Search

We revisit the Next-to-Leading Order (two-loop) contributions to the Anomalous Dimensions of ∆F = 1 four-quark operators in QCD. We devise a test for anomalous dimensions, that we regard as of general interest, and by means of which we detect a problem in the results available in the literature. Deconstructing the steps leading to the available result, we identify the source of the problem, which is related to the operator known as Q11. We show how to fix the problem and provide the corrected anomalous dimensions. With the insight of our findings, we propose an alternative approach to the one used in the literature which does not suffer from the identified disease, and which confirms our corrected results. We assess the numerical impact of our corrections, which happens to be in the ballpark of 5% in certain entries of the evolution matrix. Our results are important for the correct resummation of Next-to-Leading Logarithms in analyses of physics beyond the Standard Model in ∆F = 1 processes, such as the decays of Kaons and B-mesons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the earliest livestock, sheep (Ovis aries) were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent about 12,000--10,000 years ago and have a nearly worldwide distribution today. Most of our knowledge about the timing of their expansions stems from archaeological data but it is unclear how the genetic diversity of modern sheep fits with these dates. We used whole-genome sequencing data of 63 domestic breeds and their wild relatives, the Asiatic mouflon (O. gmelini, previously known as O. orientalis), to explore the demographic history of sheep. On the global scale, our analysis revealed geographic structuring among breeds with unidirectional recent gene flow from domestics into Asiatic mouflons. We then selected 4 representative breeds from Spain, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Iran to build a comprehensive demographic model of the Western sheep expansion. We inferred a single domestication event around 11,000 years ago. The subsequent westward expansion is dated to approximately 7,000 years ago, later than the original Neolithic expansion of sheep and slightly predating the Secondary Product Revolution associated with wooly sheep. We see some signals of recent gene flow from an ancestral population into Southern European breeds which could reflect admixture with feral European mouflon. Furthermore, our results indicate that many breeds experienced a reduction of their effective population size during the last centuries, probably associated with modern breed development. Our study provides insights into the complex demographic history of Western Eurasian sheep, highlighting interactions between breeds and their wild counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in Clinical Endoscopy, discusses a technique called "unroofing" for diagnosing subepithelial lesions (SELs) in the upper gastrointestinal tract. SELs are tumors that can be neoplastic or non-neoplastic and are commonly found incidentally during gastric endoscopy. The article describes a modified technique using a cold snare to expose the SELs, allowing for easier tissue sampling with a standard forceps biopsy. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 20 cases using this technique and found it to be safe and efficient. Further studies are needed to evaluate its reliability for diagnosing SELs arising from the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract. [Extracted from the article]

The industrial sector is nowadays experiencing a digital transformation motivated by the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Concepts such as data-driven models, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Transfer Learning (TL) are part of the current vocabulary in the industrial management and control topics. For that reason, in this paper the application of TL techniques is proposed to derive new ANN-based control structures from pre-existing ones. Notice that if an ANN-based controller is transferred into a new industrial environment, its appropriate behaviour must be ensured, and what it is more important, this must be known a priori. Nevertheless, TL techniques do not always ensure this. That is why the Transfer Suitability Metric (TSM) is proposed here. Determining the similarity among environments, this metric tells if the controller can be transferred, transferred with certain limitations, or if it cannot be transferred at all. Here, the metric is applied over a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The objective is to derive the control structure of one control loop, let us say the Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and then transfer it into another basic control loop in a WWTP, the Nitrate–nitrogen (NO), and vice-versa. Results show that with the help of the TSM, an improvement around a 68.54% and 80.53% in the Integrated Absolute Error (IAE) and the Integrated Squared Error (ISE) is obtained in the NO management, respectively. Moreover, a simplification and speed-up of the controller design process is achieved. • Reduce the complexity and speed-up the design process of ANN-based controllers. • Transfer ANN-based structures between industrial environments. • Measure the transfer suitability of an ANN-based controller. • Measure the transfer suitability by means of the Transfer Suitability Metric (TSM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrosalpinx is a condition with a crucial prognostic role in reproduction, and its diagnosis by a non-invasive technique such as ultrasound is key in achieving an adequate reproductive assessment while avoiding unnecessary laparoscopies. