Showing papers by "University of Costa Rica published in 2014"
TL;DR: Linear regression equations have been obtained to directly calculate the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle (TDN, DE, ME, NEL,CP, Ca, P, Vitamin A and Vitamin D) on different physiological stages: maintenance, pregnancy and milk production based on NRC nutrient requirements tables.
Abstract: Linear regression equations have been obtained to directly calculatenutrient requirements of dairy cattle (TDN, DE, ME, NEL,CP, Ca, P, Vitamin A and Vitamin D) on differentphysiological stages: maintenance, pregnancy and milkproduction based on NRC nutrient requirements tables. TheR-square was calculated for each equation to establish thedegree of adjustment.
6,663 citations
Harvard University1, Broad Institute2, University of Tübingen3, Max Planck Society4, University of Mainz5, University of Washington6, University of California, Berkeley7, Massachusetts Institute of Technology8, Stockholm University9, University of Adelaide10, The Heritage Foundation11, National Museum of Natural History12, University of Edinburgh13, Sultan Qaboos University14, University of Costa Rica15, University of Antioquia16, Rambam Health Care Campus17, University of Pécs18, Al Akhawayn University19, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart20, University of Oxford21, Belgorod State University22, University of Toronto23, University of Buenos Aires24, University of Bern25, Russian Academy of Sciences26, Paul Sabatier University27, North-Eastern Federal University28, University of Chicago29, University of Arizona30, Stony Brook University31, University of Bergen32, Illumina33, Sofia Medical University34, Bashkir State University35, University of Cambridge36, Vilnius University37, Estonian Biocentre38, University of Strasbourg39, University College London40, Amgen41, Gladstone Institutes42, University of Tartu43, University of Oulu44, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences45, University of Palermo46, University of Chile47, University of Tarapacá48, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan49, Armenian National Academy of Sciences50, University of North Texas51, University of Santiago de Compostela52, University of Kharkiv53, Higher University of San Andrés54, Novosibirsk State University55, Leidos56, Lebanese American University57, University of Split58, University of Pennsylvania59, Banaras Hindu University60, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology61, Estonian Academy of Sciences62, Pompeu Fabra University63, Howard Hughes Medical Institute64
TL;DR: It is shown that most present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: west European hunter-gatherers, who contributed ancestry to all Europeans but not to Near Easterners; ancient north Eurasians related to Upper Palaeolithic Siberians; and early European farmers, who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harboured west Europeanhunter-gatherer related ancestry.
Abstract: We sequenced the genomes of a ∼7,000-year-old farmer from Germany and eight ∼8,000-year-old hunter-gatherers from Luxembourg and Sweden. We analysed these and other ancient genomes with 2,345 contemporary humans to show that most present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: west European hunter-gatherers, who contributed ancestry to all Europeans but not to Near Easterners; ancient north Eurasians related to Upper Palaeolithic Siberians, who contributed to both Europeans and Near Easterners; and early European farmers, who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harboured west European hunter-gatherer related ancestry. We model these populations' deep relationships and show that early European farmers had ∼44% ancestry from a 'basal Eurasian' population that split before the diversification of other non-African lineages.
1,077 citations
Harvard University1, Broad Institute2, University of Tübingen3, Max Planck Society4, University of Mainz5, University of Washington6, University of California, Berkeley7, Massachusetts Institute of Technology8, Stockholm University9, University of Adelaide10, The Heritage Foundation11, National Museum of Natural History12, Sultan Qaboos University13, University of Edinburgh14, University of Costa Rica15, University of Antioquia16, Rambam Health Care Campus17, University of Pécs18, Al Akhawayn University19, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart20, University of Oxford21, Belgorod State University22, University of Toronto23, University of Buenos Aires24, University of Bern25, Russian Academy of Sciences26, Paul Sabatier University27, North-Eastern Federal University28, University of Chicago29, University of Arizona30, Stony Brook University31, University of Bergen32, Illumina33, Sofia Medical University34, Bashkir State University35, University of Cambridge36, Vilnius University37, Estonian Biocentre38, University of Strasbourg39, University College London40, Amgen41, Gladstone Institutes42, University of Tartu43, University of Oulu44, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences45, University of Palermo46, University of Chile47, University of Tarapacá48, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan49, Armenian National Academy of Sciences50, University of North Texas51, University of Santiago de Compostela52, University of Kharkiv53, Higher University of San Andrés54, Novosibirsk State University55, Leidos56, Lebanese American University57, University of Split58, University of Pennsylvania59, Banaras Hindu University60, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology61, Estonian Academy of Sciences62, Pompeu Fabra University63, Howard Hughes Medical Institute64
TL;DR: The authors showed that most present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: west European hunter-gatherers, ancient north Eurasians related to Upper Palaeolithic Siberians, who contributed to both Europeans and Near Easterners; and early European farmers, who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harboured west European hunters-gatherer related ancestry.
