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This paper addresses the challenge of remediating soil impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD) using an innovative and sustainable Technosol‐based approach to stabilize soil and facilitate vegetation recovery. The study assessed the effectiveness of Technosols made from recycled organic (water clarification sludge) and inorganic (siderurgical slags and red gypsum) wastes in mitigating the detrimental effects of AMD on soil properties, pore water chemistry, and plant growth through a 4‐month pot experiment. Technosols significantly improved soil health by neutralizing net acidity (296 mmol H+ kg−1), raising pH levels from extremely acidic (3.3) to mildly alkaline (7.7–8.0), and limiting the mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Dissolved Cu and Zn concentrations dropped from 80.21 and 72.08 mg L−1, respectively, to below 1 mg L−1 by the end of the monitoring period. The experiment identified several concomitant mechanisms of PTE retention, such as decreased dissolution of metal‐bearing minerals, precipitation reactions and adsorption onto Fe and Al (oxy)hydroxides. Aqueous speciation modelling indicated a decline in toxic metal forms (e.g. Al3+, AlSO4+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and H2AsO4−) in soil pore water after treatment, thus reducing phytotoxicity. Additionally, waste amendments enhanced nutrient availability, with nitrate concentrations reaching up to 417 mg L−1, supporting seed germination and seedling establishment. The most effective Technosol, combining water treatment sludge and white steel slag (60:40 w/w), enabled robust growth of Brassica juncea. Principal component analysis showed a strong correlation between healthy plant responses (survival rate, plant height, leaf number, biomass production) and improved soil pore water parameters (pH, PTEs, aluminium, calcium, bicarbonate and nitrate ions), highlighting the benefits of waste amendments. These findings underscore the potential of waste‐derived Technosols in stabilizing AMD‐impacted soils and promoting thriving plant growth. However, further validation in field trials with diverse plant species is recommended for real‐world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Alcohol‐related hepatitis (AH) encompasses a high mortality. AH might be a concomitant event in patients with acute variceal bleeding (AVB). The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of AH in patients with AVB and to compare the clinical outcomes of AH patients to other alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) phenotypes and viral cirrhosis. Methods: Multicentre, observational study including 916 patients with AVB falling under the next categories: AH (n = 99), ALD cirrhosis actively drinking (d‐ALD) (n = 285), ALD cirrhosis abstinent from alcohol (a‐ALD) (n = 227) and viral cirrhosis (n = 305). We used a Cox proportional hazards model to calculate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of death adjusted by MELD. Results: The prevalence of AH was 16% considering only ALD patients. AH patients exhibited more complications. Forty‐two days transplant‐free survival was worse among AH, but statistical differences were only observed between AH and d‐ALD groups (84 vs. 93%; p = 0.005), when adjusted by MELD no differences were observed between AH and the other groups. At one‐year, survival of AH patients (72.7%) was similar to the other groups; when adjusted by MELD mortality HR was better in AH compared to a‐ALD (0.48; 0.29–0.8, p = 0.004). Finally, active drinkers who remained abstinent presented better survival, independently of having AH. Conclusions: Contrary to expected, AH patients with AVB present no worse one‐year survival than other patients with different alcohol‐related phenotypes or viral cirrhosis. Abstinence influences long‐term survival and could explain these counterintuitive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response has been associated with disease severity, immune memory and heterologous response to endemic coronaviruses. However, an integrative approach combining a comprehensive analysis of the quality of SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response with antibody levels in these three scenarios is needed. In the present study, we found that, in acute infection, while mild disease was associated with high T‐cell polyfunctionality biased to IL‐2 production and inversely correlated with anti‐S IgG levels, combinations only including IFN‐γ with the absence of perforin production predominated in severe disease. Seven months after infection, both non‐hospitalised and previously hospitalised patients presented robust anti‐S IgG levels and SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response. In addition, only previously hospitalised patients showed a T‐cell exhaustion profile. Finally, combinations including IL‐2 in response to S protein of endemic coronaviruses were the ones associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐specific T‐cell response in pre‐COVID‐19 healthy donors' samples. These results could have implications for protective immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and recurrent COVID‐19 and may help for the design of new prototypes and boosting vaccine strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: (i) to compare the effects of two different low-volume resistance priming sessions, where the external load is modified on neuromuscular performance after 6 h of rest; and (ii) to identify the effects on psychological readiness in participants with resistance training experience. Methods: Eleven participants (Body mass: 77.0 ± 8.9 kg; Body height: 1.76 ± 0.08 m; Half squat repetition maximum: 139.8 ± 22.4 kg) performed the priming session under three experimental conditions in a randomized and cross-over design during the morning. The control (CON) condition: no resistance training, "optimal load" (OL) condition: two half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the "optimal load", and 80% of repetition maximum (80% RM) condition: 2 half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the 80% RM. Countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power with OL (MPOL) and 80% RM (MP80RM), and mean velocity with OL (MVOL) and 80% RM (MV80RM) were assessed six hours after the intervention. Subjective readiness was also recorded prior to resistance training and evaluation. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: CMJ was higher after the 80% RM intervention than CON (p < 0.001; Δ = 6.5% [3.4–9.5]). MPOL and MVOL seemed to be unaffected by both morning sessions. Higher MP80RM (p = 0.044; Δ = 9.7% [4.0–15.6]; d = 0.24[0.10–0.37]) and MV80RM (p = 0.004; Δ = 8.1% [3.2–13.3]; d = 0.32[0.13–0.52]) after 80% RM than after CON were observed. No effect was observed on psychological readiness. Conclusions: 80% RM priming session increased CMJ height and the capacity to generate power and velocity under a high-load condition without any effect on psychological readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the results from the implementation of a highly structured therapist‐guided iCBT programme for people with work‐related anxiety and depression, in terms of programme efficacy, participants' adherence and satisfaction. Seventy‐seven national police workers were randomly allocated to one of two groups: without additional videoconference sessions (web platform with guidance of therapist) and with additional videoconference sessions (same intervention as the previous group, plus two videoconference guidance sessions with a psychologist). The intervention was composed of 12 sessions and took place for 17–20 weeks. We found an adherence rate of 36.4%, with no differences between groups. All participants endorsed lower depression (BDI‐II F(1) = 36.98, p <.001; ATQ F(1) = 24.22, p <.001), and anxiety (STAI‐State F(1) = 76.62, p <.001) after the programme. As a variable related to anxiety and depression in workplace, participants also showed higher assertiveness levels (RAS F(1) = 8.96, p <.001). A significant reduction of the mean level of anxiety perceived by participants as the intervention programme progressed was observed in both groups (F(2) = 7.44; p =.003). Participants were satisfied with the therapists' intervention and with the programme. No significant group effects were found for any of the measures. Reduction in depression levels was maintained in the 12‐month follow‐up, but levels of anxiety increased. This study is innovative, as it is the first controlled trial to analyse the effect of two added videoconference sessions, and it includes short‐ and long‐term measures, which is not usual. The results are discussed to clarify the role of the contact with the therapist to improve treatment adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of this current research was to compare fat oxidation rates during an incremental cycling exercise test in a temperate vs. hot environment. Methods: Twelve healthy young participants were recruited for a randomised crossover experimental design. Each participant performed a VO2max test in a thermoneutral environment followed by two cycling ramp test trials, one in a temperate environment (18.3°C) and another in a hot environment (36.3°C). The ramp test consisted of 3-min stages of increasing intensity (+10% of VO2max) while gas exchange, heart rate and perceived exertion were measured. Results: During exercise, there was a main effect of the environment temperature on fat oxidation rate (F = 9.35, P = 0.014). The rate of fat oxidation was lower in the heat at 30% VO2max (0.42 ± 0.15 vs.0.37 ± 0.13 g/min; P = 0.042), 60% VO2max (0.37 ± 0.27 vs.0.23 ± 0.23 g/min; P = 0.018) and 70% VO2max (0.22 ± 0.26 vs.0.12 ± 0.26 g/min; P = 0.007). In addition, there was a tendency for a lower maximal fat oxidation rate in the heat (0.55 ± 0.2 vs.0.48 ± 0.2 g/min; P = 0.052) and it occurred at a lower exercise intensity (44 ± 14 vs.38% ± 8% VO2max; P = 0.004). The total amount of fat oxidised was lower in the heat (5.8 ± 2.6 vs 4.6 ± 2.8 g; P = 0.002). The ambient temperature also produced main effects on heart rate (F = 15.18, P = 0.005) and tympanic temperature (F = 25.23, P = 0.001) with no effect on energy expenditure (F = 0.01, P = 0.945). Conclusion: A hot environment notably reduced fat oxidation rates during a ramp exercise test. Exercising in the heat should not be recommended for those individuals seeking to increase fat oxidation during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Since the publication of the American Gastroenterological Association's recommendations in 2017, there have been no significant changes in the biological monitoring recommendations in inflammatory bowel disease. Possible limitations are the lack of evidence to recommend proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (pTDM) over reactive TDM (rTDM), and the limited information about individualized dosing methods. This article aims to review the TDM strategy updates and the use of individualized dosing methods. Methods: For the analysis of the TDM strategies and individualized dosing method, a search was carried out in PubMed and Cochrane Central. In the TDM case, since August 2017. Results: A total of 263 publications were found, but only 7 related to proactive TDM. Five of these publications directly compared pTDM vs rTDM and 2 were randomized clinical trials. Six studies found benefits of pTDM and 1 found no differences. Regarding the individualized dosing method, 229 distinct results were found. Population pharmacokinetics was the most widely used method to develop individual dosage models and to analyse the influence of factors on drug concentrations (albumin concentration, weight, presence of anti‐drug antibodies etc). Conclusion: We have found no major changes in TDM strategies. There is a growing trend towards the use of pTDM because it has shown a longer duration of treatment response, lower rates of discontinuation and relapses. However, the available evidence is limited and of low quality. Despite the common use of population pharmacokinetic methods to analyse pharmacokinetic factors, they are not commonly used for personalized dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latter authors proposed an elegant solution for the segmentation problem based on saturating the soil sample with a salt solution that exhibits an abrupt and notable change of the mass attenuation coefficient at the threshold level of the beam energy. Multifractal and joint multifractal analysis of soil micronutrients extracted by two methods along a transect in a coarse textured soil. As the pedodiversity manifests itself in scaling of soil spatial units, it affects scaling of ecological land units for which the spatial pattern of soil is an important control. Scale is an essential concept in the description of soils. [Extracted from the article]

Understanding differences in the agro‐hydrologic performance of Vertisols under conventional tillage (CT) and direct drill (DD) requires a thorough knowledge of the soil hydraulic properties. We measured water retention on 54 undisturbed topsoil (0–0.05 m) samples collected at the CT and DD plots from a long‐term experiment. Water retention was significantly larger in DD (p <.05) for absolute pressure heads (|h|) ranging from 63 to 3.2 × 103 cm, and at 1.8 × 104 and 3.3 × 104 cm. A comparison of the equivalent pore‐size distributions showed combined effects of tillage in the CT topsoil and compaction as a result of machinery traffic and natural consolidation in the DD topsoil, increasing and decreasing the amount of the largest pores in CT and DD, respectively, in favour of a larger abundance of smaller equivalent pore‐sizes in DD than in CT. Significant differences in water retention and abundance of equivalent pore sizes near the dry end of the soil water retention curve (|h| ≈ 4 × 104 cm) appear to be associated with the larger organic matter content in DD. These results were corroborated by field‐measured soil water content data (0–0.10 and 0.25–0.35 m), showing a persistently larger soil water content in DD than the spatial average of both tillage systems. Differences in the observed trimodal soil water content probability density functions between CT and DD were related to equivalent pore‐sizes for which significantly different water retentions were measured. This work elucidates direct and indirect effects of soil management on water retention and the equivalent pore‐size distribution, with important consequences for the soil´s agro‐hydrologic performance. Highlights: Water retention, pore‐size distribution and field soil water states of a vertisol under conventional tillage and direct drill are comparedDirect drill yields larger water retention for 63 < |h| < 3.2 × 103 cm, and at |h| = 1.8 × 104 and 3.3 × 104 cm.Larger water retention near |h| ≈ 4 × 104 cm in direct drill is associated with larger organic matter contentField soil water states are controlled by specific SWRC and pore‐size distribution ranges in both management systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional protein which was initially described in the retina, although it is also present in other tissues. It functions as an antioxidant agent promoting neuronal survival. Recently, a PEDF receptor has shown an elevated binding affinity for PEDF. There are no relevant data regarding the distribution of both proteins in the brain, therefore the main goal of this work was to investigate the spatiotemporal presence of PEDF and PEDFR in the adult mouse brain, and to determine the PEDF blood level in mouse and human. The localization of both proteins was analyzed by different experimental methods such as immunohistochemistry, western‐blotting, and