Photo-excitation of a light-harvesting supra-molecular triad: a Time-Dependent DFT study

We present the first time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) calculation on a light harvesting triad carotenoid-diaryl-porphyrin-C60. Besides the numerical challenge that the ab initio study of the electronic structure of such a large system presents, we show that TDDFT is able to provide an accurate description of the excited state properties of the system. In particular we calculate the photo-absorption spectrum of the supra-molecular assembly, and we provide an interpretation of the photo-excitation mechanism in terms of the properties of the component moieties. The spectrum is in good agreement with experimental data, and provides useful insight on the photo-induced charge transfer mechanism which characterizes the system.Comment: Accepted for publication on JPC, March 09th 200

Causal explanations for the evolution of ‘low gear’ locomotion in insular ruminants

Aim: Mammals on islands often undergo remarkable evolutionary changes. The acquisition of ‘low gear’ locomotion, namely short and robust limb elements, has been typically associated with the island syndrome in large mammals and, especially, ruminants. Here we provide an investigative framework to examine biotic and abiotic selective factors hypothesized to influence evolution of this peculiar type of gait. Location: Islands worldwide. Taxon: Bovidae. Methods: We calculated response variables associated with ‘low gear’ locomotion in 21 extinct and extant insular bovids. We assembled data on the physiography of 11 islands and on life history and ecological traits of the focal taxa. We estimated 10 predictors (island area and four topographic indices, body mass, body size divergence, number of predators and competitors, large mammal richness) and used multiple regressions, regression trees, and random forests to assess their contextual importance. Results: The acquisition of ‘low gear’ locomotion generally happens on islands with a small number of competitors. However, the roughness of the island terrain appears to be also important, without being a main driver. Finally, although the most extreme cases of ‘low gear’ locomotion occurred on islands with no mammalian predators, our models show a non-significant relationship with this factor. Main conclusions: The evolution of ‘low gear’ locomotion in insular ruminants does not simply result from phyletic dwarfing and predatory release. Variation in morphological responses within Bovidae to ecological and topographic traits suggests, instead, a complex interplay of biotic and abiotic factors. Current understanding on the main drivers of species evolutionary pathways and biogeographic patterns are disproportionally based on few taxa, mainly vertebrates, and in some extreme cases (like this one) even on few species. Here we show how adding more data, even within the same taxonomic group, can challenge historically accepted macroevolutionary and macroecological concepts

Visual response of ventrolateral prefrontal neurons and their behavior-related modulation

The ventral part of lateral prefrontal cortex (VLPF) of the monkey receives strong visual input, mainly from inferotemporal cortex. It has been shown that VLPF neurons can show visual responses during paradigms requiring to associate arbitrary visual cues to behavioral reactions. Further studies showed that there are also VLPF neurons responding to the presentation of specific visual stimuli, such as objects and faces. However, it is largely unknown whether VLPF neurons respond and differentiate between stimuli belonging to different categories, also in absence of a specific requirement to actively categorize or to exploit these stimuli for choosing a given behavior. The first aim of the present study is to evaluate and map the responses of neurons of a large sector of VLPF to a wide set of visual stimuli when monkeys simply observe them. Recent studies showed that visual responses to objects are also present in VLPF neurons coding action execution, when they are the target of the action. Thus, the second aim of the present study is to compare the visual responses of VLPF neurons when the same objects are simply observed or when they become the target of a grasping action. Our results indicate that: (1) part of VLPF visually responsive neurons respond specifically to one stimulus or to a small set of stimuli, but there is no indication of a “passive” categorical coding; (2) VLPF neuronal visual responses to objects are often modulated by the task conditions in which the object is observed, with the strongest response when the object is target of an action. These data indicate that VLPF performs an early passive description of several types of visual stimuli, that can then be used for organizing and planning behavior. This could explain the modulation of visual response both in associative learning and in natural behavior

Draft genome of the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and comparison with buffalo genome assemblies (Bovidae, Bubalina)

Genomic data for wild species of the genus Bubalus (Asian buffaloes) are still lacking while several whole genomes are currently available for domestic water buffaloes. To address this, we sequenced the genome of a wild endangered dwarf buffalo, the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), produced a draft genome assembly, and made comparison to published buffalo genomes. The lowland anoa genome assembly was 2.56 Gbp long and contained 103,135 contigs, the longest contig being 337.39 kbp long. N50 and L50 values were 38.73 kbp and 19.83 kbp, respectively, mean coverage was 44x and GC content was 41.74%. Two strategies were adopted to evaluate genome completeness: (i) determination of genomic features with de novo and homology-based predictions using annotations of chromosome-level genome assembly of the river buffalo, and (ii) employment of benchmarking against universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO). Homology-based predictions identified 94.51% complete and 3.65% partial genomic features. De novo gene predictions identified 32,393 genes, representing 97.14% of the reference's annotated genes, whilst BUSCO search against the mammalian orthologues database identified 71.1% complete, 11.7% fragmented and 17.2% missing orthologues, indicating a good level of completeness for downstream analyses. Repeat analyses indicated that the lowland anoa genome contains 42.12% of repetitive regions. The genome assembly of the lowland anoa is expected to contribute to comparative genome analyses among bovid species. [Abstract copyright: © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Genetics Society of America.

