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Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are an essential class of aerosols found worldwide that have far-reaching but poorly quantified climate feedback mechanisms through interaction with clouds and impacts on precipitation. These particles can have highly variable physicochemical properties in the atmosphere, and it is crucial to continuously monitor their long-term concentration relative to total ambient aerosol populations at a wide variety of sites to comprehensively understand aerosol–cloud interactions in the atmosphere. Hence, our study applied an in situ forced expansion cooling device to measure ambient INP concentrations and test its automated continuous measurements at atmospheric observatories, where complementary aerosol instruments are heavily equipped. Using collocated aerosol size, number, and composition measurements from these sites, we analyzed the correlation between sources and abundance of INPs in different environments. Toward this aim, we have measured ground-level INP concentrations at two contrasting sites, one in the Southern Great Plains (SGP) region of the United States with a substantial terrestrially influenced aerosol population and one in the Eastern North Atlantic Ocean (ENA) region with a primarily marine-influenced aerosol population. These measurements examined INPs mainly formed through immersion freezing and were performed at a ≤ 12 min resolution and with a wide range of heterogeneous freezing temperatures (Ts above −31 °C) for at least 45 d at each site. The associated INP data analysis was conducted in a consistent manner. We also explored the additional offline characterization of ambient aerosol particle samples from both locations in comparison to in situ data. From our ENA data, on average, INP abundance ranges from ≈ 1 to ≈ 20 L−1 (−30 °C ≤ T ≤ −20 °C) during October–November 2020. Backward air mass trajectories reveal a strong marine influence at ENA with 75.7 % of air masses originating over the Atlantic Ocean and 96.6 % of air masses traveling over open water, but analysis of particle chemistry suggests an additional INP source besides maritime aerosols (e.g., sea spray aerosols) at ENA. In contrast, 90.8 % of air masses at the SGP location originated from the North American continent, and 96.1 % of the time, these air masses traveled over land. As a result, organic-rich SGP aerosols from terrestrial sources exhibited notably high INP abundance from ≈ 1 to ≈ 100 L−1 (−30 °C ≤ T ≤ −15 °C) during October–November 2019. The probability density function of aerosol surface area-scaled immersion freezing efficiency (ice nucleation active surface site density; ns) was assessed for selected freezing temperatures. While the INP concentrations measured at SGP are higher than those of ENA, the ns(T) values of SGP (≈ 105 to ≈ 107 m−2 for −30 °C ≤ T ≤ −15 °C) are reciprocally lower than ENA for approximately 2 orders of magnitude (≈ 107 to ≈ 109 m−2 for −30 °C ≤ T ≤ −15 °C). The observed difference in ns(T) mainly stems from varied available aerosol surface areas, Saer, from two sites (Saer,SGP > Saer,ENA). INP parameterizations were developed as a function of examined freezing temperatures from SGP and ENA for our study periods.

Abstract During the second long shutdown period of the CERN accelerator complex (LS2, 2019-2021), several upgrade activities took place at the n_TOF facility. The most important have been the replacement of the spallation target with a next generation nitrogen-cooled lead target. Additionally, a new experimental area, at a very short distance from the target assembly (the NEAR Station) was established. In this paper, the core commissioning actions of the new installations are described. The improvement in the n_TOF infrastructure was accompanied by several detector development projects. All these upgrade actions are discussed, focusing mostly on the future perspectives of the n_TOF facility. Furthermore, some indicative current and future measurements are briefly reported.

Introduction Within the theories that explain tooth grinding are dental factors, skeletal malocclusions, occlusal anomalies and defective reconstructions, however, there would be psychological factors that explain this phenomenon. Objectives The aim of the study is to evaluate anxiety, depression and coping responses in university students who self-report clenching or grinding teeth. Methods Design: Non-experimental, cross-sectional, and quantitative. Sample: University students (n=25) aged between 18-25 years (mean: 25.3; SD: 2.39), purposive sampling. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire reporting teeth clenching/grinding habits. Instruments: Standardized instruments were used, such as the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and Coping Strategies Scale Modified (CSS-M). Procedure: First, the study was disclosed, the participants were informed and signed informed consent. They were asked to complete an instrument on teeth grinding/clenching habits and if it was fulfilled, it was included in the study and the psychological evaluation instruments were administered. Data analysis: An analysis was made using descriptive statistics. Results The STAI results showed a high Anxiety-State in all the participants and the Anxiety-Trait had a prevalence of 92.3%. Regarding the levels of depression, it was evidenced that 7.7% presented moderate depression and 31.6% showed mild symptoms. The most used coping strategies were problem solving (87.2%), positive reappraisal (74.4%) and religious support (71.8%), while the least used were seeking professional help (92.3%), waiting (76.9%), aggressive reaction (74.4%) and expression of coping difficulty (71.8%). Conclusions University students must cope with an academic load that exceeds their capacity to face academic challenges (Wikes et al., 2019). This demand causes significant discomfort that increases emotions with a high negative charge and favors the appearance or intensification of mental health problems, such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, nervousness and behavioral disorders. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

The M4F project brings together the fusion and fission materials communities working on the prediction of radiation damage production and evolution and their effects on the mechanical behaviour of irradiated ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels. It is a multidisciplinary project in which several different experimental and computational materials science tools are integrated to understand and model the complex phenomena associated with the formation and evolution of irradiation induced defects and their effects on the macroscopic behaviour of the target materials. In particular the project focuses on two specific aspects: (1) To develop physical understanding and predictive models of the origin and consequences of localised deformation under irradiation in F/M steels; (2) To develop good practices and possibly advance towards the definition of protocols for the use of ion irradiation as a tool to evaluate radiation effects on materials. Nineteen modelling codes across different scales are being used and developed and an experimental validation programme based on the examination of materials irradiated with neutrons and ions is being carried out. The project enters now its 4th year and is close to delivering high-quality results. This paper overviews the work performed so far within the project, highlighting its impact for fission and fusion materials science.

