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Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) are major plant pathogens that cause severe epidemics in cucurbit crops. While there has been an increasing interest in molecular epidemiological studies on both viruses at regional scales, their phylodynamic analysis by using the temporal data at global scale remains unexplored. In this study, we implemented the Nextstrain phylodynamic approach to comprehensively examine the coat protein gene and full-length genome sequences of the CABYV and WMV worldwide populations. Our analyses reconstructed a robust phylogeny of CABYV and confirmed the occurrence of isolates grouped into three clusters (Asian, Mediterranean, and Recombinant). Nextstrain analysis suggested that CABYV epidemics likely originated in Southeast Asia in fourteenth century, while the Mediterranean population emerged in Spain in seventeenth century. We also found a high divergence between Asian and Mediterranean isolates, with low genetic diversity and scarce evidence of selection, as reflected by the lack of gene flow. Moreover, the hierarchical analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant differentiation between CABYV populations grouped by geographical location and plant host. Additionally, the global phylogenetic reconstruction of the WMV population confirmed a clear differentiation among isolates, which grouped into two clusters (classical and emergent), and Nextstrain analysis suggested that WMV epidemics were most probably originated in USA during the sixteenth century. The initial WMV population diverged in the eighteenth century, with the origin of the emergent population in the nineteenth century. Our analysis confirmed that WMV population has a polyphyletic origin, defining an extensive genetic diversity. Overall, this work provides insights into the CABYV and WMV origin and evolutionary dynamics, gaining an understanding of the global spread of both viral diseases. Additionally, the integration of all spatio-temporal CABYV and WMV data, along with their genome sequence data by open access (https://github.com/PiR92) and the Nextstrain approach, provides a valuable tool for compiling and sharing current knowledge of these viral diseases in cucurbit crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) are major plant pathogens that cause severe epidemics in cucurbit crops. While there has been an increasing interest in molecular epidemiological studies on both viruses at regional scales, their phylodynamic analysis by using the temporal data at global scale remains unexplored. In this study, we implemented the Nextstrain phylodynamic approach to comprehensively examine the coat protein gene and full-length genome sequences of the CABYV and WMV worldwide populations. Our analyses reconstructed a robust phylogeny of CABYV and confirmed the occurrence of isolates grouped into three clusters (Asian, Mediterranean, and Recombinant). Nextstrain analysis suggested that CABYV epidemics likely originated in Southeast Asia in fourteenth century, while the Mediterranean population emerged in Spain in seventeenth century. We also found a high divergence between Asian and Mediterranean isolates, with low genetic diversity and scarce evidence of selection, as reflected by the lack of gene flow. Moreover, the hierarchical analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant differentiation between CABYV populations grouped by geographical location and plant host. Additionally, the global phylogenetic reconstruction of the WMV population confirmed a clear differentiation among isolates, which grouped into two clusters (classical and emergent), and Nextstrain analysis suggested that WMV epidemics were most probably originated in USA during the sixteenth century. The initial WMV population diverged in the eighteenth century, with the origin of the emergent population in the nineteenth century. Our analysis confirmed that WMV population has a polyphyletic origin, defining an extensive genetic diversity. Overall, this work provides insights into the CABYV and WMV origin and evolutionary dynamics, gaining an understanding of the global spread of both viral diseases. Additionally, the integration of all spatio-temporal CABYV and WMV data, along with their genome sequence data by open access (https://github.com/PiR92) and the Nextstrain approach, provides a valuable tool for compiling and sharing current knowledge of these viral diseases in cucurbit crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The advances made in the surgical and postnatal treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have considerably improved patient survival, but morbidity remains significant. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect these sequels have on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of adolescents and young adults who have survived CDH, and to compare it with that of the general population. Materials and methods. A transversal descriptive study of patients diagnosed with CDH in our institution from 1997 to 2004 was carried out. Survival, location, hernia size, herniated organs, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and mechanical ventilation time were analyzed. In addition, a comparative study of the current HRQL of survivors was conducted using the SF-36 survey (36-Item Health Survey Short Form), which assessed physical function, physical role, body pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. Data of 24 healthy adolescents was used as a control group. Results. Of the 29 survivors (70.7%), 21 were successfully contacted, and 16 responded to the survey. They all claimed their overall quality of life was good or very good. The group of adolescents who underwent CDH surgical repair had better results in the vitality (p= 0.001) and mental health (p< 0.05) areas, but the overall HRQL score and the remaining health areas were similar. No significant differences were found regarding diaphragmatic size or need for ECMO. Conclusions. According to adolescent survivors who underwent CDH surgical repair, their quality of life is similar to that of other individuals of their age. Our results are encouraging and may prove useful for future parents of CDH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical hydroclimate is modulated by the position and intensity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Reconstructions and simulations of the Last Millennium (LM) suggest latitudinal variations of the ITCZ that impact the hydroclimate over large regions of the world. These ITCZ shifts have been generally linked to external radiative forcing, but analyses of the Community Earth System Model – Last Millennium Ensemble (CESM‐LME) demonstrate a significant contribution of internal variability over multidecadal and centennial timescales. In contrast to changes driven by external forcing, which are associated with an asymmetric warming between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the contribution of internal variability in the CESM‐LME is associated with cooling and warming of the eastern Pacific. While external forcing remains the main driver of ITCZ changes in the Atlantic basin, the contribution of internal variability in the CESM‐LME exceeds that of the forcing for the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins. Plain Language Summary: The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a wide region of increased precipitation around the Equator. The position of the ITCZ changes over time. It moves to the north during summer in the Northern Hemisphere and to the south during boreal winter. In addition to these seasonal shifts, the ITCZ also changes over longer timescales. We have used a climate model to analyze ITCZ shifts over the Last Millennium. We have found that changes in the positioning of the ITCZ over the Atlantic Ocean are mainly linked to variations in solar luminosity and volcanic events, while for the Pacific and Indian Ocean, internally driven fluctuations in atmosphere and ocean states are dominant. The understanding of the mechanisms behind ITCZ shifts allows for a better assessment of tropical hydroclimatic events, such as persistent droughts and floods that are associated with alterations in the intensity and