Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Offspring dispersal ability covaries with nest‐site choice

&NA; Optimal maternal investment is often a tradeoff between conflicting pressures and varies depending upon environmental context and intrinsic female traits. Yet, offspring phenotype might also interact with such factors to influence investment. In aquatic turtles, terrestrial nests constructed farther from shore often have higher survival because nest predators tend to forage along environmental edges. However, offspring from eggs deposited farther inland must migrate farther to water upon emergence. We released hatchling common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) at varying distances from a drift fence and monitored survival during overland dispersal. Survival decreased with dispersal distance and no selection on body size was evident for hatchlings dispersing from short‐ or intermediate‐distances. However, survival increased with body size for hatchlings dispersing from the longest distance. Moreover, females producing larger and better dispersing offspring oviposited farther from water than females that produced smaller and poorer dispersing offspring. This conditional (on offspring body size) tradeoff suggests female investment can be sensitive to offspring phenotype and that such covariation between nest‐site choice and offspring dispersal ability can maximize offspring survival and, thus, maternal fitness. Future work that considers the role of offspring performance on maternal behavior will elucidate an underappreciated influence of investment strategies.
The Effect of Zinc Nutrition on Two Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars Components and Alleviate Oxidative Damage in Salinity Conditions

The role of zinc (Zn) in enhancing defense capacity of several plants against salinity has been demonstrated but there is limited information on the impact of Zn nutrition on alleviating salinity-induced oxidative damage in olive. One-year-old seedlings of two varieties of olive (Olea europaea L. cvs. Frontoio and Conservolea) supplied with three Zn levels (0, 1 and 5 mM in the form of ZnSO4.7H2O) were exposed to four salinity levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM NaCl). The increase in plasma membrane permeability and elevated leakage of potassium (K) and Zn from the olive roots were considered as indices of oxidative damage caused by salinity on root cells. In contrast, root membrane permeability and leakage of Zn and K ions in plants supplied with Zn was less than those non-supplied with Zn. Addition of Zn resulted in higher activity of CAT and APX. Higher salt-tolerance of Frontoio cultivar was associated with higher concentration of sulfhydryl (-SH) groups and lower membrane permeability of its roots in comparison with Conservolea cultivar. Based on the results obtained, addition of Zn improved plant enzymatic defense system and partly alleviated oxidative injuries induced by salinity on the olive.
THE PRAGMATICS OF REFUSING A REQUEST IN ITALIAN AND AMERICAN ENGLISH: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This study falls in the area of cross-cultural pragmatics because it compares how speakers of American English and speakers of Italian refuse a request. We used a guided conversation protocol to elicit refusals to a request. The results show marked differences between the two groups. Speakers of American English tend to rely on Positive face strategies (praise, encouragement) to mitigate their refusals. In contrast, speakers of Italian tend to use Negative face strategies: lengthy explanations combined with apologies. Both groups used avoidance strategies, but speakers of American English were less likely to offer detailed explanations that require the disclosure of personal information. These findings show that pragmatic strategies to perform speech acts might vary significantly even when we compare groups from two different Western countries.
Protein tertiary structure modeling driven by deep learning and contact distance prediction in CASP13

Prediction of residue-residue distance relationships (e.g. contacts) has become the key direction to advance protein tertiary structure prediction since 2014 CASP11 experiment, while deep learning has revolutionized the technology for contact and distance distribution prediction since its debut in 2012 CASP10 experiment. During 2018 CASP13 experiment, we enhanced our MULTICOM protein structure prediction system with three major components: contact distance prediction based on deep convolutional neural networks, contact distance-driven template-free (ab initio) modeling, and protein model ranking empowered by deep learning and contact prediction, in addition to an update of other components such as template library, sequence database, and alignment tools. Our experiment demonstrates that contact distance prediction and deep learning methods are the key reasons that MULTICOM was ranked 3rd out of all 98 predictors in both template-free and template-based protein structure modeling in CASP13. Deep convolutional neural network can utilize global information in pairwise residue-residue features such as co-evolution scores to substantially improve inter-residue contact distance prediction, which played a decisive role in correctly folding some free modeling and hard template-based modeling targets from scratch. Deep learning also successfully integrated 1D structural features, 2D contact information, and 3D structural quality scores to improve protein model quality assessment, where the contact prediction was demonstrated to consistently enhance ranking of protein models for the first time. The success of MULTICOM system in the CASP13 experiment clearly shows that protein contact distance prediction and model selection driven by powerful deep learning holds the key of solving protein structure prediction problem. However, there are still major challenges in accurately predicting protein contact distance when there are few homologous sequences to generate co-evolutionary signals, folding proteins from noisy contact distances, and ranking models of hard targets.
Viewing Pictures Triggers Rapid Morphological Enlargement in the Human Visual Cortex

