Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The genetics of phenotypic plasticity. VI. Theoretical predictions for directional selection

We explore the effects of linear and quadratic reaction norms on heritability and directional selection. Genetic variation for reaction norm parameters can alter the heritability of traits; the magnitude of the heritability depends upon both the environment and the correlation among the parameters. Genetic variation for reaction norm parameters can alter the response to directional selection. Selection on a trait in one environment can shift both the mean of the trait measured across environments and the plasticity of the trait; the signs and magnitudes of these responses depend on the correlations among the parameters of the reaction norm. Our model is consistent with the results of ten experiments for selection on a trait in a single environment. In all experiments, selection towards the overall mean of the population always resulted in a relatively lower plasticity than selection away from the overall mean. Our model was able to predict the results of two experiments for selection on a trait index calculated over more than one environment. Predictions were good for the direct response to selection but poorer for the correlated response to selection. Our results indicate the need for more data on the effects of environment on genetic parameters, especially correlations among reaction norm parameters.
Sixteen novel mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a decade of discoveries, defects and disputes

OBJECTIVE: Since the discovery of mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) ten years ago, testing for SOD1 gene mutations has become a part of the investigation of patients with suspected motor neuron disease. We searched for novel SOD1 mutations and for clinical characteristics of patients with these mutations. METHODS: Analysis was made of patient files at the Neurogenetic DNA Diagnostic Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital. We also scrutinized available medical records and examined patients with the different SOD1 mutations. RESULTS: One hundred and forty eight (148) of 2045 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients carried a disease‐associated mutation in the SOD1 gene. The most prevalent was the A4V missense mutation, found in 41% of those patients. Sixteen novel exonic mutations (L8V, F20C, Q22L, H48R, T54R, S59I, V87A, T88ΔTAD, A89T, V97M, S105ΔSL, V118L, D124G, G141X, G147R, I151S) were found, bringing the total number of SOD1 gene mutations in ALS to 105. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in the SOD1 gene are found both in sporadic and familial ALS cases without any definite predilection for any part of the gene. A common structural denominator for the 16 novel mutations or previously reported mutations is not obvious. Similarly, the nature of the putative acquired toxic function of mutant SOD1 remains unresolved. We conclude that patients with SOD1 mutations may infrequently show symptoms and signs unrelated to the motor systems, sometimes obscuring the diagnosis of ALS.
A FINE-STRUCTURAL RE-EXAMINATION OF THE SO-CALLED 'MIDGUT' OF THE ISOPOD PORCELLIO

[Der vordere Abschnitt des Enddarmes terrestrischer Isopoden wurde oft als Teil des Mitteldarmes aufgefasst. Die vorliegende Arbeit weist jedoch nach, dass dieser Abschnitt - im Gegensatz zur Auffassung einiger anderer Autoren - die Struktur eines typischen Enddarmes bei Isopoden besitzt. Die Zellen zeichnen sich aus durch (1) eine dicke Intima; (2) apikale und basale Plasmamembranen mit vielen Einfaltungen, Microtubuli und Mitochondrien; (3) eine schwache Basalmembran. Die Nahrung im Darmlumen ist nicht von einer peritrophen Membran umgeben. Mogliche Funktionen des Enddarmes, darunter seine Bedeutung fur die Aufrechterhaltung des Jonen- und Wasser-gleichgewichts, werden diskutiert. , Der vordere Abschnitt des Enddarmes terrestrischer Isopoden wurde oft als Teil des Mitteldarmes aufgefasst. Die vorliegende Arbeit weist jedoch nach, dass dieser Abschnitt - im Gegensatz zur Auffassung einiger anderer Autoren - die Struktur eines typischen Enddarmes bei Isopoden besitzt. Die Zellen zeichnen sich aus durch (1) eine dicke Intima; (2) apikale und basale Plasmamembranen mit vielen Einfaltungen, Microtubuli und Mitochondrien; (3) eine schwache Basalmembran. Die Nahrung im Darmlumen ist nicht von einer peritrophen Membran umgeben. Mogliche Funktionen des Enddarmes, darunter seine Bedeutung fur die Aufrechterhaltung des Jonen- und Wasser-gleichgewichts, werden diskutiert. ]
Habitat Constraints on the Behavior, Morphology, and Community Structure of Anolis Lizards

