Search

Abstract We report a determination of the CKM angle ϕ 3, also known as γ, from a combination of measurements using samples of up to 711 fb −1 from the Belle experiment and up to 362 fb −1 from the Belle II experiment. We combine results from analyses of B + → DK +, B + → Dπ +, and B + → D * K + decays, where D is an admixture of D 0 and D ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{D}}^0 $$ mesons, in a likelihood fit to obtain ϕ 3 = (75.2 ± 7.6) ° . We also briefly discuss the interpretation of this result.

Abstract We report measurements of the e + e − → B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ , B B ¯ ∗ $$ B{\overline{B}}^{\ast } $$ , and B ∗ B ¯ ∗ $$ {B}^{\ast }{\overline{B}}^{\ast } $$ cross sections at four energies, 10653, 10701, 10746 and 10805 MeV, using data collected by the Belle II experiment. We reconstruct one B meson in a large number of hadronic final states and use its momentum to identify the production process. In the first 2 – 5 MeV above B ∗ B ¯ ∗ $$ {B}^{\ast }{\overline{B}}^{\ast } $$ threshold, the e + e − → B ∗ B ¯ ∗ $$ {B}^{\ast }{\overline{B}}^{\ast } $$ cross section increases rapidly. This may indicate the presence of a pole close to the threshold.

Abstract We present the result of a search for the charged-lepton-flavor violating decay τ − → μ − μ + μ − using a 424 fb −1 sample of data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB e + e − collider. The selection of e + e − → τ + τ − events is based on an inclusive reconstruction of the non-signal tau decay, and on a boosted decision tree to suppress background. We observe one signal candidate, which is compatible with the expectation from background processes. We set a 90% confidence level upper limit of 1.9 × 10 −8 on the branching fraction of the τ − → μ − μ + μ − decay, which is the most stringent bound to date.

Abstract We present a measurement of the ratio R μ = B τ − → μ − ν ¯ μ ν τ / B τ − → e − ν ¯ e ν τ $$ {R}_{\mu }=\mathcal{B}\left({\tau}^{-}\to {\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }{\nu}_{\tau}\right)/\mathcal{B}\left({\tau}^{-}\to {e}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_e{\nu}_{\tau}\right) $$ of branching fractions B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ of the τ lepton decaying to muons or electrons using data collected with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB e + e − collider. The sample has an integrated luminosity of 362 ± 2 fb −1 at a centre-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. Using an optimised event selection, a binned maximum likelihood fit is performed using the momentum spectra of the electron and muon candidates. The result, R μ = 0.9675 ± 0.0007 ± 0.0036, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic, is the most precise to date. It provides a stringent test of the light-lepton universality, translating to a ratio of the couplings of the muon and electron to the W boson in τ decays of 0.9974 ± 0.0019, in agreement with the standard model expectation of unity.

Abstract We present measurements of the branching fractions of eight B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D (*)+ K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ , B − → D (*)0 K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ decay channels. The results are based on data from SuperKEKB electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance collected with the Belle II detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 362 fb −1. The event yields are extracted from fits to the distributions of the difference between expected and observed B meson energy, and are efficiency-corrected as a function of m(K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ ) and m(D (*) K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ ) in order to avoid dependence on the decay model. These results include the first observation of B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D + K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ , B − → D* 0 K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ , and B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D* + K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ decays and a significant improvement in the precision of the other channels compared to previous measurements. The helicity-angle distributions and the invariant mass distributions of the K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ systems are compatible with quasi-two-body decays via a resonant transition with spin-parity J P = 1− for the K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ systems and J P = 1+ for the K − K* 0 systems. We also present measurements of the branching fractions of four B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D (*)+ D s − $$ {D}_s^{-} $$ , B − → D (*)0 D s − $$ {D}_s^{-} $$ decay channels with a precision compatible to the current world averages.