duration of tropical monsoons, as well as for better understanding its responses under intensified climate change conditions. Key Points: Last Millennium simulations contain Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts in all tropical ocean basinsIntertropical Convergence Zone shifts in the Atlantic basin are mainly linked to changes in external radiative forcingInternal variability is the dominant driver of ITCZ shifts in the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium (Ti) alloys are of great interest in biomedicine for their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Ti-6Al-4V alloy is the most used in the bioengineering area for the manufacture of orthopedic implants, however, due the cytoxicity of V, and phosphorus deficiency in blood and bones produced by the combination of Al ions with the inorganic phosphorus, it might consider the material as biologically unsafe for long exposure times. Tantalum (Ta), on the other hand instead, is an alloying element with excellent properties since it has been reported that this element promotes bone regeneration, without harmful effects. This research focused was focused on the study of the behavior of morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with the addition of powder Ta, obtained from Cold Isostatic Pressure (CIP) chip shaping and powder metallurgy, which were later heat treated at 800 and 900°C for 1 hour. The samples were characterized by Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with chemical analysis of X-ray dispersion (EDX), and Vickers microhardness (HV). Where it was obtained that the ideal composition for medical implants, according to the properties obtained, is up to 20%wt of Ta subjected to 900°C for 1 hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that the finger flexor's occlusion threshold (OT) could be different among sport climbers when expressed as a percentage of their maximum finger force (OT%), and that there is no association between the OT% and the climberś ability level. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between the relative finger force applied at the OT% (rff-OT%) and climbing ability level. We approximated the finger flexor's OT of 34 sport climbers by finger hang endurance test analyses at different intensities between 35% and 85% of their individual maximum finger force on a previously individually adapted edge depth, and we valued their rff-OT% as the relative force they could perform at that intensity. We found a high correlation between the rff-OT% and climbing ability in elite climbers. These findings suggest that having an OT at the highest possible percentage is critical, in addition to having a high relative finger force, as this would enable climbers to express relative force at a wider range of intensities with favorable metabolic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteromeyenia is an important genus of freshwater sponges characterized mainly by the presence of microscleres acanthoxeas. So far, two species are known from Mexico; H. baileyi and H. latitenta. In this paper, we redescribed H. latitenta and described the new species Heteromeyenia riojai sp. nov. from a morphological and molecular perspective. The main morphological characteristic of H. latitenta is the foraminal aperture of the gemmule, which is a prolonged tube, from which flattened cirrous appendages extend laterally; a characteristic absent in H. riojai sp. nov., which bears a short and slightly elevated foramen. The new species is distinguished by having acanthoxeas with fusiform to knobbed tips, gemmuloscleres in a single category, which are radially embedded in the theca of the gemmule. Due to the similarity in the form, size of the spicules, and geographic distribution of H. riojai sp. nov., and H. baileyi sensu Rioja, we considered that the Rioja's records must be assigned to the new species. We also aim to establish the phylogenetic relationships of the genus through nuclear-ribosomal molecular markers ITS2. Tree topology showed the Heteromeyenia species clustered together in a robust clade and closer to Corvomeyenia sp. (family Metaniidae) than to other Spongillidae genera. Our results support the previous molecular hypothesis, which strongly suggests the polyphyly of Spongillidae, even more in genera as Heteromeyenia and Trochospongilla, which displayed a large genetic distance with the other members of Spongillida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and epidemiology of knee cartilage lesions in the work environment, and to assess whether they increase the patient's work leave and thus also cost. We also analyzed the prevalence of concomitant pathology and how it affected recovery and final outcome. Material and methods: Monocentric retrospective cohort of patients with occupational injuries who underwent knee arthroscopy during 2018. Demographic data, diagnosis, concomitant chondral pathology, treatment, symptoms and signs at discharge, work leave and total cost were collected. Results: 123 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 47 years. No differences were found between sexes or with respect to obesity. Asymptomatic chondral lesions were found in 35.25% of the patients, primarily the older ones (48-53 years). The presence of cartilaginous pathology did not increase days of work leave or total cost (p > 0.05). In patients with meniscopathy in whom meniscectomy is performed, the chondral lesion increased the number of days of work leave (p = 0.03). There were no differences in the number of days of work leave nor total cost for different treatments of chondral pathology. Conclusion: The management of a concomitant chondral knee lesion is still controversial. These lesions might convey poorer functional prognosis in patients with meniscopathy. Current therapies have not shown a clear benefit in work injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross of zucchini × scallop (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo 'Murcia MU‐CU‐16' × C. pepo subsp. ovifera 'Scallop UPV‐196') to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica was determined after completion of a nematode reproduction cycle in experiments carried out in a growth chamber. The nematode differentiated the C. pepo genotypes at the subspecies level due to lower egg mass production on subspecies pepo than ovifera, and thus subspecies pepo was a poorer host than ovifera. In addition, Murcia MU‐CU‐16 discriminated M. incognita from M. javanica in terms of egg masses (EM), eggs per gram of root and reproduction factor (Rf), whereas Scallop UPV‐196 did so in eggs per gram of root and Rf. The RILs differed in gall formation and EM production depending on the nematode × line combination. Comparisons between nematode isolates resulted in four significant combinations for pathogenic potential (galls/initial population (Pi) × 100), seven for parasitic success (egg masses/Pi × 100), and nine for host efficiency (egg masses/galls per root system × 100) which included all the lines tested against both isolates. Lines that restricted nematode development by at least 90% were considered as having intermediate resistance to M. incognita based on the definition of the International Seed Federation. They included lines 28‐1, 35A, 107A, 110‐3 and 153‐2. All the RILs were susceptible hosts for M. javanica. The information presented here will be helpful for nematode management and also for plant breeders working on pathogen resistance on C. pepo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the Staphylococcus aureus carriage rate in wild mammals in Aragon, northern Spain, to analyse their antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype and to characterize the recovered isolates. Methods and Results: Nasal and rectal swabs of 103 mammals were collected in Aragón during the period 2012–2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility, the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors were investigated. Molecular characterization was carried out by spa, MLST, agr and SCCmec. Staphylococcus aureus were recovered from 23 animals (22%). Four of the 23 S. aureus were methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Three MRSA were mecC‐positive and were isolated from European rabbits and were typed as t843 (ascribed to CC130). The remaining MRSA was a mecA‐carrying isolate from European hedgehog, typed as ST1‐t386‐SCCmecIVa‐agrIII and it harboured the blaZ, erm(C), ant(6)‐Ia and aph(3´)‐IIIa resistance genes. A high diversity of spa‐types was detected among the 19 methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus isolates, which showed high susceptibility to the antimicrobials tested. The tst gene and different combinations of staphylococcal enterotoxins were found. Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus were detected in nasal and rectal samples of wild mammals. Wild rabbits could be a reservoir of mecC‐MRSA. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work provides information on the presence and characteristics of S. aureus from mammals in a defined geographic region in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • T-O phase transitions dynamics and stress evolution in KNN ceramics shown by Confocal Raman Microscopy for the first time. • Stress dynamics controlled by grain boundaries and non-180° domain distribution relaxation mechanisms. • New focus to explain diffuse phase transitions in lead-free piezoelectrics in terms of a heterogeneous stress distribution. In this study, we have investigated the stress dynamics arising from the Orthorhombic-Tetragonal Polymorphic Phase Boundary (PPB) in lead-free potassium sodium niobate (KNN)-based ceramics and its temperature dependence, as a means to elucidate the characteristics of PPBs in lead-free piezoelectric oxides. The dynamics are dictated by the phase transitions that occur upon cooling from the cubic phase and the coexistence of different crystal structures. Our findings reveal that the growth of Orthorhombic phases is constrained by the high-temperature tetragonal phase distributions. In particular, it is evidenced that two main mechanisms regulate the decrease of stress processes in which structural and microstructural effects are correlated; the first one is associated to a purely microstructural effect in which bimodal grain distribution hinders the formation of non-180° domains. By contrast, the second is mainly governed by ferroelectric domain distribution and the occurrence of pseudo-cubic regions around room temperature associated with local structural heterogeneity (that is, polar nano regions, PNRs). Specifically, these mechanisms generate regions with different stress state and explain the widening of the phase transition due the phase coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation with the intermolecular distance of geometries, energies, and other properties dependent on the electron density p(r) are studied in three cyclic dimers linked by two hydrogen bonds: formic acid and formamide homodimers and the heterodimer formamide/formic acid complex. Topological features, energy densities and integrated atomic properties provided by AIM theory are calculated with ρ(r) obtained at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) optimized geometries for a number of intermonomer distances covering large separations, equilibrium, and short distances. The variation with these distances of properties studied allows to characterize the nature of the interaction in A-H···B (A=N, O and B=O) hydrogen bonds. Whereas at large distances the attraction is purely electrostatic, quantum effects associated with redistributions of ρ(r) mainly around H and B atoms dominate the interaction in the neighborhood of equilibrium. Mutual penetration of the electron densities of these atoms leads to considerable reductions of their atomic volumes and associated polarization effects as well as energetic stabilization of atom A. Although the interaction in this range of intermonomer separations displays noncovalent features, when the dimers move at distances shorter than equilibrium, characteristics typical of covalent interactions begin to appear while the systems leave the planar structures presented until then. This work complements our previous study [O. Galvez, P. C. Gomez, and L. F. Pacios, J. Chem. Phys. 115, 11166 (2001)] of dimers with one single hydrogen bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ceramic synthesis of Ba 0.5 Sr 1.5 Co 2 Fe 12 O 22 Y-type hexaferrites. • Transverse susceptibility measurements with enhanced sensitivity broadband system. • Transverse susceptibility is reduced with increasing sintering temperature. • Thermal evolution of anisotropy field: signature of spin transitions in multiferroics. • Different magnetic transitions depending on sintering temperature and bias field. Abstract Single phase multiferroics in which ordered magnetism and ferroelectricity coexist, are of great interest for new multifunctional devices, and among them Y-type hexaferrites are good candidates. Transverse susceptibility measurements, which have been proved to be a versatile tool to study singular properties of bulk and nanoparticle magnetic systems, have been carried out with a broadband system on polycrystalline Y type hexaferrites with composition Ba 0.5 Sr 1.5 Co 2 Fe 2 O 22 , optimal to exhibit multiferroic properties. In the temperature range 80–350 K transverse susceptibility measurements with DC fields up to ±5000 Oe reveal different behaviour depending on the sintering temperature. The thermal evolution of the anisotropy field peak exhibits four regions with different slopes: positive in 80–130 K, negative in 130–200 K, constant in 200–280 K and negative in 280–350 K, which can be considered a signature of spin transitions in this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work a microstructural qualitative and quantitative study of spatial stress distributions in modified KNN ceramics (K 0.44 Na 0.52 Li 0.04) 1-x Co x/2 (Nb 0.86 Ta 0.10 Sb 0.04)O 3 , according to the polarization state is shown. X-ray diffraction reflects a perovskite crystalline structure with coexistence of Tetragonal and Orthorhombic phases (T/O). Confocal Raman microscopy shows that these crystalline phases are distributed in randomly micrometric regions through the ceramic volume. Tetragonal regions show higher piezoelectric coefficient and exhibit a higher micro-stress that hardens the ferroelectric response. By the contrary, the occurrence of orthorhombic micro-regions softened the ferroelectric behavior and reduced their piezoelectric coefficients. The ferroelectric response of ceramics is studied, where poling is also shown as a factor that affects the spatial micro-stress distributions. Finally, a model that relates the results obtained by Raman characterization with the ferroelectric properties and stress states is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Sol-gel fabrication of Mn doped Li ferrite nanoparticles. • Magnetoabsorption measurement in nanoparticles with broadband FMR system. • Materials candidates for absorbers in 1–8 GHz frequency range. Abstract Lithium ferrites are well known materials due to their numerous technological applications especially in microwave devices. Mn-doped lithium ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel technique by means of Pechini method, and then annealed at different temperatures in 250–1000 °C range. XRD confirms spinel formation with particle size in the 15–200 nm range, with increased size with annealing temperature. Microwave magnetoabsorption data of annealed lithium ferrite nanoparticles, obtained with a broadband system based on a network analyzer operating up to 8.5 GHz are presented. At fields up to 200 m T we can observe a broad absorption peak that shifts to higher frequencies with magnetic field according to ferromagnetic resonance theory. The amplitude of absorption, up to 85%, together with the frequency width of about 4.5 GHz makes this material suitable as wave absorber. Samples annealed at higher temperatures show a behaviour similar to polycrystalline samples, thus suggesting their multidomain character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A multidisciplinary analysis of Holocene sediments from La Cascajera (Tinto-Odiel estuary, SW Spain) has allowed to differentiate five sedimentary facies (sandy tidal flat, clayey tidal flat, washover fan, salt marsh, edaphic horizon), according to their granulometric characteristics, internal structure, mineralogical composition, clay mineral assemblage and paleontological record. These data, coupled to 14C AMS dating, suggest an evolution from a sandy tidal plain to a chenier before 2100 cal yr BP. This initial chenier was partially eroded later by regional storms between 2100 cal yr BP and 1900 cal yr BP, leading to the deposition of two washover fans. These facies have been eroded in the last centuries by the action of an ebb-tide channel. