Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent progress in the study of transition in the hypersonic boundary layer

Abstract Turbulence is a universal form of fluid motion. It is the key issue in fluid mechanics. Very recently, it has become a bottleneck in some key engineering research of national importance, such as aeronautics, astronautics and navigation. Developed turbulence and the onset of turbulence, i.e. transition, are two interrelated parts of turbulence. The hypersonic boundary-layer transition is a strategic focus in the fluid mechanics community. This article reviews recent developments in the study of the hypersonic boundary-layer transition, research facilities and experimental techniques. The hypersonic quiet wind tunnel is introduced as a necessary device to obtain real flight data in near space. Near-wall measurement techniques, such as temperature-sensitive paint, near-wall particle image velocimetry and Rayleigh-scattering visualization, are shown. The most important issues in the recent development of the transition in the hypersonic boundary layer are addressed. The instability and nonlinear interaction of different instability modes are discussed. The recent contributions from China, especially at Peking University, are also introduced.
Extraction Strategy for DNA Recovery from Putrefied Teeth and Skull Bone

Forensic samples are commonly exposed to harsh environmental conditions which affect the degree of sample (DNA) preservation and subsequent genetic profiling. The aim of this study was to develop a better strategy for DNA extraction from hard putrefied tissues (Teeth and Skull bone). Jaw (teeth) and the skull samples were collected from the putrefied corpses and the authors were asked to determine if the two specimens belonged to the same body. The DNA was extracted by phenol-chloroform and DNA IQ™ System Kit. The PowerPlex® 16 and the PowerPlex® Y System Kits were used for autosomal STR and Y-STR genotyping, respectively. DNA profiling found evidence in favor of DNA degradation. Phenol-Chloroform extracted-DNA was re-extracted by using DNA IQ ™ System kit and managed to identify 13 autosomal STR loci and 13 Y-STR markers from doubly extracted DNA. In conclusion, the combination of two DNA extraction methods (phenol-chloroform + DNA IQ™) improved the quality of DNA extracted from putrefied teeth and skull bone.
Geomorphic Morphometric Differences between Populations of Speyeria diana (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Abstract The wing shape of butterflies can be used as a character to measure individual butterfly and population-level differences in adult forms. We conducted a geometric morphometric analysis of wing shape for Speyeria diana (Cramer & Stoll 1777) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), a species currently threatened by extirpation across portions of its range. We photographed and digitized 243 pinned S. diana specimens from natural history museums in North America and Europe to compare wing shape and size across the historical and current distribution. We used principal components analysis (PCA) to compare variation in landmarks on forewings and hind wings. We used the principal component scores in a multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) to test for differences, and interactions, between male and female specimens, eastern and western specimens, low and high elevation specimens, and specimens collected before and after 1950. We found significant differences between wing shape in male and female specimens, with male forewings being narrower and more elongated, possibly making them well suited for patrolling behavior. Female forewings were more rounded and wider, possibly reflecting their life history, because much of their life is spent on the forest floor in search of oviposition sites. We found significant regional differences in male forewing shape, reflecting the long-term geographic and genetic separation between these groups. We also found significant differences in female forewing shape between low and high elevation sites. Speyeria diana female forewings from high elevation populations were narrower than low elevation populations, indicating that these females may be more mobile than those from low elevations with wider forewings. There were no effects of yr since capture of specimens. The wing shape of western populations of S. diana appears to be adapted for low dispersal, supporting other recent findings that also indicate western populations of S. diana are both spatially and genetically isolated. We conclude that the future of S. diana will require the thoughtful preservation of well-connected high elevation habitats, especially in the western distribution where dispersal is more limited than in the east.
Saccade Related Gamma Potentials Recorded in Human Subthalamic Nucleus, Globus Pallidus Interna and Ventrointermediate Nucleus of the Thalamus

