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Human‐wildlife conflicts have increased and are particularly acute when predators are involved. A frequent source of conflict is some people's misbeliefs related to the alleged impact of predators on game species and livestock. In this context, quantifying the impact of expanding predators on their prey can be useful in designing conflict mitigation strategies. We estimated the predation impact of the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), an expanding mesocarnivore in southwestern Europe, on European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and red‐legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) populations, two declining prey species highly valued by hunters. We estimated mongoose densities in three areas of central Spain through live capture, GPS/VHF tagging, camera‐trapping and spatial mark‐resight models. Rabbit and partridge densities were estimated through transect counts and distance sampling. We quantified the mongoose diet by scat analysis. Finally, we compared the number of individuals consumed by the predator population with the estimated total prey populations. European rabbits were the most important mongoose food in two of the study areas, whereas red‐legged partridges were rarely consumed in all the areas. Rabbit density varied widely among study areas (14.0–881.4 rabbits/km2), while partridge density was low in all the areas (2.3–6.9 partridges/km2). The predation impact on rabbits was low in the area with the highest rabbit density (1.9–3.8% of estimated population) and higher (5.6–29%) in the other areas. In contrast, the predation impact on partridge populations was low (<9%) in all the study areas. This is the first study that estimates the Egyptian mongoose impact on small‐game species, a necessary step to deal with the conflicts over the management of this expanding species. The study of predation impact may contribute to the effective management of human‐wildlife conflicts involving predators, by improving the understanding of where additional management may take place to protect prey species or deter predator populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuronal glycine transporter GlyT2 removes glycine from the synaptic cleft through active Na+, Cl−, and glycine cotransport contributing to the termination of the glycinergic signal as well as supplying substrate to the presynaptic terminal for the maintenance of the neurotransmitter content in synaptic vesicles. Patients with mutations in the human GlyT2 gene (SLC6A5), develop hyperekplexia or startle disease (OMIM 149400), characterized by hypertonia and exaggerated startle responses to trivial stimuli that may have lethal consequences in the neonates as a result of apnea episodes. Post‐translational modifications in cysteine residues of GlyT2 are an aspect of structural interest we analyzed. Our study is compatible with a reversible and short‐lived S‐acylation in spinal cord membranes, detectable by biochemical and proteomics methods (acyl‐Rac binding and IP‐ABE) confirmed with positive and negative controls (palmitoylated and non‐palmitoylated proteins). According to a short‐lived modification, direct labeling using click chemistry was faint but mostly consistent. We have analyzed the physiological properties of a GlyT2 mutant lacking the cysteines with high prediction of palmitoylation and the mutant is less prone to be included in lipid rafts, an effect also observed upon treatment with the palmitoylation inhibitor 2‐bromopalmitate. This work demonstrates there are determinants of lipid raft inclusion associated with the GlyT2 mutated cysteines, which are presumably modified by palmitoylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the association between low back pain (LBP) and painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods: Systematic review of observational studies. Searches were conducted using OVID MEDLINE, CINHAL, Web of Science and PUBMED databases up to 21 October 2022. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool (QUIPS). Results: Eight studies were included in the present review with meta‐analysis. The first onset of TMDs was more likely in patients with previous chronic LBP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.53 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28; 1.83, p <.00001]). In addition, patients with chronic LBP had 3.25 times the odds (OR) [95% CI: 1.94; 5.43, p <.00001] of having chronic TMDs than those who did not have chronic LBP. In addition, the higher the exposure to chronic LBP, the higher the risk of developing a first onset of TMDs. Conclusions: Chronic LBP can be considered a risk/contributing factor for painful TMDs. Although there is a high certainty in the evidence linking chronic LBP with the risk of a first onset of TMDs, there are insufficient studies to draw definitive conclusions. Furthermore, while an association between chronic LBP and chronic TMDs and a dose–effect was observed between these two conditions, a limited number of studies and evidence exist to support these findings. Future studies are needed to increase the body of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models derived from satellite image data are needed to monitor the status of terrestrial ecosystems across large spatial scales. However, a remote sensing‐based approach to quantify soil multifunctionality at the global scale is missing despite significant research efforts on this topic. A major constraint for doing so is the availability of suitable global‐scale field data to calibrate remote sensing indicators (RSI) and, to a lesser extent, the sensitivity of spectral data of available satellite sensors to soil background and atmospheric conditions. Here, we aimed to develop a soil multifunctionality model to monitor global drylands coupling ground data on 14 soil functions of 222 dryland areas from six continents to 18 RSI derived from a time series (2006–2013) Landsat dataset. Among the RSI evaluated, the chlorophyll absorption ratio index was the best predictor of soil multifunctionality in single‐variable‐based models (r = 0.66, P < 0.01, NMRSE = 0.17). However, a multi‐variable RSI model combining the chlorophyll absorption ratio index, the global environment monitoring index and the canopy‐air temperature difference improved the accuracy of quantifying soil multifunctionality (r = 0.73, P < 0.01, NMRSE = 0.15). Furthermore, the correlation between RSI and soil variables shows a wide range of accuracy with upper and lower values obtained for AMI (r = 