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthetize and report the current evidence on transvaginal sonography (TVS) accuracy to diagnose hydrosalpinx. Articles on the topic published between January 1990 and December 2022 were searched in five electronic databases. Data from the six selected studies, comprising 4144 adnexal masses in 3974 women, 118 of which were hydrosalpinxes, were analyzed as follows: overall, TVS had a pooled estimated sensitivity for hydrosalpinx of 84% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 76–89%), specificity of 99% (95% CI = 98–100%), positive likelihood ratio of 80.7 (95% CI = 33.7–193.0), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.16 (95% CI = 0.11–0.25) and DOR of 496 (95% CI = 178–1381). The mean prevalence of hydrosalpinx was 4%. The quality of the studies and their risk of bias were assessed using QUADAS-2, evidencing an overall acceptable quality of the selected articles. We concluded that TVS has a good specificity and sensitivity for diagnosing hydrosalpinx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a need to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent brain tumor surgery with subsequent telemedicine or in-person follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We retrospectively included all patients who underwent surgery for brain tumor resection by a single neurosurgeon at our Institution from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions (March 2020) to August 2021. Outcomes were assessed by stratifying the patients using their preference for follow-up method (telemedicine or in-person). Results Three-hundred and eighteen (318) brain tumor patients who were included. The follow-up method of choice was telemedicine (TM) in 185 patients (58.17%), and in-person (IP) consults in 133 patients. We found that patients followed by TM lived significantly farther, with a median of 36.34 miles, compared to a median of 22.23 miles in the IP cohort (P =.0025). We found no statistical difference between the TM and the IP group, when comparing visits to the emergency department (ED) within 30 days after surgery (7.3% vs 6.01%, P =.72). Readmission rates, wound infections, and 30-day mortality were similar in both cohorts. These findings were also consistent after matching cohorts using a propensity score. The percentage of telemedicine follow-up consults was higher in the first semester (73.17%) of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the second (46.21%), and third semesters (47.86%). Conclusions Telehealth follow-up alternatives may be safely offered to patients after brain tumor surgery, thereby reducing patient burden in those with longer distances to the hospital or special situations as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contributing to the many initiatives around the globe that foster gender education in primary school, we present the pioneering case of Paillaco (Chile). An educational program on "gender, affectivity and sexuality", implemented since 2014, which has been influential in challenging gender injustice in education in the region and offers a potential template for others to follow. This case study, framed as Feminist Activist Research, aims to identify: the theoretical and pedagogical discourses that shape the program; the subjectivities of the schoolteachers appointed as "gender monitors"; and the effects and challenges perceived in and by the community. Results show that the program draws on critical-feminist pedagogies, queer theory and appeals for the provision of a comprehensive sexuality education. Training the teachers emerges as the key for raising gender awareness. Finally, positive changes such as reduction of gender violence are perceived because of the implementation of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The municipality of Camagüey has a complex distribution network, resulting from the interaction of the circuits coming from their four 110/13.8 kV transmission substations and the use of load blocks. In this work, an evaluation of the possible combinations for the reconfiguration of the load blocks was carried out to determine the one that is most effective in reducing the electricity consumption of the municipality, by reducing technical losses. The analysis of the distribution network configurations was carried out in the DigSILENT Power Factory software. The validation was carried out by comparing the energy consumed by the distribution network before and after making the changes in the configuration, based on the readings taken from the substation meters. At the end of one year of application, more than 8,215.14 MWh were saved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used lidar differencing and field observations to map volumes, and interpret the origins of, sediment mobilized from mountain canyons by large post‐wildfire debris flows near Montecito, CA, USA in 2018. The debris flows progressively entrained and partially redeposited 550,000 m3 of previously stored channel sediments throughout the canyon networks. The observations that scour depths and volumes were highest where the largest volumes of bouldery colluvium and debris‐flow deposits had accumulated, and that scour persisted beyond the mountain front, indicates that debris‐flow volumes in this extreme event were ultimately controlled by the coarse sediment reservoir available for scour. Because the volumes of available stored sediment result from the stochastic interaction of colluvial mass wasting, the magnitude and frequency of previous debris flows, and the accommodation space provided by valley morphology, the study reinforces the importance of estimating stored sediment volumes when developing debris‐flow hazard assessments. Plain Language Summary: We measured the volumes, and identified the origins of, sediment evacuated from a mountain range by large debris flows near Montecito, CA, USA in 2018. We measured sediment volumes by subtracting the ground surface topography of creek bottoms estimated using lidar scanning equipment before and after the events. We conducted field campaigns to investigate the type of sediment removed during the debris flows. The flows evacuated and partially redeposited a total of 550,000 m3 of material, with the greatest removal occurring in large canyons where previous boulder‐rich debris‐flow deposits had accumulated. Our results indicate that estimates of stored sediment are necessary when assessing debris‐flow hazard in similar high‐value environments. Key Points: Lidar differencing reveals range‐wide volumes of scour and re‐deposition by post‐wildfire debris flows within Santa Ynez Range canyonsScoured coarse‐grained sediment, emplaced by prior colluvial and debris‐flow processes, constituted ∼70% of the entire debris‐flow volumesVolumes of sediment available for debris‐flow scour depend on the stochastic interaction of accumulation processes and large scouring events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to analyse how, and to what extent, the new regime of indigenous political and territorial autonomy incorporated into the Bolivian