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Olive groves, often characterized by complex topography and highly variable soils, present challenges for delineating irrigation management zones (MZs). This study addresses this issue by examining the relevance of apparent electrical conductivity (ECa), elevation (Z), topographic wetness index (TWI) and time-series of Sentinel-2 NDVI imagery for delimiting MZs for variable rate irrigation (VRI) in a 40-ha olive grove in southern Spain. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to disentangle olive and grass cover NDVI patterns. PC1 represented the olive tree development patten and showed little relationship with soil properties, while PC2 was associated with the grass cover growth pattern and considered a proxy for water storage-related soil properties that are relevant for irrigation scheduling. An alternative analysis using NDVI percentiles yielded similar results but favored PCA for distinguishing between grass cover and olive tree development patterns. Correlation between NDVI and ECa varied seasonally (r > 0.60), driven by the grass cover dynamics. To assess also possible non-linear relationships, regression trees were used to estimate NDVI percentiles, emphasizing the importance of ECa, ECaratio, Z, and slope in predicting different NDVI percentiles. Fuzzy k-means zoning using ECa + Z resulted in four classes that best classified variables that are relevant for irrigation scheduling due to their relationship with soil water storage (e.g. clay content, P0.95 and PC2). Zonings based on ECa, ECa + Z + TWI and ECa + Z + TWI + NDVI yielded two zones that classified P0.95 and PC2 well, but not clay content. Therefore, the zoning based on ECa + Z was chosen as optimal in the context of this VRI applications. Our analysis showed how NDVI series can be used in combination with ECa and elevation to evaluate the effectiveness of different zoning approaches for developing VRI prescriptions in olive groves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaos is often described as the limited development of nonlinear dynamic systems that create intricate and non-repetitive patterns. In this study, we questioned how chaotic electronic signals can be transformed into sound stimuli and explored their impact on brain activity using Electroencephalography (EEG). Our experiment involved 31 participants exposed to sounds generated from three processes from electronic implementations: signals from chaotic attractors, periodic limit cycles,and aleatory distributions. Our goal was to analyze characteristics and EEG signals to uncover the complex relationship between chaotic auditory stimuli and cognitive processes. Interestingly the chaotic stimuli caused a reduction in synchronization in the delta (δ ) and theta (θ ) frequency bands. We observed differences of up to 30 and 40%, primarily concentrated in the brain's frontal areas. This desynchronization in δ and θ bands, seen in individuals, has implications for regulating irregular θ power in certain neural disorders. On the other hand, exposure to signals had mostly minimal effects on EEG readings. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of how the brain responds to stimuli derived from electronic systems. It sheds light on applications for modulating activity. Examining unpredictable sounds offers an understanding of the unique impacts of chaotic auditory inputs on brain activity, opening possibilities for further investigations at the crossroads of chaos theory, acoustics, and neuroscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In x Ga 1 - x As y Sb 1 - y epilayers with a fixed In content of x = 0.145 were grown on GaSb(100) substrates using liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE). The lattice mismatch between the quaternary epilayers and substrates was analyzed for different As contents (y ) by X-ray ω -2 θ . Epilayers with As content between y = 0.120 and y = 0.124 exhibited a positive lattice mismatch, leading to compressive strain. These samples showed a high crystalline quality and flat surfaces, as confirmed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Quaternary alloys with As content between y = 0.133 and y = 0.141 displayed a negative lattice mismatch, resulting in tensile strain. Structural defects in these samples were evidenced by HR-XRD and on AFM micrographs. Raman measurements also revealed that lateral strain has a direct impact on the intensities of the LO-like, phonon–plasmon and disorder-activated longitudinal acoustic modes. For all In x Ga 1 - x As y Sb 1 - y films, photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed a bound exciton (BE) transition, with additional features observed in samples under tensile strain, indicating the involvement of native defect centers and donor–acceptor pairs. This study provides new insights into the effect of lateral strain on the crystalline and surface quality, and optical properties of quaternary alloys, relevant for novel optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus species are among the most planted trees in forestry production, an ever-increasing commercial activity worldwide. Forestry expansion demands a continuous search for preventive and sanitary measures against pests and diseases. Massive application of phytosanitary products is incompatible with the forestry sector, so forest health management must be based on other principles. In this context, studies on insect plant relationships mediated by plant metabolites may contribute information relevant to plant resistance and genotype selection. In this study, we analyzed the leaf metabolome of four Eucalyptus species commonly planted in southern South America, to correlate this chemical information with feeding preference of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), an important pest of eucalypt plantations. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses were performed on polar and non-polar leaf extracts from Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus robusta, and Eucalyptus tereticornis (Myrtaceae). Feeding preferences were assessed in two-choice laboratory bioassays resulting in a preference gradient of the four plant species. Moreover, a performance bioassay where we contrasted survival and development time between the most and least preferred plants, showed a clear correlation with preference both in survival and developmental time of the most susceptible nymph instar. We found that species with high or low feeding preferences differ significantly in several foliar metabolites, which may be acting as feeding stimulants or deterrents for T. peregrinus. These findings may provide useful criteria for choosing Eucalyptus genotypes when planting in bronze bug infested areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The September 19, 2017 earthquake with epicenter in the Mexican Republic caused dozens of collapses of reinforced concrete buildings in Mexico City. A high percentage of these buildings on transition and soft soil sites, had a weak first story. In addition to the known seismic vulnerability of these buildings, other parameters as frequency content of the seismic records, seismic regulation, soil type, among others, influenced the collapse of the structures as well. Altogether, they explain better why the collapses occurred in some specific