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Air temperature records are acquired by networks of weather stations which may be several kilometres apart. In complex topographies the representativeness of a meteorological station may be diminished in relation to a flatter valley, and the nearest station may have no relation to a place located near it. The present study shows a simple method to estimate the spatial distribution of minimum and maximum air temperatures from MODIS land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) images. Indeed, there is a strong correlation between MODIS day and night LST products and air temperature records from meteorological stations, which is obtained by using geographically weighted regression equations, and reliable results are found. Then, the results allow to spatially interpolate the coefficients of the local regressions using altitude and NDVI as descriptor variables, to obtain maps of the whole region for minimum and maximum air temperature. Most of the meteorological stations show air temperature estimates that do not have significant differences compared to the measured values. The results showed that the regression coefficients for the selected locations are strong for the correlations between minimum temperature with LSTnight (R2 = 0.69–0.82) and maximum temperature with LSTday (R2 = 0.70–0.87) at the 47 stations. The root mean square errors (RMSE) of the statistical models are 1.0 °C and 0.8 °C for night and daytime temperatures, respectively. Furthermore, the association between each pair of data is significant at the 95% level (p

Abstract Background RNA viruses commonly infect bats and rodents, including mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFV) that affect human and animal health. Serological evidence suggests past interactions between these two mammalian orders with dengue viruses (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and yellow fever virus (YFV). Although in Mexico there are reports of these viruses in both host groups, we know little about their endemic cycles or persistence in time and space. Methods Rodents and bats were captured at the Cuitzmala River Basin on the Pacific coast of Jalisco state, Mexico, where MBFV, such as DENV, have been reported in both humans and bats. Samples were taken during January, June, and October 2014, at locations adjacent to the river. Tissue samples were collected from both bats and rodents and serum samples from rodents only. Highly sensitive serological and molecular assays were used to search for current and past evidence of viral circulation. Results One thousand nine hundred forty-eight individuals were captured belonging to 21 bat and 14 rodent species. Seven hundred sixty-nine liver and 764 spleen samples were analysed by means of a specific molecular protocol used to detect flaviviruses. Additionally, 708 serum samples from rodents were examined in order to demonstrate previous exposure to dengue virus serotype 2 (which circulates in the region). There were no positive results with any diagnostic test. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first survey of rodents and only the second survey of bats from the Pacific Coast of Mexico in a search for MBFV. We obtained negative results from all samples. We validated our laboratory tests with negative and positive controls. Our findings are consistent with other empirical and experimental studies in which these mammalian hosts may not replicate mosquito-borne flaviviruses or present low prevalence. Conclusions True-negative results are essential for the construction of distribution models and are necessary to identify potential areas at risk. Negative results should not be interpreted as the local absence of MBFV in the region. On the contrary, we need to establish a long-term surveillance programme to find MBFV presence in the mosquito trophic networks, identifying the potential role of rodents and bats in viral dynamics.

The impacts of forest roads on soil were studied in a timber harvesting area of 92 ha in the municipality of San Dimas, state of Durango, Mexico. The area included 3127 m of main roads, 2907 m of secondary roads and 2979 m of tertiary roads. The timber was harvested at the beginning of 2012. After logging, soil loss by run-off during the rainy season was assessed along the truck ruts. This variable was correlated with the width and the longitudinal and transverse slopes of the road. The overall average road density (98 m/ha) indicated an average external yarding distance of 102 m. This is a short distance considering that timber was drawn with a jammer, which can pull logs over a distance of 300 m or more. Run-off in the rainy season decreased the ground level by between 38 and 58 mm along the truck ruts, and the soil loss was different in each type of road. The findings have led us to propose the elimination of some tertiary roads, to reduce the total road density to 78 m/ha. This is more than sufficient for logging, especially if the jammer capacity is improved, e.g., by applying the highlead system or the aerial yarding system with jammer. We estimate that soil loss would be reduced by 20% with the proposed changes to the road network. Additionally, the new road network would enable almost 20% of the area now occupied by roads to be reforested.

