Search

Our limited understanding of the complexity of nature generates uncertainty in mathematical and cartographical models used to predict the effects of climate change on species’ distributions. We developed predictive models of distributional range shifts of threatened vertebrate species in mainland Spain, and in their accumulation in biodiversity hotspots due to climate change. We considered two relevant sources of climatological uncertainty that affect predictions of future climate: general circulation models and socio–economic scenarios. We also examined the relative importance of climate as a driver of species’ distribution and taxonomic uncertainty as additional biogeographical causes of uncertainty. Uncertainty was detected in all the forecasts derived from models in which climate was a significant explanatory factor, and in the species with taxonomic uncertainty. Uncertainty in forecasts was mainly located in areas not occupied by the species, and increased with time difference from the present. Mapping this uncertainty allowed us to assess the consistency of predictions regarding future changes in the distribution of hotspots of threatened vertebrates in Spain.

Small freshwater ecosystems, whether natural or artificial origin, are aquatic microhabitats for many species and are particularly important in the Mediterranean region. This study characterizes the aquatic microhabitats suitable for amphibian reproduction in the Andalusian Mediterranean Basin and identifies the environmental and geographical features that determine the presence of different amphibian species in these water bodies. Geographical and environmental favourability models were performed to determine the relationship between characteristics of the microhabitats and species presence. The characteristics analysed were geographical location, external environment (climate and topography), surrounding conditions (connectivity and conservation), type of water body, water conditions, and water dimensions. Microhabitats located in the western and central part of the study area were geographically favourable for most species. In descending order, the most common environmental factors characterizing the microhabitats were typology, surrounding conditions, water condition, external environment and size of the water body. The most common variables in the models were the connectivity between water bodies and old wells, a frequent type of microhabitat in areas of traditional cultures. Management plans should take these results into account in efforts to preserve these habitats for wildlife and especially amphibians.

Statistical downscaling is used to improve the knowledge of spatial distributions from broad–scale to fine–scale maps with higher potential for conservation planning. We assessed the effectiveness of downscaling in two commonly used species distribution models: Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) and the Favourability Function (FF). We used atlas data (10 x 10 km) of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra distribution in southern Spain to derive models at a 1 x 1 km resolution. Downscaled models were assessed using an independent dataset of the species’ distribution at 1 x 1 km. The Favourability model showed better downscaling performance than the MaxEnt model, and the models that were based on linear combinations of environmental variables performed better than models allowing higher flexibility. The Favourability model minimized model overfitting compared to the MaxEnt model.

The aim of this study was to explore the possible effects of atmospheric oscillations: North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO), on the physical condition of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). We estimated a fitness ratio from 3,501 pairs of length–weight data based on bluefin tuna caught in bait–boat fisheries before the spawning season (January, February and March), for each length class and year. In order to obtain a single fitness ratio (K–mean) per year we determined the average for all length classes. We also evaluated Le Cren’s condition index (KLC). We observed significant positive correlations between the atmospheric oscillations and both physical condition indexes. In the case of K–mean, the AO explained 75% of the observed variability. Regarding KLC, the NAO explained approximately 73% of the observed variability, while the AO explained 70% of the observed variability. The increase in physical conditions of bluefin tuna in association with positive atmospheric oscillations could be mediated by the increase in the prevalence of strong trade winds. We concluded that the increase in the prevalence of strong westerly winds, mediated by a positive AO or NAO, favours the trip from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by reducing energy costs due to migration and by increasing the supply of nutrients at the surface by the mixing of deep water and surface water in local areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar.

A juvenile loggerhead turtle with buoyancy problems was captured in the Alboran Sea (Mediterranean Sea, south of Spain) and released 14 months later after healing. Six days after the release, the turtle was seen swimming 42 km from the point of release, displaying unusual behaviour. We re-captured and released it again, 95 nautical miles offshore, near the Alboran Island. Ten days later the turtle arrived at the beach close to where it had been maintained in captivity. We discuss these findings in the context of behavioural alteration and habituation in released sea turtles. Capture-mark-recapture studies of sea turtles should be approached with caution as manipulated animals may modify their usual behaviour.

