Search

In this work, we analyze the problem of catastrophicity of encoders of convolutional codes over the Laurent series with coefficients in ℤ p r , ℤ p r ((d)). Kuijper and Pinto proved in [M. Kuijper and R. Pinto, On minimality of convolutional ring encoders, IEEE Trans. Autom. Control55(11) (2009) 4890–4897] that, contrary to what happens for codes over ((d)) , where is a field, when dealing with ℤ p r ((d)) there are convolutional codes that do not admit non-catastrophic encoders. Nevertheless it was conjectured that any catastrophic convolutional code admits another type of non-catastrophic encoder called p -encoder. In this paper we solve this conjecture for a class of (2 , 1) convolutional codes over ℤ p 2 and show that, in fact, these codes always admit a non-catastrophic p-encoder. We also describe a constructive procedure that allows us to obtain a non-catastrophic p -encoder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum distance separable convolutional codes are characterized by the property that the free distance reaches the generalized Singleton bound, which makes them optimal for error correction. However, the existing constructions of such codes are available over fields of large size. In this paper, we present the unique construction of MDS convolutional codes of rate 1 / 2 and degree 5 over the field 1 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although effective in reducing virus transmission, face masks might compromise face recognition and trait judgments. With this study, we aimed to observe the influence of masks on face recognition and trait judgments—more specifically, in trustworthiness, dominance, and distinctiveness judgments. Also, we wanted to observe the possible influence of trait judgments on facial recognition for masked and unmasked faces, which has never been done before. For that, we conducted an online study where 140 participants observed and made trait judgments of masked and unmasked faces in a within-subjects design. After a distractive task, participants performed a recognition memory test. As expected, we observed a better recognition of faces shown without a mask during the study phase, which allowed the holistic processing of the faces. The worst performance was found for faces encoded with a mask but tested without it, occurring simultaneity disruption in holistic face processing and the violation of the encoding specificity principle. Regarding the trait judgments, unmasked faces were considered more distinctive, and masked faces were considered more trustworthy. More interestingly, we can conclude that facial distinctiveness predicts face recognition, regardless of mask use. In contrast, dominance judgments only predicted face recognition when faces were presented without a mask. When faces were exposed with masks, trustworthiness overrides dominance, becoming more critical to recognizing faces. We can interpret these results from an evolutionary perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, the problem of building optimal convolutional codes under a certain criteria is hard, especially when size field restrictions are applied. In this paper, we confront the challenge of constructing an optimal 2D convolutional code when communicating over an erasure channel. We propose a general construction method for these codes. Specifically, we provide an optimal construction where the decoding method presented in the bibliography is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a society where people often communicate through digital technology, it is crucial to investigate whether the transmission mode influences destination memory performance (our capacity to remember to whom we transmitted certain information). In Experiment 1, we asked young adults (N = 31) to share of a set of familiar proverbs only by typing and the rest by both typing and saying them aloud. Better destination memory was observed when the information was transmitted by the two means (aloud and typing). Did this better performance occur because participants shared the information aloud or because the information was transmitted by two means? In Experiment 2, young adults (N = 34) shared familiar proverbs aloud, by typing, or simultaneously aloud and by typing. Results showed that transmission aloud led to a better destination memory than typing, and no further improvement occurred when the transmission was both aloud and by typing. Additionally, no differences were observed regarding item memory, supporting the idea that item and destination memories are two different types of memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid eye disease (TED), an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the orbit, presents with a potential array of clinical sequelae. The pathophysiology behind TED has been partially characterized in the literature. There remain certain elusive mechanisms welcoming of research advances. Disease presentation can vary, but those that follow a characteristic course start mild and increase in severity before plateauing into an inactive phase. Diagnosis and evaluation include careful physical examination, targeted laboratory work up, appropriate imaging studies, and tailored treatment regimens. Special consideration may apply to certain populations, such as pediatric and pregnant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monkeypox, a neglected and re-emergent zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection, has been endemic in Central and Western Africa for decades. More recently, an outbreak has spread to a global level, occurring in sites with no previous reported cases and being clustered among men who have sex with men, suggesting new modes of transmission. There is an urgent need for research for a better understanding of the genomic evolution and changing epidemiology of the Orthopoxvirus group. Our work aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of a cohort of patients with MPXV infection in a Portuguese hospital, admitted between 5 May and 26 July 2022. In this retrospective observational study, aggregate data of a case series on the presentation, clinical course, and outcomes of confirmed MPXV infections are reported. The study included 40 men and 1 woman, with a mean age of 37.2 years old; 92.7% identified as men who have sex with men, 90.2% had unprotected sex or sex with multiple or anonymous partners in the previous month, and 39.0% reported to have had sex with an MPXV-confirmed case; 59.5% had previously known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, all of whom were under