Abstract: We sequenced the genomes of a ∼7,000-year-old farmer from Germany and eight ∼8,000-year-old hunter-gatherers from Luxembourg and Sweden. We analysed these and other ancient genomes with 2,345 contemporary humans to show that most present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: west European hunter-gatherers, who contributed ancestry to all Europeans but not to Near Easterners; ancient north Eurasians related to Upper Palaeolithic Siberians, who contributed to both Europeans and Near Easterners; and early European farmers, who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harboured west European hunter-gatherer related ancestry. We model these populations' deep relationships and show that early European farmers had ∼44% ancestry from a 'basal Eurasian' population that split before the diversification of other non-African lineages.
442 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a relativistic light-front wave equation for arbitrary spin with an effective confinement potential derived from a conformal action and its embedding in a higher-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS) space is presented.
Abstract: In this report we explore the remarkable connections between light-front dynamics, its holographic mapping to gravity in a higher-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS) space, and conformal quantum mechanics. This approach provides new insights into the origin of a fundamental mass scale and the physics underlying confinement dynamics in QCD in the limit of massless quarks. The result is a relativistic light-front wave equation for arbitrary spin with an effective confinement potential derived from a conformal action and its embedding in AdS space. This equation allows for the computation of essential features of hadron spectra in terms of a single scale. The light-front holographic methods described here gives a precise interpretation of holographic variables and quantities in AdS in terms of light-front variables and quantum numbers. This leads to a relation between the AdS wave functions and the boost-invariant light-front wave functions describing the internal structure of hadronic bound states in physical space-time. The pion is massless in the chiral limit and the excitation spectra of relativistic light-quark meson and baryon bound states lie on linear Regge trajectories with identical slopes in the radial and orbital quantum numbers. In the light-front holographic approach described here currents are expressed as an infinite sum of poles, and form factors as a product of poles. At large $q^2$ the form factor incorporates the correct power-law fall-off for hard scattering independent of the specific dynamics and is dictated by the twist. At low $q^2$ the form factor leads to vector dominance. The approach is also extended to include small quark masses. We briefly review in this report other holographic approaches to QCD, in particular top-down and bottom-up models based on chiral symmetry breaking. We also include a discussion of open problems and future applications.
305 citations
TL;DR: A new database of more than 1.6 million samples from 78 countries representing over 28,000 species, collated from existing spatial comparisons of local-scale biodiversity exposed to different intensities and types of anthropogenic pressures, from terrestrial sites around the world is described and assessed.
Abstract: Biodiversity continues to decline in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures such as habitat destruction, exploitation, pollution and introduction of alien species Existing global databases of species’ threat status or population time series are dominated by charismatic species The collation of datasets with broad taxonomic and biogeographic extents, and that support computation of a range of biodiversity indicators, is necessary to enable better understanding of historical declines and to project – and avert – future declines We describe and assess a new database of more than 16 million samples from 78 countries representing over 28,000 species, collated from existing spatial comparisons of local-scale biodiversity exposed to different intensities and types of anthropogenic pressures, from terrestrial sites around the world The database contains measurements taken in 208 (of 814) ecoregions, 13 (of 14) biomes, 25 (of 35) biodiversity hotspots and 16 (of 17) megadiverse countries The database contains more than 1% of the total number of all species described, and more than 1% of the described species within many taxonomic groups – including flowering plants, gymnosperms, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, beetles, lepidopterans and hymenopterans The dataset, which is still being added to, is therefore already considerably larger and more representative than those used by previous quantitative models of biodiversity trends and responses The database is being assembled as part of the PREDICTS project (Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems – wwwpredictsorguk) We make site-level summary data available alongside this article The full database will be publicly available in 2015
196 citations
California Academy of Sciences1, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi2, Australian Museum3, Smithsonian Institution4, Natural History Museum5, Field Museum of Natural History6, Villanova University7, University of Milano-Bicocca8, Utica College9, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology10, University of Costa Rica11, University of California, Berkeley12, University of Kansas13, University of Los Andes14, Old Dominion University15, Louisiana State University16, James Cook University17, University of Auckland18, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration19, University of Chicago20, American Museum of Natural History21, University of São Paulo22, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro23, University of California, Davis24, Conservation International25, University of Nevada, Reno26, Addis Ababa University27, University of Sydney28, Museum Victoria29, University of Colorado Boulder30, Harvard University31, National University of Singapore32, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute33, Cornell University34, Marien Ngouabi University35, University of Wisconsin–Parkside36, Cincinnati Museum Center37, Australian National University38, University of Michigan39, California State University, Fullerton40, University of Florida41, Central University of Venezuela42, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile43, University of New Mexico44, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research45, Bishop Museum46, University of the Ryukyus47, Museum für Naturkunde48, Naturhistorisches Museum49, Long Island University50, Auckland War Memorial Museum51, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences52, McGill University53, University of Alaska Fairbanks54, Royal Ontario Museum55
TL;DR: Collecting biological specimens for scientific studies came under scrutiny when B. A. Minteer and colleagues suggested that this practice plays a significant role in species extinctions.