The geographical patterns of Heteroptera species diversity in the Canary Islands were analysed, and endemic and non–endemic species were studied both together and separately. Causal processes most likely controlling these patterns, as well as the theory of island biogeography, hypotheses about evolutionary time, habitat heterogeneity, climatic stability, intermediate disturbances, energy, environmental favourableness–severity, productivity and human influence were investigated. The combination of habitat heterogeneity and human influence accounted for the total number of species. However, when endemic and non–endemic species were analysed separately, habitat heterogeneity and favourableness–severity explained the richness of endemic species, whereas habitat heterogeneity and human influence explained that of non–endemic species.

This article, published in Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, aims to enhance the understanding of tibial plateau fractures among radiologists. It provides crucial diagnostic considerations and implications for surgical planning. Tibial plateau fractures are periarticular injuries of the proximal tibia that account for 1 to 2% of all fractures. They have a bimodal distribution, with high-energy trauma affecting men in their 40s and low-energy falls affecting women in their 70s. The article explores the Schatzker classification system, which helps assess and categorize these fractures. It also discusses the use of knee radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and assessment of these fractures. The goal of the article is to empower radiologists with a deeper understanding of tibial plateau fractures for more accurate diagnosis, refined surgical planning, and improved patient care. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexual transmitted infection (STI), currently endemic within the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) of Western Countries. L2B variant has been reported as the predominant strain in the current LGV epidemics, although a shift towards L2‐434 has been observed in some European countries. Objectives: To evaluate and characterize the population with LGV infection diagnosed in Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all LGV diagnoses between 2016 and 2019 was performed. The diagnosis was established through ompA‐genotyping of samples yielding a positive result to Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). All considered samples were retrieved from the clinician activity, through swabbing and urine analysis and CT infection diagnosis was obtained using real‐time PCR. Results: During the period studied 16 279 CT diagnostics tests were employed, with a striking increase from 2016 (n = 467) to 2019 (n = 9362). A total of 1602 diagnoses of CT were established, from which 168 (10.5%) corresponded to LGV, with both infections showing a rising evolution, between 2016 and 2019, of 2.9 and 2.7 times, respectively. The majority of the LGV strains were genotyped as L2/434 (67.3%; n = 113). LGV predominantly affected MSM and men who have sex with men and women (97.0%; n = 163). Anorectal infection was the most prevalent one (90.5%; n = 152), being proctitis the main clinical presentation (76.2%; n = 128). Absence of symptoms was reported in almost 15% of the cases (n = 24). The presence of concomitant infection with human immunodeficiency virus was dominant (73.2%; n = 123) and the prevalence of one or more STI co‐infections was about 60.1% (n = 99). Conclusions: An increasing evolution of CT and LGV testing and diagnosing was observable throughout the studied period. Characteristics of the population are similar with those described within LGV epidemics. In accordance with recent European studies, predominance towards L2 genotype was identified. Linked Commentary: G. Ciccarese et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35: 1606–1607. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17468. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploratory analyses of the genotype compositions of BG B, however, did not reveal a pattern suggesting causality (Table 1), and BG B has not been described consistently as risk factor for severe COVID-19 courses [2,4]. Blood group A epitopes do not facilitate entry of SARS-CoV-2 Keywords: ABO blood groups; blood group A1; blood group A2; COVID-19 EN ABO blood groups blood group A1 blood group A2 COVID-19 223 226 4 07/05/21 20210701 NES 210701 Keypoint The risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 was slightly higher for individuals with blood group A versus O but did not differ between blood groups A SB 1 sb versus A SB 2 sb . ABO blood groups, blood group A1, blood group A2, COVID-19. [Extracted from the article]