0.889, NMRSE = 0.05) and BGL (r = 0.685, NMRSE = 0.18) respectively. Our results provide new insights on assessing soil multifunctionality using RSI that may help to monitor temporal changes in the functioning of global drylands effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determines the cost of producing different biofuels such as wood chips and pellets. It evaluates the factors that determine the cost of solid biofuels (SBFs), such as raw material, location, and transportation cost. The analysis is carried out with two different raw materials, sawdust, forest residue and pruning, and takes into account three different locations: Durango, State of Mexico, and Jalisco. The production cost in USD per GJ is determined. This cost is compared with the cost of generating the same amount of energy using fuel oil to evaluate the circumstances under which the application of solid biofuel would be feasible. An elementary CO2 emissions analysis of transportation has also been developed to compare these emissions with those of the fuel oil currently used to evaluate the feasibility from an environmental point of view. Transportation largely determines the cost of production and the feasibility of applying solid biofuel. Some indications about the maximum distances that the SBF can be transported to its final use are provided. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel master‐slave fractional synchronization in chaotic systems by using fractional derivatives with nonlocal and nonsingular kernel. The master system is the fractional‐order chaotic system, and then, we designed a fractional‐order high gain observer, which is the slave system, based on the chaotic system model to achieve the synchronization. We used three different oscillator systems, a novel Chen‐Burke‐Shaw chaotic attractor, a novel fractional‐order chaotic system, and the fractional‐order model of a simple autonomous Jerk circuit. Our research followed to test the performance of the fractional synchronization. We use two performance indices, the integral of the square error (ISE) and the integral of the square error multiplied by time (ITSE). We showed that by using the fractional‐order approach, we can reduce the values on the ISE and ITSE indices; hence, we guaranteed a full synchronization between the master and slave system. Our analysis shows that when using fractional derivatives with variable order, the ISE and ITSE indices have a lower value than when using the classical derivatives. We used the definition of Atangana‐Baleanu‐Caputo and Liouville‐Caputo derivatives for the three examples mentioned in this work. We numerically solved the equations using the Adams method. Our results show that when using the fractional‐order approach, the ISE and ITSE indices are lower than the integer‐order case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Conclusions: b An MRD-driven strategy allows ibrutinib discontinuation in indolent clinical forms of MCL patients who persist with prolonged MRD and also clinical responses. At current follow-up, 6 patients remain on treatment, and up to 13 patients discontinued ibrutinib because of adverse events, including 7 associated to ibrutinib with a hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade being the most severe. [Extracted from the article]

Knowing the distribution of expanding carnivore species is paramount for identifying and addressing potential human–wildlife conflicts. Occupancy models are useful tools to estimate the distribution and the probability of detection of wildlife species. In this study, we used these models with an empirical dataset to compare different survey methods and their combinations in order to optimize the estimated distribution in central Iberian Peninsula of the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), the only Herpestidae species occurring in Europe. In particular, we aimed to identify the most cost‐effective (most accurate, with the lowest bias and cost) method or combination of methods. Sign surveys along transects on foot, hair‐traps (baited and unbaited) and camera‐traps were used as detection methods. We replicated these methods in 10 sampling units within four study zones in which the species was known to occur. We employed occupancy models to estimate the detection probability for each method in each zone, using covariates exclusively for detection probability, and made combinations of all methods. Camera‐trapping was the most precise and least biased single method, followed by transects on foot. In contrast, both baited and unbaited hair‐traps produced biased estimates of occupancy. However, camera‐traps was the most costly method, whereas single unbaited hair‐traps had the lowest cost. Our results demonstrate that the combination of several methods provides more precise and unbiased estimates of occupancy than those obtained from single methods. Even so, a biased method could contribute to improve the estimates if combined with other unbiased and precise methods. We recommend considering not only the precision and bias, but also the cost and effort required by each method to achieve the most cost‐effective results in distribution studies of carnivore species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocations are an increasing feature of threatened species conservation plans, but the impact of removal of individuals on the source population is seldom studied. Using computational Population Dynamics P System models and the Pyrenean Bearded Vulture population as a case study we looked at: the effect on the source population of alternative strategies for removal of individual birds for use in reintroduction projects; and the trade‐offs between the various management options. According to our models (over a 30 year prediction horizon) the removal of one clutch, juvenile or non‐territorial adult each year over an 11 year period, results in an annual loss of 1.57, 3.71 and 0.97 territories, respectively. We forecast the impact of a plausible removal scenario for the Pyrenees source population (the removal of five clutches and five non‐territorial adults each year over 11 years), leading to a predicted loss of 16 breeding territories. Nevertheless, changes in demographic parameters, mainly in productivity and adult survival, could substantially affect these predicted results. With the current demographic parameters, the removal scenarios that were estimated to not affect population size after 30 years (95% CI) are limited to: (1) the removal of five clutches and five non‐territorial adults during a single year; (2) the annual