areas and in others, with similar intensities, did not generate the failure of the structures. Most of the buildings that partially or totally collapsed during the September 19, 2017 earthquake rested on soft soils. Additionally, many of them had a parking area supported by columns and beams on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors, supported by confined masonry walls, creating a weak ground-floor structure. This study evaluates the main parameters that influenced the observed collapses of buildings with weak ground floors during the September 19, 2017 earthquake. Nonlinear analyses of the buildings subjected to unscaled real accelerograms recorded during the earthquake were carried out. The results show that the following factors jointly contributed to the collapse of buildings: design criteria of the seismic regulation in force during the construction period of the buildings, the building height, the soil type on the building location, the frequency content of the seismic records and the soil-structure interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to study the influence of atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables on the incidence rate of COVID-19 and the rate of hospital admissions due to COVID-19 during the first and second waves in nine Spanish provinces. Numerous studies analyze the effect of environmental and pollution variables separately, but few that include them in the same analysis together, and even fewer that compare their effects between the first and second waves of the virus. This study was conducted in nine of 52 Spanish provinces, using generalized linear models with Poisson link between levels of PM10, NO2 and O3 (independent variables) and maximum temperature and absolute humidity and the rates of incidence and hospital admissions of COVID-19 (dependent variables), establishing a series of significant lags. Using the estimators obtained from the significant multivariate models, the relative risks associated with these variables were calculated for increases of 10 µg/m3 for pollutants, 1 °C for temperature and 1 g/m3 for humidity. The results suggest that NO2 has a greater association than the other air pollution variables and the meteorological variables. There was a greater association with O3 in the first wave and with NO2 in the second. Pollutants showed a homogeneous distribution across the country. We conclude that, compared to other air pollutants and meteorological variables, NO2 is a protagonist that may modulate the incidence and severity of COVID-19, though preventive public health measures such as masking and hand washing are still very important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An area of current study concerns analysis of the possible adaptation of the population to heat, based on the temporal evolution of the minimum mortality temperature (MMT). It is important to know how is the evolution of the threshold temperatures (Tthreshold) due to these temperatures provide the basis for the activation of public health prevention plans against high temperatures. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal evolution of threshold temperatures (Tthreshold) produced in different Spanish regions during the 1983–2018 period and to compare this evolution with the evolution of MMT. The dependent variable used was the raw rate of daily mortality due to natural causes ICD X: (A00-R99) for the considered period. The independent variable was maximum daily temperature (Tmax) during the summer months registered in the reference observatory of each region. Threshold values were determined using dispersion diagrams (annual) of the prewhitened series of mortality temperatures and Tmax. Later, linear fit models were carried out between the different values of Tthreshold throughout the study period, which permitted detecting the annual rate of change in Tthreshold. Results: The results obtained show that, on average, Tthreshold has increased at a rate of 0.57 ºC/decade in Spain, while Tmax temperatures in the summer have increased at a rate of 0.41 ºC/decade, suggesting adaptation to heat. This rate of evolution presents important geographic heterogeneity. Also, the rate of evolution of Tthreshold was similar to what was detected for MMT. Conclusions: The temporal evolution of the series of both temperature measures can be used as indicators of population adaptation to heat. The temporal evolution of Tthreshold has important geographic variation, probably related to sociodemographic and economic factors, that should be studied at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Current asphalt pavement life cycle assessment implementation limitations are in part linked to data availability. On top of this, there is currently a trend towards the creation of open-source accessible data for pavement LCA. Therefore, the objective of this study is to undertake a comprehensive assessment of open-source data for the "cradle-to-laid" LCA of asphalt pavements to better understand its potential risks. Methods: This study assesses the variability and uncertainty associated with open-access life cycle inventory data, collated from multiple open-source case study scenario results, project reports and inventories in order to assess its reliability. Six impact categories were considered. The collected data was applied to three different case study scenarios for a pavement surface course, which include a conventional hot-mix, a half-warm mixture and a half-warm mixture with 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement. Results and discussion: The results of this study indicated the variabilities and uncertainties found at both the process level and those propagated to the final LCA results. The results found that fine aggregate production, truck transportation and construction machinery were the most troublesome processes for LCA uncertainty, given their large variability and low impact on the final LCA results. Meanwhile, the binders and cement production and plant operations, being the largest contributors to the environmental impacts (33, 23, 32% average, respectively), also provided large result uncertainties (12, 31, 21% average, respectively) across all impact categories for the cradle-to-laid assessment. Overall, total acidification potential and particulate matter formation potential were the two impact categories most likely to increase due to source variabilities (483.0 and 335.3%, respectively), whilst eutrophication potential was the most likely to decrease (61.7%) for the case studies assessed. Conclusions: The results of this work show that open source data could be used for the LCA of asphalt mixtures and pavements. Nonetheless, justified data sources should be used and users must be aware of the potential uncertainty areas within the system, where this paper has aimed to contribute to the identification and understanding of these uncertainties in order for users minimise them in their work and help identify targets for LCI development. Future work should address the variabilities between open-source and commercial tools, the exploration of the use, maintenance and end-of-life stages and the better quantification of binder, RAP and low-temperature manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1/17th water physical model of a 200-ton steel ladle furnace