Arrays of Ni100-xCux nanowires ranging in composition 0⩽x⩽75, diameter from 35 to 80 nm, and length from 150 nm to 28 lm have been fabricated by electrochemical co-deposition of Ni and Cu into self-ordered anodic aluminum oxide membranes. As determined by X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy, the crystalline structure shows fcc cubic symmetry with [111] preferred texture and preferential Ni or Cu lattice depending on the composition. Their magnetic properties such as coercivity and squareness have been determined as a function of composition and geometry in a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer in the temperature range from 10 to 290K for applied magnetic fields parallel and perpendicular to the nanowires axis. Addition of Cu into the NiCu alloy up to 50% enhances both parallel coercivity and squareness. For the higher Cu content, these properties decrease and the magnetization easy axis becomes oriented perpendicular to the wires. In addition, coercivity and squareness increase by decreasing the diameter of nanowires which is ascribed to the increase of shape anisotropy. The temperature dependent measurements reflect a complex behavior of the magnetic anisotropy as a result of energy contributions with different evolution with temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magneto-optic Kerr effect has been employed to determine the magnetization process and estimate the domain structure of microwires with circular magnetic anisotropy. The diameter of microwires was 8 µm, and pieces 2 cm long were selected for measurements. The analysis of the local surface longitudinal and transverse hysteresis loops has allowed us to deduce a vortex magnetic structure with axial core and circular external shell. Moreover, a bamboo-like surface domain structure is confirmed with wave length of around 10 to 15 µm and alternating chirality in adjacent circular domains. The width of the domain wall is estimated to be less than 3 µm. Finally, closure domain structures with significant helical magnetization component are observed extending up to around 1000 µm from the end of the micro wire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of water-quenched amorphous magnetic microwires in magnetic core applications is assessed by electromagnetic simulation. Simulations were performed based on microwires incorporated into two configurations: (1) a regular rod inductor and (2) an air-gapped toroidal inductor. Each model utilizes a cylindrical magnetic element of 100 microns in diameter, surrounded by a copper winding element that carries an alternating current at a frequency f =100 kHz. These models considered amorphous Fe(Co)SiB microwires specified by their experimentally determined B-H response as well as two benchmark core materials – soft ferrite (MnZn-oxide type) and Metglas (2605SA1). Simulation results indicate that the microwire material exhibits a higher degree of magnetization alignment along its length under the electromagnetic field created by the loop current, relative to the other two cores. The microwire configuration also exhibits improved core inductance by as much as 30% compared to those of the other two materials. These results demonstrate that amorphous magnetic microwires have intriguing potential in inductive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the effect of magnetostriction of Co-rich amorphous microwire to the noise of the orthogonal fluxgates based on such wires. The magnetostriction was modified by changing the relative amount of iron x with the respect of the total amount of cobalt and iron in the alloy. Specifically we changed x in the composition (C o 1 − x F e x ) 75 S i 15 B 10 casting wires with the following values of x: 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.062, 0.065, 0.07 and 0.08. We found out that the noise indeed depends on the composition of the wire: while it is minimum (2.5 p T / H z ) for x between 0.06 and 0.062 where the magnetostriction is vanishing (λs ≈ 10−7) it significantly increases to tens of p T / H z for both positive and negative magnetostriction when λs becomes one order of magnitude bigger. We verified that once the composition returns a magnetostriction low enough (around x = 0.06) then the noise does not depend on mechanical stress anymore. In fact the noise of a sensor with x = 0.06 is the identical in its natural curved state and when bended straight; for vanishing magnetostriction the bending does not affect at all the noise, as on the contrary it happens with larger magnetostriction. This suggests that once the wire has composition with x = 0.06 the remaining noise is not caused by mechanical stress. Finally we show how to overcome the problem of offset arising after annealing if continuous annealing current is used. We explain how this could be due by the fact that magnetostriction changes with temperature and even a wire with vanishing magnetostriction at room temperature can became significantly magnetostrictive at annealing temperature. For this reason we propose a method of annealing consisting rising the temperature of the wire while the wire is kept in its natural curved state. In this way no mechanical stress is applied to the wire during the annealing process, when the temperature is high enough to make it magnetostrictive even if it is non-magnetostrictive at room temperature. We show how this method suppresses the offset and significantly reduces the noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faraday rotation measurements have been made in samples composed of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in a SiO2 matrix. All the samples show the same Fe/Si molar ratio but different diameters of the magnetic nanoparticles. A magneto-optical method to measure the particle size using the Faraday effect is presented. The increase of Faraday rotation with the mean diameter of the γ-Fe2O3 particles can be associated with surface effects. The thickness value of their external layer