Abstract: Collecting biological specimens for scientific studies came under scrutiny when B. A. Minteer et al. [“Avoiding (re)extinction,” Perspectives, 18 April, p. [260][1]] suggested that this practice plays a significant role in species extinctions. Based on a small number of examples (rare birds,
181 citations
Jessica Blunden1, Derek S. Arndt1, Kate M. Willett2, A. Johannes Dolman3 +445 more•Institutions (114)
TL;DR: The State of the Climate for 2013 as discussed by the authors is a very low-resolution file and it can be downloaded in a few minutes for a high-resolution version of the report to download.
Abstract: Editors note: For easy download the posted pdf of the State of the Climate for 2013 is a very low-resolution file. A high-resolution copy of the report is available by clicking here. Please be patient as it may take a few minutes for the high-resolution file to download.
168 citations
TL;DR: The AIRWAYS-ICP (Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases) as mentioned in this paper is a collaboration to develop multi-sectoral care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases in European countries and regions.
Abstract: The objective of Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases (AIRWAYS-ICPs) is to launch a collaboration to develop multi-sectoral care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases in European countries and regions. AIRWAYS-ICPs has strategic relevance to the European Union Health Strategy and will add value to existing public health knowledge by: 1) proposing a common framework of care pathways for chronic respiratory diseases, which will facilitate comparability and trans-national initiatives; 2) informing cost-effective policy development, strengthening in particular those on smoking and environmental exposure; 3) aiding risk stratification in chronic disease patients, using a common strategy; 4) having a significant impact on the health of citizens in the short term (reduction of morbidity, improvement of education in children and of work in adults) and in the long-term (healthy ageing); 5) proposing a common simulation tool to assist physicians; and 6) ultimately reducing the healthcare burden (emergency visits, avoidable hospitalisations, disability and costs) while improving quality of life. In the longer term, the incidence of disease may be reduced by innovative prevention strategies. AIRWAYS-ICPs was initiated by Area 5 of the Action Plan B3 of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. All stakeholders are involved (health and social care, patients, and policy makers).
162 citations
Erasmus University Rotterdam1, Victoria Police2, University of the Punjab3, American Board of Legal Medicine4, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute5, University of Ljubljana6, University of Central Florida7, King's College London8, Innsbruck Medical University9, University of Buenos Aires10, University of Zurich11, University of Turin12, University of Santiago de Compostela13, Rio de Janeiro State University14, National Institute of Standards and Technology15, Pompeu Fabra University16, University of the Western Cape17, Leiden University Medical Center18, University of the Philippines Diliman19, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven20, Wrocław Medical University21, Norwegian Institute of Public Health22, University of Benghazi23, Gdańsk Medical University24, University of Madeira25, Netherlands Forensic Institute26, Linköping University27, University of Tsukuba28, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg29, National Research Institute of Police Science30, University of Leicester31, Dankook University32, University of Salzburg33, University of Sarajevo34, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki35, Medical University of Warsaw36, Yonsei University37, University of Aveiro38, University of Copenhagen39, Central Forensic Science Laboratory40, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics41, Kunming Medical University42, Royal Thai Police43, Marche Polytechnic University44, University of Helsinki45, Pennsylvania State University46, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek47, University of New Haven48, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology49, Charité50, University of Guadalajara51, Mahidol University52, University of North Texas Health Science Center53, University of Cologne54, Comenius University in Bratislava55, University of Costa Rica56, Flinders University57, Charles University in Prague58, DSO National Laboratories59
TL;DR: The value of RM Y‐STRs in identifying and separating unrelated and related males and providing a reference database is demonstrated and the value of Y‐ STRs relative to Yfiler is demonstrated.
