Effect of Disorder on Ultrafast Exciton Dynamics Probed by Single Molecule Spectroscopy

We present a single-molecule study unraveling the effect of static disorder on the vibrational-assisted ultrafast exciton dynamics in multichromophoric systems. For every single complex, we probe the initial exciton relaxation process by an ultrafast pump-probe approach and the coupling to vibrational modes by emission spectra, while fluorescence lifetime analysis measures the amount of static disorder. Exploiting the wide range of disorder found from complex to complex, we demonstrate that static disorder accelerates the dephasing and energy relaxation rate of the exciton

Mortalidad Infantil por Educación Materna en Puerto Rico: 2009 y 2013

Background/Objective. The literature available about this topic shows that there is a relationship between infant mortality and the education of the mother. As the level of maternal education increases, infant mortality decreases. The main objective of the study was to examine the behavior of the specific rates of infant mortality by maternal education, and the variability it may have and the socio-demographic characteristics of the mother and infant. Methods. The database used for this study was the matched birth and death of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by period for 2009 and 2013. The study was descriptive. Results. The specific infant mortality rates by maternal education were lower among infants whose mothers had a grade 12 or higher education level than those whose mothers that had a less than grade 12 of education for 2009 (7.52 vs. 9.41 ) and 2013 (6.98 vs 7.00). Similarly, results occurred in the birth weight categories; the infants of the less educated mothers had higher mortality rates than those whose mothers were more educated. Conclusion. Maternal education is an important factor to consider when analyzing infant deaths. The data suggest the importance of promoting the education of mothers to increase the survival of live births.Transfondo/Objetivo. La literatura señala que existe relación entre la mortalidad infantil y la educación de la madre. A medida que aumenta el nivel de educación materna, menor la mortalidad infantil. El objetivo principal del estudio fue examinar cómo se comportan las tasas específicas de mortalidad infantil de acuerdo a la escolaridad materna, y la variabilidad que pueden tener sobre la misma las características sociodemográficas de la madre y el infante. Métodos Se utilizó la base de datos de nacimientos y muertes infantiles pareadas por periodo para el 2009 y 2013 del Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). El estudio fue descriptivo. Resultados. Las tasas específicas de mortalidad infantil por educación materna resultaron ser más bajas entre los infantes cuyas madres tenían un nivel de educación mayor o igual a grado 12, que para aquellos cuyas madres tenían una educación menor a grado 12 para el 2009 (7.52 vs 9.41) y 2013 (6.98 vs 7.00). Se encontró de igual manera, en las categorías de peso al nacer, los infantes de las madres menos educadas tuvieron tasas de mortalidad más alta, que aquellos cuyas madres eran más educadas. Conclusión. La educación materna es un factor importante a considerar cuando se analizan las muertes infantiles. Los datos sugieren la importancia de promover la educación de las madres para poder aumentar la sobrevivencia de los nacimientos vivos

Construcción de una genoteca de cdna de fríjol (phaseolus vulgaris l.) para mapeo genético

Se construyó una pequeña librería de cDNA de fríjol (phaseolus vulgaris L.) de alrededor de 1500 clones, con el fin de incrementar la saturación del mapa de ligamiento de fríjol con marcadores de RFLPs. Para la generación de la librería se utilizó la técnica de amplificación por PCR (Jepson et al., 1991). En ella se utilizan como iniciadores para la reacción los mismos adaptadores empleados para generar los terminales cohesivos del cDNA. Se obtuvieron insertos con un promedio de 500 pares de bases. Se aislaron 93 clones, los cuales mostraron un porcentaje de repetición del 61 %. De los clones con patrón único, el 80% fueron de copia única y el 20% fueron de bajo número de copias. Se evaluó el polimorfismo de tres pares de parentales de frijol, escogidos por sus características agronómicas. El polimorfismo total más alto se halló con la enzima de restricción EcoRI (77%), luego le siguieron Dral (73%), EcoRI (63%) y Hindlll (60%). El par más polimórfico fue DOR60 con APN18, con 71% para EcoRV y 57% para EcoRI respectivamente. Se analizaron por hibridización dos clones de los grupos con más repeticiones en "slot blot" contra los demás clones y DNA que codifica para yRNA, con el fin de aclarar el origen de las repeticiones. Sólo uno de ellos parece ser de origen ribosomal, como lo sugiere el patrón de hibridización con DNA genómico de fríjol digerido con HaeIII, lo cual puede indicar que el grupo al cual pertenece es probablemente de origen ribosomal. Esto se puede explicar probablemente por la combinación en la metodología de amplificación por PCR con la utilización de iniciadores múltiples para la síntesis de la primera cadena de cDNA.A small cDNA library from beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of about 1500 clones was constructed, to further saturate the bean RFLP linkage map. The primarily synthesized cDNAs were amplified by PCR using the adaptors as primers for amplification (Jepson et al., 1991). Inserts in the range of 500 bp were obtained. 93 clones were singled for further analysis. They showed a degree of repeatibility of around 61 %. Around 80% of the unique clones were single copy, and 20% were low copy sequences as expected from a cDNA library. Three pairs of parental bean lines were chosen for their agronomical traits, and evaluated for polymorphism, which was highest as revealed by digestion with EcoRV (77%), followed by DraI (73%), EcoRI (63%) and HindIIl (60%). The highest polymorphism was observed between the pair DOR60 and APNI8, 71% for EcoRV and 57% for EcoRI, respectively. Two clones of the two groups with the most repeated clones were analyzed by slot blot hybridization against the other clones and ribosomal DNA, to understand the origin of the repetitions. Only one clone seemed to be of ribosomal origin, as confirmed by the patterns obtained by hybridization to bean genomic DNA digested with HaelIl, implying that the whole group to which it belonged was of ribosomal origin.  It can be explained by the combined utilization of the PCR amplification methodology and the multipleprimers for the synthesis of the first cDNA strand