with disordered spins has been obtained using a simple model and its high value suggests the large influence of the matrix on the magnetic properties of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous ferromagnetic microwires fabricated by water-quenching have been assessed to show favorable properties for next-generation high-frequency electric machines as compared to those of conventional amorphous magnetic alloys in sheet or ribbon form. Here, water-quenched amorphous Fe75Si10B15 microwires were subjected to a range of aging times of up to 5 years in the air at room temperature. While both newer and aged microwires are X-ray amorphous, the aged microwires do exhibit a slight degree of crystallinity, a lower initial susceptibility and a reduced enthalpy change for full devitrification. These small differences (typically < 5%) are attributed to the formation of minor surface oxidation products such as iron oxides and SiO2 which modify the surface strain state. The resultant stress couples to magnetostriction to promote the formation of radial magnetic domains that impair the magnetic reversal process. These results demonstrate that while amorphous ferromagnetic microwires are essentially stable against aging in the air, consideration of their surface state will be significant for advanced applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of complexity and miniaturizing level of Aerospace platforms make use of commercial off the shelf (COTS) components constitute a plausible alternative to the use of military or rad-tolerant components. In this work, giant magnetoresistance commercial sensors are studied to be used as COTS, the next missions to be launched in the framework of the Spanish National Space Program: OPTOS and SEOSAT. This technology of magnetic sensors is interesting due to their high operating range up to 2 mT and the high temperature dynamic range from -50 up to 150 °C. However, in contrast, it presents high hysteresis and nonlinearity, temperature dependence, and poor repeatability. To improve the hysteretic, nonlinear and nonrepetitive behavior, a method consisting of a combination of reset and biasing has been designed and implemented for the ±75 μT linear region centered around 300–375 μT biasing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface and the internal magnetic structure of bamboo-like cylindrical nanowires with tailored diameter modulations have been determined exploiting the direct photoemission and transmission contrasts using photoemission electron microscopy combined with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, as well as complementary magnetic force microscopy and micromagnetic simulations. Bamboo-like cylindrical nanowires with diameters of 130 and 140 nm, and a modulation periodicity of 400 nm were electrochemically grown into the pores of alumina templates. FeCoCu and Co nanowires were selected to offer parallel and perpendicular magnetization easy axis, respectively. For FeCoCu nanowires, a main longitudinal magnetization configuration is found consistent with the predominant shape anisotropy. In addition, a weaker modulated contrast along the wires’ axis is observed that matches the position of each diameter modulation: vortex-like structures are observed at the ends of the wires and at the surface around the modulations. In Co nanowires, a multi-segmented vortex-like structure with alternating opposite chirality is found not matching the periodicity of the diameter modulations. Such a spin configuration is interpreted considering that Co nanowires exhibit hexagonal symmetry with c axis nearly perpendicular to the nanowires defining strong uniaxial transverse magnetocrystalline anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new in vitro tool was developed for the identification of veterinary substrates of the main drug transporter in the mammary gland. These drugs have a much higher chance of being concentrated into ovine milk and thus should be detectable in dairy products. Complementarily, a cell model for the identification of compounds that can inhibit the secretion of drugs into ovine milk, and thus reduce milk residues, was also generated. The ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) is responsible for the concentration of its substrates into milk. The need to predict potential drug residues in ruminant milk has prompted the development of in vitro cell models over-expressing ABCG2 for these species to detect veterinary drugs that interact with this transporter. Using these models, several substrates for bovine and caprine ABCG2 have been found, and differences in activity between species have been reported. However, despite being of great toxicological relevance, no suitable in vitro model to predict substrates of ovine ABCG2 was available. New MDCKII and MEF3.8 cell models over-expressing ovine ABCG2 were generated for the identification of substrates and inhibitors of ovine ABCG2. Five widely used veterinary antibiotics (marbofloxacin, orbifloxacin, sarafloxacin. danofloxaein and difloxacin) were discovered as new substrates of ovine ABCG2. These results were confirmed for the bovine transporter and its Y581S variant using previously generated cell models. In addition, the avermectin doramectin was described as a new inhibitor of ruminant ABCG2. This new rapid assay to identify veterinary drugs that can be concentrated into ovine milk will potentially improve detection and monitoring of veterinary drug residues in ovine milk and dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the response of the blackspot seabream from the Strait of Gibraltar to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO). It mentions the importance of fisheries as a source of food and income, a finding showing a significant negative correlation between blackspot seabream landings and changes in temperature and salinity values caused by positive NAO and AO, and the need for restrictive management measures during negative NAO and AO phases.

