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Understanding the extent and characteristics of biomass resources is important for managing it effectively within the bioeconomy and leveraging biomass towards the highest value uses or those which are most appropriate. To this end, a large regional study was conducted to characterize the main physicochemical characteristics of common biomasses and identify potential limitations to use or opportunities for. Valencia is fourth most populous autonomous region of Spain, having a large importance for the European vegetable and citrus product markets, among others. Across 164 municipalities, 625 samples were characterized for contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH, electrical conductivity, and polyphenol contents, and 224 samples were characterized for metal and metalloid contents. The different biomass types included in the study were expert-classified into a total of 54 biomass subcategories. Overall, nutrient contents were the parameter most associated with waste type, while electrical conductivity had the highest variability within groups. Considering all the samples, nutrient contents were sufficient to reach established minimums for marking as an EU-labelled fertilizing product in 479/625 cases, and pertinent limits on heavy metal contents were exceeded in 20/224 cases. The highest polyphenol contents were found in the pomegranate and citric wastes, which were substantially higher than in the organic wastes from olive oil and wine production. Machine learning techniques (k-means and hierarchical clustering analysis) applied to the datasets showed that biomasses were best classified into two groups based on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and N, P, and Na contents, and three groups based on metal and metalloid contents. The summary data are presented in appendices for regional and European nutrient budgeting and modelling use. Based on the analyzed properties, the most appropriate uses can be identified, whether for transformation in biological processes, energy generation, recovery of critical elements, or extraction of high value compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, superplastic behavior in tension for the Zn-21Al-2Cu alloy was reviewed as a function of: grain size, temperature and strain rate. The deformation mechanism was studied under conditions where the greatest elongation was reached, characterizing microstructural changes and analyzing the associated mechanical response such as the study of plastic stability. This analysis allowed us to propose a phenomenological model consisting of five steps for the mechanism of superplastic deformation under which dynamic conditions are involved for this alloy. In the first stage, an accommodation of the microstructure was observed, in the second stage sliding by individual grain boundaries (GBS) was activated, which provided the conditions for stationary plastic flow. In the third stage, GBS was hampered by the tendency of grain boundaries remaining from high temperature phase (FβBs) to align at 45°. This fact caused the onset of plastic instability. The fourth stage consisted of a transition in which there was competition between individual and cooperative GBS mechanisms, which increased plastic instability. In the last stage, the FβBs were aligned parallel to tensile direction, which favored the GBS, and an additional diffusion flow mechanism allowed partial recovery of stable plastic flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma technology for generating activated water has garnered significant interest among researchers for its antimicrobial properties post-treatment. This study aimed to produce chitosan hydrogels incorporating various types and concentrations of plasma activated water (PAW) derived from tap water and purified water. Initially, the physicochemical properties of PAW, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS), were assessed, revealing a notable decrease in pH and an increase in EC and TDS post-activation. Chitosan hydrogels were then synthesized using PAW and subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. Results indicated a minimal impact on the chemical structure of the hydrogels post-PAW addition. TGA and DSC results revealed differences between tap water-based hydrogels and purified water-based hydrogels, indicating the presence of impurities or minerals in tap water. SEM observations depicted morphological alterations with increased plasma exposure, potentially enhancing antimicrobial activity. In degradation and swelling tests, the hydrogels exhibited pH sensitivity, maintaining integrity in neutral and alkaline media while dissolving in acidic conditions. Hemocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy were confirmed through hemolysis tests and antibacterial/antifungal assays, particularly in hydrogels with prolonged water activation times, attributed to reactive species in PAW. These findings underscore the potential of these hydrogels as disinfectants in the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain conditions are frequently comorbid with anxiety problems. The controlled diaphragmatic breathing technique has been applied in both conditions. However, few studies have examined its efficacy in reducing perceived pain and state anxiety in the population with both pathologies. Thus, the study objective was to investigate the immediate effects of a single-session diaphragmatic breathing intervention on perceived pain and state anxiety in a group of people with chronic pain. We analyzed the influence of sociodemographic variables, dispositional anxiety, average pain during the last week, respiratory rate, and inhalation/exhalation ratio. The sample comprised 169 people with chronic pain from Spain and Poland who were evaluated before and after performing an online controlled diaphragmatic breathing task. The Wilcoxon test showed significant decreases in state anxiety and perceived pain. Linear regression analyses revealed an association between dispositional anxiety and pretest/posttest differences in state anxiety, as well as an association between both average pain in the last week and nationality and pretest/posttest differences in perceived pain. We conducted an exploratory analysis of the differences between both countries in the study variables. We discuss the results and the relevance of further studies on the efficacy of this technique in reducing perceived pain and state anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F q n represent the finite field with q n elements. In this paper, our focus is on determining the number of F q n -rational points for two specific objects: an affine Artin–Schreier curve given by the equation y q - y = x (x q i - x) - λ , and an Artin–Schreier hypersurface given by the equation y q - y = ∑ j = 1 r a j x j (x j q i j - x j) - λ . Additionally, we establish that the Weil bound is only achieved in these cases when the trace of the element λ ∈ F q n over the subfield F q is equal to zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Heart failure (HF) represents a pathology in constant growth, but, despite the fact that a significant proportion of its population is comprised of elderly patients, they are not adequately represented in clinical trials or registries. They constitute a heterogeneous population with their particularities and interaction of the multiple comorbidities that characterize this age