Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Almacén de carbono en sistemas agroforestales con café

This study was conducted with the aim of estimating carbon stocks in coffee-based agroforestry sys- tems (AFS) in the Huatusco region, a major coffee (Coffea arabica L.) producing area in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, in order to obtain quantitative data on the carbon mitigation potential of major agro- forestry systems in that region. To this end, carbon stocks were estimated for plant biomass and soil organic matter in the following agroforestry systems: coffee-banana, coffee-macadamia, coffee-pink cedar, coffee-sheep and coffee-Inga spuria, as well as a primary forest and a grazing land for com- parative purposes. The samples were collected from 4 x 25 m (100 m2) plots for tree biomass, herbs and litter; for soil, the sampling depth was 0 to 30 cm. The highest amount of aboveground carbon, estimated using allometric models, was recorded for coffee-pink cedar (Co + Ce), with 114 Mg C·ha-1, followed in descending order by: coffee-macadamia (Co + Ma), with 34 C Mg·ha -1 ; coffee-Inga spuria (Co + In), with 29 C Mg·ha -1 ; coffee-banana (Co + Ba), with 27 Mg C·ha -1 ; and lastly the grazing land (G) with 2 Mg C·ha-1. For soil organic carbon, the Co + Ce treatment had the highest amount with 58 Mg C·ha -1 , while the grazing land (G) had the lowest with 50 Mg C·ha -1 . As far as total organic carbon is concerned, the maximum amount of 172 Mg C·ha-1 was found in Co + Ce and the minimum, 65 Mg C·ha -1 , in the grazing land. In conclusion, among the coffee-based systems studied, the average
Fruit color and contrast in seasonal habitats – a case study from a cerrado savanna

Communication contributes to mediate the interactions between plants and the animals that disperse their genes. As yet, seasonal patterns in plant–animal communication are unknown, even though many habitats display pronounced seasonality e.g. when leaves senescence. We thus hypothesized that the contrast between fruit displays and their background vary throughout the year in a seasonal habitat. If this variation is adaptive, we predicted higher contrasts between fruits and foliage during the fruiting season in a cerrado–savanna vegetation, southeastern Brazil. Based on a six-year data base of fruit ripening and a one-year data set of fruit biomass, we used reflectance measurements and contrast analysis to show that fruits with distinct colors differed in the beginning of ripening and the peak of fruit biomass. Black, and particularly red fruits, that have a high contrast against the leaf background, were highly seasonal, peaking in the wet season. Multicolored and yellow fruits were less seasonal, not limited to one season, with a bimodal pattern for yellow ones, represented by two peaks, one in each season. We further supported the hypothesis that seasonal changes in fruit contrasts can be adaptive because fruits contrasted more strongly against their own foliage in the wet season, when most fruits are ripe. Hence, the seasonal variation in fruit colors observed in the cerrado–savanna may be, at least partly, explicable as an adaptation to ensure high conspicuousness to seed dispersers.
Effect of intracerebroventricular injection of GABA receptors antagonists on morphine-induced changes in GABA and GLU transmission within the mPFC: an in vivo microdialysis study

Objective(s): Many studies have focused on ventral tegmental area than of other mesocorticolimbic areas, and implicated a key role for the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the development of addictive behaviors. So far, the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the discriminative properties of morphine has received little attention and few studies evaluated the role of these receptors in drug dependence. Hence, we investigated the role of this receptor on morphine- induced GABA/ glutamate (GLU) changes in the mPFC following morphine administration using in vivo microdialysis. Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 rats weighing 270-300 g were divided into six groups. First, microdialysis probe was inserted into the mPFC and was perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid and collected the baseline samples in all groups. In saline and morphine groups, the saline, in phaclophen and (phaclofen+morphine) groups, phaclofen (100 nmol), and in bicuculline and (bicuculline+morphine) groups, bicuculline (20 nmol) was injected intracerebroventricular. In saline, phaclofen and bicuculline groups 20 min later, animals received saline (0.2 ml, IP) and others groups received morphine (20 mg/kg, IP). Results: Our results showed that morphine increased the average concentration of GABA and decreased the concentration of GLU within mPFC. Pretreatment with phaclofen and bicuculline 20 min before morphine administration had no effect on GABA and GLU release for 100 min. Conclusion: The present study indicated that morphine influence the GABA and GLU transmission in mPFC. Therefore evaluation of neurochemistry changes of this neural circuitry may provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying drug dependence.
Photosynthetic responses of four tropical tree species grown under gap and understorey conditions in a semi-deciduous forest