Constraining dust models to understand and quantify the effect of dust upon climate and ecosystems requires comprehensive analyses of the physiochemical properties of dust-emitting sediments in arid regions. Building upon previous studies in the Moroccan Sahara and Iceland, we analyse a diverse set of crusts and aeolian ripples (n=55) from various potential dust-emitting basins within the Mojave Desert, California, USA. Our focus is on characterizing the particle size distribution (PSD), mineralogy, aggregation/cohesion state, and Fe mode of occurrence. Our results show differences in fully and minimally dispersed PSDs, with crusts exhibiting average median diameters of 92 and 37 µm, respectively, compared to aeolian ripples with 226 and 213 µm, respectively. Mineralogical analyses unveiled strong variations between crusts and ripples, with crusts being enriched in phyllosilicates (24 % vs. 7.8 %), carbonates (6.6 % vs. 1.1 %), Na salts (7.3 % vs. 1.1 %), and zeolites (1.2 % and 0.12 %) and ripples being enriched in feldspars (48 % vs. 37 %), quartz (32 % vs. 16 %), and gypsum (4.7 % vs. 3.1 %). The size fractions from crust sediments display a homogeneous mineralogy, whereas those of aeolian ripples display more heterogeneity, mostly due to different particle aggregation. Bulk Fe content analyses indicate higher concentrations in crusts (3.0 ± 1.3 wt %) compared to ripples (1.9 ± 1.1 wt %), with similar proportions in their Fe mode of occurrence: nano-sized Fe oxides and readily exchangeable Fe represent ∼1.6 %, hematite and goethite ∼15 %, magnetite/maghemite ∼2.0 %, and structural Fe in silicates ∼80 % of the total Fe. We identified segregation patterns in the PSD and mineralogy differences in Na salt content within the Mojave basins, which can be explained by sediment transportation dynamics and precipitates due to groundwater table fluctuations described in previous studies in the region. Mojave Desert crusts show similarities with previously sampled crusts in the Moroccan Sahara in terms of the PSD and readily exchangeable Fe yet exhibit substantial differences in mineralogical composition, which should significantly influence the characteristic of the emitted dust particles.

Abstract We present an analysis of the process e + e − → π + π − Υ(nS) (where n = 1, 2, or 3) reconstructed in 19.6 fb −1 of Belle II data during a special run of the SuperKEKB collider at four energy points near the peak of the Υ(10753) resonance. By analyzing the mass distribution of the π + π − Υ(nS) system and the Born cross sections of the e + e − → π + π − Υ(nS) process, we report the first observation of Υ(10753) decays to the π + π − Υ(1S) and π + π − Υ(2S) final states, and find no evidence for decays to π + π − Υ(3S). Possible intermediate states in the π + π − Υ(1S, 2S) transitions are also investigated, and no evidence for decays proceeding via the π ∓ Z b ± $$ {\pi}^{\mp }{Z}_b^{\pm } $$ or f 0(980)Υ(nS) intermediate states is found. We measure Born cross sections for the e + e − → π + π − Υ(nS) process that, combined with results from Belle, obtain the mass and width of Υ(10753) to be (10756.6 ± 2.7 ± 0.9) MeV/c 2 and (29.0 ± 8.8 ± 1.2) MeV, respectively. The relative ratios of the Born cross sections at the Υ(10753) resonance peak are also reported for the first time.

Abstract We report results from a study of B ± → DK ± decays followed by D decaying to the CP-even final state K + K − and CP-odd final state K S 0 π 0 $$ {K}_S^0{\pi}^0 $$ , where D is an admixture of D 0 and D ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{D}}^0 $$ states. These decays are sensitive to the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity-triangle angle ϕ 3. The results are based on a combined analysis of the final data set of 772 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs collected by the Belle experiment and a data set of 198 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs collected by the Belle II experiment, both in electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance. We measure the CP asymmetries to be A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP+ = (+12.5 ± 5.8 ± 1.4)% and A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP− = (−16.7 ± 5.7 ± 0.6)%, and the ratios of branching fractions to be R $$ \mathcal{R} $$ CP+ = 1.164 ± 0.081 ± 0.036 and R $$ \mathcal{R} $$ CP− = 1.151 ± 0.074 ± 0.019. The first contribution to the uncertainties is statistical, and the second is systematic. The asymmetries A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP+ and A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP− have similar magnitudes and opposite signs; their difference corresponds to 3.5 standard deviations. From these values we calculate 68.3% confidence intervals of (8.5 ° < ϕ 3 < 16.5 ° ) or (84.5 ° < ϕ 3 < 95.5 ° ) or (163.3 ° < ϕ 3 < 171.5 ° ) and 0.321 < r B < 0.465.

Cold metal transfer (CMT) welding process was used to join the AL6XN super-austenitic stainless steel to a nickel-based super alloy IN718. Microhardness, tensile and low cycle fatigue tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the welded joint. The heat used to perform the weld decreases the microhardness in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the IN718 material. A decrement of about 50% with respect to the base material (∼410 HV0.2) was observed, which is attributed to the microstructural transformation produced by the weld thermal cycles, inducing the partial dissolution of the γ'′ phase in the nickel matrix. In contrast, the HAZ on the AL6XN side, the microhardness tends to be similar with respect to the base material (∼203 HV0.2). In terms of the fracture energy, determined from the stress-strain plot, the welded joint decreases about 60–65% with respect to the base materials. This tendency was also observed in the case of the Charpy impact test behavior. From the low cycle fatigue test, it was observed that AL6XN material and AL6XN-IN718, performed better than the IN718 alloy, i.e. more tolerance to the strain cyclic, increasing the number of cycles to failure. A 3-D transient thermal conduction finite element model was developed to correlate the thermal history with the microstructural transformation on the HAZ and mechanical properties. The weld thermal cycles are in good agreement with the experimental measurements obtained by K-type thermocouples.