Abstract: Relevant for various areas of human genetics, Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are commonly used for testing close paternal relationships among individuals and populations, and for male lineage identification. However, even the widely used 17-loci Yfiler set cannot resolve individuals and populations completely. Here, 52 centers generated quality-controlled data of 13 rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs in 14,644 related and unrelated males from 111 worldwide populations. Strikingly, >99% of the 12,272 unrelated males were completely individualized. Haplotype diversity was extremely high (global: 0.9999985, regional: 0.99836–0.9999988). Haplotype sharing between populations was almost absent except for six (0.05%) of the 12,156 haplotypes. Haplotype sharing within populations was generally rare (0.8% nonunique haplotypes), significantly lower in urban (0.9%) than rural (2.1%) and highest in endogamous groups (14.3%). Analysis of molecular variance revealed 99.98% of variation within populations, 0.018% among populations within groups, and 0.002% among groups. Of the 2,372 newly and 156 previously typed male relative pairs, 29% were differentiated including 27% of the 2,378 father–son pairs. Relative to Yfiler, haplotype diversity was increased in 86% of the populations tested and overall male relative differentiation was raised by 23.5%. Our study demonstrates the value of RM Y-STRs in identifying and separating unrelated and related males and provides a reference database.
155 citations
TL;DR: Despite the potential utility of endophenotypes for gene characterization and discovery, there is considerable resistance to endophenotypic approaches in psychiatry.
Abstract: Endophenotypes are measurable biomarkers that are correlated with an illness, at least in part, because of shared underlying genetic influences. Endophenotypes may improve our power to detect genes influencing risk of illness by being genetically simpler, closer to the level of gene action, and with larger genetic effect sizes or by providing added statistical power through their ability to quantitatively rank people within diagnostic categories. Furthermore, they also provide insight into the mechanisms underlying illness and will be valuable in developing biologically-based nosologies, through efforts such as RDoC, that seek to explain both the heterogeneity within current diagnostic categories and the overlapping clinical features between them. While neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and cognitive measures are currently most used in psychiatric genetic studies, researchers currently are attempting to identify candidate endophenotypes that are less genetically complex and potentially closer to the level of gene action, such as transcriptomic and proteomic phenotypes. Sifting through tens of thousands of such measures requires automated, high-throughput ways of assessing and ranking potential endophenotypes, such as the Endophenotype Ranking Value. However, despite the potential utility of endophenotypes for gene characterization and discovery, there is considerable resistance to endophenotypic approaches in psychiatry. In this review, we address and clarify some of the common issues associated with the usage of endophenotypes in the psychiatric genetics community.
148 citations
Harvard University1, Broad Institute2, University of Tübingen3, Max Planck Society4, University of Mainz5, University of Washington6, University of California, Berkeley7, Massachusetts Institute of Technology8, Stockholm University9, University of Adelaide10, The Heritage Foundation11, National Museum of Natural History12, American Museum of Natural History13, University of Edinburgh14, National Scientific and Technical Research Council15, University of Costa Rica16, University of Antioquia17, Rambam Health Care Campus18, University of Pécs19, Al Akhawayn University20, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart21, University of Oxford22, Belgorod State University23, University of Toronto24, University of Buenos Aires25, Russian Academy26, University of Bern27, Paul Sabatier University28, North-Eastern Federal University29, University of Chicago30, Russian Academy of Sciences31, University of Arizona32, Stony Brook University33, University of Bergen34, Illumina35, Sofia Medical University36, University of Illinois at Chicago37, University of Cambridge38, Vilnius University39, Estonian Biocentre40, University of Strasbourg41, Amgen42, Gladstone Institutes43, University of Tartu44, University of Oulu45, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences46, University of Palermo47, University of Tarapacá48, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan49, University of Helsinki50, University of Santiago de Compostela51, University of Kharkiv52, Higher University of San Andrés53, Leidos54, Armenian National Academy of Sciences55, Lebanese American University56, University of Split57, University College London58, University of Pennsylvania59, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology60, Pompeu Fabra University61
TL;DR: It is shown that the great majority of present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: West European Hunter-Gatherers (WHG), who contributed ancestry to all Europeans but not to Near Easterners; Ancient North Eurasians (ANE); and Early European Farmers (EEF), who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harbored WHG-related ancestry.
