Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new method to measure carbon isotope composition of CO2 respired by trees: stem CO2 equilibration

1. Applying Keeling plot techniques to derive δ13C of respiratory input in a closed non-equilibrated chamber can lead to large errors because steady-state diffusion rules are violated in a non-steady-state environment. To avoid these errors, respiratory δ13C can be derived using equilibrated closed chambers. 2. We introduce a new method to obtain stem respired CO2δ13C (δst-r) with closed equilibrated stem chambers (E-SC). We present a theoretical model describing the equilibration process, test the model against field data and find excellent agreement. The method is further tested by comparing it with closed non-equilibrated stem chambers (NE-SC); we found no difference between these methods. 3. Our theoretical model to describe CO2 diffusion from the respiratory pool into the chamber and the equation to derive the δ13C of the efflux are general. They could be applied to other ecosystem components (e.g. soils). 4. Our method is easy to implement, cost effective, minimizes sources of error and allows for rigorous leak detection. One major limitation is its inability to detect rapid change; the equilibration process requires 15 ± 2 h. A second limitation is that it cannot be used for species that produce abundant pitch at sites of stem wounding (e.g. Pseudotsuga menziesii). 5. Investigating δ13C of CO2 respired by different ecosystem components is necessary to interpret δ13C of ecosystem respiration. This parameter has major implications with respect to global carbon cycle science.
Cuantificación de hongos micorrícicos en muestras de suelo en plantaciones de Tabebuia rosea y Cordia alliodora

The tropical grounds show great restrictions for tree production after they have been used and over-exploited by man. A strategy to increase the levels of production is based on the fertilization according to the requirements of the trees. As mycorrhization is a biological low cost alternative that can contribute to the success of the reforestation, we wanted to establish how it was possible to favor the surviving and growth of arboreal species in green houses by means of the quantification of mycorrhizal fungi using ground samples in the species Tabebuia rosea and Cordia alliodora in different localities from Costa Rica, Central America. Samples in ten different sites were analyzed and the quantification of spores was made by sifting. The percentage of colonization by roots was considered at microscopic observation by roots according to methodology of Sieverding. The results obtained in this investigation concluded that from the variety of the present sorts of Micorrizas Vesiculo Arbusculares in the ground sample those that demonstrated better behavior with Tabebuia rosea and Cordia alliodora were Glomus sp. and Gigaspora sp. In addition, to obtain a greater growth and development of the trees, it is necessary to favor the mycorrhizal population in the plants within their first days of birth.
An extended mixed inheritance model for detecting major genes affecting quantitative traits

"The objective of this research is to extend the mixed inheritance model developed by Zeng et al (2004) to detect the segregation of two major genes using phenotypic data from a half-diallel mating design. The model can be used to select parents which are segregating for major genes, both for breeding purposes and studies of adaptive evolution. The model can be used to find parents that are heterozygous for major genes, so the cost of QTL mapping just to determine whether a QTL is present can be avoided. A Bayesian approach using Gibbs sampling was used to develop this model. Genotypes of the parents and progeny are updated using "parent blocking" in which the genotypes of the parents and progeny are updated as a block. For this study, only additive effects of major genes were taken into account. In general, estimates of genetic parameters were accurate. When major gene effects were large (> 0.5 phenotypic standard deviation), the genotypes of the parents along with genetic parameters were estimated correctly. However, when major gene effects were small, transformation between major genes and polygenic effects occurred frequently and heterozygotes were sometimes incorrectly identified. Suggestions for further modifications of the model are made, including addition of dominance, epistatic, and genotype X environment interactions and modifications to improve the mixing of the chains. "--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
DECLINE OF THREE SPECIES OF THE GENUS TELMATOBIUS (ANURA: LEPTODACTYLIDAE) FROM TUCUMÁN PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

Three species of aquatic frogs of the genus Telmatobius (T. ceiorum, T. laticeps and T. pisanoi) were historically present in montane streams of Tucumán Province (Argentina). We conducted exhaustive surveys between 2001 and 2005 in three types of environments: (1) streams in mountain forests (Yungas) from 1300 to 1900 m above sea level, (2) streams in montane grasslands 2000 to 4000 m, and (3) streams in Prepuna shrublands from 2000 to 3500 m. Small numbers of T. pisanoi were found at the edge of its original distribution area, but were absent from the sites where the species was originally abundant. The other two species were absent from the surveyed streams, including historic localities, and are presumably extinct. Several factors are suggested as possible causes of this decline, including (a) an unusual dry and warm period that preceded the last record for T. laticeps and T. pisanoi, (b) the presence of exotic salmonids in the forest streams where T. ceiorum historically lived, (c) the expansion of the trout stockings in the historical distribution area of T. laticeps, (d) an increase in erosive processes and debris flowing events in montane streams, and (e) the presence of chytrid fungus.
Evaluation of eradication measures against Anoplophora chinensis in early stage infestations in Europe.