The number of publications related to the implementation of nanotechnology in the construction industry, and specifically to the application of nanosilica (SiO2), has had a constant increase in recent years. Based on this, in the present work, an analysis was carried out using bibliometric techniques, with the aim at characterizing the development of specialized literature and identifying the largest areas of growth in the field, maintaining hydrophobic nanosilica as the research guideline. This analysis acquired information from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases to compare bibliometric indicators of the publications. It should be noted that, even though bibliometric analysis is useful to identify the study areas of greatest interest, to complement this work, the implementation of a method that helped in the research process to obtain the most important bibliography was required. This study implemented Methodi Ordinatio, which helped to take a new direction. Therefore, based on this method, a list of articles cataloged and ranked is obtained, which is the basis for integrating the final bibliographic portfolio. • The study applies the Methodi Ordinatio to obtain a portfolio of the most relevant articles to guide the researchers’ work. • Insightful information can be obtained using VOSviewer to analyze and visualize metadata of the bibliographic portfolio. • The study demonstrates how the alpha value in the InOrdinatio formula modifies the resulting portfolio.

Abstract Objective To measure dietary and urinary changes in sodium (Na) intake and excretion through the implementation of family gardens with aromatic herbs and workshops for cooking, using the herbs as a substitute for salt and seasoning powder. Methods Thirty-five participants from a neighborhood of Mexico City were included. A general questionnaire was administered to collect information on sociodemographic factors. At baseline and 3 months later, a dietary evaluation was conducted, and 24-hour urine samples were collected. Food items reported were classified according to the NOVA classification. Visits to participants´ houses were conducted to measure the amount of salt and seasoning powder added to food during the preparation of meals as well as a home food inventory. All participants were given a family garden with 6 aromatic herbs and a recipe book. The intervention included 7 cooking and 3 garden care workshops. Qualitative information on the experience was also collected. Linear regression models were run in order to estimate the contribution of each NOVA group, salt, and seasoning powder to total dietary Na intake. Results Participants were 44 years old on average and were mainly women (91.4%). The participation compliance in the workshops was 69.5%. After 3 months, there was a Na intake mean reduction of 976 mg. There was also a reduction in the excreted urinary Na of 325 mg per day. Conclusion A positive level of involvement in this program had a direct influence on dietary habits to lower Na consumption.

Ionosphere is an important layer of Earth’s atmosphere which can interfere in the transmission of radio signals, affecting several activities, such as the ones related to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) positioning. In this intend, many efforts have been made in the last decades in order to better understand and model this region of atmosphere. The observation of ionosphere and its irregularities can be performed by several techniques, including classic methods such as ionosondes. Besides that, the use of GNSS signals as source of atmospheric observations have allowed the development of different methodologies and techniques to obtain ionospheric information. Among those, the use of data collected by receivers embedded in low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites, such as the ones used in radio occultation (RO) missions can be relevant due to the amount and distribution of the data obtained. Besides that, GNSS receivers has also been used in ground stations networks to continuously monitor the ionosphere. In this sense, the present work aims to compare irregularities observed by two different techniques using data from ground-based (GNSS monitoring stations) and satellite-embedded (RO mission) receivers. The study is performed over one of the most challenging scenarios, the Brazilian region, considering seasonal variability in two months (low and high solar flux) from 2014 (solar cycle peak). The results obtained show agreement in the general behavior of the ionospheric irregularities observed by the two different techniques.

Exposure to low levels of Pb(II) and Cd(II) is a public health concern, particularly in developing countries where regulations are more permissive. The consequences of such exposure are very serious, especially for infants, children and pregnant women. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate rapid, economical and feasible methods for its elimination, being this goal the purpose of this work. A novel procedure for the simultaneous removal of both species in water at different concentrations by in situ formation of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) is discussed here. Optimization of the experimental conditions led to approximately 100 % removal efficiency in only 5 min. The sorbent material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. In addition, the removal process of Pb(II) and Cd(II) was characterized by adsorption Langmuir isotherms. The thermodynamics of the removal of both species, Pb(II) and Cd(II), from water has been studied by fitting the adsorption isotherms and calculating the Gibbs free energy and enthalpy of the process. The results indicate that the adsorption process can be explained as a combination of physical and chemical adsorption. Moreover, the findings of this work show a faster and more economical process than those previously described, which also allows a simultaneous removal of both metals.