Leaf CO2 assimilation (A) as a function of photosynthetic photon flux density (Q) or intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were carried out on four tropical woody species growing in forest gap and understorey (Bauhinia forficata Link. and Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. as pioneers, and Hymenaea courbaril L. and Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. as non-pioneers). Chlorophyll fluorescence indicated similar acclimation capacities of photochemical apparatus to contrasting light environments irrespective to plant species. Maximum CO2 assimilation and quantum yield derived from A/Q curves indicated higher photosynthetic capacity in pioneer than in non-pioneer species in forest gap. However, the differences among species did not show a straightforward relation with their successional status regarding data derived from A/Q curves under understorey conditions. Both successional groups are able to sustain positive carbon balance under contrasting natural light availabilities, modifying photochemical and biochemical photosynthetic traits with similar phenotypic plasticity capacity.
Phylogeography of Douglas-fir: testing hypotheses from the fossil record.

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. June 2010. Major: Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. Advisors Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Shinya Sugita. 1 computer file (PDF), vi, 130 pages, ill. (some col.) + 9 supplemental files (4 figures (TIFF), 4 tables (XLSX), 1 table (DOCX))
Competição de genótipos de goiabeira (Psidium guajava L.) na região do submédio São Francisco

The objective of this study was to discriminate and select guava genotypes to improve the crop production system in the Submiddle of San Francisco Valley. An experiment was carried out at the Bebedouro Experimental Sation that belongs to Embrapa Semiarid in Petrolina, State of Pernambuco, with five genotypes of guava: Paluma, Red Fleshed, Surubim, Red Selection of Florida and Ruby Supreme. A randomized block design was used as statistical model with five treataments, and five repetitions. The results, related to the first and the second fruit set prunings and two year of combined analyses for fruit yield, indicated that Surubim variety tended to higher yield and greater number of fruits among the five genotypes tested.
New records of Ascomycota in the northwestern Argentinean Yungas

We report new records for nine species of ascomycetes from the Yungas of northwestern Argentina. Capronia nigerrima , Capronia pulcherrima and Rosellinia dingleyae are new records for South America. Byssosphaeria rhodomphala , Camarops tubulina , Cercophora ambigua , Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma , Tubeufia cylindrothecia are new species for Argentina, and Togninia minima is a new record for the biome.
Life history traits, but not phylogeny, drive compositional patterns in a butterfly metacommunity

Community assembly is a combination of ecological, evolutionary, and stochastic processes. Separating out the abiotic and biotic processes (such as limiting similarity or environmental filtering) from stochastic processes is central to developing a cogent approach for understanding patterns in ecological community structure and organization. Using butterfly communities in a fragmented landscape, we tested the hypothesis that local environmental filtering drives character convergences in traits of species belonging to different clades. We found that, while many traits were determined both by phylogeny and environment, trait convergence within the phylogeny was extensive and eroded the phylogenetic structure associated with habitat use. Traits associated with habitat use are shown to be only moderately phylogenetically conserved in chalk grassland butterfly assemblages, and further analysis revealed that traits associated with environmental filtering may be highly labile rather than phylogenetically conserv.
Effect of inorganic mercury on biochemical parameters in Wistar rat