Caracterización epidemiológica de la diarrea neonatal aguda indiferenciada (DNAI) en ganaderías lecheras del valle de Ubaté.

Se estudió la epidemiología de la diarrea neonatal aguda indiferenciada (DNAI) en ganaderías de leche del valle de Ubaté mediante encuestas en 49 fincas. La DNAI afectó a los bovinos neonatos con prevalencia instantánea de 8.3 por ciento para la zona y de 9.6 por ciento para fincas afectadas, los animales de ambos sexos menores de 1 semana e hijos de vacas primerizas constituyeron el grupo de edad más afectado. La entidad patológica se vió favorecida por la alcalinización semestral de las praderas, el consumo de pastos muy tiernos por parte de las madres, la alimentación de los terneros por medio de baldes o cubos, la permanencia de madres y crías en el sitio de parición por períodos entre 15 y 60 días, la desinfección de implementos y utensilios propios del manejo animal con agua, jabón, desinfectantes y el uso de antiparasitarios internos sólo cada tres meses. Se calculan algunas pérdidas económicas, se discute el hecho de que la DNAI es producto de la interacción entre organismos causales, medio ambiente y sistema de explotación. Se sugieren algunas medidas de prevención y controlGanado de leche-Ganadería lech

Autonomic nervous system assessment in critically ill patients undergoing a cognitive rehabilitation therapy

Recent clinical and electrophysiological studies reveal a high incidence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in patients treated in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) is a behavioral therapy that has proven to be effective improving cognitive deficits in clinical populations with abnormalities in brain activation patterns. A total of 17 critically ill patients received CR aimed to improve the ANS status, which was quantified in terms of HRV. The CR included cognitive exercises aimed to improve prefrontal activation. HRV was obtained during pre-CR, CR and post-CR. Power in the low (PLF) and high (PHF) frequency bands related to sympathetic and parasympathetic systems was computed. PHF was obtained within a band centered at respiratory rate. Comparing with baseline values, 7 patients showed an increased PHF in post-CR, suggesting an increase of parasympathetic activity

Effects of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on random number generation

OBJECTIVE: Focal application of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) is a neuromodulation technique, with predominantly inhibitory effects when applied to the motor, somatosensory or visual cortex. Whether this approach can also transiently interact with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) function remains unclear. The suppression of habitual or competitive responses is one of the core executive functions linked to DLPFC function. This study aimed to assess the impact of tSMS on the prefrontal contributions to inhibitory control and response selection by means of a RNG task. METHODS: We applied 20 min of tSMS over the left DLPFC of healthy subjects, using a real/sham cross-over design, during performance of a RNG task. We used an index of randomness calculated with the measures of entropy and correlation to assess the impact of stimulation on DLPFC function. RESULTS: The randomness index of the sequences generated during the tSMS intervention was significantly higher compared to those produced in the sham condition. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that application of tSMS transiently modulates specific functional brain networks in DLPFC, which indicate a potential use of tSMS for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence for the capacity of tSMS for modulating DLPFC function

Development of a dynamic energy-partitioning model for enteric methane emissions and milk production in goats using energy balance data from indirect calorimetry studies