Gamma oscillations of local field potentials (LFP) in the basal ganglia and thalamus had not been studied during saccades. Eleven patients were studied during deep brain stimulation (DBS); 6 were in the subthalamic nucleus (STN); 3 in the globus pallidus interna (GPi); and 2 in the thalamic ventralis intermedius nucleus (Vim). Patients performed horizontal saccades to visual targets while LFPs from DBS electrodes, scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), and electrooculogram (EOG) were recorded. Wavelet spectrograms were generated and saccade onset and event-related gamma synchronizations (ERS) were compared to baseline without eye motion. ERS were recorded at and after saccade onset in the STN, GPi and Vim, EEGs and EOGs; but were absent during target light illumination without saccades. ERS were symmetric in all DBS contacts and appeared identical in DBS LFPs, frontal EEGs and EOGs. These findings indicate their origin from extraocular muscle spike potentials rather than brain neural activity.
Drosophila Imaginal Discs as a Playground for Genetic Analysis: Concepts, Techniques and Expectations for Biomedical Research

Drosophila imaginal discs are epithelial tissues perfectly suited to use them as a playground to define the functional contribution of genes to epithelial development and organ morpho - genesis. The more we know about the discs and the mechanisms directing their develop ment, the best prepared we are to assign specific “functions” to individual genes based on phenotypic observations. Conversely, and thinking from the perspective of the gene, the more we know about its function, the best inferences we could make about the mechanisms underlying imaginal disc development . This reciprocal relationship, coupled to the arsenal of possible experimental approaches available in Drosophila genetics, genomics and cel - lular biology, makes these tissues excellent systems to address biological problems with biomedical relevance. In this review, an overview of three interconnected aspects related to the use of Drosophila imaginal discs as an experimental system to analyze gene function is given: (i) imaginal discs biology, with a focus in the genetic mechanisms involved in pattern formation; (ii) concepts and available experimental tools for the analyses of gene function and (iii) uses of Drosophila and the imaginal discs for addressing biomedical problems.
Membrane Domain of Plant 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase: Targeting, Topology, and Function

The rate limiting step in isoprenoid biosynthesis is catalyzed by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR, EC 1.1.1.34). In plants, HMGR is encoded by small gene families whose members are differentially expressed. In tomato, hmg2 was previously isolated and sequenced. We report the isolation and sequence analysis of a clone (pCD4) encompassing exon I of tomato hmg1 which encodes the putative membrane domain. Sequence comparisons of plant HMGR proteins reveal two hydrophobic stretches within the amino terminus which are highly conserved among species. Using in vitro transcription and translation systems, the membrane domain structure of two tomato HMGR isoforms, HMG1 and HMG2, were analyzed. Results from these experiments reveal that tomato HMGRs are targeted to microsomal membranes in a cotranslational fashion that does not involve cleavage of an N-terminal targeting peptide. Membrane topography of HMGR was revealed by protease protection studies, indicating that both tomato HMGRs span the membrane two times such that both the Cand N-termini are located within the cytosol. HMG2 but not HMG1 was glycosylated in the in vitro system. Deletion of the hmg1 5’ untranslated regions and sequences encoding the first six highly charged amino acids resulted in inefficient translation in vitro. However, targeting to microsomes was unchanged. HMG1 membrane domain was tagged with a FLAG epitope to facilitate in vivo studies. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was used to introduce the tagged hmg1 gene into two Nicotiana tabacum cell lines, BY-2 and KY-14. The slow growth kinetics of KY-14 prevented effective recovery of transformed lines, however, Northern analyses of BY-2 showed that the hmg1 transgene was expressed. Comparisons of BY-2 and KY-14 revealed differences in defense responses to elicitor treatment. BY-2 cells showed minimal defense capabilities, whereas KY-14 cells were rapidly induced as indicated by increased HMGR enzyme activity and browning of the cells. HMGR enzyme activity was decreased in both KY-14 and BY-2 cells following sterol treatment, but the reduction was more pronounced in KY-14 cells. Thus transgenic BY-2 cells may be useful in future in vivo immunolocalization studies, but analyses of HMGR transcriptional regulation and regulated degradation will require use of the more responsive KY-14 cells.
Hematology, biochemistry, and toxicology of wild hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting in mangrove estuaries in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Sea turtles are a keystone species and are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, making them excellent environmental indicators. In light of environmental and climate changes, species are increasingly threatened by pollution, changes in ocean health, habitat alteration, and plastic ingestion. There may be additional health related threats and understanding these threats is key in directing future management and conservation efforts, particularly for severely reduced sea turtle populations. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are critically endangered, with those in the eastern Pacific Ocean (Mexico–Peru) considered one of the most threatened sea turtle populations in the world. This study establishes baseline health parameters in hematology and blood biochemistry as well as tested for heavy metals and persitent organic pollutants in eastern Pacific hawksbills at a primary nesting colony located in a mangrove estuary. Whereas hematology and biochemistry results are consistent with healthy populations of other species of sea turtles, we identified differences in packed cell volume, heterophils and lympohcyte counts, and glucose when comparing our data to other adult hawksbill analysis (1), (2), (3). Our analysis of heavy metal contamination revealed a mean blood level of 0.245 ppm of arsenic, 0.045 ppm of lead, and 0.008 ppm of mercury. Blood levels of persistent organic pollutants were below the laboratory detection limit for all turtles. Our results suggest that differences in the feeding ecology of eastern Pacific hawksbills in mangrove estuaries may make them less likely to accumulate persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in their blood. These baseline data on blood values in hawksbills nesting within a mangrove estuary in the eastern Pacific offer important guidance for health assessments of the species in the wild and in clinical rehabilitation facilities, and underscore the importance of preventing contamination from point and non-point sources in mangrove estuaries, which represent primary habitat to hawksbills and myriad other marine species in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Temporal Patterns of Wildfire Activity in Areas of Contrasting Human Influence in the Canadian Boreal Forest