The present study has been carried out to investigate the effect of inorganic mercury (mercuric chloride - HgCl2) exposure on biochemical parameters in adult male rats. 48 rats whose average body weight was about 290 g were included in the experiment. HgCl2, dissolved in distilled water, was administered per os at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg of body weight daily during 15, 30, 45 or 60 days. Rats receiving distilled water were considered as controls. At the end of each treatment period, the corresponding group of animals (both control and intoxicated groups) was euthanized in order to measure plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins and urea concentrations, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and hepatic glutathione (GSH) level. Our results showed a significant disturbance of ALP activity and uremia throughout the experiment. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol and total proteins levels were significantly deteriorated following HgCl2 exposure by day 30. HgCl2 also induced a hypoglycemia at days 45 and 60. Hepatic GSH content decreased significantly only at day 45 compared to controls. Our study suggests that HgCl2 is mainly a nephrogenic pollutant and disturbs simultaneously the plasma biochemical profile and the hepatic GSH-related detoxifying system.
Mimetic isomorphism, market competition, perceived benefit and bribery of firms in transitional China

This paper examines the effect of mimetic isomorphism on bribery of firms in transitional China. In addition, we also consider whether or not market competition and perceived benefit moderate the effect of mimetic isomorphism. The results show that a given firm’s bribing behavior is significantly motivated by other firms’ bribing behavior, confirming the existence of mimetic isomorphism. Moreover, market competition and perceived benefit are also found to have a significant and positive effect on firms’ bribing behavior. Furthermore, market competition significantly and positively moderates the effect of mimetic isomorphism while perceived benefit does not.
Application of Unit-Level Cost Transparency, Education, Enhanced Audit, and Feedback of Anonymized Peer Ranking to Promote Judicious Use of 25% Albumin in Critical Care Units

Objective: Hyperoncotic 25% albumin is widely used for fluid resuscitation in intensive care units. However, this practice remains controversial. By 2012 in our intensive care unit, annual 25% albumin expenditures had steadily increased to exceed $1 million. This prompted efforts to promote more judicious use. Design: Prospective time series cohort analysis using statistical process control charts. Setting: Seventy-six-bed quaternary level cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit (CVICU), organized into 6 adjacent units. Patients: Adult cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery patients admitted postoperatively to the CVICU during the study period. Interventions: Over 12 months starting March 2013, we sequentially implemented unit-level 25% albumin cost transparency, provider education, and individualized audit and feedback of anonymized peer ranking of albumin prescriptions. Measurements and Main Results: C control charts were used for analysis of monthly unit-level direct albumin costs for 20 months. Balance measures including red cell transfusions, number of diagnoses of pleural effusions, and length of stay were also tracked. Monthly average albumin expenditures had decreased 61% by December 2014, and there was no evidence of adverse changes in any of the balance measures. These reductions have been sustained. Conclusion: Sequential implementation of multimodal strategies can alter clinician practices to achieve substantial unit-level reduction in 25% albumin utilization without harm to patients.
Morphogenesis of the division and encystment process of the ciliated protozoan Colpoda minima

We have investigated the main morphological features of the asexual division and encystment process in the ciliate Colpoda minima. It is a soil colpodid ciliate with a quite variable body size. The nuclear apparatus is composed of one ellipsoidal macronucleus and one lenticular micronucleus. The somatic infraciliature is made up of 69–101 kineties, 10–16 of which are postoral. The oral infraciliature is made up of two oral polykineties, the left one consists of 45–60 short oblique rows of kinetosomes whereas the right one is formed by a row of kinetosome pairs and many short rows of kinetosomes disposed without a regular arrangement. Cell division occurs in a division cyst and produces four tomites. Stomatogenesis is merotelokinetal and involves about 16–23 stomatogenic kineties. A macronuclear extrusion process takes place during cell division. The resting cyst is included in the partial-kinetosome-resorbing (PKR) group, and its cyst wall has two layers which are derived from different cystic precursors. During encystment, macronuclear division and chromatin extrusion (in some cases) have been observed. All of these characteristics of the life cycle of C. minima are compared and discussed with respect to those of other colpodid ciliates.
The Completion Shift of German Universities of Applied Sciences