antiretroviral therapy, and no patients had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) criteria. About a quarter of patients were observed only a week after symptom onset. All patients had skin or mucosal lesions and the anogenital region was the most frequent lesion site. There were no statistically significant clinical differences between HIV-positive and negative individuals. Four patients were admitted to the inpatient clinic, two of whom had proctitis with difficult-to-manage anal pain. There were no reported deaths. Our findings suggest the sexual route as a relevant mode of transmission of MPXV and confirm the mostly benign presentation of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of brain infarct lesions in rodent models of stroke is crucial to assess stroke pathophysiology and therapy outcome. Until recently, the analysis of brain lesions was performed using two techniques: (1) histological methods, such as TTC (Triphenyltetrazolium chloride), a time-consuming and inaccurate process; or (2) MRI imaging, a faster, 3D imaging method, that comes at a high cost. In the last decade, high-resolution micro-CT for 3D sample analysis turned into a simple, fast, and cheaper solution. Here, we successfully describe the application of brain contrasting agents (Osmium tetroxide and inorganic iodine) for high-resolution micro-CT imaging for fine location and quantification of ischemic lesion and edema in mouse preclinical stroke models. We used the intraluminal transient MCAO (Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion) mouse stroke model to identify and quantify ischemic lesion and edema, and segment core and penumbra regions at different time points after ischemia, by manual and automatic methods. In the transient-ischemic-attack (TIA) mouse model, we can quantify striatal myelinated fibers degeneration. Of note, whole brain 3D reconstructions allow brain atlas co-registration, to identify the affected brain areas, and correlate them with functional impairment. This methodology proves to be a breakthrough in the field, by providing a precise and detailed assessment of stroke outcomes in preclinical animal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study finite support convolutional codes over Z p r by means of an input-state-output representation. We show that the set of finite weight input-state-output trajectories associated to this type of representations has the structure of a Z p r -submodule of Z p r n and therefore is a (finite support) convolutional code. Fundamental system-theoretical properties such as observability, reachability or minimality, are investigated in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is value in understanding the common etiologies of epiphora within different patient populations as well as identifying barriers to adequate treatment and symptom relief. The primary goal of the study is to report common etiologies of epiphora and the impact of treatment in patients of a large, inner-city hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 10 years of data from the charts of 516 adult patients. The most common diagnoses and interventions linked to this symptom were evaluated. Subjective symptom improvement and adherence to follow-up were also analyzed. Results: Three hundred (58.1%) patients carried a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome and, of these, 40.1% did not have other ocular findings to explain their epiphora. Conservative management (CM) was recommended to the majority (86.4%) of the study population. 27.5% of the 357 patients who received CM as the only intervention reported symptom improvement. 90.1% of patients who underwent DCR reported symptom improvement. Nearly half of the patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Epiphora is a common symptom that may be multifactorial in etiology, making effective treatment a challenge. Reflex tearing secondary to ocular surface dryness was the most common etiology linked to epiphora in this study. Low rates of follow-up limit the ability to fully assess the impact of current interventions on symptoms. Addressing the socioeconomic barriers that lower patient adherence to follow-up should allow more effective treatment of epiphora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is value in understanding the common etiologies of epiphora within different patient populations as well as identifying barriers to adequate treatment and symptom relief. The primary goal of the study is to report common etiologies of epiphora and the impact of treatment in patients of a large, inner-city hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 10 years of data from the charts of 516 adult patients. The most common diagnoses and interventions linked to this symptom were evaluated. Subjective symptom improvement and adherence to follow-up were also analyzed. Results: Three hundred (58.1%) patients carried a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome and, of these, 40.1% did not have other ocular findings to explain their epiphora. Conservative management (CM) was recommended to the majority (86.4%) of the study population. 27.5% of the 357 patients who received CM as the only intervention reported symptom improvement. 90.1% of patients who underwent DCR reported symptom improvement. Nearly half of the patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Epiphora is a common symptom that may be multifactorial in etiology, making effective treatment a challenge. Reflex tearing secondary to ocular surface dryness was the most common etiology linked to epiphora in this study. Low rates of follow-up limit the ability to fully assess the impact of current interventions on symptoms. Addressing the socioeconomic barriers that lower patient adherence to follow-up should allow more effective treatment of epiphora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on familiar faces has been conducted in different countries and resort to celebrities faces, stimuli that are highly constrained by geographic context and cultural peculiarities, since many celebrities are only famous in particular countries. Despite their relevance to psychological research, there are no normative studies of celebrities' facial recognition in Portugal. We developed a database with 160 black and white pictures of famous persons' faces in this work. The data collection took place in two different studies. In study 1, participants were asked to recognize and name celebrity faces; while in study 2, celebrity names were rated for AoA, familiarity, and distinctiveness. Data