removal of five non‐territorial adults during a 6 year period; and (3) the annual removal of five clutches during a 6 year period. Our results suggest that removals from the Pyrenean Bearded Vulture source population should be performed with caution due to uncertainties arising from stochastic changes in survival and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a major centre for rice domestication, where starch grain analysis has been widely applied to archaeological grinding tools to gain information about plant use by ancient Chinese societies. However, few rice starch grains have been identified to date. To understand this apparent scarcity of starch grains from rice, dry‐ and wet‐grinding experiments with stone tools were carried out on four types of cereals: rice (Oryza sativa L.), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), Job's tears (Coix lacryma‐jobi L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The results reveal that dry‐grinding produces significant damage to starches to the point where they may be undetected in archaeological samples, while wet‐grinding causes only slight morphological changes to the starch grains. Moreover, rice starch grains have the most substantial alterations from dry‐grinding, possibly impeding their identification. These findings provide a possible means to explain the relative scarcity of rice starch grains recovered from archaeological grinding tools, which it is suggested was caused by the use of the dry‐grinding technique. Therefore, it is suggested that rice starch grains have been likely underrepresented in the archaeological record, and previous interpretations of starch analyses need to be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Objectives Study design Methods Results Main limitations Conclusions The paracondylar process is of clinical interest due to its proximity to anatomical structures involved in vital functions. There are limited reports describing abnormalities affecting the paracondylar process (PCP), with traumatic fractures being the most prevalent pathology. Affected horses can present with a variety of signs including headshaking, facial paralysis and/or poor performance. In almost all cases reported in the literature to date, computed tomography has been used to diagnose a PCP fracture.The aim of this study was to develop a radiographic technique for imaging the PCP, to determine the optimum radiographic projection angle and trial its use in standing sedated horses.Cadaveric‐simulated clinical case and pilot study conducted in 10 standing sedated horses.Three tangential radiographs of the left and right paracondylar processes at 5°, 15° and 20° to the transverse plane and 20° to the dorsal plane were obtained in 10 standing sedated horses. Three blinded observers independently ranked each of the three images for clarity of viewing the PCP. The radiographic projection allowed imaging of the ventral portion of the PCP while avoiding superimposition of other osseous structures. A simulated PCP fracture in a cadaver could be recognised using this technique.The highest grades were obtained for radiographs with a 5° angle from the transverse plane, and the lowest grades were obtained for a 20° angle.Complex anatomy of the PCP with superimposition of osseous and soft tissue structures.The radiographic technique for the PCP can be safely performed in standing, sedated horses. It is suitable for implementation in general veterinary practice before considering referral for advanced imaging techniques in horses presenting with headshaking or facial paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense human persecution of wildlife in the past selected for shy individuals that survived in suboptimal refuge habitats. It appears that this long‐term conflict is coming to an end in southern Europe, where direct persecution of wildlife has dramatically decreased due to human abandonment of the rural world and an increase in respectful attitudes toward wildlife. We provide a number of empirical examples of ongoing 'refuge abandonment' and the expansion of fearless behavior among southern European wildlife, including island and mainland case studies as well as predator and prey examples. We predict that many ecological refugees will increasingly abandon their historical refuges (of which many currently coincide with protected areas), and that the frequency of fearless behaviors will increase via cultural habituation and natural selection in populations of mammals and birds that were formerly persecuted. We also suggest that this has been a nonlinear process, which began considerably earlier than it became evident, with a long latent inertial regime, and a relatively rapid transition to a state of refuge abandonment and occupation of new, more anthropogenic habitats. The process of refuge abandonment and expansion of fearless behaviors will bring a new paradigm regarding human–wildlife relationships. It will also force changes in policies to protect high‐quality sites that are currently unoccupied and unprotected. Refuge abandonment may form a completely new research agenda and should be taken into account when studying patterns of wildlife dispersal or dynamics of spatially structured populations, among other relevant topics. Intense human persecution of wildlife in the past selected for shy individuals that survived in suboptimal refuge habitats. We provide a number of empirical examples of ongoing 'refuge abandonment' and expansion of fearless behavior among southern European wildlife. The process of refuge abandonment and expansion of fearless behaviors will bring a new paradigm regarding human–wildlife relationships and will force policy changes regarding currently unoccupied sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porous clay heterostructures (PCH) are obtained by the insertion of an organic bulky cation in the interlayer spacing of a smectite, causing a swelling of the clay mineral. Right after, oxides species, mainly silicon oxide, are incorporated as pillars galleries between adjacent layers to form a porous structure after the removal of the template. The ordering of the clay mineral as well the organic cation incorporated in the synthetic step favors the modulation of the textural properties of the PCH. In addition, the incorporation of heteroatoms in the pillars galleries can also modulate the acidity of the PCH. The modulation of the pore size and the acid properties provides to these materials a wide range of applications in the fields of adsorption and catalysis. This paper carries out a detailed review