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Although several brands of tuberculin purified protein derivatives (PPDs) are available for diagnosing bovine tuberculosis (bTB), comparative studies to determine their diagnostic accuracy are infrequent. In Ecuador we compared two different PPD brands for bTB diagnosis using skin testing and measuring skin thickness increase. Additionally, we evaluated four PPD brands, including those used for skin testing, in the Bovine Tuberculosis Interferon Gamma Test (IFN-γ test) measuring IFN-γ induction in whole blood. The study included 17 naturally tuberculosis-infected PPD and IFN-γ test positive bovines. Both the field and laboratory results showed significant differences in classifying the 17 bovines as bTB positive or negative. We hypothesize that several factors, such as the genetic background of the cows, sensitization to environmental mycobacteria, M. bovis strains involved in the bTB infection, and the manufacturing procedures of the PPDs, could have influenced the immune reaction toward the different tuberculin PPD brands. Our study emphasizes the necessity for comparative studies aimed at determining the diagnostic accuracy of PPD brands for bTB diagnosis as well as the development of standardized methods for PPD production and potency determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The class Myxomycetes consists of free-living protists characterised by their complex life cycle, which includes both microscopic (amoebae, flagellates and cists) and macroscopic stages (spore-bearing fruiting bodies, sclerotia, and plasmodia). Within it, the order Physarales, with more than 450 recognised species, constitutes the largest group. Although previous studies have shown the polyphyly of some of the traditionally accepted genera, its internal phylogenetic relationships have remained uncertain so far, and together with the lack of data for some key species, it prevented any taxonomic and nomenclatural revisions. We have compiled a substantially expanded dataset in terms of both taxon sampling and molecular data, including most of the genera described to date and four unlinked DNA regions, for which we provide partial sequences: nSSU, EF-1a, a-Tub, and mtSSU, analysed through maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Our results confirm that the family Didymiaceae is paraphyletic to the rest of Physarales. Within Didymiaceae s.lat., the recent reinstatement of the genus Polyschismium for most species traditionally ascribed to Lepidoderma, except for the type (Ronikier et al. 2022), is further supported here, as well as the definite inclusion of the genus Mucilago in Didymium and Lepidoderma s.str. (L. tigrinum) in Diderma (Prikhodko et al. 2023). Additionally, the genus Diachea is redefined to include some species pre viously treated in Physaraceae (Craterium spp. with true columella). Within the monophyletic family Physaraceae, most genera are recovered as polyphyletic, suggesting that they should be no longer accepted as currently defined. However, the lack of resolution of some relationships within Physaraceae prevents us from resuscitating or creating several new genera to mitigate polyphyly. Among the well-defined groups with clear molecular signatures, we propose two taxonomic and nomenclatural changes at generic level: 1) a new genus, Nannengaella, is proposed for a major clade containing Physarum globuliferum and other species with heavily calcified sporophores and, often, a true calcareous columella; 2) Lignydium is resurrected for the clade containing Fuligo muscorum. Additionally, Trichamphora is suggested as the correct name for the clade containing Physarum pezizoideum. The taxonomy and nomenclature of some provisional genera, currently synonymous with Fuligo and Physarum, are disentangled, and we provide a comprehensive and updated nomenclatural conspectus that can be used when better resolved phylogenies are obtained. In total, 22 new combinations are proposed in different genera. A provisional key to the genera of the order is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous microwave emission (AME) is an important emission component between 10 and 60 GHz that is not yet fully understood. It seems to be ubiquitous in our Galaxy and is observed at a broad range of angular scales. Here we use the new QUIJOTE-MFI wide survey data at 11, 13, 17, and 19 GHz to constrain the AME in the Galactic plane (| b | < 10°) on degree scales. We built the spectral energy distribution between 0.408 and 3000 GHz for each of the 5309 0.9° pixels in the Galactic plane, and fitted a parametric model by considering five emission components: synchrotron, free–free, AME, thermal dust and CMB anisotropies. We show that not including QUIJOTE-MFI data points leads to the underestimation (up to 50 per cent) of the AME signal in favour of free–free emission. The parameters describing these components are then intercompared, looking for relations that help to understand AME physical processes. We find median values for the AME width, W AME, and for its peak frequency, νAME, respectively of |$0.560^{+0.059}_{-0.050}$| and |$20.7^{+2.0}_{-1.9}$|  GHz, slightly in tension with current theoretical models. We find spatial variations throughout the Galactic plane for νAME, but only with reduced statistical significance. We report correlations of AME parameters with certain ISM properties, such as that between the AME emissivity (which shows variations with the Galactic longitude) and the interstellar radiation field, and that between the AME peak frequency and dust temperature. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results on the possible molecules responsible for AME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ranges of many species are shifting poleward as global warming intensifies, but this process might be less intense in philopatric species, i.e. those with the tendency to reproduce at their natal sites. Marine turtles are highly philopatric and their vulnerability to global warming is exacerbated by a life history combining delayed sexual maturity, temperature‐dependent sex determination and low embryo survival at high incubation temperature. Detection of nesting events of loggerhead turtles in the Western Mediterranean Sea has increased largely during the first two decades of the 21st century, which could be a response to global warming or the result of increased sampling effort. The deployment of temperature data loggers at 52 beaches scattered along the Mediterranean coast of Spain demonstrated that sand temperature is currently high enough to allow the incubation of loggerhead turtles clutches in most Spanish beaches. However, the reconstruction of sand temperature from 1950 to 2019 revealed that thermal conditions suitable for the regular nesting of loggerhead turtles have existed in Spanish beaches only since 2010, although sporadic nesting was possible previously in exceptionally warm years. The future establishment of a self‐sustained population would probably require further increases in temperature, to ensure a female‐biased offspring production, but the process might be jeopardized by increased erosion and beach flooding resulting from sea level rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human cadaveric material (CM) in the course of Anatomy of the Medicine career is the oldest and most complete didactic resource for teaching. This element carries important meanings and multiple crossings (legal, ethical, procedural, cultural) that, from the middle of the 20th century, had questions and antagonistic pedagogical positions regarding its use. Its use generates emotional reactions in students, often negative, which are processed by the defense mechanisms and coping strategies available to the subject. When these are exceeded, a syndromic courtship may appear that constitutes negative cadaveric coping, which is a factor that places the student in a state of vulnerability with academic alterations. We consider it necessary for this group of students, as well as for those in their coping process, didactic strategies that support them in the process and tend to an inclusive education so that negative cadaverous coping is not a cause of desertion or risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric regularity of spider webs has been intensively studied in orb‐weaving spiders, although it is not exclusive of orb weavers. Here, we document the geometrically regular, repetitive elements in the webs of the non‐orb‐weaving groups Leptonetidae and Telemidae for the first time. Similar to orb weavers, we found areas with regularly spaced parallel lines in the webs of Calileptoneta helferi, Sulcia sp., and cf. Pinelema sp. Furthermore, we provide a detailed account of the regular webs of Ochyrocera (Ochyroceratidae). The sections of the web with regularly disposed parallel lines are built as U‐shaped modules reminiscent of orb webs. It has been suggested that the regularly spaced parallel lines in the webs of Ochyroceratidae