In research on higher education, the evaluation of completion and drop-out rates has generated a steady stream of interest for decades. While most studies only calculate quotes using student and graduate numbers for both phenomena, we propose to also consider the budget available to universities. We transfer the idea of the excellence shift from the research (Bornmann et al., 2017) to the teaching area, and particularly to the completion rate of educational entities. The completion shift shows institutions’ ability to produce graduates as measured against their basic academic teaching efficiency, thereby avoiding the well-known heterogeneity problem in efficiency measurement. Their politically determined focus on education makes German universities of applied science the perfect sample for evaluating this novel method. Using a comprehensive dataset covering the years 2008 to 2013, we show that the shift produces results, which correlate considerably with the results of the standard Data Envelopment Approach (DEA). Thus, we recommend the completion shift as an alternative method of efficiency measurement in the teaching area. Compared to DEA, the computation of the shift is easy and the results are understandable to non-economists.
Foreignness, multinationality and inter-organizational relationships

This article examines how being foreign and part of a multinational organization is likely to affect the costs and benefits of inter-organizational relationships and the ability to establish them. Applying theories of inter-organizational relationships to the context of the MNE, the article advances hypotheses that outline the direction of this impact, and test them on data on 554 advertising agencies in the US. Foreignness negatively affects the propensity to form inter-organizational relationships, and the impact of being part of a multinational organization is mixed, revealing complex relationships between inter- and intra-organizational interactions. The findings show the merit of the distinction between foreignness and multinationality, as two defining attributes of MNEs that differently shape their inter-organizational relationships. They suggest that the propensity of MNEs to form inter-organizational relationships differs from that of non-MNEs and requires its own theorizing.
The theory and design of fractal antenna arrays

One of the most fruitful areas of fractal electrodynamics research to date concerns the application of fractal geometry to antenna engineering. In this chapter we provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the field of fractal antenna engineering, with particular emphasis placed on the theory and design of fractal arrays. Several important properties of fractal arrays will be presented and discussed in this chapter. These include the frequency-independent multiband characteristics of fractal arrays, schemes for realizing low sidelobe designs, systematic approaches to thinning, and the ability to develop rapid beamforming algorithms by exploiting the recursive nature of fractals.
Genetic diversity and biogeographic history inform future conservation management strategies for the rare sunset frog (Spicospina flammocaerulea)

Outlining the distribution of genetic variation, patterns of gene flow and clarifying the biogeographic processes underlying population history are critical components of a comprehensive conservation strategy for endangered or vulnerable species. We provide this information for the vulnerable sunset frog (Spicospina flammocaerulea) using a comprehensive genetic dataset (ND2) with samples from 17 of 22 geographic localities where this species has been found. From genetic, biogeographic and coalescent-based analyses, we document the existing genetic variation, likely movement patterns and explore the biogeographic history of S. flammocaerulea. While catchment-based genetic variation is well documented in other high-rainfall taxa in south-western Australia, a much more complex scenario including dispersal across ridge lines between catchments better explains the distribution of genetic variation and observed patterns of gene flow in S. flammocaerulea. The population history of S. flammocaerulea is strongly indicative of recent population contraction and expansion, which may be related to late Pleistocene climate fluctuations. This suggests that this species can adapt or move in response to fluctuating climates provided suitable habitats or expansion areas are available. However, like many other endemic taxa with limited geographic ranges in south-western Australia, the potential to shift distributions is hampered by being land-locked within an agricultural landscape, limiting management options in the face of climate change.
Braincase, palatoquadrate and ear region of the plagiosaurid Gerrothorax pulcherrimus from the Middle Triassic of Germany