Abstract: We sequenced genomes from a ~7,000 year old early farmer from Stuttgart in Germany, an ~8,000 year old hunter-gatherer from Luxembourg, and seven ~8,000 year old hunter-gatherers from southern Sweden. We analyzed these data together with other ancient genomes and 2,345 contemporary humans to show that the great majority of present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: West European Hunter-Gatherers (WHG), who contributed ancestry to all Europeans but not to Near Easterners; Ancient North Eurasians (ANE), who were most closely related to Upper Paleolithic Siberians and contributed to both Europeans and Near Easterners; and Early European Farmers (EEF), who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harbored WHG-related ancestry. We model these populations' deep relationships and show that EEF had ~44% ancestry from a "Basal Eurasian" lineage that split prior to the diversification of all other non-African lineages.
TL;DR: Papaya was shown to provide highly bioavailable β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene and may represent a readily available dietary source of provitamin A for reducing the incidence of vitamin A deficiencies in many subtropical and tropical developing countries.
Abstract: Carrot, tomato and papaya represent important dietary sources of β-carotene and lycopene. The main objective of the present study was to compare the bioavailability of carotenoids from these food sources in healthy human subjects. A total of sixteen participants were recruited for a randomised cross-over study. Test meals containing raw carrots, tomatoes and papayas were adjusted to deliver an equal amount of β-carotene and lycopene. For the evaluation of bioavailability, TAG-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fractions containing newly absorbed carotenoids were analysed over 9.5 h after test meal consumption. The bioavailability of β-carotene from papayas was approximately three times higher than that from carrots and tomatoes, whereas differences in the bioavailability of β-carotene from carrots and tomatoes were insignificant. Retinyl esters appeared in the TRL fractions at a significantly higher concentration after the consumption of the papaya test meal. Similarly, lycopene was approximately 2.6 times more bioavailable from papayas than from tomatoes. Furthermore, the bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin from papayas was shown to be 2.9 and 2.3 times higher than that of the other papaya carotenoids β-carotene and lycopene, respectively. The morphology of chromoplasts and the physical deposition form of carotenoids were hypothesised to play a major role in the differences observed in the bioavailability of carotenoids from the foods investigated. Particularly, the liquid-crystalline deposition of β-carotene and the storage of lycopene in very small crystalloids in papayas were found to be associated with their high bioavailability. In conclusion, papaya was shown to provide highly bioavailable β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene and may represent a readily available dietary source of provitamin A for reducing the incidence of vitamin A deficiencies in many subtropical and tropical developing countries.
TL;DR: In this paper, a nonperturbative relativistic light-front wave equation was derived from higher-dimensional anti-de Sitter space and the invariance properties of the full conformal group in one dimension.
TL;DR: This study confirms for the first time that AMBN mutations cause non-syndromic human AI and that mouse models with disrupted Ambn function are valid.
Abstract: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) describes a heterogeneous group of inherited dental enamel defects reflecting failure of normal amelogenesis. Ameloblastin (AMBN) is the second most abundant enamel matrix protein expressed during amelogenesis. The pivotal role of AMBN in amelogenesis has been confirmed experimentally using mouse models. However, no AMBN mutations have been associated with human AI. Using autozygosity mapping and exome sequencing, we identified genomic deletion of AMBN exon 6 in a second cousin consanguineous family with three of the six children having hypoplastic AI. The genomic deletion corresponds to an in-frame deletion of 79 amino acids, shortening the protein from 447 to 368 residues. Exfoliated primary teeth (unmatched to genotype) were available from family members. The most severely affected had thin, aprismatic enamel (similar to that reported in mice homozygous for Ambn lacking exons 5 and 6). Other teeth exhibited thicker but largely aprismatic enamel. One tooth had apparently normal enamel. It has been suggested that AMBN may function in bone development. No clinically obvious bone or other co-segregating health problems were identified in the family investigated. This study confirms for the first time that AMBN mutations cause non-syndromic human AI and that mouse models with disrupted Ambn function are valid.