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Active role of Cm ARP4 and Cm NAC genes regarding ToLCNDV resistance. • ARP4 gene located in a modifier resistance QTL of chromosome 2 of Cucumis melo. • Potential use of these candidate resistance genes in TILLING platforms. Abstract Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) is a whitefly-transmited virus that causes serious damage to different cultivated plant species mainly belonging to the Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families. The complex epidemiological factors associated with this disease make the seeking and use of genetically resistant varieties as one of the most efficient, sustainable and frequently employed strategies to control viral infections in the fields. In the case of melon, resistance to mechanical transmission of ToLCNDV has been identified in Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis, in three accessions of the Momordica group and in two wild accessions. The genetic control of the resistance derived from one of the wild sources has been studied recently and a major locus in chromosome 11 has been found, along with two modifier regions located in chromosomes 2 and 12. Previous studies have reported the active role of different genes regarding ToLCNDV resistance in different species. In this work we have validated by qPCR twelve of these genes by determining the transcriptomic changes in leaves of a resistant Momodica and a susceptible Piel de Sapo genotypes along a time course experiment after infection with ToLCNDV. The transcript amount of the genes Cm ARP4 and Cm NAC domain protein , was differentially higher in the inoculated susceptible genotype when compared to the inoculated resistant one. For other validated genes, the resistant accession showed higher levels of expression. The location of Cm ARP4 in a modifier QTL of chomosome 2, suggest that the accumulation of transcripts of this gene is associated to the level of ToLCNDV accumulation and degree of symptoms development. The molecular bases of ToLCNDV resistance regarding the expression results for these candidate genes in melon are discussed as well and their potential use in TILLING platforms and breeding strategies of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lithium ferrites are well known materials due to its numerous technological applications especially in microwave devices. Lithium ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel technique by means of Pechini method, and then annealed at different temperatures in 250–1000 °C range. XRD confirms spinel formation with particles sizes in 15–700 nm range, with increased size with annealing temperature, whereas FTIR and Raman measurement confirm that single phase lithium ferrite with ordered cationic structure is obtained. Microwave magnetoabsorption data of the annealed lithium ferrite nanoparticles were obtained with a broadband system based on a network analyzer that operates up to 8.5 GHz. At fields up to 200 mT we can observe a broad absorption peak that shifts to higher frequencies with magnetic field according to ferromagnetic resonance theory. The amplitude of absorption, up to 85%, together with the frequency width of about 5.5 GHz makes this material suitable as wave absorber. FMR parameters like resonance field, linewidth and broadening are analyzed in order to obtain the characteristic parameters and analyze the microwave behaviour. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Sol-gel fabrication of single phase Li ferrite nanoparticles with ordered structure. • Samples show higher degree of magnetic homogeneity regarding other techniques. • Ferromagnetic resonance parameters have been analyzed with broadband FMR system. • Materials are good candidates for absorbers in the C band. • Absorption and frequency can be tuned with annealing temperature and magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the effect of oxygen loss on the luminescence of YBa[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7-x] using cathodoluminescence in the scanning electron microscope and by Raman microprobe measurements. Experimental method; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

The torsional Raman spectra of CH2DCH2D, CHD2CHD2, and CH2DCHD2, recorded with an improved conventional Raman spectrometer, are interpreted here in the frame of an exact rotational–torsional Hamiltonian. The kinetic and potential operators of this Hamiltonian are discussed in detail, showing that the term responsible for the existence of two distinguishable conformers is of kinetic nature. For CH2DCH2D and CHD2CHD2 it is shown how to separate the rotational and the torsional motions by means of an appropriate choice of the molecular axis system. The wave numbers and intensities of both torsional Raman spectra are satisfactorily reproduced within the limits of the experiment with the following effective potential parameters: CH2DCH2D, V3=1002 cm-1, V6=6.0 cm-1; CHD2CHD2, V3=995 cm-1, V6=7.3 cm-1. For CH2DCHD2, only partially tractable in the present approach, an approximate estimate of V3=995 cm-1 has been obtained. Besides the quantitative interpretation of the torsional spectra, a discussion of the main facts of the conformational problem in connection to the spectroscopic observation is presented. In particular, the induced conformational transitions described here may contribute to the understanding of the elementary photoisomerization processes in molecules of the type AX2Y–AX2Y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering time in almond is a complex process involving chilling and heat requirements. After being exposed to periods of low and high temperatures, the buds are able to break their dormancy state and sprout or flower. For suitable flowering, vegetative growth and fruit set, the chilling requirements have to be fully satisfied. In cold areas, where many new almond orchards are being established, late flowering is an indispensable trait for avoiding damage from late frosts. Due to the expansion of almond cultivation, late-flowering cultivars are also being grown in warm areas, although the long-term behaviour of these cultivars in such climates remains uncertain. In this work, we studied the extra-early flowering almond “Desmayo Largueta”, the extra-late “Penta” and the ultra-late “Tardona” for a period of three years, calculating the chilling requirements of reproductive buds for breaking dormancy, the heat requirements for flowering and the productivity in the warm conditions of South-East of Spain. “Tardona”, bred at our centre, CEBAS-CSIC, is the latest flowering almond cultivar released in the world to date. The chilling requirements (CR) of the cultivars were calculated according to the Richardson and Dynamic models, and the heat requirements (HR) were estimated according to the Richardson model. Results showed important differences in CR and HR between almond cultivars and years. Furthermore, the Dynamic model provided more stable CR estimations than the Richardson model over the years under our experimental conditions especially during warmer seasons. Finally, we observed a decrease in productivity in extra-late- and ultra-late-flowering cultivars in a particularly warm season, when chilling requirements were not fulfilled. This effect demonstrates the importance of growing cultivars in climatically suitable areas and the effect of increase of temperature in flowering and productivity of almond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stone fruit genus Prunus, within the family Rosaceae, comprises more than 230 species, some of which have great importance or value as ornamental or fruit crops. Prunus are affected by numerous viruses and viroids linked to the vegetative propagation practices in many of the cultivated species. To date, 44 viruses and three viroids have been described in the 9 main cultivated Prunus