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We present a new constraint on the Hubble constant (⁠|$H_0$|⁠) from the standard dark siren method using a sample of five well-covered gravitational wave (GW) alerts reported during the first part of the fourth observing run of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the Virgo and Kamioka Gravitational Wave Detector (KAGRA) collaborations (LVK) and with three updated standard dark sirens from third observation run in combination with the previous constraints from the first three runs. Our methodology relies on the galaxy catalogue method alone. We use a deep learning method to derive the full probability density estimation of photometric redshifts using the Legacy Survey catalogues. We add the constraints from well localized binary black hole mergers to the sample of standard dark sirens analysed in our previous work. We combine the |$H_0$| posterior for 5 new standard sirens with other 10 previous events (using the most recent available data for the five novel events and updated three previous posteriors from O3), finding |$H_0 = 70.4^{+13.6}_{-11.7}~{\rm km~s^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$| (68 per cent confidence interval) with the catalogue method only. This result represents an improvement of |$\sim 23~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| comparing the new 15 dark siren constraints with the previous 10 dark siren constraints and a reduction in uncertainty of |$\sim 40~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| from the combination of 15 dark and bright sirens compared with the GW170817 bright siren alone. The combination of dark and bright siren GW170817 with recent jet constraints yields |$H_0$| of |$68.0^{+4.4}_{-3.8}~{\rm km~s^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$|⁠ , a |$\sim 6~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| precision from standard sirens, reducing the previous constraint uncertainty by |$\sim 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$|⁠. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work we determine the eight form factors of the transversely-projected quark-gluon vertex in general kinematics, in the context of Landau-gauge QCD with two degenerate light dynamical quarks. The study is based on the set of Schwinger–Dyson equations that govern the vertex form factors, derived within the formalism of the three-particle-irreducible (3PI) effective action. The analysis is performed by employing lattice data for the main ingredients, such as gluon and quark propagators, and three-gluon vertex. The numerical treatment is simplified by decoupling the system of integral equations: the classical form factor is determined from a single non-linear equation involving only itself, while the remaining ones are subsequently computed through simple integrations. The form factors are obtained for arbitrary values of space-like momenta, and their angular dependence is examined in detail. A clear hierarchy is established at the level of the corresponding dimensionless effective couplings, in agreement with results of earlier studies. Furthermore, the classical form factor is found to be in excellent agreement with recent unquenched lattice data in the soft-gluon configuration, while the two non-classical dressings depart substantially from the lattice results. Finally, the accurate implementation of multiplicative renormalizability is confirmed, and the transition from Minkoswski to Euclidean space is elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current and next observation seasons will detect hundreds of gravitational waves (GWs) from compact binary systems coalescence at cosmological distances. When combined with independent electromagnetic measurements, the source redshift will be known, and we will be able to obtain precise measurements of the Hubble constant H 0 via the distance–redshift relation. However, most observed mergers are not expected to have electromagnetic counterparts, which prevents a direct redshift measurement. In this scenario, one possibility is to use the dark sirens method that statistically marginalizes over all the potential host galaxies within the GW location volume to provide a probabilistic source redshift. Here we presented H 0 measurements using two new dark sirens compared to previous analyses using DECam data: GW190924 |$\_$| 021846 and GW200202 |$\_$| 154313. The photometric redshifts of the possible host galaxies of these two events are acquired from the DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey (DELVE) carried out on the Blanco telescope at Cerro Tololo. The combination of the H 0 posterior from GW190924 |$\_$| 021846 and GW200202 |$\_$| 154313 together with the bright siren GW170817 leads to |$H_{0} = 68.84^{+15.51}_{-7.74}\, \rm {km\, s^{-1}\, Mpc^{-1}}$|⁠. Including these two dark sirens improves the 68  per cent confidence interval (CI) by 7  per cent over GW170817 alone. This demonstrates that the addition of well-localized dark sirens in such analysis improves the precision of cosmological measurements. Using a sample containing 10 well-localized dark sirens observed during the third LIGO/Virgo observation run, without the inclusion of GW170817, we determine a measurement of |$H_{0} = 76.00^{+17.64}_{-13.45}\, \rm {km\, s^{-1}\, Mpc^{-1}}$|⁠. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Trypanosoma is a hemoflagellate capable of infecting a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, such as Neotropical freshwater fish. The present study described and morphologically compared Trypanosoma spp., found in Platydoras armatulus, Valenciennes, 1840, in southwestern Amazon. Fish specimens were sampled in Ipixuna and Juruá rivers located in the states of Amazonas and Acre, Brazil. Fish blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture, and smears were prepared for quantification, morphometric measurements, and morphotyping (characterization of the trypanosomes according to their morphological variations) of trypanosomes found. Prevalence, mean abundance, and intensity of parasitism were estimated in the parasitized fish specimens. Five fish specimens were collected, showing a 100% prevalence of parasites in the host. We found two Trypanosoma morphotypes, A and B, in which A had the highest infection intensity in host specimens. Thus, the present study presented the first report of Trypanosoma parasitizing P. armatulus, with different morphological variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major rDNA genes are composed of tandem repeats and are part of the nucleolus organizing regions (NORs). They are highly conserved and therefore useful in understanding the evolutionary patterns of chromosomal locations. The evolutionary dynamics of the karyotype may affect the organization of rDNA genes within chromosomes. In this study, we physically mapped 18S rDNA genes in 13 Neotropical ant species from four subfamilies using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Furthermore, a survey of published rDNA cytogenetic data for 50 additional species was performed, which allowed us to detect the evolutionary patterns of these genes in ant chromosomes. Species from the Neotropical, Palearctic, and Australian regions, comprising a total of 63 species from 19 genera within six subfamilies, were analysed. Most of the species (48 out of 63) had rDNA genes restricted to a single chromosome pair in their intrachromosomal regions. The position of rDNA genes within the chromosomes appears to hinder their dispersal throughout the genome, as translocations and ectopic recombination are uncommon in intrachromosomal regions because they can generate meiotic abnormalities. Therefore, rDNA genes restricted to a single chromosome pair seem to be a plesiomorphic feature in ants, while multiple rDNA sites, observed in distinct subfamilies, may have independent origins in different genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This cross‐sectional study investigated the association between chronotype, food craving and weight gain in pregnant women. Methods: In total, 245 pregnant women attending the public health service in Brazil were included. Chronotype was derived from the time of mid‐sleep time on free days, with a further correction for calculated sleep debt, and higher scores on this variable indicate a tendency to eveningness. A Food Craving Questionnaire Trait and State assessment was performed, and weight gain was calculated. Generalised linear models were used to determine the association between the variables under analysis. Results: Evening types presented higher anticipation of relief from negative states and feelings as a result of eating as a usual behaviour compared to morning (P = 0.013) and non‐evening types (P = 0.028); less intense desire to eat as a sporadic behaviour compared to morning (P = 0.012) and non‐evening types (P = 0.009); and less anticipation of positive reinforcement that may result from eating as a sporadic behaviour than non‐evening types (P = 0.022). We also found a significant association between chronotype score and anticipation of relief from negative states and feelings as a result of eating (P = 0.004); anticipation of positive reinforcement that may result from eating (P = 0.013) as a usual behaviour; weight gain during the early gestational period (P = 0.024); and intense desire to eat (P = 0.045) as a sporadic behaviour. Conclusions: We conclude that evening chronotype was associated with the food craving trait. Pregnant women who tend to eveningness are more likely to gain weight in the early gestational period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cirrhosis is the end‐stage of progressive fibrosis, in which oxidative stress and inflammation‐related pathways can modulate the cellular and tissue events involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested to protect against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association of the dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) with anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers, as well as the severity of the disease, in cirrhotic outpatients. Methods: Sixty‐two outpatients (38 men and 24 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (9.9) years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Aetiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities and oedema, and anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers were all assessed. Results: Cirrhotic outpatients with higher dTAC