group, which makes the clinical course, prognosis and outcomes of the disease different. Recent Findings: Compared to men, women with HF tend to be older, with a greater burden of non-cardiovascular comorbidities, less ischemic heart disease and preserved ventricular function in most cases. This fact translates into worse self-perceived quality of life, with lower hospitalization and mortality rates. Moreover, paradoxically, women are less likely to receive treatment recommended by clinical practice guidelines, including revascularization and device placement. Summary: As there are not enough representative studies of this population, the reasons for these results with better prognosis and relatively benign impact in the elderly female population are unknown, which is why it is necessary to continue with research in order to obtain greater evidence of the exposed gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empathy in healthcare professionals is associated with better treatment outcomes and higher satisfaction among patients with chronic pain. Activity patterns play an essential role in the adjustment of these patients and, as a pain behaviour, may have a communicative function and elicit distinct empathic responses. This study investigated whether the activity pattern profiles characteristic of these patients had differential effects on the empathic response (empathic distress and compassion/sympathy) of future healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals should improve their knowledge about the role of different activity patterns in the well-being of people with chronic pain and receive specific training in empathic skills. We controlled for several variables that could affect the empathic response (sex, age, academic degree, previous experience of chronic pain, and dispositional empathy). A total of 228 undergraduates performed an experimental task using vignettes depicting four activity pattern profiles displayed by people with chronic pain and completed questionnaires measuring dispositional and situational empathy. We conducted a MANCOVA analysis. Undergraduates showed more compassion/sympathy toward the medium cycler profile than toward the doer profile. Participants' age was associated with empathic distress. Sex, academic degree, and previous experiences with chronic pain were not associated with their empathic response to the vignettes. Dispositional perspective-taking and empathic concern were significantly associated with compassion/sympathy responses, and personal distress was significantly associated with empathic distress. Activity pattern profiles may have a communicative function and elicit different empathic responses toward people with chronic pain. Individual differences in dispositional empathy play an important role on situational empathic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F q be a finite field with q elements and let n be a positive integer. In this paper, we study the digraph associated to the map x ↦ x n h (x q - 1 m) over F q , where h (x) ∈ F q [ x ]. We completely determine the associated functional graph of maps that satisfy a certain condition of regularity. In particular, we provide the functional graphs associated to monomial maps. As a consequence of our results, one have the number of connected components, length of the cycles and number of fixed points of these class of maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European red mite Panonychus ulmi (Koch) is widely distributed and it can severely affect pome fruit crops, particularly apple. Pest outbreaks are related to an overuse of non-selective pesticide treatments that lead to the development of resistance and the absence of natural enemies in the orchard. A key aspect to optimize the use of pesticide treatments in the context of IPM is to increase the knowledge on the biology and ecology of the pest to better predict population dynamics and outbreaks. For the European red mite, knowledge on the conditions that lead to diapause breaking by winter eggs is essential to model population dynamics. To increase this knowledge, winter eggs were collected during field surveys in northen Spain during three years and egg hatching was monitored under controlled temperature and photoperiod conditions in the laboratory. The "number of days exposed to cold temperatures" was the most significant factor that positively affected hatching of overwintering eggs. The time required for 50% of the egg population to hatch (T50%) was also negatively modulated by the duration of exposure to cold temperature. The temperature threshold for postdiapause eggs development collected from the field was estimated between 5 and 6 ºC in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Moreover, the degree-days required for post diapause development were estimated between 263.2 and 270.3, depending on the year of collection. Collectively, we provide additional information on the diapause termination and postdiapause development of the European red mite that may effectively contribute to optimize pest population models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As land-use cover types affect wintering birds’ strategies, studying their habitat suitability for species conservation is relevant. Predictive spatial models are considered excellent tools for conservation planning and improving our understanding of species distribution. Here we build models to predict the spatial distribution of raptor species that overwinter in SE Spain. We modelled the wintering raptor species distribution based on the presence-only data obtained between 2017 and 2019 and analysed their habitat preferences based on elevation and land-use cover variables. Our results show that altitude and distance to the coastline are the most important environmental factors to affect most species’ habitat suitability. Habitat type-related factors are other important predictors, and raptors subject of this study prefer lowlands and areas close to the coastline for overwintering by selecting open habitats, which include wetlands and irrigated and rainfed crops. This study highlights the importance of the habitat heterogeneity generated by wetlands and herbaceous crops within a low-altitude range as the optimal environment for wintering raptors. Such information should be considered for raptor conservation planning in human-altered landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work constitutes the first approach for automatically classifying the surface that the voiding flow impacts in non-invasive sound uroflowmetry tests using machine learning. Often, the voiding flow impacts the toilet walls (traditionally made of ceramic) instead of the water in the toilet. This may cause a reduction in the strength of the recorded audio signal, leading to a decrease in the amplitude of the extracted envelope. As a result, just from analysing the envelope, it is impossible to tell if that reduction in the envelope amplitude is due to a reduction in the voiding flow or an impact on the toilet wall. In this work, we study the classification of sound uroflowmetry data in male subjects depending on the surface that the urine impacts within the toilet: the three classes are water, ceramic and silence (where silence refers to an interruption of the voiding flow). We explore three frequency bands to study the feasibility of removing the human-speech band (below 8 kHz) to preserve user privacy. Regarding the classification task, three machine