The European Directive on the quality of drinking water in 2003 establishing limits on the values of the radioactive parameters concerning the quality of drinking waters was translated to the Spanish legislation on 2003. These parameters are the gross alpha and beta indexes, tritium content and total indicative dose. The corresponding Spanish Royal Decree came into force in 2008. Not only tap drinking water is subjected to control of radioactivity but also commercial drinking water. Different estudies have been carried out all over the world in both cases. There is a wide range of techniques for the measurement of radioactivity in water. This article describes these techniques and shows when they must be applied. Finally the most important results obtained after analysis in tap water and commercial water are shown both in Spanish and non-Spanish waters. The results show that limits are overtaken in some cases and special care must be taken in order to reduce the levels of radioactivity in drinking water as much as possible.La directiva europea sobre calidad en el agua potable del año 2003 estableció los límites para los valores de los parámetros radiactivos. Esta directiva europea fue incorporada a la legislación 2003. Los parámetros a analizar son los índices alfa y beta total, el contenido en tritio y la dosis indicativa total. El correspondiente real decreto, en el caso de España, se comenzó a aplicar en el año 2008. No solamente el agua potable procedente de captaciones públicas está sujeta a control, sino que también se deben controlar las aguas comerciales. En ambos casos se han llevado a cabo estudios en todo el mundo. Existe un rango amplio de técnicas para la medida de la radiactividad en el agua de consumo. Este artículo describe tales técnicas e indica cuando se debe aplicar cada una de ellas. Por último, se muestran los resultados más importantes obtenidos tras el análisis de aguas potables y comerciales, tanto en aguas españolas como de fuera de España. Los resultados muestran que se superan los límites en algunos casos y por lo tanto se debe prestar especial atención a fin de reducir los niveles de radiactividad en las aguas potables todo lo posible.

The following research proposal seeks to bring a model of security software on virtual learning platforms LCMS under all SCORM specifications to ensure the authenticity of content created under concepts of digital signature and identification of protocols and mechanisms to ensure such activities.

This book presents an opportunity for those persons who have not studied the research literature on apparitions, mediumship, life after death, poltergeist activity, paranormal healing and reincarnation. The reader will encounter the richness of case studies with systematic scientific questioning. The author examines how these experiences influence the lives of those who report these phenomena. What follows is a brief summary of a typical of case study that Robertson presents: A shopkeeper experienced an apparition of a man, who he immediately identified as one of his customers whom had deceased over 6 years ago, on the ceiling of his shop while painting. The apparition pointed and told him, "Tell them not to do it, everything will be all right". The shopkeeper remained with shock and disbelief. However, the following day the widow of the apparition attended his shop as usual. He then told her about his experience. When he finished the lady's reaction was totally un expected since she threw her arms around him and thanked him while saying that she had already been given similar information by someone else, and this confirmed it. The shopkeeper had no clue as to what it was all about. Two weeks latter this lady explained that her son had been wrongly accused of a crime, but the evidence was such that, if found guilty, he could have been given a jail sentence in an adult jail. The family did not want this to happen and had thought of taking him to Southern Ireland to hide, which would mean that he would not appear at court and equally that he would not be able to return to Scotland again. However, the woman took the "advice" from her husband (via the shopkeeper) and when the boy did appear in court the case was dismissed. The judge simply said "No case to answer". The shopkeeper had never experienced anything like this before or after this event. (p. 11-13) From here on the author offers her analysis of the case.