TL;DR: In this paper, the conversion of glycerol in gas phase and atmospheric pressure has been investigated over 10 wt.% Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with nickel nitrate and pre-treated with hydrogen in the range of 623-1073 K. The resultant catalysts were characterized by N2-physisoption, H2-chemisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), TGA-MS, TEM, RAMAN, NH3-TPD, XPS, TPO-MS and XANES
Abstract: The conversion of glycerol in gas phase and atmospheric pressure has been investigated over 10 wt.% Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The catalysts were prepared with nickel nitrate and pre-treated with hydrogen in the range of 623–1073 K. The resultant catalysts were characterized by N2-physisoption, H2-chemisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), TGA-MS, TEM, RAMAN, NH3-TPD, XPS, TPO-MS and XANES. The stability and the catalytic behavior of the catalysts were affected by the reduction pre-treatment. Glycerol reaction pathways were proposed based on dehydration, dehydrogenation and hydrogenolysis steps. The main products identified were: hydroxyacetone, pyruvaldehyde, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, lactide, acetaldehyde and methane. The number of exposed Ni atoms and the degree of reduction of the NiO species affected the hydrogenolysis reaction of glycerol to CH4 affecting the catalytic stability. The catalyst was deactivated by coke formation, by transformation of Ni phase to nickel carbide (Ni3C), as well as by oxidation of the Ni phase during the reaction. In addition, Raman analysis revealed two types of carbonaceous deposits over the used samples: on the Ni species and on the support. The regeneration treatment by oxidation–reduction reactivated the catalyst successfully.
TL;DR: A genus-wide venomics study provides a comprehensive overview of the toxic arsenal across Agkistrodon and a ground for understanding the natural histories of, and clinical observations of envenomations by, species of this genus.
National Autonomous University of Mexico1, Flinders University2, Federico Santa María Technical University3, National University of Colombia4, Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad5, University of the Republic6, Instituto Politécnico Nacional7, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile8, University of Costa Rica9
TL;DR: In this article, Silva et al. present and future challenges of coastal erosion in Latin America, including sedimentary cliffs, deeply incised estuaries, headlands, barrier coasts and low lying, muddy coastal plains.
Abstract: Silva, R.; Martinez, M.L.; Hesp, P.; Catalan, P.; Osorio, A. F.; Martell, R.; Fossati, M.; Miot da Silva, G.; Marino-Tapia, I.; Pereira, P.; Cienfuegos, R.; Klein, A., and Govaere, G., 2014. Present and future challenges of coastal erosion in Latin America. The coastal zones of Latin America have many landforms and environments, including sedimentary cliffs, deeply incised estuaries, headlands, barrier coasts and low lying, muddy coastal plains. These forms will respond differently to the expected changes in climate and associated sea level rise, which may produce coastal erosion in the future. Considering the coasts of Latin America overall, erosion is not yet a serious threat, although it is widespread and it is severe in some parts. Major erosion problems are frequently associated with human intervention in sediment supply, with poor planning or with the morphodynamic nature of the coast. Permanent erosional processes, locally or regionally, are caused by tectonic subsidence, deforestation and...
TL;DR: The establishment of venom proteomic profiles offers a fundamental platform to assess the detailed immunorecognition of individual venom components by therapeutic or experimental antivenoms, an evolving methodology for which the term 'antivenomics' was coined.
National Autonomous University of Mexico1, University of Costa Rica2, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute3, United States Department of the Interior4, University of the West Indies5, Spanish National Research Council6, Bermuda Biological Station for Research7, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez8
TL;DR: The CARICOMP monitoring network gathered standardized data from 52 seagrass sampling stations at 22 sites across the Wider Caribbean twice a year over the period 1993 to 2007, and fifteen (43%) out of 35 long-term monitoring stations showed trends in seagRass communities consistent with expected changes under environmental deterioration.
Abstract: The CARICOMP monitoring network gathered standardized data from 52 seagrass sampling stations at 22 sites (mostly Thalassia testudinum-dominated beds in reef systems) across the Wider Caribbean twice a year over the period 1993 to 2007 (and in some cases up to 2012). Wide variations in community total biomass (285 to >2000 g dry m−2) and annual foliar productivity of the dominant seagrass T. testudinum ( 2000 g dry m−2) were found among sites. Solar-cycle related intra-annual variations in T. testudinum leaf productivity were detected at latitudes > 16°N. Hurricanes had little to no long-term effects on these well-developed seagrass communities, except for 1 station, where the vegetation was lost by burial below ∼1 m sand. At two sites (5 stations), the seagrass beds collapsed due to excessive grazing by turtles or sea-urchins (the latter in combination with human impact and storms). The low-cost methods of this regional-scale monitoring program were sufficient to detect long-term shifts in the communities, and fifteen (43%) out of 35 long-term monitoring stations (at 17 sites) showed trends in seagrass communities consistent with expected changes under environmental deterioration.
TL;DR: The available epidemiological data provide the background to act in developing national diabetes programmes which integrate diabetes care with cardiovascular prevention and promote diabetes prevention as well.