also by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Differential expression was found in some telencephalic structures and positive signals for both proteins were detected in the cerebellum. The magnitude of the PEDFR labeling pattern was higher than PEDF and included some cortical and subventricular areas. Age‐dependent changes in intensity of both protein immunoreactions were found in the cortical and hippocampal areas with greater reactivity between 4 and 8 months of age, whilst others, like the subventricular zones, these differences were more evident for PEDFR. Although ubiquitous presence was not found in the brain for these two proteins, their relevant functions must not be underestimated. It has been described that PEDF plays an important role in neuroprotection and data provided in the present work represents the first extensive study to understand the relevance of these two proteins in specific brain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although several echocardiographic parameters have different values according to sex, there are no studies in echocardiographic variables of aortic stenosis (AS) severity. Our aim was to evaluate the sex‐related prognosis of several echocardiographic parameters in AS. Methods: Two hundred and twenty‐five patients with at least moderate AS (effective orifice area [EOA] ≤ 1.50 cm2) were prospectively enrolled. EOA was normalized to body surface area (BSA), height, and body mass index (BMI). Receiver operating characteristic curves, in women and men separately, were plotted to determine the best cutoff value for predicting cardiovascular death. Results: The largest area under the curve (AUC) to predict cardiovascular death was EOA in men (AUC 0.74, P <.001) and EOA/height in women (AUC 0.81, P <.001). An EOA/height cutoff value of 0.55 cm2/m in women had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 61%; a cutoff of 0.50 cm2/m in men obtained a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 56%. During a mean follow‐up of 247 ± 183 days, there were 33 cardiovascular deaths. Women with EOA/height ≤ 0.55 cm2/m had higher cardiovascular mortality (22% vs 0%, P <.001) and men with EOA/height ≤ 0.50 cm2/m (21% vs 2%, P <.001). One‐year survival in women with EOA/height ≤ 0.55 cm2/m was 67 ± 8% and 100 ± 0% in EOA/height > 0.55 cm2/m (P <.001). In men, 1‐year survival was 70 ± 8% in EOA/height ≤ 0.50 cm2/m, and 93 ± 6% in EOA/height > 0.50 cm2/m (P =.004). Conclusions: Normalization of EOA is useful in AS, especially in women. We recommend using an EOA/height cutoff value of 0.55 cm2/m in women, and 0.50 cm2/m in men to identify a subgroup with higher cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time series of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) landings from 1962 and environmental variables from 1978 in the northern Alboran Sea are analysed. European sardine spawns in the northern Alboran Sea from mid‐autumn to late winter at a temperature range slightly higher than the one observed in the nearby Eastern North Atlantic and the North Western Mediterranean. Individuals hatched during autumn and winter are incorporated to the fishery during the following summer and autumn producing the maximum annual landings. These landings show both a decreasing long‐term trend and a strong inter‐annual variability. Although further research is needed, the warming trend of sea surface temperature and the decrease in upwelling intensity inferred from empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analyses could have some influence on the negative trends of sardine landings. The inter‐annual variability of sardine abundance seems to be related to the wind intensity at a local scale, the second principal component of the chlorophyll concentration and the sardine abundance during the preceding year. If the inter‐annual variability is considered, a linear model including these three variables with a one‐year time lag allows to explain 79% of the sardine landings variance. If the negative linear trend is also considered, the model explains 86% of the variance. These results indicate that the body condition of spawners, linked to the food availability during the preceding year, is the main factor controlling the recruitment success. The possibility of predicting sardine landings 1 year in advance could have important implications for fishery management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Thirty‐two lambs were finished on a total mixed ration (TMR) pelleted alone (00SS) or including sunflower soap stock (SS): 15SS (15 g SS per kg TMR), 30SS (30 g SS per kg TMR) and 60SS (60 g SS per kg TMR). Lambs (8 per group) were slaughtered at 27 kg live weight. Colour evolution, lipid oxidation, microbial growth and detection of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli were studied in meat samples. SS in the diet reduced meat lipid oxidation (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the cholesterol oxidation products. Meat from 60SS and control animals (00SS) revealed greater discoloration (P < 0.05) than 15SS. SS supplementation did not affect the microbiological populations, whereas high doses of SS seemed to increase the proliferation of diarrhoeagenic E. coli on day 14 (P < 0.10). These results suggest that the rate of SS inclusion in the diet of fattening lambs should not be above 15 g SS per kg TMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on diabetes incidence by general and central adiposity after 3-year follow-up in adults with prediabetes.Methods: Data were taken from a cohort of 1,184 subjects with prediabetes included in The Cohort Study in Primary Health Care on the Evolution of Patients with Prediabetes (PREDAPS). General adiposity was defined using body mass index (BMI), and central adiposity was defined with waist circumference and waist to height ratio. Data were analyzed by age groups 30 to 59 and 60 to 74 years. The association between adiposity and diabetes incidence was assessed using hazard ratios (HR).Results: Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, and metabolic parameters, diabetes HR for central adiposity based on the waist circumference clinical cutoff were 2.14 (1.12-4.09) and 1.48 (0.80-2.74) for people aged 30 to 59 and 60 to 74 years, respectively. In the model additionally adjusted for BMI, diabetes HR were 2.65 (1.24-5.65) and 1.33 (0.68-2.59), respectively. The use of a 1-SD increase rather than cutoff points did not alter this pattern. Similar findings were observed with central adiposity based on waist to height ratio.Conclusions: The association of central adiposity with type 2 diabetes incidence was lower for people in the older age group than for those in the younger age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platinum‐based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous‐cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and most patients experience serious toxicities. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between candidate genes involved in radiation/platinum pathways and acute toxicity of CRT to determine the predictive value of these polymorphisms for toxicity. Methods: Thirty‐six selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 29 genes were genotyped in 110 patients treated with cisplatin‐based CRT. DNA was obtained from blood samples, and SNP analysis was performed using a MassARRAY iPLEX Gold (Sequenom) method. Results: Patients with ERCC1 rs11615‐C allele (P = .0066), ERCC1 rs735482‐C allele (P = .0204), and ERCC4 rs1799801‐C allele (P = .0286) had lower risk of grade 2‐3 hematologic toxicity. In addition, the presence of G allele of GSTP1 was associated with a significantly lower risk of severe dysphagia (P = .0004). Conclusion: Polymorphisms in ERCC1 and GSTP1 may act as prognostic factors of acute toxicity during treatment with CRT in HNSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particles on soil‐mantled hillslopes are subject to downslope transport by erosion processes and vertical mixing by bioturbation. Both are key processes for understanding landscape evolution and soil formation, and affect the functioning of the critical zone. We show here how the depth–age information, derived from feldspar‐based single grain post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR), can be used to simultaneously quantify erosion and bioturbation processes along a hillslope. In this study, we propose, for the first time, an analytical solution for the diffusion–advection equation to calculate the diffusivity constant and erosion–deposition rates. We have fitted this model to age–depth data derived from 15 soil samples from four soil profiles along a catena located under natural grassland in the Santa Clotilde Critical Zone Observatory, in the south of Spain. A global sensitivity analysis was used to assess the relative importance of each model parameter in the output. Finally, the posterior probability density functions were calculated to evaluate the uncertainty in the model parameter estimates. The results show that the diffusivity constant at the surface varies from 11.4 to 81.9 mm2 a‐1 for the hilltop and hill‐base profile, respectively, and between 7.4 and 64.8 mm2 a‐1 at 50 cm depth. The uncertainty in the estimation of the erosion–deposition rates was found to be too high to make a reliable estimate, probably because erosion–deposition processes are much slower than bioturbation processes in this environment. This is confirmed by a global sensitivity analysis that shows how the most important parameters controlling the age–depth structure in this environment are the diffusivity constant and regolith depth. Finally, we have found a good agreement between the soil reworking rates proposed by earlier studies, considering only particle age and depth, and the estimated diffusivity constants. The soil reworking rates are effective rates, corrected for the proportion of particles actually participating in the process. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have looked at the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) in people with intellectual disability (ID). The results range between 1% and 6.4% and go up to 20% in people with ID and psychiatric disorders, probably underestimating real prevalence due to several limitations in these studies. ID confers risk for the development of SUD, which in turn will involve negative psychosocial and clinical consequences. We aimed to study the prevalence of SUD in a sample of patients with ID admitted to a brief hospitalisation psychiatric unit, describing them by type and severity and analysing their relationship with clinical, prognostic and access to treatment variables. Methods: We undertook a descriptive, cross‐sectional and retrospective study by means of a review of clinical histories of all patients with a diagnosis of ID, admitted in a period of 10 years. Results: Among the final sample of patients included, 52.3% had a mild ID, 40.9% an unspecified ID, 3.4% a moderate ID and another 3.4% a severe ID. More than one third of the sample met criteria for a SUD. The main SUD was cannabis use disorder (25%), followed by alcohol use disorder (22.7%) and cocaine use disorder (13.6%). The use of more than one substance was the most frequent pattern. Cannabis use disorder and cocaine use disorder were overrepresented in the group with mild ID. A greater number of psychiatric admissions was observed for the group with SUD. Specialised mental health services for ID and specialised addiction network facilities were much less involved in the care of these patients that could be expected according to good clinical practice recommendations. Conclusions: Substance use disorder in patients with ID and mental health disorders admitted to psychiatric hospitalisation are prevalent, which makes this issue an area of interest for future improvements in case identification, proper referring to specialised treatment resources and an increasing research focusing on specific therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Soil erosion is intense on steep slopes, where many olive orchards are located in Mediterranean areas. The adoption of cover crops is a promising soil and water conservation practice for these areas. Nevertheless, there has not been enough information to be able to advise farmers on the selection of plant species. The purpose of this report is to assess different plant species as cover crops to reduce erosion and soil organic carbon loss through sediments. Twenty‐four tests were performed in 6 plots on a 20% slope in southern Spain. A gramineous plant (Brachypodium distachyon), 2 leguminous species (Vicia sativa and Vicia ervilia), and a cruciferous plant (Sinapis alba) were sown and compared with spontaneous vegetation and conventional tillage. Simulated rainfall with intensities of 18.1 (±1.6) and 38.8 (±2.3) mm hr−1 was applied during 2 years. All cover crop treatments, in comparison with tillage, significantly reduced soil and soil organic carbon losses by more than 92%, S. alba being the species with the lowest runoff values. The high rate of soil and water losses observed in the tillage treatment emphasizes the need to protect the soil and its fertility. A kinematic wave model considering variable soil infiltration rates was fitted to the runoff data to evaluate relevant soil and surface characteristics. The estimated saturated hydraulic conductivity and length of the capillary scale were not affected by the treatments, but the surface resistance to water flow indicated the efficiency of S. alba, B. distachyon, and V. ervilia in reducing the runoff velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative management practices such as no-tillage compared to conventional tillage are expected to recover or increase soil quality and productivity, even though all of these aspects are rarely studied together. Long-term field experiments (LTEs) enable analysis of alternative management practices over time. This study investigated a total of 251 European LTEs in which alternative management practices such as crop rotation, catch crops, cover crops/green manure, no-tillage, non-inversion tillage and organic fertilization were applied. Response ratios of indicators for soil quality, climate change and productivity between alternative and reference management practices were derived from a total of 260 publications. Both positive and negative effects of alternative management practices on the different indicators were shown and, as expected, no alternative management practice could comply with all objectives simultaneously. Productivity was hampered by non-inversion tillage, FYM amendments and incorporation of crop residues. SOC contents were increased significantly following organic fertilizers and non-inversion tillage. GHG emissions were increased by slurry application and incorporation of crop residues. Our study showed that alternative management practices beneficial to one group of indicators (e.g. organic fertilizers for biological soil quality indicators) are not necessarily beneficial to other indicators (e.g. increase of crop yields). We conclude that LTEs are valuable for finding ways forward in protecting European soils as well as finding evidence-based alternative management practices for the future; however, experiments should focus more on biological soil quality indicators as well as GHG emissions to enable better evaluation of trade-offs and mutual benefits of management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient monitoring of soil moisture is becoming increasingly important. To understand soil-plant-water dynamics, we evaluate the potential of using a multiple-coil-array electromagnetic induction instrument and inversion software to map soil moisture