The floral transcriptomes of four bamboo species (Bambusoideae; Poaceae): support for common ancestry among woody bamboos

Background Next-generation sequencing now allows for total RNA extracts to be sequenced in non-model organisms such as bamboos, an economically and ecologically important group of grasses. Bamboos are divided into three lineages, two of which are woody perennials with bisexual flowers, which undergo gregarious monocarpy. The third lineage, which are herbaceous perennials, possesses unisexual flowers that undergo annual flowering events. Results Transcriptomes were assembled using both reference-based and de novo methods. These two methods were tested by characterizing transcriptome content using sequence alignment to previously characterized reference proteomes and by identifying Pfam domains. Because of the striking differences in floral morphology and phenology between the herbaceous and woody bamboo lineages, MADS-box genes, transcription factors that control floral development and timing, were characterized and analyzed in this study. Transcripts were identified using phylogenetic methods and categorized as A, B, C, D or E-class genes, which control floral development, or SOC or SVP-like genes, which control the timing of flowering events. Putative nuclear orthologues were also identified in bamboos to use as phylogenetic markers. Conclusions Instances of gene copies exhibiting topological patterns that correspond to shared phenotypes were observed in several gene families including floral development and timing genes. Alignments and phylogenetic trees were generated for 3,878 genes and for all genes in a concatenated analysis. Both the concatenated analysis and those of 2,412 separate gene trees supported monophyly among the woody bamboos, which is incongruent with previous phylogenetic studies using plastid markers.We thank R. Macias for access to his collection at the El Riscal bamboo plantation and A. Hernandez for aid in preparing samples for RNA sequencing. Sequencing and library preparation were supported by the Northern Illinois University Department of Biological Sciences and the Plant Molecular Biology Center. This project was also funded by NSF/NASA grant DEB1342782 to MRD. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. This article is made openly accessible in part by an award from the Northern Illinois University Libraries’ Open Access Publishing Fund

Derecho a amar y su incidencia en la prohibición de mantener relaciones amorosas en la misma entidad en Perú, 2022

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo Analizar la manera en la que se limita el derecho a amar por la prohibición de mantener relaciones amorosas en la misma entidad laboral en Perú, 2022; contando con una metodología de enfoque cualitativo, y diseño teoría fundamentada; obteniendo como resultado que, La prohibición de mantener relaciones amorosas, es inconstitucional en tanto contraviene la libertad de amar como parte del libre desarrollo de la personalidad; sin embargo en el ámbito laboral, el empleador tiene la potestad de regular situaciones amorosas que pongan en riesgo la productividad o el orden de su empresa, esto bajo el principio de dirección, empero esta potestad debe ir de la mano de los principios de razonabilidad y proporcionalidad. Y finalmente, concluyendo que, El derecho a amar, funge como un derecho fundamental, arraigado intrínsicamente con el derecho al libre desarrollo de la personalidad, por cuanto la expresión de enamorarse y mantener relaciones amorosas, son instrumentos que logren perfeccionar y fortalecer la personalidad, lo subjetivo y lo íntimo de cada ser humano

Association between lifestyle factors and thyroid function in young euthyroid adults