with a single gas injection was used to simulate bath heating using a single burner to mimic the heat flux due to electric arcs in the industrial steel ladle. Two phases were considered, using water to simulate the molten steel and air to simulate the argon injection at a flow rate of 1.54 NL min−1. The planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique was for the first time experimentally implemented to measure temperature fields in a longitudinal plane of the gas-stirred ladle model. PLIF employs a laser source of 532-nm wavelength to light water seeded with rhodamine B, which emits fluorescence depending on its temperature, after a complex calibration is made. Next, the fluorescence is captured by a camera with a 550-nm wavelength filter. The PLIF measurements were validated by local thermocouple measurements at five different locations in the measurement plane. Temperature fields measured by PLIF are in good agreement with those obtained locally by thermocouples, so the PLIF technique can be used to measure temperature fields with the advantage of getting a complete temperature contour field, in contrast to point values of temperatures with thermocouples. Experiments were carried out to study the thermal mixing for two common tuyere positions, i.e., axisymmetric and eccentric (mid-radius) positions. Results on the injection mode show that axisymmetric gas injection is a more efficient heat transfer configuration between the burner and the liquid phase than is the symmetric injection mode for the particular heating configuration studied in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since it has been demonstrated that urban effluents can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms, a multibiomarker study was used to evaluate the effects of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents discharged into the marine and freshwater environments on clams in Cádiz, Spain. One bioassay was performed in the Bay of Cádiz, exposing Ruditapes philippinarum (marine) to a reference site as well as two sites close to WWTP discharges for 14 days. A second bioassay was performed in the Guadalete River, exposing Corbicula fluminea (fresh water) to three sites for 21 days. The biomarkers analysed included defence mechanisms and various toxic effects. Results indicated that WWTP effluents activated defence mechanisms and induced toxic effects in clams exposed to both environments, thus indicating bioavailability of contaminants present in water. Elevated enzymatic activity was found in clams deployed in La Puntilla and El Trocadero compared to control clams and those exposed to the reference site, and 96% of clams deployed at G2 in the Guadalete River died before day 7. Clams exposed to G1 and G3 indicated significant differences in all biomarkers analysed with respect to control clams (p < 0.05). Both species were sensitive to contaminants present in studied sites. This is the first time that these species were used in cages to assess the environmental risk of wastewater effluent discharges in freshwater and marine column environments. The multibiomarker approach provided important ecotoxicological information and is useful for the assessment of the bioavailability and effect of contaminants from WWTP effluents on marine and fresh water invertebrates. Highlights: A multibiomarker study evaluated WWTP effluent effects on clams in water columns. WWTP effluents were toxic to clams in adjacent marine and fresh water environments. Defence mechanisms increased in marine clams nearest to WWTP discharges. 96% of clams exposed directly to WWTP effluent in Guadalete River died before day 7. We showed that the multibiomarker approach provides important ecotoxicological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements by the REMS/UV sensor onboard the MSL Curiosity rover constitute the first in situ dataset of UV radiation flux at the surface of Mars. Due to its position on the Curiosity deck, the UV sensor has been directly exposed to dust deposition. Inaccuracies in the original angular response calibration functions have led to discrepancies between measured and physically-expected UV fluxes when the solar zenith angle (θ ) relative to the rover frame is between 20 ∘ and 55 ∘ . Here we present a methodology to correct UV fluxes when θ < 55 ∘ for both effects, and show results of the corrected data set for the first 2003 sols (∼3 Martian Years, MY) of the MSL mission, from L ∼ s 151 ∘ in MY 31 to L ∼ s 149 ∘ in MY 34. Close to noon, when θ values are typically < 30 ∘ , relative differences between corrected and original UV fluxes are ∼35 – 40% on average. Outside hours close to noon, when θ is typically > 30 ∘ , relative differences are greater than 100%. Measurements acquired when 20 ∘ < θ < 55 ∘ represent ∼45% of the whole dataset with θ < 90 ∘ . UV fluxes generated in this study are available in the NASA Planetary Data System (https://atmos.nmsu.edu/PDS/data/mslrem%5f1001/DATA%5fUV%5fCORRECTED/), and are important to study the effect of UV radiation on the variability of atmospheric constituents, to recreate accurate UV doses for biological laboratory experiments, to perform combined analyses of satellite and ground-based measurements, and to allow comparisons of the UV radiation environment at different locations with the upcoming ExoMars 2020 and Mars 2020 missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to determine the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a nation-wide population based cohort from Spain (di@bet.es study). The target was the Spanish population. In total 5072 people older than 18 years,were randomly selected from all over Spain). Socio-demographic and clinical data, survey on habits (physical activity and food consumption) and weight, height, waist, hip and blood pressure were recorder. A fasting blood draw and an oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Determinations of serum glucose were made. In the follow-up the same variables were collected and HbA1c was determined. A total of 2408 subjects participated in the follow-up. In total, 154 people developed diabetes (6.4% cumulative incidence in 7.5 years of follow-up). The incidence of diabetes adjusted for the structure of age and sex of the Spanish population was 11.6 cases/1000 person-years (IC95% = 11.1–12.1). The incidence of known diabetes was 3.7 cases/1000 person-years (IC95% = 2.8–4.6). The main risk factors for developing diabetes were the presence of prediabetes in cross-sectional study, age, male sex, obesity, central obesity, increase in weight, and family history of diabetes. This work provides data about population-based incidence rates of diabetes and associated risk factors in a nation-wide cohort of Spanish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A test for the equality of error distributions in two nonparametric regression models is proposed. The test statistic is based on comparing the empirical characteristic functions of the residuals calculated from independent samples of the models. The asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic cannot be used to estimate its null distribution because it is unknown, since it depends on the unknown common error distribution. To approximate the null distribution, a weighted bootstrap estimator is studied, providing a consistent estimator. The finite sample