of the synthesis of PCH, characterization as well as uses and application reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Interferon‐inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) participates in the defense against viral infections. This study identified and compared the frequency of the IFITM3 rs12252 polymorphism in 410 individuals in western Mexico. The western Mexican allelic frequencies (frequency of the “C” allele = 0.18) differ from some American, East Asian and European populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small intestine strangulation by pedunculated lipomas is a common cause of acute colic in horses. However, diagnosis of this condition prior to surgery may be difficult due to the poor specificity of the clinical signs. We describe the ultrasonographic findings of 2 horses presented for acute colic with a diagnosis of strangulating lipoma confirmed in surgery. Lipomas were identified as rounded and well-defined, homogeneous hyperechoic structures, surrounded by distended small intestine loops and peritoneal fluid. Ultrasonographic identification of lipomas should be attempted during an abdominal scan, especially in horses with evidence of small intestinal ileus and/or obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different types the spectrum of photons were studied; they were emitted from the flattening filter of a LINAC Varian 2100 C/D that operates at 15 MV. The simplified geometry of the LINAC head was calculated using the MCNPX code based on the studies of the materials of the flattening filter, namely, SST, W, Pb, Fe, Ta, Al, and Cu. These materials were replaced in the flattening filter to calculate the photon spectra at the output of this device to obtain the spectrum that makes an impact with the patient. The different spectra obtained were analyzed and compared to the emission from the original spectra configuration of the LINAC, which uses material W. In the study, different combinations of materials were considered in order to establish differences between the use of different materials and the original material, with the objective of establishing advantages and disadvantages from a clinical standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of the shovelnose guitarfish Pseudobatos productus were collected on board a vessel and at landings of artisanal commercial fisheries in the Gulf of California from May 2004 to June 2007. Samples of 650 females, 2047 embryos and 484 uterine eggs were examined. The reproductive cycle is annual, ovulation and parturition occur in July, the uterine eggs are in diapause for 9 months (July-March) before an accelerated growth of embryos of 3 months. Histological analyses of the uterine wall of pregnant females suggested that no secretions were used for embryo nourishment. The standard percentage of water content was 48·6% in fertilized eggs and 80·75% in full-term embryos. Dry mass loss during embryonic development was 16·3% and the chemical balance of development was 0·84. This indicates that P. productus is a strictly lecithotrophic, viviparous species, that makes no maternal contribution of nutrients during embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Skin Cancer Index (SCI) is a specific questionnaire measuring health related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with cervicofacial non-melanoma skin cancer (CFNMSC). The original scale has recently been adapted and validated into Spanish. Objectives. Evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish version of SCI. Methods. Patients with CFNMSC candidate for surgical treatment were administered the questionnaire at time of diagnostic (t0), 7 days after surgery (t1), and 5 months after surgery (t2). The scale and subscales scores (C1: social/appearance, C2: emotional) were then evaluated. Differences between t0-t1, t1-t2, and t0-t2 were determined and a gender-and-age segmented analysis was performed. Results. 88 patients, 54.8% male, mean age 62.5 years, completed the study. Differences between t0-t1 and t1-t2 scores were statistically significant (p<0.05). The lowest values were found at time of diagnosis and postsurgery. Women and patients under 65 years showed the lowest values at the three times. Limitations. Concrete geographic and cultural area. Clinical and histological variables are not analysed. Conclusions. Our results confirm responsiveness of the Spanish version of the SCI. Further development of the instrument in Spanish-speaking countries and populations will make it possible to extend worldwide research and knowledge horizons on skin cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considerable variability exists in the plasma lipid and lipoprotein response to statin treatment due, in part, to genetic factors. The gene for apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is polymorphic and the different genotypes modulate baseline lipid levels. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the apoE genotype on the lipoprotein response to pravastatin treatment in an outpatient population followed-up in several different clinics across Spain. Subjects and methods. Subjects (n=401; 56% female; mean age 57 years), who were hypercholesterolaemic despite a diet poor in saturated fat and cholesterol, were treated according to NCEP-ATP II guidelines. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were measured centrally before and after 16 weeks of treatment with 20 mg day-1 of pravastatin.Results: ApoE genotype distributions were 3.2% with varepsilon2/3, 73.1% with varepsilon3/3 and 22.4% with varepsilon3/4 or varepsilon4/4. ApoE genotype did not have any effect on baseline lipid levels except on triglycerides such that the carriers of the varepsilon2 allele had concentrations significantly greater than those subjects with varepsilon3/3 genotype and carriers of the varepsilon4 allele after adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001). Once adjusted for age, gender, BMI and baseline lipid levels, the apoE polymorphism did not significantly influence the plasma lipid and lipoprotein response to pravastatin.Conclusion: ApoE genotype appears not to influence the hypolipidaemic effect of pravastatin in patients monitored in a general outpatient setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study focusing on the imiquimod anal tampons treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia. Topics include the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in men who have sex with men (MSM) is stated to be high, and all patients were explored by high-resolution anoscopy, taking a biopsy if there were evidence suggesting high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), or cytology.