Constitution of 2009 makes it possible for indigenous peoples to exercise their right to self-determination. Based on long-term fieldwork, a specific experience of autonomy will be analysed: the Charagua Iyambae Guaraní Autonomy, the first indigenous autonomy in exercise after the culmination, at the beginning of 2017, of a complex legal process of building an autonomy initiated in 2009. The text is structured in three parts: the first describes the main territorial, ethnic and socio-economic dynamics that make up Charagua Iyambae; the second analyses the process of constituent gestation of the new indigenous autonomous system, taking into consideration the distance between this and the Guaraní demand for self-determination; finally, it presents an assessment of the first years of the new Guaraní autonomous government, seeking to understand both the institutional and democratic transformations underway, as well as the constraints and tensions that affect the practice of self-government and hinder the exercise of indigenous self-determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text seeks to enrich the understanding of the processes of indigenous self-determination, its specific forms of exercise and the spaces of relationship with states, based on a comparative analysis of different processes of indigenous self-government and autonomy. Our intention is to provide new analytical perspectives which, connected to indigenous realities and experiences, and within the framework of a debate that allows for a broadening of democratic conceptions and practices, have an impact on two major areas of theoretical and political discussion: 1) the right of peoples to self-determination, and 2) the state’s articulation of the plurality represented by indigenous realities. To this end, the text is structured in three stages: first, it presents an overview of the concept of self-determination in the light of the indigenous demands of recent decades; second, it analyses seven experiences of self-determination that propose different internal configurations and frameworks for relations with the state; and finally, it establishes some axes of comparison between these cases, with the aim of broadening the framework of analysis regarding the possibilities and limits of self-determination and the construction of plural democracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess of deaths is a technique used in epidemiology to assess the deaths caused by an unexpected event. For the present COVID–19 pandemic, we discuss the performance of some linear and nonlinear time series forecasting techniques widely used for modeling the actual pandemic and provide estimates for this metric from January 2020 to April 2021. We apply the results obtained to evaluate the evolution of the present pandemic in Brazil and Spain, which allows in particular to compare how well (or bad) these countries have managed the pandemic. For Brazil, our calculations refute the claim made by some officials that the present pandemic is "a little flu". Some studies suggest that the virus could be lying dormant across the world before been detected for the first time. In that regard, our results show that there is no evidence of deaths by the virus in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article outlines requirements for the next-generation tactical data link to support decentralized command and control (C2) of low-observable strike assets. Topics discussed include support of low-observable (LO) strike assets against threat nations with anti-access and area-denial weapons; effects of degraded communications impacting centralized control in the permissive air environment over Syria; and need to advocate for C2 structure, fighting for JADC2 to embrace maneuver warfare.

Risk factors associated with severity and mortality attributable to COVID-19 have been reported in different cohorts, highlighting the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in 25% of them. Among other, SARS-CoV-2 targets renal tubular cells and can cause acute renal damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of urinary parameters in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality and development of AKI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Retrospective observational study, in a tertiary care hospital, between March 1st and April 19th, 2020. We recruited adult patients admitted consecutively and positive for SARS-CoV-2. Urinary and serum biomarkers were correlated with clinical outcomes (AKI, ICU admission, hospital discharge and in-hospital mortality) and evaluated using a logistic regression model and ROC curves. A total of 199 COVID-19 hospitalized patients were included. In AKI, the logistic regression model with a highest area under the curve (AUC) was reached by the combination of urine blood and previous chronic kidney disease, with an AUC of 0.676 (95%CI 0.512–0.840; p = 0.023); urine specific weight, sodium and albumin in serum, with an AUC of 0.837 (95% CI 0.766–0.909; p < 0.001) for ICU admission; and age, urine blood and lactate dehydrogenase levels in serum, with an AUC of 0.923 (95%CI 0.866–0.979; p < 0.001) for mortality prediction. For hospitalized patients with COVID-19, renal involvement and early alterations of urinary and serum parameters are useful as prognostic factors of AKI, the need for ICU admission and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the seasonal carbonate chemistry variability within a semi-enclosed tropical mangrove lagoon in southwestern Puerto Rico. Biweekly measurements of seawater temperature, salinity, total alkalinity (TA), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were conducted from 2014 to 2018. We describe the possible mechanisms driving the observed variability by correlating the DIC/TA ratio with pH and Ωarg, suggesting that the mean pH (7.87 ± 0.09) and aragonite saturation state (Ωarg, 2.96 ± 0.47) of the mangrove lagoon negatively affected calcification. The measured pCO2 and DIC/TA ratios indicate that heterotrophic activity was the primary driver for persistent acidification, which reached its maximum expression during the wet season. We conclude that mangrove lagoons with limited seawater exchange and high carbon input will not mitigate ocean acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present paper was to determine the stomatal index and stomatal density as