performance of this approximation as well as the power of the resulting test are evaluated by means of a simulation study. The procedure can be extended to testing for the equality of d > 2 error distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy dissipation devices are continuously implemented in several buildings and bridges around the world. The dynamic characteristics of the strong motions in soft soil sites make attractive the use of this type of passive control system; however, its applicability remains limited. In spite of the important number of papers studying the seismic behavior of structures with passive control devices, only few of them consider low frequency excitations and even less studies combine low frequency excitations and yield type devices. One of the main impediments regarding to the use of energy dissipation devices is the lack of specific studies, showing their applicability as a function of the dynamic characteristics of structural systems with dissipation devices located on soft soil sites. This study conducts a parametric study of a single degree of freedom system with metallic yielding devices, with the aim of proposing graphs for the preliminary design of buildings with energy dissipation devices, by means of drift, frame ductility and dissipator ductility response spectra. The excitation of the models is a collection of seismic strong motions recorded in soft soil sites. 21,600 nonlinear time history analyses were processed for the entire combinations of the displacement and stiffness parameters of the structures and devices selected. The results allow an easy way to select initially the mechanical and geometrical properties of the energy dissipation devices with elastoplastic behavior, as a function of the fundamental period of the building. Finally a case study of a six-story RC building with metallic energy dissipation devices demonstrates the applicability of the proposed response spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the matrix and the concentration of the pesticides on the bioavailability of the dimethomorph, ametoctradin, boscalid, fenhexamid, mepanipyrim, cyazofamid, kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and metrofenone fungicides in grapes and red wine are studied. Bioavailability is calculated using an in vitro procedure and by simulating human gastric digestion by dialyzation of the fungicides at six concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mg kg−1) in the semipermeable cellulose membrane. Analyses were carried out by QuEChERS extraction method and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole analyzer detection (LC-MS/MS QqQ). The results indicated a clear effect of the concentration and matrix, with dialyzation in grapes and red wine beginning in some fungicides from just 2 mg kg1, and in water from 5 mg kg−1. The different matrices can also be ordered according to the matrix effect: water > red wine > grape. The fungicides which present greatest bioavailability are, in order: ametoctradin in grape and red wine, boscalid in red wine and water, dimethomorph in water, and fenhexamid in red wine and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the epidemiology and the harmful effect of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) on beef cattle in the piedmont forest and grassland region of northwestern Argentina, between March 2015 and March 2016. Sixty weaned female calves were divided into three groups: STG—calves treated systematically with 200 mcg/kg moxidectin every 40-50 days; LTG—calves treated as usually locally implemented, with 200 mcg/kg ivermectin on May 4 and August 5; and UTG—calves not receiving treatment. Moreover, a group of 20 untreated first-calving cows was monitored. Eggs per gram of faeces (epg) and faeces cultures were performed. Live weight gain (LWG) was recorded. Differences among groups were compared using analysis of variance and Tukey test. At the start of the experiment, mean epg was from moderate to high (595 ± 480); therefore, this group was treated in May. Mean UTG epg peaked (907 ± 754) in mid-winter, decreasing toward spring. LTG epg only decreased partially after treatment, showing 54.2% of ivermectin efficacy. Epg values of STG were always negligible values (95.8% of moxidectin efficacy). The dominant nematode genus was Cooperia (81.9%), followed by Haemonchus (15.5%). The effect of treatments was evident from middle autumn, with STG showing a significantly (p < 0.002) higher LWG than the other groups. Toward the end of the trial, LWG of STG and LTG increased by 27.2 and 8.2%, respectively, to those of UTG. This preliminary study showed a winter epg peak and a negative effect of GINs on LWG, even in moderately infected calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the pregnancy rate (PR) after timed artificial insemination (TAI) in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during both non-breeding and breeding season, using either a new or reused intravaginal device (IVD) with two different progesterone concentrations. A total of 247 dairy buffalo cows were randomly assigned using a two-by-three factorial design and four replicates to the following groups: (1) new intravaginal device (IVD-New: DIB®, 1.0 g of P4, n = 51 or CIDR®, 1.38 g of P4, n = 55); (2) intravaginal device previously used once (9 days) (IVD-Used1x: DIB, n = 40 or CIDR, n = 51); or (3) intravaginal device previously used twice (18 days) (IVD-Used2x: DIB, n = 27 or CIDR, n = 23). On day 0, animals received the IVD plus 10.5 μg of buserelin acetate (GnRH) intramuscularly. On day 9, the devices were removed and 25 mg of PGF2α plus 500 IU of eCG was given intramuscularly. On day 11 (48 h after IVD withdrawal), animals received 10.5 μg of GnRH and were artificially inseminated 8–12 h later. Data were analyzed using Proc Logistic of SAS®. Animals that received IVD-New-DIB, had a significantly higher PR (62.7%; P = 0.0193) compared to animals that received IVD-New-CIDR (40%). Pregnancy rate was not negatively affected by reusing both types of IVD. Overall PR (new and reused devices) was higher (P = 0.0055) in the DIB group (62.7%) compared to the CIDR group (45%). In conclusion, PR was higher in buffaloes treated with devices containing 1.0 g of P4 (DIB®) compared to those receiving 1.38 g of P4 (CIDR®). Reusing the intravaginal devices did not affect negatively PR/TAI, suggesting that P4 concentrations within the TAI protocols in water buffaloes could be reduced, without impairing their fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the complete set of in-situ meteorological data obtained from the Viking landers in the 1970s to today's Curiosity rover to review our understanding of the modern near-surface climate of Mars, with focus on the dust, CO and HO cycles and their impact on the radiative and thermodynamic conditions near the surface. In particular, we provide values of the highest confidence possible for atmospheric opacity, atmospheric pressure, near-surface air temperature, ground temperature, near-surface wind speed and direction, and near-surface air relative humidity and water vapor content. Then, we study the diurnal, seasonal and interannual variability of these quantities over a span of more than twenty Martian years. Finally, we propose measurements to improve our understanding of the Martian dust and