3D-in-2D Displays for ATC.

This paper reports on the efforts and accomplishments of the 3D-in-2D Displays for ATC project at the end of Year 1. We describe the invention of 10 novel 3D/2D visualisations that were mostly implemented in the Augmented Reality ARToolkit. These prototype implementations of visualisation and interaction elements can be viewed on the accompanying video. We have identified six candidate design concepts which we will further research and develop. These designs correspond with the early feasibility studies stage of maturity as defined by the NASA Technology Readiness Level framework. We developed the Combination Display Framework from a review of the literature, and used it for analysing display designs in terms of display technique used and how they are combined. The insights we gained from this framework then guided our inventions and the human-centered innovation process we use to iteratively invent. Our designs are based on an understanding of user work practices. We also developed a simple ATC simulator that we used for rapid experimentation and evaluation of design ideas. We expect that if this project continues, the effort in Year 2 and 3 will be focus on maturing the concepts and employment in a operational laboratory settings

Science and economics in the management of an invasive species

Author Posting. © American Institute of Biological Sciences, 2006. This article is posted here by permission of American Institute of Biological Sciences for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in BioScience 56 (2006): 931-935, doi: 10.1641/0006-3568(2006)56[931:SAEITM]2.0.CO;2Estimates of the economic impacts of nonnative nuisance ("invasive") species must rely on both a sound ecological understanding and the proper application of economic methods. Focusing on the example of the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas), we show that the crab's estimated economic impact—which has been used to help justify recent public policy—is based on data taken from the wrong geographic location. Furthermore, the predictions of ecological effects appear to rest on loose footing, and economic methods have been misapplied in constructing the estimate. Our purpose is to call attention to the need for the more careful application of science and economics in managing this pressing environmental issue.This work was supported by a research grant from the US Department of Commerce,National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Project no. NA16RG1698

Learning experiences about intangible heritage conservation for sustainability in biosphere reserves

This paper presents case studies on different approaches to sustainable development carried out in the UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) World Biosphere Reserve Network in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2012, Latin America and the Caribbean had 116 biosphere reserves designated in 21 countries. In this region several biosphere reserves have implemented important management actions towards sustainable development by conserving ecosystem services and biodiversity (UNESCO 2006; 2008). These case studies highlight good practices on the use of traditional knowledge by scientific research and education for cultural and biological diversity conservation to the benefit of local and Indigenous communities. They focus on improving recognition of the unique ecological knowledge of these communities in Cabo de Hornos (Chile) and Bosawas (Nicaragua), and in the Caribbean: Sierra del Rosario and Cuchilla del Toa (Cuba). Moreover, they explore and reinforce the links between biological and cultural diversities in these outstanding sites, through local and Indigenous knowledge for the sustainable management of those sites.Cet article présente des études de cas de différentes approches du développement durable réalisées sous l’égide du Réseau mondial des réserves de biosphère de la division Homme et biosphère de l’UNESCO en Amérique latine et dans les Caraïbes. En 2012, l’Amérique latine et les Caraïbes possédaient 116 réserves de biosphère désignées dans 21 pays. Dans cette région, plusieurs réserves de biosphère ont mis en œuvre d’importantes actions de gestion visant le développement durable en conservant les services écosystémiques et biodiversité. UNESCO 2006; 2008). Ces études de cas mettent en lumière les bonnes pratiques concernant l’usage qui est fait du savoir traditionnel par la recherche et l’enseignement scientifiques en vue de la conservation de la diversité culturelle et biologique au bénéfice des communautés locales et autochtones. Elles se concentrent sur l’amélioration du savoir écologique unique de ces communautés du cap Horn (Chili) et de la réserve Bosawas (Nicaragua) ainsi que, dans les Caraïbes, de la Sierra del Rosario et de la Cuchillas del Toa (Cuba). En outre, elles explorent et renforcent les liens entre la diversité culturelle et la diversité biologique dans ces sites exceptionnels par le biais du savoir local et autochtone pour la gestion durable de ces sites