possible resistance mechanisms involved in the interaction R.indica-Musa spp in the genotypes 'FHIA 18', 'FHIA 01', 'Cueto INIFAT', 'Pisang Ceilán', 'Dátil, 'Burro CEMSA', and 'Hawaiano '. The highest stomatal density was found in the 'Pisang Ceilán' genotype with 160.95 stomata.mm-2. However, the highest stomatal index was reached by the 'Hawaiano' genotype (12, 74). In both cases, the differences with the other genotypes were significant. The results achieved in the study do not explain the differential response of the previously evaluated plantain and banana genotypes to natural infestations with R. indica. Based on the economic impact of R. indica in the country, the evaluation of the resistance of plantain and banana cultivars should be continued to develop sustainable strategies for the management of red mite populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of study of this work is the ensemble of denominations that the wagtail receives. It is based on the detailed studies of Mondéjar and Halling on this same object of study; however, in light of the new information provided by the latest published linguistic atlases, this article updates the dialectal information described at the end of the last century by Mondéjar in his works about the names of the white wagtail. The methodology of this work is based on the Spanish linguistic atlases, which are the main source of search; This information extracted from the atlas works as a starting point for a lexicographical study, with the main objective of making a historical journey through the variants of the Academy's dictionaries and, so, showing the memory of these Dictionary entries. From the entries and lemmatizations related to the names of the wagtail, atlases and dictionaries are collated to show the changes, corrections and rectifications, failures and successes, of this lexicographical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work delves into the circumstances ―both domestic and pedagogical― which influenced the literary work of Alberta Giménez Adrover, opening a path of research aimed at analysing the poetic and dramatic production of one of the most distinguished voices of education in the Balearic Islands. Furthermore, this initial approach to her work seeks to point out some of the roles, both poetic and theatrical, which she carried out in her teaching activities at the «Colegio de La Pureza» and the «Escuela Normal de Maestras de Palma». To this end, the documentation provided by her main biographers has been particularly helpful, especially the testimonies and documents collected by Margarita Juan. Literary writing, in the case of Alberta Giménez, should not be understood simply as a creative inclination resulting from individual necessity; it is a fundamental part of the teaching programme and comprehensive education promoted by the «Colegio de La Pureza». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae are important in agroecosystems, given their significant role in the regulation of pest mites and small insects. The present work aimed at to determining the diversity of phytoseid predatory mites in Jaruco municipality. For this purpose, an inventory of predatory mites was carried out in selected agroecosystems of the municipality, the mites present were quantified and their taxonomic identification was performed. With the information obtained, species richness, relative abundance, and frequency, as well as derived ecological indices, were calculated. As a result of the inventory, five families of predatory mites were detected. The family Phytoseiidae represented 69.23 % of the detected species and 93.40 % of the inventoried individuals. The 13 species of predatory mites detected were considered new reports for the locality. The species A. largoensis was abundant and frequent, while the remaining species were infrequent and not abundant, except I. quadripilis that was abundant and Tetranychus sp. that was frequent. The ecological indices calculated demonstrated that the locality presented a high diversity. This was demonstrated by the 21 species of mites found, as well as by the values of the Margalef (MDg= 3.76) and Shannon-Wiever (H'= 2.40) indices. Among the predatory mite species found, A. largoensis, A. aerialis, I. quadripilis, N. longispinosus T. subtropical, and E. hibisci stood out with the greatest potential as biological control agents for phytophagous mites. This knowledge will make possible to establish the most favorable agroecosystem management practices for the conservation of these important natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the dependence of galaxy evolution on cluster dynamical state and galaxy luminosity for a sample of 146 galaxy clusters from the Yang SDSS catalogue. Clusters were split according to their velocity distribution in Gaussians (G) and Non-Gaussians (NG), and further divided by luminosity regime. We performed a classification in the plane of mean stellar age versus specific star formation rate, providing three classes: star-forming (SF), passive (PAS) and intermediate (GV – green valley). We show that galaxies evolve in the same way in G and NG systems, but also suggest that their formation histories lead to different mixtures of galactic types and infall patterns. Separating the GV into star-forming and passive components, we find more bright galaxies in the passive mode of NG systems than in that of G systems. We also find more intermediate faint galaxies in the star-forming component of NG systems than in that of G systems. Our results suggest that GV is the stage where the transition from types Sab and Scd to S0 must be taking place, but the conversion between morphological types is independent of the dynamical stage of the clusters. Analysing the velocity dispersion profiles, we find that objects recently infalling onto clusters have a different composition between G and NG systems. While all galaxy types infall on to G systems, Sab and Scd dominate the infall on to NG systems. Finally, we find that faint Scd galaxies in the outskirts of NG systems present higher asymmetries relative to the mean asymmetry of field galaxies, suggesting that there are environmental effects acting on these objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional protein that signals through the MET receptor. HGF stimulates cell proliferation, cell dispersion, neuronal survival, and wound healing. In