A conceptual model of Anolis-habitat interactions is proposed to explain the existence of the series of Anolis ecomorphs in the Greater Antilles. The use of perches, type of movement among perches, and the morphology of 7 species of Anolis lizards from 2 sites in Haiti were compared. Movements of anoles through the habitat are assumed to be constrained more by the dispersion of perches rather than the characters of the perches themselves. The habitat is viewed as consisting of three-dimensional structural matrices of perches differing primarily in the diameters, lengths, and distances apart of the perches. Species occupying divergent types of perch matrices are shown to differ in: (I) the rapidity of moves on surfaces, (2) the frequency of jumps between surfaces, and (3) the distances jumped between surfaces. These species can be separated into jumpers, runners, and crawlers based on movement type and various body and limb proportions. The horizontal and vertical distribution of each species within a habitat gradient coincides with the distribution of the particular perch matrices to which the species is adapted. The varying degree of restriction imposed by perch matrices may have important evolutionary implications, particularly for the dispersion of size classes within the habitat and hence for species' exploitation strategies. Applications of this approach to arboreal primates and foliage-gleaning birds are suggested.
Effect of Training and Development on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB): An Evidence from Private Commercial Banks in Bangladesh

The objective of this research is to explore the effect of training and development (TD) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) (e.g., OCBO-OCB directed toward organization and OCBI-OCB directed toward specific individuals) in private commercial banks in Bangladesh. The research collected necessary data from employees of 31 commercial banks located in Dhaka city through a structured questionnaire using convenient sampling method. The sample size was N=141. The research used statistical software SPSS version 23.0 to analyze data. The study found that TD has a significant positive relationship with OCBO and OCBI dimensions of OCB. Besides, TD practices significantly predict OCB (both OCBO and OCBI). Moreover, the study discussed the results of this study relating to previous studies. Both the theoretical contributions and implications for managers and HR professionals are discussed. Finally, the study states the limitations encountered and recommend the further scope of studies to generalize the context.
PARTICIPATION OF DNA STRUCTURE ON SPERM CHROMATIN ORGANIZATION

The in vitro interaction between purified bovine liver and sperm DNA with somatic histones, to form nucleosomes, and with bovine and salmon protamines were studied. DNAse or microccocal nuclease digestion of liver DNA-histone reassociated chromatin produced the expected polynucleosome type of fragments. Electrophoretic patterns of digested sperm-DNA nucleosomes were different. Micrococcal nuclease digestion produced mainly fragments smaller than 100 bp and some nucleosome-type particles. Under DNAse activity most of the products were smaller than 100 bp, indicating an increased susceptibility of the sperm DNA-histone complexes to the hydrolytic activity of both nucleases, particularly toward DNAse I. This differential susceptibility was confirmed by sucrose gradient spectrophotometric analysis. Acridine orange (AO) staining of histone-DNA reassociated nucleosomes showed significant differences in fluorescence intensity, sperm DNA-histone complexes being almost twice as fluorescent as liver DNA-histone complexes. On the contrary, liver DNA/protamine complexes stained with AO were consistently more fluorescent than sperm DNA-protamine complexes. Finally, no differences in either fluorescence intensity or spectra were observed when liver and sperm DNA were stained with AO after interaction with salmon protamines. The data suggest that sperm DNA has important structural characteristics that differentiates it from somatic DNA. These differences seem to be species specific and must surely play an important role on the determination of the dramatic sequence of that participates sperm chromatin organization.
New method for rapid assessment of the functional composition of herbaceous plant communities

We propose a rapid sampling method to assess the functional composition of herbaceous plant communities without prior knowledge of the floristic composition. To determine the community-level value of traits (‘aggregated trait values’) for a plant community, a standardized population-centred method exists, but requires substantial manpower and reliable botanical knowledge. We tested an alternative method, the trait transect, using four subalpine pastures in the Beaufortain region (Northern French Alps) selected along a fertility gradient. We applied both methods to measure five commonly used ‘soft traits’ known to be responsive to soil nutrient availability: plant vegetative and reproductive height, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter and nitrogen contents. We tested whether the variation of these traits along the gradient detected with the population-centred method was also detected with the trait transect. Both methods detected expected trends in the traits in response to the fertility gradient. The trait transect method was as efficient as the population-centred method and is recommended as an appropriate tool for monitoring ecosystem changes in response to environmental conditions and management, especially in species-rich communities.
Personal and practice development plans in primary care in Wales

As part of the move towards a primary care-led NHS in the UK, a programme enabling general practices to identify and meet organisational development needs is under way in Wales. Personal and Practice Development Plans (PPDPs) are seen as a way of planning the integration of organisational development in general practice with the personal educational needs of multiprofessional primary health care team members. Given the current UK policy emphasis on continuing professional development and collaboration in primary care, PPDPs could be an appropriate way of facilitating such change. Based on a feasibility study in five Welsh Health Authorities, this paper describes the model used and the evolutionary process of implementing general practicebased PPDPs. It is one of the first projects of its kind. Reporting on an early stage, we have found planned timescales to be unrealistic and a degree of mismatch in expectations of process and outcomes among some key stakeholders which has led to some amendments of the model. Early feedback of potential problems has enabled key stakeholders to share lessons learned and ways of resolving initial difficulties have been found. It is likely that adaptation of the framework model at practice level will shape process and outcomes, which will be described in a subsequent paper. This paper addresses the complex reality of getting (government) policy into (general) practice.
Endogenous and exogenous controls of root life span, mortality and nitrogen flux in a longleaf pine forest: root branch order predominates