The influence of humans on the boreal forest has altered the temporal and spatial patterns of wildfire activity through modification of the physical environment and through fire management for the protection of human and economic values. Wildfires are actively suppressed in areas with higher human influence, but, paradoxically, these areas have more numerous ignitions than low-impact ones because of the high rates of human-ignited fires, especially during the springtime. The aim of this study is to evaluate how humans have altered the temporal patterns of wildfire activity in the Canadian boreal forest by comparing two adjacent areas of low and high human influence, respectively: Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and the Lower Athabasca Plains (LAP). We carried out Singular Spectrum Analysis to identify trends and cycles in wildfires from 1970 to 2015 for the two areas and examined their association with climate conditions. We found human influence to be reflected in wildfire activity in multiple ways: (1) by dampening (i.e., for area burned)—and even reversing (i.e., for the number of fires)—the increasing trends of fire activity usually associated with drier and warmer conditions; (2) by shifting the peak of fire activity from the summer to the spring; (3) by altering the fire-climate association; and (4) by exhibiting more recurrent ( 9 years).
Response of Pisum sativum germplasm resistant to Erysiphe pisi to inoculation with Erysiphe baeumleri , a new pathogen of pea

ONDŘEJ M. , DOSTÁLOVÁ R. , ODSTRČILOVÁ L. (2005): Response of Pisum sativum germplasm resistant to Erysiphe pisi to inoculation with Erysiphe baeumleri, a new pathogen of pea. Plant Protect. Sci., 41: 95–103. Cultivars, homozygous sources and lines of pea (Pisum sativum L.) resistant to Erysiphe pisi had recently been attacked by another powdery mildew species, Erysiphe baeumleri, in the field and in glasshouse conditions. Inoculation with E. baeumleri was carried out in the glasshouse to evaluate the level of resistance of 16 pea genotypes. Susceptible pea lines produced abundant conidia and cleistocarps on petioles and leaves. Only the genotype Tudor (Cebeco 4119) was found to be completely resistant to E. baeumleri. Nineteen pea genotypes (with gene er-1) were tested to natural infection by E. baeumleri in field screening trials. Only few of them demonstrated a high level of resistance (Fallon, AC Melfort and Joel). Consort R, SGL 2024, SGL 1977 and Franklin were very susceptible to E. baeumleri. Cleistocarps with 1–4× dichotomously branching apices of appendages were formed only on susceptible and very susceptible plants of genotypes SGL 444/2185, Consort R, SGL 2024, SGL 1977, LU 390-R2, Lifter, Highlight, Cebeco 1171 and Carneval R in the field and glasshouse. Susceptible control genotypes without gene er-1 (Komet, Adept and Gotik) were attacked in the trials by E. pisi only.
NRG1 is required for the function of the TIR-NLR immune receptors Roq1 and RPP1 in Nicotiana. benthamiana