also had higher values of the hand‐grip strength (P = 0.029) and arm muscle area (P = 0.027). After adjusting by sex, age, smoking and alcohol intake, the addition of 1 mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to increase 0.552 kg f−1 in hand‐grip strength (P < 0.05). The addition of one mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to an arm muscle area increase 0.565 cm2 (P < 0.05) on average. Conclusions: The dTAC was positively associated with hand‐grip strength and arm muscle area in cirrhotic outpatients. The implications of the present study are important in clinical practice because a diet rich in antioxidants may be an ally in the control of excessive reactive oxygen species production in cirrhotic outpatients with repercussion on muscle mass and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Being the most numerous and oldest stars in the galaxy, M dwarfs are objects of great interest for exoplanet searches. The presence of molecules in their atmosphere complicates our understanding of their atmospheric properties. But great advances have recently been made in the modeling of M dwarfs due to the revision of solar abundances. Aims. We aim to determine stellar parameters of M dwarfs using high resolution spectra (R ∼ 90 000) simultaneously in the visible and the near-infrared. The high resolution spectra and broad wavelength coverage provide an unique opportunity to understand the onset of dust and cloud formation at cool temperatures. Furthermore, this study will help in understanding the physical processes which occur in a cool atmospheres, particularly, the redistribution of energy from the optical to the near-infrared. Methods. The stellar parameters of M dwarfs in our sample have been determined by comparing the high resolution spectra both in the optical and in the near-infrared simultaneously observed by CARMENES with the synthetic spectra obtained from the BT-Settl model atmosphere. The detailed spectral synthesis of these observed spectra both in the optical and in the near-infrared helps to understand the missing continuum opacity. Results. For the first time, we derive fundamental stellar parameters of M dwarfs using the high resolution optical and near-infrared spectra simultaneously. We determine Teff, log g and [M/H] for 292 M dwarfs of spectral type M0 to M9, where the formation of dust and clouds are important. The derived Teff for the sample ranges from 2300 to 4000 K, values of log g ranges from 4.5 ≤ logg ≤ 5.5 and the resulting metallicity ranges from −0.5 ≤ [M/H] ≤ +0.5. We have also explored the possible differences in Teff, log g and [M/H] by comparing them with other studies of the same sample of M dwarfs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lactobacillus species produce biosurfactants that can contribute to the bacteria's ability to prevent microbial infections associated with urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts and the skin. Here, we described the biological and physicochemical properties of biosurfactants produced by Lactobacillus jensenii P6A and Lactobacillus gasseri P65. Results: The biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P6A and L. gasseri P65 reduced the water surface tension from 72 to 43.2 mN m-1 and 42.5 mN m-1 as their concentration increased up to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of 7.1 and 8.58 mg mL-1, respectively. Maximum emulsifying activity was obtained at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg mL-1 for the P6A and P65 strains, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data revealed that the biomolecules consist of a mixture of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis of L. jensenii P6A biosurfactant showed a major peak for 14-methypentadecanoic acid, which was the main fatty acid present in the biomolecule; conversely, eicosanoic acid dominated the biosurfactant produced by L. gasseri P65. Although both biosurfactants contain different percentages of the sugars galactose, glucose and ribose; rhamnose was only detected in the biomolecule produced by L. jensenii P6A. Emulsifying activities were stable after a 60-min incubation at 100 °C, at pH 2-10, and after the addition of potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, but not in the presence of sodium chloride. The biomolecules showed antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 µg mL-1, and against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 128 µg mL-1. The biosurfactants also disrupted preformed biofilms of microorganisms at varying concentrations, being more efficient against E. aerogenes (64%) (P6A biosurfactant), and E. coli (46.4%) and S. saprophyticus (39%) (P65 biosurfactant). Both strains of lactobacilli could also co-aggregate pathogens. Conclusions: This report presents the first characterization of biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P6A and L. gasseri P65. The antimicrobial properties and stability of these biomolecules indicate their potential use as alternative antimicrobial agents in the medical field for applications against pathogens that are responsible for infections in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes produces ROS as their sole function and is becoming recognized as key