Eradication efforts are described at 5 sites where infestations of Anoplophora chinensis have been detected in Europe since 2003. The infestations were in France (declared eradicated in 2006), in Croatia, in Italy (Rome) and in the Netherlands (Westland and Boskoop). Each of these infestations was on or nearby a nursery or location where plants originating from Eastern Asia had (probably) been stocked or sold. Infested plants were all found within a distance of 30 m from the presumed source of infestation except in the Rome-infestation where infested plants, in total 40, were found within 500 m of the presumed source of infestation. The history of plant imports and local observations at 3 sites (France, Croatia and Westland in the Netherlands) suggests that larvae arrived in imported plants and adults emerged and laid eggs on plants in the surroundings between 1 and 5 years before the infestation was detected. It was not possible to make such an estimate for the Boskoop infestation in the Netherlands and the Rome infestation in Italy.
A comparative study of endophytic fungi in needles, bark, and xylem of Pinus tabulaeformis

Endophytic fungi associated with Chinese oil pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) from two distinct climatic sites, Fenghuangshan and Lingyuan in northeast China, were investigated. A total of 2065 fungal isolates were recovered from 4320 tissue segments consisting of needles, bark, and xylem from 30 mature trees for each site. Twenty-one fungal taxa were identified; the remaining 205 isolates (11% of total isolates) did not sporulate and could not be identified. There were higher overall colonization and isolation rates of endophytic fungi from the Fenghuangshan than from the Lingyuan site. At the Fenghuangshan site, the colonization and isolation rates significantly increased with the age of the needles and xylem, but not of the bark. At the Lingyuan site, the colonization and isolation rates significantly increased with the age of the xylem; however, there were no significant differences between 2- and 3-year-old needles and bark, except that they both contained fewer endophytes in 1-year-old by comparison.
Nesidioblastosis Associated with Pancreatic Heterotopia as a Differential Diagnosis of Hypoglycemia: A Literature Review and Case Report

Patient: Male, 32-year-old Final Diagnosis: Nesidioblastosis Symptoms: Hypoglycemia Medication:— Clinical Procedure: Distal pancreatectomy • magnetic resonance image • selective arterial calcium stimulation test with hepatic venous sampling Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic Objective: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Background: Nesidioblastosis is a rare disease that is part of the differential diagnosis of pancreatogenic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH) in patients whose imaging studies do not localize insulinoma. Pancreatic heterotopia is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by pancreatic tissue anatomically separated from the main gland and found in 0.5% of abdominal surgeries. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review of the literature on nesidioblastosis in pancreatic ectopic tissue and to describe a case of the co-occurrence of these 2 rare conditions. Case Report: A 32-year-old man presented with adrenergic and neuroglycopenic symptoms, with laboratory-confirmed hyper-insulinemic hypoglycemia. There was no evidence of tumors on abdominal CT scan and MRI. Celiac trunk sampling with a calcium stimulation test was done, which showed an insulin gradient in the gastroduodenal artery. However, the intraoperative ultrasound showed a small nodule located at the pancreatic tail, leading to distal pancreatectomy. The histologic examination showed nesidioblastosis associated with pancreatic heterotopia. The patient remained asymptomatic after distal pancreatectomy. Conclusions: Nesidioblastosis accounts for 0.5%–5% of all cases of PHH, with a histology showing hypertrophy and hyper-plasia of pancreatic islets. Pancreatic heterotopia is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from failure of pancreatic cell migration, and is found as an incidentaloma in imaging or surgeries. Although it is a rare disease, nesidioblastosis should be considered in the investigation of hypoglycemia, even in the rare presentation of nesidioblastosis in patients with pancreatic heterotopy.
The cells of Meynert in the visual cortex of the monkey.