1 Root life span regulates the quantity and quality of root‐derived organic matter transferred to the soil organic matter pool. However, poor understanding of the rates and controls of root life span has hindered the prediction of carbon (C) flow and nutrient cycling dynamics at the ecosystem scale. 2 We examined the effects of root branch order, root diameter, mycorrhizal colonization, season of birth, depth in the soil, nitrogen (N) fertilization and foliage removal on root life span in a longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forest from 2001 to 2004 using minirhizotron and soil monolith sampling. 3 Among all factors, root branch order had the strongest and most consistent effect on life span, with higher order roots having a 46% longer life span than roots one order lower. 4 Within first order roots, mycorrhizal colonization significantly increased root life span by > 45% in 2 of 3 years. 5 Roots born in winter and spring generally lived longer than roots born in summer and autumn. Root life span was positively correlated with depth in the soil and root diameter, but the correlations were weaker than with order, year and season. Neither N fertilization nor foliage removal had a significant impact on root life span. 6 When biomass mortality and associated N flux were estimated based on order‐specific mean life span, N concentration and ecosystem‐scale biomass estimates, first order roots constituted approximately 50% of the total biomass mortality and > 60% of the N flux for the first three root orders combined. 7 Synthesis. Our results show that (i) root branch order was the strongest predictor of life span among all covariates and can effectively partition the distal longleaf pine root systems into three or more populations with different turnover rates; (ii) only a fraction of fine roots turns over annually, whereas models of C cycles assume an annual turnover for the entire fine root system. We conclude that an order‐based approach holds greater promise than the traditional diameter class approach for evaluating the role of different fine root populations in C flow and nutrient cycling.
Competitive and facilitative interactions within and between two species of coastal dune perennials

While there is substantial evidence for facilitation, the effects of such factors as stress and species identity on positive interactions remain controversial. At two coastal dune sites, I tested the hypotheses that facilitative interactions increase with increasing stress and disturbance along an environmental gradient and that facilitative interactions are stronger among heterospecific than among conspecific individuals. I transplanted Uniola paniculata and Iva imbricata plants into plots along with four conspecific neighbors, four heterospecific neighbors, or no neighbors across an environmental gradient. Neighbors increased target plant survival, suggesting facilitation, but biomass of targets was reduced by the presence of neighbors, suggesting competition. Unexpectedly, competition was greatest in the purportedly most stressful and disturbed zone. In this study, the outcome of neighbor interactions differed for biomass and survival and depended on position along the environmental gradient, but was i.
Epidemiological and molecular studies on Echinococcus granulosus from free-roaming dogs in Southeast Iran

Background and Aim: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), as a major zoonotic helminth infection, imposes remarkable socioeconomic burden on many endemic countries across the world, including Iran. Due to the high importance of free-roaming dogs in the transmission of CE, epidemiological and molecular studies in this type of hosts are required in the endemic regions. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from stray dogs in Kerman, Southeast Iran. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four samples were isolated from stray dogs in the city and suburbs of Kerman in coordination with the health authorities and the municipality office for rabies control and dog population management. Dog demographic data, including age and sex were collected. The worm was isolated by necropsy and genomic DNA was extracted and partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was amplified using specific primers. Phylogenetic and Templeton-Crandall-Sing (TCS) network analyses were carried out on the sequence data. Results: The overall prevalence of CE in the surveyed dogs was 10.7% (9/84 cases). Out of 84 stray dogs, 33 (39.3%) and 51 (60.7%) cases were male and female, respectively. There was not a statistically significant difference between the infection and gender of dogs. However, infection is shown more in dogs under one year of age with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The results of molecular studies indicated E. granulosus G1 genotype for all isolates. The high presence of free-roaming dogs in urban and peri-urban areas and high frequency of parasite in this animal is a risk factor for humans in the region. Haplotype sequence analysis on the dog isolates revealed a close relationship with other E. granulosus isolates in Kerman. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence-based data about the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of CE in dog definitive hosts of Southeast Iran. Further studies are required to understand the prevalence and parasite genotypes in dogs in Iran.
Diel variation and the effect of starvation on amylase activity of Heliodiaptomus cinctus (Gurney), (Crustacea: Copepoda: Calanoida)

