Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of variation in distylous traits and reproductive consequences in Erythroxylum species and populations.

PREMISE Distylous species possess two floral morphs with reciprocal positioning of stigmas and anthers that is hypothesized to promote disassortative pollination. Theoretical models predict equal morph frequencies, but many populations depart from the expected 1:1 ratio, a pattern that often correlates with asymmetric mating between morphs and/or presence of a weak incompatibility system. Variation in reciprocity can also affect the likelihood of disassortative pollination and, hence, reproductive fitness. METHODS We described variation in incompatibility systems and morph ratio in four Erythroxylum species to test if greater deviations from 1:1 ratios occur in populations of self-compatible species. Using adaptive inaccuracy, we described upper and lower organ reciprocity in species and populations and assessed the relationship of reciprocity to population means and coefficients of variation for fruit set to test if reciprocity could predict female reproductive success. RESULTS Morphs occurred in 1:1 ratios in most populations of three Erythroxylum species with distylous self-incompatibility. In self-compatible E. campestre populations showed an excess of the long-styled morph, the short-styled morph, or were monomorphic for the short-styled morph. We detected deviations from reciprocity, with total inaccuracy ranging between 9.39% and 42.94%, and inaccuracy values were lowest in low organs. Across populations, we found a positive relationship between inaccuracy and the coefficient of variation of fruit set. CONCLUSIONS Erythroxylum species showed variation in the distylous syndrome, with changes in the incompatibility system that corresponded with deviations from 1:1 morph ratio, and variation in reciprocity that correlated with variation in female reproductive fitness.
NMDA Receptor Subunits ϵ1 (NR2A) and ϵ2 (NR2B) Are Substrates for Fyn in the Postsynaptic Density Fraction Isolated from the Rat Brain

Abstract Fyn, protein tyrosine kinase, and its substrates were highly concentrated in the postsynaptic density (PSD) fraction prepared from the rat forebrain. There were a number of Fyn substrates unique to the PSD fraction. One of the major substrates in the PSD fraction was found to be a concanavalin A-binding glycoprotein, PSD-gp180, which is the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit ϵ2 (NR2B). Western blotting and immunoprecipitation supported the phosphorylation of ϵ2 by Fyn. NMDA receptor subunit ϵ1 (NR2A) was also a substrate for Fyn. These results suggest that Fyn is involved in the modulation of synaptic efficacy through the phosphorylation of synapse-specific substrates such as the NMDA receptor/channel.
Mercury and selenium localization in macrophages of the striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba

The cellular features of mercury and selenium accumulation has been studied by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray microprobe analysis in the liver of striped dolphins. Mercury and selenium occurred as dense intracellular granules, located mainly within the liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). Granules were composed of 150 A spherical particles showing the same electron diffraction pattern and x-ray spectrum as mercuric selenide. The role of macrophages in mercuric selenide granule production and storage is discussed.
Residual SYNTAX Score Is Associated With Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction With Preserved LVEF

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between residual SYNTAX score (rSS) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) development in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with normal or near-to-normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 306 patients who underwent PCI with NSTEMI were included in our study. SYNTAX scores were calculated for the periods before and after PCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups as developed CIN following PCI (CIN +) and patients did not (CIN −). Fifty-four (17.6%) of patients who were included in the study developed CIN. Age (P = .001) and rSS (P = .002) were significantly higher and LVEF was lower (P = .034) in the CIN (+) group. Age (P = .031, odds ratio [OR]: 1.031, 95% CI, 1.003-1.059) and rSS (P = .04, OR: 1.036, 95% CI, 1.002-1.071) were independent predictors for CIN. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, when the cutoff value of rSS was taken as 3.5, it determined CIN with 79% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Contrast-induced nephropathy may develop more frequently in patients with increased rSS value. The rSS may be useful to follow-up these patients for CIN development.
Freshwater fisheries conservation can increase biodiversity