In 1872, Meynert called attention to conspicuous large cells which are present in the visual cortex of the human brain and which are characterized by possessing well marked horizontally directed basal processes. He noted that cells of this type are located at the level of the white line of Gennari, and also in the infragranular layers of the cortex. The former are not so large or conspicuous as the latter, though in the visual cortex of some species of New World monkeys they may be aggregated to form a definite laminatraversing the central zone of the white line of Gennari. Those in the infragranular layers, however, are particularly obtrusive in stained sections, and since it is to these that the reference 'solitary cells of Meynert' is now commonly applied, such a usage of the term may conveniently be followed here. The first detailed account of the morphology of the solitary cells of Meynert was provided by Cajal (1899). He described them as being situated in his 7th layer of the visual cortex of the human brain (a layer which evidently corresponds to at least a part of the lamina ganglionaris of more modern terminology) and he noted that they are commonly disposed in a single row, and at some distance from each other, in a plexus of fibres which are mainly horizontal. The cells were described as being characterized by having a base which is very broad in proportion to its height, and in possessing stout basal dendrites which extend for considerable distances parallel to the surface. In many lower mammals the cells of Meynert seem hardly to be present in the visual cortex; at least, there are no cells in the infragranular layers which stand out conspicuously by reason of their size, shape and their basal dendritic expansions. Thus, in a recent intensive study of the cyto-architecture of the visual cortex of the rabbit, based on Golgi preparations, O'Leary & Bishop (1938) make no record of cells of exceptional size and with extensive horizontal dendrites in the infragranular layers. In some reports of the cortical cyto-architecture of lower mammals, based on Nissl preparations, references have from time to time been made to the presence of cells of Meynert, but it is not always certain that they can be correctly identified in such material. However, an exception occurs in the primitive mammal, Tupaia, for in the visual cortex of this genus scattered cells of unusually large size are very conspicuous elements in the deeper laminae of the visual cortex (Clark, 1925). The significance of this may be related to the concurrent development in Tupaia of an advanced degree of differentiation of the visual cortex with remarkably massive anterior colliculi in the mid-brain, for, as will be shown, there is evidence that these cells provide corticomesencephalic fibres. OBSERVATIONS
Targeted chromatin conformation analysis identifies novel distal neural enhancers of ZEB2 in pluripotent stem cell differentiation

Abstract The transcription factor zinc finger E-box binding protein 2 (ZEB2) controls embryonic and adult cell fate decisions and cellular maturation in many stem/progenitor cell types. Defects in these processes in specific cell types underlie several aspects of Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MOWS), which is caused by ZEB2 haplo-insufficiency. Human ZEB2, like mouse Zeb2, is located on chromosome 2 downstream of a ±3.5 Mb-long gene-desert, lacking any protein-coding gene. Using temporal targeted chromatin capture (T2C), we show major chromatin structural changes based on mapping in-cis proximities between the ZEB2 promoter and this gene desert during neural differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells, including at early neuroprogenitor cell (NPC)/rosette state, where ZEB2 mRNA levels increase significantly. Combining T2C with histone-3 acetylation mapping, we identified three novel candidate enhancers about 500 kb upstream of the ZEB2 transcription start site. Functional luciferase-based assays in heterologous cells and NPCs reveal co-operation between these three enhancers. This study is the first to document in-cis Regulatory Elements located in ZEB2’s gene desert. The results further show the usability of T2C for future studies of ZEB2 REs in differentiation and maturation of multiple cell types and the molecular characterization of newly identified MOWS patients that lack mutations in ZEB2 protein-coding exons.
Characterisation of Non-Uniform Photosynthesis Induced by Abscisic Acid in Leaves Having Different Mesophyll Anatomies

The effects of abscisic acid (ABA) on photosynthesis in leaves of Helianthusannuus L. were compared with those in leaves of Viciafaba L. After the ABA treatment, the response of photo­ synthetic CO2 assimilation rate, A, to calculated intercellular partial pressure of CO2 , Pi' (A(Pi) relationship) was markedly depressed in H. annuus. A less marked depression was also observed in Vifaba. However, when the abaxial epidermes were removed from these leaves, neither the maximum rate nor the CO 2 response of photosynthetic oxygen evolution was affected by the ap­ plication of ABA. Starch-iodine tests revealed that photosynthesis was not uniform over the leaves of H. an­ nuus treated with ABA. The starch content was diffferent in each bundle sheath extension com­ partment (the smallest subdivision of mesophyll by veins with bundle sheath extensions, hav­ ing an area of ca. 0.25 mrrr' and ca. 50 stomata). In some compartments, no starch was detected. The distribution of open stomata, examined using the silicone' rubber impression tech­ niques, was similar to the pattern of starch accumulation. In Vifaba leaves, which lack bundle sheath extensions, distribution of starch was more homogeneous. These results indicate that the apparent non-stomatal inhibition of photosynthesis by ABA deduced from the depression of A(Pi) relationship is an artifact which can be attributed to the non-uniform distribution of transpiration and photosynthesis over the leaf. Intercellular gaseous environment in the ABA-treated leaves is discussed in relation to mesophyll anatomy.
Sensory-driven modulation of song structure and amplitude in Drosophila melanogaster