species. Seven of these viruses and one viroid have been identified in Prunus hosts within the last 5 years. This work addresses recent advances and prospects in the study of viruses and viroids affecting Prunus species, mostly concerning the detection and characterisation of the agents involved, pathogenesis analysis and the search for new control tools. New sequencing technologies are quickly reshaping the way we can identify and characterise new plant viruses and isolates. Specific efforts aimed at virus identification or data mining of high-throughput sequencing data generated for plant genomics-oriented purposes can efficiently reveal the presence of known or novel viruses. These technologies have also been used to gain a deeper knowledge of the pathogenesis mechanisms at the gene and miRNA expression level that underlie the interactions between Prunus spp. and their main viruses and viroids. New biotechnological control tools include the transfer of resistance by grafting, the use of new sources of resistance and the development of gene silencing strategies using genetic transformation. In addition, the application of next generation sequencing and genome editing techniques will contribute to improving our knowledge of virus-host interactions and the mechanisms of resistance. This should be of great interest in the search to obtain new Prunus cultivars capable of dealing both with known viruses and viroids and with those that are yet to be discovered in the uncertain scenario of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relaxation of the initial permeability has been measured in polycrystalline Sr hexaferrites with the initial composition of W phase (SrO·9Fe[SUB2]O[SUB3]). The samples have been prepared by means of standard ceramic techniques at different temperatures in the 1250 °C

Understanding the emergence and prevalence of viral diseases in crops requires the systematic epidemiological monitoring of viruses, as well as the analysis of how ecological and evolutionary processes combine to shape viral population dynamics. Here, we extensively monitored the occurrence of six aphid-transmitted viruses in melon and zucchini crops in Spain for 10 consecutive cropping seasons between 2011 and 2020. The most prevalent viruses were cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), found in 31 and 26% of samples with yellowing and mosaic symptoms. Other viruses, such as zucchini yellow mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus, and papaya ring spot virus, were detected less frequently (<3%) and mostly in mixed infections. Notably, our statistical analysis showed a significant association between CABYV and WMV in melon and zucchini hosts, suggesting that mixed infections might be influencing the evolutionary epidemiology of these viral diseases. We then carried out a comprehensive genetic characterization of the full-length genome sequences from CABYV and WMV isolates by using the Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time (PacBio) high-throughput technology to assess the genetic variation and structure of their populations. Our results showed that the CABYV population displayed seven codons under positive selection, and although most isolates clustered in the Mediterranean clade, a subsequent analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant, fine-scale temporal structure, which was in part explained by the level of the variance between isolates from single and mixed infections. In contrast, the WMV population genetic analysis showed that most of the isolates grouped into the Emergent clade, with no genetic differentiation and under purifying selection. These results underlie the epidemiological relevance of mixed infections for CABYV and provide a link between genetic diversity and CABYV dynamics at the whole-genome level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operations management researchers have largely studied and analysed lean manufacturing (LM) for its capacity for productivity improvement in industry. Even so, this approach has found several difficulties in dealing with all production types, especially in high-variety and low-volume production. Managers have complemented other approaches to LM to resolve those issues, but there is little research considering quick response manufacturing (QRM). This research shows how QRM can complement LM in a make-to-order environment. Two cases were analysed, where both approaches were used in a complementary way. Data were collected throughout interviews, document analyses and observation. As the main result, we show that QRM complements LM by means of incorporating concepts of system dynamics, exclusively focusing on lead time reduction and the continuous monitoring of utilisation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevine trunk diseases ( GTD), caused by a wide range of different fungi, are responsible for decline and productivity losses in vines at all growth stages. Grapevine responses to fungal attack include morphological and physiochemical defence mechanisms in the vascular system to reduce fungal infections. However, the extent to which these responses could control further spread by GTD-fungi in the xylem vessels is poorly known. This study shows the formation of tyloses inside xylem vessels of diseased grapevines, as well as extracellular ligninolytic activities [lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and/or laccase] exhibited by some GTD-fungi isolated here from symptomatic grapevines. In particular, Botryosphaeriaceae spp. and Phaeoacremonium minimum showed all three lignin-degrading enzymatic activities. We also examined whether selected vine phenolic compounds, often located in the vascular system in response to fungal infection, could affect the lignin-degrading activity from those GTD-fungi as well as fungal colonisation. We found that phenolic compounds appeared to inhibit MnP activity, in addition to reducing fungal growth by causing anomalies in the hyphae morphology. Our results support that affected grapevines can initiate the tylosis formation in order to constrain fungi in the xylem vessels, while highlight the complementary action of the phenolic compounds to inhibit the fungi growth and colonisation. Phenolic compounds are therefore likely to have important role in alternative strategies for preventing trunk diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a techno-economic and environmental assessment for a biorefinery based on sugarcane bagasse (SCB), and coffee cut-stems (CCS). Five scenarios were evaluated at different levels, conversion pathways, feedstock distribution, and technologies to produce ethanol, octane, nonane, furfural, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). These scenarios were compared between each other according to raw material, economic, and environmental characteristics. A single objective function combining the Net Present Value and the Potential Environmental Impact was used through the Analytic Hierarchy Process approach to understand and select the best configurations for SCB and CCS cases. The results showed that the configuration with the best economic and environmental performance for SCB and CCS is the one that considers ethanol, furfural, and octane production (scenario 1). The global economic margin was 62.3% and 61.6% for SCB and CCS respectively. The results have shown the potential of these types of biomass to produce fuels and platform products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal processing of milk promotes oxidation reactions and changes in organoleptic characteristics. Application of High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a promising alternative but little is known about the impact on milk compounds, mainly lipids. This research aims to study the possible alteration of the composition of milk lipids and fatty acids as result of HPP using 250–900 MPa. Thus, two cow milk batches were assayed and the composition in tri-., di-., monoacylglycerols, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, free fatty acids, phospholipids and fatty acids analysed. It was found differences (p < 0.05) among batches in the distribution of triacylglycerols (CN34, CN50 and CN54) and also in the concentration of diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, cholesterol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol and unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1 10t, C18:1 9c, C18:1 11c, C18:1 16t+14c, C18:2 9c,12c, C18:2 9c,11t and C20:1 9c). Data from the current study showed that processing by HPP up to 900 MPa did not produce significant changes to the lipid classes or fatty acid composition of milk fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Copal samples from two Aztec objects belonging to a collection of offerings found at Templo Mayor site were analyzed by GC–MS The first sample was part of an adhesive material found in the base of a ceremonial knife; the second sample comes from an amorphous artifact probably offered as spiritual material. In order to determine their botanical origin, resin samples from eight certified botanical species from Mexican Bursera were studied. The chromatographic study of their triterpenic composition allowed to establish a botanical origin related either to Bursera bipinnata or Bursera stenophylla species which triterpenic composition is identical. It is the first time that GC–MS analyzes were performed on samples from certified botanical origin of Mexican Bursera resins which aimed at getting an overview of the molecular composition and variability of copal resins and at establishing an analytical tool to characterize the botanical origin of archaeological samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Grafting almond variety 'Garrigues' onto ' GF305' peach seedlings heavily infected by Plum pox virus ( PPV) progressively produces the disappearance of viral symptoms and drastically reduces virus accumulation in ' GF305' rootstock, in most cases to undetectable levels. This response appears to be specific between almond and peach, as it was not consistently observed by grafting 'Garrigues' onto other Prunus species such as plum ('Adesoto') or apricot ('Real Fino'). The ability to induce resistance to PPV in ' GF305' was transmitted to the sexual descendants of Garrigues. Furthermore, grafting 'Garrigues' onto ' GF305' before PPV inoculation completely prevented virus infection, showing that the resistance is constitutive and not induced by the virus. This fact suggests that resistance may be due to the transfer of a defence factor from 'Garrigues' almond through the graft union and its interaction with specific factors of ' GF305' peach to produce the antiviral response. These results open new avenues to potential protection against PPV in peach, the most economically important species among stone fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A mathematical model describing simultaneous solvent diffusion and gelatinization of starch was used to explain the water and calcium absorption in threshed corn grains during the thermo-alkaline treatment. A computer-aided nonlinear optimization technique was used to find the effective diffusion coefficients and the reaction rate constants of water and calcium in threshed corn grains at boiling temperature (92.5±0.3°C). The mathematical model shows good correlation between measured and predicted values of water and calcium intake. It is concluded that the cooking process is limited by the reaction of starch components with water and calcium. The effective diffusion coefficient for water varied between 1.18×10−10 and 1.45×10−10 m2/s and for calcium between 8.55×10−10and 16.77×10−10 m2/s. The diffusion of water and calcium in threshed corn was produced with a reaction rate constants in the range of 6.83×10−4 to 10.4×10−4 s−1 for water and 2.7×10−5–7.6×10−5 s−1 for calcium. According to these effective diffusion coefficient values the diffusive process seems to be slower for water than for calcium. However, the reaction rate constant values are approximately 10 times higher for water than for calcium which may indicate that a higher amount of solvent was linked in the water diffusion process due to the gelatinization. Low concentration of Ca(OH)2 such as 0.10% did not significantly affect the water diffusion of threshed corn during the cooking process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this work is to study the physicochemical characterization of commercial instant corn flour (CICF) and traditional instant corn flour (TICF) prepared with threshed corn. The chemical analysis shows that there are a few amounts of fat, fiber, and minerals but the protein shows small variations in relation to the threshed corn. The CICF is characterized by coarse particles. Differential scanning calorimeter corroborated that the flours are gelatinized; but in the case of CICF the starch granules are partially disrupted and some of them are integer, producing structural changes which are identified using X-ray diffraction. A pasting analysis based on the pasting curves was conducted in order to study the apparent viscosity of these flours. The CICF shows quick water absorption at low temperatures and major values in peak viscosity than the threshed corn flour which may be related to presence of hydrocolloids. The TICF apparent viscosity showed a complete gelatinized starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depending on the epidemiological study that taken into account, occupational asthma can be responsible for 25% of asthma cases in adults, becoming the more common occupational lung disease in industrialized countries and the second in developing countries, contributing significantly to mortality and disability of the economically active population. The literature defines work-related asthma and asthma that is induced or exacerbated by exposure to inhalants in the workplace. This definition includes occupational asthma refering to asthma de novo or recurrence of quiescent asthma and asthma exacerbated by work which is defined as that present in workers preexisting or concurrent asthma as it is initiated by factors related with work. Since clinical diagnostic criteria for the disease have not been developed, there are not complete records to determine the incidence, and the actual frequency of the disease is unknown. The most important method for the prevention of occupational asthma is to nullify completely the sensitizing agent exposure in the workplace; this is the cornerstone of treatment and prevention. Occupational asthma is a disease quite common in developing countries, despite this, it is underdiagnosed, therapeutically mismanaged and poorly compensated. it is needed a greater number of surveillance systems and the application of international definitions for the correct diagnosis and disease management. The use of internationally validated test, immunologic and serial measurements of PEF, used in a uniform and standardized, will increase the detection of the disease in developing countries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latrodectus mactans' aracnotoxin ( Atx) induces changes in sperm function that could be used as a co-adjuvant in male contraceptive barrier methods. This effect includes the suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species ( ROS), an event necessary for capacitation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction ( AR). The sperm that are not trapped by the barrier method can reach the oviduct before fertilisation and be exposed to the secretions of the oviducts. This study evaluated the effect of bovine tubal explants ( TU) and conditioned media ( CM) from the ampullar and isthmal regions on spermatozoa exposed to Atx. Thawed bovine sperm were incubated with Atx, TU and CM from the ampullar and isthmal regions for 4 h and then DNA integrity, intracellular ROS and lysophosphatidylcholine-induced AR were determined. Spermatozoa exposed to Atx and co-incubated with TU and CM for 4 h produced an increase in sperm DNA damage, a decrease in ROS production and a decrease in % AR, compared with the control. A similar result was obtained from the co-incubation of spermatozoa with Atx. In conclusion, the effect of Atx is not modified by tubal cells or their secretions and this opens the door to future studies to evaluate the application of synthetic peptides obtained from Atx as a co-adjuvant of contraceptive barrier methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design of a controlled cooking system (CCS) for corn flours