[EN] The main objective of this study was to develop a dynamic energy balance model for dairy goats to describe and quantify energy partitioning between energy used for work (milk) and that lost to the environment. Increasing worldwide concerns regarding livestock contribution to global warming underscore the importance of improving energy efficiency utilization in dairy goats by reducing energy losses in feces, urine and methane (CH4). A dynamic model of CH(4)emissions from experimental energy balance data in goats is proposed and parameterized (n= 48 individual animal observations). The model includes DM intake, NDF and lipid content of the diet as explanatory variables for CH(4)emissions. An additional data set (n= 122 individual animals) from eight energy balance experiments was used to evaluate the model. The model adequately (root MS prediction error,RMSPE) represented energy in milk (E-milk;RMSPE = 5.6%), heat production (HP;RMSPE = 4.3%) and CH(4)emissions (E-CH4; RMSPE = 11.9%). Residual analysis indicated that most of the prediction errors were due to unexplained variations with small mean and slope bias. Some mean bias was detected for HP (1.12%) and E-CH4(1.27%) but was around zero for E-milk (0.14%). The slope bias was zero for HP (0.01%) and close to zero for E-milk (0.10%) and E-CH4(0.22%). Random bias was >98% for E-CH4, HP and E-milk, indicating non-systematic errors and that mechanisms in the model are properly represented. As predicted energy increased, the model tended to underpredict E-CH(4)and E-milk. The model is a first step toward a mechanistic description of nutrient use by goats and is useful as a research tool for investigating energy partitioning during lactation. The model described in this study could be used as a tool for making enteric CH(4)emission inventories for goats.This study was supported by LOW CARBON FEED Project reference LIFE2016/CCM/ES/000088.Fernández Martínez, CJ.; Hernando, I.; Moreno-Latorre, E.; Loor, J. (2020). Development of a dynamic energy-partitioning model for enteric methane emissions and milk production in goats using energy balance data from indirect calorimetry studies. Animal. 14:s382-s395. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731120001470Ss382s39514Agricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC) 1997. The nutrition of goats. Nutrition Abstract and Reviews (Series B) 67, 776–861.Aguilera, J. F., Prieto, C., & FonollÁ, J. (1990). Protein and energy metabolism of lactating Granadina goats. British Journal of Nutrition, 63(2), 165-175. doi:10.1079/bjn19900104Bannink, A., France, J., Lopez, S., Gerrits, W. J. J., Kebreab, E., Tamminga, S., & Dijkstra, J. (2008). 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KL Blaxter ), pp. 441–443. Academic Press, London, UK.Criscioni, P., Marti, J. V., Pérez-Baena, I., Palomares, J. L., Larsen, T., & Fernández, C. (2016). Replacement of alfalfa hay ( Medicago sativa ) with maralfalfa hay ( Pennisetum sp.) in diets of lactating dairy goats. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 219, 1-12. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.05.020Ellis, J. L., Kebreab, E., Odongo, N. E., McBride, B. W., Okine, E. K., & France, J. (2007). Prediction of Methane Production from Dairy and Beef Cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 90(7), 3456-3466. doi:10.3168/jds.2006-675Statistical data base Food and Agriculture Organization (FAOSTAT) 2018. FAO Statistical data base Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Retrieved on 25 June 2018 from http://faostat.fao.org/FERNÁNDEZ, C., LÓPEZ, M. C., & LACHICA, M. (2015). Low-cost mobile open-circuit hood system for measuring gas exchange in small ruminants: from manual to automatic recording. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 153(7), 1302-1309. doi:10.1017/s0021859615000416Fernández, C., Martí, J. V., Pérez-Baena, I., Palomares, J. L., Ibáñez, C., & Segarra, J. V. (2018). Effect of lemon leaves on energy and C–N balances, methane emission, and milk performance in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats. Journal of Animal Science, 96(4), 1508-1518. doi:10.1093/jas/sky028Fernández, C. (2018). Dynamic model development of enteric methane emission from goats based on energy balance measured in indirect open circuit respiration calorimeter. Global Ecology and Conservation, 15, e00439. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00439Fernández, C., Pérez-Baena, I., Marti, J. V., Palomares, J. L., Jorro-Ripoll, J., & Segarra, J. V. (2019). Use of orange leaves as a replacement for alfalfa in energy and nitrogen partitioning, methane emissions and milk performance of murciano-granadina goats. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 247, 103-111. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2018.11.008Fernández, C., Gomis-Tena, J., Hernández, A., & Saiz, J. (2019). An Open-Circuit Indirect Calorimetry Head Hood System for Measuring Methane Emission and Energy Metabolism in Small Ruminants. Animals, 9(6), 380. doi:10.3390/ani9060380Grainger, C., & Beauchemin, K. A. (2011). Can enteric methane emissions from ruminants be lowered without lowering their production? Animal Feed Science and Technology, 166-167, 308-320. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.04.021Howarth, R. (2015). Methane emissions and climatic warming risk from hydraulic fracturing and shale gas development: implications for policy. Energy and Emission Control Technologies, 45. doi:10.2147/eect.s61539Hristov, A. N., Kebreab, E., Niu, M., Oh, J., Bannink, A., Bayat, A. R., … Yu, Z. (2018). Symposium review: Uncertainties in enteric methane inventories, measurement techniques, and prediction models. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(7), 6655-6674. doi:10.3168/jds.2017-13536Ibáñez, C., López, M. C., Criscioni, P., & Fernández, C. (2015). Effect of replacing dietary corn with beet pulp on energy partitioning, substrate oxidation and methane production in lactating dairy goats. Animal Production Science, 55(1), 56. doi:10.1071/an13119Institute Nationale Recherche Agronomique (INRA) 2017. Feeding system for ruminants. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, the Netherlands.Jørgensen, S. E. (2015). New method to calculate the work energy of information and organisms. Ecological Modelling, 295, 18-20. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.09.001Kebreab, E., Johnson, K. A., Archibeque, S. L., Pape, D., & Wirth, T. (2008). Model for estimating enteric methane emissions from United States dairy and feedlot cattle1. Journal of Animal Science, 86(10), 2738-2748. doi:10.2527/jas.2008-0960Knapp, J. R., Laur, G. L., Vadas, P. A., Weiss, W. P., & Tricarico, J. M. (2014). Invited review: Enteric methane in dairy cattle production: Quantifying the opportunities and impact of reducing emissions. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(6), 3231-3261. doi:10.3168/jds.2013-7234Lin, L. I.-K. (1989). A Concordance Correlation Coefficient to Evaluate Reproducibility. Biometrics, 45(1), 255. doi:10.2307/2532051López, M. C., Estellés, F., Moya, V. J., & Fernández, C. (2014). Use of dry citrus pulp or soybean hulls as a replacement for corn grain in energy and nitrogen partitioning, methane emissions, and milk performance in lactating Murciano-Granadina goats. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(12), 7821-7832. doi:10.3168/jds.2014-8424López, M. C., & Fernández, C. (2013). Energy partitioning and substrate oxidation by Murciano-Granadina goats during mid lactation fed soy hulls and corn gluten feed blend as a replacement for corn grain. Journal of Dairy Science, 96(7), 4542-4552. doi:10.3168/jds.2012-6473Martí JV, Pérez-Baena I and Fernández C 2012. 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The nature of Miocene Amazonian epicontinental embayment: High-frequency shifts of the low-gradient coastline