The dominant phenomenon in laser welding processes is heat transfer by conduction, making it crucial to gain insights into energy distribution within the heat-affected region, including the melt pool. Thermal analysis enables the description of thermo-mechanical, metallurgical aspects, and also addresses studies related to fluid flow and energy transfer. As research in welding processes has advanced, these models have evolved. This is why it is now efficient to use computational modeling techniques as it allows us to analyze the behavior of laser welding during the process. This underlines the importance of this work which has carried out an exhaustive theoretical literature review with the objective of classifying and describing the numerical simulations of laser welding based on the physics involved. In that sense, the mathematical models and strategies used in laser welding are explored in a general way. Therefore, two types of laser welding by conduction and deep penetration are defined from this point and they are categorized according to the phenomena involved in Model Heat Conduction and Model Integral Multiphysics. This comprehensive review article serves as a valuable resource for higher education students by providing a structured and detailed exploration of laser welding and its mathematical modeling. By classifying and describing numerical simulations based on the physics involved, it offers a framework for students to understand the complexities of this field. Additionally, this innovative approach to organizing and presenting research contributes to educational innovation by facilitating a more efficient and effective learning experience, helping students acquire the knowledge and research skills necessary for advancements in the laser welding domain.

Abstract We measure CP asymmetries and branching-fraction ratios for B ± → DK ± and Dπ ± decays with D → K S 0 $$ {K}_{\textrm{S}}^0 $$ K ± π ∓, where D is a superposition of D 0 and D ¯ $$ \overline{D} $$ 0. We use the full data set of the Belle experiment, containing 772 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs, and data from the Belle II experiment, containing 387 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs, both collected in electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance. Our results provide model-independent information on the unitarity triangle angle ϕ 3.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a clinical-pathologic entity caused by the chronic excessive consumption of alcohol. The disease includes a broad spectrum of anomalies at the cellular and tissual level that can cause acute-on-chronic (alcoholic hepatitis) or chronic (fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer) injury, having a great impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcohol is metabolized mainly in the liver. During alcohol metabolism, toxic metabolites, such as acetaldehyde and oxygen reactive species, are produced. At the intestinal level, alcohol consumption can cause dysbiosis and alter intestinal permeability, promoting the translocation of bacterial products and causing the production of inflammatory cytokines in the liver, perpetuating local inflammation during the progression of ALD. Different study groups have reported systemic inflammatory response disturbances, but reports containing a compendium of the cytokines and cells involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, from the early stages, are difficult to find. In the present review article, the role of the inflammatory mediators involved in ALD progression are described, from risky patterns of alcohol consumption to advanced stages of the disease, with the aim of understanding the involvement of immune dysregulation in the pathophysiology of ALD. Resumen: La enfermedad hepática alcohólica (EHA) es una entidad clínico-patológica, ocasionada por el consumo excesivo y crónico de alcohol. La enfermedad incluye un amplio espectro de anomalías a nivel celular y tisular que pueden causar daño agudo sobre crónico (hepatitis alcohólica) o crónico (fibrosis, cirrosis, cáncer hepatocelular), teniendo un gran impacto en la morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial. El alcohol es metabolizado principalmente en el hígado. Durante el metabolismo del alcohol son generados metabolitos tóxicos como el acetaldehído y las especies reactivas de oxígeno. A nivel intestinal, el consumo de alcohol puede producir disbiosis y alteración de la permeabilidad intestinal, promoviendo la translocación de productos bacterianos, y provocando la producción de citocinas proinflamatorias en el hígado, lo cual perpetua la inflamación local durante la evolución de la EHA. Diferentes grupos de estudio han reportado alteraciones de la respuesta inflamatoria a nivel sistémico, sin embargo, es difícil encontrar reportes que contengan un compendio de las células y citocinas involucradas en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad desde sus etapas tempranas. En este trabajo de revisión se describe el papel de los mediadores inflamatorios involucrados en la progresión de la EHA, desde los patrones de consumo de riesgo hasta etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad, con la finalidad de comprender la implicación de la desregulación inmunológica en la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad.

