A local view on single and coupled molecules

The paper focuses on a novel approach to reveal ultrafast dynamics in single molecules. The main strength of the approach is towards ultrafast processes in extended multi-chromophoric molecular assemblies. Excitonically coupled systems consisting of 2 and 3 rigidly linked perylene-diimide units in a head to tail configuration are studied. Superradiance and inhibited intramolecular decay are observed and discrete jumps in femtosecond response upon break-up of the strong coupling are revealed

Quantitative trait loci mapping for resistance to maize streak virus in F2: 3 population of tropical maize

Open Access Article; Published online: 01 Feb 2020Maize streak virus (MSV) continues to be a major biotic constraint for maize production throughout Africa. Concerning the quantitative nature of inheritance of resistance to MSV disease (MSVD), we sought to identify new loci for MSV resistance in maize using F2:3 population. The mapping population was artificially inoculated with viruliferous leafhoppers under screenhouse and evaluated for MSVD resistance. Using 948 DArT markers, we identified 18 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with different components of MSVD resistance accounting for 3.1–21.4% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting that a total of eleven genomic regions covering chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 are probably required for MSVD resistance. Two new genomic regions on chromosome 4 revealed the occurrence of co-localized QTLs for different parameters associated with MSVD resistance. Moreover, the consistent appearance of QTL on chromosome 7 for MSVD resistance is illustrating the need for fine-mapping of this locus. In conclusion, these QTLs could provide additional source for breeders to develop MSV resistance

La valeur récréative de la forêt en France: une approche par les coûts de déplacement

The forest is an important element in most countries and its multifunctional character explains its great value. This study aims at giving a monetary value to one of these functions that occupies a special place in our urban societies: the recreative use. We use the individual approach of the travel-cost method (TCM) from a survey made up of more than 4500 households surveyed by phone on the whole of the French territory in 2001. This type of survey and the zero-inflated count data models used in the econometric analysis make it possible to take into account the non-forest visitors. To reflect the heterogeneity of forests in France, the sample is segmented into nine inter-regions forming coherent forest sets. Individual surplus per visit are calculated for each region, showing variations in the recreational value of forests in France (from 0 to 47 €).forest, national survey, recreative value, travel-cost method, zero-inflated count data models.

S Equilibrium: A Synthesis of (Behavioral) Game Theory

$S$ equilibrium synthesizes a century of game-theoretic modeling. $S$-beliefs determine choices as in the refinement literature and level-$k$, without anchoring on Nash equilibrium or imposing ad hoc belief formation. $S$-choices allow for mistakes as in QRE, without imposing rational expectations. $S$ equilibrium is explicitly set-valued to avoid the common practice of selecting the best prediction from an implicitly defined set of unknown, and unaccounted for, size. $S$-equilibrium sets vary with a complexity parameter, offering a trade-off between accuracy and precision unlike in $M$ equilibrium. Simple "areametrics" determine the model's parameter and show that choice sets with a relative size of 5 percent capture 58 percent percent of the data. Goodness-of-fit tests applied to data from a broad array of experimental games confirm $S$ equilibrium's ability to predict behavior in and out of sample. In contrast, choice (belief) predictions of level-$k$ and QRE are rejected in most (all) games

Comportamento de vôo, de alimentação e de reprodução de adultos de Phyllophaga cuyabana (Moser) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae)

Phyllophaga cuyabana is a univoltine species and its development occurs completely underground. Its control by conventional methods, such as chemical and biological insecticides, is difficult, so it is important to understand its dispersion, reproduction, and population behavior in order to determine best pest management strategies. The objective of this work was to study the behavior of adults of P. cuyabana. This study was carried out in the laboratory, greenhouse and field sites in Paraná State, Brazil (24º25' S and 52º48' W), during four seasons. The results obtained demonstrate that: a) P. cuyabana adults have a synchronized short-flight period when mating and reproduction occurs; b) adults tend to aggregate in specific sites for mating; c) the majority of adults left the soil on alternate nights; d) the choice of mating and oviposition sites was made by females before copulation, since after copulation adults did not fly from or bury themselves at nearby locations; e) females that fed on leaves after mating, oviposited more eggs than females that had not fed;f) plant species such as sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and the Crotalaria juncea are important food sources for adults.Phyllophaga cuyabana é uma espécie univoltina cujo desenvolvimento ocorre no solo. Seu controle por inseticidas químicos e biológicos é difícil, assim é importante entender sua dispersão, reprodução e comportamento populacional a fim de identificar estratégias potenciais de manejo dessa praga. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o comportamento de adultos de P. cuyabana. O estudo foi realizado em laboratório, casa de vegetação e campo, no Estado do Paraná, Brasil (24º25' S e 52º48' O), durante quatro safras. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que: a) os adultos de P. cuyabana têm um vôo sincronizado durante um curto período quando ocorre o acasalamento e reprodução; b) os adultos tendem a se agregar em sítios específicos para o acasalamento; c) a maioria dos adultos deixa o solo em noites alternadas; d) a escolha do sítio de acasalamento e oviposição é feita pelas fêmeas antes da cópula; após a cópula os adultos não voam e se enterram em locais próximos; e) as fêmeas que ingerem folhas após o acasalamento ovipositam mais que as fêmeas que não se alimentam;f) espécies vegetais como girassol (Helianthus annuus) e Crotalaria juncea são importantes fontes de alimento para os adultos.179186Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Medical Student Attitudes Toward Cell Phone Use on Rounds

Purpose: Mobile devices are ubiquitous and serve as an important resource for on-the-spot research about patient questions and conditions. However, even when a device is used to address patient needs, patients and members of the medical team may assume the student is using their phone for non-clinical activities and perceive the student as uninterested and disengaged. Medical students are aware of this potential for misperception, and as such, we designed a study to investigate the attitudes of third and fourth year medical students towards cell phone use on internal medicine rounds. Methods: Our target learner population was third and fourth year medical students on their internal medicine rotations. Voluntary and anonymous surveys generated data in aggregate assessing the attitudes of students towards cell phone use while on rounds. Results and Conclusions: The results of our study show that medical students have a strong desire to use smart phones for professional reasons on rounds. The data also show that despite this desire, students do not feel comfortable accessing their technology for fear of professional repercussions from both attendings and patients. An overwhelming 75% of students reported that they would use their smart phones more frequently if formal guidelines were in place encouraging professional cell phone use. We hope to develop an intervention to eliminate the fear of professional repercussions medical students currently experience as digital learners using smart phones. This intervention would seek to bolster medical education and patient care by adding transparency to cell phone use between medical students, attendings and the patients they treat