This work is part of a PhD thesis conducted within the framework of the Biomedicine Doctoral Studies Program of the University of Granada, Spain. This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness via the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI13/01393), by the Retos de la Sociedad program (DEP2016-79512-R), European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), the Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU13/04365 and FPU19/01609), the Fundación Iberoamericana de Nutrición (FINUT), the Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa RETIC (Red SAMID RD16/0022), the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation, the University of Granada Plan Propio de Investigación 2016-Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)-and Plan Propio de Investigación 2018-the Programa Contratos-Puente and Contratos Perfeccionamiento de Doctores, the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades (ERDF; ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR), and the Fundación Alfonso Martín Escudero (grant awarded to GSD).Data availability The datasets generated and/or analyzed during this study are available upon reasonable request. Clinical trial registry: NCT02365129 (ClinicalTrials.gov).Appendix A. Supplementary data Supplementary data associated with this article can be found, in the online version, at http://doi.org/10.26599/FSHW.2022.9250022.Purpose The present work examines the associations of dietary habits, sedentarism, physical activity (PA) levels and sleep habits, with thyroid function in young euthyroid adults. Methods A total of 105 young euthyroid adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Thyroid function was determined in fasting conditions (> 6 h). Dietary habits were measured by a food frequency questionnaire and three non-consecutive 24 h recalls, and different dietary intake and patterns were then estimated. The time spent in sedentary, PA levels and sleep habits were objectively measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer. Results Energy and carbohydrate intake were positively associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (β = 0.222; R2 = 0.102; P = 0.022 and β = 0.425; R2 = 0.129; P = 0.007, respectively) whereas fat intake was negatively associated with TSH (β = −0.428; R2 = 0.137; P = 0.004). Energy intake was also positively associated with free triiodothyronine (β = 0.277; R2 = 0.137; P = 0.004). Further, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was negatively related to TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) (β = −0.221; R2 = 0.113; P = 0.020 and β = −0.268; R2 = 0.071; P = 0.007, respectively). Vigorous-intensity and overall PA were negatively associated with FT4 (β = −0.227; R2 = 0.052; P = 0.022 and β = −0.204; R2 = 0.042; P = 0.041, respectively). In contrast, no associations were found between sleep parameters and thyroid function. Conclusions Lifestyle factors such as dietary intake and PA levels seems to be related to thyroid function even in young euthyroid adults.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness via the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI13/01393)Retos de la Sociedad program (DEP2016-79512-R)European Regional Development Funds (ERDF)Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU13/04365 and FPU19/01609)Fundación Iberoamericana de Nutrición (FINUT)Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa RETIC (Red SAMID RD16/0022)AstraZeneca HealthCare FoundationUniversity of Granada Plan Propio de Investigación 2016-Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)-and Plan Propio de Investigación 2018-the Programa Contratos-Puente and Contratos Perfeccionamiento de DoctoresJunta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades (ERDF; ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR)Fundación Alfonso Martín Escuder

Servicios ecosistémicos de las especies nativas e introducidas de bambú en la Huasteca Potosina, México: usos del bambú

Background and Aims: There are seven native bamboo species in the Huasteca Potosina (HP), but the richness of introduced species is unknown. For both groups there is no record of the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to record the presence of introduced bamboo species in the HP and to identify the ES of native and introduced species. Methods: Botanical explorations were carried out to visit all the municipalities of the study area; 57 botanical collections were made. In order to know the ES of native and introduced species, observations were made in the field, especially in localities where bamboo is grown and used, and we interviewed 31 key informants. Key results: In addition to the seven native bamboo species in the HP there are 11 introduced taxa (ten species and one variety), all of which are woody culms. Eight species and one variety are native to Asia, one to South America, and one introduced from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The most widely distributed introduced species are Bambusa vulgaris, B. vulgaris var. vittata and B. oldhamii. The main use of woody bamboo is for construction and the native species most used for this is Guadua velutina. The introduced species are produced for decoration, living fence and construction. Conclusions: In the HP there are 44 ha of commercial bamboo plantations, together with the native species they provide three ES and five uses. The results of this work are the basis for future research on the ES of bamboo in the HP. It is necessary to continue monitoring commercial plantations, since they are increasing; in addition to evaluating the effects of different management practices in plantations and potential uses, especially of native species.Antecedentes y Objetivos: En la Huasteca Potosina (HP) existen siete especies nativas de bambú, pero se desconoce la riqueza de especies introducidas. De ambos grupos se carece del registro de los servicios ecosistémicos (SE) que proporcionan. Por ello, los objetivos del estudio fueron registrar la presencia de las especies introducidas de bambú en la HP e identificar los SE de las especies nativas e introducidas. Métodos: Se efectuaron exploraciones botánicas para visitar todos los municipios del área de estudio; se realizaron 57 recolectas botánicas. Para el registro de los SE de las especies nativas e introducidas se hicieron observaciones en campo, se visitaron comunidades en donde se cultiva y utiliza el bambú y se realizaron 31 entrevistas a informantes clave. Resultados clave: Además de las siete especies nativas de bambú en la HP, existen 11 taxones (diez especies y una variedad) introducidos, todos estos de culmos leñosos. Ocho especies y la variedad son nativas de Asia, una lo es de Sudamérica y otra introducida del estado de Veracruz, México. Las especies introducidas con mayor distribución son Bambusa vulgaris, B. vulgaris var. vittata y B. oldhamii. El principal uso del bambú leñoso es para la construcción y la especie nativa más utilizada para ello es Guadua velutina. Las especies introducidas son producidas para ornato, cerco vivo y construcción. Conclusiones: En la HP hay 44 ha de plantaciones comerciales de bambú; junto con las especies nativas proporcionan tres SE y cinco usos. Los resultados de este trabajo son la base para futuras investigaciones sobre los servicios ecosistémicos del bambú en la HP. Es necesario continuar con el monitoreo de plantaciones comerciales, ya que van en aumento; además de evaluación de los efectos de diferentes prácticas de manejo en plantaciones y usos potenciales, sobre todo de especies nativas