This paper is the first of three that overview the main mechanisms that drive the microstructure evolution in Fe alloys under irradiation. It focuses on pure α-Fe and compiles the parameters that describe quantitatively the mobility and stability of point-defects and especially their clusters, including possible reactions and criteria to decide when they should react. These parameters are the result of several years of calculations and application in microstructure evolution models. They are mainly collected from the literature and the parameter choice tries to reconcile different sets of values that, while being in general qualitatively similar, are often quantitatively not coincident. A few calculation results are presented here for the first time to support specific approximations concerning defect properties or features. Since calculations cannot cover all possible defect configurations, the definition of these parameters often requires educated guesses to fill knowledge gaps. These guesses are here listed and discussed whenever relevant. This is therefore a “hands-on” paper that: (i) collects in a single report most microstructure evolution parameters that are found in the literature for irradiated α-Fe, including a discussion of the most important mechanisms at play based on current knowledge; (ii) selects a ready-to-use set that can be employed in microstructure evolution models, such as those based on object kinetic Monte Carlo (OKMC) methods. This work also identifies parameters that are needed, but not known, hopefully prompting corresponding calculations in the future.

73Ge(n,γ) cross sections were measured at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN up to neutron energies of 300 keV, providing for the first time experimental data above 8 keV. Results indicate that the stellar cross section at kT=30 keV is 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than most theoretical predictions. The new cross sections result in a substantial decrease of 73Ge produced in stars, which would explain the low isotopic abundance of 73Ge in the solar system. Keywords: Nucleosynthesis, Neutron capture, s process, Germanium, n_TOF

The neutron capture cross section of 154Gd was measured from 1 eV to 300 keV in the experimental area located 185 m from the CERN n_TOF neutron spallation source, using a metallic sample of gadolinium, enriched to 67% in 154Gd. The capture measurement, performed with four C6D6 scintillation detectors, has been complemented by a transmission measurement performed at the GELINA time-of-flight facility (JRC-Geel), thus minimising the uncertainty related to sample composition. An accurate Maxwellian averaged capture cross section (MACS) was deduced over the temperature range of interest for s process nucleosynthesis modelling. We report a value of 880(50) mb for the MACS at kT=30 keV, significantly lower compared to values available in literature. The new adopted 154Gd(n,γ) cross section reduces the discrepancy between observed and calculated solar s-only isotopic abundances predicted by s-process nucleosynthesis models. Keywords: s process, 154Gd, Neutron time of flight, n_TOF

This work reports on accurate, high-resolution measurements of the 25Mg(n,γ)26Mg and 25Mg(n,tot) cross sections in the neutron energy range from thermal to about 300 keV, leading to a significantly improved 25Mg(n,γ)26Mg parametrization. The relevant resonances for n+25Mg were characterized from a combined R-matrix analysis of the experimental data. This resulted in an unambiguous spin/parity assignment of the corresponding excited states in 26Mg. With this information experimental upper limits of the reaction rates for 22Ne(α,n)25Mg and 22Ne(α,γ)26Mg were established, potentially leading to a significantly higher (α,n)/(α,γ) ratio than previously evaluated. The impact of these results has been studied for stellar models in the mass range 2 to 25 M⊙.

The Nd-Pm-Sm branching is of interest for the study of the s-process, related to the production of heavy elements in stars. As 148Sm and 150Sm are s-only isotopes, the understanding of the branching allows constraining the s-process neutron density. In this context the key physics input needed is the cross section of the three unstable nuclides in the region: 147Nd (10.98 d half-life), 147Pm (2.62 yr) and 148Pm (5.37 d). This paper reports on the activation measurement of 147Pm, the longest-lived of the three nuclides. The cross section measurement has been carried out by activation at the SARAF LiLiT facility using a 56(2) μg target. Compared to the single previous measurement of 147Pm, the measurement presented herein benefits from a target 2000 times more massive. The resulting Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section (MACS) to the ground and metastable states in 148Pm are 469(50) mb and 357(27) mb. These values are 41% higher (to the ground state) and 15% lower (to the metastable state) than the values reported so far, leading however to a total cross section of 826(107) mb consistent within uncertainties with the previous result and hence leaving unchanged the previous calculation of the s-process neutron density. Keywords: Nucleosynthesis, Neutron capture, Nuclear reactions, s-process, MACS, Neutron activation

The aim of this work is to investigate how the spatial variability of soil properties and soil erodibility ($K$ factor) were affected by the changes in land use allowed by irrigation with water from a reservoir in a semiarid area. To this end, three areas representative of different land uses (agroforestry grassland, lucerne crop and olive orchard) were studied within a 900 ha farm. The interrelationships between variables were analyzed by multivariate techniques and extrapolated using geostatistics. The results confirmed differences between land uses for all properties analyzed, which was explained mainly by the existence of diverse management practices (tillage, fertilization and irrigation), vegetation cover and local soil characteristics. Soil organic matter, clay and nitrogen content decreased significantly, while the K factor increased with intensive cultivation. The HJ-Biplot methodology was used to represent the variation of soil erodibility properties grouped in land uses. Native grassland was the least correlated with the other land uses. The K factor demonstrated high correlation mainly with very fine sand and silt. The maps produced with geostatistics were crucial to understand the current spatial variability in the Alqueva region. Facing the intensification of land-use conversion, a sustainable management is needed to introduce protective measures to control soil erosion.

Correction Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that additional file 10 contained a typing error in the table “Percentage of responders (≥50% max TOTPAR) over two, four, six and eight hours (single-dose phase) (ITT Population)”. The table is to be read as follows:

Abstract Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of frozen hydrated specimens is an efficient method for the structural analysis of purified biological molecules. However, cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography are limited by the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of recorded images, making detection of smaller particles challenging. For dose-resilient samples often studied in the physical sciences, electron ptychography – a coherent diffractive imaging technique using 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) – has recently demonstrated excellent SNR and resolution down to tens of picometers for thin specimens imaged at room temperature. Here we apply 4D-STEM and ptychographic data analysis to frozen hydrated proteins, reaching sub-nanometer resolution 3D reconstructions. We employ low-dose cryo-EM with an aberration-corrected, convergent electron beam to collect 4D-STEM data for our reconstructions. The high frame rate of the electron detector allows us to record large datasets of electron diffraction patterns with substantial overlaps between the interaction volumes of adjacent scan positions, from which the scattering potentials of the samples are iteratively reconstructed. The reconstructed micrographs show strong SNR enabling the reconstruction of the structure of apoferritin protein at up to 5.8 Å resolution. We also show structural analysis of the Phi92 capsid and sheath, tobacco mosaic virus, and bacteriorhodopsin at slightly lower resolutions.