HO cycles, and discuss the potential for liquid water formation under Mars' present day conditions and its implications for future Mars missions. Understanding the modern Martian climate is important to determine if Mars could have the conditions to support life and to prepare for future human exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the style of rearing in a sample of depressive patients and compare it with a control group of normal subjects of similar age, sex, and civil status. The hypothesis to verify was that among the depressives the style of rearing is characterised by a deficit in Emotional Warmth and an excess of Rejection and Protection. We analysed whether the severity of the depression - Major Depressive Disorders versus Depressive Disorders Not Otherwise Specified - was associated with differences in the perceived rearing conditions.Design: It was an observational study of the case/control type. There were 50 patients, whose first depressive episode (DSM-III-R criteria) began in the 6 months prior to the interview. They were entered sequentially into the study sample. The control group comprised 50 subjects with no depressive pathology, matched by age, sex, and social class.Method: The EMBU questionnaire was applied to all the subjects.Results: Only 35% of all depressive patients, as against 64% of the controls, had experienced an optimum upbringing. It is shown that a deficit in Emotional Warmth and a high level of Rejection constitute parental attitudes that are significantly more frequent among depressives than among subjects with no psychiatric pathology. Type of depression or degree of intimacy did not influence the scores obtained in the subscales of the EMBU. Depressives pertaining to lower social classes tended to score higher in Overprotection and Rejection scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Changes of the bone formation marker PINP correlated positively with improvements in vertebral strength in men with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) who received 18-month treatment with teriparatide, but not with risedronate. These results support the use of PINP as a surrogate marker of bone strength in GIO patients treated with teriparatide. Introduction: To investigate the correlations between biochemical markers of bone turnover and vertebral strength estimated by finite element analysis (FEA) in men with GIO. Methods: A total of 92 men with GIO were included in an 18-month, randomized, open-label trial of teriparatide (20 μg/day, n = 45) and risedronate (35 mg/week, n = 47). High-resolution quantitative computed tomography images of the 12th thoracic vertebra obtained at baseline, 6 and 18 months were converted into digital nonlinear FE models and subjected to anterior bending, axial compression and torsion. Stiffness and strength were computed for each model and loading mode. Serum biochemical markers of bone formation (amino-terminal-propeptide of type I collagen [PINP]) and bone resorption (type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide degradation fragments [CTx]) were measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 18 months. A mixed-model of repeated measures analysed changes from baseline and between-group differences. Spearman correlations assessed the relationship between changes from baseline of bone markers with FEA variables. Results: PINP and CTx levels increased in the teriparatide group and decreased in the risedronate group. FEA-derived parameters increased in both groups, but were significantly higher at 18 months in the teriparatide group. Significant positive correlations were found between changes from baseline of PINP at 3, 6 and 18 months with changes in FE strength in the teriparatide-treated group, but not in the risedronate group. Conclusions: Positive correlations between changes in a biochemical marker of bone formation and improvement of biomechanical properties support the use of PINP as a surrogate marker of bone strength in teriparatide-treated GIO patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review selected in situ measurements and models aimed at the study of the Martian Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). We also discuss critically the advantages and limitations of applying similarity theories to the Martian PBL and calculate the fundamental scales predicted by these theories. Finally, we obtain values of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and address its budget by weighting the significance of the different terms involved in it. In situ measurements taken by the Viking and Pathfinder missions along with similarity theories conveniently adapted to Mars are used to obtain the fundamental scales, the TKE and its budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Thyroid hormone receptor-beta resistance has been associated with metabolic traits. THRA gene sequencing of an obese woman (index case) who presented as empirical thyroid hormone receptor-α (THRA) resistance, disclosed a polymorphism (rs12939700) in a critical region involved in TRα alternative processing.Design and subjects:THRA gene variants were evaluated in three independent europid populations (i) in two population cohorts at baseline (n=3417 and n=2265), 6 years later (n=2139) and (ii) in 4734 high cardiovascular risk subjects (HCVR, PREDIMED trial).Results:The minor allele of the index case polymorphism (rs12939700), despite having a very low frequency (4%), was significantly associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (P=0.042) in HCVR subjects. A more frequent THRA polymorphism (rs1568400) was associated with higher BMI in subjects from the population (P=0.00008 and P=0.05) after adjusting for several confounders. Rs1568400 was also strongly associated with fasting triglycerides (P dominant=3.99 × 10−5). In the same sample, 6 years later, age and sex-adjusted risk of developing obesity was significantly increased in GG homozygotes (odds ratio 2.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.95)). In contrast, no association between rs1568400 and BMI was observed in HCVR subjects, in whom obesity was highly prevalent. This might be explained by the presence of an interaction (P <0.001) among the rs1568400 variant, BMI and saturated fat intake. Only when saturated fat intake was high (>24.5 g d−1), GG carriers showed a significantly higher BMI than A carriers after controlling for energy intake and physical activity.Conclusions:THRA gene polymorphisms are associated with obesity development. This is a novel observation linking the THRA locus to metabolic phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Despite the marked increase in cardiovascular risk factors in Spain in recent years, the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases have not risen as expected. Our objective is to examine the association between consumption of olive oil and the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors in the context of a large study representative of the Spanish population.Subjects and methods:A population-based, cross-sectional, cluster sampling study was conducted. The target population was the whole Spanish population. A total of 4572 individuals aged 18 years in 100 clusters (health centers) were randomly selected with a probability proportional to population size. The main outcome measures