A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how sensory inputs are transformed into behavioral outputs. Mounting evidence suggests that brains are optimized to process naturalistic stimuli, but natural behaviors involving neural computations of interest are often challenging to accurately quantify. Acoustic communication is a natural behavior which exists throughout the animal kingdom, and can involve a dynamic signal which is both highly quantifiable and necessitates complex neural networks for generation and perception. Here, we use quantitative behavioral assays, computational modeling, and genetic manipulations to dissect the neural computations and circuits underlying this behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Dorsophila acoustic communication consists of a patterned courtship song produced by males to increase their chance of success with a female. Songs comprise of two modes— pulse and sine—and males alternate between these modes to produce patterns with high variability. Neural noise within pattern generating circuits is widely assumed to be the primary source of such variability. In contrast, we demonstrate that much of the pattern variability in Drosophila courtship song can be explained by taking into account the dynamic sensory experience of the male. Several organisms modulate the amplitude of their acoustic signal in accordance with target distance to optimize for receiver intensity and conserve energy. Previously, this sensorimotor transformation has not been identified in invertebrates. We not only demonstrate that male flies increase pulse amplitude with female distance, but that this sensorimotor transformation takes place within ∼35ms. Further, through genetic and physical manipulations, we establish that amplitude modulation at large distances is exclusively mediated by vision, dependent on naturalistic stimuli, and implemented via the indirect flight muscles. These results demonstrate that detailed quantification and modeling can reveal unexpected neural complexity underlying seemingly “stereotyped” behaviors.
Concentrated growth factor inhibits UVA-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts via the MAPK/AP-1 pathway

Abstract Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced photoaging is one of the contributors to skin aging. UV light triggers oxidative stress, producing a large number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and degrading the extracellular matrix in skin cells, thereby causing a series of photoaging symptoms. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is a leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin biomaterial that plays a protective role in the occurrence and development of skin photoaging. In the present study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of CGF in the UVA-induced photoaging of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). A primary culture of HDFs was isolated from normal human facial skin. The cells were treated with CGF following UVA radiation. Proliferation of cells was detected using MTT assay, followed by measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of P38, c-Jun, and MMP-1 were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. CGF was found to improve cell viability by inhibiting the production of ROS and reducing oxidative damage. In addition, there was lower expression of p38 and c-Jun at the mRNA and protein levels following CGF treatment, thus resulting in the inhibition of MMP-1 expression. Our results suggest that CGF could protect HDFs against UVA-induced photoaging by blocking the P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/activated protein-1 (P38MAPK/AP-1) signaling pathway. These findings provide a new clinical strategy for the prevention of skin photoaging.
Association of interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms and glaucoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association between IL-6 gene polymorphisms (rs1800795 and rs1524107) and glaucoma. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed to select eligible studies regarding IL-6 polymorphisms and glaucoma. The effect sizes in the fixed-effects model were calculated using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Four eligible studies comprising 762 cases and 799 controls were selected for meta-analysis. Regarding the association between the IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism and glaucoma, those who carried the G/G+G/C genotypes had a non-significant higher risk of glaucoma (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.76–2.19) in the dominant model. However, no obvious association (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.68–1.37) was found for the recessive model (G/G vs G/C+C/C). In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, no significant associations were observed in populations of Asian or European heritage. Significantly higher glaucoma risks of 15.9 and 99.0 were observed for the dominant (C/C+C/T vs T/T) and recessive (C/C vs C/T+T/T) models, respectively. Conclusion: No statistically significant glaucoma risks were observed for the rs1800795 except rs1524107 polymorphism of IL-6. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to validate the effects of IL-6 polymorphisms on glaucoma risk.
The Rush of Regret

The current research examines immediate regrets occurring at the time of a meaningful life outcome to better understand influences on real-life regrets. This research used a longitudinal approach to examine both initial severity and the rate of change in immediate regrets. Initial severity was associated with greater past control over the outcome and lower levels of future ability to attain goals relevant to the regret and correct the regretted situation. Regret decreased over time, but less so if it concerned attainable ongoing goals. These contrasting effects of future opportunity on initial severity and change over time support a Dynamic Opportunity Principle of regret. Furthermore, the effects of past opportunity and of actions versus inactions on immediate regrets diverged from past findings about retrospective regrets. Immediate regrets may fundamentally differ from retrospective regrets, and implications for our understanding of regret are discussed.
Phytochemical screening and toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of the pods pulp of Cassia sieberiana DC. (Cassia Kotchiyana Oliv.)

The study was conducted to screen for the phytochemical constituents of Cassia sieberiana. The acute toxicity value and the effect of the aqueous extract of the pods of C. sieberiana on serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also measured in rats after five weeks of daily oral administration of grade doses (200 - 1600 mg/kgbody weight) of the extract. Phytochemical analysis of the C. sieberiana pods pulp (fruit) revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides and reducing sugars. The concentration of tannins and saponins were found to be much higher than the other phytochemical components. The result of the oral acute toxicity study showed that LD50 of the extract is 1950 mg/kg, indicating that the extract is of low toxicity. In this study, the extract used had caused a significant elevation (P<0.05) (27.60 ± 1.25 b ) of serum levels of ALT in the group that received the highest dose (1600mg/kg body weight) of the extract and a significant increase (P<0.05) (43.00 ± 1.14 b