Abstract The current state of global biodiversity is confronted with escalating threats arising from human-induced environmental changes and a growing array of unpredictable challenges. However, effective conservation efforts are often hindered by limited knowledge, especially in developing economies such as the Philippines. The limitations imposed by these shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge hamper the capacity to protect biodiversity in light of the continuing extinction crisis. Our study revealed that areas with higher conflict levels exhibited lower species richness, fewer occurrence records, and reduced forest cover. This finding provides initial evidence for the relationship between sociopolitical conflict and biodiversity in the Philippines. We posit that the security risks caused by sociopolitical conflicts could have a negative impact on conservation efforts, particularly in terms of monitoring and implementing measures to protect natural resources. The links that bind armed conflict and biodiversity conservation are multifaceted and complex issues that warrant greater scientific and political attention. Finally, we identified 10 meaningful approaches to address shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge in conflicted areas, particularly incorporating conflict-sensitive approaches, considering the geopolitical context and conflict dynamics to adapt and align their strategies with local realities for more effective conservation efforts.

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most epidemiologically relevant health care-associated infections. The aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is a standardized practice used to prevent CLABSIs. In a pediatric hospital, the overall CLABSI rate was 1.92/1000 catheter days (CD). However, in one unit, the rate was 5.7/1000 CD. Methods: Nurses were trained in ANTT. For the implementation, plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed. Adherence monitoring of the ANTT and epidemiological surveillance were performed. Results: ANTT adherence of 95% was achieved after 6 PDSA cycles. Hand hygiene and general cleaning reached 100% adherence. Port disinfection and material collection had the lowest adherence rates, with 76.2% and 84.7%, respectively. The CLABSI rate decreased from 5.7 to 1.26/1000 CD. Conclusion: The implementation of ANTT helped reduce the CLABSI rate. Training and continuous monitoring are key to maintaining ANTT adherence.

Chile’s distinctive flora, geographical isolation, and complex topography collectively contribute to a notable endemic species diversity, particularly within central regions identified as critical areas for biodiversity conservation. The cactus genus Eriosyce, as currently circumscribed, encompasses seven sections, with Eriosyce sect. Horridocatus presenting a notably complex species group. This study investigates the E. curvispina complex, a member of the Notocacteae tribe common in central Chile, by incorporating new populations and examining phylogenetic relationships using four plastid and one nuclear molecular marker. The phylogenetic analysis of sampled individuals identified nine independent lineages, each warranting recognition at the species rank. Despite minimal morphological differences among taxa, morphological characters were utilized to support and stabilize the DNA-based phylogenetic hypothesis. The results highlight the high taxonomic diversity in these cactus lineages and have implications for the classification of the E. curvispina complex, including new combinations and proposals of conservation status.

La adopción de los sistemas de control de gestión de acuerdo con el tipo de cultura organizacional de las pymes del cantón Riobamba es manejada a través de percepciones gerenciales que refleja el comportamiento de las pymes. Se determina la influencia de estas dos variables a partir de los resultados de las encuestas aplicadas a las pymes del cantón. Se realiza una prueba Anova, correlación y regresión lineal múltiple. Como resultado se obtiene que los sistemas de control de gestión y los tipos de cultura organizacional jerárquica, adhocrática y mercado son las que mantienen una correlación mayor positiva

Central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA) due to congenital maldevelopment of the lymphatics can result in debilitating and life-threatening disease with limited treatment options. We identified 4 individuals with CCLA, lymphedema, and microcystic lymphatic malformation due to pathogenic, mosaic variants in KRAS. To determine the functional impact of these variants and identify a targeted therapy for these individuals, we used primary human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs) and zebrafish larvae to model the lymphatic dysplasia. Expression of the p.Gly12Asp and p.Gly13Asp variants in HDLECs in a 2‑dimensional (2D) model and 3D organoid model led to increased ERK phosphorylation, demonstrating these variants activate the RAS/MAPK pathway. Expression of activating KRAS variants in the venous and lymphatic endothelium in zebrafish resulted in lymphatic dysplasia and edema similar to the individuals in the study. Treatment with MEK inhibition significantly reduced the phenotypes in both the organoid and the zebrafish model systems. In conclusion, we present the molecular characterization of the observed lymphatic anomalies due to pathogenic, somatic, activating KRAS variants in humans. Our preclinical studies suggest that MEK inhibition should be studied in future clinical trials for CCLA due to activating KRAS pathogenic variants.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a hospital problem with a prevalence of approximately 5% in Mexico. HCAIs have been related to the patient-nurse ratio (PNR). This study aimed to analyze the association between PNR and HCAI in a tertiary-level pediatric hospital. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and prospective study at a tertiary-level pediatric hospital in Mexico. Nursing attendance and HCAIs records were documented from July 2017 to December 2018. PNR was calculated using nurse staffing records and patient census. Results: We obtained 63,114 staff attendance data from five hospital departments for the morning, evening, and night shifts. PNR > 2:1 was associated with a 54% (95% confidence interval (CI) 42-167%; p < 0.001) increased risk (odds ratio (OR)) for HCAIs, adjusted by shift staff, special conditions, and surveillance periods. The HCAIs more associated with PNR were urinary tract infections (OR 1.83; 95%CI 1.34-2.46), procedure-related pneumonia (OR 2.08; 95%CI 1.41-3.07), and varicella (OR 2.33; 95%CI 1.08-5.03). Conclusions: A high number of patients per nurse increased the probability of various types of HCAI. PNR needs to be established the HCAI guidelines and policies, as regulating the number of patients per nurse can prevent HCAIs and their complications.

The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth, holds a rich biodiversity that becomes most appreciable in years when unusual rainfall accumulation triggers a phenomenon of explosive development of ephemeral herbaceous and woody desert species known as “desierto florido” or “blooming desert.” Despite the scientific importance of this unique phenomenon only few studies have addressed the mechanisms of flower phenotypic divergence under the fluctuating environment provided by this recurrent event. We investigated the mechanisms of floral color diversity in Cistanthe longiscapa (Montiaceae), a dominant species across the ephemeral blooming landscape of Atacama Desert. Our analyses show that the variation in colors of C. longiscapa flowers result from petals containing betalain pigments with different absorption spectra. The different pigment composition of petals causes flower color differences in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) range of the spectrum. Through color vision models we show that C. longiscapa flowers are highly polymorphic in their color appearance for insect pollinators. Our results highlight the variable nature in flower color of C. longiscapa varieties blooming simultaneously in a geographical restricted area. Given the importance of color in attracting floral visitors, the observed color variability could contribute to increased cross pollination in extreme desert conditions, while accounting for complex and fluctuating histories of plant-pollinator interactions.