modulators of signal transduction pathways with a physiological role under acute stress and a pathological role after excessive activation under chronic stress. The seven isoforms differ in their regulation, tissue and subcellular localization and ROS products. The most studied are NOX1, 2 and 4. Genetic deletion of NOX1 and 4, in contrast to NOX2, has revealed no significant spontaneous pathologies and a pathogenic relevance of both NOX1 and 4 across multiple organs in a wide range of diseases and in particular inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. This has stimulated interest in NOX inhibitors for therapeutic application. GKT136901 and GKT137831 are two structurally related compounds demonstrating a preferential inhibition of NOX1 and 4 that have suitable properties for in vivo studies and have consequently been evaluated across a range of disease models and compared with gene deletion. In contrast to gene deletion, these inhibitors do not completely suppress ROS production, maintaining some basal level of ROS. Despite this and consistent with most gene deletion studies, these inhibitors are well tolerated and slow or prevent disease progression in a range of models of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases by modulating common signal transduction pathways. Clinical trials in patients with GKT137831 have demonstrated excellent tolerability and reduction of various markers of chronic inflammation. NOX1/4 inhibition may provide a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for a range of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Thanks to the importance that the star-planet relation has to our understanding of the planet formation process, the precise determination of stellar parameters for the ever increasing number of discovered extrasolar planets is of great relevance. Furthermore, precise stellar parameters are needed to fully characterize the planet properties. It is thus important to continue the efforts to determine, in the most uniform way possible, the parameters for stars with planets as new discoveries are announced. Aims. In this paper we present new precise atmospheric parameters for a sample of 50 stars with planets. The results are presented in the catalogue: SWEET-Cat. Methods. Stellar atmospheric parameters and masses for the 50 stars were derived assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium and using high-resolution and high signal-to-noise spectra. The methodology used is based on the measurement of equivalent widths with ARES2 for a list of iron lines. The line abundances were derived using MOOG. We then used the curve of growth analysis to determine the parameters. We implemented a new minimization procedure which significantly improves the computational time. Results. The stellar parameters for the 50 stars are presented and compared with previously determined literature values. For SWEETCat, we compile values for the effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and stellar mass for almost all the planet host stars listed in the Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia. This data will be updated on a continuous basis. The data can be used for statistical studies of the star-planet correlation, and for the derivation of consistent properties for known planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The ever-growing number of large spectroscopic survey programs has increased the importance of fast and reliable methods with which to determine precise stellar parameters. Some of these methods are highly dependent on correct spectroscopic calibrations. Aims. The goal of this work is to obtain a new spectroscopic calibration for a fast estimate of Teff and [Fe/H] for a wide range of stellar spectral types. Methods. We used spectra from a joint sample of 708 stars, compiled from 451 FGK dwarfs and 257 GK-giant stars. We used homogeneously determined spectroscopic stellar parameters to derive temperature calibrations using a set of selected EW line-ratios, and [Fe/H] calibrations using a set of selected Fe I lines. Results. We have derived 322 EW line-ratios and 100 Fe I lines that can be used to compute Teff and [Fe/H], respectively. We show that these calibrations are effective for FGK dwarfs and GK-giant stars in the following ranges: 4500 K < Teff < 6500 K, 2:5 < log g < 4:9 dex, and -0:8 < [Fe/H] < 0:5 dex. The new calibration has a standard deviation of 74 K for Teff and 0:07 dex for [Fe/H].We use four independent samples of stars to test and verify the new calibration, a sample of 56 giant stars, a sample composed of Gaia FGK benchmark stars, a sample of 36 GK-giant stars of the DR1 of the Gaia-ESO survey, and a sample of 582 FGK-dwarf stars. We also provide a new computer code, GeTCal, for automatically producing new calibration files based on any new sample of stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium niobate can be used as precursor of flexible composites with great properties aiming the use in devices that combine properties like piezoelectricity and photoluminescence. In this work, we obtained NaNbO3 fiber-like particles and cubic-like particles by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The composites were made matching different volume fraction of NaNbO3 