the inner ear, levels of HGF must be fine-tuned for normal hearing. In mice, a deficiency of HGF expression limited to the auditory system, or an overexpression of HGF, causes neurosensory deafness. In humans, noncoding variants in HGF are associated with nonsyndromic deafness DFNB39. However, the mechanism by which these noncoding variants causes deafness was unknown. Here, we reveal the cause of this deafness using a mouse model engineered with a noncoding intronic 10bp deletion (dellO) in Hgf. Male and female mice homozygous for dellO exhibit moderate-to-profound hearing loss at 4 weeks of age as measured by tone burst auditory brainstem responses. The wild type (WT) 80 mV endocochlear potential was significandy reduced in homozygous dellO mice compared with WT littermates. In normal cochlea, endocochlear potentials are dependent on ion homeostasis mediated by the stria vascularis (SV). Previous studies showed that developmental incorporation of neural crest cells into the SV depends on signaling from HGF/MET. We show by immunohistochemistry that, in dellO homozygotes, neural crest cells fail to infiltrate the developing SV intermediate layer. Phenotyping and RNAseq analyses reveal no other significant abnormalities in other tissues. We conclude that, in the inner ear, the noncoding dellO mutation in Hgf leads to developmental defects of the SV and consequently dysfunctional ion homeostasis and a reduction in the EP, recapitulating human DFNB39 nonsyndromic deafness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell culture-based retrotransposition reporter assay has been (and is) an essential tool for the study of vertebrate Long INterspersed Elements (LINEs). Developed more than 20 years ago, this assay has been instrumental in characterizing the role of LINE-encoded proteins in retrotransposition, understanding how ribonucleoprotein particles are formed, how host factors regulate LINE mobilization, etc. Moreover, variations of the conventional assay have been developed to investigate the biology of other currently active human retrotransposons, such as Alu and SVA. Here, we describe a protocol that allows combination of the conventional cell culture-based LINE-1 retrotransposition reporter assay with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) mimics or inhibitors, which has allowed us to uncover specific miRNAs and host factors that regulate retrotransposition. The protocol described here is highly reproducible, quantitative, robust and flexible, and allows the study of several small RNA classes and various retrotransposons. To illustrate its utility, here we show that siRNAs to Fanconi anaemia proteins (FANC-A and FANC-C) and an inhibitor of miRNA-20 upregulate and downregulate human L1 retrotransposition, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports show that colorectal tumors contain microbiota that are distinct from those that reside in a 'normal' colon environment, and that these microbiota can contribute to cancer progression. Fusobacterium nucleatum is the most commonly observed species in the colorectal tumor microenvironment and reportedly influences disease progression through numerous mechanisms. However, a detailed understanding of the role of this organism in cancer progression is limited, in part due to challenges in maintaining F. nucleatum viability under standard aerobic cell culture conditions. Herein we describe the development of a 3-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid model that can harbor and promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Bacteria-tumor cell interactions and metabolic crosstalk were extensively studied by measuring the kinetics of bacterial growth, cell morphology and lysis, cancer-related gene expression, and metabolomics. We observed that viable F. nucleatum assembles biofilm-like structures in the tumor spheroid microenvironment, whereas heat-killed F. nucleatum is internalized and sequestered in the cancer cells. Lastly, we use the model to co-culture 28 Fusobacterium clinical isolates and demonstrate that the model successfully supports co-culture with diverse fusobacterial species. This bacteria-spheroid co-culture model enables mechanistic investigation of the role of anaerobic bacteria in the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical inactivity is a key contributor to the global burden of disease and disproportionately impacts the wellbeing of people experiencing mental illness. Increases in physical activity are associated with improvements in symptoms of mental illness and reduction in cardiometabolic risk. Reliable and valid clinical tools that assess physical activity would improve evaluation of intervention studies that aim to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. Methods: The five-item Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ) was developed by a multidisciplinary, international working group as a clinical tool to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. Patients with a DSM or ICD mental illness diagnoses were recruited and completed the SIMPAQ on two occasions, one week apart. Participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer and completed brief cognitive and clinical assessments. Results: Evidence of SIMPAQ validity was assessed against accelerometer-derived measures of physical activity. Data were obtained from 1010 participants. The SIMPAQ had good test-retest reliability. Correlations for moderate-vigorous physical activity was comparable to studies conducted in general population samples. Evidence of validity for the sedentary behaviour item was poor. An alternative method to calculate sedentary behaviour had stronger evidence of validity. This alternative method is recommended for use in future studies employing the SIMPAQ. Conclusions: The SIMPAQ is a brief measure of physical activity and sedentary behaviour that can be reliably and validly administered by health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Because less-invasive techniques can obviate the need for brain biopsy in the diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), it is common practice to wait for a thorough initial work-up, which may delay treatment. We conducted a systematic review and reviewed our own series of patients to define the role of LP and early brain biopsy in the diagnosis of PCNSL. Methods Our study was divided into 2 main sections: 