Resumen: La enfermedad hepática alcohólica (EHA) es una entidad clinicopatológica ocasionada por el consumo excesivo y crónico de alcohol. La enfermedad incluye un amplio espectro de anomalías celulares y tisulares que pueden causar daño agudo sobre crónico (hepatitis alcohólica) o crónico (fibrosis, cirrosis, cáncer hepatocelular), teniendo un gran impacto en la morbimortalidad en todo el mundo. El alcohol es metabolizado principalmente en el hígado. Durante el metabolismo del alcohol son generados metabolitos tóxicos como el acetaldehído y las especies reactivas de oxígeno. En el intestino el consumo de alcohol puede producir disbiosis y alteración de la permeabilidad intestinal, promoviendo la translocación de productos bacterianos y provocando la producción de citocinas proinflamatorias en el hígado, lo cual perpetúa la inflamación local durante la evolución de la EHA. Diferentes grupos de estudio han reportado alteraciones de la respuesta inflamatoria a nivel sistémico, sin embargo es difícil encontrar reportes que contengan un compendio de las células y citocinas involucradas en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad desde sus etapas tempranas. En este trabajo de revisión se describe el papel de los mediadores inflamatorios involucrados en la progresión de la EHA, desde los patrones de consumo de riesgo hasta etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad, con la finalidad de comprender la implicación de la desregulación inmunológica en la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad. Abstract: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a clinical-pathologic entity caused by the chronic excessive consumption of alcohol. The disease includes a broad spectrum of anomalies at the cellular and tissual level that can cause acute-on-chronic (alcoholic hepatitis) or chronic (fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer) injury, having a great impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcohol is metabolized mainly in the liver. During alcohol metabolism, toxic metabolites, such as acetaldehyde and oxygen reactive species, are produced. At the intestinal level, alcohol consumption can cause dysbiosis and alter intestinal permeability, promoting the translocation of bacterial products and causing the production of inflammatory cytokines in the liver, perpetuating local inflammation during the progression of ALD. Different study groups have reported systemic inflammatory response disturbances, but reports containing a compendium of the cytokines and cells involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, from the early stages, are difficult to find. In the present review article, the role of the inflammatory mediators involved in ALD progression are described, from risky patterns of alcohol consumption to advanced stages of the disease, with the aim of understanding the involvement of immune dysregulation in the pathophysiology of ALD.

Abstract Background People diagnosed with neurological pathology may experience gait disorders that affect their quality of life. In recent years, research has been carried out on a variety of exoskeletons in this population. However, the satisfaction perceived by the users of these devices is not known. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the satisfaction perceived by users with neurological pathology (patients and professionals) after the use of overground exoskeletons. Methods A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted. In order to be included in this review for further analysis, the studies had to meet the following criteria: [1] the study population was people diagnosed with neurological pathology; [2] the exoskeletons had to be overground and attachable to the lower limbs; and [3]: the studies were to include measures assessing either patient or therapist satisfaction with the exoskeletons. Results Twenty-three articles were selected, of which nineteen were considered clinical trials. Participants diagnosed with stroke (n = 165), spinal cord injury (SCI) (n = 102) and multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 68). Fourteen different overground exoskeleton models were analysed. Fourteen different methods of assessing patient satisfaction with the devices were found, and three ways to evaluate it in therapists. Conclusion Users’ satisfaction with gait overground exoskeletons in stroke, SCI and MS seems to show positive results in safety, efficacy and comfort of the devices. However, the worst rated aspects and therefore those that should be optimized from the users’ point of view are ease of adjustment, size and weight, and ease of use.

Abstract Background Salicylic acid (SA) is a major plant hormone that mediates the defence pathway against pathogens. SA accumulates in highly variable amounts depending on the plant-pathogen system, and several enzyme activities participate in the restoration of its levels. Gentisic acid (GA) is the product of the 5-hydroxylation of SA, which is catalysed by S5H, an enzyme activity regarded as a major player in SA homeostasis. GA accumulates at high levels in tomato plants infected by Citrus Exocortis Viroid (CEVd), and to a lesser extend upon Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 pv. tomato (Pst) infection. Results We have studied the induction of tomato SlS5H gene by different pathogens, and its expression correlates with the accumulation of GA. Transient over-expression of SlS5H in Nicotiana benthamiana confirmed that SA is processed by SlS5H in vivo. SlS5H-silenced tomato plants were generated, displaying a smaller size and early senescence, together with hypersusceptibility to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. In contrast, these transgenic lines exhibited an increased defence response and resistance to both CEVd and Pst infections. Alternative SA processing appears to occur for each specific pathogenic interaction to cope with SA levels. In SlS5H-silenced plants infected with CEVd, glycosylated SA was the most discriminant metabolite found. Instead, in Pst-infected transgenic plants, SA appeared to be rerouted to other phenolics such as feruloyldopamine, feruloylquinic acid, feruloylgalactarate and 2-hydroxyglutarate. Conclusion Using SlS5H-silenced plants as a tool to unbalance SA levels, we have studied the re-routing of SA upon CEVd and Pst infections and found that, despite the common origin and role for SA in plant pathogenesis, there appear to be different pathogen-specific, alternate homeostasis pathways.

