Discovery of a second SALMFamide gene in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus reveals that L-type and F-type SALMFamide neuropeptides coexist in an echinoderm species

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in MARINE GENOMICS. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in MARINE GENOMICS, [VOL 3, ISSUE 2, (2010)] DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2010.08.00

Tasas de deposición de polvo atmosférico en un área semiárida del entorno mediterráneo occidental

We evaluated the deposition rate of atmospheric dust in a non urban area of the Granada Depression (SE of Iberian Peninsula). By using in part existing methodology, we determined a rate of 23.06 g·m2·yr-1 on the basis of weekly observations, that showed marked variations, partially controlled by Saharan winds. The components of the dust can indicate source area. Thus, southerly winds provide considerable allochthonous components from North Africa, while others are local. Despite the scarcity of industrial activity, signs of contamination were recorded. The employed methodology complements the work methods used by other researchers. The role of airborne sediments provides an illustration in soil genesis of the Mediterranean region.La Depresión de Granada (SE de la Península Ibérica) presenta, en áreas no urbanas y no industriales, una tasa anual de deposición de polvo atmosférico de 23,06 g·m2·año-1 , obtenida a partir de observaciones semanales durante el año 1992. Este dato es el resultado de una metodología propia, que complementa los métodos de trabajo seguidos por otros investigadores. Dada la ubicación de la estación, este valor es representativo del fondo regional de partículas sólidas en suspensión. La distribución temporal de las tasas presenta importantes fluctuaciones, relacionadas con la dirección predominante del viento, que también parece tener influencia sobre los componentes del polvo. Estos datos se integran en el conocimiento de los procesos edafogenéticos de los suelos mediterráneos

Influence of temperament on performance and carcass quality of commercial Brahman steers in a Colombian tropical grazing system

Temperament is defined as individual behavioral responses to potentially fear-eliciting or challenging situations related to human presence and handling. A total of 190 steers of commercial Zebu Brahman (Bos indicus) were used in this study, selected when they were between 10 and 11 months of age, fattened for 24 months (720 days) and slaughtered between 34 and 35 months of age. Using a temperament index (based on two tests: chute and exit score), animals were classified as calm, restless, or nervous. In general, calm animals had a longer carcass, a higher slaughter and fasting weight, and a normal pH24 (<5.7). However, carcass yield was significantly higher in nervous than in restless animals, but did not differ from that of calm steers. It is important to note that these results were obtained under experimental conditions, therefore, effects could have a greater impact on carcass quality under commercial conditions. © 2022 The Author

Influencia de la temperatura y agentes de control biológico sobre Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Meta-analysis were carried out to corroborate the favorable temperature range for Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer), associate it with the conditions that favored its development, and indicate control measures against the possible introduction and spread of the vector. By a polynomial model it was demonstrated that the life cycle duration of B cockerelli is minimal at 25.28°C and increases slightly above 30°C. The insect life cycle takes place significantly faster on Solanum tuberosum L than on Solanum lycopersicum L. Strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, the predators Chrysoperla carnea and Dicyphus hesperus, and the parasitoid Tamarixia triozae were identified as possible biological control agents. The use of insecticides showed a similar control to the use of biological pesticides, and abamectina was identified as highly selective by lowering B cockerelli populations without reducing the action of the predator C. carnea. The favorable temperatures for the pest are shown by the study as an indicator to move away the crop development dates from periods of temperature between 25 and 30°C. Biological control agents were identified in case of introduction and/or spread of the insect.Se realizaron meta-análisis dirigidos a corroborar el rango de temperatura favorable para Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer), asociarlo a las condiciones que han propiciado su desarrollo e indicar medidas de control ante la posible introducción y propagación del vector. Mediante un modelo polinomial, se demostró que, a los 25-28°C, la duración del ciclo biológico de B. cockerelli es mínima y presenta un ligero incremento cuando se superan los 30°C. El ciclo biológico del insecto trascurre significativamente más rápido sobre Solanum tuberosum L. en comparación a cuando tiene a Solanum lycopersicum L. como hospedante. Se identificaron, como posibles agentes de control biológico, cepas de los hongos entomopatógenos Beauveria bassiana y Metarhizium anisopliae, los depradodores Chrysoperla carnea y Dicyphus hesperus, y el parasitoide Tamarixia triozae. El uso de insecticidas mostró un control similar al uso de biológicos y la abamectina se identificó como altamente selectivo, al bajar las poblaciones de B. cockerelli sin disminuir la acción del depredador C. carnea. El estudio reveló las temperaturas favorables a la plaga, como indicativo para alejar las fechas de desarrollo del cultivo de periodos de temperatura entre los 25 y 30°C. Se identificaron agentes de control en caso de introducción y/o propagación del insecto