This work analyses the corrosion mechanisms of carbon steel when exposed to marine atmospheres with very different chloride ion deposition rates. Two extreme situations are described, characterized by a 'consolidated rust layer' (at relatively low atmospheric salinities), formed by a diffusion-controlled corrosion mechanism in which the reduction of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous film deposited on the metal is the predominant cathodic reaction, and an 'exfoliated rust layer' (at high atmospheric salinities), where the cathodic reaction of hydrogen evolution becomes important, notably accelerating the corrosion process. The research has employed a range of near-surface and bulk sensitive analytical techniques (SEM/EDS, µXRD, and SEM/µRaman) to characterize the corrosion products and rust layers formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To disentangle the effects of environmental and geographical processes driving phylogenetic distances among clades of maritime pine ( P inus pinaster). To assess the implications for conservation management of combining molecular information with species distribution models ( SDMs; which predict species distribution based on known occurrence records and on environmental variables). Location Western Mediterranean Basin and European Atlantic coast. Methods We undertook two cluster analyses for eight genetically defined pine clades based on climatic niche and genetic similarities. We assessed niche similarity by means of a principal component analysis and Schoener's D metric. To calculate genetic similarity, we used the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean based on Nei's distance using 266 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We then assessed the contribution of environmental and geographical distances to phylogenetic distance by means of Mantel regression with variance partitioning. Finally, we compared the projection obtained from SDMs fitted from the species level ( SDMsp) and composed from the eight clade-level models ( SDMcm). Results Genetically and environmentally defined clusters were identical. Environmental and geographical distances explained 12.6% of the phylogenetic distance variation and, overall, geographical and environmental overlap among clades was low. Large differences were detected between SDMsp and SDMcm (57.75% of disagreement in the areas predicted as suitable). Main conclusions The genetic structure within the maritime pine subspecies complex is primarily a consequence of its demographic history, as seen by the high proportion of unexplained variation in phylogenetic distances. Nevertheless, our results highlight the contribution of local environmental adaptation in shaping the lower-order, phylogeographical distribution patterns and spatial genetic structure of maritime pine: (1) genetically and environmentally defined clusters are consistent, and (2) environment, rather than geography, explained a higher proportion of variation in phylogenetic distance. SDMs, key tools in conservation management, better characterize the fundamental niche of the species when they include molecular information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate techniques for two-dimensional data matrices are normally used in water quality studies. However, if the temporal dimension is included in the analysis, other statistical techniques are recommended. In this study, partial triadic analysis was used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability in water quality variables sampled in a northeastern Spain river basin. The results highlight the spatiality of the physical and chemical properties of water at different sites along a river over 1 yr. Partial triadic analysis allowed us to clearly identify the presence of a stable spatial structure that was common to all sampling dates across the entire catchment. Variables such as electrical conductivity and Na+ and Cl- ions were associated with agricultural sources, whereas total dissolved nitrogen, NH4+-N concentrations, and NO2--N concentrations were linked to polluted urban sites; differences were observed between irrigated and nonirrigated periods. The concentration of NO3--N was associated with both agricultural and urban land uses. Variables associated with urban and agricultural pollution sources were highly influenced by the seasonality of different activities conducted in the study area. In analyzing the impact of land use and fertilization management on water runoff and effluents, powerful statistical tools that can properly identify the causes of pollution in watersheds are important. Partial triadic analysis can efficiently summarize site-specific water chemistry patterns in an applied setting for land- and water-monitoring schemes at the landscape level. The method is recommended for land-use decision-making processes to reduce harmful environmental effects and promote sustainable watershed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new methodology to obtain the line impedance of current railway tracks by using only short-circuit measurements. Open-circuit measurements required by conventional methodologies are discarded, since they cannot be carried out for railway tracks in service (electrically continuous and indefinite length). The mathematical basis of the proposed methodology is based on the transmission line theory but focused on the changes in track length. The proposal has been successfully applied to characterize the impedance of the high-speed railway line at the Spanish AVE Madrid-Valencia (Cuenca) and in the AVE Atocha-Chamartin tunnel (Madrid). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To develop an experimental standing hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) technique, report the associated peri-operative complications and document the short-term surgical outcomes. Methods and Results Five healthy 300-470 kg horses that underwent standing HALS. Spleens of different weights (2.25-7.0 kg) were removed using this technique. The main complication during surgery was difficulty sectioning the gastrosplenic ligament. The postoperative complications included adhesions of the colon to the nephrosplenic ligament stump and incisional discharge in two horses. Conclusions Standing HALS is a feasible experimental procedure for medium-sized horses, which avoids rib excision and general anaesthesia, but requires further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased motor vehicle accident risk, and improved detection of patients at risk is of importance. The present study addresses potential risk factors in the European Sleep Apnea Database and includes patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea [ n = 8476, age 51.5 (12.5) years, body mass index 31.0 (6.6) kg m−2, 82.4% driver's licence holders]. Driving distance (km year−1), driver's licence type, sleep apnea severity, sleepiness and comorbidities were assessed. Previously validated risk factors for accident history: Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥16; habitual sleep time ≤5 h; use of hypnotics; and driving ≥15 000 km year−1 were analysed across European regions. At least one risk factor was identified in male and female drivers, 68.75 and 51.3%, respectively. The occurrence of the risk factors was similar across Europe, with only a lower rate in the eastern region ( P = 0.001). The mean number of risk factors increased across classes of sleep apnea severity. Frequent driving was prevalent [14.0 (interquartile range 8.0-20.0) × 103 km year−1] and 32.7% of drivers had severe obstructive sleep apnea [apnea-hypopnea index 50.3 (38.8-66.0) n h−1]. Obesity, shorter sleep time and younger age were associated with increased traffic exposure ( P ≤ 0.03). In conclusion, the risk factors associated with accident history were common among European patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea, but varied between geographical regions. There was a weak covariation between occurrence of risk factors and clinically determined apnea severity but frequent driving, a strong risk factor for accidents, was over-represented. Systematic evaluation of accident-related risk factors is important to detect sleep apnea patients at risk for motor vehicle accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we analyze the residual stress, in both as-grown and post-growth annealed silicon ribbon on a sacrificial carbon template, by the simulation of the thermo-mechanical behavior of the cooling ribbon using the Abaqus software, and the measurement of stress on the free silicon surface by µ-Raman spectroscopy. The results of the simulations gave limits within which flat ribbons could be obtained for a combination of silicon thickness, ribbon width and pull rate. Stress relaxation by off-line thermal treatments is used to optimize a post-growth annealing furnace in line with the ribbon growth system. The fragile behavior of the ribbon during laser cutting can be considerably reduced by a short relaxation of the ribbon at medium temperatures around 850 °C, which were observed to give the best behavior in terms of residual tensile stress relaxation. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A number of changes in the management of heart transplantation ( HT) patients have each tended to reduce the risk of post- HT hematologic cancer, but little information is available concerning the overall effect on incidence in the HT population. Methods Comparison of data from the Spanish Post-Heart-Transplantation Tumour Registry for the periods 1991-2000 and 2001-2010. Results The incidence among patients who underwent HT in the latter period was about half that observed in the former, with a particularly marked improvement in regard to incidence more than five yr post- HT. Conclusions Changes in HT patient management have jointly reduced the risk of hematologic cancer in the Spanish HT population. Long-term risk appears to have benefited more than short-term risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Hot-water treatment ( HWT) has been shown to be effective for the control of several endogenous and exogenous grapevine pests and diseases in dormant grapevine cuttings and young rooted vines. Little is still known, however, about the long-term effect of HWT on plant viability under field conditions. The effect of HWT on the performance of dormant plants in a four-growing seasons study was investigated. Methods and Results The effect of HWT at 53° C for 30 min on shoot mass, yield parameters and composition of must in dormant grafted plants ( Tempranillo cultivar grafted onto 110 Richter rootstock) was evaluated. Eight bundles of 20 grafted plants were assigned to HWT, and eight additional bundles of 20 untreated grafted plants were prepared as a control (non- HWT). Dormant grafted plants were immediately planted in two field sites in April 2007. Shoot fresh mass was evaluated during winter in four consecutive growing seasons. Yield parameters and must composition were evaluated in the third and fourth growing seasons. In general, there was no significant difference in shoot mass at pruning, yield parameters and must components between treatments, with the exception of the must total soluble solids and volumetric mass in the fourth growing season. Conclusions The findings obtained in this study indicate that HWT at 53° C for 30 min did not affect plant viability, yield parameters and the main components of must composition, and could be successfully used commercially. Significance of the Study This study represents the first approach to investigate the long-term effect of HWT on plant development, yield and composition of must under field conditions. It suggests that the success of HWT depends not only on the most adequate protocol applied by nurseries, but also on management practices before, during and after the propagation process that could affect the viability of HWT grapevine propagating material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present spectroscopic and photometric observations of the emission-line starMWC 930 (V446 Sct) during its long-termoptical brightening in 2006-2013. Based on our earlier data we suggested that the object has features found in Luminous Blue Variables (LBV), such as a high luminosity (~3 105 L⊙), a low wind terminal velocity (~140 kms-1), and a tendency to show strong brightness variations (~1mag over 20 years). For the last ~7 years it has been exhibiting a continuous optical and near-IR brightening along with a change of the emission-line spectrumappearance and cooling of the star's photosphere.We present the object's V-band light curve, analyze the spectral variations, and compare the observed properties with those of other recognized Galactic LBVs, such as AG Car and HR Car.Overall we conclude theMWC 930 is a bona fide Galactic LBV that is currently in the middle of an SDor cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oak decline has been a serious problem in Europe since the beginning of the twentieth century. In