The tribe Astereae (Asteraceae) displays an American Amphitropical Disjunction. To understand the eco-evolutionary dynamics associated with a long-distance dispersal event and subsequent colonization of extratropical South America, we compared the climatic and geographic distributions of South American species with their closest North American relatives, focusing on the diverse South American Astereae genus, Haplopappus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two South American genera are closely related to seven North American genera. The climatic niche overlap (D = 0.5) between South and North America exhibits high stability (0.89), low expansion (0.12), and very low unfilling (0.04). The distribution of the North American species predicted the climatic and geographic space occupied by the South American species. In central Chile, Haplopappus showed a non-random latitudinal gradient in species richness, with Mediterranean climate variables mainly explaining the variation. Altitudinal patterns indicated peak richness at 600 m, declining at lower and higher elevations. These findings support climatic niche conservatism in shaping Haplopappus species distribution and diversity. Two major endemism zones were identified in central Chile and the southern region, with a transitional zone between Mediterranean and Temperate macro-bioclimates. Our results indicate strong niche conservatism following long-distance dispersal and slight niche expansion due to unique climatic variables in each hemisphere.

In this study, we sequenced the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of a Peruvian chili pepper landrace, “arnacucho” (Capsicum chinense). This cp genome has a 156,931 bp in length with typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single copy (LSC) region (87,325 bp) and a 17,912 bp small single-copy (SSC) region, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,847 bp); and the percentage of GC content was 37.71%. Arnaucho chili pepper chloroplast genome possesses 133 genes that consists of 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, eight rRNA, and two pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this Peruvian chili pepper landrace is closely related to the undomesticated species C. galapagoense; all belong to the Capsiceae tribe.

Abstract How does microbiota research impact our understanding of biological individuality? We summarize the interdisciplinary summer school on “Microbiota, symbiosis and individuality: conceptual and philosophical issues” (July 2019), which was supported by a European Research Council starting grant project “Immunity, DEvelopment, and the Microbiota” (IDEM). The summer school centered around interdisciplinary group work on four facets of microbiota research: holobionts, individuality, causation, and human health. The conceptual discussion of cutting-edge empirical research provided new insights into microbiota and highlights the value of incorporating into meetings experts from other disciplines, such as philosophy and history of science. Video Abstract

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has challenged blood banks. In Mexico, donors decreased 22% between April and May 2020 compared to the same months in 2019. This study analyzed the effect of the strategies to recover donors (altruistic and family) in a tertiary pediatric care center during the pandemic. Methods: The Blood Bank of the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez implemented strategies to obtain blood components to ensure self-sufficiency. The effect of these strategies on donor recovery was analyzed. Results: There were 7,315 eligible donors in 2019 and 5,070 in 2020. Blood component requirements decreased from 10,037 units in 2019 to 8,619 in 2020. The strategies aimed at attracting altruistic donors managed to increase the percentage of this type of donor when comparing the months in which these strategies were applied with the same months in 2019. In addition, it was observed that the greater the number of methods used simultaneously, the higher the percentage of altruistic donors (rho = 0.846, p = 0.002). In contrast, strategies aimed at attracting family donors did not increase the number of this type of donor. Conclusions: Actions to recruit altruistic donors increased the number of this type of donor to meet the hospital’s needs.

Sweet cucumber (Solanum muricatum) sect. Basarthrum is a neglected horticultural crop native to the Andean region. It is naturally distributed very close to other two Solanum crops of high importance, potatoes, and tomatoes. To date, molecular tools for this crop remain undetermined. In this study, the complete sweet cucumber chloroplast (cp) genome was obtained and compared with seven Solanaceae species. The cp genome of S. muricatum was 155,681 bp in length and included a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,182 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,360 bp, separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 25,568 bp. The cp genome possessed 87 protein-coding genes (CDS), 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and one pseudogene. Furthermore, 48 perfect microsatellites were identified. These repeats were mainly located in the noncoding regions. Whole cp genome comparative analysis revealed that the SSC and LSC regions showed more divergence than IR regions. Similar to previous studies, our phylogenetic analysis showed that S. muricatum is a sister species to members of sections Petota + Lycopersicum + Etuberosum. We expect that this first sweet cucumber chloroplast genome will provide potential molecular markers and genomic resources to shed light on the genetic diversity and population studies of S. muricatum, which will allow us to identify varieties and ecotypes. Finally, the features and the structural differentiation will provide us with information about the genes of interest, generating tools for the most precise selection of the best individuals of sweet cucumber, in less time and with fewer resources.

Electronic health records are valuable for clinical and translational research. Institutions must protect patient privacy and comply with applicable regulations while allowing appropriate access to clinical data for research. The processes that investigators must follow to access clinical data can be substantially different at different institutions. In this paper, we describe the process developed at our institution that has been active for 5 years and was used to satisfy over 200 requests for access to identified clinical data, usually within 1 day for internal requests and 3 days for visiting researchers.

Coffee is an important agricultural commodity in the world. However, it is susceptible to Hemileia vastatrix (Hv), an obligatory biotrophic fungus that causes coffee leaf rust (CLR). Natural resistance to rust has been identified in the wild species Coffea canephora and Coffea liberica. These species have been used in breeding programs where interspecific resistant hybrids have been generated. The SH3 gene, derived from C. liberica, has been shown to confer extreme and long-lasting resistance to Hv. A total of 167 accessions of the INIA’s Coffee Germplasm Collection of Peru (INIA-CGC) were screened with 4 markers linked to the SH3 gene. As positive controls, EA67 (C. liberica) and the hybrid S.288 (C. arabica x C. liberica) were used. Separation of PCR products was done by capillary electrophoresis, which allow to discriminate the alleles of each marker. For three markers, specific alleles for either C. arabica or C. liberica species were found. In all cases, S.288 exhibited specific alleles for both species; whereas the INIA-CGC accessions had exclusively C. arabica alleles and EA67 had C. liberica alleles. The BA-48-21O-f marker did not produce PCR fragments for any of the positive controls, suggesting that this marker is not as predictive as the other three to determine the presence of SH3. This work reports the existence of multiple alleles for the Sat244 marker; however, the collection does not have the SH3 mediated-resistance gene. Finally, the utility of capillary electrophoresis as a tool to identify alleles linked to SH3 was demonstrated.