1) systematic review assessing the sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis on the diagnosis of PCNSL, and 2) a retrospective, single-center patient series assessing the diagnostic accuracy and safety of early biopsy in immunocompetent PCNSL patients treated at our institution from 2012 to 2018. Results Our systematic review identified 1481 patients with PCNSL. A preoperative LP obviated surgery in 7.4% of cases. Brain biopsy was the preferred method of diagnosis in 95% of patients followed by CSF (3.1%). In our institutional series, brain biopsy was diagnostic in 92.3% of cases (24/26) with 2 cases that required a second procedure for diagnosis. Perioperative morbidity was noted in 7.6% of cases (n = 2) due to hemorrhages after stereotactic brain biopsy that improved at follow-up. Conclusions The diagnostic yield of CSF analyses for PCNSL in immunocompetent patients remains exceedingly low. Our institutional series demonstrates that early biopsy for PCNSL is safe and accurate, and may avert protracted work-ups. We conclude that performing an early brain biopsy in a suspected case of PCNSL is a valid, safe option to minimize diagnostic delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-adaptive cooling fins based on two-way trained Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). • The set of conditions for proper operation are defined analytically. • The impact of an SMA wing on thermal resistance is experimentally studied. • Nearly constant temperature is achieved for varying heat flux scenarios. Electronic cooling devices typically aim to provide low thermal resistance, however, for many applications, temperature non-uniformity across the cooled object is also a key parameter, as it impacts reliability. Tailored microchannels or fin layouts are examples of cooling devices that can be designed to reach uniform wall temperatures but require known and constant heat load distributions. In this work, a self-adaptive liquid cooling device is proposed to provide constant and uniform temperature distributions under spatially and time dependent heat load scenarios. The working principle is based on the use of the Two-Way Shape Memory Effect (TWSME) of trained shape memory alloy (SMA) wings that elevate into the flow to reduce the convective thermal resistance when a critical temperature is reached. The conditions for proper operation are first defined analytically. Then, the impact of SMA wings on thermal resistance is experimentally investigated. Finally, the ability of the self-adaptive concept to maintain a constant wall temperature when the heat flux increases, is demonstrated. In the studied case, for fixed inlet coolant temperature and flow rate, the liquid cooling device was able to maintain the temperature of the cooled object within an interval of 7 °C for a heat flux varying from 32.8 to 67 W/cm2. Without self-adaptation, a temperature variation over 85 °C was expected for the same cooling device, corresponding to an order of magnitude improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a sample of 936 early-type galaxies located in 48 low- z regular galaxy clusters with M 200 ≥ 1014 M⊙ at z < 0.1. We examine variations in the Kormendy relation (KR) according to their location in the projected phase space (PPS) of the clusters. We have used a combination of Bayesian statistical methods to identify possible differences between the fitted relations. Our results indicate that the overall KR is better fitted when we take into account the information about PPS regions. We also find that objects with time since infall ≥6.5 Gyr have a significant statistical difference of the KR coefficients relative to objects that are more recent in the cluster environment. We show that giant central ellipticals are responsible for tilting the KR towards smaller slopes. These galaxies present a late growth probably due to cumulative preprocessing during infall, plus cannibalism and accretion of smaller stripped objects near the centre of the clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective cohort study found that implementing source-specific antibiotic order sets for sepsis in the emergency department increased appropriate empiric antibiotic selection from 51% to 74% (P =.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we have carried out a diachronic analysis about land uses evolution in Oliva through a mixed method of research, based on photo-interpretation of aerial images (years 1956, 1991, 2015) using GIS techniques, on the one hand, and by means of a comprehensive bibliographic and field work, on the other hand. From this multimethod analysis, urban development and territorial dynamics are studied in a coastal paradigmatic municipality to explain the urbanistic development of the Valencian Mediterranean coast in the last decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concave-inboard (concave toward the overriding plate) geometry of most convergent margins is considered a natural consequence of the depression of the edge of a thin spherical cap, whereas concave-outboard margin segments commonly form around indenters on the subducting plate. At the Cascadia subduction zone, the apex of a >500-km-long concave-outboard bend in the trench presently shows no obvious subduction of an indenter, but does coincide with the axis of an outboard-facing concavity in upper-plate rocks arched around the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington State, USA. Here we synthesize paleomagnetic and structural data together with new analyses of Global Navigation Satellite System data to show that the upper plate at Cascadia has been folded from the Miocene to the present into an orocline with an axial trace that bisects the Olympic Peninsula. The processes that accommodate bending, which we suggest include (1) folding by flexural slip on the orocline limbs and (2) shortening, uplift, and escape within the core of the fold at the Olympic Mountains, have the combined result of relative motion of the forearc towards the arc at the core of the orocline, and sustained opposing rotations of the upper plate on the orocline limbs. We propose that oroclinal bending is promoted and maintained by along-strike variations in plate-boundary tractions resulting from the geometry of the plate interface at depth and suggest that these processes can contribute to the development of concave-outboard margins