were clinical and demographic structured survey, lifestyle survey, physical examination (weight, height, body mass index, waist, hip and blood pressure) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (75 g).Results:Around 90% of the Spanish population use olive oil, at least for dressing, and slightly fewer for cooking or frying. The preference for olive oil is related to age, educational level, alcohol intake, body mass index and serum glucose, insulin and lipids. People who consume olive oil (vs sunflower oil) had a lower risk of obesity (odds ratio (OR)=0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.41-0.93, P=0.02)), impaired glucose regulation (OR=0.49 (95% CI=0.28-0.86, P=0.04)), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=0.53 (95% CI=0.33-0.84, P=0.03)) and low HDL cholesterol levels (OR=0.40 (95% CI=0.26-0.59, P=0.0001)).Conclusions:The results show that consumption of olive oil has a beneficial effect on different cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in the presence of obesity, impaired glucose tolerance or a sedentary lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on marine organisms has greatly increased during the past decade, as realization of the potential dramatic impacts has grown. Studies have revealed the multifarious responses of organisms to OA conditions, indicating a high level of intra- and interspecific variation in species' ability to accommodate these alterations. If we are to provide policy makers with sound, scientific input regarding the expected consequences of OA, we need a broader understanding of these predicted changes. As a group of 20 multi-disciplinary postgraduate students from around the globe, with a study focus on OA, we are a strong representation of 'next generation' scientists in this field. In this unique cumulative paper, we review knowledge gaps in terms of assessing the biological impacts of OA, outlining directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is now a major concern given their potential adverse effects on organisms, particularly human beings. Because the feeding style and habitat of the crab Carcinus maenas make this species vulnerable to organic contaminants, it has been used previously in ecotoxicological studies. Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) in crabs is a general indicator of cellular well-being and can be visualized by the neutral red retention (NRR) assay. LMS in crab hemolymph has been evaluated as a cellular biomarker of adverse effects produced by exposure to pharmaceutical compounds. Crabs were exposed in the laboratory to four different pharmaceuticals for 28 days in a semistatic 24-h renewal assay. Filtered seawater was spiked every 2 days with various concentrations (from 0.1 to 50 μg·L) of caffeine, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, and novobiocin. Results showed that NRR time, measured at day 28, was significantly reduced ( p < 0.05) after exposure to environmental concentrations of each pharmaceutical (caffeine = 15 μg·L; carbamazepine = 1 μg·L; ibuprofen = 5 μg·L; and novobiocin = 0.1 μg·L) when compared with control organisms. The predicted 'no environmental effect' concentration/measured environmental concentration results showed that the selected pharmaceuticals are toxic at environmental concentrations and need further assessment. LMS monitoring in crabs is a sensitive tool for evaluating exposure to concentrations of selected drugs under laboratory conditions and provides a robust tier 1 testing approach (screening biomarker) for rapid assessment of marine pollution and environmental impact assessments for analyzing pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid water is a basic ingredient for life as we know it. Therefore, in order to understand the habitability of other planets we must first understand the behavior of water on them. Mars is the most Earth-like planet in the solar system and it has large reservoirs of HO. Here, we review the current evidence for pure liquid water and brines on Mars, and discuss their implications for future and current missions such as the Mars Science Laboratory. Neither liquid water nor liquid brines are currently stable on the surface of Mars, but they could be present temporarily in a few areas of the planet. Pure liquid water is unlikely to be present, even temporarily, on the surface of Mars because evaporation into the extremely dry atmosphere would inhibit the formation of the liquid phase, where the temperature and pressure are high enough so that water would neither freeze nor boil. The exception to this is that monolayers of liquid water, referred to as undercooled liquid interfacial water, could exist on most of the Martian surface. In a few places liquid brines could exist temporarily on the surface because they could form at cryogenic temperatures, near ice or frost deposits where sublimation could be inhibited by the presence of nearly saturated air. Both liquid water and liquid brines might exist in the shallow subsurface because even a thin layer of soil forms an effective barrier against sublimation allowing pure liquid water to form sporadically in a few places, or liquid brines to form over longer periods of time in large portions of the planet. At greater depths, ice deposits could melt where the soil conductivity is low enough to blanket the deeper subsurface effectively. This could cause the formation of aquifers if the deeper soil is sufficiently permeable and an impermeable layer exists below the source of water. The fact that liquid brines and groundwater are likely to exist on Mars has important implications for geochemistry, glaciology, mineralogy, weathering and the habitability of Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural evolution during the synthesis of B2-NiAl intermetallic compound by mechanical alloying of equiatomic elemental mixtures was studied by Rietveld analysis, DSC and HTXRD. The lattice parameter, crystallite size, microstrain, amount of phase and ordering of the B2 phase were monitored as a function of milling time. Formation of the B2-NiAl phase shows a sigmoidal behavior, which suggests that Johnson-Mehl-Avrami nucleation and interface-controlled growth are the responsible mechanisms in the transformation. Almost complete transformation (~ 97 mol%) was obtained after 25 h of milling. A specific phase transformation sequence during milling was not absolutely determined, however, the sequence Ni + Al → NiAl → NiAl → B2-NiAl was identified by HTXRD. This sequence was confirmed by DSC. The transformation temperature of the B2-NiAl phase and the presence of additional intermetallic compounds show a direct dependence on the Ni-Al layer spacing. Using a production-scale Simoloyer horizontal Attritor Mill, the presence of NiAl phase was observed prior to the full synthesis of B2-NiAl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The θ-AlO → α-AlO phase transformation was investigated in thermally grown oxide formed on β-(Ni,Pt)Al bond coats during isothermal exposures at 900-1,200 °C in an argon atmosphere stream with the O partial pressure of 1 × 10 atm. Local curve fitting was used to evaluate the evolution of the parabolic rate constant, k, using a general kinetic model ( t = A + BΔ m + CΔ m), during the first 5 h of oxidation. All net mass-gain curves exhibited deviations from the