La directiva europea sobre calidad en el agua potable del año 2003 estableció los límites para los valores de los parámetros radiactivos. Esta directiva europea fue incorporada a la legislación 2003. Los parámetros a analizar son los índices alfa y beta total, el contenido en tritio y la dosis indicativa total. El correspondiente real decreto, en el caso de España, se comenzó a aplicar en el año 2008. No solamente el agua potable procedente de captaciones públicas está sujeta a control, sino que también se deben controlar las aguas comerciales. En ambos casos se han llevado a cabo estudios en todo el mundo. Existe un rango amplio de técnicas para la medida de la radiactividad en el agua de consumo. Este artículo describe tales técnicas e indica cuando se debe aplicar cada una de ellas. Por último, se muestran los resultados más importantes obtenidos tras el análisis de aguas potables y comerciales, tanto en aguas españolas como de fuera de España. Los resultados muestran que se superan los límites en algunos casos y por lo tanto se debe prestar especial atención a fin de reducir los niveles de radiactividad en las aguas potables todo lo posible.

La directiva europea sobre calidad en el agua potable del año 2003 estableció los límites para los valores de los parámetros radiactivos. Esta directiva europea fue incorporada a la legislación 2003. Los parámetros a analizar son los índices alfa y beta total, el contenido en tritio y la dosis indicativa total. El correspondiente real decreto, en el caso de España, se comenzó a aplicar en el año 2008. No solamente el agua potable procedente de captaciones públicas está sujeta a control, sino que también se deben controlar las aguas comerciales. En ambos casos se han llevado a cabo estudios en todo el mundo. Existe un rango amplio de técnicas para la medida de la radiactividad en el agua de consumo. Este artículo describe tales técnicas e indica cuando se debe aplicar cada una de ellas. Por último, se muestran los resultados más importantes obtenidos tras el análisis de aguas potables y comerciales, tanto en aguas españolas como de fuera de España. Los resultados muestran que se superan los límites en algunos casos y por lo tanto se debe prestar especial atención a fin de reducir los niveles de radiactividad en las aguas potables todo lo posible.

Abstract The mechanisms of Pb(II) toxicity have been studied in human red blood cells using confocal microscopy, immunolabeling, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and atomic force microscopy. The process follows a sequence of events, starting with calcium entry, followed by potassium release, morphological change, generation of ceramide, lipid flip-flop and finally cell lysis. Clotrimazole blocks potassium channels and the whole process is inhibited. Immunolabeling reveals the generation of ceramide-enriched domains linked to a cell morphological change, while the use of a neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor greatly delays the process after the morphological change, and lipid flip-flop is significantly reduced. These facts point to three major checkpoints in the process: first the upstream exchange of calcium and potassium, then ceramide domain formation, and finally the downstream scramblase activation necessary for cell lysis. In addition, partial non-cytotoxic cholesterol depletion of red blood cells accelerates the process as the morphological change occurs faster. Cholesterol could have a role in modulating the properties of the ceramide-enriched domains. This work is relevant in the context of cell death, heavy metal toxicity and sphingolipid signaling.

The binding and early stages of activity of a phospholipase C/sphingomyelinase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa on giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) have been monitored using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Both the lipids and the enzyme were labeled with specific fluorescent markers. GUV consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine, and cholesterol in equimolar ratios, to which 5–10 mol% of the enzyme end-product ceramide and/or diacylglycerol were occasionally added. Morphological examination of the GUV in the presence of enzyme reveals that, although the enzyme diffuses rapidly throughout the observation chamber, detectable enzyme binding appears to be a slow, random process, with new bound-enzyme-containing vesicles appearing for several minutes. Enzyme binding to the vesicles appears to be a cooperative process. After the initial cluster of bound enzyme is detected, further binding and catalytic activity follow rapidly. After the activity has started, the enzyme is not released by repeated washing, suggesting a “scooting” mechanism for the hydrolytic activity. The enzyme preferentially binds the more disordered domains, and, in most cases, the catalytic activity causes the disordering of the other domains. Simultaneously, peanut- or figure-eight-shaped vesicles containing two separate lipid domains become spherical. At a further stage of lipid hydrolysis, lipid aggregates are formed and vesicles disintegrate.