beneath an olive tree. On twelve different days, we collected apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) data using a DUALEM-21S and the volumetric soil moisture (θ) using a bank of soil moisture sensors on opposite sides of the tree. Using EM4Soil, we inverted the ECa data on five of the days and established a site-specific calibration between estimates of true electrical conductivity (σ) and θ. The strongest calibration relationship between σ and θ (R2 = 0.65) was obtained for a full-solution, S2 algorithm and damping factor of 1.2. A leave one out cross-validation (LOOCV) showed the calibration was robust, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.046 m3/m3, a mean error (ME) of 0.001 m3/m3 and a Lin's concordance of 0.72. We subsequently evaluated the calibration relationship on the seven remaining days and over a drying period of 120 days. This approach provides information about the temporal evolution of θ by a LOOCV of validation with a RMSE of 0.037, ME of −0.003 and a Lin's concordance of 0.54. Improvement could be achieved by aligning the DUALEM-21S in the same orientation as the sensors, with time-lapse inversion also being advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in several stages of the cell cycle, including the entry and exit from mitosis, and cytokinesis. Furthermore, it has an essential role in the regulation of DNA replication. Together with cyclin A, PLK1 also promotes CDH1 phosphorylation to trigger its ubiquitination and degradation, allowing cell cycle progression. The PLK1 levels in different type of tumors are very high compared to normal tissues, which is consistent with its role in promoting proliferation. Therefore, several PLK1 inhibitors have been developed and tested for the treatment of cancer. Here, we further analyzed PLK1 degradation and found that cytoplasmic PLK1 is ubiquitinated and subsequently degraded by the SCFβTrCP/proteasome. This procedure is triggered when heat shock protein (HSP) 90 is inhibited with geldanamycin, which results in misfolding of PLK1. We also identified CDK1 as the major kinase involved in this degradation. Our work shows for the first time that HSP90 inhibition arrests cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition. This novel mechanism inhibits CDH1 degradation through CDK1-dependent PLK1 destruction by the SCFβTrCP/proteasome. In these conditions, CDH1 substrates do not accumulate and cell cycle arrests, providing a novel pathway for regulation of the cell cycle at the G1-to-S boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertisols are well suited for rainfed agriculture in water-limited environments as a result of their unique water transfer and retention characteristics. Despite their importance, the agro-hydrological behavior of these soils under seasonally dry climates is not yet fully understood. We collected water retention data for a Vertisol, measured from saturation to oven dryness on 27 undisturbed topsoil (0-0.05 m) samples from an experimental field in south-central Spain and related this information to the occurrence of field-observed preferential soil moisture states. A continuous function was fitted to the mean gravimetric water retention data, Θ, consisting of the sum of a double exponential model and the Groenevelt and Grant model. An inflection point at pressure head ∣h∣ = 1.1 × 105 cm, Θ = 0.12 kg kg-1, and an equivalent pore radius, δ = 14 nm, was interpreted as the boundary between the clay inter- and intra-aggregate pore spaces, corresponding with the transition from the intermediate to the dry field soil moisture state. The mode of the textural pore space (∣h∣ = 7.3 × 103 cm, Θ = 0.21 kg kg-1, and δ = 200 nm) matched the transition from the wet to the intermediate field soil moisture state. We related these characteristics of the soil water retention curve with the spatiotemporal soil moisture dynamics and patterns observed in the field, characterized by fast transitions between preferential soil moisture states. The proposed framework is suitable for comparing the effects of different soil management strategies on the agro-hydrological performance of Vertisols [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive cultivation is a widespread land use in Mediterranean climates. The proper implementation of soil and water conservation practices in groves requires detailed knowledge of the governing hydrological processes. In this work topsoil moisture dynamics under wet and dry conditions and across a small catchment was investigated in the inter row (IR) and directly under the olive tree canopies (UC). We do this using a sensor network (11 stations) and a simple bucket model which was calibrated (June, 2011-2012) and validated (June, 2012-2013). During most of the year the normalized soil moisture contents ( s) were greater in the IR than under UC, with an average normalized soil moisture difference of 0.12. The difference between UC and IR normalized soil moisture followed a seasonal pattern, reaching a maximum near 0.30 during spring. An analysis of the normalized soil moisture probability density functions (pdfs) was bimodal, showing characteristic dominant wet and dry soil moisture states, with the highest probability densities for the dry state. Overall the spatial variability of soil moisture was lower UC than in the IR. This was a result of the soil moisture buffering capacity of the canopy with respect to rainfall and evaporation, in addition to observed differences in soil properties. Hourly soil moisture data were successfully modelled ( R2 > 0.85), both UC and in the IR, yet with the inclusion of a simple formulation for canopy interception for the former. The results provide insight into how olive trees change hydrological processes in their neighbourhood. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inconsistencies in the grading of aortic valve stenosis are frequent (24-38%). Guidelines highlight the waveform shape when discrepancies are present. Our aim was to evaluate the severity of aortic stenosis by the ratio of acceleration time to ejection time (AT/ET). Methods: Between January 2011 and January 2013, patients with at least moderate aortic stenosis (valve area < 1.5 cm2) evaluated in our echocardiography laboratory were enrolled. Clinical data were recorded including symptoms attributable to aortic stenosis. Quantitative echocardiographic Doppler parameters as ejection dynamics (ejection time and acceleration time) and conventional parameters, and usual laboratory test including natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) were analyzed. Results: One hundred eight patients with aortic valve stenosis were recruited (mean age 77 ±7 years; 57% women). Comorbidity of the patients was frequent: 85% hypertension, 59% diabetes, 31% chronic renal failure, 26% smokers, mean body mass index 30.0 ± 6.6 kg/m2. Ninety-six patients (90%) were symptomatic at the index visit. Using a cutoff of 0.35, AT/ET had a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 100% to discriminate symptomatic patients. Serum value of NT-proBNP was higher in patients with AT/ET > 0.35 (9885 ±3111 vs. 2600 ± 11 75, P < 0.001). This ratio showed a good correlation with indexed left ventricle mass (r = 0.60, P < 0.001), DVI (r = -0.56, P < 0.001), and AVA (r = -0.49, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Ejection dynamics through aortic valve, particularly AT/ET ratio, is a useful tool for assessing aortic stenosis severity, with a good correlation with flow-independent parameters in aortic stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevalence of hepatitis B and A virus markers and vaccination indication in cirrhotic patients evaluated for liver transplantation in Spain. In our opinion, a controlled clinical trial is still necessary to establish the optimal global HBV vaccination schedule for cirrhotic patients and to identify those factors specifically related to vaccine responses in this population. Response to vaccination against hepatitis B virus with a schedule of four 40- g doses in cirrhotic patients evaluated for liver transplantation: Factors associated with a response. [Extracted from the article]