The plant immune system involves a large family of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) intracellular immune receptors. These immune receptors often function to directly or indirectly mediate the perception of specific pathogen effector proteins secreted into the cell. Activation of these immune receptors typically results in activation of the immune system and subsequent suppression of pathogen proliferation. Although many examples of NLR receptors are known, a mechanistic understanding of how receptor activation ultimately leads to an immune response is not well understood. A subset of the NLR proteins contain a TIR domain at their N terminus (TNL). One such TNL, the N gene, was previously shown to depend on a non-TIR NLR protein, N requirement gene 1 (NRG1) for immune function. We tested additional NLR proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana for dependency on NRG1. We found that two additional TIR-NLR proteins, Roq1 and RPP1, also require NRG1 but that two coiled-coil NLR proteins, Bs2 and Rps2, do not. This finding suggests that NRG1 may be a conserved component of TNL signaling pathways.
What do predator diets tell us about mammal declines in Kakadu National Park?

Abstract Context. Small- and medium-sized native mammals have suffered severe declines in much of northern Australia, including within protected areas such as Kakadu National Park. Several factors have been implicated in these declines but predation, particularly by feral cats (Felis catus), has been identified as potentially the most direct cause of decline for many species. Aims. We evaluated how prey frequency changed in cat and dingo scats in Kakadu from the early 1980s to 2013–15, with this period spanning a severe decline in the small- and medium-sized mammal fauna. Methods. Chi-square test of independence and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare prey frequencies between dingoes and cats, and among years to assess significance of temporal change. Key results. Small-sized native mammals were the prey item occurring at the highest frequency in scats for both dingoes and cats in the 1980s. Prey content in dingo and cat scats differed in the 2010s with macropods predominating in the scats of dingoes, and medium-sized native mammals predominating in cat scats. The frequency of occurrence of small-sized native mammals declined in both dingo and cat scats between the 1980s and 2010 sampling periods, while the frequency of occurrence of medium-sized native mammals remained constant in dingo scats and increased in cat scats. Conclusions. Small mammals were a major component of the diets of both dingoes and cats in Kakadu in the 1980s, when small mammals were much more abundant. Despite marked reduction from the 1980s to the 2010s in the capture rates of both small- and medium-sized native mammals, some species continue to persist in the diets of cats and dingoes at disproportionally high frequencies. Both predators continue to exert predatory pressure on mammal populations that have already experienced substantial declines. Implications. Although predation by feral cats is a major threat to small- and medium-sized native mammals, dingoes may also play an important role in limiting their recovery. Disturbance from fire and grazing by introduced herbivores has been shown to augment predatory impacts of feral cats on native mammals. Predation more generally, not just by feral cats, may be exacerbated by these disturbance processes. Management programs that solely focus on mitigating the impact of feral cats to benefit threatened species may be inadequate in landscapes with other significant disturbance regimes and populations of predators.
Life in Hot Spring Microbial Mats Located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: A 16S/18S rRNA Gene and Metagenomic Analysis