learning algorithms were evaluated: the support vector machine, random forest and k-nearest neighbours. These algorithms obtained accuracies of 96%, 99.46% and 99.05%, respectively. The algorithms were trained on a novel dataset consisting of audio signals recorded in four standard Spanish toilets. The dataset consists of 6481 1-s audio signals labelled as silence, voiding on ceramics and voiding on water. The obtained results represent a step forward in evaluating sound uroflowmetry tests without requiring patients to always aim the voiding flow at the water. We open the door for future studies that attempt to estimate the flow parameters and reconstruct the signal envelope based on the surface that the urine hits in the toilet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) synthetizes small essential non-coding RNA molecules such as tRNAs and 5S rRNA. In yeast and vertebrates, RNAP III needs general transcription factors TFIIIA, TFIIIB, and TFIIIC to initiate transcription. TFIIIC, composed of six subunits, binds to internal promoter elements in RNAP III-dependent genes. Limited information is available about RNAP III transcription in the trypanosomatid protozoa Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major, which diverged early from the eukaryotic lineage. Analyses of the first published draft of the trypanosomatid genome sequences failed to recognize orthologs of any of the TFIIIC subunits, suggesting that this transcription factor is absent in these parasites. However, a putative TFIIIC subunit was recently annotated in the databases. Here we characterize this subunit in T. brucei and L. major and demonstrate that it corresponds to Tau95. In silico analyses showed that both proteins possess the typical Tau95 sequences: the DNA binding region and the dimerization domain. As anticipated for a transcription factor, Tau95 localized to the nucleus in insect forms of both parasites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated that Tau95 binds to tRNA and U2 snRNA genes in T. brucei. Remarkably, by performing tandem affinity purifications we identified orthologs of TFIIIC subunits Tau55, Tau131, and Tau138 in T. brucei and L. major. Thus, contrary to what was assumed, trypanosomatid parasites do possess a TFIIIC complex. Other putative interacting partners of Tau95 were identified in T. brucei and L. major. Key points: • A four-subunit TFIIIC complex is present in T. brucei and L. major • TbTau95 associates with tRNA and U2 snRNA genes • Putative interacting partners of Tau95 might include some RNAP II regulators [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address the Sobolev–Neumann problem for the bi-harmonic equation describing the bending of the Kirchhoff plate with a traction-free edge but fixed at two rows of points. The first row is composed of points placed at the edge, at a small distance ε > 0 between them, and the second one is composed of points placed along a contour at distance O(ε1+α) from the edge. We prove that in the case where α ∈ [0, 1/2), the limit passage as ε → +0 leads to the plate rigidly clamped along the edge while, in the case where α > 1/2, under additional conditions, the limit boundary conditions become of the hinge support type. Based on the asymptotic analysis of the boundary layer in a similar problem, we predict that in the critical case α = 1/2, the boundary hinge-support conditions with friction occur in the limit. We discuss the available generalization of the results and open questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) is a questionnaire used to identify and monitor chronic pain patients on opioid therapy who may be misusing their prescription opioids. The aim of the present study was to adapt the questionnaire for its use in Spanish-speaking populations. A total of 171 individuals (131 women and 40 men) with nononcological chronic pain participated in this cross-sectional study. The most frequent pain diagnoses in the sample were fibromyalgia, herniated disc, and rheumatoid arthritis. Systematic sampling was used. All individuals were interviewed at their clinic between March 2018 and February 2020. The dimensionality of the COMM-SV items was evaluated using an optimal implementation of parallel analysis (PA) and an exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and criterion and convergent validity were calculated. The COMM-SV comprises five factors: problematic interpersonal behaviour, searching for more medication than prescribed, medication misuse and self-injurious thoughts, emergency use, and memory and attention problems. It has good reliability and adequate test–retest stability. The results support its criterion and convergent validity. Given the increasing use and abuse of opioids, a valid and reliable instrument is needed in Spanish settings to identify patients with chronic pain who present aberrant behaviour related to the use of these medications. The COMM-SV enables Spanish clinicians to do that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, remote sensing and geographic information systems were used to assess the influence of land cover characteristics on the water quality of the El Guájaro reservoir, in northern Colombia. The water quality data were acquired during three measurement and sampling campaigns (2013, 2015 and 2016), complemented with data obtained by the regional environmental authority. The status of land cover in the basin of the El Guájaro reservoir was assessed by calculating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) indicators and land cover classification, using Landsat-8 surface reflectance images obtained from the Google Earth Engine platform. The analysis of the interaction between vegetation cover and water quality was based on Pearson correlations and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The correlation analysis indicated significant correlations of NDVI with temperature (r = 0.47), DO (r = − 0.64), pH (r = − 0.37), general vegetation (r = 0.83), urban areas (r = 0.56), bare soil (r = − 0.86), and nutrients (r = − 0.92 and r = − 0.82, for NO3 and PO4 respectively); and NDMI with temperature (r = 0.46), DO (r = − 0.64), TSS (r = − 0.33), general vegetation (r = 0.87), urban areas (r = 0.61), bare soil (r = − 0.89), water areas (r = − 0.40), and nutrients (r = − 0.93 and r = − 0.83, for NO3 and PO4 respectively). Additionally, it was observed that land covers corresponding to urban areas and bare soil affects the water quality of the reservoir. The results displayed strong correlation and association between vegetation cover conditions, which are affected by the various agricultural activities that take place in the basin, and the water quality of the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance of pelagic Sargassum has increased in the Atlantic Ocean since 2011. Massive beaching of these algae causes environmental, socioeconomic, and human health problems in several countries in the Greater Caribbean and western Africa. Sargassum cleanup is expensive. Its valorization could reduce costs and impacts. The periodicity in landings, its high biomass, and the many bioactive compounds and minerals contained in these algae represent an opportunity for its use in animal feeding. A review of the existing literature regarding the chemical characteristics of Sargassum and the concentration of compounds to determine its potential use for animals used for human consumption is presented. The main findings are that these pelagic