south-west Spain, Quercus ilex and Q. suber are the main affected species, and their decline has been associated with Phytophthora cinnamomi. During the last 10 years, a severe decline of Q. ilex and Q. faginea accompanied by a significant decrease in the production of acorns affecting natural regeneration was observed in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of Phytophthora spp. in the decline. A forest in the Natural Park 'Carrascar de la Font Roja' in Comunidad Valenciana (eastern Spain), which is dominated by Q. ilex and Q. faginea, was surveyed during 2010-2011. Symptomatic trees showed thinning and dieback of the crown, withering of leaves and death. An extensive loss of both lateral small woody roots and fine roots and callusing or open cankers on suberized roots were observed. Soil samples containing fine roots were baited using both Q. robur leaves and apple fruits. Six Phytophthora species were isolated: P. cryptogea, P. gonapodyides, P. megasperma, P. quercina, P. psychrophila and P. syringae. These are the first records of P. quercina and P. psychrophila on Q. faginea, of P. quercina in Spain and of P. psychrophila in mainland Spain. A soil infestation trial was conducted for 6 months under controlled conditions with 1-year-old seedlings of Q. ilex and Q. faginea. Phytophthora cinnamomi was included in the pathogenicity test for comparison. The results showed that Q. ilex seedlings were generally more susceptible to infection than Q. faginea with P. cinnamomi being the most aggressive pathogen to both oak species. The two most commonly isolated Phytophthora species, P. quercina and P. psychrophila, also proved their pathogenicity towards both Q. ilex and Q. faginea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent hybrid material (PPH-S-CdSe), which comprises cadmium selenide sulphide nanoparticles assembled onto thiol functionalised porous phosphate heterostructures (PPH-SH), was synthesised in aqueous media. This material presents a high stability towards photo-degradation. The obtained nanocomposite was characterised by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. This fluorescent material showed a red emission at 576 nm combined with other at 473 nm, explained as different CdS0.42Se0.58 nanoparticles size, supported by TEM images. It was suitable for latent fingermark analysis in a wide range of surfaces. Because of its sensitivity and low cost, it is an actual alternative to conventional powdering materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mono-cast Si growth is currently a very promising approach to optimize the cost per watt in the production of PV devices, simultaneously increasing the installed energy/m2 ratio. However, due to the novelty of this growth approach, the material properties have not yet been studied in detail. In this work, by combining PL imaging with electrical characterization techniques (LBIC and EBIC), both the large scale and the local properties of the wafers grown from mono-cast Si ingots have been analyzed. PL imaging shows two kinds of defects, which were studied in detail by LBIC. Electrical active defects are found in areas corresponding to a unique large grain, assigned to sub-GBs, decorated by impurities. These defects have strong charge trapping, with deleterious consequences for the device performance. The presence of those intra-grain defects is also confirmed by EBIC maps, which allows comparing the electrical activity of both grain and sub-grain boundaries (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Three-dimensional curve skeletons are a very compact representation of three-dimensional objects with many uses and applications in fields such as computer graphics, computer vision, and medical imaging. An important problem is that the calculation of the skeleton is a very time-consuming process. Thinning is a widely used technique for calculating the curve skeleton because of the properties it ensures and the ease of implementation. In this paper, we present parallel versions of a thinning algorithm for efficient implementation in both graphics processing units and multicore CPUs. The parallel programming models used in our implementations are Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) and Open Computing Language (OpenCL). The speedup achieved with the optimized parallel algorithms for the graphics processing unit achieves 106.24x against the CPU single-process version and more than 19x over the CPU multithreaded version. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horses (n=35) underwent orchidectomy in a single institution with a re-sterilised LSA as sole means of haemostasis. During the surgery, the gross quality of the seal, the stickiness of the forceps to the tissues, bleeding/oozing from the stump and the need for a subsequent application in already severed spermatic cord were assessed for haemostasis quality. After surgery, physical parameters (appearance of the mucous membranes, quality of the peripheral pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature and blood dripping from the incisions), haematology or packed cell volume and total protein were monitored to assess signs of bleeding or any other condition. For cleanliness and asepsis assessment, signs of surgical infection were recorded. Complications during surgery were mild degree of sticking of the LSA forceps to the tissues and dulling of the blade. There was no need to reapply LSA a second time except in one horse. This means a haemostasis complication rate of 2.85 per cent of the horses. No postoperative bleeding was detected. Only two horses with fever had associated signs of surgical site infection. This means an infection rate of 5.71 per cent of the horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the changes on growth, photosynthesis, water relations, soluble carbohydrate, and ion accumulation, for two salt-tolerant and two salt-sensitive Phaseolus species grown under increasing salinity (0, 60 and 90mM NaCl). After 20 days exposure to salt, biomass was reduced in all species to a similar extent (about 56%), with the effect of salinity on relative growth rate (RGR) confined largely to the first week. RGR of salt-tolerant species was reduced by salinity due to leaf area ratio (LAR) reduction rather than a decline in photosynthetic capacity, whereas unit leaf rate and LAR were the key factors in determining RGR on salt-sensitive species. Photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased gradually with salinity, showing significant reductions only in salt-sensitive species at the highest salt