Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ajuste de modelos de volumen y funciones que describen el perfil diamétrico de cuatro especies de pino plantadas en el nordeste de México

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo observar la bondad de ajuste de ocho modelos de volumen y cuatro funciones que describen el perfil diametrico de cuatro especies de pino (Pinus brutia Ten., Pinus eldarica Medw., Pinus halepensis Mill., y Pinus estevezii Mart.) plantadas en el nordeste de Mexico. Los arbolillos fueron medidos en su diametro a diferentes secciones de la altura. El 90 p. 100 de los datos disponibles (145, 39, 227 y 48 para volumen y 2.350, 1.280, 4.4077 y 1.320 para el perfil) fueron utilizados para ajustar los modelos que describen el perfil diametrico (Clutter, Amidon, Kozak, Newnham) y de volumen, por medio de la tecnica de cuadrados minimos en regresion lineal y no lineal. La bondad de ajuste de los modelos fue probada con el 10 p. 100 de los datos restatnes, por medio de estimdores del coeficiente de determinacion y del error estandar, y los volumenes maderables estimados por las ecuaciones de volumen y funciones del perfil. Los resultados indicaron que diferentes modelos describieron mejor el volumen para diferentes especies de los arboles observados. Sin embargo, el modelo de Schumacher, Hall consistentemente resulto en las mejores bondades de ajuste del volumen. El modelo de la forma variable de Newnham describio mejor el perfil diametrico de las especies estudiadas. Con todo, el modelo de Amidon tuvo una mejor bondad de ajuste en el volumen por arbol y el total de los individuos prueba. Los modelos del perfil, en general, describieron mejor los volumenes fustales de los arboles prueba, que las ecuaciones de volumen. Por esta razon se recomienda la funcion de la forma-variable de Newnham en la descripcion del perfil de los fustes y los volumenes totales de las plantaciones estudiadas.
Cytomorphological and molecular characterization of interspecific F 1 hybrid of Momordica dioica Roxb. × Momordica subangulata subsp. renigera (G. Don) de Wilde

Interspecific hybrid (F1) between spine gourd (Momordica dioica) and teasle gourd (Momordicasubangulata Blume subsp. Renigera (G. Don) WJJ de Wilde) produced through bagging and hand pollination showed vigorous growth habit with less fertility. Morphological parameters along with meiotic, mitotic chromosome behaviors and Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, confirmed interchanges of genetic characters in the new hybrids. The interspecific hybrid showed a vigorous foliage with intermediate flower characters than that of parental species. Self pollination and backcrossing of F1plants to either parent confirmed presence of both male and female sterility, that might be due to improper meiotic chromosome pairing. The characters like petal spot and time of anthesis (early morning) were similar to that of pollen parent while the diameter and size of leaves and flowers, pedicel length and plant growth were intermediate as compared to parents. Somatic chromosome analysis revealed 2n = 28 in M.dioica – the female parent, 2n = 56 in M. subangulata ssp. renigera - the male parent and 2n = 42 in F1hybrid of M. dioica × M. subangulata ssp. renigera. RAPD analysis of both the parents and F1 hybrid confirmed more genetic affinity (60.95%) with female parent than the male parent (32.35%). Primer specific DNA markers confirmed the introgression of male genetic elements into the newly developed amphidiploids. Incorporation of male specific DNA markers into the F1 hybrid is discussed. Preliminary evaluation indicates that the F1 plants sprouted early, which is lacking in the mother parent and this character could be exploited by restoring of fertility by chromosome doubling. Key words: Momordica, cytomorphology, F1 hybrid, karyotype, RAPD markers.
CORRECTION: RD19, an Arabidopsis cysteine protease required for RRS1-R-mediated resistance, is relocalized to the nucleus by the Ralstonia solanacearum PopP2 effector.