classic parabolic model, Δ m = k t; a steady state regime was established only after 4 h of exposures, except for the sample oxidized at 1,100 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif-containing (TMBIM)-6, also known as BAX-inhibitor 1 (BI-1), is an anti-apoptotic protein that belongs to a putative family of highly conserved and poorly characterized genes. Here we report the function of TMBIM3/GRINA in the control of cell death by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Tmbim3 mRNA levels are strongly upregulated in cellular and animal models of ER stress, controlled by the PERK signaling branch of the unfolded protein response. TMBIM3/GRINA synergies with TMBIM6/BI-1 in the modulation of ER calcium homeostasis and apoptosis, associated with physical interactions with inositol trisphosphate receptors. Loss-of-function studies in D. melanogaster demonstrated that TMBIM3/GRINA and TMBIM6/BI-1 have synergistic activities against ER stress in vivo. Similarly, manipulation of TMBIM3/GRINA levels in zebrafish embryos revealed an essential role in the control of apoptosis during neuronal development and in experimental models of ER stress. These findings suggest the existence of a conserved group of functionally related cell death regulators across species beyond the BCL-2 family of proteins operating at the ER membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims:As interleukin-6 (IL-6) has an important role in general metabolism with high circulating levels in obesity and other associated diseases, the factors regulating its synthesis and release have been considered possible therapeutic targets and have recently been studied. We examined the influence of three different diets, each having a different fatty acid composition—saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated (coconut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil diets), on IL-6 release from rat adipocytes, and the interaction between diet and other regulatory factors of IL-6 release, such as epinephrine.Methods:A group of rats was assigned to one of the three different diets, each with a significantly different concentration of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Samples were taken from the omental adipose tissue for measurement of the triacylglycerol fatty acid composition of the tissues and for adipocyte isolation. IL-6 release from adipocytes was measured in vitro, under nonstimulated conditions and also with two concentrations of epinephrine in the medium.Results:Animals fed with the olive oil diet showed lower values of IL-6 release with and without epinephrine stimulation. IL-6 release from adipocytes varied according to the diet, but not according to epinephrine dose. However, a significant interaction was found between the epinephrine dose and the diet in IL-6 release regulation.Conclusions:IL-6 release from adipocytes was markedly regulated by the dietary fatty acid composition, even under epinephrine stimulation, with lower values of IL-6 release in the olive oil diet. The study also showed that epinephrine regulation of IL-6 release was related to the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook a population-based cohort study in Pizarra (Spain). Anthropometric and nutritional variables were recorded for 613 persons. The type of fat used was determined by measurement of the fatty acids contained in cooking oil. Serum fatty acid was used as a biological marker of the type of fat consumed. Obesity incidence in persons who were not obese at baseline was greater in those who consumed sunflower oil (Group 1: 41.5 (95% CI, 25.4–67.8) cases per 1000 person-years) than in those who consumed olive oil or a mixture of oils (Group 2: 17.3 (95% CI, 11.6–25.8) cases per 1000 person-years). The risk of developing obesity over 6 years, adjusted for age, sex, physical activity, smoking, instruction level, energy intake and baseline BMI, was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.06–5.02) in group 1 compared with that in group 2. The increase in the prevalence of obesity in the free-living population is associated with the type of fatty acids in the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erosion caused by external factors such as wind, rain, sunlight and temperature changes is considerable in raw materials used to build pre-hispanic monuments. However, there does exist an internal destruction factor even stronger: the humidity coming from the soil, which goes up by capillarity, depositing soluble salts on the walls surface. Therefore, one way to find some figure related to the specific capillarity or porosity shown by each raw material, is to obtain small prism-shaped pieces cut out from the large debris fallen down spontaneously from ancient walls due to internal humidity. Once these small samples are placed in contact with a 22Na labeled solution during a given time, at the same geometrical conditions, dried overnight, conditioned either in test tubes or wrapped into polyethylene and detected in a well type 3″×3″ scintillation detector, the counts accumulated per time and weight units are a measure of the relative porosity shown by each material. In order to pull down this porosity, the samples are impregnated with a gelatin solution (50 g/l) at 60–80 °C plus food preservatives such as potassium sorbate (2.5%) and sodium benzoate (2.5%). When gelatin begins to be formed 3 hours later and the samples look humid and brilliant, they are impregnated with formaldehyde solution (38%), and their absorption rate is dramatically reduced overnight (75–100%), which can be proven when samples are tested by making use of the 22Na labeled solution. This technique has been applied at real scale in some pre-hispanic monuments. Ancient raw materials seems to be much more compact and well preserved during one limited period of time (10 to 13 months). Treatment is unnoticeable and reversible, and it may be applied periodically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of blocking N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) and non-NMDA glutamatergic receptors on performance in the hole board test was studied in male rats bilaterally cannulated into the nucleus accumbens (Acc). Rats, divided into 5 groups, received either 1 µl injections of saline, (±) 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP-7) (0.5 or 1 µg) or 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4,tetrahydrobenzo-(f)quinoxaline-7-sulphonamide disodium (NBQX, 0.5 or 1 µg) 10 min before testing. An increase by AP-7 was observed in ambulatory movements (0.5 µg; p < 0.05), non-ambulatory movements and number of movements (1 µg; p < 0.05); sniffing and total exploration (1 µg; p < 0.01). When holes were considered in order from the first to the fifth by the number of explorations, the most visited holes (first and second) of the AP-7 group were significantly higher than the corresponding holes of saline group ( p < 0.05 for 0.5 µg and p < 0.001 for 1 µg). When the second hole was compared with the first of his group, a difference was only observed in the AP-7 1 µg group ( p < 0.001). Increasing differences between the other holes and the first were observed by drug treatment. At molecular level, it was observed that AP-7 induced an increase of the coat protein AP-2 expression in Acc, but not AP-180 neither the synaptic protein