TL;DR: Under alcohol, decreased brain responses in right fronto-temporal areas might slow down the attentional capture of infrequent stop-signals and subsequent updating of action plans, which leads to impaired inhibitory control, which might promote future alcohol problems.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw on the experiences of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay by distinguishing between short-term outcomes and policy changes, which are more important for long-term performance.
Abstract: Has the past decade of sustained economic growth and political transformations reversed Latin America's historical failure to secure market and social incorporation? To address this question this article draws on the experiences of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay by distinguishing between short-term outcomes – which may depend on benign international conditions – and policy changes, which are more important for long-term performance. It highlights the overall success of both Brazil and Uruguay and shows that the other countries have made more progress in terms of social than market incorporation.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the linear potential used as a leading approximation for describing color confinement in the instant form of dynamics corresponds to a quadratic confining potential in the front form.
Abstract: We observe that the linear potential used as a leading approximation for describing color confinement in the instant form of dynamics corresponds to a quadratic confining potential in the front form of dynamics. In particular, the instant-form potentials obtained from lattice gauge theory and string models of hadrons agree with the potentials determined from models using front-form dynamics and light-front holography, not only in their shape, but also in their numerical strength.
TL;DR: Soybean cultivars produce more compensatory yield on plant branches under lower plant populations than older cultivars, so over the last 80 yr there has been a diminishing response to the expected yield penalty from reduced plant density.
Abstract: Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield has increased during the past century; however, little is understood about the morphological parameters that have contributed most to yield gain. We conducted field studies to determine relationships between genetic gain of soybean yield and seeding rate. The hypothesis was newer cultivars would express higher yield than older cultivars when grown in higher plant populations. A total of 116 soybean cultivars equally representing Maturity Groups (MGs) II and III released over the last 80 yr were evaluated at high and low seeding rates in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana. Seeding rates were 445,000 and 148,000 seeds ha–¹ resulting in 311,000 and 94,000 plants ha–¹ (high and low, respectively). Seed yield was greater for the high seeding rate vs. low seeding rate throughout all cultivars and years of release, but the difference was larger in newer cultivars. The differences observed primarily came from an increased number of pods and seeds plant–¹. However, newer cultivars grown in low seeding rates increased per plant yield linearly by 0.118 (± 0.02)x– 208.0 g plant–¹, where x = year-of-release, which was three times greater than at the high seeding rate. The greater yield trend came from seeds produced on plant branches. Therefore, newer cultivars produce more compensatory yield on plant branches under lower plant populations than older cultivars, so over the last 80 yr there has been a diminishing response to the expected yield penalty from reduced plant density.
TL;DR: The simultaneous degradation of the four compounds successfully took place with minimal inhibition of fungal activity and resulted in the reduction of the global toxicity, thus supporting the potential use of T. versicolor for the treatment of diverse agrochemicals.
University of California, Los Angeles1, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute2, University of Costa Rica3, University of Antioquia4, University of California, Berkeley5, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey6, Hartford Hospital7, University of California, San Francisco8, University College London9, Stanford University10
TL;DR: The results identify brain and behavioral quantitative traits that appear to be genetically influenced and show a pattern of BP-I association within families that is consistent with expectations from case-control studies.
Abstract: Importance Genetic factors contribute to risk for bipolar disorder (BP), but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. A focus on measuring multisystem quantitative traits that may be components of BP psychopathology may enable genetic dissection of this complex disorder, and investigation of extended pedigrees from genetically isolated populations may facilitate the detection of specific genetic variants that affect BP as well as its component phenotypes. Objective To identify quantitative neurocognitive, temperament-related, and neuroanatomical phenotypes that appear heritable and associated with severe BP (bipolar I disorder [BP-I]) and therefore suitable for genetic linkage and association studies aimed at identifying variants contributing to BP-I risk. Design, Setting, and Participants Multigenerational pedigree study in 2 closely related, genetically isolated populations: the Central Valley of Costa Rica and Antioquia, Colombia. A total of 738 individuals, all from Central Valley of Costa Rica and Antioquia pedigrees, participated; among them, 181 have BP-I. Main Outcomes and Measures Familial aggregation (heritability) and association with BP-I of 169 quantitative neurocognitive, temperament, magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging phenotypes. Results Of 169 phenotypes investigated, 119 (70%) were significantly heritable and 51 (30%) were associated with BP-I. About one-quarter of the phenotypes, including measures from each phenotype domain, were both heritable and associated with BP-I. Neuroimaging phenotypes, particularly cortical thickness in prefrontal and temporal regions and volume of the corpus callosum, represented the most promising candidate traits for genetic mapping related to BP based on strong heritability and association with disease. Analyses of phenotypic and genetic covariation identified substantial correlations among the traits, at least some of which share a common underlying genetic architecture. Conclusions and Relevance To our knowledge, this is the most extensive investigation of BP-relevant component phenotypes to date. Our results identify brain and behavioral quantitative traits that appear to be genetically influenced and show a pattern of BP-I association within families that is consistent with expectations from case-control studies. Together, these phenotypes provide a basis for identifying loci contributing to BP-I risk and for genetic dissection of the disorder.