Fundamentos de electrónica analógica

La presente obra está dirigida a estudiantes de ingeniería, y trata de introducir al lector en los fundamentos de Ia electrónica analógica, analizando componentes básicos, como el diodo o distintos tipos de transistores, y estudiando configuraciones de amplificación multietapa y diferenciales. Dado el fuerte carácter introductorio que impregnan toda Ia obra, Ia teoría tiene un peso muy importante en Ia misma. Difícilmente se puede llevar a cabo el diseño o implementación de un circuito electrónico analógico si no se domina con claridad el funcionamiento de cada uno de los componentes. Estos cimientos teóricos son los que trata de afianzar este texto. Sin embargo, este carácter teórico no implica que el texto no sea de aplicación. Precisamente son estos conceptos teóricos los que dan a Ia obra su sentido práctico, que surge al proporcionar al lector métodos estructurados para el diseño y análisis de sistemas electrónicos analógicos básicos. Este carácter práctico se refuerza especialmente en los estudios de los amplificadores multietapa y diferencia

An FPGA smart camera implementation of segmentation models for drone wildfire imagery

Wildfires represent one of the most relevant natural disasters worldwide, due to their impact on various societal and environmental levels. Thus, a significant amount of research has been carried out to investigate and apply computer vision techniques to address this problem. One of the most promising approaches for wildfire fighting is the use of drones equipped with visible and infrared cameras for the detection, monitoring, and fire spread assessment in a remote manner but in close proximity to the affected areas. However, implementing effective computer vision algorithms on board is often prohibitive since deploying full-precision deep learning models running on GPU is not a viable option, due to their high power consumption and the limited payload a drone can handle. Thus, in this work, we posit that smart cameras, based on low-power consumption field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), in tandem with binarized neural networks (BNNs), represent a cost-effective alternative for implementing onboard computing on the edge. Herein we present the implementation of a segmentation model applied to the Corsican Fire Database. We optimized an existing U-Net model for such a task and ported the model to an edge device (a Xilinx Ultra96-v2 FPGA). By pruning and quantizing the original model, we reduce the number of parameters by 90%. Furthermore, additional optimizations enabled us to increase the throughput of the original model from 8 frames per second (FPS) to 33.63 FPS without loss in the segmentation performance: our model obtained 0.912 in Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC),0.915 in F1 score and 0.870 in Hafiane quality index (HAF), and comparable qualitative segmentation results when contrasted to the original full-precision model. The final model was integrated into a low-cost FPGA, which was used to implement a neural network accelerator.Comment: This paper has been accepted at the 22nd Mexican International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (MICAI 2023

A mistletoe tale: postglacial invasion of Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Loranthaceae) to Mesoamerican cloud forests revealed by molecular data and species distribution modeling

Map showing collecting sites of Psittacanthus schiedeanus. Numbers refer to collection sites and thin ellipses show collecting sites within the cloud forest areas. Region abbreviations are as follows: nSMO northern Sierra Madre Oriental, cSMO central Sierra Madre Oriental, sSMO southern Sierra Madre Oriental, CHIS Chiapan Highlands (cCHIS and pCHIS) separated by the Central Depression that together with Guatemala form the region Trans-Isthmian Highlands (TIH), OAX Oaxacan drylands. (PDF 5098 kb