without the need for a subducting indenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive high-voltage square pulses are of great importance for producing long-pulse electron beams and high-power microwaves. One of possible technologies for the generation of such pulses is a Marx generator using pulse forming network (PFN) stages, often combined with a pulse sharpening technique to reduce the rise time to a few nanoseconds (peaking stage). This paper presents an innovative design, named the “zigzag design,” for the optimization of the compactness and of the rise time of 400-kV–85-ns PFN-Marx. Thanks to this design, the 16 stages of this generator, which delivers an open circuit output voltage of 720 kV, fit in a 650-mm length. For a slightly overmatched load ($Z_{\mathrm {load}} = 100 ~\Omega$), the output voltage reaches 400 kV with a rise time as less as 5 ns. The inductance reduction associated with the innovative zigzag design, which allows this sharp rise time with no need for a peaking stage, is described. The 85-ns plateau duration of the pulse is given by the PFN construction of each stage, which is based on six ceramic capacitors (2.1 nF–45 kV) connected within a strip line. The 16 PFN stages are housed in a 360-mm diameter gas pressurized vessel. Burst mode operation for a duration of 10 s at a pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz is reported, for a resistive load and for the electron beam diode of a X-band relativistic backward-wave oscillator (BWO). To reach further compactness, the BWO system is integrated on side of the generator vessel and a U-shaped gas pressurized line connects both systems through a compact conical vacuum insulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the reported case, the low sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was essential to exclude pre-eclampsia and avoid iatrogenic preterm delivery, leading to the diagnosis of new-onset OC mimicking severe pre-eclampsia. However, maternal serum sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was 12 (sFlt-1, 1284 pg/mL; PlGF, 107 pg/mL), guiding the medical team to exclude the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a common disorder that constitutes one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Cetaceans, which include dolphins, porpoises, and whales, show astounding and distinctly specialised adaptations of their senses that allow them to thrive in the aquatic environment. They possess the abilities to echolocate, are likely to discern bioelectric fields, sense water currents, and perform various other sensory tasks, amidst shifting and challenging environmental circumstances. For many of their senses, we still lack a basic understanding of their underlying physiology. In this review, we provide a summary of the neuroanatomical knowledge of cetacean sensory systems to date. We describe the peripheral sensory cells in organs like the eye, ear, and skin, and trace the nervous pathways up to the brain where the signals are processed in dedicated areas. We highlight recent advances and knowledge gaps that exist at the various anatomical levels, accentuating the pressing need for further research to bridge these knowledge gaps. Cetaceans have undergone profound sensory adaptations in response to their aquatic environment during evolution. These adaptations are characterised by anatomo-functional changes in the classically defined sensory systems, shaping their neuroanatomy accordingly. This review offers a concise and up-to-date overview of our current understanding of the neuroanatomy associated with cetacean sensory systems. It encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from the peripheral sensory cells responsible for detecting environmental cues, to the intricate structures within the central nervous system that process and interpret sensory information. Despite considerable progress in this field, numerous knowledge gaps persist, impeding a comprehensive and integrated understanding of their sensory adaptations, and through them, of their sensory perspective. By synthesising recent advances in neuroanatomical research, this review aims to shed light on the intricate sensory alterations that differentiate cetaceans from other mammals and allow them to thrive in the marine environment. Furthermore, it highlights pertinent knowledge gaps and invites future investigations to deepen our understanding of the complex processes in cetacean sensory ecology and anatomy, physiology and pathology in the scope of conservation biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives are the analysis of the benefits and risks of LED lighting systems in the economic, social and environmental fields; as well as the evaluation of the political, economic and social conditions for the use of LED lighting systems in Cuba. The relationship between the advantages of this technology and the benefits offered by its application in different sectors of society and economy is deepened. Also, its impact on the lighting industry and off-grid communities in developing countries is discussed. In addition, the main risks involved in their use are exposed, identifying the related open research fields in this direction, and it demonstrates the importance of considering the risks of LED lighting in projects. Finally, the existing conditions in Cuba for the development of LED lighting and its contribution to sustainability and energy independence are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early accurate diagnosis is key since surgical treatment for RPOC evacuation may fatally worsen the bleeding in case of AVM. US showed a thickened avascular endometrium of 34 mm and a heterogeneous intensely vascularised myometrium, with important dilatation of the arcuate and radial arteries, and with a nodular image of 28 × 13 mm in its posterior wall, score colour 4, suggestive of arteriovenous malformation (AVM). [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a case study of bilateral leg pain and pruritus in a 26-year-odl woman with a medical history important for autoimmune hepatitis, Crohn's disease, and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent computed tomography (CT), which revealed a diffuse lymphadenopathy across her abdomen with lymph node. The patient was treated with Atarax® drug along with cholestyramine for pruritus symptoms, but her condition continued to worsen.