A sedimentological and ichnological data set that covers the Lower-Upper Miocene sedimentary series of western Amazonian foreland basin indicates that widespread, restricted marine ingressions shaped western Amazonia throughout the Miocene. The late Lower–early Upper Miocene sedimentary series (Pebas Formation) consists of stacked, 3- to 10-m-thick, tidally influenced, brackish to freshwater, bay-margin sequences. The overlying Upper Miocene (“post-Pebas”) strata bear tidally influenced, low-salinity, channel deposits that are interbedded with continental deposits. The data suggest that several tens of high-frequency ingressions reached the basin during the Miocene. The ingressions were shallow and restricted, and were interspersed with rapid progradation. Along with the prograding shorelines, the continental environments—swamps, lagoons, floodplains and forests—constrained the extent of the marginal marine embayment. Consequently, the Miocene marginal marine and continental strata are closely interbedded throughout the basin. These results refine the recent depositional models for Miocene Amazonia, and challenge the theory that marine ingressions shaped the area only during one brief time interval (late Middle-early Late Miocene) during the epoch. Much of recent literature has documented fossils of mangrove pollen, brackish-euryhaline fish and brackish-water ostracods, brackish-water trace fossil assemblages, and tidal deposits from various Miocene stratigraphic levels. Commonly, these data sets are collected from the same outcrops as those for which data sets imply freshwater conditions. We propose that these seemingly contrasting data sets can be unified, if the repetitive nature of the ingressions is considered, and all the paleoenvironmental data are presented in a detailed lithological and stratigraphical context