particles and PVDF polymer. The particles showed band gap around 3.3 eV and photoluminescence emission in blue region. The composites with less NaNbO3 volume fraction showed better flexibility. The piezoelectric property of composite with fiber particles was 7.8 pC/N and to composite with cubic particles the value was 1.1 pC/N. The UV-visible spectra of composites provided band gap values similar to particles. Photoluminescence emission of composites were in a lower energy region when compared to particles (590 nm to composite with fiber particles, and 550 nm to material with cubic-like particles), indicating contribution of different structural defects to emission. According the results, the anisotropy of NaNbO3 particles, improve the electrical and optical characteristics. Since the materials combine properties like piezoelectric and photoluminescence, they can have a potential application in flexible piezophotonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overlap of niches of the swimming crabs Achelous spinicarpus and A. spinimanus on the southeastern coast of Brazil was investigated through biological and environmental samplings made monthly during 1 year, covering depths from 5 to 40 m. The abundance of the temporal bathymetric distributions was analyzed by a generalized linear model. A principal components analysis determined the environmental factors that explained most of the data variation, and then one redundancy analysis assessed the influence of these variations on the species' abundance. A. spinicarpus was most abundant during the summer and at greater depths, while individuals of A. spinimanus were collected in larger numbers during the winter and spring, at 25 m. The abundance of A. spinicarpus was positively correlated with depth and with the influence of the intrusion of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), whereas A. spinimanus was positively correlated with the organic-matter content in the sediment. A. spinicarpus can be considered an indicator of cooler waters, because it is abundant in regions and periods that are directly influenced by the SACW. The niches of these congeners do not overlap, and appear to be determined mainly by the environmental requirements of each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have investigated the effect of exercise on prostate cancer risk. However, there are still doubts regarding the correlation between physical activity and the steroid hormones with respect to the reduction of the risk for prostatic lesions. We evaluated the levels of corticosterone, dihydrotestosterone ( DHT), testosterone, estradiol, and steroid hormone receptors, and investigated the relationship between apoptosis and cell proliferation in the rat ventral prostate after training. Two groups were included in this study: control and trained. The trained group was submitted to training for 13 weeks (1 week of adaptation). Two days after the last training session, all animals were euthanized, and the intermediate and distal regions of the ventral prostate were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and hormonal analyses. Physical exercise increased the corticosterone plasma, DHT and testosterone. In addition, androgen receptor expression was lower and estrogen receptor ( ER) α and ER β expression were higher in the trained group. However, the trained group showed disruption of the ratio of apoptotic to proliferating cells, indicating a predominance of apoptosis. We conclude that physical exercise alters the sex hormones and their receptors and is associated with the disruption of the balance between apoptosis and cell proliferation in the rat ventral prostate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We map the jets and outflows from the Serpens South star-forming region and find an empirical relationship between the magnetic field and outflow orientation. Methods. We performed near-infrared H2 v = 1-0 S(1) 2.122 μm - line imaging of the ∼30' - long filamentary shaped Serpens South star-forming region, and used Ks broadband imaging of the same region for the continuum subraction. Candidate driving sources of the mapped jets/outflows are identified from the list of known protostars and young stars in this region, which was derived from studies using Spitzer and Herschel telescope observations. Results. We identify 14 molecular hydrogen emission-line objects (MHOs) in our continuum-subtracted images. They are found to constitute ten individual flows. Among these, nine flows are located in the lower-half(southern) part of the Serpens South filament, and one flow is located at the northern tip of the filament. Four flows are driven by well-identified Class 0 protostars, while the remaining six flows are driven by candidate protostars mostly in the Class I stage, based on Spitzer and Herschel observations. The orientation of the outflows is systematically perpendicular to the direction of the near-infrared polarization vector published in the literature. No significant correlation was observed between the orientation of the flows and the axis of the filamentary cloud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel can be obtained from various fatty acid sources. Each raw material has a different chemical composition that