Abstract Background In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented flooding across the greater Houston area. Given the potential for widespread flood-related exposures, including mold and sewage, and the emotional and mental toll caused by the flooding, we sought to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of flood-related exposures on the health of Houstonians. Our objectives were to assess the association of flood-related exposures with allergic symptoms and stress among Houston-area residents at two time points: within approximately 30 days (T1) and 12 months (T2) after Hurricane Harvey’s landfall. Methods The Houston Hurricane Harvey Health (Houston-3H) Study enrolled a total of 347 unique participants from four sites across Harris County at two times: within approximately 1-month of Harvey (T1, n = 206) and approximately 12-months after Harvey (T2, n = 266), including 125 individuals who participated at both time points. Using a self-administered questionnaire, participants reported details on demographics, flood-related exposures, and health outcomes, including allergic symptoms and stress. Results The majority of participants reported hurricane-related flooding in their homes at T1 (79.1%) and T2 (87.2%) and experienced at least one allergic symptom after the hurricane (79.4% at T1 and 68.4% at T2). In general, flood-exposed individuals were at increased risk of upper respiratory tract allergic symptoms, reported at both the T1 and T2 time points, with exposures to dirty water and mold associated with increased risk of multiple allergic symptoms. The mean stress score of study participants at T1 was 8.0 ± 2.1 and at T2, 5.1 ± 3.2, on a 0–10 scale. Participants who experienced specific flood-related exposures reported higher stress scores when compared with their counterparts, especially 1 year after Harvey. Also, a supplementary paired-samples analysis showed that reports of wheezing, shortness of breath, and skin rash did not change between T1 and T2, though other conditions were less commonly reported at T2. Conclusion These initial Houston-3H findings demonstrate that flooding experiences that occurred as a consequence of Hurricane Harvey had lasting impacts on the health of Houstonians up to 1 year after the hurricane.

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la anemia en gestantes hospitalizadas en el servicio de ginecobstetricia del hospital “San José” Callao-Lima. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, transversal con recolección de datos en forma retrospectiva. Resultados: encontramos una prevalencia del 78,9% de anemia en gestantes. Las gestantes en el 1er trimestre tuvieron mayor porcentaje de anemia (38,6%)( p=0,00); 54,6% de las gestantes menores de 30 años tuvieron anemia (p=0,01), el odds para la edad fue de 2,2; las gestantes con IMC de 25 a 29,9 fueron las que presentaron mayor porcentaje de anemia (36,3%) (p=0,29); las gestantes multíparas fueron las que presentaron mayor anemia (61,7%) (p=0,03), el odds para paridad fue de 1,83; las gestantes sin CPN tuvieron mayor porcentaje de anemia (64,9%) (p=0,00), el odds calculado fue de 0,03; las gestantes que NO presentaron preeclampsia y eclampsia obtuvieron un mayor porcentaje de anemia, 59,1% y 71,4% respectivamente. Las gestantes que Si presentaron periodo intergenésico son las que tuvieron mayor anemia (56,3%) (p=0,00), el odds calculado fue de 5,52 (IC 95% (3,16 – 9,65)). Conclusiones: Los factores que se asociaron significativamente a la anemia fueron la edad materna, la edad gestacional, la paridad, los controles prenatales y el periodo intergenésico. Por el contrario, los factores que no se asociaron significativamente fueron la preeclampsia, la eclampsia y el índice de masa corporal.

Programmed cell death or apoptosis is an essential biological process that is impaired in some diseases and can be used to assess the effectiveness of drugs. Here the authors design Apo-15 as a fluorogenic peptide for the detection and real-time imaging of apoptotic cells.