level. There was little difference between species in the effect of salinity on water relations, as indicated by their positive turgor. Osmotic adjustment occurred in all species and depended on higher K+, Na+, and Cl- accumulation. Despite some changes in soluble carbohydrate accumulation induced by salt stress, no consistent contributions in osmotic adjustment could be found in this study. Therefore, we suggest that tolerance to salt stress is largely unrelated to carbohydrate accumulation in Phaseolus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the use of Virtual Sound Laboratories together with Experimental ones in the university teaching system is explained. The computer programs ( and ) can be used from the online area of Department of Applied Physics Internet server in order to be executed via web. These computer applications permit to simulate the speed and properties sound laboratories step by step and in the same way as they are run in the real laboratory, obtaining the corresponding calculations and plots. The aim of these tools is to help students to learn, to study, and to investigate on their own. Furthermore, students can prepare their experiment lessons before going to the laboratory and revise them whenever, and as many times as they want to. Consequently, by using the computer as a complementary educational tool, the quality of university teaching is greatly improved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 759-769, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Heterotheca inuloides Cass., also known as 'arnica', is used in traditional medicine in Mexico. Objective Development of fast methods for the extraction of lipidic and phenolic fractions from arnica plants and their subsequent characterization. Methodology Ultrasound was applied to accelerate extraction of the target compounds from this plant and reduce the use of organic solvents as compared with conventional methods. Gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with diode-array detection were used for the characterization of the lipidic and phenolic fractions, respectively. Results Under optimal extraction conditions, 9 and 55 min were necessary to complete extraction of the lipidic and phenolic fractions, respectively. The fatty acids present at the highest concentrations in H. inuloides were eicosatetraenoic n3 (24.6 μg/g), cis-9-hexadecenoic n7 (23.1 μg/g), exacosanoic (22.7 μg/g) and cis-9-octadecenoic acid (21.3 μg/g), while the rest were in the range 7.6-1.3 μg/g. The most concentrated phenols were guaiacol (41.5 μg/g), catechin (38.7 μg/g), ellagic acid (35.9 μg/g), carbolic acid (24.2 μg/g) and p-coumaric acid (19.5 μg/g), while the rest were in the range 5.1-0.4 μg/g. Conclusion Ultrasound reduces the time necessary to complete the extraction 160 and 26 times, the extraction volume 2.5 and 4 times, and increases the extraction efficiency 5 and 3 times for lipidic and phenolic fractions, respectively, in comparison with conventional extraction methods. In addition, the characterization of the lipidic and phenolic fractions constitutes a first approach to the H. inuloides metabolome. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oils produced from five olive cultivars (i.e. arbequina, gordal, manzanilla, picual and picudo) and the evolution of fatty acid profile during olive fruit ripening were studied. The total oil content increased throughout ripening for Picudo cultivars; however, all other cultivars reached maximum oil contents between ripeness stage 2 and 4. The content of trans (0.3-5.8%), saturated (8.3-21.4%), monounsaturated (41.9-84.1%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.3-49.7%) varied with the ripeness state and cultivar. Different trends of the different parameters were found as a function of the ripeness state and the cultivar. Statistical analysis reveal that manzanilla drupes, at the different ripeness states, are clearly different from the rest of the cultivars. In addition, there were no significant differences in the fatty acid profile of the oils obtained from drupes at ripeness states between 2 and 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A foal with a cranio-dorsal coxofemoral luxation was treated with a prosthetic capsulorraphy technique after open reduction. After reluxation a femoral head ostectomy was performed for salvage purposes. The filly was discharged with minimal lameness and was using the limb properly after 51 days of hospitalisation. Four years later the filly is still doing well as a breeding mare, with an acceptable quality of life despite angular deformities in the contralateral limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of a colonoscopy screening programme in first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to identify factors associated with advanced neoplasia. We conducted a cross-sectional study. Individual characteristics, family trees and colonoscopy findings of asymptomatic first-degree relatives of CRC patients were collected. The findings were classified into cancer (invasive carcinoma and/or non-invasive high-grade neoplasia), high-risk adenomas (≥ 10 mm and/or a villous component) and low-risk adenomas (tubular < 10 mm). The dependent variable was the presence of advanced neoplasia, defined as cancer and/or high-risk adenoma. Two hundred and sixty-three relatives (147 females), 50.0 ± 11.5 (range, 25-75) years of age, agreed to participate out of a total of 618 who were invited (acceptance rate 42.5%). Index cases were diagnosed at 63.8 ± 12.4 (range, 37-88) years of age. The closest familial relationship was parent/offspring in 168 (63.9%) participants and sibling in 95 (36.1%) participants; 14.8% had three or more relatives with CRC/cancer associated with Lynch syndrome, and two or more affected generations were identified in 24.0%. Advanced neoplasia was found in 56 (21.3%) participants. Of these, invasive cancer, non-invasive high-grade neoplasia and high-risk adenomas were detected in five (1.9%), six (2.3%) and 45 (17.1%) participants, respectively. Low-risk adenomas were detected in 20 (7.6%) participants. Male sex (odds ratio, 2.59; P = 0.003) and sibling relationship (odds ratio, 2.74; P = 0.001) were independently associated with advanced neoplasia. We detected advanced neoplasia in a considerable number of participants. Our data support colonoscopy screening in first-degree relatives of patients with CRC at an earlier age than in the medium-risk population. Male sex and sibling relationship were predictors of advanced neoplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]