and Psilodercidae may be produced in a single sweep of their posterior lateral spinnerets, which have regularly spaced aciniform gland spigots, perhaps involving expansion of the spinnerets. To test this hypothesis, we compared the spacing between parallel lines with the spacing between spigots, searched for expansible membranes in the spinnerets, and examined the junctions of regularly spaced lines. The distance between parallel lines was 10–20 times the distance between spigots, and we found no expansible membranes, and the intersection of parallel lines are cemented, which opposes the single sweep hypothesis. Furthermore, we found cues of viscid silk in the parallel lines of the psilodercid Althepus and broadened piriform gland spigots that may be responsible of its production. Finally, we evaluated the presence or absence of geometrically regular web elements across the spider tree of life. We found reports of regular webs in 31 spider families, including 20 families that are not orb weavers and hypothesize that the two basic aspects of regularity (parallel lines spaced at regular intervals, and radial lines spaced at regular angles) probably appeared many times in the evolution of spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present QUIJOTE intensity and polarization maps in four frequency bands centred around 11, 13, 17, and 19 GHz, and covering approximately 29 000 deg2, including most of the northern sky region. These maps result from 9000 h of observations taken between May 2013 and June 2018 with the first QUIJOTE multifrequency instrument (MFI), and have angular resolutions of around 1°, and sensitivities in polarization within the range 35–40 µK per 1° beam, being a factor ∼2–4 worse in intensity. We discuss the data processing pipeline employed, and the basic characteristics of the maps in terms of real space statistics and angular power spectra. A number of validation tests have been applied to characterize the accuracy of the calibration and the residual level of systematic effects, finding a conservative overall calibration uncertainty of 5 per cent. We also discuss flux densities for four bright celestial sources (Tau A, Cas A, Cyg A, and 3C274), which are often used as calibrators at microwave frequencies. The polarization signal in our maps is dominated by synchrotron emission. The distribution of spectral index values between the 11 GHz and WMAP 23 GHz map peaks at β = −3.09 with a standard deviation of 0.14. The measured BB/EE ratio at scales of ℓ = 80 is 0.26 ± 0.07 for a Galactic cut | b | > 10°. We find a positive TE correlation for 11 GHz at large angular scales (ℓ ≲ 50), while the EB and TB signals are consistent with zero in the multipole range 30 ≲ ℓ ≲ 150. The maps discussed in this paper are publicly available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of a third-level burn patient care center in Mexico City, which required reconversion to continuous care for the COVID and non-COVID population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of severe burn patients and without burns, who were admitted to the COVID-19 unit of a burn center in 2020. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with COVID-19 were included, mean age of 50.08 ± 22 years. Burned and unburned COVID-19 patients, in total 41 men and 21 women. Mortality was higher in women (9/21 women) versus men (3/41 men). Mortality in older adults burned was higher than in young adults (5 and 1, respectively). Out of 16 adults over 65 years without burns 6 died, compared to the group of young adults without burns in which nobody died. CONCLUSIONS: Severe burns have a high mortality rate, when age, previous comorbidities and serious infections are added, mortality is considerably higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filistatids, the crevice weavers, are an ancient family of cribellate spiders without extant close relatives. As one of the first lineages of araneomorph spiders, they present a complicated mixture of primitive and derived characters that make them a key taxon to elucidate the phylogeny of spiders, as well as the evolution of phenotypic characters in this group. Their moderate diversity (187 species in 19 genera) is distributed mainly in arid and semi‐arid subtropical zones of all continents, except Antarctica. The objective of this paper is to generate a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for this family to advance the understanding of its morphological evolution and biogeography, as well as lay the basis for a natural classification scheme. By studying the morphology using optical and electronic microscopy techniques, we produced a matrix of 302 morphological characters coded for a sample of 103 species of filistatids chosen to represent the phylogenetic diversity of the family. In addition, we included sequences of four molecular markers (COI, 16S, H3 and 28S; 3787 aligned positions) of 70 filistatid species. The analysis of the data (morphological, molecular, and combined) consistently indicates the separation of the Filistatidae into two subfamilies, Prithinae and Filistatinae, in addition to supporting several groups of genera: Filistata, Zaitunia and an undescribed genus from Madagascar; Sahastata and Kukulcania; all Prithinae except Filistatinella and Microfilistata; Antilloides and Filistatoides; a large Old World group including Pritha, Tricalamus, Afrofilistata, Labahitha, Yardiella, Wandella and putative new genera; and a South American group formed by Lihuelistata, Pikelinia and Misionella. Pholcoides is transferred to Filistatinae and Microfilistata is transferred to Prithinae, and each represents the sister group to the remaining genera of its own subfamily. Most genera are valid, although Pikelinia is paraphyletic with respect to Misionella, so we consider the two genera as synonyms and propose a few new generic combinations. Considering the new phylogenetic hypothesis, we discuss the evolution of some morphological character systems and the biogeography of the family. The ages of divergence between clades were estimated using a total‐evidence tip‐dating approach by including fossils of Filistatidae and early spider clades; this approach resulted in younger age estimates than those obtained with traditional node‐dating. Filistatidae is an ancient family that started diversifying in the Mesozoic and most genera date to the Cretaceous. Clades displaying transcontinental distributions were most likely affected by continental drift, but at least one clade shows unequivocal signs of transoceanic long‐distance dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnOX-CeO2 catalysts with different Mn and Ce content were prepared to evaluate the effect of metal content on catalytic properties and activity in the simultaneous NO reduction and o-DCB oxidation, in order to elucidate the most active species for the process. Catalytic properties were evaluated by ICP-AES, XRD, skeletal FTIR, STEM-HAADF, XPS, N2-physisorption, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD and pyridine-FTIR. Catalysts with 85%Mn and 15%Ce molar content have been found to be the most active. Their excellent catalytic performance is related to the coexistence of Mn in different phases, i.e., Mn species strongly interacting with Ce and segregated Mn species. The effect of the preparation methods has also been deeply investigated: Co-precipitation method (CP) leads to Mn segregation as Mn2O3, whereas sol-gel preparation method (SG) promotes the formation of an amorphous powder. The synergy between segregated Mn2O3 species and Mn species in high interaction with Ce (resulting in a mixed oxide phase) leads to the presence of Mn with different oxidation states. This effect, together with the high oxygen mobility caused by structural defects, enhances redox, acidic and oxidative properties. The improvement of catalytic properties with Mn content also favors NO reduction side-reactions, with N2O and NO2 being the most important by-products, whereas it limits the production of chlorinated organic by-products in o-DCB oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Map-making is an important step for the data analysis of cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. It consists of converting the data, which are typically a long, complex, and noisy collection of measurements, into a map, which is an image of the observed sky. We present in this paper a new map-making code named picasso (Polarization and Intensity CArtographer for Scanned Sky Observations), which was implemented to construct intensity and polarization maps from the Multi Frequency Instrument (MFI) of the QUIJOTE (Q-U-I Joint TEnerife) CMB polarization experiment. picasso is based on the destriping algorithm, and is suited to address specific issues of ground-based microwave observations, with a technique that allows the fit of a template function in the time domain, during the map-making step. This paper describes the picasso code, validating it with simulations and assessing its performance. For