Background Sympatric congeneric plants might share pollinators, or each species might avoid competition by evolving specialized traits that generate partitions in pollinator assemblages. In both cases, pollen limitation (a decrease in the quality and quantity of compatible reproductive pollen) can occur, driving the plant mating system to autogamy as a mechanism of reproductive assurance. We assessed the relationships between pollinator assemblages and mating systems in a group of sympatric congeneric plants. We attempted to answer the following questions: (i) How similar are pollinator assemblages among sympatric cactus species? (ii) Which mating systems do sympatric cactus species use? Methods We studied sympatric Eriosyce taxa that inhabit a threatened coastal strip in a mediterranean-type ecosystem in central Chile. We performed field observations on four taxa and characterized pollinators during the years 2016 and 2017. We estimated differences in the pollinator assemblages using the Bray–Curtis index. To elucidate the mating systems, we conducted hand-pollination experiments using three treatments: manual cross-pollination, automatic self-pollination, and control (unmanipulated individuals). We tested differences in seed production for statistical significance using Kruskal–Wallis analysis. Results Eriosyce subgibbosa showed a distinctive pollinator assemblage among the sympatric species that we studied (similarity ranged from 0% to 8%); it was visited by small bees and was the only species that was visited by the giant hummingbird Patagona gigas. Pollinator assemblages were similar between E. chilensis (year 2016 = 4 species; 2017 = 8) and E. chilensis var. albidiflora (2016 = 7; 2017 = 4); however, those of E. curvispina var. mutabilis (2016 = 7; 2017 = 6) were less similar to those of the aforementioned species. E. curvispina var. mutabilis showed the highest interannual variation in its pollinator assemblage (18% similarity). Reproduction in E. subgibbosa largely depends on pollinators, although it showed some degree of autogamy. Autonomous pollination was unfeasible in E. chilensis, which depended on flower visitors for its reproductive success. Both E. chilensis var. albidiflora and E. curvispina var. mutabilis showed some degree of autogamy. Discussion We observed differences in pollinator assemblages between E. subgibbosa and the remaining Eriosyce taxa, which depend on hymenopterans for pollen transfer. Pollinator assemblages showed considerable interannual variation, especially those of E. subgibbosa (ornithophilous syndrome) and E. curvispina var. mutabilis (melitophilous syndrome). Autogamous reproduction in these taxa may act as a reproductive assurance mechanism when pollinator availability is unpredictable. Our study contributes to improving our understanding of the reproductive systems of ecological interactions between threatened species in a Chilean mediterranean-type ecosystem.

Background and Aims Global climate change is a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. Several arid areas might expand in the future, but it is not clear if this change would be positive or negative for arid-adapted lineages. Here, we explore whether climatic niche properties are involved in the configuration of climate refugia and thus in future species trends. Methods To estimate putative climate refugia and potential expansion areas, we used maximum entropy models and four climate-change models to generate current and future potential distributions of 142 plant species endemic to the Atacama and mediterranean Chilean ecosystems. We assessed the relationship between the similarity and breadth of thermal and precipitation niches with the size of climate refugia and areas of potential expansions. Key Results We found a positive relationship between breadth and similarity for thermal niche with the size of climate refugia, but only niche similarity of the thermal niche was positively related with the size of expansion areas. Although all lineages would reduce their distributions in the future, few species are predicted to be at risk of extinction in their current distribution, and all of them presented potential expansion areas. Conclusion Species with a broad niche and niche dissimilarity will have larger refugia, and species with niche dissimilarity will have larger expansion areas. In addition, our prediction for arid lineages shows that these species will be moderately affected by climate change.

Delayed flowering due to later snowmelt and colder temperatures at higher elevations in the alpine are expected to lead to flowering phenological adjustment to prevent decoupling of peak flowering from the warmest time of the year, thereby favoring pollination. However, even if flowering is brought forward in the season at higher elevations, an elevational temperature gap is likely to remain between the high- and low-elevation populations of a species at the time these reach peak flowering on account of the atmospheric reduction in temperature with increasing elevation. The negative effect of this temperature gap on pollination could be compensated by plastically-prolonged flower life spans at higher elevations, increasing the probability of pollination. In a tightly temperature-controlled study, the flowering phenology adjustment and flower longevity compensation hypotheses were investigated in an alpine species in the Andes of central Chile. The snow free period varied from 7 to 8.2 months over 810 m elevation. Temperatures were suitable for growth on 82–98% of the snow free days. Flowering onset was temporally displaced at the rate of 4.6 d per 100 m increase in elevation and flowering was more synchronous at higher elevations. Flowering phenology was adjusted over elevation. The latter was manifest in thermal sums tending to decrease with elevation for population flowering onset, 50% flowering, and peak flowering when the lower thermal limit for growth (TBASE) was held constant over elevation. For TBASE graded over elevation so as to reflect the growing season temperature decline, thermal sums did not vary with elevation, opening the door to a possible elevational decline in the thermal temperature threshold for growth. Potential flower longevity was reduced by passive warming and was more prolonged in natural populations when temperatures were lower, indicating a plastic trait. Pollination rates, as evaluated with the Relative Pollination Rate index (RPR), when weighted for differences in floral abundance over the flowering season, declined with elevation as did fruit set. Contrary to expectation, the life-spans of flowers at higher elevations were not more prolonged and failed to compensate for the elevational decrease in pollination rates. Although strong evidence for phenological adjustment was forthcoming, flower longevity compensation did not occur over Oxalis squamata’s elevational range. Thus, flower longevity compensation is not applicable in all alpine species. Comparison with work conducted several decades ago on the same species in the same area provides valuable clues regarding the effects of climate change on flowering phenology and fitness in the central Chilean alpine where temperatures have been increasing and winter snow accumulation has been declining.

Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad del trabajo realizado por docentes para fortalecer habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables en escolares. Metodología: estudio cuasi-experimental, longitudinal analítico con medición pre y postintervención educativa. El instrumento, elaborado a partir de la encuesta EDEX, fue utilizado para el estudio en 32 colegios públicos de Engativá entre 2013 y 2014; en el análisis se utilizó la prueba t de Student y la prueba exacta de Fisher para tablas de contingencia; los cambios en habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables se establecieron mediante estadísticos de Rasch. Resultados: se aplicaron 930 encuestas iniciales y 549 finales. Ha- bilidades psicosociales: i) mejora de 0,18 lógitos en el promedio, equivalente a 11,6 % de escolares; ii) las habilidades cognitivas y sociales mejoraron, mientras las emocionales desmejoraron; iii) las mujeres obtuvieron resultados superiores estadísticamente significativos en habilidades cognitivas y sociales; iv) las personas con mayor tiempo en el programa mostraron mejores resultados, estadísticamente significativos, en habilidades cognitivas. Hábitos saludables: comparando resultados de estadísticos de Rasch, los hábitos saludables des- mejoraron y no hubo diferencias por sexo o años en el programa. Conclusiones: los resultados concuerdan con la prioridad que dieron los docentes al trabajo en habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables; se observaron resultados importantes de efectividad. Se debe seguir investigando para aprender más sobre el fortalecimiento de las habilidades psicosociales y los hábitos saludables.