Purpose: To analyze the principles that guide inference of covert cognitive functions and consciousness in patients with extremely severe brain damage on the basis of neurophysiological test results. Methods: (1) A quantitative analysis of a range of possible inferences based on neurophysiological findings in low- and non-responsive patients; (2) a logical analysis of the various possible orders of application of neurophysiological tests in such patients. Results: Surprisingly, improvement of neurophysiological test qualities contributes to the improvement of diagnostic results less than some other factors, such as the structure of the patient population, the quality of the previous clinical diagnosis, and the variability of the methods used. Conclusions: A sequential decision procedure is suggested. Different test paradigms should be combined most effectively to arrive at a reliable evaluation of cognitive functions in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic properties of several series of cylindrical Co and CoFe nanowires with tailored hexagonal or cubic crystalline symmetry are reviewed. Nanowires are prepared by electroplating filling the self-assembled nanopores of anodic alumina membranes. Their structure is tailored through the electroplating conditions to present cubic (fcc Co and bcc CoFe) or hcp hexagonal ([101], [110] and [002] textures) symmetry. Hysteresis parameters (i.e., coercivity and remanence) are measured in parallel and perpendicular to nanowires magnetic field configurations. Micromagnetic simulations have been performed taking into account the different crystalline anisotropy of nanowires. They show that the magnetization reversal process takes place in hcp symmetry crystal phase wires by vortex-like domain wall and quasi-curling mechanisms, while for fcc and bcc symmetries crystal phases only a vortex domain wall is involved resulting in high-squareness hysteresis loops. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We propose coherent ('Schrödinger cat-like') states adapted to the parity symmetry providing a remarkable variational description of the ground and first excited states of vibron models for finite (N)-size molecules. Vibron models undergo a quantum shape phase transition (from linear to bent) at a critical value ξc of a control parameter. These trial cat states reveal a sudden increase in vibration-rotation entanglement linear (L) and vonNeumann (S) entropies from zero to … (to be compared with …) and …, respectively, above the critical point, ξ > ξc, in agreement with exact numerical calculations. We also compute inverse participation ratios, for which these cat states capture a sudden delocalization of the ground-state wave packet across the critical point. Analytic expressions for entanglement entropies and inverse participation ratios of variational states, as functions of N and ξ , are given in terms of hypergeometric functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The aim of this study was to look into possible relationships between climate and the inter-annual variability of albacore ( Thunnus alalunga) catch rates by age class observed during a recreational fishery tournament at the spawning grounds of S'Estanyol (Balearic Islands, Spain) in the years 2004-2009. The mean capture per unit effort (CPUE) was significantly higher when the mean of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) experienced by the albacore in winter and spring of its life history (NAOlife) was negative than when the NAOlife was positive. A statistically significant negative relationship was obtained between NAOlife and the probability of a CPUE value for an age class and year being higher than the average CPUE for all the cohorts in that age class. The results suggest that local abundance of albacore in a spawning grounds could be related to environmental factors dependent on the NAO and that there may be a cohort-age effect. It is hypothesized that factors dependent on the NAO, such as the abundance variation of small pelagic fishes as a response to the NAO variability, could have a cumulative effect over the good biological condition (fitness) of a long-living fish predator such as the albacore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The aim of this study was to explore the possible link between NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) variations and the abundance of anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus) stock in the Gulf of Cadiz. A significantly negative correlation was found between the NAO in the year previous to the anchovy landings. In the Gulf of Cadiz the mean anchovy landings after a negative NAO phase were significantly higher than after a positive NAO phase. A statistically significant negative relationship was obtained between the biennial NAO (estimated as the average monthly NAO values per two consecutive years starting with an odd-numbered year) and the probability of having an anchovy landing value for a year higher than the average anchovy landings for the entire year. Results suggest that the NAO previous to the landing year is an ecological factor of European anchovy related to its abundance in the Gulf of Cádiz. This could have important applications for conservation strategies and species management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]