ABSTRACT We report a plasmid-encoded IMI-6 carbapenemase in a clinical isolate of Enterobacter ludwigii from Spain. The isolate belongs to ST641 and was susceptible to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and resistant to carbapenems. The modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) test was positive, but β-Carba was negative. Whole-genome sequencing identified the blaIMI-6 gene located in a conjugative IncFIIY plasmid and associated with the LysR-like regulator imiR. Both genes were bracketed by an ISEclI-like insertion sequence and a putatively defective ISEc36 insertion sequence. IMPORTANCE IMI carbapenemases confer an unusual resistance pattern of susceptibility to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and piperacillin-tazobactam but decreased susceptibility to carbapenems, which may make them difficult to detect in routine practice. Commercially available molecular methods for the detection of carbapenemases in clinical laboratories do not usually include blaIMI genes, which could contribute to the hidden dissemination of bacteria producing these enzymes. Techniques should be implemented to detect minor carbapenemases that are not very frequent in our environment and control their dissemination.

Abstract Background Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) present muscle weakness and atrophy that results in a number of complications affecting their mobility, hindering their independence and the development of activities of daily living. Walking has well-recognized physiological and functional benefits. The ATLAS 2030 exoskeleton is a paediatric device that allows gait rehabilitation in children with either neurological or neuromuscular pathologies with gait disorders. The purpose is to assess the effects in range of motion (ROM) and maximal isometric strength in hips, knees and ankles of children with SMA type II after the use of ATLAS 2030 exoskeleton. Methods Three children (mean age 5.7 ± 0.6) received nine sessions bi-weekly of 60 min with ATLAS 2030. ROM was assessed by goniometry and strength by hand-held dynamometer. All modes of use of the exoskeleton were tested: stand up and sit down, forward and backward walking, and gait in automatic and active-assisted modes. In addition, different activities were performed during the gait session. A descriptive analysis of all variables was carried out. Results The average time of use was 53.5 ± 12.0 min in all sessions, and all participants were able to carry out all the proposed activities as well as to complete the study. Regarding isometric strength, all the measurements increased compared to the initial state, obtaining the greatest improvements for the hip flexors (60.2%) and extensors muscles (48.0%). The ROM increased 12.6% in hip and 34.1% in the ankle after the study, while knee ROM remained stable after the study. Conclusion Improvements were showed in ROM and maximal isometric strength in hips, knees and ankles after using ATLAS 2030 paediatric gait exoskeleton in all three children. This research could serve as a preliminary support for future clinical integration of ATLAS 2030 as a part of a long-term rehabilitation of children with SMA. Trial registration: The approval was obtained (reference 47/370329.9/19) by Comunidad de Madrid Regional Research Ethics Committee with Medical Products and the clinical trial has been registered on Clinical Trials.gov: NCT04837157.

Introduction and Objectives: We recently published that in the serum of patients with chronic Hepatitis C, there are high concentrations of inactive Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP). However, the MMP has not been studied in other liver diseases. This study aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of MMP-7 in different hepatic etiologies and according to fibrosis stage. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and multicenter study was carried out, including subjects with alcoholism (WHO criteria), without (OH) and with liver injury (cirrhosis, CiOH); diagnosed by clinical, biochemical data, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and chronic Hepatitis C (CHC). Transitional elastography (Fibroscan) was performed in NAFLD and CHC, considering mild fibrosis (MF: F0, F1, F2) and advanced fibrosis (AF: F3, F4). As controls, subjects without alcohol consumption (CT) were recruited. For the quantification of MMP-7, Multiplex-MERCK© was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.22 using Mann Whitney U, p

Abstract Background Public health measures for COVID-19 containment have implied economic and social life disruptions, which have been particularly deleterious in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to high rates of informal employment, overcrowding, and barriers to accessing health services, amongst others social determinants. Mexico, a LMIC, is a country with a high COVID-19 mortality in which there has been a very limited governmental response to help mitigate such COVID-related disruptions. This study analyzes the association of the first wave of the COVID-19 crisis in Mexico with four well-being indicators: income, employment, anxiety, and food security. Methods It uses pooled cross-sectional data (n = 5453) of five monthly nationally representative surveys collected between April and August 2020. Probit models are estimated to assess the association of the pandemic with job loss and anxiety; a multinomial logistic regression is estimated for food security, and an ordinary least squares regression assesses the association between the pandemic and changes in household’s income. Results Females were significantly associated with worse outcomes for the 4 well-being measures with an average reduction of 2.3% in household income compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, an increased probability (6.4 pp) of being in a household that had lost jobs, decreased probability of food security (6.9 pp), and an increased risk of anxiety symptoms (8.5 pp). In addition, those with lower SES and household with children also reported worse outcomes for employment, income and food security. The month variable was also statistically significant in these models suggesting that as more months of the pandemic elapsed the effects persisted. Conclusion The currents study documents how the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with different well-being indicators in a LMIC. It suggests the urgent need to take actions to support vulnerable groups, particularly women, households with children and those in the lowest SES. If policy actions are not taken, the pandemic will increase social and gender disparities, and will jeopardize childhood development.