The corrosion and leaching behaviour of a new ternary Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution is reported herein. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements show that Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni has the highest corrosion rate. Results of the 30-day Sn leaching measurement show that Sn-Cu-Ni joint has slight decrease attributed to the formation of thin passivation film after 15 days. The leaching amounts of Sn are observed to be higher in solder joint than in solder alloy due to the galvanic corrosion happening on the surface. EDS and XRD results of the corroded surface confirm that the corroded product is made up of oxides of tin.

Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterial species that inhabits brackish waters, is an opportunistic pathogen of humans. V. vulnificus infections can cause acute gastroenteritis, invasive septicemia, tissue necrosis, and potentially death. Virulence factors associated with V. vulnificus include the capsular polysaccharide (CPS), lipopolysaccharide, flagellum, pili, and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The aims of this study were to characterize the morphology of V. vulnificus cells and the formation and arrangement of OMVs using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography imaging of V. vulnificus strains grown in liquid cultures revealed the presence of OMVs (diameters of ∼45 nm for wild-type, ∼30 nm for the unencapsulated mutant, and ∼50 nm for the non-motile mutant) in log-phase growth. Production of OMVs in the stationary growth phase was limited and irregular. The spacing of the OMVs around the wild-type cells was in regular, concentric rings. In wild-type cells and a non-motile mutant, the spacing between the cell envelope and the first ring of OMVs was ∼200 nm; this spacing was maintained between subsequent OMV layers. The size, arrangement, and spacing of OMVs in an unencapsulated mutant was irregular and indicated that the polysaccharide chains of the capsule regulate aspects of OMV production and order. Together, our results revealed the distinctive organization of V. vulnificus OMVs that is affected by expression of the CPS.

Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad del trabajo realizado por docentes para fortalecer habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables en escolares. Metodología: estudio cuasi-experimental, longitudinal analítico con medición pre y postintervención educativa. El instrumento, elaborado a partir de la encuesta EDEX, fue utilizado para el estudio en 32 colegios públicos de Engativá entre 2013 y 2014; en el análisis se utilizó la prueba t de Student y la prueba exacta de Fisher para tablas de contingencia; los cambios en habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables se establecieron mediante estadísticos de Rasch. Resultados: se aplicaron 930 encuestas iniciales y 549 finales. Habilidades psicosociales: i) mejora de 0,18 lógitos en el promedio, equivalente a 11,6 % de escolares; ii) las habilidades cognitivas y sociales mejoraron, mientras las emocionales desmejoraron; iii) las mujeres obtuvieron resultados superiores estadísticamente significativos en habilidades cognitivas y sociales; iv) las personas con mayor tiempo en el programa mostraron mejores resultados, estadísticamente significativos, en habilidades cognitivas. Hábitos saludables: comparando resultados de estadísticos de Rasch, los hábitos saludables desmejoraron y no hubo diferencias por sexo o años en el programa. Conclusiones: los resultados concuerdan con la prioridad que dieron los docentes al trabajo en habilidades psicosociales y hábitos saludables; se observaron resultados importantes de efectividad. Se debe seguir investigando para aprender más sobre el fortalecimiento de las habilidades psicosociales y los hábitos saludables. doi: 10.5294/aqui.2016.16.4.5

Realizamos un experimento de laboratorio para evaluar el efecto de la luz blanca en la germinación de cinco taxa de Eriosyce subgen. Neoporteria. Todas las taxa germinaron profusamente con presencia de luz, mientras que en oscuridad casi no se registró germinación. Se discute que este rasgo fisiológico podría ser una respuesta conservada en el grupo Neoporteria.

The neutron time of flight (n_TOF) facility at CERN is a neutron spallation source, its white neutron energy spectrum ranges from thermal to several GeV, covering the full energy range of interest for nuclear astrophysics, in particular for measurements of the neutron capture cross-section required in s-process nucleosynthesis. This contribution gives an overview on the astrophysical program made at n_TOF facility, the results and the implications will be considered.

Plant regeneration is strongly determined by light and soil moisture differences between habitáis; both variables are modified by large-scale forest fragmentation. Several studies have indicated this alteration as the mechanism involved in tropical forest community change. The effects of fragmentation may be much more severe in Mediterranean and deciduous forests, because plant species in these forests show a stress tolerance tradeoff between shade and drought. Our study was performed in the deciduous fragmented Coastal Maulino Forest: Reserva Nacional Los Queules (RNLQ) and surrounding small fragments. We hypothesised that Aristotelia chilensis (shade intolerant but drought tolerant) should increase its regeneration in small patches as a consequence of the change in habitat suitability (i.e. luminous and drier), while Cryptocarya alba (shade tolerant but drought intolerant) should have less regeneration in small fragments. We also expected that Nothofagus glauca and N. obliqua, which have shade and drought tolerances intermedíate between A. chilensis and C. alba, should respond less to forest fragmentation. We used two estimations of plant regeneration: (i) seedling and sapling densities via field observations and (ii) seed germination and seedling establishment via a field-based experiment. Natural regeneration patterns of C. alba indicated a depressed regeneration within small forest fragments compared to RNLQ, although experimental germination, establishment and recruitment proportions did not vary between habitáis. In contrast, A. chilensis regeneration was favored by forest fragmentation, with increased seedling and sapling densities and germination in small forest fragments. Both N. glauca and N. obliqua were less affected by forest fragmentation in their natural and experimental regeneration. This study highlights the relevance of studying changes in abiotic factors as a consequence of human activities, and considering safe sites (defined by regeneration niche attributes) for implementing conservation actions and ecological restoration.La regeneración en plantas está determinada por las diferencias de luz y humedad del suelo entre hábitats, ambas variables son modificadas por la fragmentación de bosques a gran escala. Varios estudios consideran esas alteraciones como parte del mecanismo involucrado en el cambio comunitario en bosques tropicales. Sin embargo, en bosques mediterráneos y deciduos esa tendencia podría ser más severa, debido a que las plantas presentan un "trade off" entre la tolerancia a la sombra y a la sequía. Nuestro estudio fue realizado en el Bosque Maulino Costero: Reserva Nacional Los Queules (RNLQ) y fragmentos aledaños de bosque. Hipotetizamos que Aristotelia chilensis (sombra intolerante pero tolerante a la sequía) debería aumentar su regeneración en fragmentos pequeños de bosque, como consecuencia del cambio en la idoneidad del habitat (i.e. más luminoso y seco), mientras que, Cryptocarya alba (sombra tolerante pero sequía intolerante) debería reducir su regeneración en fragmentos pequeños de bosque. Nosotros además esperamos que Nothofagus glauca y N. obliqua, ambas con tolerancias a la sombra y a la sequía intermedias entre A. chilensis y C. alba, deberían responder en menor medida a la fragmentación del bosque. En este estudio utilizamos dos evaluaciones: (i) la abundancia de plántulas y juveniles a través de observaciones de campo y (ii) la germinación y establecimiento de plántulas vía un experimento de campo. Los patrones de regeneración natural de C. alba indican una reducción en la regeneración dentro de los fragmentos pequeños de bosque comparado con la RNLQ, a pesar de que en el experimento de campo, la proporción de semillas germinadas, de plántulas establecidas y reclutadas no variaron entre hábitats. Por el contrario, la regeneración de A. chilensis y de N. glauca fueron favorecidas por la fragmentación del bosque, con un aumento en las densidades de plántulas y juveniles y de la proporción de semillas germinadas en los fragmentos pequeños de bosque. Por otro lado, la regeneración de N. obliqua es limitada en ambos hábitats, y la fragmentación del bosque no afectaría diferencialmente su germinación. Este estudio llama la atención sobre la relevancia de estudiar los cambios en los factores abióticos como consecuencias de actividades humanas, y de considerar los "sitios seguros" (definidos por los atributos del nicho regeneracional) en la implementación de acciones de conservación y de restauración ecológica.