Camí de Can Grau is one of the most important Neolithic necropolises of the “Pit Burials” horizon (North-East of the Iberian Peninsula. Late fifth–early fourth millennia cal BC), because of its large number of graves. However, the number of buried individuals and the type of grave goods of the site have some peculiarities suggesting that could be one of the last manifestations of this horizon. For proving that, a radiocarbon dating programme and some statistical analysis were carried out so as to determine its chronology. The results are discussed regarding the duration of the necropolis, the degree of contemporaneity between graves and grave goods and the number of buried individuals. Moreover, chronological relationships with other similar contexts of the same horizon and located in other regions are presented. This study goes beyond a purely local research, as it proposes a method for addressing the chronology of funerary contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: serotonin signaling participates in body weight regulation and glucose metabolism. However, little information is available on circulating serotonin levels in obese subjects after a weight loss program. We aimed to assess the effect of a lifestyle intervention on serotonin levels in obese children and possible associations with anthropometric and blood glucose measurements.Methods: forty-four obese children were enrolled in a ten-week lifestyle intervention consisting of a moderate caloric restriction diet, nutritional education and familial involvement. They were distributed according to the weight loss response. Subjects who lost > 0.5 BMI-SDS were considered as high responders (HR; n = 22) and those who lost ≤ 0.5 BMI-SDS, as low responders (LR; n = 22). Anthropometric, biochemical parameters and plasma serotonin levels were measured as pre and post-intervention values.Results: obese children (HR and LR groups) were able to reduce anthropometric indices and to improve glucose profile after the intervention. Interestingly, plasma serotonin levels were significantly (p ˂0.05) reduced in all subjects (-35.14 nmol/l HR group and -30.63 nmol/l LR group). Moreover, multiple-adjusted regression models showed a significant association between pre-intervention (R2 = 0.224, B = 0.047; p = 0.004) and post-intervention (R2 = 0.140; B = 0.055; p = 0.042) plasma serotonin and glucose levels. In addition, in HR subjects changes in plasma serotonin were associated with changes in glucose levels (R2 = 0.292; b = 0.04; p = 0.045). Interestingly, pre and post-intervention plasma serotonin levels were inversely associated (p ˂0.05) with anthropometric measures.Conclusions: serotonin levels were reduced after a lifestyle intervention independently of the program response. Moreover, plasma serotonin levels were associated with glucose and anthropometric measures in obese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Junín arenavirus infections are associated with high levels of interferons in both severe and fatal cases. Upon Junín virus (JUNV) infection a cell signaling cascade initiates, that ultimately attempts to limit viral replication and prevent infection progression through the expression of host antiviral proteins. The interferon stimulated gene (ISG) viperin has drawn our attention as it has been highlighted as an important antiviral protein against several viral infections. The studies of the mechanistic actions of viperin have described important functional domains relating its antiviral and immune-modulating actions through cellular lipid structures. In line with this, through silencing and overexpression approaches, we have identified viperin as an antiviral ISG against JUNV. In addition, we found that lipid droplet structures are modulated during JUNV infection, suggesting its relevance for proper virus multiplication. Furthermore, our confocal microscopy images, bioinformatics and functional results also revealed viperin-JUNV protein interactions that might be participating in this antiviral pathway at lipid droplet level. Altogether, these results will help to better understand the factors mediating innate immunity in arenavirus infection and may lead to the development of pharmacological agents that can boost their effectiveness thereby leading to new treatments for this viral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Persistent hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) activation resulting in ductular reaction (DR) is responsible for pathologic liver repair in cholangiopathies. Also, HPC/DR expansion correlates with fibrosis in several chronic liver diseases, including steatohepatitis. Increasing evidence indicates Notch signaling as a key regulator of HPC/DR response in biliary and more in general liver injuries. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of Notch during HPC/DR activation in a mouse model of steatohepatitis. Methods: Steatohepatitis was generated using methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. For hepatocyte lineage tracing, R26R-YFP mice were infected with AAV8-TBG-Cre. Results: MCD diet promoted a strong HPC/DR response that progressively diffused in the lobule, and correlated with increased fibrosis and TGF-β1 expression. Notch signaling was unchanged in laser-capture microdissected HPC/DR, whereas Notch receptors were down regulated in hepatocytes. However, in-vivo lineage tracing experiments identified discrete hepatocytes showing Notch-1 activation and expressing (the Notch-dependent) Sox9. Stimulation of AML-12 hepatocyte-cell line with immobilized Jag1 induced Sox9 and down-regulated albumin and BSEP expression. TGF-β1 treatment in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC) induced Jag1 expression. In MCD diet-fed mice, αSMA-positive HSC were localized around Sox9 expressing hepatocytes, suggesting that Notch activation in hepatocytes was promoted by TGF-β1 stimulated HSC. In-vivo Notch inhibition reduced HPC response and fibrosis progression. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Notch signaling is an important regulator of DR and that in steatohepatitis, hepatocytes exposed to Jag1-positive HSC, contribute to pathologic DR by undergoing Notch-mediated differentiation towards an HPC-like phenotype. Given the roles of Notch in fibrosis and liver cancer, these data suggest mesenchymal expression of Jag1 as an alternative therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown large variation of referral probabilities in different countries, and many influencing factors have been described. This variation is most likely explained by different healthcare systems, particularly to which extent primary care physicians (PCPs) act as gatekeepers. In Switzerland no mandatory gatekeeping system exists, however insurance companies offer voluntary managed care plans with reduced insurance premiums. We aimed at investigating the role of managed care plans as a potential referral determinant in a non-gatekeeping healthcare system. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 90 PCPs collecting data on consultations and referrals in 2012/2013. During each consultation up to six reasons for encounters (RFE) were documented. For each RFE PCPs indicated whether a referral was initiated. Determinants for referrals were analyzed by hierarchical logistic regression, taking the potential cluster effect of the PCP into account. To further investigate the independent association of the managed care plan with the referral probability, a hierarchical multivariate logistic regression model was applied, taking into account all available data potentially affecting the referring decision. PCPs collected data on 24’774 patients with 42’890 RFE, of which 2427 led to a referral. 37.5% of patients were insured in managed health care plans. Univariate analysis showed significant higher referral rates of patients with managed care plans (10.7% vs. 8.5%). The difference in referral probability remained significant after controlling for other confounders in the hierarchical multivariate regression model (OR 1.355). Patients in managed care plans were more likely to be referred than patients without such a model. These data contradict the argument that patients in managed care plans have limited healthcare access, but underline the central role of PCPs as coordinator of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]