this purpose, we produced realistic simulations of the QUIJOTE-MFI survey of the northern sky (approximately ∼20 000 deg2), and analysed the reconstructed maps with picasso , using real and harmonic space statistics. We show that, for this sky area, picasso is able to reconstruct, with high fidelity, the injected signal, recovering all the scales with ℓ > 10 in TT, EE, and BB. The signal error is better than 0.001 per cent at 20 < ℓ < 200. Finally, we validated some of the methods that will be applied to the real wide-survey data, like the detection of the CMB anisotropies via cross-correlation analyses. Despite that the implementation of picasso is specific for QUIJOTE-MFI data, it could be adapted to other experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the applicability of direct analysis in real time coupled to accurate mass spectrometry (DART-MS) to the quantitative determination of triclosan (TCS) in samples with increasing complexity, from personal care products to extracts from sewage, is investigated. In the first term, DART-MS spectra of TCS as free phenol and as derivatized species are characterized; thereafter, the effects of several instrumental variables in the detectability of TCS (i.e., temperature, solvent, and compound holder) are discussed. Under final selected conditions, TCS was determined from its [M-H]− ions, without need of derivatization, attaining an instrumental limit of quantification of 5 ng mL−1, with a linear response range up to 1000 ng mL−1. Complex matrices, such as solid-phase extracts obtained from environmental water samples, moderately inhibited the ionization efficiency of TCS, with signal attenuation percentages in the range of 6 to 57%, depending on the sample type and on the concentration factor provided by the SPE procedure. The accuracy of results obtained by DART-MS was evaluated using liquid chromatography (LC) with MS detection; in both cases, a time-of-flight (TOF) MS instrument was employed for the selective determination of the [M−H]− ions of TCS (m/z values 286.9439 and 288.9410) using a mass window of 20 ppm. DART-MS did not only provide enough sensitivity to detect the presence of TCS in environmental samples (raw and treated wastewater as well as freeze-dried sludge), but also measured concentrations matched those determined by LC-ESI-TOF-MS, with only slightly higher standard deviations. During analysis of personal care products, containing much higher concentrations of TCS in a less complex matrix, both techniques were equivalent in terms of accuracy and precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palpimanidae are one of five extant Palpimanoidea families that occur mainly in South America and Africa, although there are lineages in Madagascar, islands of the Indian Ocean, and parts of Asia. Here we examine the role of plate tectonics in shaping the distribution of Palpimanidae. We perform molecular sequencing via target enrichment, which makes use of fragmented DNA, because most specimens are stored in natural history museum collections and were not properly preserved for molecular sequencing. We perform phylogenetic analysis, divergence dating, and ancestral range reconstructions to assess whether continental vicariance shaped the evolution of Palpimanidae. We also examine evolution of eye loss via ancestral character reconstruction. We report the first Palpimanidae phylogeny based on genomic data that samples the majority of Chediminae genera. Results suggest that Palpimanidae originated in the Triassic, with diversification spanning the Jurassic to the Cretaceous. Vicarance played a role in early diversification, with later range expansion out of Africa. Based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis, Sceliraptor is synonymized with Sarascelis , Sceliscelis is synonymized with Scelidocteus , and the new genus and species Sitamacho tao gen. nov. sp. nov. is described, with three species transferred from Hybosida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) has opened up new possibilities in nanoscale magnetic imaging. FEBID offers precise control over the dimensions and magnetic properties of the MFM probes, enabling the development of high-performance magnetic tips with enhanced capabilities compared to conventional ones. These improved tips offer superior resolution, sensitivity, and versatility in nanoscale magnetic surface characterization. Here, we compare the performance of a commercial MFM tip and a FEBID-grown Fe tip in a Ni80Fe20/NdCo5 film. The FEBID tip exhibited superior lateral resolution for topography imaging, likely due to its sharper and well-defined geometry, with a tip diameter of approximately 20 nm. MFM measurements further confirmed this advantage, revealing better-defined magnetic domains and higher magnetic contrast with the FEBID-functionalized probes compared to the commercial tip. This improvement can be attributed to the possibility to optimize the tip-sample magnetic interaction for the FEBID tip. By reducing the lift height of the second pass, we were able to bring the tip closer to the sample, enhancing the magnetic signal without introducing significant topographic artifacts. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of FEBID for creating high-resolution and high-sensitivity MFM tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal ions and metal complexes are important components of nucleic acid biochemistry, participating both in regulation of gene expression and as therapeutic agents. Three new transition metal complexes of copper(II), zinc(II) and oxidovanadium(IV) with a ligand derived from o-vanillin and thiophene were previously synthesized and their antitumor properties were studied in our laboratory. To elucidate some molecular mechanisms tending to explain the cytotoxic effects observed over tumor cells, we investigated the interaction of these complexes with DNA by gel electrophoresis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. Our spectroscopy and computational results have shown that all of them were able to bind to DNA, Cu(II) complex is located in the minor groove while Zn(II) and oxidovanadium(IV) complexes act as major groove binding molecules. Interestingly, only the Cu(II) complex caused double-strand DNA nicks, consistent with its higher cytotoxic activities previously observed in tumor cell lines. We propose that the DNA-complex interaction destabilize the molecule either disrupting the phosphodiester bonds or impairing DNA replication, giving those complexes strong antitumor potential. [Display omitted] • Cu(II), Zn(II) and VO(IV) complexes with Schiff base interact with double strand DNA. • Docking studies predict different site of interaction. • The interaction sites depend on its structural and electronic properties. • Intercalating ability correlates with its different antitumor activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of the functional endoscopic luminal imaging probe (endoFLIP) in the treatment of achalasia, a condition that affects the proper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. The preferred treatment for achalasia is the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) technique, and the endoFLIP is a valuable tool used during this procedure. The article presents a case study of a 72-year-old man with achalasia who underwent the POEM procedure with endoFLIP measurements before and after the surgery. The results of the procedure were positive, as indicated by improvements in the patient's symptoms and scores on questionnaires assessing the severity of achalasia and malnutrition. The article concludes that the use of endoFLIP during POEM can help minimize the risk of postoperative reflux and reduce the likelihood of symptom recurrence. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this study is to quantify muscular and connective tissue volumes of extraocular muscles (EOM) in humans with no ophthalmological disease using stereology. EOM from five cadaveric non-strabismic humans were obtained. The number of muscle fibers in 5,000 mm2 and volume density (Vv) of muscle and collagen were measured using stereology. Comparisons between antagonist EOM were conducted using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples. A secondary analysis examining differences between pairs of EOM was also conducted. Bilateral tests were performed, and significance was set at 0.05. The horizontal rectus muscles (medial and lateral rectus) had the highest Vv of muscle and the lowest Vv of collagen. The inferior rectus muscle tended to have a fewer number of fibers per 5,000 mm2 than the rest of the EOM. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. This is the first published study describing the normal histology of human EOM using stereology. Our investigation, through the quantification of the proportion of muscle and collagen tissue, as well as the number of muscle fibers in 5,000 m2, establishes normal stereological parameters for EOM of humans without ophthalmological disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical signals play a decisive role in communication in many mammal species. In red deer (Cervus elaphus), the dark ventral patch has recently been described as a male chemical signal involved in intrasexual competition. Morphological specializations of the hair of this area might contribute to retaining the volatile compounds found here. In this study, we examined differences in the ultrastructure between hair associated with the dark ventral patch and hairs from the dorsolateral region of the body as a control. We obtained a gallery of images from a scanning electron microscope to study the possible variation in the detailed anatomy as well as the surface and pattern of cuticular scales of hairs of the two body regions examined. In addition, we used a 2D‐3D microscope to measure hair diameter (thickness) and the shape and size of the cuticular scales. We found that the hairs of the dark ventral patch were narrower than those from the dorsolateral region. We also found a different cuticular scale pattern of the dark ventral patch hairs, suggesting a possible specialization for the retention of compounds associated with this chemical signal. Moreover, some intersexual differences in hair morphology also support this idea. This study shows, for the first time, the differentiation of hairs related to the dark ventral patch, which contributes to our better understanding of this chemical communication in red deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common ancestor of spiders likely used silk to line burrows or make simple webs, with specialized spinning organs and aerial webs originating with the evolution of the megadiverse "true spiders" (Araneomorphae). The base of the araneomorph tree also concentrates the greatest number of changes in respiratory structures, a character system whose evolution is still poorly understood, and that might be related to the evolution of silk glands. Emphasizing a dense sampling of multiple araneomorph lineages where tracheal systems likely originated, we gathered genomic-scale data and reconstructed a phylogeny of true spiders. This robust phylogenomic framework was used to conduct maximum likelihood and Bayesian character evolution analyses for respiratory systems, silk glands, and aerial webs, based on a combination of original and published data. Our results indicate that in true spiders, posterior book lungs were transformed into morphologically similar tracheal systems six times independently, after the evolution of novel silk gland systems and the origin of aerial webs. From these comparative data, we put forth a novel hypothesis that early-diverging web-building spiders were faced with new energetic demands for spinning, which prompted the evolution of similar tracheal systems via convergence; we also propose tests of predictions derived from this hypothesis.[Book lungs; discrete character evolution; respiratory systems; silk; spider web evolution; ultraconserved elements.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large separation in the low-radial order regime is considered as a highly valuable observable to derive mean densities of δ Scuti stars, due to its independence with rotation. Up to now, theoretical studies of this Δ ν – |${\bar{\rho}}$| relation have been limited to 1D non-rotating models and 2D pseudo-evolutionary models. The present work aims at completing this scenario by investigating quantitatively the impact of rotation in this relation on a large grid of 1D asteroseismic models representative of δ Scuti stars. These include rotation effects on both the stellar evolution and the interaction with pulsation. This allowed us to compute the stellar deformation, get the polar and equatorial radii, and correct the stellar mean densities. We found that the new Δ ν – |${\bar{\rho}}$| relation for rotating models is compatible with previous works. We explained the dispersion of the points around the linear fits as caused mainly by the distribution of the stellar mass, and partially by the evolutionary stage. The new fit is found to be close to the previous theoretical studies for lower masses (⁠|$1.3\!-\!1.81\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$|⁠). However, the opposite holds for the observations: For the higher masses (⁠|$1.81\!-\!3\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$|⁠), the fit is more compatible with the empirical relation. To avoid such discrepancies, we provided new limits to the fit that encompass any possible dependence on mass. We applied these results to characterize the two well-known δ Scuti stars observed by CoRoT , HD 174936 and HD 174966, and compared the physical parameters with those of previous works. The inclusion of rotation in the modelling causes a tendency towards greater masses, radii, and luminosities, and lower density values. Comparison between Δ ν and Gaia 's luminosities also allowed us to constrain the inclination angles and rotational velocities of both stars. The present results pave the way to systematically constrain the angle of inclination (and thereby the actual surface rotation velocity) of δ Scuti stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To examine the impact of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) on breast cancer treatment decisions and adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCN) guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 1,977 patients at high risk for recurrent or metastatic breast cancer from the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology. Ten oncologists provided blinded treatment recommendations for an average of 198 patients before and after viewing therapeutic options offered by the CDSS. Univariable and bivariable analyses of treatment changes were performed, and multivariable logistic regressions were estimated to examine the effects of physician experience (years), patient age, and receptor subtype/TNM stage. RESULTS: Treatment decisions changed in 105 (5%) of 1,977 patients and were concentrated in those with hormone receptor (HR)–positive disease or stage IV disease in the first-line therapy setting (73% and 58%, respectively). Logistic regressions showed that decision changes were more likely in those with HR-positive cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; P <.05) and less likely in those with stage IIA (OR, 0.29; P <.05) or IIIA cancer (OR, 0.08; P <.01). Reasons cited for changes included consideration of the CDSS therapeutic options (63% of patients), patient factors highlighted by the tool (23%), and the decision logic of the tool (13%). Patient age and oncologist experience were not associated with decision changes. Adherence to NCCN treatment guidelines increased slightly after using the CDSS (0.5%; P =.003). CONCLUSION: Use of an artificial intelligence–based CDSS had a significant impact on treatment decisions and NCCN guideline adherence in HR-positive breast cancers. Although cases of stage IV disease in the first-line therapy setting were also more likely to be changed, the effect was not statistically significant (P =.22). Additional research on decision impact, patient-physician communication, learning, and clinical outcomes is needed to establish the overall value of the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The act of playing is as ancient as humanity itself, yet Huizinga was the one who re-signified the concept of "ludic" as a didactive resource related to culture. Play-based learning was developed as a didactic strategy by the forerunners of the New School. Several Authors (Brunner, Frebel, Decroly, Montessori, Cossettini and Freire) have analyzed its pedagogy projections and stressed the impact and formative value in the cognitive strategies involved in problem solving tasks, attention and memory development, as well it's motivational and creativity elements. The object of the present work is to evaluate the impact of these didactic interventions in the cultural and conceptual conceptions of the students related to cadaveric material in the course of practical working during anatomy classes. Observational and transversal study through a questionnaire applied to 658 medical students (2016, n = 198; 2017, n= 228; 2018 n=232) which included a Modified Templer Death Anxiety Scale, population questions (age, gender, place of birth, situation regarding the subject, work-related aspects, former studies, motivations related to career choice). Terminology related to "cadaveric material" and "anatomic piece" was investigated with Bernard's free-listing and lot-drawing techniques in order to investigate cultural and imaginary conceptions and groups of conceptual dimensions. The class structure divides the students in two different ckassrooms, in order to evaluate difference with the inclusion of play-based activities in one of them. The results were processed using tests of descriptive and inferencial statistics (SPSS and dendrogram making), to evaluate the terminological analysis, Visual Anthropac Freelists