The origin of genetic diversity of indigenous cockfighting chickens of Pakistan by analyzing the mtDNA.

In Pakistan, the origin of the indigenous cockfighting chicken (ICC) or gamecock population is unknown. However, it is speculated that this might have been associated with domestication, an event linked to recreational, entertainment (cockfighting), religious or ornamental activities. This study aims to understand the origin and genetic diversity of the ICC population in Pakistan.

Altitudinal distribution and seasonal migration of asiatic black bear () in kaghan and Siran Valleys, Pakistan.

The Asiatic black bear () is considered one of the largest carnivores inhabiting different territories including coniferous and broad-leaved forests, extending from sea level to the elevation of 4300 m. The Kaghan and Siran Valleys in Pakistan's District Mansehra were the location of the current study. To evaluate the altitudinal distribution and seasonal movement of Asiatic black bears in the region, we used three approaches (sign distribution survey, questionnaire-based survey, and scat collecting).

Stereoretention in the Bulk ROP of l-Lactide Guided by a Thermally Stable Organocatalyst.

Polylactide (PLA) has emerged as one of the most promising bio-based alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, mainly because it can be produced from the fermentation of naturally occurring sugars and because it can be industrially compostable. In spite of these benefits, the industrial ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactide (L-LA) still requires the use of highly active and thermally stable metal-based catalysts, which have raised some environmental concerns. While the excellent balance between activity and functional group compatibility of organic acid catalysts makes them some of the most suitable catalysts for the metal-free ROP of L-LA, the majority of these acids are highly volatile and subject to decomposition at high temperature, which limits their use under industrially relevant conditions.

Developmental changes in gene expression and gonad morphology during sex differentiation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a globally important species for its value in fisheries and aquaculture, and as a research model. In order to characterise aspects of sex differentiation at the morphological and mRNA level in this species, the present study examined developmental changes in gonad morphology and gene expression in males and females between 0 and 79 days post hatch (dph). Morphological differentiation of the ovary (indicated by the formation of germ cell cysts) became apparent from 52 dph.

Controlled Design of a Robust Hierarchically Porous and Hollow Carbon Fiber Textile for High-Performance Freestanding Electrodes.

For most carbon-based materials, hierarchical porous structure including well-defined macropores, mesopores, and micropores is commonly seen in 3D aerogels, monoliths, or some carbothermic natural biomass. However, because of the filiform character and long draw ratio, it is difficult to achieve such pore network as well as attain excellent mechanical performance in a 1D single carbon fiber system. To address this issue, an innovative hierarchical porous and hollow carbon textile (HPHCT) is developed via the "dynamic template (KOH, SiO, and AlO) calcination" strategy.

Atomic-Scale Mott-Schottky Heterojunctions of Boron Nitride Monolayer and Graphene as Metal-Free Photocatalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis.

Heterojunction photocatalysts at present are still suffering from the low charge separation/transfer efficiency due to the poor charge mobility of semiconductor-based photocatalysts. Atomic-scale heterojunction-type photocatalysts are regarded as a promising and effective strategy to overcome the drawbacks of traditional photocatalysts for higher photoenergy conversion efficiencies. Herein, an atomic-scale heterojunction composed of a boron nitride monolayer and graphene (h-BN-C/G) is constructed to significantly shorten the charge transfer path to promote the activation of molecular oxygen for artificial photosynthesis (exemplified with oxidative coupling of amines to imines).

Low levels of genetic structuring in King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus across two geographic regions.

Postlarvae of King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus, a commercially important fish species in southern Australia, were collected from multiple locations across south and south-eastern Australia. Genetic analyses using seven microsatellite markers found little evidence of genetic structure suggesting high levels of connectivity between the regions. The results found no evidence of a distinct source spawning population within the south-eastern range sampled in this study.

Biogeographic models of gene flow in two waterfowl of the Australo-Papuan tropics.

There are many large, easy-to-observe anseriform birds (ducks, geese, and swans) in northern Australia and New Guinea and they often gather in large numbers. Yet, the structure of their populations and their regional movements are poorly understood. Lack of understanding of population structure limits our capacity to understand source-sink dynamics relevant to their conservation or assess risks associated with avian-borne pathogens, in particular, avian influenza for which waterfowl are the main reservoir species.