species have high amounts of fiber, salts, complex carbohydrates, and potentially toxic elements that limit their use in high quantities in animal nutrition. However, Sargassum also has minerals, trace elements, amino acids, fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that could benefit animal health if added as an ingredient at a concentration below 5%. Information gaps and recommendations for future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In chlordecone (CLD)-contaminated soils of the French West Indies, if microbial remediation or a physicochemical remediation process, e.g., in situ chemical reduction, is implemented, concentrations of degradation byproducts, such as hydrochlordecones, are expected to increase in the ecosystems. To study their impact in mixtures with CLD, bioassays were carried out. They consisted in evaluating the regenerative capacity of hydra polyps, from a clone whose phylogenetic analysis confirmed that it belonged to the species Hydra vulgaris Pallas, 1766. Hydra gastric sections were exposed to CLD alone or CLD plus dechlorinated byproducts (CLD-BP) for 96 h to assess regeneration. Based on chromatographic analysis, the CLD-BP mix was composed of the 5-monohydrochlordecone isomer (CAS nomenclature), four dihydrochlordecone isomers, and one trihydrochlordecone isomer representing 50%, 47%, and 3% of the total chromatographic area, respectively. A total of 18 mixtures of CLD and CLD-BP were tested. Six environmental concentrations of CLD (2.10−4 μM to 4.10−2 μM) and a similar range of CLD-BP were used. Results from exposures to CLD alone showed the following: (i) a significant decrease in the regenerative capacity of hydra, except at the lowest concentration (2.10−4 μM); (ii) a concentration-independent deleterious effect. The regeneration scores obtained after the exposure to the addition of CLD-BP were not significantly different from those obtained after exposure to CLD alone. Using an experimental design, a modeling of the regeneration scores of hydra exposed to mixtures is proposed. Interpreted carefully, since they are limited to only one type of bioassay, the present results suggest that the situation in the aquatic environments should not become worse in terms of toxicity, if soil remediation programs resulting in the formation of hydrochlordecones are put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a homogenization problem for the Laplace operator posed in a bounded domain of the upper half-space, a part of its boundary being in contact with the plane { x 3 = 0 } . On this part, the boundary conditions alternate from Neumann to nonlinear-Robin, being of Dirichlet type outside. The nonlinear-Robin boundary conditions are imposed on small regions periodically placed along the plane and contain a Robin parameter that can be very large. We provide all the possible homogenized problems, depending on the relations between the three parameters: period ε , size of the small regions r ε and Robin parameter β (ε) . In particular, we address the convergence, as ε tends to zero, of the solutions for the critical size of the small regions r ε = O (ε 2) . For certain β (ε) , a nonlinear capacity term arises in the strange term which depends on the macroscopic variable and allows us to extend the usual capacity definition to semilinear boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although once considered uncommon, there is growing evidence of widespread senescence in wildlife populations. However, few studies have examined the traits involved, inter-sexual differences, and environmental correlates of age-specific performance in raptors. We studied age-specific reproductive performance and actuarial senescence (decrease in survival probability with age) in a peregrine falcon population monitored for 21 years. We analysed changes with age in the number of offspring produced and incubation start date. We also inspected variation in lifespan and breeding lifespan (number of breeding occasions in a lifetime). In every case, we assessed associations between variations in traits and age, sex, recruitment age, and environmental conditions (cumulative rainfall during breeding season) experienced upon the first breeding attempt. We found scarce evidence for reproductive senescence. Only the incubation start date in females, which was delayed after approximately 8 cy (calendar years), suggested reproductive senescence in our study population. Regarding actuarial senescence, our data did not support it as we only found evidence of higher juvenile mortality. Furthermore, expected lifespan in peregrines recruited at 2 cy was associated with conditions experienced upon the first breeding attempt. The lifespan and breeding career of individuals recruited as yearlings and experiencing low rainfall upon first breeding did not significantly differ from those recruited as adults. However, those recruited as yearlings and experiencing poor environmental conditions upon the first breeding attempt showed reduced lifespan and breeding lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article is a continuation of our previous works on the anomalies in the decay rates and the capacitance measurements inside a modified Faraday cage. Here we present the anomalous variations in the measurements of inductance when a coil is placed inside an interleaving structure of metal and organic material. The fluctuation in the inductance values was found to be in the range − 0.007 to 0.018 mH. Additionally, it was observed that the temperature coefficient which was 0.0062 mH/°C initially jumped to two distinct levels, 0.0095 mH/°C and 0.0145 mH/°C, respectively. A multiple factor analysis of our results revealed a very strong correlation (R2 = 95.2%) between the inductance and the combination of the temperature and the relative humidity both measured inside the cage, next to the inductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated feathers as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool documenting organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in liver and checked possible trends in pesticide use in two areas based on OCP concentrations in barn owls (Tyto alba). We measured the concentrations of 16 OCP in 15 primary feathers and 15 livers from barn owl carcasses collected on roadsides in Tagus Valley and Évora regions, south Portugal. Total OCP mean concentration was 8 120 ng g−1 in feathers and 178 ng g−1 in livers. All compounds were detected in feathers while in livers δ-HCH, endosulfan sulphate, p,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDD were not detected. The high β-HCH and heptachlor concentrations in feathers most likely derived from external endogenous contamination. P,p′-DDE was the OCP with the highest hepatic concentration. Both matrices indicated an exposure to recently released heptachlor. The differing OCP concentrations between Tagus Valley and Évora seem to reflect differences in land-use and pesticide use histories of the two locations, and/or faster degradation of OCP in the Tagus area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the nutrients and metals concentrations of the surrounding soils and sclerophyllous vegetation of a tailing at the CODELCO–El Teniente copper mine in Central Chile. The content of metal, macro-, and micronutrients were analyzed in the soils outward from the tailing till 60-m distance at depths of 30, 60, and 90 cm, and in the foliage and stems of the native vegetation associated