versión: 1.0.1.36 and Visual Anthropac Pilesorts versión: 1.0.2.60. The present research takes into account all current ethical and legal norms. It has been observed that terms such as "cadaveric material" and "anatomic piece" were associated mainly with repugnancy, disgust, fear and study material. It was observed, in the group of student using play based techniques, a lesser number of negative terminology, as well as conceptual dimensions related with the material as a didactic and instructional resource instead of a distress factor. In conclusion the implementation of play-based techniques in the learning process of the Anatomy coursework was positively associated with a lesser negative impact in both associated terminology and in conceptual dimensions related to cadaveric material. Such an impact is of particular importance in the context of teaching and it would relate with the decrease of negative factors in cadaveric affronting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodecolorization and biodegradation of azo dyes are a challenge due to their recalcitrance and the characteristics of textile effluents. This study presents the use of Halomonas sp. in the decolorization of azo dyes Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R (RV5), and Reactive Orange 16 (RO16) under high alkalinity and salinity conditions. Firstly, the effect of air supply, pH, salinity and dye concentration was evaluated. Halomonas sp. was able to remove above 84% of all dyes in a wide range of pH (6–11) and salt concentrations (2–10%). The decolorization efficiency of RB5, RV5, and RO16 was found to be ≥ 90% after 24, 13 and 3 h, respectively, at 50 mg L−1 of dyes. The process was monitored by HPLC-DAD, finding a reduction of dyes along the time. Further, Halomonas sp. was immobilized in volcanic rocks and used in a packed bed reactor for 72 days, achieving a removal rate of 3.48, 5.73, and 8.52 mg L−1 h−1, for RB5, RV5 and RO16, respectively, at 11.8 h. The study has confirmed the potential of Halomonas sp. to decolorize azo dyes under high salinity and alkalinity conditions and opened a scope for future research in the treatment of textile effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We find that the use of V(100) buffer layers on MgO(001) substrates for the epitaxy of FePd binary alloys yields to the formation at intermediate and high deposition temperatures of a FePd–FeV mixed phase due to strong V diffusion accompanied by a loss of layer continuity and strong increase of its mosaic spread. Contrary to what is usually found in this kind of systems, these mixed phase structures exhibit perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) which is not correlated with the presence of chemical order, almost totally absent in all the fabricated structures, even at deposition temperatures where it is usually obtained with other buffer layers. Thus the observed PMA can be ascribed to the V interdiffusion and the formation of a FeV alloy, being the global sample saturation magnetization also reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the web-building behavior of Gradungulidae for the first time, using the Otway odd-clawed spider Progradungula otwayensis Milledge, 1997. The web consists of a signal line leading to a retreat, an upper scaffold and a cribellate catching ladder connected to the substrate. The construction sequence and final structure of the catching ladder are highly stereotyped, especially in the initial segments of the cribellate capture thread. Two vertical rail lines-- made of thin cribellate silk that is not combed with the calamistrum--are connected by looping segments of combed, much thicker cribellate capture threads. Small juveniles make a relatively larger non-sticky supporting scaffold with some cribellate silk on it. Microscopic analysis of the silk revealed that the cribellate bands have a pair of axial lines and a pair of reserve warps; the cribellate fibrils have nodules. The non-sticky structural lines are made of straight or coiling lines, changing gradually from straight to coiling; each of these structural lines is composed of tightly appressed fibrils, probably associated with the occurrence of multiple ampullate gland spigots. During combing behavior both legs IV are used synchronously. The same combing behavior is performed by the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes (Higgins & Petterd, 1883). We conclude that both type I and type II combing behaviors are monophyletic, although it is unclear which one is ancestral. Given the phylogenetic position of Progradungula Forster & Gray, 1979, we suggest that the ability to measure with precision and produce repetitive, stereotyped silk structures made of specific silk types may have arisen close to the ancestor of araneomorph spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the web-building behavior of Gradungulidae for the first time, using the Otway odd-clawed spider Progradungula otwayensisMilledge, 1997. The web consists of a signal line leading to a retreat, an upper scaffold and a cribellate catching ladder connected to the substrate. The construction sequence and final structure of the catching ladder are highly stereotyped, especially in the initial segments of the cribellate capture thread. Two vertical rail lines—made of thin cribellate silk that is not combed with the calamistrum—are connected by looping segments of combed, much thicker cribellate capture threads. Small juveniles make a relatively larger non-sticky supporting scaffold with some cribellate silk on it. Microscopic analysis of the silk revealed that the cribellate bands have a pair of axial lines and a pair of reserve warps; the cribellate fibrils have nodules. The non-sticky structural lines are made of straight or coiling lines, changing gradually from straight to coiling; each of these structural lines is composed of tightly appressed fibrils, probably associated with the occurrence of multiple ampullate gland spigots. During combing behavior both legs IV are used synchronously. The same combing behavior is performed by the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes (Higgins & Petterd, 1883). We conclude that both type I and type II combing behaviors are monophyletic, although it is unclear which one is ancestral. Given the phylogenetic position of ProgradungulaForster & Gray, 1979, we suggest that the ability to measure with precision and produce repetitive, stereotyped silk structures made of specific silk types may have arisen close to the ancestor of araneomorph spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sludge fraction is obtained from the industries which recycle cooking oil and this sludge contains a large amount of oil with an extremely high acidity (> 60%). In this work, we propose a scheme for methyl ester production from this residual oil consisting of the esterification of the free fatty acids followed by the transesterification of the remaining triglycerides. Esterifications were carried out with different methanol:oil molar ratios, and various catalysts in different weight ratios. The results revealed that homogeneous catalysts produced higher yields than heterogeneous ones in the esterification reaction. With the aim of improving the process, a previous triglyceride hydrolysis was assayed using lipases from Candida rugosa. Finally, the 3-stage process was performed under the most favorable conditions for each stage obtaining 84% wt. fatty acid methyl esters, which shows the potential of this residual oil as a source of biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter spp. are the principal bacteria causing human gastroenteritis globally. Recently, several species of Campylobacter other than C. jejuni and C. coli have been identified. These emerging species have been associated with undiagnosed intestinal infectious diseases, although their clinical importance has not been determined yet. In order to establish the implication of the emerging bacterial species in human gastroenteritis, several epidemiological studies have been performed, where molecular typing methods have played a central role. This review provides an overview of the most used molecular typing tools used to characterized Campylobacter species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In preliminary studies we describe the clinical importance and pedagogical impact of the study with cadaverous material (MC) in Anatomy students and we found a significant using of psychoactive substances (SP), mainly repeating students and/or students with work activities. The form of cadaveric coping (AfC) is a factor of distress associated with symptoms (disgust, vomiting, sleep disturbances), with the use of SP and interferes with the educational process. The objective was to evaluate the anxiety in students with negative cadaveric coping. Observational and cross-sectional study by means of a survey of 740 students that included: Anxiety Scale against death -EAM-, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, questions