Bacterial wilt, a disease impacting cultivated crops worldwide, is caused by the pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum . PopP2 (for Pseudomonas outer protein P2) is an R. solanacearum type III effector that belongs to the YopJ/AvrRxv protein family and interacts with the Arabidopsis thaliana RESISTANT TO RALSTONIA SOLANACEARUM 1-R (RRS1-R) resistance protein. RRS1-R contains the Toll/Interleukin1 receptor–nucleotide binding site–Leu-rich repeat domains found in several cytoplasmic R proteins and a C-terminal WRKY DNA binding domain. In this study, we identiﬁed the Arabidopsis Cys protease RESPONSIVE TO DEHYDRATION19 (RD19) as being a PopP2-interacting protein whose expression is induced during infection by R. solanacearum . An Arabidopsis rd19 mutant in an RRS1-R genetic background is compromised in resistance to the bacterium, indicating that RD19 is required for RRS1-R–mediated resistance. RD19 normally localizes in mobile vacuole-associated compartments and, upon coexpression with PopP2, is speciﬁcally relocalized to the plant nucleus, where the two proteins physically interact. No direct physical interaction between RRS1-R and RD19 in the presence of PopP2 was detected in the nucleus as determined by Fo¨rster resonance energy transfer. We propose that RD19 associates with PopP2 to form a nuclear complex that is required for activation of the RRS1-R–mediated resistance response. The PopP2-3HA construct was derived from the recombination of the corresponding pENTR constructs with the pAM-PAT-P35S-GW-3HA destination vector. CFP- and YFPv-tagged proteins were generated from recombination of the corresponding pENTR constructs with the pAM-PAT-P35S-GW-CFP and pAM-PAT-P35S-GW-YFPv destination vectors, respectively (YFPv for YFPvenus, an enhanced form of the YFP [Nagai et al., 2002]). The aleurain-CFP construct has been previously described (Humair et al., 2001).
Transcriptional expression of Epstein‐Barr virus genes and proto‐oncogenes in North African nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from North Africa show an unusual bimodal age distribution. As elsewhere, the tumor is closely associated with the presence of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV). The expression of EBV genes and c‐onc genes was studied in biopsy specimens from tumors at different clinical stages from 11 young (10 to 30‐year‐old) and 11 adult (30 to 65‐year‐old) patients. It was found that the two age groups do not differ in their pattern of gene expression, that there is a tendency for later stage biopsies to express more viral and c‐onc transcripts, and that samples expressing larger numbers of EBV genes also tend to express many different c‐onc specificities. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AFP ratio predicts HCC recurrence after liver transplantation

Background/aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Early identification of patients at risk for HCC recurrence is of paramount importance since early treatment of recurrent HCC after LT may be associated with increased survival. We evaluated incidence of and predictors for HCC recurrence, with a focus on the course of AFP levels. Methods We performed a retrospective, single-center study of 99 HCC patients who underwent LT between January 28th, 1997 and May 11th, 2016. A multi-stage proportional hazards model with three stages was used to evaluate potential predictive markers, both by univariate and multivariable analysis, for influences on 1) recurrence after transplantation, 2) mortality without HCC recurrence, and 3) mortality after recurrence. Results 19/99 HCC patients showed recurrence after LT. Waiting time was not associated with overall HCC recurrence (HR = 1, p = 0.979). Similarly, waiting time did not affect mortality in LT recipients both with (HR = 0.97, p = 0.282) or without (HR = 0.99, p = 0.685) HCC recurrence. Log10-transformed AFP values at the time of LT (HR 1.75, p = 0.023) as well as after LT (HR 2.07, p = 0.037) were significantly associated with recurrence. Median survival in patients with a ratio (AFP at recurrence divided by AFP 3 months before recurrence) of 0.5 was greater than 70 months, as compared to a median of only 8 months in patients with a ratio of 5. Conclusion A rise in AFP levels rather than an absolute threshold could help to identify patients at short-term risk for HCC recurrence post LT, which may allow intensification of the surveillance strategy on an individualized basis.
The coupled response of stomatal conductance to photosynthesis and transpiration

Increases in the net rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of leaves are perceived to occur simultaneously. Published data are re-analysed here to show that when increases in the net rate of photosynthesis are a result of transient increases in the ambient CO 2 concentration then the reverse is the case, i.e. increases in net photosynthesis are closely correlated to reductions in stomatal conductance. Rather than explain this observation in terms of a direct effect of CO 2 on stomata this article develops the idea that stomata respond to a signal in proportion to the degree to which the photosynthetic capacity is realized. This interpretation of stomatal function facilitates the formulation of a simple static model of stomatal responses to the rates of both carbon gain and water loss.
Presynaptic α-Synuclein Aggregates, Not Lewy Bodies, Cause Neurodegeneration in Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Lewy bodies, the pathological hallmark of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), are large juxtanuclear inclusions of aggregated α-synuclein. However, the small number of cortical Lewy bodies relative to the total neuron count does not correlate with the extent of cognitive impairment. In contrast to dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease, nerve cell loss is usually less prevalent in the cortex of DLB, suggesting a different mechanism of neurodegeneration. Because antibodies used for immunodetection per se do not generally differentiate the aggregated from the physiological and monomeric isoform of α-synuclein, we developed the paraffin-embedded tissue (PET) blot and the protein aggregate filtration (PAF) assay for the sensitive and selective detection of α-synuclein aggregates in tissue slides and brain homogenates, respectively. In contrast to common immunohistochemistry, the PET blot detected an enormous number of small α-synuclein aggregates, which, in contrast to the few Lewy bodies, may explain the cognitive impairment in DLB. Using the PAF assay, we demonstrate that the absolute majority of α-synuclein aggregates are located at presynaptic terminals, suggesting a severe pathological impact on synaptic function. Indeed, parallel to the massive presynaptic accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates, we observed significant synaptic pathology with almost complete loss of dendritic spines at the postsynaptic area. Our results provide strong evidence for a novel concept of neurodegeneration for DLB in which synaptic dysfunction is caused by presynaptic accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates. This concept may also be valid for Parkinson's disease.
Sexual Transgressions in Couples: The Influence of Dependence and Commitment on their Perception and Handling