Records with the search string biogeograph* were collected from the Science Citation Index (SCI). A total of 3456 records were downloaded for the 1945-2006 period from titles of articles and reviews, and 10,543 records were downloaded for 1991-2006, taking into consideration also abstracts and keywords. Temporal trends of publications, geographical and institutional distribution of the research output, authorship, and core journals were evaluated. There were as many as 122 countries carrying out biogeographic research; in the most recent period, USA is the top producing country, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, and Canada. There were 17,493 authors contributing to the field. During 1991-2006 there were 4098 organizations with authors involved in biogeographic research; institutions with higher number of papers are the Natural History Museum (United Kingdom), the University of California, Berkeley (USA), the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (France), the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Mexico), the American Museum of Natural History (USA) and the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia). Research articles are spread over a variety of journals, with the Journal of Biogeography, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Molecular Ecology, and Biological Journal of the Linnean Society being the core journals. From 28,759 keywords retrieved those with the highest frequency were evolution, phylogeny, diversity, mitochondrial DNA, pattern(s), systematics, and population(s). We conclude that publications on biogeography have increased substantially during the last years, especially since 1998. The preferred journal for biogeographic papers is the Journal of Biogeography. Most frequent keywords seem to indicate that biogeography fits well within both evolutionary biology and ecology, with molecular biology and phylogenetics being important factors that drive their current development.Se recolectaron registros con la palabra biogeograph* a partir del Science Citation Index (SCI). Se obtuvo un total de 3456 registros para el periodo 1945-2006, a partir de títulos de artículos y revisiones; y 10,543 registros para 1991-2006, tomando en cuenta también resúmenes y palabras clave. Se evaluaron las tendencias temporales y geográficas de las publicaciones, además de la distribución institucional de la investigación en el área, autoría y revistas principales. Durante 1945-2006 se publicaron 3456 artículos de biogeografía; cuando la búsqueda para 1991-2006 se expandió para buscar el tema en palabras claves y resúmenes, se recuperaron 10,543 registros. Hubo 122 países desarrollando investigación en biogeografía; en el periodo más reciente, los Estados Unidos de América fueron el país principal, seguidos del Reino Unido, Australia, Francia, Alemania, España y Canadá. 17,493 autores contribuyeron a la biogeografía. Durante 1991-2006 hubo 4098 instituciones con autores desarrollando investigación en el área; las que poseen un número mayor de artículos fueron el Natural History Museum (Reino Unido), la University of California, Berkeley (Estados Unidos de América), el Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Francia), la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (México), el American Museum of Natural History (Estados Unidos de América) y la Academia Rusa de Ciencias (Rusia). Los artículos de investigación se hayan repartidos en una variedad de revistas, siendo las principales el Journal of Biogeography, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Molecular Ecology y Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. A partir de 28,759 palabras claves, aquellas con mayor frecuencia fueron evolución, filogenia, diversidad, DNA mitocondrial, patrón (patrones), sistemática y población(es). Concluimos que las publicaciones en biogeografía se han incrementado sustancialmente durante los últimos años, en especial a partir de 1998. La revista preferida para artículos biogeográficos es el Journal of Biogeography. Las palabras claves más frecuentes indican que la biogeografía cabe adecuadamente tanto en la biología evolutiva como en la ecología, siendo la biología molecular y la sistemática filogenética los factores que conducen su desarrollo actual.

The effect of chilling on germination was examined for six Placea species, a genus in the Amaryllidaceae endemic to the Andes and Coastal Range of central Chile. Based on their natural environment, we hypothesized that low temperatures would be important for germination in theses species. We addressed two questions (i) do Placea seeds require chilling for seed germination? (ii) if they required chilling, does thermal history before chilling affect their responsivity to chilling? At 4ºC seeds of all species germinated faster and to a higher level than at 25ºC. After 28 days, when seeds held at 25ºC were moved to 4ºC, germination increased significantly, however at the end of the assay, their germination was still lower than those seeds initially at 4ºC. Thus, Placea seeds required chilling for germinate. Seeds of Placea species might have physiological dormancy or might be non-dormant but with narrow and low range of temperature that are optimal for germinationSe examinó el efecto del frío en la germinación de seis especies de Placea, un género en las Amaryllidaceae endémico de los Andes y Costa de Chile central. Basándonos en su ambiente natural, hipotetizamos que las bajas temperaturas debieran ser importantes para la germinación de estas especies. Se analizaron dos preguntas, (i) ¿Necesitan las semillas de Placea frío para poder germinar? (ii) si requieren frío, ¿afecta la historia térmica, antes del frío en su posterior respuesta al frío? A 4°C las semillas de todas las especies germinaron más rápidamente y en mayor cantidad que a 25°C. En el día 28, cuando las semillas a 25°C fueron movidas a 4°C, la germinación aumentó significativamente, sin embargo al final del ensayo, su germinación siguió siendo inferior que aquellas inicialmente a 4°C. Por lo tanto, las semillas de Placea requirieron frío para germinar. Las semillas de Placea tendrían latencia fisiológica o podrían ser no latentes pero con un acotado rango de temperatura óptima para su germinación