to the tailing. At plant level, we measured height, diameter, level of damage, and physiological attributes. Cu, Ni, Cr, and As were higher in the tailing, whereas soil Mn and Fe were higher at 60 m from the tailing. Soil K was higher at 30-cm depth, whereas Na was higher at 90-cm depth. Foliar Cu was higher in Acacia caven (40.5 mg kg−1), whereas the levels of Cu and Zn in stems were higher in Quillaja saponaria (6.5 mg kg−1 for Cu and 13.1 mg kg−1 for Zn). As the values of water potential and quantum efficiency of the photosystem II averaged − 1.1 MPa and 0.73, respectively, these two species exhibited no physiological stress. Only Q. saponaria tended to increase the level of damage at higher distances from the tailing. A. caven and Q. saponaria exhibited foliar contents of Cu and Fe considered toxic (Cu from 18.5 to 40.5 and Fe from 298 to 407 mg kg−1); however, both species were able to prosper at the limit of the tailing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of engineering applications requires the use of maximum values of rainfall intensity and wind speed related to short recording intervals, which can often only be estimated from available less exhaustive records. Given that many locations lack exhaustive climatic records that would allow accurate empirical correlations between different recording intervals to be identified, generic equations are often used to estimate these extreme values. The accuracy of these generic estimates is especially important in fields such as the study of wind-driven rain, in which both climatic variables are combined to characterise the phenomenon. This work assesses the reliability and functionality of some of these most widespread generic equations, analysing climatic datasets gathered since 2008 in 109 weather stations in Spain and the Netherlands. Considering multiple recording intervals at each location, it is verified that most of these generic estimations, used especially in the study of wind-driven rain, have functional limitations and can cause significant errors when characterising both variables for subdaily intervals and extreme conditions. Finally, an alternative approach is proposed to accurately extrapolate extreme values of both variables related to any subdaily recording interval in a functional manner and from any available records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence shows that tumor cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry bioactive cell surface markers, such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which can modulate immune responses and inhibit anti-tumor responses, potentially playing a role in lymphomagenesis and in promoting the growth of these cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of EVs expressing cell surface molecules associated with B cell activation and immune regulation. We measured levels of EVs derived from plasma from 57 subjects with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (AIDS-NHL) enrolled in the AIDS Malignancies Consortium (AMC) 034 clinical trial at baseline and post-treatment with rituximab plus concurrent infusional EPOCH chemotherapy. We found that plasma levels of EVs expressing PD-L1, CD40, CD40L or TNF-RII were significantly reduced after cancer treatment. AIDS-NHL patients with the diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tumor subtype had decreased plasma levels of EVs bearing PD-L1, compared to those with Burkitt's lymphoma. CD40, CD40L and TNF-RII-expressing EVs showed a significant positive correlation with plasma levels of IL-10, CXCL13, sCD25, sTNF-RII and IL-18. Our results suggest that patients with AIDS-NHL have higher levels of EVs expressing PD-L1, CD40, CD40L or TNF-RII in circulation before cancer treatment and that levels of these EVs are associated with levels of biomarkers of microbial translocation and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the controlled release capacity of drugs with therapeutic interest as well as the biocompatibility of hydrogels based on natural and synthetic polymers is of the utmost importance to evaluate their potential performance in regenerative medicine strategies. Novel hydrogels were synthesized by semi-interpenetration of guar gum (GG) in a matrix of crosslinked collagen with hydrophilic polyurethane. GG concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% on the semi-IPN matrices were tested. These hydrogels have excellent in vitro biocompatibility, not demonstrating cytotoxic character for cells important in the healing process such as monocytes and fibroblasts, stimulating their proliferation, as well as evidencing hemocompatibility and antibacterial capacity. Also these matrices can encapsulate and release methylene blue in a controlled manner. The results of the evaluation of human monocyte signaling indicate that the semi-IPN matrix containing 30 wt% of GG allows higher segregation of beta-1 transforming growth factor (β1-TGF), a determinant cytokine in the construction of new tissue, showing that these hydrogels have potential application in biomedicine as dressings for chronic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel synthetic strategies to produce biopolymer based hydrogels for biomedical applications are required currently. Collagen hydrogels for wound healing can improve their structural and physicochemical properties by incorporating polysaccharides within the fibrillar matrix. Novel hydrogels were synthesized by semi-interpenetration of guar gum (GG) in a matrix of crosslinked collagen with hydrophilic polyurethane. GG concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% on the semi-IPN matrices were tested. The addition of the polysaccharide accelerates the gelling time of the hydrogels; 30 wt% of GG allows a 68 ± 5% of physicochemical crosslinking, exhibiting a maximum swelling of 3496 ± 89% and both improved mechanical and thermal resistance. The short-range interactions established in these matrices, mainly of the hydrogen bond type, make it possible to delay their hydrolytic and proteolytic degradation. The structure and properties of these hydrogels could have potential application in biomedicine as dressings for chronic wound healing, tailoring the controlled release of drugs with therapeutic interest, cell viability and proliferation, cell signaling, hemocompatibility and antibacterial character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary factors are known to influence urinary fluoride (UF) levels in nonpregnant people. Maternal UF is used as a biomarker of fluoride exposure; however, dietary influences on UF during pregnancy are unknown. We compared UF levels and assessed the associations between UF and five select dietary influences in pregnancy vs. one-year postpartum: dietary fluoride (F), calcium intake from diet (Ca-diet), calcium intake from supplements (Ca-sup), dietary acid load (AL), and table salt use (TS) in 421 women exposed to fluoridated salt in the Mexican diet. Spot UF (mg/L) was measured by microdiffusion/fluoride-specific electrode and dilution-corrected with specific gravity (SG). Dietary variables were estimated from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Comparisons among UF in pregnancy vs. one-year postpartum were performed with non-parametric tests. Associations between dietary variables and UF were assessed using random effect models (for pregnancy) and linear regression (for one-year postpartum). SG-corrected UF (median, range) during pregnancy (0.77, 