Introduction: Ischaemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of cardiac catheterisation. This study aims to analyse the clinical and prognostic differences between post-catheterisation stroke code (SC) and all other in-hospital and prehospital SC. Methods: We prospectively recorded SC activation at our centre between March 2011 and April 2016. Patients were grouped according to whether SC was activated post-catheterisation, in-hospital but not post-catheterisation, or before arrival at hospital; groups were compared in terms of clinical and radiological characteristics, therapeutic approach, functional status, and three-month mortality. Results: The sample included 2224 patients, of whom 31 presented stroke post-catheterisation. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was lower for post-catheterisation SC than for other in-hospital SC and pre-hospital SC (5, 10, and 7, respectively; P = .02), and SC was activated sooner (50, 100, and 125 minutes, respectively; P

Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz is an evergreen species endemic to Chile. It grows in open areas or under tree canopy, and its leaves emerge in early spring and summer. The objective of this study was to determine changes in photosynthetic parameters, total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and anatomy of apical and basal leaves of A. chilensis during the year. Photosynthesis performance was determined by measuring electron transport rate (ETR), the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) with a fluorimeter. Leaf extracts were analysed to determine TPC and antioxidant activity. The maximum ETR and qP were recorded in spring and summer when the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at midday was higher (1901 and 1968 µmol m-2 s-1, respectively) than in other parts of a year. The Fv/Fm had typical physiological values in both types of leaves (about 0.8 in all the seasons). Also the NPQ was not influenced by the kind of leaves and season of the year. In concordance, the basal spring leaves had the highest TPC values. In contrast, the highest values of antioxidant activity were recorded in basal winter leaves followed by basal spring leaves. The results suggested that an increase in PAR (spring) positively affected the antioxidant activity and TPC, which correlated with higher ETR and qP values. The apical leaves showed morphological adaptations during the year and areas of intercellular spaces and palisade parenchyma were larger than in the basal leaves.

High-resolution Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) solar observations are particularly relevant for climate studies, as they allow atmospheric gaseous composition and multiple climate processes to be monitored in detail. In this context, the present paper provides an overview of 20 years of FTIR measurements taken in the framework of the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) from 1999 to 2018 at the subtropical Izaña Observatory (IZO, Spain). Firstly, long-term instrumental performance is comprehensively assessed, corroborating the temporal stability and reliable instrumental characterization of the two FTIR spectrometers installed at IZO since 1999. Then, the time series of all trace gases contributing to NDACC at IZO are presented (i.e. C2H6, CH4, ClONO2, CO, HCl, HCN, H2CO, HF, HNO3, N2O, NO2, NO, O3, carbonyl sulfide (OCS), and water vapour isotopologues H216O, H218O, and HD16O), reviewing the major accomplishments drawn from these observations. In order to examine the quality and long-term consistency of the IZO FTIR observations, a comparison of those NDACC products for which other high-quality measurement techniques are available at IZO has been performed (i.e. CH4, CO, H2O, NO2, N2O, and O3). This quality assessment was carried out on different timescales to examine what temporal signals are captured by the FTIR records, and to what extent. After 20 years of operation, the IZO NDACC FTIR observations have been found to be very consistent and reliable over time, demonstrating great potential for climate research. Long-term NDACC FTIR data sets, such as IZO, are indispensable tools for the investigation of atmospheric composition trends, multi-year phenomena, and complex climate feedback processes, as well as for the validation of past and present space-based missions and chemistry climate models.

Abstract Background HIV incidence can be estimated with cross-sectional studies using clinical, serological, and molecular data. Worldwide, HIV incidence data in only men who have sex with men (MSM) are scarce and principally focus on those with healthcare or under treatment. However, better estimates can be obtained through studies with national representativeness. The objective was to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with acquiring HIV in a national sample of MSM who attend meeting places, considering geographical regions. Methods A nationally representative survey of MSM attending meeting places was performed in Mexico. Participants answered a questionnaire, and a dried blood spot (DBS) was collected. Samples were classified as recent infections using an algorithm with HIV status, antiretroviral therapy, and the result of BED-EIA assay. Parameters were analysed considering regions and demographic and sexual behaviour characteristics. Results The national HIV prevalence was 17.4% with regional differences; the highest prevalence (20.7%) was found in Mexico City, and the lowest prevalence was found in the West region (11.5%). The incidence was 9.4 per 100 p/y, with regional values from 6.2 to 13.2 for the Northeast and the Centre regions, respectively. Age, age at sexual debut, low wealth index, and rewarded sex were associated with HIV prevalence. Centre region, use of private clinics as health services, and having sex exclusively with men were associated with recent HIV infections. Conclusions The incidence and prevalence showed regional differences, suggesting a difference in the dynamics of HIV transmission; some regions have a greater case accumulation, and others have a greater rate of new infections. Understanding this dynamic will allow developing health programs focused on HIV prevention or treating people already living with HIV.