leads to different properties. Owing to these properties, the mixture of different proportions of raw materials can lead to biodiesels with best features in relation to physicochemical parameters such as viscosity, oxidative stability and flow properties, generating a fuel whose characteristics meet the requirements of the current legislation of the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties of biodiesel samples produced from mixtures of beef tallow, babassu oil, and soybean oil. The thermo-oxidative stability was evaluated using thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that all samples were in accordance to the ANP specifications. The biodiesel obtained from a mixture containing 50% of babassu oil had lower values of pour point, cold filter plugging point, and freezing point. This biodiesel also showed a higher thermo-oxidative stability in synthetic air and in oxygen atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud point (CP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and pour point (PP) of biodiesel samples obtained from blends containing different amounts of beef tallow, babassu oil, and soybean oil were investigated by the corresponding conventional techniques and by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC). The CP and CFPP values correlate well with the crystallization temperature ( T) obtained from the TMDSC curves, being the highest for the biodiesel sample containing the highest amount of methyl stearate. A correspondence between PP and the peak temperature was also noticed, pointing out that pouring ceases after the crystallization of the heavier fatty acid ester. Among the samples of biodiesel, Bio-3 (highest amount of babassu oil) and Bio-4 (highest amount of soybean oil) showed better cold-flow properties, or in other words, lower values of CP, CFPP, and PP. Independently of the composition, the cold-flow properties of all biodiesel samples meet the requirements from the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R. Lopes da Silva, I. Ferreira, G. Teixeira, D. Cordeiro, M. Mafra, I. Costa, J.M. Bravo Marques, M. Abecasis. BK virus encephalitis with thrombotic microangiopathy in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 161-167. All rights reserved BK virus (BKV) infection occurs most often in immunocompromised hosts, in the setting of renal or bone marrow transplantation. Hemorrhagic cystitis is the commonest manifestation but in recent years infections in other organ systems have been reported. We report an unusual case of biopsy-proven BKV encephalitis in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient who subsequently developed thrombotic microangiopathy. As far as we know, this is the first report of such an association in a transplant patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verbal language is a dynamic mental process. Ideas emerge by means of the selection of words from subjective and individual characteristics throughout the oral discourse. The goal of this work is to characterize the complex network of word associations that emerge from an oral discourse from a discourse topic. Because of that, concepts of associative incidence and fidelity have been elaborated and represented the probability of occurrence of pairs of words in the same sentence in the whole oral discourse. Semantic network of words associations were constructed, where the words are represented as nodes and the edges are created when the incidence-fidelity index between pairs of words exceeds a numerical limit (0.001). Twelve oral discourses were studied. The networks generated from these oral discourses present a typical behavior of complex networks and their indices were calculated and their topologies characterized. The indices of these networks obtained from each incidence-fidelity limit exhibit a critical value in which the semantic network has maximum conceptual information and minimum residual associations. Semantic networks generated by this incidence-fidelity limit depict a pattern of hierarchical classes that represent the different contexts used in the oral discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food enteropathies involve uncontrolled or hypersensitivity reactions to ingested nutrients and may result in IgE and T-helper type 2 (Th2) responses as in food allergy. However, the precise role of B cells in the development of food enteropathies remains uncertain. In this work, we used B cell-deficient mice (B KO) and a model of peanut sensitization to examine the involvement of B lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of food allergy. Results showed that priming of wild-type (WT) mice with peanut proteins induced specific IgG1 and IgE responses in serum, with edema, tissue destruction, epithelial exulceration and inflammatory infiltrate in the gut of sensitized and challenged ( S + Peanut) WT animals. In contrast, there was no sera immunoglobulin detection and absence of tissue destruction in the gut of B KO mice, which presented moderate inflammatory infiltrate and villous enlargement after peanut challenge. These animals presented marked decrease in IL-4 and TNF-α and high levels of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-12p40 and IFN-γ mRNA in the gut. Moreover, the