ABSTRACT The geothermal system of the Araró region, located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt of México, hosts various hot springs with unique physicochemical characteristics, including temperatures ranging from 45°C to 78°C. The microbial diversity in these hot springs has been explored only by culture-dependent surveys. In this study, we performed metagenomic Illumina MiSeq, and 16S and 18S rRNA pyrosequencing analysis of the microbial life are residing in the microbial mats of the springs called “Tina–Bonita”. Our results show the presence of 186 operational taxonomic units, 99.7% of which belong to bacteria, 0.27% to eukaryotes, and 0.03% to archaea. The most abundant bacterial divisions are the Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Cyanobacteria, which include 105 genera. The ecological indexes indicate that the microbial mats have moderate microbial diversity. An abundant group of genes that participate in photosynthesis, including photosynthetic electron transport, as well as photosystems I and II, were detected. Another cluster of genes was found that participates in sulfur, nitrogen, and methane metabolism. Finally, this phylogenetic and metagenomic analysis revealed an unexpected taxonomic and genetic diversity, expanding our knowledge of microbial life under specific extreme conditions.
Enzymatic activity and elicitor of phytoalexins of Lippia sidoides Cham. and endophytic fungi

Secondary metabolites may play a number of roles, among them, is the activation of plant defense mechanisms, such as phytoalexins and the synthesis of antioxidative enzymes. This study aimed to test the eliciting activity of phytoalexins of Lippia sidoides Cham. and six endophytic fungi associated with it and to verify the synthesis of the enzymes, as a response to the antioxidative and antifungal system. The assays were performed using spectrophotometric methods. Of the concentrations of essential oil used, 7.5 mg mL-1 was 66.48% higher than the Acorda® positive control for the induction of glyceollin. The endophytic fungus, Verticillium sp. showed the best result for 3-deoxythianocyanidine production. Excellent results were demonstrated by the LS-14 fungus for superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (130 U g-1 E-1 min-1); by L. sidoides for the activity of ascorbate peroxidase enzyme (3821 μmol ASA g-1 E-1 min-1); by L. sidoides for the activity of catalase enzyme (2429 μmol H2O2 g-1 E-1 min-1); by Fusarium sp. 2 for the activity of phenol peroxidase (87 μmol H2O2 g-1 E-1 min-1) and by Fusarium sp. 1 for the activity of chitinase (0.214 U min-1). Both the essential oil of L. sidoides and the extracts of the endophytic fungi had a positive response to the induction of phytoalexin and presence of enzymes related to antioxidative activity were verified and shown. Key words: Catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase phenols, ascorbate peroxidase, chitinase.
Rainfall predicts seasonal home range size variation in nyala

Optimal foraging theory posits that animals should minimize the size of their home range—the area used to meet their requirements (Burt, 1943)—around limiting resources (Ford, 1983). Hence individuals ranging in less productive habitats or exploiting patchy resources have larger home ranges (Ford, 1983), and spatio-temporal variations in resource availability can lead to changes in home range size (Fattebert, Baubet, Slotow, & Fischer, 2017; van Beest, Rivrud, Loe, Milner, & Mysterud, 2011). In nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), a mixed-feeder antelope, the effects of habitat variability on ranging and space use patterns are poorly understood (Kirby, Shannon, Page, & Slotow, 2008; Labâo-Tello & van Gelder, 1975). A better understanding of the drivers affecting ranging patterns in nyala would help the design of evidence-based habitat management strategies. In this highly dimorphic, polygynous species, males are expected to have larger home ranges than the females because of size-dependant metabolic rates (McNab, 1963). In polygynous species, females are expected to secure access to limiting resources through optimal foraging to successfully raise offspring, while males are expected to range more widely in order to increase mating opportunities with numerous females (Clutton-Brock, 1989; Fattebert et al., 2016). In the rain season, vegetation becomes more palatable with higher protein contents (Duncan & Poppi, 2008), and together with abundance of surface water, this should lead to a reduction of home range size (Bowers, Welch, & Carr, 1990). Alternatively, in the dry season, although food resources are more dispersed, scarcity of surface water could constrain ranging patterns around permanent surface water (Smit, Grant, & Whyte, 2007). We investigated seasonal variations of space use patterns in nyala, and tested the effects of sex, and rainfall as a metric of seasonal variability on home range size.