synaptophysin. The increase of AP-2 was also observed in the medial prefrontal cortex by the action of AP-7 but not NBQX. We conclude that NMDA glutamatergic blockade might induce an activation of the endocytic machinery into the Acc, leading to stereotypies and perseverations, lacking cortical intentional direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Few epidemiological studies have examined the relationship of dietary fatty acids, especially MUFA, with the interrelation between insulin secretion and insulin resistance. We assessed the relation of dietary fatty acids with insulin secretion in a free-living population. Design and setting: This cross-sectional, population-based study was undertaken in Pizarra, a small town in Spain. Subjects and methods: Anthropometrical data were collected for 1226 persons selected randomly from the municipal census, 538 of whom (randomly chosen) were given a prospective, quantitative, 7-day nutritional questionnaire. The fatty acid composition of the serum phospholipids was used as a biological marker of the type of fat consumed. Beta-cell function (βCFI) and insulin-resistance index (IRI) were estimated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment. Results: To determine which factors influence the variability of the βCFI, we analyzed the variance of the βCFI according to sex, the presence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and the different components of the diet, adjusting the models for age, body mass index (BMI) and IRI. The dietary MUFA and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contributed to the variability of the βCFI, whereas only the proportion of serum phospholipid MUFA, but neither the saturated fatty acids nor the PUFA accounted for part of the variability of the βCFI in a multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: The results of this population-based study corroborate the results of other clinical and experimental studies suggesting a favorable relationship of MUFA with β-cell insulin secretion. Sponsorship: Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria, Junta de Andalucía and the Asociación Maimónides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plant extraction is a relevant issue in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. A quantitative methodology is proposed for the evaluation of conservation priorities for species used in popular medicine in the Paravachasca Valley, Córdoba. Qualitative attributes were surveyed through the knowledge and perception of local communities. Species are ranked by their index of conservation priority (ICP) values. This index takes into consideration the following data: harvest, abundance, propagation method, origin and commercial demand of species in the area. Among the native species prioritized for conservation are Minthostachys mollis, Hedeoma multi.ora, Julocroton argenteus, Baccharis crispa, Trixis divaricata subsp. discolor, Passiflora caerulea, Usnea spp. and Equisetum giganteum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To genetically characterize dengue 2 (DEN-2) viruses in Oaxaca, Mexico, the C protein, and a portion of the prM protein genes of 8 isolates from the 2001 DEN epidemic were sequenced. The sequences were compared to those of prototype DEN-2 viruses from various parts of the world. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the 2001 isolates of DEN-2 were of the American/Asian genotype and were most similar to the Jamaica and Venezuelan isolates MARA3, LARD1996 and LARD1910. Molecular analyses confirmed the origin of the isolates. This study indicates that DEN-2 strains of American/Asian genotype probably from Southeast Asian are circulating in Oaxaca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We conducted the present study to evaluate the impact of stressful events on the onset of depressive disorders in a Spanish clinical sample, compared to a control group matched for age, sex, civil status and social class. We compared our results with those of other studies carried out with samples that were both clinically and culturally similar to ours. Method: Fifty depressed patients that were diagnosed with a depressive episode in the 6 months prior to the interview and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Both groups were compared on the “Life Events and Difficulties Schedule” (LEDS). Results: Of the depressive patients, 68 % compared to only 18 % of the control individuals experienced at least one provoking agent in the 12 months prior to the onset of the symptoms. The risk of developing a depressive disorder was 9.7 % greater in subjects exposed to such provoking agents. Chronic difficulties are equally important to the genesis of depressive disorders as severe life events. No significant differences were seen between the two diagnostic subgroups of depressed patients in the accumulation of severe events, major difficulties or provoking agents. Conclusion: The results support the view that stress is a major factor in the aetiology of depressive disorders. The amount of stress suffered by the patients, however, was less than that found in our healthy sample. Important issues about the model of interaction between stress and depression are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms regulating female gametogenesis in flowering plants. In many species sexuality is replaced by apomixis, a method of asexual reproduction that circumvents female meiosis and fertilization, and culminates in the formation of clonal seeds. Using a new generation of transposon based insertional mutagenesis strategies and their resulting molecular tools, we are investigating how female meiotically derived cells (megaspores) acquire their identity. We are also determining their function and interactions, and attempting the induction of apomixis initiation in the ovule of Arabidopsis. This basic knowledge will contribute to establish the transfer of apomixis into sexual crops, a major challenge faced by plant biotechnology. The introduction of apomixis as a reproductive alternative could represent a unique opportunity to simplify breeding schemes and genetically perpetuate any desired heterozygous genotype, including hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight volatile organic compounds have been measured in a 3-month monitoring campaign. The sampling point is located in the urban centre of La Coruña, a medium-size town in the Northwest of Spain. Only a petrol refinery can be considered as an important point VOCs source in its surrounding area. The municipal landfill collapsed in September 1996, and rebuilding works caused strong odour episodes at the urban centre. We tried to check how this problem affected urban air quality. Samples were taken with Tenax-TA tubes and analysed by thermal desorption-GC-MS. From the results obtained, traffic emissions were recognised as the main VOCs source in the sampling zone. On November 9th a contamination episode took place. Aromatic and aliphatic compounds levels were probably affected by emissions from fuel treatment processes in a nearby petrol refinery. No influence on quantified VOCs concentrations from the remaking landfill works was observed. Several compounds (organosulphurs, esters and alcohols) were recognised as the cause of odour problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]