about SP, and terms related to concepts ("cadaverous material", "anatomical piece") were investigated. In students with "negative cadaveric coping" (AfCN) (EAM <15, high / medium fear with CM and physical reactions) the Hamilton Anxiety Scale was applied. Statistical parameters, significance p <0.05 and ethical-legal requirements were applied. We aimed at high and sustained prevalence of students with AfCN, who presented higher scores of anxiety and prevalence of SP use (anxiolytics with higher prevalence than excitatory substances); correlation was recorded between the amount of SP and the degree of negative reactions (r = 0.86). The psychic anxiety was greater and was associated with the degree of fear. We confirmed a high prevalence of AfCN that was associated with a higher level of anxiety and use of SP, mainly anxiolytics. The symptoms of anxiety were associated with the registered conceptual dimensions and have an impact on the teachinglearning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The phylogeny of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) is inferred using molecular markers. • Most of the subfamilies were recovered as monophyletic with high support. • The Lycosidae diversified concurrently with the expansion of open habitats. • Lycosids have a combination traits related to their high dispersal capabilities. Lycosids are a diverse family of spiders distributed worldwide. Previous studies recovered some of the deeper splits of the family, but with little support. We present a broad phylogenetic analysis of the Lycosidae including a wide geographic sampling of representatives and all the subfamilies described to date. Additionally, we extend the amount of molecular data used in previous studies (28S, 12S and NADH) through the inclusion of two additional markers, the nuclear H3 and the mitochondrial COI. We estimated the divergence times through the inclusion of fossils as calibration points and used the phylogenetic hypothesis obtained to explore the evolution of particular traits associated with dispersal capabilities. We recovered most of the currently recognized subfamilies with high nodal support. Based on these results, we synonymize Piratinae and Wadicosinae with Zoicinae and Pardosinae, respectively, and revalidate the subfamily Hippasinae. We corroborated that lycosids are a family with a relatively young origin that diversified with the reduction of tropical forests and the advance of open habitats. We show that a gradual accumulation of behavioral traits associated with ambulatory dispersal made Lycosidae the most vagrant subfamily of spiders, with an impressive ability to disperse long distances which helps to explain the worldwide distribution of some very young clades, such as the members of the subfamily Lycosinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new genus and species Myrmecicultor chihuahuensis Ramírez, Grismado, and Ubick is described and proposed as the type of the new family, Myrmecicultoridae Ramírez, Grismado, and Ubick. The species is ecribellate, with entelegyne genitalia, two tarsal claws, without claw tufts, and the males have a retrolateral palpal tibial apophysis. Some morphological characters suggest a possible relationship with Zodariidae or Prodidomidae, but the phylogenetic analysis of six markers from the mitochondrial (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and nuclear (histone H3, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA) genomes indicate that M. chihuahuensis is a separate lineage emerging near the base of the Dionycha and the Oval Calamistrum clade. The same result is obtained when the molecular data are combined with a dataset of morphological characters. Specimens of M. chihuahuensis were found associated with three species of harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, Novomessor albisetosis, and Novomessor cockerelli, and were collected in pitfall traps when the ants are most active. The known distribution spans the Big Bend region of Texas (Presidio, Brewster, and Hudspeth counties), to Coahuila (Cuatro Ciénegas) and Aguascalientes (Tepezalá), Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new intensity and polarization observations of the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC) region in the frequency range 10–20 GHz with the multifrequency instrument (MFI) mounted on the first telescope of the Q-U-I-JOint TEnerife (QUIJOTE) experiment. From the combination of the QUIJOTE data with the WMAP 9-yr data release, the Planck second data release, the DIRBE maps, and ancillary data, we detect an anomalous microwave emission (AME) component with flux density |$S_{\rm AME, peak} = 43.0 \pm 7.9\,$|  Jy in the TMC and |$S_{\rm AME, peak} = 10.7 \pm 2.7\,$|  Jy in the dark cloud nebula L1527, which is part of the TMC. In the TMC the diffuse AME emission peaks around a frequency of 19 GHz, compared with an emission peak about a frequency of 25 GHz in L1527. In the TMC, the best constraint on the level of AME polarization is obtained at the Planck channel of 28.4 GHz, with an upper limit |$\pi _{\rm AME}\lt 4.2\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| (95  |$\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| C.L.), which reduces to |$\pi _{\rm AME}\lt 3.8\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| (95 |$\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| C.L.) if the intensity of all the free–free, synchrotron and thermal dust components are negligible at this frequency. The same analysis in L1527 leads to |$\pi _{\rm AME}\lt 5.3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| (95 |$\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| C.L.) or |$\pi _{\rm AME}\lt 4.5\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| (95 |${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| C.L.) under the same assumption. We find that in the TMC and L1527 on average about |$80{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| of the H  ii gas should be mixed with thermal dust. Our analysis shows how the QUIJOTE-MFI 10–20 GHz data provide key information to properly separate the synchrotron, free–free, and AME components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filistatidae is one of the most phylogenetically enigmatic spider groups, and the genus Kukulcania Lehtinen includes the commonest representatives of the family. Its type species, K. hibernalis (Hentz, 1842), remains a favorite candidate for studies on spider phylogeny and comparative morphology. However, little is known about the taxonomy, species limits, and distribution of its closest relatives, because no generic revision has ever been undertaken. We present the first comprehensive assessment of the taxonomy of Kukulcania. The species K. hibernalis, K. arizonica (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1935), K. utahana (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1935), K. hurca (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1942), K. brignolii (Alayón, 1981) comb. nov. (transferred here from Filistata Latreille), K. tractans (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1896), and K. geophila (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1935) are redescribed based on our examination of type material. We show that the name Filistata brevipes Keyserling, 1883, which had previously been placed in Kukulcania, actually belongs to a prithine spider, and propose the new combination Pikelinia brevipes (Keyserling, 1883). Filistata geophila wawona Chamberlin and Ivie, 1942, is newly synonymized with Kukulcania geophila. Eight new species of Kukulcania are described: K. cochimi, sp. nov. (from Baja California), K. gertschi, sp. nov. (northern Mexico), K. mexicana, sp. nov. (central Mexico), K. santosi, sp. nov. (southern Mexico to northern South America; previously misidentified as K. brevipes), K. tequila, sp. nov. (western Mexico), K. chingona, sp. nov. (western Mexico), K. benita, sp. nov. (endemic to the San Benito Islands in Baja California) and K. bajacali, sp. nov. (Baja California). With this, the number of recognized species in the genus is increased to 15. All species have their distributions mapped and both sexes illustrated. The first identification key to the genus is presented. A study on the morphology of the genus is undertaken using light and scanning electron microscopy, and the phylogenetic position of Kukulcania within the Filistatinae is briefly discussed. A novel putative synapomorphy for the subfamily is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a single superchain/effective medium approximation calculation of the electronic density of states for an sp3 fluid in a tight-binding Hamiltonian approximation, with parameters roughly chosen to represent liquid Hg. Comparison with direct diagonalization of the Hamiltonian using quenched liquid configurations generated by molecular dynamics shows that the performance of the theory is more than acceptable for moderate to high densities. Localization is estimated from the inverse participation ratio calculated from the simulation an in a second order renormalized perturbation theory proposed by Winn and Logan. Analysis of the results indicate that by increasing density the metal nonmetal transition occurs well after the band crossing transition. The major weakness of the theory as far as the density of states is concerned can very likely be coped with by inclusion of nonlinear corrections. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a straightforward extension to binary mixtures of Logan and Winn’s formalism for the determination of the electronic density of states in disordered systems. Solutions obtained in the single superchain/effective medium approximation are also presented, and though reflecting the limitations intrinsic to the linear nature of this approximation, computer simulation results for the mixture of asymmetric hard spheres are reproduced quite satisfactorily. In particular the dependence of the band shape (and the width of the band gap) on the particle size asymmetry is correctly accounted for. The implementation of efficient integral equation algorithms to deal with complex Ornstein–Zernike equations also constitutes one of the key contributions of this work and is therefore treated in depth. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of a recently proposed approximation, we investigate here the frequency spectra of two-band fluids (fluids composed of particles with two independent Drude oscillators embedded) as well as fluid mixtures of particles with one Drude oscillator. Both cases are analyzed in the low density regime where departures from the linear theories are more evident. Our theory, which goes beyond the mean spherical approximation (MSA), reproduces the correct low density spectra while retaining the proper qualitative behavior of the MSA at fluid densities. © 1995 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comparative study of the magnetic transitions in metallic Pr0.50Sr0.50CoO3 (PSCO) perovskites prepared in polycrystalline and thin film forms. As the bulk system, the strained epitaxial PSCO (010) film grown on LAO (100) is metallic in all the temperature range, with a ferromagnetic transition at 225K, close to Tc ~ 235K in the ceramic PSCO specimen. Unlike the bulk system, the PSCO film does not show the second magnetic transition on cooling. In the ceramic sample, the second magnetic transition is coupled to an orthorhombic-to-monoclinic symmetry change. There is a contraction of the average bond distance in the monoclinic phase below Ta, but the bond length is not modified across the transition. The orthorhombic to monoclinic structural transition stabilizes four short Pr-O2 bonds to basal oxygens in CoO6 octahedra. A strong hybridization of Pr 4f and O 2p orbitals in these bonds can be activated at Ta and probably assist the magnetostructural transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urophonius trewanke sp. nov. is described from the Mauline Andean woods of northern Chilean Patagonia. This species belongs to the granulatus species group, which includes the most basal species within the genus. This species is only active in summer as in all species of its group. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Urophonius based on morphological characters to establish the position and relationships of the new species in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: meningiomas account for 15-20% Central Nervous System primary neoplasms in adults. Many are benign, but the 5% of them are malignant. MRI characterizes them, describing a series of radiological findings suggestive of aggressiveness, although the diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology. Objectives: Determine if the aggressiveness of intracranial meningiomas using MRI is consistent with histopathology. Material and Methodology: 14 cases of meningiomas with MR imaging and histopathology ranging 2004 to 2016 were reported. Its radiological characteristics were analyzed by determining their aggressiveness by MRI and Histopathology, carried out a study of diagnostic tests. Results: 7 (50%) of the 14 meningiomas were aggressive in the study by MRI, while 4 (28.6%) did so by histopathology. The sensibility of MRI was 100% and specificity 70%. The only variables that achieved p<0.05 by studying aggression MRI were irregular borders and heterogeneous enhancement. Conclusions: MRI is suitable for use as initial screening in the diagnosis of intracranial meningiomas aggressiveness, being restricted for confirmatory diagnosis. We found no significant evidence to determine what radiological characteristics define tumor aggressiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ablation of Mg from meteoroids entering the Earth's atmosphere was studied experimentally using a Meteoric Ablation Simulator: micron‐sized particles of representative meteoritic material were flash heated to simulate atmospheric entry and the ablation rate of Mg with respect to Na measured by fast time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence. Over the range of particle diameters and entry velocities studied, Mg ablates 4.3 ± 2.1 times less efficiently than Na and 2.4 ± 0.8 times less efficiently than Fe. The resulting evaporation profiles indicate that Mg mostly ablates around 84 km in the atmosphere, compared with Fe at 88 km and Na at 95 km. The chemical ablation model Chemical Ablation Model predicts satisfactorily the measured peak ablation altitudes and relative ablated fractions of Mg, Na, Fe, and Ca but does not capture the breadth of the ablation profiles, probably due to the inhomogeneity of the minerals present in meteoroids combined with experimental limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meniere's disease presents fluctuating attacks of dizziness, hearing loss and tinnitus. Once acute symptoms are controlled, vestibular rehabilitation is an effective treatment alternative. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with Meniere's disease in the chronic phase, who presented persistent postural vertigo and gait instability and who was treated with repositioning maneuvers, along with vestibular rehabilitation with adaptation, substitution and habituation exercises, vestibular balance and postural control. A favorable response is achieved, with the disappearance of positional vertigo, a significant decrease in instability and a great improvement in her quality of life. No conclusions can be drawn from a single case; however, a comprehensive approach is important in the treatment of patients with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A statistical study was made of the temporal trend in extreme rainfall in the region of Extremadura (Spain) during the period 1961-2009. A hierarchical spatio-temporal Bayesian model with a GEV parameterization of the extreme data was employed. The Bayesian model was implemented in a Markov chain Monte Carlo framework that allows the posterior distribution of the parameters that intervene in the model to be estimated. The results show a decrease of extreme rainfall in winter and spring and a slight increase in autumn. The uncertainty in the trend parameters obtained with the hierarchical approach is much smaller than the uncertainties obtained from the GEV model applied locally. Also found was a negative relationship between the NAO index and the extreme rainfall in Extremadura during winter. An increase was observed in the intensity of the NAO index in winter and spring, and a slight decrease in autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostyly is a sex polymorphism that has challenged evolutionary biologists ever since Darwin. One of the lineages where heterostyly and related stylar conditions appear more frequently is Linum (Linaceae). This group is particularly suitable for testing competing hypotheses about ancestral and transitional stages on the evolutionary building up of heterostyly., We generated a phylogeny of Linum based on extensive sampling and plastid and nuclear DNA sequences, and used it to trace the evolution of character states of style polymorphism. We also revised available data on pollination, breeding systems, and polyploidy to analyse their associations., Our results supported former phylogenetic hypotheses: the paraphyly of Linum and the non-monophyly of current taxonomic sections. Heterostyly was common in the genus, but appeared concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin and the South African Cape. Ancestral character state reconstruction failed to determine a unique state as the most probable condition for style polymorphism in the genus. In contrast, approach herkogamy was resolved as ancestral state in some clades, giving support to recent hypotheses. Some traits putatively related to heterostyly, such as life history and polyploidy, did show marginal or non-significant phylogenetic correlation, respectively. Although pollinator data are limited, we suggest that beeflies are associated