We evaluate the impact of a fisheries management program centered on the definition of Fish Conservation Zones on biodiversity, measured as the number of species caught in the last 12 months. Data comes from a set of 32 villages in central Lao PDR, of which half participated in the program, and the remaining are a set of matched control villages. The estimated causal effects are large (an increase between 29 and 32 species) and robust to the potential importance of unmeasured confounders. We also show that initial conditions may matter, as the program seems particularly effective in villages with high probability of participating in the program. These results are particularly important given the paucity of evidence regarding the impact of conservation programs on biodiversity, particularly in the context of freshwater ecosystems. Further directions of research suggested by these results are discussed.
Comparación de la escala qSOFA para evaluar la falla orgánica secuencial y los criterios SIRS para sepsis a la cabecera de pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus

Resumen Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus es una de las principales causas de bacteriemia, adquirida en la comunidad o asociada con la atención en salud, la cual presenta un gran porcentaje de complicaciones y elevadas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. Los criterios SRIS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) se han usado tradicionalmente con el fin de establecer la presencia de sepsis; sin embargo, recientemente se ha cuestionado su valor predictivo dada su baja sensibilidad y especificidad. En el 2016, apareció la escala qSOFA (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), como una nueva herramienta para la evaluación rápida de las infecciones en los servicios de urgencias. Objetivo. Comparar las herramientas qSOFA y SRIS para la predicción de la bacteriemia por S. aureus. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional sobre el comportamiento clínico de pacientes con bacteriemia por S. aureus para evaluar el perfil de resistencia fenotípica, algunas características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio, las complicaciones y la mortalidad, así como los resultados de las evaluaciones con la escala qSOFA y los criterios SRIS, para establecer cuál podría predecir mejor la presencia de bacteriemia por S. aureus. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 26 pacientes con bacteriemia, en cuyas muestras S. aureus había sido el segundo germen más frecuentemente aislado. Se encontró una mortalidad del 50 % (13 casos) y una prevalencia del 30 % de S. aureus resistente a meticilina (SARM). Según los puntajes clínicos obtenidos, la escala qSOFA fue positiva en 30,8 % de los pacientes y los criterios SRIS lo fueron en el 92,3 %. Discusión. Se encontró una elevada mortalidad en la población analizada. La escala qSOFA fue menos efectiva para el diagnóstico que los criterios clásicos de reacción inflamatoria sistémica.
Controlled Life Cycles of Bromegrass, Bromus inermis Leyss., Used in Improvement 1

L. C. NEWELL BROMEGRASS (Bromus inermis Leyss.) responds well to greenhouse culture for purposes of improvement by controlled breeding and hybridization. Information on the environmental factors instrumental in bringing about the production of a large number of inflorescences on seedling plants or clones of this grass under controlled conditions is of much importance in furthering plant breeding procedures. Plant breeders are constantly confronted with physiological problems involved in growing a crop under artificial conditions. It is necessary to control the factors involved in order to produce a maximum number of inflorescences and to provide an adequate pollen supply at a proper time for use. Solutions to these problems may appear relatively simple. In practice, however, the failure to obtain proper control of these factors, particularly if their influences are not fully understood, frequently results in much wasted time and effort. It is the purpose of this paper to present studies of the effects of certain environmental factors on the production of bromegrass inflorescences under greenhouse conditions. The practices developed have been applied to speeding up a program of improvement of the bromegrass crop. The study of the physiological responses of the bromegrass plant under controlled conditions also offers an explanation of some of its responses in the field. Bromegrass plants selected from space-planted nur-
Growth, sclerotia and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus: influence of food preservatives

The influence of six food preservatives on control of aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus was tested in SMKY and defined media at three concentrations, viz., 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0%. Propionic acid completely inhibited the yield of mycelia and sclerotia, and aflatoxin production in culture medium, mycelia and sclerotia of A. parasiticus at all concentrations, whereas citric acid showed inhibition only at 0.5 and 1.0% concentrations. Sodium metabisulphite did not permit mycelial growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis in SMKY liquid medium but allowed production of sclerotia and aflatoxin on solid media, while the rest of the food preservatives had only marginal inhibitory effects.
The effects of acclimation to sunlight on the xylem vulnerability to embolism in Fagus sylvatica L