Melanocortin 1 receptor ( MC1R), a Gs protein-coupled receptor of the melanocyte's plasma membrane, is a major determinant of skin pigmentation and phototype. Upon activation by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, MC1R triggers the cAMP cascade to stimulate eumelanogenesis. We used whole-exome sequencing to identify causative alleles in Pakistani families with skin and hair hypopigmentation. Six MC1R mutations segregated with the phenotype in seven families, including a p.Val174del in-frame deletion and a p.Tyr298* nonsense mutation, that were analyzed for function in heterologous HEK293 cells. p.Tyr298* MC1R showed no agonist-induced signaling to the cAMP or ERK pathways, nor detectable agonist binding. Conversely, signaling was comparable for p.Val174del and wild-type in HEK cells overexpressing the proteins, but binding analysis suggested impaired cell surface expression. Flow cytometry and confocal imaging studies revealed reduced plasma membrane expression of p.Val174del and p.Tyr298*. Therefore, p.Tyr298* was a total loss-of-function ( LOF) allele, while p.Val174del displayed a partial LOF attribute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we studied coloured and colourless glass used as gems in Visigothic buckles possibly originating from the necropolises of Torredonjimeno, Duraton or Castilltierra in Spain. Scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) with energy-dispersive analysis ( EDS) and observations made with an optical microscope in reflected and transmission mode were performed in order to establish the composition, origin of the colour and decay process of these glass pieces. The chemical analysis of ancient glass can provide relevant information regarding the manufacturing approach used during a specific period. The results revealed the presence of various transition metal elements used as chromophore elements, as well as some metallic backing foils used to improve the colour of pieces of almost colourless glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present global financial crisis has revived the notion that competitive markets may lead some directors and executives to behave in opportunistic ways considered unethical and even illegal, through the pursuit of self-interest. This article proposes and tests an integrated model that offers new insights into the relationship between board structure, independence and firm value. By incorporating the proportion of independent directors on the board as a moderating factor in this relationship, this study contributes to a better understanding of the entrenchment and convergence-of-interests hypotheses. Using empirical data obtained from 114 Spanish listed companies in a context of economic crisis, from 2007 to 2010, we conclude that having a board with a greater proportion of independent directors reduces the negative association existing between firm value and a large board size and significant board share ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion constitutes a major problem in the dry-farming agriculture of Mediterranean areas. The coincidence of fall showers falling over bare soils after a long, hot, dry summer, steep slopes, and intensive tillage, or the occurrence of large uncultivated patches like in tree-cropping, aggravate the problem. Among several soil conservation practices, cover crops are being adopted by olive farmers as a promising method to reduce soil and water losses. This report summarizes the results of 2 yr from a network of microplots installed in olive orchards in the olive-growing area of Southern Spain to improve the technique of soil management and extend it to farmers. The cover crop diminished soil losses in all the experimental plots with an average of 76%. Water loss was also reduced, although to a lesser extent, in six of the eight fields, with an average of 22%. Additionally, the results showed the great influence of the cover percentage in the decrease in soil loss and in the concentration of sediments in the runoff. However, it should be taken into account that plant cover consumes water, and that the advantages of the decrease in runoff in the water balance with the cover could be eliminated if it is not managed appropriately. Therefore, more years of experimentation covering different climate conditions are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation, is caused by the loss of the Fmr1 gene product, fragile X mental retardation protein. Here we analyze the immunohistochemical expression of calcium-binding proteins in the dorsal thalamus of Fmr1 knockout mice of both sexes and compare it with that of wildtype littermates. The spatial distribution pattern of calbindin-immunoreactive cells in the dorsal thalamus was similar in wildtype and knockout mice but there was a notable reduction in calbindin-immunoreactive cells in midline/intralaminar/posterior dorsal thalamic nuclei of male Fmr1 knockout mice. We counted the number of calbindin-immunoreactive cells in 18 distinct nuclei of the dorsal thalamus. Knockout male mice showed a significant reduction in calbindin-immunoreactive cells (range: 36-67% lower), whereas female knockout mice did not show significant differences (in any dorsal thalamic nucleus) when compared with their wildtype littermates. No variation in the calretinin expression pattern was observed throughout the dorsal thalamus. The number of calretinin-immunoreactive cells was similar for all experimental groups as well. Parvalbumin immunoreactivity was restricted to fibers and neuropil in the analyzed dorsal thalamic nuclei, and presented no differences between genotypes. Midline/intralaminar/posterior dorsal thalamic nuclei are involved in forebrain circuits related to memory, nociception, social fear, and auditory sensory integration; therefore, we suggest that downregulation of calbindin protein expression in the dorsal thalamus of male knockout mice should be taken into account when analyzing behavioral studies in the mouse model of FXS. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:894-911, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery, a disappointing proportion of patients with colorectal cancer will develop tumor recurrence. Probability of relapse is currently predicted from pathological staging, there being a need for additional markers to further select high-risk patients. This study was aimed to identify a gene-expression signature to predict tumor recurrence in patients with Stages II and III colon cancer treated with 5′fluoruracil (5FU)-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Two-hundred and twenty-eight patients diagnosed with Stages II-III colon cancer and treated with surgical resection and 5FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy were included. RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples and expression of 27 selected candidate genes was analyzed by RT-qPCR. A tumor recurrence predicting model, including clinico-pathological variables and gene-expression profiling, was developed by Cox regression analysis and validated by bootstrapping. The regression analysis identified tumor stage and S100A2 and S100A10 gene expression as independently associated with tumor recurrence. The risk score derived from this model was able to discriminate two groups with a highly significant different probability of tumor recurrence (HR, 2.75; 95%CI, 1.71-4.39; p = 0.0001), which it was maintained when patients were stratified according to tumor stage. The algorithm was also able to distinguish two groups with different overall survival (HR, 2.68; 95%CI, 1.12-6.42; p = 