Understanding Parents\u27 Views toward the Newly Enacted HPV Vaccine School Entry Policy in Puerto Rico: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: The Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is an essential tool for the prevention of HPV-related cancers. In Puerto Rico, the Secretary of Health established a school entry requirement of at least one dose of HPV vaccination in girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years, taking effect in August 2018. Our study aimed to examine parents\u27 and guardians\u27 views of unvaccinated children about the process of implementation of the new HPV vaccination school entry policy in Puerto Rico and identify potential barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of this requirement. METHODS: During April through November 2019, we conducted three focus groups (n = 12) and eight in-depth semi-structured interviews with parents of children aged 11 and 12 who had not yet initiated the HPV vaccine series. The interview topics addressed were: perception of vaccination, HPV vaccine and it is inclusion as new school entry requirement practice, procedure of the sources of information, influencers, and willingness to change. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by our staff members. We identified emergent themes through thematic analysis. RESULTS: The participants\u27 perspective on the HPV vaccine school requirement was mixed. Lack of information of the HPV vaccines and lack of communication about the school-entry requirement were the themes most mentioned in the interviews. Moreover, previous negative experiences from friends or family members and adverse effects deterred some participants from vaccinating their kids. We discussed barriers in the process of soliciting an exemption. CONCLUSION: Most barriers mentioned by study participants are modifiable. Information about the HPV vaccine mandate\u27s implementation and educational materials regarding HPV vaccine safety need to be provided to address parents\u27 concerns related to the vaccine\u27s side effects. Schools (teachers, principal directors, and administrative staff), the government, and parent organizations need to be part of these efforts. This multilevel approach will help to improve disseminating information about HPV vaccination to clarify doubts and misinformation among parents

Lattice-matched versus lattice-mismatched models to describe epitaxial monolayer graphene on Ru (0001)

Monolayer graphene grown on Ru(0001) surfaces forms a superstructure with periodic modulations in its geometry and electronic structure. The large dimension and inhomogeneous features of this superstructure make its description and subsequent analysis a challenge for theoretical modeling based on density functional theory. In this work, we compare two different approaches to describe the same physical properties of this surface, focusing on the geometry and the electronic states confined at the surface. In the more complex approach, the actual moiré structure is taken into account by means of large unit cells, whereas in the simplest one, the graphene moiré is completely neglected by representing the system as a stretched graphene layer that adapts pseudomorphically to Ru(0001). As shown in previous work, the more complex model provides an accurate description of the existing experimental observations. More interestingly, we show that the simplified stretched models, which are computationally inexpensive, reproduce qualitatively the main features of the surface electronic structure. They also provide a simple and comprehensive picture of the observed electronic structure, thus making them particularly useful for the analysis of these and maybe other complex interfacesWe thank Barcelona Supercomputing Center–Spanish Supercomputing Network (BSC-RES) and Centro de Computación Científica – Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CCC-UAM) for allocation of computer time. Work supported by the MICINN Projects No. FIS2010-15127, No. FIS2010-18847, No. CTQ2010-17006, No. FIS-2010-19609- C09-00, No. ACI2008-0777, No. 2010C-07-25200, and No. CSD2007-00010, the CAM program NANOBIOMAGNET S2009/MAT1726 and the Gobierno Vasco-UPV/EHU Project No. IT-366-07. S.B. acknowledges financial support from MEC under FPU Grant No. AP-2007-00157. D.S. acknowledges financial support from the FPI-UAM grant progra

Role of dispersion forces in the structure of graphene monolayers on Ru surfaces

Elaborate density functional theory (DFT) calculations that include the effect of van der Waals (vdW) interactions have been carried out for graphene epitaxially grown on Ru(0001). The calculations predict a reduction of structural corrugation in the observed moiré pattern of about 25% (∼0.4  Å) with respect to DFT calculations without vdW corrections. The simulated STM topographies are close to the experimental ones in a wide range of bias voltage around the Fermi levelWe thank Mare Nostrum BSC and CCC-UAM for computer time. Work supported by the MICINN projects FIS2010-15127, FIS2010-18847, CTQ2010-17006, FIS2010-19609-C02-00, ACI2008-0777, 2010C-07- 25200, and CSD2007-00010, the CAM program NANOBIOMAGNET S2009/MAT1726, and the Gobierno Vasco—UPV/EHU project IT-366-0

Electron localization in epitaxial graphene on Ru(0001) determined by moiré corrugation

The interpretation of scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements of epitaxial graphene on lattice-mismatched substrates is a challenging problem, because of the spatial modulation in the electronic structure imposed by the formation of a moiré pattern. Here we describe the electronic structure of graphene adsorbed on Ru(0001) by means of density functional theory calculations that include van der Waals interactions and are performed on a large 11×11 unit cell to account for the observed moiré patterns. Our results show the existence of localized electronic states in the high and low areas of the moiré at energies close to and well above the Fermi level, respectively. Localization is due to the spatial modulation of the graphene-Ru(0001) interaction and is at the origin of the various peaks observed in STS spectraWork supported by the MICINN Projects No. FIS2010-15127, No. FIS2010-18847, No. CTQ2010-17006, No. FIS-2010-19609-C09-00, No. ACI2008-0777, No. 2010C-07-25200, and No. CSD2007-00010, the CAM program NANOBIOMAGNET S2009/MAT1726, and the Gobierno Vasco-UPV/EHU Project No. IT-366-07. S.B. acknowledges financial support from MEC under FPU Grant No. AP-2007-0015