Aborda un estudio donde se analiza que la sustentabilidad terrícola está en peligro por los problemas ambientales presentes, destacando, a nivel local el ruido. Señala que es "causa" de alteraciones a la salud en ciertos puestos de trabajo y que el proceso se puede esquematizar como un eje constituido por factor de riesgo-exposición -efecto. Argumenta que empleó el método epidemiológico. Plantea la vigilancia epidemiológica hombre - ambiente y los efectos auditivos y no auditivos inducidos por ruido. Concluye que el Estado anhela su control y que su mejor representante es el médico de la familia al formarse integralmente en varias disciplinas.

En el presente artículo se analizan los diferentes tipos de distribución, o corotipos, que pudieran existir para las 70 especies de micromamíferos que se distribuyen por los 12 sistemas montañosos que circundan la parte más occidental de la cuenca mediterránea. También se ha llevado a cabo un análisis de las tendencias de la riqueza de especies en relación con los principales gradientes ambientales. Se han identificado cinco corotipos que incluyen la distribución de 49 especies: un corotipo ampliamente distribuido (I), dos corotipos ibéricos (II y III), un corotipo alpino (IV) y un corotipo africano (V). Únicamente los corotipos II, IV y V se han podido caracterizar ambientalmente. El corotipo II se corresponde con aquellos sistemas montañosos que presentan una disponibilidad intermedia de agua procedente de la lluvia. El corotipo IV incluye el sistema montañoso con mayor precipitación e inestabilidad climática. El corotipo V se caracteriza por abarcar los sistemas montañosos con una mayor disponibilidad de energía. Para el conjunto de los micromamíferos y los no roedores el número de especies presenta una tendencia bimodal respecto a la disponibilidad de energía. Para los roedores es la disponibilidad simultánea de agua y energía el principal factor que explica la variación de riqueza de especies, también de forma bimodal.

En el presente artículo se analiza la relación biogeográfica de los 12 sistemas montañosos que circundan la parte más occidental de la cuenca mediterránea, en función de su fauna de micromamíferos (70 especies pertenecientes a los órdenes Erinaceomorpha, Soricomorpha y Rodentia). Se ha llevado a cabo una regionalización biogeográfica del área de estudio, mediante un análisis de clasificación de áreas, y posteriormente se han caracterizado ambientalmente las fronteras bióticas detectadas. Por último, se han identificado los posibles intercambios de especies que han tenido lugar entre los sistemas montañosos considerados. Existe una frontera fuerte entre las faunas europea y africana, caracterizada en términos ambientales por una mayor disponibilidad de energía en el sur. Además, para los micromamíferos no roedores, se detecta una frontera débil que separa los sistemas montañosos exclusivamente ibéricos del resto, caracterizada por una mayor disponibilidad simultánea de agua y energía en el norte. Finalmente, se sugiere un proceso dominante de intercambio reciente de especies entre Europa y la Península Ibérica.

El presente trabajo se realizó en dos etapas, en 2006 la formación de cruzas, en el campo experimental de la Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna (UAAANUL), y la evaluación de las mismas en dos localidades con tres ambientes en 2007; en el campo experimental de la UAAANUL durante los ciclos primavera y verano, y en el ejido El Niágara, municipio de Aguascalientes Ags, durante la primavera. El material genético utilizado estuvo constituido por 24 líneas endogámicas, siete del programa de la UAAANUL, cuatro del INIFAP y 13 del CIMMYT. El objetivo fue, estimar los efectos de aptitud combinatoria general (ACG) de las líneas y la aptitud combinatoria específica (ACE) de sus cruzas, así como cuantificar la heredabilidad y el grado de dominancia, de las 128 cruzas formadas. Para rendimiento en forraje verde, en ACG sobresalieron los probadores macho: B-40 (52.0 t ha-1), CML-311 (49.0 t ha-1), y AN-447 (45.2 t ha-1), mientras que para aptitud combinatoria específica (ACE), los valores más altos fueron para las cruzas: B-40xCML-319 (30.8 t ha-1), B-40xCML-254 (30.7 t ha-1), CML-311xCML-254 (30.0 t ha-1) y CML-311xCML-319 (29.7 t ha-1), que también resultaron ser las más sobresalientes en rendimiento de forraje verde con: 123, 123, 120 y 119 t ha-1 respectivamente. En los parámetros genéticos para rendimiento, la varianza de dominancia fue de 210, supero a la varianza aditiva que fue de 154, la heredabilidad en sentido amplio fue 73%, mientras que en sentido estricto fue 30% y sobredominancia de 1.7.

Species climate requirements are useful for predicting their geographic distribution. It is often assumed that the niche requirements for invasive plants are conserved during invasion, especially when the invaded regions share similar climate conditions. California and central Chile have a remarkable degree of convergence in their vegetation structure, and a similar Mediterranean climate. Such similarities make these geographic areas an interesting natural experiment for testing climatic niche dynamics and the equilibrium of invasive species in a new environment. We tested to see if the climatic niche of Eschscholzia californica is conserved in the invaded range (central Chile), and we assessed whether the invasion process has reached a biogeographical equilibrium, i.e., occupy all the suitable geographic locations that have suitable conditions under native niche requirements. We compared the climatic niche in the native and invaded ranges as well as the projected potential geographic distribution in the invaded range. In order to compare climatic niches, we conducted a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Species Distribution Models (SDMs), to estimate E. californica's potential geographic distribution. We also used SDMs to predict altitudinal distribution limits in central Chile. Our results indicated that the climatic niche occupied by E. californica in the invaded range is firmly conserved, occupying a subset of the native climatic niche but leaving a substantial fraction of it unfilled. Comparisons of projected SDMs for central Chile indicate a similarity, yet the projection from native range predicted a larger geographic distribution in central Chile compared to the prediction of the model constructed for central Chile. The projected niche occupancy profile from California predicted a higher mean elevation than that projected from central Chile. We concluded that the invasion process of E. californica in central Chile is consistent with climatic niche conservatism but there is potential for further expansion in Chile.