We assessed the effects of irradiance received during growth on the vulnerability of Fagus sylvatica L. xylem vessels to water-stress-induced embolism. The measurements were conducted on (1) potted saplings acclimated for 2 years under 100% and 12% incident global radiation and (2) branches collected from sun-exposed and shaded sides of adult trees. Both experiments yielded similar results. Light-acclimated shoots were less vulnerable to embolism. Xylem water potential levels producing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity were lower in sun-exposed branches and seedlings than in shade-grown ones (‐3·0 versus ‐2·3 MPa on average). The differences in vulnerability were not correlated with differences in xylem hydraulic conductivity nor vessel diameter. Resistance to cavitation was correlated with transpiration rates, midday xylem and leaf water potentials in adult trees. We concluded that vulnerability to cavitation in Fagus sylvatica may acclimate to contrasting ambient light conditions.
Effect of high-concentrate corn grain diet-induced elevated ruminal lipopolysaccharide levels on dairy cow liver function

A high-concentrate diet destroys gram-negative bacteria in the cattle rumen, leading to elevated ruminal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. LPS causes liver inflammation through the hepatic portal vein but little is known about the effects of rumen-derived LPS on liver function and the reproductive organs. In this study, we determined the effect of increasing rumen fluid LPS levels on liver function and genital LPS levels. Cows were assigned to control (CON; n=5) and high-concentrate diet (HC; n=7) groups. We observed that the ruminal LPS and haptoglobin (Hp) levels were significantly higher and albumin levels were lower in the HC group than in the CON group. In the HC group, The Hp levels and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity were significantly higher and the total cholesterol levels were significantly lower after high-concentrate diet feeding than before feeding. No differences were observed in LPS levels in the peripheral veins, hepatic veins, hepatic portal vein, uterine perfusate, and follicular fluids between the groups. In all samples, the LPS level in the hepatic portal vein blood positively correlated with the AST activity and serum amyloid A level. In conclusion, our results indicate that high-concentrate diets do not have a direct effect on the reproductive organs upon a moderate ruminal LPS level increase. However, an increased ruminal LPS influx into the liver might affect negatively liver function.
Temporal photosynthetic carbon isotope signatures revealed in a tree ring through 13CO2 pulse‐labelling

Using a combined method of pulse-labelling trees and analysing detailed distribution of 13 C tracer within tree rings, we studied how photo-assimilates incorporated on a given day are then distributed in a tree ring. A branch of a 4-year-old Cryptomeria japonica D.Don tree growing in Tsukuba, Japan was pulse-labelled with non-radioactive 13 CO 2 on two occasions: 29 May 2001 and 18 September 2001. Two discs were cut from the stem on 4 March 2002, one immediately under and the other 0.5 m below the branch and put through high-resolution δ 13 C analysis. δ 13 C peaks were observed in both the earlywood and latewood of the concerned tree ring, corresponding to each pulse-labelling date. The earlywood peaks was broader than the latewood peaks, possibly reflecting seasonal variation of the width of wood developing zone. Half-widths of the peaks were measured and used as indicators for the potential time resolution of tree-ring isotope analysis. The half-widths of the peaks indicated a time resolution no finer than 8.7-28 and 33-42 d in the early and latewood, respectively. Holocellulose extraction yielded only a slight change to the shape of the δ 13 C peaks. 13 C tracer pulse-labelled in May and September reached tangentially different locations in the lower disc, suggesting a seasonal change in the pathway of carbohydrates. Local consumption of spring assimilates and long-distance downward transport of autumn assimilates were also suggested.
A Supplementary Description of Lytocestus indicus Moghe (Syn. Caryophyllaeus indicus Moghe 1925. Cestoda)