Abstract: The complete neurocranium plus palatoquadrate of the plagiosaurid temnospondyl Gerrothorax pulcherrimus from the Middle Triassic of Germany is described for the first time, based on outer morphological observations and micro‐CT scanning. The exoccipitals are strong elements with paroccipital processes and well‐separated occipital condyles. Anterolaterally, the exoccipitals contact the otics, which are mediolaterally elongated and have massive lateral walls. The otics contact the basisphenoid, which shows well‐developed sellar processes. Anteriorly, the basisphenoid is continuous with the sphenethmoid region. In its posterior portion, the sphenethmoid gives rise to robust, laterally directed laterosphenoid walls, a unique morphology among basal tetrapods. The palatoquadrate is extensively ossified. The quadrate portion overlaps the descending lamina of squamosal and ascending lamina of pterygoid anteriorly, almost contacting the epipterygoid laterally. The epipterygoid is a complex element and may be co‐ossified with otics and laterosphenoid walls. It has a broad, sheet‐like footplate and a horizontally aligned ascending process that contacts the laterosphenoid walls. The degree of ossification of the epipterygoid, however, is subject to individual variation obviously independent from ontogenetic changes. The stapes of Gerrothorax is a large, blade‐like element that differs conspicuously from the plesiomorphic temnospondyl condition. It has a prominent anterolateral projection which has not been observed in other basal tetrapods. Morphology of neurocranium and palatoquadratum of Gerrothorax most closely resembles that of the Russian plagiosaurid Plagiosternum danilovi, although the elements are less ossified in the latter. The extensive endocranial ossification of Gerrothorax is consistent with the general high degree of ossification in the exo‐ and endoskeleton of this temnospondyl and supports the view that a strong endocranial ossification cannot be evaluated as a plesiomorphic character in basal tetrapods.
Fine-scale spatial structuring as an inbreeding avoidance mechanism in the social skink Egernia stokesii

Abstract. Egernia stokesii is a monogamous and group-living species of Australian scincid lizard. We used genotype data from 10 microsatellite loci to examine evidence for sex-biased dispersal and kin-based discrimination as mechanisms for inbreeding avoidance of E. stokesii within seven rocky outcrops in the southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia. We also examined the relatedness of individuals observed using the same crevice within groups. We found no evidence for sex-biased dispersal at these sites, but found that adult lizards of the opposite sex observed using the same crevice were less related to each other than expected by chance. Our results suggest a behavioural mechanism for minimising inbreeding in large related aggregations of this species.
Septin-9: a novel biomarker for colorectal cancer screening

Background: The gold standard method for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer is colonoscopy. However, colonoscopy has several limitations and complications. Moreover, fecal occult blood test and serum based tumor markers do lack the desired specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, a novel biomarker is needed for early detection of colorectal cancer. With this prospective randomised controlled study author’s aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Septin-9 on colorectal cancer screening.Methods: Septin-9 is a protein which is encoded by the SEPT9 gene. SEPT9 has been detected in the blood of colorectal cancer patients. In this study, the results of fecal occult blood test, carcinoembryonic antigen and SEPT9 using fecal and blood samples of the patients obtained before colonoscopy were compared. DNA isolation and bisulfite transformation were made from the blood samples for SEPT9. The experimental and control groups were built up using the results of biopsy taken during colonoscopy.Results: Fecal occult blood test was determined as positive in control group for 30% (6/20), in colorectal cancer group for 54.2% (13/24). FOBT specificity and sensitivity for colorectal cancer were 54.1%, 70%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Septin9 at detecting colorectal cancers were found statistically significant according to either fecal occult blood test or carcinoembryonic antigen values.Conclusions: When author evaluated their situation in the light of the data, it was seen that CRCs is an important public health problem. As being an easily applicable test by blood sample and having high sensitivity and specificity, SEPT9 should take its place in routine screening protocols.