0.03). Identification of a new gene-expression signature associated with a high probability of tumor recurrence in patients with Stages II and III colon cancer receiving adjuvant 5FU-based chemotherapy, and its combination in a robust, easy-to-use and reliable algorithm may contribute to tailor treatment and surveillance strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual insytnataneous unit hydrograph (IUH) based on geomorphologival association of linear reservoirs (GR) previously developed by the authors has been compared with other IUH models: a distributed GR variation (GR(v)), the Nash IUH, the Chutha and Dooge IUH, and the Troutman and Karlinger IUH for the analysis of direct runoff hydrographs recorded in three experimental watershed of the north of Spain. The comparison was made through a calibration-validation process in which a leave-one-out cross-validation method was applied. The results indicate the satisfactory performance of all the models, with the advantage for the GR model of the dependence on only one parameter, which can be identified from the watershed and event characteristics. This property makes its use easier than that of other models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquifer recharge is one of the most important problems in hydrology from both theoretical and practical points of view. One of the most widely accepted methods to deal with this problem is the use of the Dupuit-Forchheimer theory. This theory assumes that the water table is almost horizontal, the vertical velocity is zero, and the horizontal velocity is uniform with depth. Surfaces of seepage are not considered. Despite these strong limitations the theory is applied, and success is frequently found in many cases despite its fundamental assumptions being violated. In this work an approximate 2-D solution to the problem is sought on the basis of Picard's iteration technique, from which a second-order differential equation for recharge problems is found. On the basis of this solution, a modified, analytical Dupuit-Forchheimer (DF) ellipse is found which compares favorably with the full 2-D solution of the problem. The analytical developments of this theory provide a generalized DF theory which permits as an outcome the analytical determination of the surface of seepage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the study were to determine the rate of binge eating and examine the relationship between binge eating and coping in nonclinical adolescents. A total of 1913 adolescents completed the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh, the Adolescent Coping Scale (ACS), the Youth Self-Report and additional questions regarding the binge-eating episodes. Of the total sample, 6.94% reported bingeing in the last 6 months. The adolescents who binge eat reported a more frequent use of Intropunitive avoidance and Introversion and a less frequent use of Positive-effortful coping compared with those who do not binge eat. However, when the effects of age and depression were controlled in the analysis, the groups only differed in the Positive and Intropunitive avoidance dimensions of coping. Training adolescents on how to cope with stress in a more constructive manner may be a possible strategy for the prevention of maladaptive eating patterns in adolescents. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medieval repointings, with incised and painted decoration, observed on the walls of Miravet Castle, Spain, which was built during the 12th century by the Knights Templar, are described, analysed and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, SEM-EDS and FTIR. The results demonstrate that the painted decoration preserved on the inner walls of the dining room is original and contemporary with the outer joint repointings. This feature is of great interest as, in this particular case, repointing not only comprised a structural necessity in order to render the wall impermeable to run-off water, but also played a decorative role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the influence of curing mode on the surface hardness of seven resin cements used to lute indirect composite restorations. Materials and Methods: Seven commercial dual-curing resin cements were tested: two were total-etch (RelyX ARC [3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA] and Variolink II [Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein]); one was self-etch (Multilink Automix [Ivoclar Vivadent]), and four were self-adhesive (RelyX Unicem [3M ESPE], Maxcem Elite [Kerr Corp., Orange, CA, USA], SmartCem2 [Dentsply, Detrey, GmbH, Konstanz, Germany], and G-Cem [GC CORPORATION, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan]). Three specimens (0.5 ¥ 6.5mm) of each material were prepared for each of three experimental groups: Group 1 (cements allowed to self cure); Group 2 (cements light-cured for 40 seconds); and Group 3 (cements light-cured for 80 seconds). All specimens were cured through a 4-mm-thick composite cylinder (Filtek Z250-A3). Surface microhardness numbers were determined at 20 min after preparation. Results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Student–Newman–Keuls tests (p < 0.05). Results: Superficial hardness was significantly influenced by the resin cement tested (p < 0.0001), the curing mode (p < 0.0001), and their interaction (p < 0.0001). RelyX ARC exhibited the highest mean microhardness values regardless of the curing mode. Light-curing significantly increased the microhardness of all resin cements studied, and these values increased even further with a doubling of irradiation time. Self-adhesive cements exhibited different behavior according to the curing mode. RelyX Unicem was highly sensitive to light irradiation, showing the lowest mean values in the self-curing mode. After light irradiation for 40 or 80 seconds, Maxcem Elite exhibited the lowest mean hardness values of all the resin cements tested. Conclusion: The microhardness of resin cements is highly dependent on the brand. Dual-curing resin cements should always be light irradiated for longer periods than that recommended by manufacturers. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dual-curing resin cements should always be light-cured for longer irradiation times, as light irradiation for 80 seconds yields the highest microhardness values in comparison with selfcuring or light irradiation for 40 seconds. However, some self-adhesive resin cements exhibit low microhardness values when used to cement 4-mm-thick indirect composite restorations regardless of the curing mode applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computer teaching and learning application to help to understand the approximation and interpolation algorithms most used in engineering design has been developed. It is aimed at providing students with a visual, practical and easy-to-manage tool for learning and applying the principles of modelling and depicting the results of different curve generation algorithms. This application permits the user to carry out any operation related to the handling of curves depending on the characteristics and parameters of each of the algorithms included within an interactive interface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 40-47, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) responds to time-variable soil properties, such as soil water content (θ), and can therefore be used to characterize the spatial and temporal dynamics of θ at the field scale. When clay content is high and uniform and the θ range small, however, it is not clear whether ECa maps can be used for this purpose. A soil management experiment established in a Vertisol in 1982 was surveyed for ECa on 13 occasions to capture changing soil conditions and to determine the sources of this variability. Less variation with time was found in subsoil than in topsoil ECa patterns, especially