Abstract Measuring brain morphology with non-invasive structural magnetic resonance imaging is common practice, and can be used to investigate neuroplasticity. Brain morphology changes have been reported over the course of weeks, days, and hours in both animals and humans. If such short-term changes occur even faster, rapid morphological changes while being scanned could have important implications. In a randomized within-subject study on 47 healthy individuals, two high-resolution T1-weighted anatomical images were acquired (á 263 s) per individual. The images were acquired during passive viewing of pictures or a fixation cross. Two common pipelines for analyzing brain images were used: voxel-based morphometry on gray matter (GM) volume and surface-based cortical thickness. We found that the measures of both GM volume and cortical thickness showed increases in the visual cortex while viewing pictures relative to a fixation cross. The increase was distributed across the two hemispheres and significant at a corrected level. Thus, brain morphology enlargements were detected in less than 263 s. Neuroplasticity is a far more dynamic process than previously shown, suggesting that individuals’ current mental state affects indices of brain morphology. This needs to be taken into account in future morphology studies and in everyday clinical practice.
Stream invertebrate diversity reduces with invasion of river banks by non-native plants

Invasion of riparian zones by non‐native plants is a global issue and commonly perceived as a challenge for river and fishery managers, but the type and extent of ecological changes induced by such invasions remain poorly understood. Established effects on sediment delivery, allochthonous inputs, and channel shading could potentially alter aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages, with implications for in‐stream ecological quality. We assessed responses in the diversity, quality, and heterogeneity of stream macroinvertebrate communities to riparian invasion by non‐native plants. Macroinvertebrates were collected from 24 sites on low order streams in central and southern Scotland during spring and autumn. The effect of invasive non‐native plants (INNP) on macroinvertebrates was assessed relative to that of local physical and chemical factors. Invasive non‐native plants cover was associated with stronger effects than other factors on local diversity of macroinvertebrates (33% reduction at the highest INNP cover) but also increased macroinvertebrate abundance across sites. Invaded sites were also associated with lower macroinvertebrate biomonitoring scores. Community composition differed between invaded and uninvaded sites in autumn, but not in spring. However, INNP influence on macroinvertebrate composition was generally secondary to that of physicochemical variables (e.g. channel shade, substrate diversity). We demonstrate that the influence of INNP extends beyond well‐known impacts on plant communities to reductions mainly in stream macroinvertebrate diversity. Combined with the negative impact on pollution‐sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa this raises concerns over the ecological health of streams with heavily invaded riparian zones. Our findings suggest that efforts to improve low order streams by actively managing severe riparian invasions are merited, but the size and uncertainty of the likely ecological gains must also be evaluated against the effort involved.
The Apoptosis Regulation Mechanisms in Hypothalamic Neurons in Physiological and Pathological (Overexpression of Oncogene HER-2/Neu) Aging

This study reveals the molecular regulation mechanisms of neurosecretory cell apoptosis in physiological and pathological (oncogene human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2/Neu overexpression) aging. As we have shown previously, apoptosis level in hypothalamic neurosecretory centers increases in aging, and a low level of apoptosis in aged HER-2/Neu transgenic mice is associated with p53-dependent cascade suppression. In this chapter, we consider the participation of p53-regulating genes and p53 target genes in activation of this cascade during physiological aging, as well as suppression under HER-2/Neu overexpression. However, cell resistance to apoptosis may also be due to the activity of cytokine-dependent STAT-signaling pathway, including the high expression of survivin belonging to the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP). Also, another cytokine-dependent signaling, an extrinsic apoptosis pathway associated with the family of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors, has been investigated. Thus, in the present work, three signaling cascades are considered: p53-dependent (the expression and interaction of apoptosis-associated proteins p53, WRN, pin1, p21, and caspase-3), STAT-mediated (STAT1, 3, 5, 6, and survivin), and TNF-dependent (CD95 (FAS), Fas-associated death domain (FADD), TNF receptor–associated death domain (TRADD), and caspase-8). These cascades are involved in both the activation of apoptosis and its suppression. This will reveal the general trends of regulation of neurosecretory cell apoptosis during aging.
Root and crown rot pathogens causing wilt symptoms on field-grown marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants

Abstract Yellowing and wilting symptoms on field-grown Cannabis sativa (cannabis) plants followed by total plant collapse under conditions of extreme hot weather were observed in northern California in 2017. The crown regions of affected plants were dark and sunken and internal tissue discolouration extended 10–15 cm above the soil surface. Isolations made from the pith, vascular and cortical tissues in the crown region yielded Fusarium oxysporum (40% frequency), F. brachygibbosum (28% frequency), Pythium aphanidermatum (22% frequency), Fusarium solani and F. equiseti (5% frequency each). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on rooted plantlets to establish the extent of root and crown decay, as well as on mature stems to determine the extent of stem tissue colonization caused by these species. Extensive reduction in root length was caused by F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. brachygibbosum and P. aphanidermatum and wounding significantly enhanced disease development. Stem tissue colonization by these pathogens at wound sites was similarly extensive. Isolates of F. equiseti were non-pathogenic. Both F. solani and P. aphanidermatum caused plant mortality within 6–10 weeks following inoculation. In phylogenetic analyses using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region and the elongation factor 1 (EF-1α) region, F. oxysporum isolates from cannabis plants in northern California were grouped separately from all other formae speciales and from isolates previously recovered from British Columbia. Two isolates of F. brachygibbosum were identical to an isolate previously reported to infect almond stems in cold storage and field-grown seedlings in northern California. These findings indicate that a complex of pathogens potentially can cause root and crown rot under field conditions, resulting in wilt symptoms and collapse of cannabis plants.
foxc1a and foxc1b differentially regulate angiogenesis from arteries and veins by modulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor signalling

The forkhead transcription factors Foxc1 and Foxc2 are essential to establish intact vascular networks in mammals. How these genes interact with endothelial signalling pathways to exert their functions remains incompletely understood. We have generated novel zebrafish mutants in foxc1a and foxc1b, the zebrafish orthologues of mammalian Foxc1, to determine their function during angiogenesis. foxc1a mutants display abnormal formation of cranial veins including the primordial hindbrain channels (PHBC), reduced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) receptor expression in these and loss of central arteries. foxc1b mutants are normal, whereas foxc1a; foxc1b double mutants exhibit ectopic angiogenesis from trunk segmental arteries. Dll4/Notch signalling is reduced in foxc1a; foxc1b double mutant arteries and ectopic angiogenesis can be suppressed by induction of Notch or inhibition of Vegfc signalling. We conclude that foxc1a and foxc1b play compensatory and context-dependent roles to co-ordinate angiogenesis by promoting venous sprouting via induction of VEGF receptor expression whilst antagonising arterial sprouting by inducing Dll4/Notch signalling. foxc1a/b mediated induction of both pro- and anti-angiogenic axes of VEGF-Dll4/Notch negative feedback imparts competition to balance arterial and venous angiogenesis within developing vascular beds. Summary Statement foxc1a and foxc1b promote angiogenesis from veins and suppress angiogenesis from arteries by promoting competing pro-angiogenic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor signalling, and anti-angiogenic Dll4/Notch signalling in zebrafish embryos.
Studies on the Diversity and Nutritional Value of Cantharellaceae of Western Himalayas, India

The Western Himalayas, India is known to be one of the word’s hotspots of biodiversity but still the diversity of some economically important fungi like Cantharellaceae has not been explained properly from this region. In the present research work several fruiting bodies of Cantharellaceae were collected from different parts of Western Himalayan region and characterized. Macromorphological and microscopical characters followed by molecular characterization (both the ITS and LSU dataset) i.e., morpho-genetic studies confirmed the identity of these fungi. The present research work described 13 species of Cantharellus, among these, 8 were new taxa which includes C. applanatus sp. nov., C. elongatipes sp. nov., C. fibrillosus sp. nov; C. himalayensis sp. nov., C. indicus sp. nov., C. natarajanii sp. nov., C. pseudoformosus sp. nov., and C. umbonatus sp. nov. as new to the world while C. miniatescens Heinem was new record from the Indian subcontinent. Three species of Craterellus (Craterellus cornucopioides var. mediosporus Corner, Cr. dubius Peck and Cr. cinerius Fries) were reported as new records from the Indian subcontinent. Craterellus indicus sp. nov. was new report from the world. All these Cantharellaceae fruit bodies were also analyzed for nutritional properties. Nutritional profile of such Cantharellaceae species revealed that, these mushrooms provide key nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates, beside antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins. The bacteria associated with the fruit bodies of Cantharellaceae were studied. Bacteria were isolated from internal tissue of sporocarps and differentiated on the basis of REPand BOX-PCR fingerprinting. Biochemical and 16S rRNA profile revealed that the isolates belonging to nine different genera which includes Hafnia sp. , Enterobacter sp. , Ewingella sp. , Rahnella sp. , Gamma proteobacterium, Pseudomonas sp. , Stenotrophomonas sp. , Alcaligenes sp. and Bacillus sp. So, the present study was undertaken to explore and assess the diversity and distribution of Cantharellaceae from Western Himalayas for first time along with their nutritional properties and host association between fruit bodies of Cantharellaceae with endophytic bacteria.
Receptor Regulation in Taste: Can Diet Influence How We Perceive Foods?

