this reserve during the period between January 2014 and November 2014. The sampling sites were selected randomly, comprehending lakes, bogs, small streams and river sections, all inserted in the four vegetation types occurring in the reserve. Fortysix species of Odonata were collected and grouped into 23 genera and seven families. The dominant families were Coenagrionidae (32%), Libellulidae (32%), Aeshnidae (12%), and, Calopterygidae and Lestidae (9%). As expected, the findings revealed the presence of a highly diverse Odonate assemblage, mainly represented by generalist species in the most human disturbed sectors (Pinus and Open fields) and some specialist species in the pristine forest. Two species were registered for the first time in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Libellula herculea Karsch, 1889 (Libellulidae) and Heteragrion luizfelipei Machado, 2006 (Heteragrionidae).
ESS MODELLING OF DIPLOID POPULATIONS I: ANATOMY OF ONE-LOCUS ALLELIC FREQUENCY

In order to determine the robustness of the mean-covariance approach to exploring behavioural models of sexual diploid biological populations which are based on the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) concept, relevant features of the probability simplex of allelic frequencies for a population with genetic variability at a single locus are explored. Singularities and related properties of mappings from the space of allele frequencies to the space of strategy frequencies are examined, and related to a certain covariance measure of variability present in the population. A companion paper builds on this characterization to establish that previous claims of stability in fact hold under slightly weaker conditions than initially indicated. The pair of papers also determines conditions under which unstable equilibria can occur, and establishes that these conditions are exceptional in practice.
Chemical composition of pine nut (Pinus pinea L.) grown in three geographical macrozones in Chile

ABSTRACT Mediterranean pine nuts are recognized for their high nutritional value and healthy benefits. The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of pine nuts harvested from Pinus pinea L. across three different geographic macrozones in Chile. Proximate analysis, minerals, fatty acid composition, phytosterols, tocopherols, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity were determined. The major component was fat (422.5±3.3–469.2±0.7 g/kg), followed by protein (320.0±1.4–352.5±1.0 g/kg). The predominant phytosterol was β-sitosterol (average 18,177.7±763.8 µg/kg oil), and the main vitamin E isomer was γ-tocopherol (average 1071.1±109.8 µg/kg oil). Phenolics reached an average of 0.34±0.05 mg gallic acid equivalents/g. Vitamin C and ORAC exhibited an average of 27.7±1.4 mg/kg and 8.54+0.03 µmol Trolox equivalents/g, respectively. Linoleic was the most abundant fatty acid, followed by oleic acid. The chemical composition of pine nuts harvested in different macrozones reveals good nutritional properties and potential health benefits.
New box trap for large predaceous diving beetles Cybister Curtis, 1827 and Dytiscus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

ABSTRACT A box trap was developed for effective collection of large predaceous diving beetles. The floating trap, which was fabricated from a plastic box with two funnel mouths equipped with mesh lids, can be opened only when beetles enter the trap. Considerable attention was paid to the trap's performance as it was quantitatively evaluated in laboratory conditions in detail using Cybister and Dytiscus diving beetles. Without the mesh lid on the trap mouth (negative control test), the number of beetles in the trap was the highest at 2–3 hours. However, most beetles escaped from the trap without a mesh lid within six hours of starting the experiment. When eight beetles were put into a trap without a mesh lid, all of them had escaped from it after eight hours. On the contrary, beetles did not escape from a trap with a mesh lid. This result and testing in the field suggest that trap lids have a significant role in averting the escape of beetles from the trap.
Activity and capacity of respiratory pathways in barley roots deprived of inorganic nutrients

Le fait de priver des cellules d'elements mineraux augmente la teneur des sucres solubles dans l'ethanol mais diminue la vitesse de respiration en relation avec l'activite cytochromique. Celle-ci dependrait de la concentration de sucres dans les racines
The complete mitochondrial genome of the Hieroglyphus tonkinensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract Hieroglyphus tonkinensis (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Acrididae) is an important agricultural pest to bamboo, rice and other gramineous crops. The complete mitochondrial genome of H. tonkinensis is 15,625 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 A + T-rich region. The gene order of the mitogenome is identical with most orthopteran insects. Most protein-coding genes start with typical ATN codon except for COX1, which initiates with ACC codon instead. While all PCGs use complete stop codons (TAA and TAG). In addition, 13 related species and 2 outgroup taxa were used to construct the phylogenetic tree to further validate the mitogenome of H. tonkinensis. The result showed that H. tonkinensis is sister group to a clade of Oxya and Pseudoxya.