0.01–4.73 mg/L) did not significantly differ from one-year postpartum (0.75, 0.15–2.62 mg/L) but did increase every 10 gestational weeks, β = 0.05 (CI: 0.00–0.10). Different dietary influences on UF were identified at each state. Although Ca-diet and AL were not associated with UF in either state, Ca-sup decreased UF only during pregnancy, β = − 0.012 mg/L (CI: − 0.023–0.00). Reporting TS use was associated with 12% increase in UF only at one-year postpartum (p = 0.026). These results suggest different dietary influences on UF in the pregnant state, which need consideration when using UF as a biomarker of fluoride exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Local therapy is the preferred option of treatment for most cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL); however, local therapy could be challenging, depth and size of the skin lesions are not always clinically evident and treatment response evaluation could occasionally be misleading. High frequency ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool which allows initial depth assessment ultrasound-guided infiltrations and ultrasound monitoring until resolution. Methods: We present two cases of CL treated with ultrasound-guided infiltrations and ultrasound monitoring until resolution. Results: Ultrasound imaging allowed a more accurate diagnosis of CL, defining more precisely the depth and size of the skin lesions. During follow-up, progressive decrease in dermal involvement, marked attenuation of the echogenicity of subcutaneous cellular tissue and a decrease in vascularization in the color Doppler mode was observed, which aided in evaluation of treatment response. Hypodermal inflammation observed through sonography was addressed with image-guided infiltration. Conclusion: We would like to highlight the usefulness of skin ultrasound (both B-mode and color Doppler mode) in the diagnosis, depth assessment, imaging guided treatment, and follow-up in CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diet of the Clarendonian-early Hemphillian Pliohippus potosinus from the Paso del Águila local fauna, San Luis Potosí, central Mexico, was investigated using carbon and oxygen biogeochemical markers recovered from the dental enamel. Results indicate that P. potosinus was a mixed C3/C4 feeder with an important consumption of C4 plants, and that lived in a savanna. The lithic, structural and palynomorph records show the coexistence there of low lands and savanna plant taxa, quite probably the habitat of P. potosinus and of the camels present in this local fauna, with mountain slopes where forest taxa thrived, and constituted the habitat of cervids, also members of this fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are interested in the long time asymptotic behaviour of solutions to the scalar Zakharov system i u t + Δ u = n u , n tt - Δ n = Δ | u | 2 and the Klein–Gordon–Zakharov system u tt - Δ u + u = - n u , n tt - Δ n = Δ | u | 2 in one dimension of space. For these two systems, we give two results proving decay of solutions for initial data in the energy space. The first result deals with decay over compact intervals assuming smallness and parity conditions (u odd). The second result proves decay in far field regions along curves for solutions whose growth can be dominated by an increasing C 1 function. No smallness condition is needed to prove this last result for the Zakharov system. We argue relying on the use of suitable virial identities appropriate for the equations and follow the technics of [22, 24] and [33]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circle detection problem focuses on finding all circle shapes within a given image. In fact, circle detection has several applications in real-life problems arising in agriculture, ophthalmology, and oceanography, among others. Despite many approaches having been proposed to deal with this problem, our work is motivated by two main issues: (1) the limitation of a recently proposed evolutionary algorithm and (2) the lack of benchmark images to fairly compare current approaches. To address the first issue, we introduce an effective evolutionary algorithm with a pre-processing noise reduction step. The proposed evolutionary algorithm's goal is to match several randomly generated circles with a point cloud extracted from an edge map of the original image. These circles are individuals in the population where the fittest one in the last generation is a detected circle. Henceforth, by removing the points corresponding to such circle and repeating the process, all circles within the image can be detected. We propose and make publicly available a set of synthetic, hand-drawn, and real images with different features to address the second issue. To assess our approach's performance, we apply it to the set of proposed images that include challenging features. Experimental results show that our method is competitive compared with the well-known Circle Hough Transform and as well as with EDCircles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we studied total arsenic concentrations in liver, muscle and kidney of 49 individuals of two sea turtle species (loggerhead sea turtles, n = 45; leatherback turtles, n = 4) stranded in Murcia (South-eastern Spain) coastline between 2009 and 2018. In accordance with the literature, muscle was the tissue with the highest concentrations in both species, followed by liver and kidney. Although differences in arsenic concentrations were not statistically significant between the study species, loggerhead sea turtles showed concentrations two or three times higher than those of leatherback turtles, which we attribute to differences on feeding behavior and habitat preferences. Arsenic concentrations in turtles from this area increase evidence of western Mediterranean Sea as a hotspot for metal pollution. Based on the scarce existing knowledge on arsenic toxicity in sea turtles, those levels found in our study are below those responsible for liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This theoretical work presents the electronic and magnetic properties of Cr doped SrFe12O19 using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. An improvement in the magnetic properties of SrFe12O19 is predicted when doped with the Cr3+ ion. It was found that the magnetic Cr3+ ion preferentially replaces Fe3+ ion at 2a, 4f1, and 12k sites. The calculation demonstrates that if Cr ion occupies the 4f1 site, a total magnetization of 52.920 emu/g is obtained. On the other hand, SrFe11.5Cr0.5O19 behaves as a semiconductor when Cr occupies the 2a and 12k sites while behaves like half-metal when Cr occupies the 4f1 site. The higher magnetization, identified for the SrFe11.5Cr0.5O19 compound, provides unique qualities in the applications of permanent magnets and/or related devices like spintronics and magnetic semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To perform an asymptotic analysis of spectra of singularly perturbed periodic waveguides, it is required to estimate remainders of asymptotic expansions of eigenvalues of a model problem on the periodicity cell uniformly with respect to the Floquet parameter. We propose two approaches to this problem. The first is based on the max–min principle and is sufficiently easily realized, but has a restricted application area. The second is more universal, but technically complex since it is required to prove the unique solvability of the problem on the cell for some value of the