Abstract Transgressions occur frequently in romantic relationships, and how they are perceived is influenced by the type of transgression that occurred. By means of an experimental study of 399 participants (75.9% women and 24.1% men) aged 18 to 64 years old (Mage = 31.20, SD = 10.48), we examined the relationship between the type of sexual transgression (infidelity versus coercion), and perceived severity, strategies individuals would use in response to the transgression, and the probability they would leave the relationship, as well as levels of dependence and commitment. Results revealed higher perceived severity (p < .001, η2p = .24) and probability of leaving the relationship (p < .001, η2p = .39) in the infidelity scenario (versus coercion). Meanwhile, women (compared to men) rated sexual transgressions as more severe (p < .001, η2p = .04) and reported a higher probability of leaving the relationship (p < .001, η2p = .03), as well as a higher use of active conflict resolution strategies (exit, p = .048, η2p = .01, and voice, p < .001, η2p = .06) and lower use of passive strategies (loyalty, p < .001, η2p = .08). Finally, high levels of commitment and dependence predicted lower perceived severity (commitment, p < .001, 95% CI [–.72, –.20]; dependence, p < .001, 95% CI [–1.73, –.85]) and lower probability of leaving the relationship (commitment, p = .048, 95% CI [–.55, –.01]; dependence, p < .001, 95% CI [–1.66, –.73]) in coercion (versus infidelity) transgressions. These results highlight the normalization of sexual coercion in romantic relationships, which is not viewed as negatively as infidelity, and that commitment and dependence contribute to minimizing the negative impressions of it.
Implementation of an attention training programme with a sample of children who have sustained traumatic brain injuries in South Africa: A pilot study

ABSTRACT This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of implementing an attention-training programme for children who have sustained moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in a South African context. We compared the performance on the programme of children with TBI (TBI Intervention Group) to children who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD Intervention Group), a TBI Art group and a TBI No-intervention Group (n=5 in each group) in this preliminary study. Children in the two Intervention Groups participated in the “Pay Attention! ” programme for 45 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks. All children were aged 6–8 years and underwent neuropsychological testing pre- and post-intervention. Behavioural data were collected from parents. Children in the ADHD Intervention Group showed individual clinically significant attentional improvements on measures of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II using the Reliable Change Index (≥ 2.58 SD). Despite mixed results, the pilot study demonstrates that implementing a cognitive rehabilitation programme in South Africa is feasible and necessary, despite limited infrastructure and access to resources.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in lane

Polymerase chain reaction primer pairs for a total of 25 nuclear-encoded microsatellites (loci) were developed from genomic DNA libraries of lane snapper ( Lutjanus synagris ), mutton snapper ( Lutjanus analis ), and yellowtail snapper ( Ocyurus chrysurus ). The microsatellites include 24 perfect (21 dinucleotide and three trinucleotide) and one imperfect (combination tetranucleotide/tetranucleotide) repeat motifs. A total of 32 individuals of each species were assayed for allelic variation at all 25 microsatellites; reliable amplification products were generated for lane snapper (25 loci), mutton snapper (21 loci), and yellowtail snapper (24 loci). Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg expectations, following Bonferroni corrections, were found for one microsatellite in lane and yellowtail snappers, and for three microsatellites in mutton snapper. All pairwise comparisons of microsatellites (all three species) did not deviate significantly from genotypic equilibrium.
Impact of a nutritional supplement (Impryl) on male fertility: study protocol of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (SUppleMent Male fERtility, SUMMER trial)

