Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Estimate Fiber and Crude Protein Content in Fodders

Objective: Demonstrate the need to use locally generated data in the calibration of a near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) in order to predict the chemical characteristics of fodder; instead of using data bases from other geographic regions, as is commonly done in Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Two groups of samples collected in prairies of the central highlands of Mexico, the first group was used to calibrate the equipment; the equations generated were validated with a second group, collected in prairies that were different from the ones of the calibration group, but in the same geographic zone. Results: The best regression coefficients of the NIRS predictions, compared to traditional laboratory analyses were for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) (0.93, 0.87, 0.87, 0.56, 0.72 y 0.68 respectively). The lowest predictive value was observed in ashes (0.27). Limitations of the study/implications: The results show the need to use local materials in the calibration process. Conclusions: NIRS will make predictions of their chemical composition, since this is influenced by geographic origin of the sample and its botanical compositionObjective: Demonstrate the need to use locally generated data in the calibration of a near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) to predict the chemical characteristics of fodder; instead of using data bases from other geographic regions, as is commonly done in Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Two groups of samples collected in prairies of the central highlands of Mexico, the first group was used to calibrate the equipment; the equations generated were validated with a second group, collected in prairies that were different from the ones of the calibration group, but in the same geographic zone. Results: The best regression coefficients of the NIRS predictions, compared to traditional laboratory analyses were for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) (0.93, 0.87, 0.87, 0.56, 0.72 y 0.68 respectively). The lowest predictive value was observed in ashes (0.27). Limitations of the study/implications: The results show the need to use local materials in the calibration process. Conclusions: NIRS will make predictions of their chemical composition, since this is influenced by geographic origin of the sample and its botanical compositio

Human subcortical brain asymmetries in 15,847 people worldwide reveal effects of age and sex

The two hemispheres of the human brain differ functionally and structurally. Despite over a century of research, the extent to which brain asymmetry is influenced by sex, handedness, age, and genetic factors is still controversial. Here we present the largest ever analysis of subcortical brain asymmetries, in a harmonized multi-site study using meta-analysis methods. Volumetric asymmetry of seven subcortical structures was assessed in 15,847 MRI scans from 52 datasets worldwide. There were sex differences in the asymmetry of the globus pallidus and putamen. Heritability estimates, derived from 1170 subjects belonging to 71 extended pedigrees, revealed that additive genetic factors influenced the asymmetry of these two structures and that of the hippocampus and thalamus. Handedness had no detectable effect on subcortical asymmetries, even in this unprecedented sample size, but the asymmetry of the putamen varied with age. Genetic drivers of asymmetry in the hippocampus, thalamus and basal ganglia may affect variability in human cognition, including susceptibility to psychiatric disorders

Human subcortical brain asymmetries in 15,847 people worldwide reveal effects of age and sex

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11682-016-9629-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users