spectral parameter and the Floquet parameter in a nonempty closed segment, which is verified by constructing an almost inverse operator of the operator of an inhomogeneous model problem in variational setting. We consider boundary value problems on the simplest periodicity cell: a rectangle with a row of fine holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atacama Desert represents the highest levels of mining exploitation in Chile, which inexorably results in high levels of pollution. Raptors, and particularly scavengers, have shown their usefulness to evaluate exposure to environmental contaminants in polluted scenarios. In this study, we used primary feathers from a local avian scavenger, turkey vulture Cathartes aura, to evaluate the exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in two locations from the southern Atacama Desert (coastal and inland) and a third location from the bordering semiarid region, in northern Chile. All metals were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 54). Mean concentrations in Coastal Atacama were 0.68 ± 0.84 ppm for Cd; 1.97 ± 2.01 ppm for Pb; 59.11 ± 80.69 ppm for Cu; and 107.96 ± 51.00 ppm for Zn, while mean concentrations in Inland Atacama were 0.55 ± 0.42 ppm for Cd; 3.37 ± 2.61 ppm for Pb; 91.66 ± 77.74 ppm for Cu; and 214.03 ± 99.08 ppm for Zn. Mean concentrations in Coastal Coquimbo were 0.63 ± 0.69 ppm for Cd; 1.57 ± 0.92 ppm for Pb; 18.09 ± 6.12 ppm for Cu; and 149.37 ± 105.56 ppm for Zn. These differences could be explained by differences on abundance of mining settlements among areas. According to the literature, these values are very high for all metals, exceeding in some cases those values referred as responsible of health disorders in birds. We strongly recommend further research looking at potential adverse effects caused by heavy metal pollution on the health of human and wildlife populations in the southern Atacama Desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) plays an essential role in zinc homeostasis inside pancreatic β cells, its function is related to the stabilization of insulin hexameric form. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have established a positive and negative relationship of ZnT8 variants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), exposing a dual and controversial role. The first hypotheses about its role in T2DM indicated a higher risk of developing T2DM for loss of function; nevertheless, recent GWAS of ZnT8 loss-of-function mutations in humans have shown protection against T2DM. With regard to the ZnT8 role in T2DM, most studies have focused on rodent models and common high-risk variants; however, considerable differences between human and rodent models have been found and the new approaches have included lower-frequency variants as a tool to clarify gene functions, allowing a better understanding of the disease and offering possible therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review will discuss the physiological effects of the ZnT8 variants associated with a major and lower risk of T2DM, emphasizing the low- and rare-frequency variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest restoration have had limited success due to intense and prolonged droughts in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. In this context, knowledge of growth and physiology in seedlings of different provenances can be useful in the selection of appropriate seed sources for restoration. In this study we investigated variations in survival, growth, and leaf-level physiology of five provenances of Quillaja saponaria Mol. and five provenances of Cryptocarya alba Mol. originated from coastal and Pre Andean sites exhibiting latitudinal-related climate differences in central Chile. Seedlings were grown in a nursery on 600 mL pots for 18 months and then planted in a dryland site severely damaged by fire. One year after establishment, we measured survival, growth, and leaf-level physiology. We also analyzed the relationship between outplanting survival with seedling characteristics prior to planting, and the relationship between growth and survival with physiological traits and with climate variables. Growth and survival were similar among provenances of Q. saponaria and C. alba, with the exception of differing heights observed within the provenance of Q. saponaria. Initial root collar diameter of Q. saponaria was observed to be positively correlated to outplanting survival. With the exception of photosynthesis in Q. saponaria, all provenances of both species differed in the leaf-level physiological traits. Those provenances originating from interior dryland sites exhibited lower stomatal conductance and used water more efficiently. The opposite was true for provenances coming from coastal sites. In outplanting sites with Mediterranean-type climates that have been damage by severe fire, selections based on larger diameter seedlings, especially for Q. saponaria and from interior and pre-Andean provenances, will likely improve outplanting success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During sporulation Bacillus subtilis Mfd couples transcription to nucleotide excision repair (NER) to eliminate DNA distorting lesions. Here, we report a significant decline in sporulation following Mfd disruption, which was manifested in the absence of external DNA-damage suggesting that spontaneous lesions activate the function of Mfd for an efficient sporogenesis. Accordingly, a dramatic decline in sporulation efficiency took place in a B. subtilis strain lacking Mfd and the repair/prevention guanine oxidized (GO) system (hereafter, the ∆GO system), composed by YtkD, MutM and MutY. Furthermore, the simultaneous absence of Mfd and the GO system, (i) sensitized sporulating cells to H2O2, and (ii) elicited spontaneous and oxygen radical-induced rifampin-resistance (Rifr) mutagenesis. Epifluorescence (EF), confocal and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy analyses, showed a decreased ability of ∆GO ∆mfd strain to sporulate and to develop the typical morphologies of sporulating cells. Remarkably, disruption of sda, sirA and disA partially, restored the sporulation efficiency of the strain deficient for Mfd and the ∆GO system; complete restoration occurred in the RecA− background. Overall, our results unveil a novel Mfd mechanism of transcription-coupled-repair (TCR) elicited by 8-OxoG which converges in the activation of a RecA-dependent checkpoint event that control the onset of sporulation in B. subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we will apply photoacoustic spectroscopy and evaluate bread added with turmeric (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) at different concentrations in relation to wheat flour weight (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10%). The amplitude of the photoacoustic signal was related to measures of antioxidant activity and evaluation of the sanitary quality and also, the texture, color, and sensory acceptability of the breads. It is shown that (i) the photoacoustic signal produced by bread significantly increases with the turmeric concentration, such that it raises more than 100% for a concentration of 10% at the wavelengths of 428 and 515 nm. (ii) The bread antioxidant activity is directly proportional to the level of photoacoustic signal at 515 nm and its value increases from 73.21 to 91.73%, when the concentration increases from 0 to 10%. (iii) The sanitary quality of bread