Taste buds are the dedicated sensory end organs of taste, comprising a complex and evolving profile of signaling elements. The sensation and ultimate perception of taste depends on the expression of a diverse array of receptors and channels that sense their respective tastes. Receptor regulation is a recognized and well-studied phenomenon in many systems, observed in opioid addiction, insulin resistance and caffeine tolerance. Results from human sensory studies suggest that receptor sensitivity or expression level may decrease after chronic exposure to respective tastants through diet. We review data supporting the theory that taste receptors may become downregulated with exposure to a specific tastant, along with presenting data from a small pilot study, showing the impact of long-term tastant exposure on taste receptor expression in mice. Mice treated with monosodium salt monohydrate (MSG), saccharin and NaCl (typically appetitive tastes) all displayed a significant decrease in mRNA expression for respective umami, sweet and salty receptors/sensory channels. Reduced sensitivity to appetitive tastes may promote overconsumption of foods high in such stimuli.
Jobs and job quality between the eve of the Great Recession and the eve of COVID‐19

Abstract In 2019, the employment rate among 25‐ to 64‐year‐olds in the UK reached 80 per cent – the highest on record, and considerably higher than the 76 per cent rate recorded shortly before the Great Recession. In this paper, we investigate the growth in employment between the eve of the Great Recession and the eve of COVID‐19 across several dimensions. We analyse which sectors, demographic groups and regions accounted for the rise. We also investigate how job ‘quality’ – in both financial and non‐financial terms – has changed. We find that almost all demographic groups and regions saw a rise in employment, especially those with low pre‐existing employment rates and those near the bottom of the income distribution. Hourly pay growth was very weak over the period, with the median actually slightly falling. Other indicators of job quality show a more mixed picture: employees seem to have greater appreciation of their work and firm, but perceive less security and flexibility in their job.
BOOK REVIEW- Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All

Creativity is usually equated with the arts, architecture, or design. However, Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All, aims to debunk this myth. The creativity that manifests itself in the form of innovation is the major driving force of business as evidenced in tech giants such as Google, Facebook, Airbnb, or even Alibaba. The book has been recommended by top names among the tech stars including Joe Gebbia, Co-Founder of Airbnb, who has applauded the book for combining the pursuit of creativity with the pragmatism needed in business. Todd Spaletto, President of The North Face, advocated the book by saying that it was an indispensable guide to help build creative muscles, when they are needed most. In addition, the book was complemented by Tom Peters, best-selling author of In Search of Excellence, who recommended the book, saying that it is poised to change the world and advised that it should not just be read but be used. Co-author, David Kelley is the founder of IDEO, a consulting company, and Stanford d.school, through which he helps students, entrepreneurs, and businesses discover their creative potential through the design thinking process. IDEO specializes in the training and development of innovation techniques to help firms unlock the creative potential of their employees. In the same vein, the Stanford d.school formerly known as the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, was developed to teach design thinking to those in Stanford’s graduate schools. The highlight of the program is the course, Design for Extreme Affordability, which is a multidisciplinary melting pot to foster creative innovation, and is offered to students all over the university. Tom Kelley, is the best-selling author of, The Art of Innovation, which documents the process IDEO uses to help organizations in both the public and private sectors, and which includes well-known names such as Apple and The North Face.
Soil Nitrogen Fractions, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield of Zea mays L. Grown on a Tropical Acid Soil Treated with Composts and Clinoptilolite Zeolite

High nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important for improving crop yield. There are many nitrogen (N) fractions in soil and their uptake by crops varies. Most of the N that is taken up by plants is not native to the soil but usually from fertilizer added to the soil. However, the unbalanced use of fertilizers is currently an important issue that needs to be addressed. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of using the recommended chemical fertilizers together with inorganic and organic amendments on (i) soil organic and inorganic N fractions, (ii) N uptake and use efficiency, and (iii) maize (Zea mays L.) dry matter production and ear yield. A randomized complete block design field trial, using maize as a test crop, was done with seven fertilizer treatments, each replicated thrice for two crop cycles. The treatments included different combinations of urea N, clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ), rice straw compost, and paddy husk compost. The variables of the study were soil N fractions, ear yield, and N use efficiency. Generally, the combined use of the recommended chemical fertilizers with CZ and organic amendments resulted in significantly higher soil N fractions, N use efficiency, and ear yield of maize for both crops. The two treatments with a 50% reduction in recommended chemical fertilizers, CZ, and rice straw compost or paddy husk compost (treatments four and six) are recommended instead of the 100% recommended chemical fertilizer treatment (treatment one). The organic materials used for these two treatments are abundantly available and will reduce the economic and environmental costs of applying large quantities of chemical fertilizers alone.