Radicalizing the Digital Humanities: Reimagining Environmental Justice Research and Teaching

This article is about collaboration between students and professors on environmental justice research in digital humanities labs.  A collective of university students and their professor investigated digital archives pertaining to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) using mind mapping software called XMind. Our purpose was to enable and organize findings on segregation and discrimination within CCC camps.   The impact this research had on students who came from interdisciplinary backgrounds was exposure to the use of technological resources in the context of an increasing need to use technology to preserve historical archives, carry out research, and make connections to other research on the topic of environmental justice.  Interdisciplinary in their approach, students used mind mapping software to organize data visually.  Lab members recognized that visualization of information allowed students to think about how to organize information using methods of historical analysis. It allowed them to organize information about Chicana/o participation in CCC camps according to social categories such as race, class, and gender.  As a collective of students and faculty, we are enthusiastic about sharing our journey with digital humanities software so that other teachers may experiment with their own attempts at radicalizing the digital humanities

Waveguide manufacturing technologies for next-generation millimeter-wave antennas

Some recent waveguide-based antennas are presented in this paper, designed for the next generation of communication systems operating at the millimeter-wave band. The presented prototypes have been conceived to be manufactured using different state-of-the-art techniques, involving subtractive and additive approaches. All the designs have used the latest developments in the field of manufacturing to guarantee the required accuracy for operation at millimeter-wave frequencies, where tolerances are extremely tight. Different designs will be presented, including a monopulse antenna combining a comparator network, a mode converter, and a spline profile horn; a tunable phase shifter that is integrated into an array to implement reconfigurability of the main lobe direction; and a conformal array antenna. These prototypes were manufactured by diverse approaches taking into account the waveguide configuration, combining parts with high-precision milling, electrical discharge machining, direct metal laser sintering, or stereolithography with spray metallization, showing very competitive performances at the millimeter-wave band till 40 GHzThis work was supported by the Spanish Government under Grant TEC2016-76070- C3-1/2-R (ADDMATE); in part under Grant PID2020-116968RB-C32/33 (DEWICOM), Agencia Estatal de Investigación MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional: AEI/FEDER, UE. This work was also partially supported under Grant S2013/ICE3000 (SPADERADARCM), Madrid Regional Governmen

Footprint preparation with nanofractures in a supraspinatus repair cuts in half the retear rate at 1-year follow-up. A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: To evaluate if adding nanofractures to the footprint of a supraspinatus tear repair would have any effect in the outcomes at one-year follow-up. Methods: Multicentric, triple-blinded, randomized trial with 12-months follow-up. Subjects with isolated symptomatic reparable supraspinatus tears smaller than 3 cm and without grade 4 fatty infiltration were included. These were randomized to two groups: In the Control group an arthroscopic supraspinatus repair was performed; in the Nanofracture group the footprint was additionally prepared with nanofractures (1 mm wide, 9 mm deep microfractures). Clinical evaluation was done with Constant score, EQ-5D-3L, and Brief Pain Inventory. The primary outcome was the retear rate in MRI at 12-months follow-up. Secondary outcomes were: characteristics of the retear (at the footprint or at the musculotendinous junction) and clinical outcomes. Results: Seventy-one subjects were randomized. Two were lost to follow-up, leaving 69 participants available for assessment at 12-months follow-up (33 in the Control group and 36 in the Nanofracture Group). The Nanofracture group had lower retear rates than the Control group (7/36 [19.4%] vs 14/33 [42.4%], differences significant, p = 0.038). Retear rates at the musculotendinous junction were similar but the Nanofracture group had better tendon healing rates to the bone (34/36 [94.4%] vs. 24/33 [66.71%], p = 0.014). Clinically both groups had significant improvements, but no differences were found between groups. Conclusion: Adding nanofractures at the footprint during an isolated supraspinatus repair lowers in half the retear rate at 12-months follow-up. This is due to improved healing at the footprint