added with 2.5% of turmeric is relatively higher than the ones obtained for other lower concentrations. No fungal colonies were observed in bread mixed with 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, after 6 days of storage. (iv) The addition of turmeric powder for bread making can slow down their textural changes (hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness, resilience, and chewiness) during storage. (v) Bread at 2.5 and 5% of turmeric concentration showed the yellowest color, while the one with a 10% concentration exhibited the most reddish color. Finally, through principal component analysis, it was possible to demonstrate that a concentration of either 5 or 10% of turmeric added to wheat flour could be used to improve its sanitary quality and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass-spring-damper system has the minimum complexity scenario which characterizes almost all the mechanical vibration phenomena. Also it is well known that a second-order differential equation can model its dynamics. However, if the damper has a magnetorheological fluid, then it shows viscoelastic properties in the presence of a magnetic field. Hence the mathematical model that best reflects the dynamics of this system is a fractional order differential equation. Naturally, here the Mittag–Leffler function appears in the analytical solution. Mathematical modeling of the mass-spring-magnetorheological damper mechanical system has been presented here. The main focus of the investigation is to show how the fractional order γ changes by varying the viscosity damping coefficient β . These observations have been made by varying current intensity in the range of 0.2–2 A. A Helmholtz coil has been used to produce the magnetic field. It is worth mentioning that, this work has a high pedagogical value in the connection of fractional calculus to mechanical vibrations as well as it can be used as a starting point for a more advanced treatment of fractional mechanical oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates that a biodegradable chitosan-based biocomposite packed in mini-reactors successfully removes copper ions from aqueous solutions. The chitosan is obtained by deacetylation of biological chitin, which is extracted from shrimp wastes by lactic acid fermentation. The polysaccharide is embedded in a biodegradable prepolymer matrix before extrusion to produce porous cylindrical pellets of 2 × 80 mm. The highest copper ion removal is 62.5 mg Cu2+ per g of the biodegradable adsorbent. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of the material, below its saturation, allows several cycles of reuse with a hydraulic retention time reduction of 1 h. This chitosan-based material is advantageous when compared with other approaches using non-biodegradable materials or costly commercial adsorbents for removing heavy metal ions in wastewater effluents as well as a filter component in water purification devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The quality of life of individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain partly depends on their capacity to adjust their personal goals. Vignettes have been rarely used to assess this ability. Therefore, this study aimed to test the relationships between vignettes assessing different goal strategies and chronic pain adaptation (i.e., daily functioning, pain-related impairment, and psychological well-being). Methods: The sample comprised 258 individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain who completed a series of questionnaires and vignettes. The vignettes presented a short description of a situation in which a person with chronic pain experienced a threat to a valued domain-specific goal and had to choose a possible goal management solution (i.e., goal persistence, flexibility reengagement, and disengagement). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict chronic pain adaptation using the selected vignette strategies as predictors. Results: After controlling for age, sex, pain intensity, and the responses to the dispositional goal management scales, persistence, reengagement, and disengagement goal strategies presented in the case scenarios predicted daily functioning (p <.001). Persistence, flexibility, disengagement (p <.001), and reengagement (p <.05) predicted pain-related impairment. Persistence, disengagement (p <.001), and flexibility (p <.05) predicted psychological well-being scores. Conclusion: The use of vignettes could be useful to assess goal adjustment because this methodology enables respondents to provide more context-specific responses. The results of this approach could be used to improve clinical practice aimed at helping people with chronic musculoskeletal pain to better cope with this health condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-phase samples of InCr1−xTixO3+x/2 with x = 3/4, 5/7 and 2/3 compositions were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method, and optical, dielectric and magnetic properties were explored for the first time. Crystal structure analysis showed a complete Cr3+/Ti4+ solubility, and the monoclinic crystal structure was successfully characterized. The optical bandgap was obtained by both Kubelka–Munk function and Tauc plot method. The Cr3+/Ti4+ composition has a little effect in the direct bandgap taking values of 2.09 eV for x = 3/4 and 1.97 eV for x = 2/3, respectively. We found that the permittivity shows a peak strongly dependent on the frequency, which is typical of relaxor behavior. In addition, the relaxor peak is dependent on the Cr3+/Ti4+ composition. The AC conductivity analysis showed that main charge carriers to participate in the electric conductivity are associated with small polarons with Eact ~ 0.40 eV. Diluted magnetic or paramagnetic behavior was found in the magnetization studies. Accordingly, we found that the compositional disordered Cr3+/Ti4+ cations randomly distributed among equivalent sites into Cr/Ti–O layer explain both the dielectric relaxor and magnetic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide field monitoring data of a territorial raptor (the booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus), that was intensively monitored over a period of 18 years (1998–2015) in a Mediterranean forested area of south-eastern Spain designated as a Special Protection Area (Natura 2000 Network) for this species. The data set compiles all the relevant information about the occupation of territories and nests, reproductive ecology, long-term monitoring of marked individuals and influence of parent's colour morph on brood size. Several questions concerning the population ecology of forest-dwelling raptors and factors conditioning territorial occupancy, such as location cues or site fidelity, are addressed. This type of long-term population monitoring has high potential for replication, reuse and comparison purposes, providing insights for monitoring other long-lived, territorial species. Measurement(s) Occupancy • reproduction • marked individuals • phenotypic annotation • color Technology Type(s) Sampling • visual observation method Factor Type(s) species • sex • territory • nest Sample Characteristic - Organism Hieraaetus pennatus • Buteo buteo • Accipiter gentilis Sample Characteristic - Environment mediterranean forest biome Sample Characteristic - Location Murcia Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.12097776 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]