with specific cases of heterostyly., The consistent association between style polymorphism and heteromorphic incompatibility points to ecological factors as drivers of the multiple evolution of style polymorphism in Linum. Albeit based on limited evidence, we hypothesised that specialised pollinators and lack of mating opportunities drive evolution of style polymorphism and loss of the polymorphism, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is the Local Group galaxy that is most similar to the Milky Way (MW). The similarities between the two galaxies make M31 useful for studying integrated properties common to spiral galaxies. We use the data from the recent QUIJOTE-MFI Wide Survey, together with new raster observations focused on M31, to study its integrated emission. The addition of raster data improves the sensitivity of QUIJOTE-MFI maps by almost a factor 3. Our main interest is to confirm if anomalous microwave emission (AME) is present in M31, as previous studies have suggested. To do so, we built the integrated spectral energy distribution of M31 between 0.408 and 3000 GHz. We then performed a component separation analysis taking into account synchrotron, free–free, AME, and thermal dust components. AME in M31 is modelled as a log-normal distribution with maximum amplitude, A AME, equal to 1.03 ± 0.32 Jy. It peaks at |${\nu _{\rm AME}}=17.2\pm 3.2{\rm \, GHz}{}$| with a width of W AME = 0.58 ± 0.16. Both the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria find the model without AME to be less than 1 per cent as probable as the one taking AME into consideration. We find that the AME emissivity per 100  |$\mu$| m intensity in M31 is |${\epsilon _{\rm AME}^{\rm 28.4\, GHz}}=9.6\pm 3.1\,\mu$| K MJy−1 sr, similar to that of the MW. We also provide the first upper limits for the AME polarization fraction in an extragalactic object. M31 remains the only galaxy where an AME measurement has been made of its integrated spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filistatids represent an antique lineage of araneomorph spiders which are most diverse in arid and semiarid regions of the globe. Phylogenetic relationships among its genera are still largely unexplored, and previous studies disagree on the position of the North American Filistatinella Gertsch & Ivie, 1936, which could either be the sister group of all other Prithinae, or deeply nested in the subfamily. We present a new phylogenetic hypothesis based on morphological data, which supports the position of Filistatinella at the base of Prithinae. We also argue that the central Asian Pholcoides Roewer, 1960, hitherto considered incertae sedis in the subfamily, represents the putative sister group of Filistatinella. The latter genus is revised, and we describe its fine morphology in detail using optical and scanning electron microscopy. We redescribe the three previously known species, F. crassipalpis (Gertsch, 1935), F. domestica Desales-Lara, 2012 and F. palaciosi Jiménez & Palacios-Cardiel, 2012. Seven new species are named: F. kahloae, sp. nov. and F. chilindrina, sp. nov. from Mexico; F. pistrix, sp. nov., F. tohono, sp. nov., F. howdyall, sp. nov. and F. hermosa, sp. nov. from south-western USA; and F. spatulata, sp. nov. from the border between the two countries. The phylogenetic relationships among these 10 species are assessed, revealing the monophyly of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first direct kinetic study of the gas-phase reaction NaOH + H → Na + H2O, which is central to the chemistry of sodium in the upper atmosphere and in flames. The reaction was studied in a fast flow tube, where NaOH was observed by multiphoton ionization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry, yielding k(NaOH + H, 230-298 K) = (3.8 ± 0.8) × 10-11 cm³ molecule -1 s-1 (at 2σ confidence level), showing no significant temperature dependence over the indicated temperature range and essentially in agreement with previous estimates of the rate constant in hydrogen-rich flames. We show, using theoretical trajectory calculations, that the unexpectedly slow, yet T-independent, rate coefficient for NaOH + H is explained by severe constraints in the angle of attack that H can make on NaOH to produce H2O. This reaction is also central to explaining Na-catalyzed flame inhibition, which has been proposed to occur via the sequence Na + OH (+ M) → NaOH followed by NaOH + H → Na + H2O, thereby effectively recombinating H and OH to H2O. RRKM calculations for the recombination of Na and OH yield k(Na + OH + N2, 300-2400 K) = 2.7 × 10-29 (300/T)1.2 cm6 molecule-2 s-1, in agreement with a previous flash photolysis measurement at 653 K and Na-seeded flame studies in the 1800-2200 K range. These results therefore provide strong evidence to support the mechanism of flame inhibition by Na. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aims of this study were to analyse the quality of life (QoL) of a broad sample of patients with eating disorders (ED) and to identify potential factors that predict QoL. Methods This prospective cohort study involved 528 patients diagnosed with ED and treated over a 15-year period in the Eating Disorders Outpatient Clinic. Information on sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered. Patients completed five self-administered instruments: the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26); the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Short-Form 12 (SF-12); and the Quality of Life in ED-short form (HeRQoLED-s). Descriptive, univariate analyses and multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify factors associated with QoL. Results Predictive variables for a low level of QoL in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) included antidepressant treatment ( P = 0.009), substance abuse disorder, ( P = 0.03) and other organic comorbidities ( P < 0.0001). For patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), they included osteoporosis ( P ≤ 0.0001), obesity ( P = 0.0004) or being a student ( P = 0.04). For patients with eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), they included anxiolytic treatment ( P = 0.003), having circulatory disease ( P = 0.001), more years since start of ED treatment ( P = 0.03) and living alone ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions We found a significant difference in QoL between the diagnostic ED groups. With regard to the variables predicting QoL in ED patients, the findings of this study suggest that organic or psychiatric comorbidities and some data of social normality might be more relevant to QoL in ED than age, type of compensatory behaviour, BMI or number of visits to hospital emergency department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sympathetic Ophthalmia is a rare and potentially devastating bilateral uveitis, typically followed by penetrating ocular trauma (0.2-0.5%) or intraocular surgery (0.01%). A high index of suspicion is vital to ensure early diagnosis and treatment for a good visual outcome. Onset varies from days to decades, with 80% of cases starting before 3 months and 90% within the first year. The clinical presentation can be very variable, with the presence of conjunctival injection, mutton fat keratic precipitates, serous retinal detachments, papillary edema and the characteristic nodules of Dalen- Fuchs. The treatment is based on systemic steroids and considering immunomodulators in refractory cases. We present a case of a young man suffering from evisceration secondary to penetrating eye trauma; whom later develops sympathetic ophthalmia in the contralateral eye, with identification and early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some aspects of the spatial ecology of three species of sigmodontine rodents (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix olivacea and Abrothrix hirta) were studied in the Paraje El Contra, Lanín National Park (Province of Neuquén, Argentina), and the results were then analyzed in relation to the risk of human exposure to "Andes" Hantavirus, causative agent of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The work was conducted in two environment types (sylvan and domestic), where mice were monthly captured using capture-mark-recapture methodology. Thus, movements within and between environments and home ranges sizes were estimated and compared. Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, principal reservoir of "Andes" Hantavirus in Patagonia, showed the largest number of captures in both environments and more captures than those expected by random within domestic environments. Moreover, it showed the lowest average home range sizes, and statistically significant intra environment movements. Rural domestic environments resulted to be the riskiest in terms of exposure and transmission of Hantavirus to humans. Other contributions of this work to human health are discussed as a result of captures and dispersal movements of O. longicaudatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]