The Real-Time Working Group (RTWG) of the International GNSS Service (IGS) is dedicated to providing high-quality data and high-accuracy products for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning, navigation, timing and Earth observations. As one part of real-time products, the IGS combined Real-Time Global Ionosphere Map (RT-GIM) has been generated by the real-time weighting of the RT-GIMs from IGS real-time ionosphere centers including the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and Wuhan University (WHU). The performance of global vertical total electron content (VTEC) representation in all of the RT-GIMs has been assessed by VTEC from Jason-3 altimeter for 3 months over oceans and dSTEC-GPS technique with 2 d observations over continental regions. According to the Jason-3 VTEC and dSTEC-GPS assessment, the real-time weighting technique is sensitive to the accuracy of RT-GIMs. Compared with the performance of post-processed rapid global ionosphere maps (GIMs) and IGS combined final GIM (igsg) during the testing period, the accuracy of UPC RT-GIM (after the improvement of the interpolation technique) and IGS combined RT-GIM (IRTG) is equivalent to the rapid GIMs and reaches around 2.7 and 3.0 TECU (TEC unit, 1016 el m−2) over oceans and continental regions, respectively. The accuracy of CAS RT-GIM and CNES RT-GIM is slightly worse than the rapid GIMs, while WHU RT-GIM requires a further upgrade to obtain similar performance. In addition, a strong response to the recent geomagnetic storms has been found in the global electron content (GEC) of IGS RT-GIMs (especially UPC RT-GIM and IGS combined RT-GIM). The IGS RT-GIMs turn out to be reliable sources of real-time global VTEC information and have great potential for real-time applications including range error correction for transionospheric radio signals, the monitoring of space weather, and detection of natural hazards on a global scale. All the IGS combined RT-GIMs generated and analyzed during the testing period are available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5042622 (Liu et al., 2021b).

BackgroundThere is a controversy regarding Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) classification and whether it should be considered a slowly progressing form of type 1 (T1) diabetes (DM) or a distinct type of DM altogether.MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed major genes associated with T1DM (class II HLA, PTPN22 [rs2476601] and INS [rs689]) in patients with LADA, as compared with participants with T1DM (stratified according to age of diagnosis before or after 30) and T2DM. HLA genotyping of the DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 loci was performed by reverse PCR sequence-specific oligonucleotides. HLA haplotypes were assigned according to those most frequently described in the European population. INS and PTPN22 SNPs were genotyped by real-time PCR.ResultsA total of 578 participants were included: 248 with T1DM (70 diagnosed after the age of 30), 256 with T2DM and 74 with LADA. High risk HLA alleles were significantly more frequent in LADA than in T2DM, whereas the opposite was true for protective alleles. We found a lower frequency of the high-risk DRB1*04-DQB1*03:02-DQA1*03:01 haplotype in LADA (21.1%) than in the overall T1DM (34.7%) (p

Abstract Refractance window (RW) drying is considered an emerging technique in the food field due to its scalability, energy efficiency, cost and end-product quality. It can be used for obtaining flakes from high-oleic palm oil (HOPO) nanoemulsions containing a high concentration of temperature-sensitive active compounds. This work was thus aimed at studying the effect of temperature, thickness of the film drying, nanoemulsion process conditions, and emulsion formulation on the flakes’ physical properties and microstructure. The results showed that HOPO flakes had good physical characteristics: 1.4% to 5.6% moisture content and 0.26 to 0.58 aw. Regarding microstructure, lower fractal dimension (FDt) was obtained when RW drying temperature increased, which is related to more regular surfaces. The results indicated that flakes with optimal physical properties can be obtained by RW drying of HOPO nanoemulsions.

Abstract Relevant information on the origins of the solar system and the early evolution of life itself can be derive from systematic and controlled exploration of water ice here on Earth. Therefore, over the last decades, a huge effort on experimental methodologies has been made to study the multiple crystal ice phases, which are observed outside our home–gravitational–potential. By employing (100)–oriented MgO lattice surface as a microcantilever sensor, we conducted the first ever study on the dynamics of the Structural Phase Transition at 185 K in water ice by means of coherent elastic scattering of electron diffraction. We estimate the amount of phonons caused by this transition applying precise quantum computing key tools, and resulting in a maximum value of 1.23 ± 0.02. Further applications of our microcantilever sensor were assessed using unambiguous mapping of the surface stress induced by the c( $$4 \times 2$$ 4 × 2 ) → p( $$3 \times 2$$ 3 × 2 ) Structural Phase Transition of the interstellar ice formulated on the Williamsom–Hall model. This development paves the way and thus establishes an efficient characterization tool of the surface mechanical strains of materials with potential applications arising from interstellar ice inclusive glaciers to the wide spectrum of solid–state physics.