production is presented. The system allows reproducibility in the samples preparation with control of the time and the temperature. The treatment of corn was performed with a cooking time of 120 minutes at 92.5°C, by adding calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in concentration between 0 and 0.5% compared to the corn weight. The cooking process was monitored via measures of moisture absorbed by the corn kernels and pH of the solution. The samples were manufactured by operation steps like wet milling, dehydration, dry milling and sieving. The samples were analyzed using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques, which were focused in the thermal stability of the flours and their physical variables: gelatinization range (ΔT), enthalpy (ΔH), change in heat capacity (ΔCp), temperature decomposition of maximum decomposition rate (Tmd) and residue after decomposition (Rs). The adding of Ca(OH)2 moves the peak gelatinization and the maximum peak of decomposition towards higher temperature. The TGA analysis showed that the addition of calcium hydroxide improves the thermal stability of the flour, since the degradation temperature shifts to higher temperatures as the amount of calcium hydroxide increases. The results were compared with the same analysis performed on raw corn. This study proposes an experimental method, including a controlled cooking system for the production of flour enriched with calcium, which could have a major impact in the field of nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public fear of exposure to electromagnetic fields has led to many countries introducing legislation on the topic. Some have even introduced 'sensitive areas' where field levels should be significantly reduced. This study presents an efficient and ecological method to reduce the exposure to electromagnetic fields for the mobile global system for mobile communication (GSM) and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) frequency bands. We propose the use of tree (or bush) barriers as a shielding method around places that may need to be protected. A major measurement campaign has provided a significant amount of data to characterise the performance of such soft walls. The campaign involves seven vegetation species and five different barrier configurations. Furthermore, a parametrical characterisation of the attenuation levels achieved with this method is presented and validated. This aids in choosing the configuration barriers and the vegetation species that provide the desired attenuation levels in exclusion zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline anatase (TiO2) thin films prepared by a physical vapour deposition method were nitrided by annealing in flowing NH3 at temperatures ranging between 650°C and 700°C. It was established that there was a narrow window of temperatures which allowed both incorporation of interstitial nitrogen into the films with retention of the anatase phase without chemical reduction and preservation of the characteristic nanocrystalline morphology. These optimally modified films responded to visible light in photowetting tests and showed the ability to degrade an organic dye under visible light irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pathological and genetic studies have positioned the microtubule associated protein Tau (MAPT 17q21.1) in the center of the pathogenesis of several diseases known as tauopathies: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation 1 (NBIA1), complex of parkinsonism-dementia of Guam, Pick's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD) among others. MAPT locus is structurally complex, containing a polymorphism of approximately 900 kb; this polymorphism creates tow reverse orientation, non-recombinant, haplotypes, H1 and H2, with a ~283pb deletion. In this study we ascertained the frequency of H1 and H2 alleles and the genotypes determined by them, the control group showed the next allelic frecuencies: 88.78% for the H1, 11.22% for the h2 allele; for the haplotypes H1/H1; H1/H2 and H2/H2 the frequencies were of 80.49%, 16.59% and 2.93%, respectively all of these haplotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In the patient group H1 allele showed a frequency of 91.73% and H2 allele of 8.27%. The haplotypes frecuency were: 83.46% for H1/H1 and 16.54% for H1/H2, no H2/H2 subjects were observed, these frequencies were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. When comparing both groups, a significant statistically difference in terms of the genotype, sex and age, only a trend marked by the absence of H2/H2 genotype in the group of patients with PD. The allelic frequency for H1 is similar to that reported in North American, European and Asian populatios, while the H2 allelic frequency is lower than that reported for Caucasians, although higher than in Africa and Asia, likewise, different with other American populations (Colombia and Brazil) This is the first study that determinates the allelic and genotypes frequencies of MAPT H1 and H2 in a sample of Mexican mestizo subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Traffic data obtained in the field usually have some errors. For instance, traffic volume data on the various links of a network must be consistent and satisfy flow conservation, but this rarely occurs. This paper presents a method for using fuzzy optimization to adjust observed values so they meet flow conservation equations and any consistency requirements. The novelty lies in the possibility of obtaining the best combination of adjusted values, thereby preserving data integrity as much as possible. The proposed method allows analysts to manage field data reliability by assigning different ranges to each observed value. The paper is divided into two sections: the first section explains the theory through a simple example of a case in which the data is equally reliable and a case in which the observed data comes from more or less reliable sources, and the second one is an actual application of the method in a freeway network in southern Spain where data were available but some data were missing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The FEBEX experiment is a 1:1 simulation of a high level waste disposal facility in crystalline rock according to the Spanish radwaste disposal concept. This experiment has been performed in a gallery drilled in the underground laboratory Grimsel Test Site (Switzerland). Two boreholes parallel to the FEBEX drift were drilled 20 and 60cm away from the granite–bentonite interface to provide data on potential bentonite–granite solutes transfer. Periodic sampling and analysis of the major ions showed: (a) the existence of solutes transfer from the bentonite porewater towards the granite groundwater, explaining the Cl− and Na+ contents of the latter; (b) that the concentration of the natural tracers coming into the granite groundwater from the bentonite porewater increased over time. This bentonite–granite solutes transfer was modelled in order to predict the increase in the Cl− and Na+ concentrations of the granite groundwater. The modelled results seem to confirm that the mechanism of solute migration in this scenario is that of diffusive transport. An effective diffusion coefficient of De =5×10−11 m2/s was that which best fitted the data obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaboration of minimally processed or fresh-cut vegetables requires a quick and reliable method for detection of bacterial contamination over the recommended limits. PCR-based methods fulfil these requirements, but amplification from DNA preparations of the food product is often hampered due to inhibiting substances. The purpose of this study was to develop a fast quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based method for aerobic bacterial enumeration in fresh-cut lettuce, using as reference the centrifugation water (CW) that comes up during processing instead of the food matrix itself. Comparisons between bacterial numbers on lettuce leaves before processing and bacterial numbers in the CW both for naturally occurring bacterial populations and for artificially inoculated lettuce were performed. On an average, 35% of the natural bacterial population and 64% of inoculated bacteria were