within the conventional tillage (CT) plots, in areas with shallow soil, and along the drainage network. Using the 13 ECa relative difference data sets as variables, principal component (PC) analysis showed that the first three PCs explained 90% of their total variance. The time-stable or mean ECa pattern was significantly correlated with PC1 and could also be associated with topography, soil depth, and soil structure but could not be related to a single survey. Topography and soil management could be associated with PC2 and PC3, respectively. Time-stable θ patterns, inferred from 26 surveys, revealed topographical and management characteristics and showed significant relationships (P < 0.001) with ECa-derived patterns like soil porosity and infiltration caused by soil management, topography, and rainfall. Electromagnetic induction sensors were useful for mapping soil spatial variability and changing soil conditions due to management effects and external forcing in uniform clay soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of neurological soft signs (NSS) in patients with Asperger syndrome may help us to elucidate the neurological basis of this disorder and to clarify its relationship with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The goal of this study was to compare the prevalence of NSS in a sample of patients with Asperger syndrome, early-onset psychosis and healthy controls. NSS were assessed by means of the Neurological Evaluation Scale in a sample of 29 patients with Asperger syndrome (mean age = 12.86 ± 2.58 years), 30 patients with first-episode early-onset psychoses (mean age 14.17 ± 1.02 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age 12.33 ± 2.69 years). Significant group differences were found between Asperger syndrome patients and healthy controls both in all the Neurological Evaluation Scale subscales and in the Neurological Evaluation Scale total score. There were no significant differences between both groups of patients in any of the Neurological Evaluation Scale scores. NSS are more prevalent in Asperger syndrome than in healthy controls. The NSS profile was not disorder-specific in our samples of patients with Asperger syndrome and early-onset psychoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the cellular automata model for tillage translocation (CATT). The study tested the performance of the model through the soil redistribution pattern. The study employed the Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST) method in order to identify the order sensitivity indices and simulations were conducted to examine the model behavior. The study showed that cellular automata could serve as a suitable tool to identify long-term tillage soil redistribution.

The article presents a study which examines the runoff and soil loss in an olive orchard microcatchment within no-tillage grass cover in Spain. The study uses the evaluation of organic matter (OM), bulk density (BD), and hydraulic saturated conductivity (Ks) to identify the impacts of hydrological balance and erosive processes in the microcatchment. The study shows that rainfall intensity affected peak flows and runoff, while measurements of gullies are needed as the main source of sediments.

The present study shows the analysis performed on pigment samples taken from Sant Pere (Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain), a remarkable church built in the Romanesque style. On the basis of the results obtained from the analysis, an interesting discussion arises after finding evidence of Egyptian blue in one of the samples, a discovery that was not expected due to the time period of the samples. The pigments were identified by the combined use of FTIR and SEM with an EDS facility. For the blue pigment, since the EDS and FTIR analyses suggested the possible presence of cuprorivaite, micro-XRD experiments using synchrotron radiation were run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moreno C, Merchán-Naranjo J, Álvarez M, Baeza I, Alda JA, Martínez-Cantarero C, Parellada M, Sánchez B, de la Serna E, Giráldez M, Arango C. Metabolic effects of second-generation antipsychotics in bipolar youth: comparison with other psychotic and nonpsychotic diagnoses. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 172–184. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives: Despite known metabolic effects of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) on children and adolescents, comparative effects in youth with different diagnoses remain underreported. We compared differences in metabolic changes three months after starting treatment with SGAs in youth with bipolar disorder and with other psychotic and nonpsychotic disorders. Methods: Weight and metabolic differences among diagnostic groups before and three months after starting treatment with SGAs were compared in a naturalistic cohort of children and adolescents (14.9 ± 3.0 years) diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n = 31), other psychotic disorders (n = 29), and other nonpsychotic disorders (n = 30), with no (35.6%) or very little (6.6 ± 9.0 days) previous exposure to antipsychotics. Composite measurements of significant weight gain [weight increase ≥ 5% at three months or increase ≥ 0.5 in body mass index (BMI) z-score] and ‘risk for adverse health outcome’ (≥ 95th BMI percentile, or ≥ 85th BMI percentile plus presence of one other obesity-related complication) were included. SGAs (risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine) were prescribed in comparable proportion among groups. Results: Baseline weight and metabolic indices were not significantly different among diagnoses. Three months after starting treatment with SGAs, more than 70% patients had significant weight gain, BMI z-score increased in all diagnostic groups (p < 0.001 for all comparisons), total cholesterol increased in the bipolar (p = 0.02) and psychotic (p = 0.01) disorder groups, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the bipolar group (p = 0.02), and free T4 decreased in the psychotic disorder group (p = 0.05). More patients with bipolar disorder presented overweight plus ≥ 1 obesity-related complication at follow-up. Conclusions: There are early weight gain and metabolic changes across diagnoses in youth treated with SGAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its economic and environmental impacts, soil erosion has been a major concern to farmers, engineers and policy makers in recent years. Water and tilling are two of the main agents responsible for this phenomenon and considerable efforts have been made to model them in previous work but not with educational purposes. A computer tool for facilitating any user's simulation of long-term landscape evolution in a plot due to the combined action of water and tillage erosion is presented here. It integrates a graphic user interface with two well-verified erosion models, each one independently devoted to reproduce the effects of water and tilling. This computer tool permits to the student the consideration of the erosivity index and the presence of a crop in the plot, when simulating water erosion, as well as the planning of a different type of tilling each year. Each kind of tilling corresponds to a different combination of tillage tools with their own date, tillage depth and tillage direction. A handy ASCII (XYZ) file is generated containing the long-term soil erosion spatial pattern as result. From this information, the student can derive other results that will help to understand soil erosion. An example is presented here with the aim of showing how to use this computer tool to simulate this phenomenon on an agricultural landscape with a complex topography. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 253–262, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20193 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]