Since I published (1925) a description of this interesting new species of a Caryophyllaeid, Woodland (1926) has suggested that the bodies which I described as post-ovarian vitellaria (1925, p. 233, fig. 2, p.ov.vit.) are in reality ovarian follicles, and that, therefore, the worm is a Lytocestus and not Caryophyllaeus. Southwell in his papers (1928 and 1930) has embodied my original description of this worm and has concluded the description by referring to Woodland's remark regarding the post-ovarian vitellaria, without definitely assigning the species to the genus Lytocestus. With additional material at my disposal, it was possible to re-examine its anatomy, and I have found that the bodies described and figured by me as post-ovarian vitellaria are in reality ovarian follicles. I also take this opportunity of publishing a more complete and, I hope, a more accurate description of its general anatomy.
Exploring the utility of Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI in burned area mapping for a heterogenous savannah landscape

When wildfires are controlled, they are integral to the existence of savannah ecosystems and play an intrinsic role in maintaining their structure and function. Ample studies on wildfire detection and severity mapping are available but what remains a challenge is the accurate mapping of burnt areas in heterogenous landscapes. In this study, we tested which spectral bands contributed most to burnt area detection when using Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 multispectral sensors in two study sites. Post-fire Sentinel 2A and Landsat 8 images were classified using the Random Forest (RF) classifier. We found out that, the NIR, Red, Red-edge and Blue spectral bands contributed most to burned area detection when using Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A. We found out that, Landsat 8 had a higher classification accuracy (OA = 0.92, Kappa = 0.85 and TSS = 0.84)) in study site 1 as compared to Sentinel-2 (OA = 0.86, Kappa = 0.74 and TSS = 0.76). In study site 2, Sentinel-2 had a slightly higher classification accuracy (OA = 0.89, Kappa = 0.67 and TSS = 0.64) which was comparable to that of Landsat 8 (OA = 0.85, Kappa = 0.50 and TSS = 0.41). Our study adds rudimentary knowledge on the most reliable sensor allowing reliable estimation of burnt areas and improved post-fire ecological evaluations on ecosystem damage and carbon emission.
Risk for development of inflammatory bowel disease under inhibition of interleukin 17: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective Cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during treatment with interleukin (IL)-17 antagonists have been reported from trials in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The aim of this study was to assess the overall risk for development of IBD due to IL-17 inhibition. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted 2010–2018 of treatment with IL-17 antagonists in patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. We compared risk of IBD development in anti-IL-17 treated patients compared to placebo treatments. We also computed incident rates of IBD overall. A ‘worst case scenario’ defining subjects ambiguous for prevalent versus incident cases for the latter was also applied. Results Sixty-six studies of 14,390 patients exposed to induction and 19,380 patients exposed to induction and/or maintenance treatment were included. During induction, 11 incident cases of IBD were reported, whereas 33 cases were diagnosed during the entire treatment period. There was no difference in the pooled risk of new-onset IBD during induction studies for both the best-case [risk difference (RD) 0.0001 (95% CI: -0.0011, 0.0013)] and worst-case scenario [RD 0.0008 (95% CI: -0.0005, 0.0022)]. The risk of IBD was not different from placebo when including data from maintenance and long-term extension studies [RD 0.0007 (95% CI: -0.0023, 0.0036) and RD 0.0022 (95% CI: -0.0010, 0.0055), respectively]. Conclusions The risk for development of IBD in patients treated with IL-17 antagonists is not elevated. Prospective surveillance of patients treated with IL-17 antagonists with symptom and biomarker assessments is warranted to assess for onset of IBD in these patients.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Affects the Sinusoidal Uptake Transporter OATP1B1 Evaluated by the Pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin

The present study assessed the effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity, a chronic and inflammatory autoimmune disease, on the sinusoidal uptake transporter OATP1B1 using atorvastatin (ATV) as a probe drug. Fifteen healthy subjects, 13 patients with controlled SLE (SLEDAI 0–4), and 12 patients with uncontrolled SLE (SLEDAI from 6 to 15), all women, were investigated. Apparent total clearance of midazolam (MDZ), a marker of CYP3A4 activity, did not vary among the three investigated groups. The controlled and uncontrolled SLE groups showed higher plasma concentrations of MCP‐1 and TNF‐α, while the uncontrolled SLE group also showed higher plasma concentrations of IL‐10. The uncontrolled SLE group showed higher area under the curve (AUC) for ATV (60.47 (43.76–83.56) vs. 30.56 (22.69–41.15) ng⋅hour/mL) and its inactive metabolite ATV‐lactone (98.74 (74.31–131.20) vs. 49.21 (34.89–69.42) ng⋅hour/mL), and lower apparent total clearance (330.7 (239.30–457.00) vs. 654.5 (486.00–881.4) L/hour) and apparent volume of distribution (2,609 (1,607–4,234) vs. 7,159 (4,904–10,450) L), when compared to the healthy subjects group (geometric mean and 95% confidence interval). The pharmacokinetics of ATV and its metabolites did not differ between the healthy subject group and the patients with controlled SLE group. In conclusion, uncontrolled SLE increased the systemic exposure to both ATV and ATV‐lactone, inferring inhibition of OATP1B1 activity, once in vivo CYP3A4 activity assessed by oral clearance of MDZ was unaltered. The inflammatory state, not the disease itself, was responsible for the changes described in the uncontrolled SLE group as a consequence of inhibition of OATP1B1, because systemic exposure to ATV and its metabolites were not altered in patients with controlled SLE.
Basel Capital and Macroeconomic Growth in Nigeria

The study analyses the effect of Basel Capital on macroeconomic growth in Nigeria. Time series data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin for the period 1986 to 2019. The econometric methods of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag was used to estimate the models while the Augmented Dickey Fuller was employed in testing the stationarity properties of the variables under study. The outcome of these estimations shows that the unit root was non stationary at levels but appears stationary at first difference. Hence, the series were integrated at order I(1). Other econometric tests of normality, autocorrelation and multicollinearity were carried out and the econometric tools of the autoregressive distributed lag and the granger causality test also were used for the test of hypotheses. The econometric results also show a positive and significant relationship between Basel Capital Accords and growth in credit to the private sector and small and medium enterprises. However, the Basel Capital measures do not granger cause credit growth to the private sector and small and medium enterprises. There is also a positive, but not significant relationship between Basel Capital and real gross domestic product. Basel Capital does not granger cause economic growth in Nigeria but economic growth granger cause Basel Capital at the 5% significance level. There is, however, a significantly negative relationship between bank capital and financial sector development in terms of the funding and liquidity of the economy. The results further show that 89%, 68%, 51%, 89% and 91% variations in macroeconomic growth variables are explained by changes in Basel Capital while the general fitness of the model so specified indicates that the relationship is significant at 5% level. The findings of the study in Nigeria support the theory of bank capital channel which postulates that monetary policy actions influences bank lending behaviour through its impact on bank equity. The study concludes that the pursuit of a stronger Basel Capital base in the banking system may produce mixed results for macroeconomic growth in Nigeria. It is recommended that the Basel Capital compliance should include capital conservation buffers and a counter-cyclical buffer as recommended in Basel III with a view to absorbing shocks from loan losses.
Brain Painting V2: long-term evaluation by an end-user at home – an update

demonstrating the use of lines. Number of selections under parenthesis. Figure 1. Control level (a), VAS for Satisfaction (c), VAS for Frustration (d) as a function of sessions. Boxplot (c,d) represent quartiles and dotted line the mean. (b) Boxplots show Satisfaction depending on control level. Brain Painting V2: long-term evaluation by an end-user at home – an update L. Botrel, E. Holz, A. Kübler Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany