Species Relationship and Population Differentiation In Stellaria L. (Caryophyllaceae) Of Iran Using Scot Molecular Marker and Morphological Data

Recognition of species is essential in a variety of domains, most remarkably biology, biogeography, ecology, as well as conservation. The genus Stellaria L. (Caryophyllaceae) has over 120 species spread across Europe and Asia's temperate zones. According to the most remarkable current treatments, nine species recognize Stellaria in Iran. These species are categorized into two types. Despite the broad distribution of several Stellaria species in Iran, no research on their genetic variability, method of divergence, or dispersion trends is accessible. As a result, we conducted genetic and morphological research on six Stellaria species and two of their closest relatives gathered from various habitats in Iran. This research aims to 1) Can SCoT markers be utilized to recognize Stellaria species? 2) What are the genetic characteristics of the mentioned taxa in Iran? and 3) To examine the interrelation of the species. In this research, ten SCoT markers were employed for molecular analysis, and 112 accessions were utilized for morphological study. The genetic distances were calculated using the Jaccard similarity coefficient, and descriptive data on the populations were used to estimate genetic parameters. There were 98 polymorphic bands all over. The integration of morphological and SCoT data demonstrated that the Stellaria species of Iran could be delimited and recognized. The Stellaria species are genetically unique; however, they share some similar alleles, according to AMOVA and STRUCTURE analyses. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(2): 317-328, 2021 (December)

Effect of Silica Nanoparticles Silanized by Functional/Functional or Functional/Non-Functional Silanes on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Nanocomposite Resins

Dental nanocomposite resins have been proposed as potential restorative materials that are inevitably challenged with dynamic oral conditions. This investigation focused on the contribution of miscellaneous silane blends, used as coupling agents, to the ultimate performance of dental nanocomposite dimethacrylate resins. Herein, silica nanoparticles were initially silanized with functional/functional or functional/non-fuctional silane mixtures (50/50 wt/wt). Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) verified the modification of nanosilica. The organomodified nanoparticles were then inserted into Bis-GMA/TEGDMA based resins by hand spatulation process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings revealed a broad distribution of fillers in the polymer network when reactive silanes and their corresponding blends were used. Furthermore, optical profilometry results showed that the presence of functional/non-functional mixtures can produce relatively smooth composite surfaces. Polymerization shrinkage was found to be limited upon the decrease of the degree of conversion regarding all the tested silane mixtures. The functional/functional silane blend assured the highest flexural properties and the lowest solubility after the storage of the nanocomposite in water for 1 week at 37 °C. The above experimental data could contribute to the proper designing of dental nanocomposite resins which may fit the modern clinical applications.

Comparison of Properties with Relevance for the Automotive Sector in Mechanically Recycled and Virgin Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) has a high recycling potential. However, the properties of mechanically recycled PP (R-PP) have not been fully compared to those of virgin PP (V-PP). Therefore, in this study, properties of R-PP and V-PP were compared using data from recyclers, virgin plastic suppliers, and the literature. The properties of recyclates could not be directly correlated either with the properties of the virgin polymers from which the recyclates were made or the recycling parameters. It was found that the MFR of R-PP was higher; MFR R-PP had a median value (m) of 11 g/10 min while MFR V-PP had a median value of 6.3 g/10 min (at 230 °C and with 2.16 kg). In terms of mechanical properties, in many cases R-PP exhibited stiffer and more brittle behavior, with a slightly higher Young’s modulus (ER-PP = 1400 and EV-PP = 1200 MPa), a reduced elongation at break (ɛbR-PP = 4 l.-% and ɛbV-PP = 83 l.-%), and notched charpy impact strength (NCISR-PP = 4.8 and NCISV-PP = 7.5 kJ/m2). However, the values for every property had a broad distribution. In addition to existing information from the literature, our research sheds fresh light on the variation of the characteristics of recycled polypropylenes presently on the market.

Interploidy gene flow involving the sexual-asexual cycle facilitates the diversification of gynogenetic triploid Carassius fish

Asexual vertebrates are rare and at risk of extinction due to their restricted adaptability through the loss of genetic recombination. We explore the mechanisms behind the generation and maintenance of genetic diversity in triploid asexual (gynogenetic) Carassius auratus fish, which is widespread in East Asian fresh waters and exhibits one of the most extensive distribution among asexual vertebrates despite its dependence on host sperm. Our analyses of genetic composition using dozens of genetic markers and genome-wide transcriptome sequencing uncover admixed genetic composition of Japanese asexual triploid Carassius consisting of both the diverged Japanese and Eurasian alleles, suggesting the involvement of Eurasian lineages in its origin. However, coexisting sexual diploid relatives and asexual triploids in Japan show regional genetic similarity in both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. These results are attributed to a unique unidirectional gene flow from diploids to sympatric triploids, with the involvement of occasional sexual reproduction. Additionally, the asexual triploid shows a weaker population structure than the sexual diploid, and multiple triploid lineages coexist in most Japanese rivers. The generated diversity via repeated interploidy gene flow as well as an increased establishment of immigrants is assumed to offset the cost of asexual reproduction and might contribute to the successful broad distribution of this asexual vertebrate.

Demand, dysfunction and distribution: The UK growth model from neoliberalism to the knowledge economy

Theories of ‘growth models’ explain capitalist diversity by reference to shifting drivers of aggregate demand in different national economies. This article expands the growth models framework beyond its conventional focus on debt-driven and export-driven demand, through an ideational analysis of Thatcher’s vision of a property-owning democracy, and Blair’s knowledge-driven growth agenda. Drawing on policymakers’ statements, it shows how these hypothetical growth models differed from the debt-driven growth model that ultimately prevailed. Using data on the distribution of wealth and wages, it highlights how both approaches failed to generate sustainable demand; in Thatcher’s case, because of an insufficiently broad distribution of capital ownership, in Blair’s case, because of an insufficiently broad distribution of lucrative knowledge work. This indicates that explanations of dysfunctional growth models need to consider not just the split of national income between labour and capital, but also the distribution of both labour income and capital income between households.

Widespread glasses generated by cometary fireballs during the late Pleistocene in the Atacama Desert, Chile

Twisted and folded silicate glasses (up to 50 cm across) concentrated in certain areas across the Atacama Desert near Pica (northern Chile) indicate nearly simultaneous (seconds to minutes) intense airbursts close to Earth’s surface near the end of the Pleistocene. The evidence includes mineral decompositions that require ultrahigh temperatures, dynamic modes of emplacement for the glasses, and entrained meteoritic dust. Thousands of identical meteoritic grains trapped in these glasses show compositions and assemblages that resemble those found exclusively in comets and CI group primitive chondrites. Combined with the broad distribution of the glasses, the Pica glasses provide the first clear evidence for a cometary body (or bodies) exploding at a low altitude. This occurred soon after the arrival of proto-Archaic hunter-gatherers and around the time of rapid climate change in the Southern Hemisphere.

Passing rail traffic reduces bat activity

Rail transport is expanding, with a global increase in infrastructure of up to one-third predicted by 2050. Greater reliance on rail is expected to benefit the environment at a planetary level, by mitigating transport-related carbon emissions. However, smaller-scale, more direct consequences for wildlife are unclear, as unlike roads, railway impacts on animal ecology are rarely studied. As a group, bats frequently interact with transport networks due to their broad distribution and landscape-scale movements. Additionally, their nocturnality, and use of echolocation mean bats are likely to be affected by light and noise emitted by trains. To investigate whether passing trains affect bat activity levels, we monitored the two most abundant UK species using ultrasonic detectors at 12 wooded rail-side sites in southern England. Activity fell by ≥ 30–50% each time a train passed, for at least two minutes. Consequently, activity was reduced for no less than one-fifth of the time at sites with median rail traffic, and two-thirds or more of the time at the busiest site. Such activity changes imply repeated evasive action and/or exclusion from otherwise favourable environments, with potential for corresponding opportunity or energetic costs. Hence, disturbance by passing trains may disadvantage bats in most rail-side habitats.

Tuft cell integration of luminal states and interaction modules in tissues

Chemosensory processes are integral to the physiology of most organisms. This function is typically performed by specialized cells that are able to detect input signals and to convert them to an output dedicated to a particular group of target cells. Tuft cells are cholinergic chemosensory epithelial cells capable of producing immunologically relevant effector molecules. They are scattered throughout endoderm-derived hollow organs and function as sensors of luminal stimuli, which has been best studied in mucosal barrier epithelia. Given their epithelial origin and broad distribution, and based on their interplay with immune pathways, tuft cells can be considered a prototypical example of how complex multicellular organisms engage innate immune mechanisms to modulate and optimize organ physiology. In this review, I provide a concise overview of tuft cells and discuss how these cells influence organ adaptation to dynamic luminal conditions.

Non-toxic polymer nanovectors for improved delivery of dexamethasone

Dexamethasone (Dex) is a highly insoluble front-line drug used in cancer therapy. Data from clinical trials indicates that the pharmacokinetics of Dex vary considerably between patients and prolonging drug exposure rather than increasing absolute dose may improve efficacy. Non-toxic, fully biodegradable Dex loaded nanovectors (NV) were formulated, via simple direct hydration within 10 min, as a vehicle to extend exposure and distribution in vivo. Dex-NV were just as effective as the free drug against primary human leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, high levels of DMSO solvent were not required in the NV formulations. Broad distribution of NV was seen rapidly following inoculation into mice. NV accumulated in major organs, including bone marrow and brain, known sanctuary sites for ALL. The study describes a non-toxic, more easily scalable system for improving Dex solubility for use in cancer and can be applied to other medical conditions associated with inflammation.