Amylase activity in a calanoid copepod, Heliodiaptomus cinctus, exhibited a rhythmic pattern of diel variation with a peak in the early morning and a minimum level in the evening. In a normal food state and in a metal ion stress state, the enzyme activity decreases through time but in a food scarce state amylase activity exhibited a short-term increase followed by a decline.
Reinstatement of Chiastocaulon Carl (Plagiochilaceae), Based on Evidence from Nuclear Ribosomal ITS and Chloroplast Gene rps4 Sequences

: Morphological approaches have led to controversial opinions regarding the systematic position of the Asian Jungermannia dendroides Nees within the family Plagiochilaceae. In recent times, the taxon was treated both as genus Chiastocaulon Carl, as a member of Plagiochila sect. Dendroideae Gottsche, Lindenb. and Nees, and as a representative of Plagiochila subgen. Chiastocaulon (Carl) Inoue. Sequences of the chloroplast-encoded rps4 gene and the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA of 28 representatives of the Plagiochilaceae and Herbertus subdentatus (Herbertaceae, outgroup) were obtained to test the different hypotheses. Maximum likelihood analyses were performed, both on the separate and combined data sets, and in all cases resulted in a single optimal topology. The different phylogenies were congruent, but the analyses of the combined data set led to an overall more significant bootstrap support. Jungermannia dendroides was placed in a moderately supported clade with Pedinophyllum interruptum and Plagiochilion mayebarae, sister to the well supported Plagiochila clade. The topology justifies the recognition of Jungermannia dendroides as genus Chiastocaulon. Plagiochila frondescens (Nees) Lindenb. , P. fruticosa Mitt. and P. pulcherrima Horik. , placed alongside Chiastocaulon/Plagiochila dendroides by some authors, form a robust clade within Plagiochila (Dumort.) Dumort. , assignable to P. sect. Fruticosae Inoue. The three species share the dendroid habit and alternating foliation with Chiastocaulon dendroides but lack well developed ventral intercalary branches. 11 sectional clades with robust bootstrap support were identified within the Plagiochila lineage. Many morphological characters of monophyletic lineages within the Plagiochilaceae appeared homoplastic, indicating that a natural subdivision of the family is only possible by the integration of molecular data. The molecular topologies justify a hierarchical subdivision of Plagiochila at some point in the future; however, well supported sectional groups of the molecular trees will presumably lack morphological autapomorphisms.
The electoral debates of 2015 and 2016 in Spain. Context of perception and credibility for young people

Introduction: This article describes the influence of the context of perception of the electoral debates broadcasted on 2015 December 14th and 2016 June 13th, in the credibility attributed to the candidates, and the reached degree of understanding. Method: Polls of that time were reviewed; a descriptive analysis of the press news was conducted; two focus groups on credibility judgments with young actuants were organized; and content analyses of the candidates’ messages on Twitter were performed. Results: The press favored a context of negative emotions; the candidates used Twitter to show their social efficacy, but failed to convince young people. Discussion: Campaign teams should worry for the lack of perception of the credibility subfactor most worked by candidates. RLCS, Revista Latina de Comunicación Social, 76, 17-37 [Research] DOI: 10.4185/RLCS-2020-1435 | ISSN 1138-5820 | Year 2020 Received: 10/10/2019. Accepted: 30/11/2019. Published: 30/04/2020 18 Conclusions: The candidates would have looked more credible had they worked on other credibility subfactors, instead of focusing only on social efficacy; and by acting more spontaneously (something on which Rajoy succeeded).
Estimation of Rivers and Coastal Carbon Fluxes in the Lebanese Waters

Rivers and coastal waters transport carbon from continents to deep oceanic systems and act as important links in the carbon cycle. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have quantified the riverine and coastal carbon fluxes in the Lebanese waters, and hence this study aims to assess for the first time the carbon inputs in three major Lebanese rivers: Nahr Ibrahim, Nahr Damour and Nahr el Litani; and the coastal waters affected by their discharges. A monthly and seasonal sampling of key bio-physico-chemical parameters was conducted for Temperature, Salinity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates, Phosphates, Total Alkalinity (AT) and Dissolved inorganic Carbon (DIC), and subsequently the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) was derived according to the DOE handbook. The results show a clear seasonal variation of the physical parameters. The Alkalinity yield increased in all monitoring stations mostly in the river areas ranging from 0.24 to 1.8 mmol/L. DIC contribution to alkalinity is significant in rivers with relatively low alkalinity concentrations, and the DIC had a general opposite trend compared to AT; ranging from 57 and 39 mmol/L respectively. When computing the pCO2, the results show that the a range from 817 to 3283 µatm, higher than the atmospheric CO2 concentration showing that the studied rivers acted as a source for atmospheric CO2. This study can be considered as benchmark to understand the mechanisms of riverine-coastal ecosystem change and help the Lebanese community manage their coastal resources.