Introduction Infertility is a worldwide problem and about 10%–15% of all couples will be affected by the inability to have children. In approximately 50% of infertile couples, a male factor is involved. Most of the male infertile cases are characterised as ‘idiopathic’, except for a small percentage of cases which are causative by a genetic aetiology. In the past decade, the role of oxidative stress related to sperm quality has been researched thoroughly and estimated to be the problem in 25%–87% of male infertility cases. Impryl is a nutritional supplement which works on the metabolic system and the regulation of oxidative stress by activating the 1-carbon cycle and therefore recycling of homocysteine. We hypothesise that the nutritional supplement Impryl in men of infertile couples might improve the ongoing pregnancy rate. Methods and analysis We designed a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We aimed to include 1200 male adults aged 18–50 years, part of a couple that is diagnosed with infertility. The couple will either start or has already been started with fertility treatment, that is, expectative management (duration of 6 months), intrauterine insemination (IUI) with or without mild ovarian stimulation or ovulation induction, either in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Male participants will be randomised in either the Impryl or the placebo group, with identical appearance of the tablets to be distributed (doses: one tablet each day), for a total duration of maximal 6 months. Patients can start directly with fertility treatment and/or natural conception. The primary outcome is the number of ongoing pregnancies confirmed by ultrasound at ≥10 to 12 weeks, and conceived in the time window between randomisation up to and including month 6 of intervention use. Secondary outcomes are change in semen parameters between baseline and after 3 months of intervention in the IUI/IVF/ICSI group, based on (prewash) total motile sperm count. Furthermore the number of pregnancies conceived in the optimal intervention time window (after full spermatogenesis of 72 days), overall number of pregnancies, time to pregnancy, embryo fertilisation rate in IVF/ICSI, embryo-utilisation rate in IVF/ICSI, number of miscarriages, live birth rate and adverse events are documented within the study period of 15 months. Ethics and dissemination The protocol is approved by the local medical ethical review committee at the Radboud University Medical Centre and by the national Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects. Findings will be shared with the academic and medical community, funding and patient organisations in order to contribute to optimisation of medical care and quality of life for patients with infertility. Trial registration numbers NCT03337360 and NTR6551.
The determination of chromic oxide in faeces samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

A rapid and accurate atomic absorption method for the determination of chromium in faeces samples from pasture experiments using chromic oxide ‘markers’ is described. Of the elements present after ashing and digesting the samples in a phosphoric acid—manganese sulphate—potassium bromate solution silicate, aluminium, calcium and magnesium were found to interfere in the determination. The effects of these interferences were overcome by the addition of calcium to the test solution and by the addition of silicate to the standards, which were prepared in ‘blank’ solutions. The sensitivities of a number of alternate chromium resonance lines relative to that of Cr 3578·7 Å. are given. These lines may be used to increase the concentration range of the analysis. The results of a comparison of the atomic absorption method with a chemical method are given.
Phagocytosis of Bioactive Microspheres

The influence of several proteins on the uptake of microspheres was investigated using mouse peritoneal macrophages. Thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages were cultivated for 3 h with protein-grafted and protein-coated cellulose microspheres smaller than 2 μm in the presence and the absence of serum. Bovine serum albumin reduced the phagocytosis of microspheres, while y-globulin, human fibronectin, bovine tuftsin, and gelatin enhanced the phagocytosis. This trend was not influenced substantially by the presence of serum and the mode of surface binding of the proteins; that is, covalent grafting or physical adsorption (coating). However, in the case of gelatin binding, phagocytosis was greatly enhanced by the presence of serum as compared with the other proteins.
High biogeographical and evolutionary value of Canary Island pine populations out of the elevational pine belt: the case of a relict coastal population

Aim Marginal populations are frequently neglected in static views of vegetation types, particularly when defining conservation reserves. The biogeographical and evolutionary importance of a marginal and endangered population of Pinus canariensis is addressed in this study to ascertain the need for conservation action. Diversity loss between adults and offspring and patterns of seed dispersal and recruitment were examined to provide evidence of recent degradation of marginal P. canariensis pinewoods. The scientific basis for the provision of sound conservation policies was investigated by elucidating the factors responsible for significant population structure.
High levels of population genetic differentiation in the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a widely distributed species across coastal and brackish areas of the Neotropical region of the Americas and the Greater Antilles. Available information on patterns of genetic differentiation in C. acutus shows a complex structuring influenced by interspecific interactions (mainly hybridization) and anthropogenic actions (mostly historical hunting, recent poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, and unintentional translocation of individuals). In this study, we used data on mitochondrial DNA control region and 11 nuclear polymorphic microsatellite loci to assess the degree of population structure of C. acutus in South America, North America, Central America and the Greater Antilles. We used traditional genetic differentiation indices, Bayesian clustering and multivariate methods to create a more comprehensive picture of the genetic relationships within the species across its range. Analyses of mtDNA and microsatellite loci show evidence of a strong population genetic structure in the American crocodile, with unique populations in each sampling locality. Our results support previous findings showing large degrees of genetic differentiation between the continental and the Greater Antillean C. acutus. We report three new haplotypes unique to Venezuela, which are considerably less distant from the Central and North American haplotypes than to the Greater Antillean ones. Our findings reveal genetic population differentiation between Cuban and Jamaican C. acutus and offer the first evidence of strong genetic differentiation among the populations of Greater Antillean C. acutus.