Clustering algorithms are one of the most widely used kernels to generate knowledge from large datasets. These algorithms group a set of data elements (i.e., images, points, patterns, etc.) into clusters to identify patterns or common features of a sample. However, these algorithms are very computationally expensive as they often involve the computation of expensive fitness functions that must be evaluated for all points in the dataset. This computational cost is even higher for fuzzy methods, where each data point may belong to more than one cluster. In this paper, we evaluate different parallelisation strategies on different heterogeneous platforms for fuzzy clustering algorithms typically used in the state-of-the-art such as the Fuzzy C-means (FCM), the Gustafson–Kessel FCM (GK-FCM) and the Fuzzy Minimals (FM). The experimental evaluation includes performance and energy trade-offs. Our results show that depending on the computational pattern of each algorithm, their mathematical foundation and the amount of data to be processed, each algorithm performs better on a different platform.

Given the significant impact of mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFVs) on both human and animal health, predicting their dynamics and understanding their transmission cycle is of the utmost importance. Usually, predictions about the distribution of priority pathogens, such as Dengue, Yellow fever, West Nile Virus and St. Louis encephalitis, relate abiotic elements to simple biotic components, such as a single causal agent. Furthermore, focusing on single pathogens neglects the possibility of interactions and the existence of common elements in the transmission cycles of multiple pathogens. A necessary, but not sufficient, condition that a mosquito be a vector of a MBFV is that it co-occurs with hosts of the pathogen. We therefore use a recently developed modeling framework, based on co-occurrence data, to infer potential biotic interactions between those mosquito and mammal species which have previously been identified as vectors or confirmed positives of at least one of the considered MBFVs. We thus create models for predicting the relative importance of mosquito species as potential vectors for each pathogen, and also for all pathogens together, using the known vectors to validate the models. We infer that various mosquito species are likely to be significant vectors, even though they have not currently been identified as such, and are likely to harbor multiple pathogens, again validating the predictions with known results. Besides the above “niche-based” viewpoint we also consider an assemblage-based analysis, wherein we use a community-identification algorithm to identify those mosquito and/or mammal species that form assemblages by dint of their significant degree of co-occurrence. The most cohesive assemblage includes important primary vectors, such as A. aegypti, A. albopictus, C. quinquefasciatus, C. pipiens and mammals with abundant populations that are well-adapted to human environments, such as the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), peccary (Tayassu pecari), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) and bats (Artibeus lituratus and Sturnira lilium). Our results suggest that this assemblage has an important role in the transmission dynamics of this viral group viewed as a complex multi-pathogen-vector-host system. By including biotic risk factors our approach also modifies the geographical risk profiles of the spatial distribution of MBFVs in Mexico relative to a consideration of only abiotic niche variables.

Current Semantic Web frameworks provide a complete infrastructure to manage ontologies schemes easing information retrieval with inference support. Ideally, the use of their frameworks should be transparent and decoupled, avoiding direct dependencies either on the application logic or on the ontology language. Besides there are different logic models used by ontology languages (OWL- Description Logic, OpenCyc-FOL,...) and query languages (RDQL, SPARQL, OWLQL, nRQL, etc..). These facts show integration and interoperability tasks between ontologies and applications are tedious on currently systems. This research provides a general ESB service engine design based on JBI that enables ontology query and reasoning capabilities thought an Enterprise Service Bus. An early prototype that shows how works our research ideas has been developed.

Trust level concept is a topic that has opened a knowledge area about the profile evaluation and the people participation in Social Networks. These have presented a high knowledge profit, but at the same time it is necessary to analyze a group of variables to determine the trust participants’ degree.In addition, this is a topic that from some years ago has been presenting a big expectation to settle some alternatives to generate confidence in an activer community on internet. To establish these parameters it is important to define a model to abstract some variables that are involved in this process. For this, it is relevant to take into account the semantic languages as one of the alternatives that allow these kinds of activities. The purpose of this article is to analyze the Trust Levels definition in the contents that are shared on Open Source Virtual learning Platforms through the use of a model of representation of semantic languages. The last ones allow determining the trust in the use of learning objects that are shared in this kind of platforms