recovered in the CW. Bacterial number in CW was proportional to initial lettuce contamination suggesting that measures on CW allow a narrow estimation of lettuce contamination. In qPCR, a 23S rDNA region was amplified from bacterial DNA present in the CW, followed by melting peak analyses and quantification. Enumeration of cell number by qPCR did not differ significantly from plate assay and might therefore replace it. The proposed protocol, which includes sample taking, DNA extraction and qPCR from the CW can be performed within less than 5 h. The resulting quantification might be used as a proxy of initial lettuce contamination, allowing direct intervention measures before fresh-cut commodity is shipped from the factory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new approach to simulating the dendritic growth of pure metals, based on a recent volume of fluid (VOF) method with PLIC (piecewise linear interface calculation) reconstruction of the interface, is presented. The energy equation is solved using a diffuse-interface method, which avoids the need to apply the thermal boundary conditions directly at the solid front. The thermal gradients at both sides of the interface, which are needed to obtain the front velocity, are calculated with the aid of a distance function to the reconstructed interface. The advection equation of a discretized solid fraction function is solved using the unsplit VOF advection method proposed by López et al. [J. Comput. Phys. 195 (2004) 718–742] (extended to three dimensions by Hernández et al. [Int. J. Numer. Methods Fluids 58 (2008) 897–921]), and the interface curvature is computed using an improved height function technique, which provides second-order accuracy. The proposed methodology is assessed by comparing the numerical results with analytical solutions and with results obtained by different authors for the formation of complex dendritic structures in two and three dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the electrochemical disinfection of the effluent of a secondary wastewater treatment plant is investigated. In the experimental work, performed on-site with real effluents of the WWTP located in Vuelta Ostrera (Cantabria, Spain), boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes were employed. The initial concentration of E. coli in the effluent of the WWTP varied in the range 1.3 × 104-5.2 × 105 cfu/mL. The influence of two operation variables on the kinetics of E. coli deactivation was investigated: i) The applied current density was varied in the range J = 40-120mA/cm2, showing first order kinetics, and linear dependency of the apparent kinetic constant with the applied current density; and ii) the chloride concentration was varied in the range 60-1,050 mg/L, showing that increasing chloride content also enhanced the kinetics of the E. coli deactivation. The latter parameter is particularly important in coastal areas, as in the case of the present study. The formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) was followed by measuring the content of trihalomethanes (THMs) that nevertheless was maintained below 100μg/L, so it can be concluded that the formation of DBPs is not a disadvantage of electrochemical disinfection of secondary effluents of WWTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torrado disease was first observed in protected tomato crops in the Murcia province of Spain in spring 2001, causing serious concern to regional tomato producers. The disease-causing agent was initially identified as a picorna-like bipartite plant RNA virus, now known as Tomato torrado virus (ToTV), but several additional torradoviruses inducing similar disease symptoms have been described more recently. We studied the incidence of torradoviruses between 2005 and 2008 in two parts of Murcia (Spain) where tomato crops are grown commercially. We also analysed the potential association among ToTV, Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) in samples showing torrado symptoms of varying severity. ToTV was the only torradovirus found in the samples (predominantly as single infections), but double and triple infections comprising ToTV, PepMV and/or ToCV were also detected. There was no evidence of a specific association among the viruses as the frequencies of mixed infections did not deviate from those expected to occur by chance. Statistical analysis of the potential association between torrado symptoms and the type of infection (single or multiple) was inconclusive. To determine whether co-infections with ToTV and PepMV have any marked influence on the torrado disease, we analysed torrado symptom severity and virus accumulation in tomato plants experimentally infected with ToTV-CE, PepMV-Sp13 and PepMV-PS5 in single and mixed infections. The severity of the torrado symptoms was not affected by the presence of PepMV. In single infections, the ToTV titre remained very low, reaching its maximum in the early stages of infection and declining rapidly thereafter, whereas the disease symptoms became more severe over the same timescale. In mixed infections, the accumulation of both ToTV and PepMV was altered with respect to single infections, and the magnitude of this alteration appeared to be virus and strain specific. Therefore, ToTV and PepMV mixed infections may modulate the epidemiology of both viruses in a complex way by altering virus fitness. The impact of our studies on efforts to track and prevent the spread of torrado disease is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in the electromagnetic behaviour of shrubs is growing in parallel with the extension of radio communication networks and the need for better coverage planning tools. When a tree is present in the vicinity of a radio link, a scattering process is likely to be induced in the propagation environment. Even though the trunk of the tree is usually kept stationary, the wind blowing on the canopy will force its leaves to oscillate, which induces time variability in the propagation channel. This study presents results of a measurement campaign aimed at the characterisation of the propagation channel time variability in vegetation media, at cellular wireless frequency bands. The results have shown that the presence of vegetation media will contribute to the received signal level enhancement, particularly in the side- and back-scattering regions, as opposed to the significant attenuation caused by absorption and scattering, in the forward-scattering region. Finally, the time variability was observed to significantly decrease the dispersive effects in vegetation media. The experimental results presented in this study provide an improvement in the electromagnetic modelling of the scattering around isolated trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is an emerging pathogen that causes severe economic losses in tomato crops (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the Northern hemisphere, despite persistent attempts of control. In fact, it is considered one of the most significant viral diseases for tomato production worldwide, and it may constitute a good model for the analysis of virus emergence in crops. We have combined a population genetics approach with an analysis of in planta properties of virus strains to explain an observed epidemiological pattern. Hybridization analysis showed that PepMV populations are composed of isolates of two types (PepMV-CH2 and PepMV-EU) that cocirculate. The CH2 type isolates are predominant; however, EU isolates have not been displaced but persist mainly in mixed infections. Two molecularly cloned isolates belonging to each type have been used to examine the dynamics of in planta single infections and coinfection, revealing that the CH2 type has a higher fitness than the EU type. Coinfections expand the range of susceptible hosts, and coinfected plants remain symptomless several weeks after infection, so a potentially important problem for disease prevention and management. These results provide an explanation of the observed epidemiological pattern in terms of genetic and ecological interactions among the different viral strains. Thus, mixed infections appear to be contributing to shaping the genetic structure and dynamics of PepMV populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]