expression of CCL5, CCL11 and CXCL1 was reduced in the gut of B KO mice, in contrast to elevated messages of CCL2 or similar detection of Th1-related chemokines in S + Peanut WT mice. Finally, we provided evidence that B cells are necessary to the development of food-related enteropathies and induction of gut inflammation during allergic reactions to food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tornabenea is a small Apiaceae genus that is endemic to the Cape Verde Islands. Its species differentiation is based just on a few macromorphological characters: leaf shape, number and shape of umbel bracts and mericarp ribs. These characters vary within each species and show high plasticity. Thus, in recent taxonomic data of the genus, there are different viewpoints as to the number of species. Here, in order to improve the taxonomy of the genus, microcharacters of the vegetative and reproductive structures of three taxa - T. insularis, T. annua and T. tenuissima - have been examined. The shape and arrangement of hairs on the surface of the mericarps, and the presence and structure of starch grains are the only different microcharacters noted in T. insularis and T. annua. Chromosome number of the latter two species is 2n = 18. Our preliminary results disagree with the existing classifications of the genus Tornabenea. In fact, they do not lead to a clear separation between T. insularis and T. annua. By contrast, it is easy to distinguish between these species and T. tenuissima, which possesses more peculiar microcharacters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypersensitivity or uncontrolled responses against dietary antigens can lead to inflammatory disorders like food allergy and current models reflect a variety of causes but do not reveal the detailed modulation of gut immunity in response to food antigens after breakdown in mucosal tolerance. Objective To develop and characterize a murine model for food-induced intestinal inflammation and to demonstrate the modulation of gut immune response by dietary allergenic antigens. Methods C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with peanut proteins, challenged with peanut seeds and their sera and gut segments were collected for subsequent analyses. Results Sensitization and challenged with peanut seeds led to alterations in gut architecture with inflammatory response characterized by oedema in lamina propria and cell infiltrate composed mainly by eosinophils, mast cells, phagocytes, natural killer and plasma cells, together with low percentage of γδ+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in Peyer's patches. These animals also presented high levels of specific IgE and IgG1 in sera and modulation of mucosal immunity was mediated by increased expression of GATA-3, IL-4, IL-13 and TNF-α in contrast to low IFN-γ in the gut. Conclusion A murine model for food-induced intestinal inflammation was characterized in which modulation of gut immunity occurs by peanut antigens in consequence of T-helper type 2 (Th2) allergic response and failure of regulatory mechanisms necessary for mucosa homeostasis, resembling food allergy. This work shed some light on the understanding of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders and intolerance in the gut and supports the development of therapies for food-related enteropathies like food allergy, focusing on gut-specific immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B TYPE: b Abstract Publication B TOPIC: b Disorders of the Pleura B PURPOSE: b A notable percentage of exudative pleural effusions remain unclassifiable after fluid analysis and imaging. Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is the gold-standard approach for obtaining pleural tissue, with the advantage of allowing a possible therapeutic procedure. Complications included pneumomediastinum, dysrhythmia, cardiac ischemia, ventilatory arrest secondary to sedation and secondary pleural infection. [Extracted from the article]

Current Galactic surveys, including the Gaia mission, rely on the efficiency of the spectral analysis techniques to provide precise and accurate spectral information (i.e. effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and chemical abundances) in the shortest computational time. In this work, we present a new package to preform complete spectral analyses based on the spectral synthesis technique (Tsantaki et al. 2017, submitted). We focus on deriving atmospheric parameters for FGK-type stars using both high and medium resolution (GIRAFFE) spectra. This method is implemented on the Gaia-ESO benchmark stars to confirm its validity, achieving similar accuracy for the two resolution setups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hakea sericeae Schrader and H. salicifolia (Vent.) B. L. Burtt. are perennials, which belong to the Proteaceae family. Native to dry tropical zones from South Australia, they became aggressive species, particulary in damaged, dried and windy areas and are now considered invaders in some places of mainland Portugal. With no natural predators, the use of chemical control is the main way to manage these plants but they both show a small foliar area, therefore usually little success has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]