TL;DR: In this article, a multinivel approach was used to predict calificaciones finales en cursos de carrera, for una muestra estratificada, por areas academicas, of 848 estudiantes de la Universidad de Costa Rica.
Abstract: Se realizo un analisis multinivel para predecir calificaciones finales en cursos de carrera, para una muestra estratificada, por areas academicas, de 848 estudiantes de la Universidad de Costa Rica. Se utilizaron como variables independientes un conjunto de factores en dimensiones institucionales, sociodemograficas, psicosociales y pedagogicas. El mejor predictor fue el Promedio de Admision, medida que combina notas de secundaria y el puntaje en una prueba de habilidades de razonamiento. Tambien variables no cognitivas resultaron explicativas, siendo la mas importante el puntaje de una escala de inteligencia emocional. La metodologia empleada por el (la) docente mostro asimismo poder explicativo.
TL;DR: These studies provide proof-of-concept that natural product inhibitors targeting siderophore virulence factors can provide access to novel broad-spectrum antibiotics, which may serve as important leads for the development of potent anti-infective agents.
Abstract: Siderophores are high-affinity iron chelators produced by microorganisms and frequently contribute to the virulence of human pathogens. Targeted inhibition of the biosynthesis of siderophores staphyloferrin B of Staphylococcus aureus and petrobactin of Bacillus anthracis hold considerable potential as a single or combined treatment for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and anthrax infection, respectively. The biosynthetic pathways for both siderophores involve a nonribosomal peptide synthetase independent siderophore (NIS) synthetase, including SbnE in staphyloferrin B and AsbA in petrobactin. In this study, we developed a biochemical assay specific for NIS synthetases to screen for inhibitors of SbnE and AsbA against a library of marine microbial-derived natural product extracts (NPEs). Analysis of the NPE derived from Streptomyces tempisquensis led to the isolation of the novel antibiotics baulamycins A (BmcA, 6) and B (BmcB, 7). BmcA and BmcB displayed in vitro activity with IC50 values of 4.8 μM ...
TL;DR: The VOLADA data set as mentioned in this paper contains 474 volcanic lakes and their monitoring frequency is based on the principle of the "residence time dependent monitoring time window" which can be used to provide new ideas for future volcanic lake monitoring.
TL;DR: The relationship between the packing structures and the fluorescence properties was investigated by preparing a series of hybrid π systems with different sizes of substituents on the imide moieties, which revealed the effect of the twofold π-stacked structure of the V-shaped molecules on the large bathochromic shift in emission.
Abstract: The hybridization of flexible and rigid π-conjugated frameworks is a potent concept for producing new functional materials. In this article, a series of multifluorescent flapping π systems that combine a flexible cyclooctatetraene (COT) core and rigid aceneimide wings with various π-conjugation lengths has been designed and synthesized, and their structure/properties relationships have been investigated. Whereas these molecules have a V-shaped bent conformation in the ground state, the bent structure changes to a planar conformation in the lowest excited singlet (S1 ) state irrespective of the lengths of the aceneimide wings. However, the fluorescence behavior in solution is distinct between the naphthaleneimide system and the anthraceneimide system. The former has a nonemissive S1 state owing to the significant contribution of the antiaromatic character of the planar COT frontier molecular orbitals, thereby resulting in complete fluorescence quenching in solution. In contrast, the latter anthraceneimide system shows an intense emission, which is ascribed to the planar but distorted S1 state that shows the allowed transition between the π-molecular orbitals delocalized over the COT core and the acene wings. The other characteristic of these π systems is the significantly redshifted fluorescence in the crystalline state relative to their monomer fluorescence. The relationship between the packing structures and the fluorescence properties was investigated by preparing a series of hybrid π systems with different sizes of substituents on the imide moieties, which revealed the effect of the twofold π-stacked structure of the V-shaped molecules on the large bathochromic shift in emission.