were gathered from two different samples of Portuguese young adults aged between 18 and 25 years old, and both procedures were performed online through a questionnaire created in Qualtrics software. This database provides ratings of AoA, familiarity, facial distinctiveness, recognition rate, and naming rate for each celebrity, which will allow further selection of celebrities, based on these five attributes, for studies using Portuguese samples. Also, possible relationships between these five variables were analyzed and presented, highlighting facial distinctiveness as a predictor for both naming and recognition rate of celebrity faces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Risk-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening in pregnant women contributes to missed diagnoses of HCV. • Inhaled drug use, HCV-positive partnerships, and having three or more lifetime partners were associated with HCV viremia. • Infant clearance of HCV is associated with maternal genetic polymorphisms. • Close follow-up of HCV pregnant women is imperative in Latin America. Porto Alegre, in south Brazil, has one of the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates in the country (84.4 cases/100 000 in 2018). Prenatal screening of HCV, however, has not been routinely offered. A longitudinal study of pregnant women with HCV and their infants was conducted between January 2014 and December 2018. Screening for HCV antibodies was offered to all women delivering at the study tertiary institution. HCV RT-PCR was performed if the woman was seropositive. Infants were followed prospectively. Among 18 953 pregnant women delivering infants during the study period, 17 810 were screened for HCV antibodies (93.9%) with 130 positive results (HCV seroprevalence 0.7%). HCV-RNA was detectable in 57/117 cases (48.7%). HCV viremia was associated with the use of injectable drugs (P = 0.03), inhaled/crack drug use (P = 0.02), having an HCV-seropositive partner, and ≥3 lifetime sexual partners (P < 0.01). Genotype 1 was most prevalent (68%) during pregnancy. Among 43 children with follow-up, six (13%) were HCV-infected (transmission rate 13.9%); 50% were infected with genotype 3. Two infants (33%) cleared their infection; the mothers had genetic polymorphisms associated with clearance. HCV vertical transmission was high in the study population, with HCV infection during pregnancy being vastly underdiagnosed. Public health efforts must focus on this vulnerable population for disease prevention and early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we address the problem of list decoding of linear codes over an integer residue ring Z q , where q is a power of a prime p. The proposed procedure exploits a particular matrix representation of the linear code over Z p r , called the standard form, and the p -adic expansion of the to-be-decoded vector. In particular, we focus on the erasure channel in which the location of the errors is known. This problem then boils down to solving a system of linear equations with coefficients in Z p r . From the parity-check matrix representations of the code we recursively select certain equations that a codeword must satisfy and have coefficients only in the field p r − 1 Z p r . This yields a step by step procedure obtaining a list of the closest codewords to a given received vector with some of its coordinates erased. We show that such an algorithm actually computes all possible erased coordinates, that is, the provided list is minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nursing care, narrative emerges as mediation and a key element in the care process, which also determines an epistemological background, supported by scientific advances in the nursing sciences. Objective: To analyze the epistemological aspects: meaning, metaparadigm, nursing knowledge patterns and worldviews to a service narrative of a Renal Unit. Methodology: Hildegard Peplau's thought and the guide for the analysis of nursing situations, it were applied used at the University of Santander-UDES. Results: The "Situation of Nursing" analyzed is located in the vision of reciprocity. Patterns of nursing knowledge were identified, reflecting predominance of the aesthetic pattern. Conclusion: In the care of adults with peritoneal dialysis, and with the difficulties in accepting their recent terminal diagnosis, a humanized care is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum distance profile codes over finite non-binary fields have been introduced and thoroughly studied in the last decade. These codes have the property that their column distances are maximal among all codes of the same rate and degree. In this paper, we aim at studying this fundamental concept in the context of convolutional codes over a finite ring. We extensively use the concept of $p$ -encoder to establish the theoretical framework and derive several bounds on the column distances. In particular, a method for constructing (not necessarily free) maximum distance profile convolutional codes over ${\mathbb Z}_{p^{r}}$ is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mepraia species are hematophagous insects and the most important wild vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas disease in southeastern South America. Because the domestic Triatoma infestans is already controlled, the transmission of different T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) by Mepraia species deserves attention. Our aim is to gather information on the diversity of T. cruzi DTUs circulating in natural insect populations. Two groups of naturally infected bugs 21 Mepraia gajardoi and 26 Mepraia spinolai were followed-up after two or more laboratory feedings by means of minicircle-PCR assays to evaluate the composition of four T. cruzi DTUs by hybridization tests. Fluctuations from positive T. cruzi detection to negative and the converse, as well as single to mixed infections with different T. cruzi DTUs and the opposite were frequent observations after laboratory feeding in both Mepraia species. Single and mixed infections with more than two T. cruzi DTUs were detected after the first feeding; however mainly mixed infections prevailed after the second feeding. Laboratory feeding on three or more occasions resulted in a decreasing trend of the parasite burden. In a comparison with 28 infected and fed M. gajardoi collected one year before from the same vector colony T. cruzi DTUs composition changed, indicating that temporal variations occur in T. cruzi . Natural populations of Mepraia species can transmit complex mixtures T. cruzi DTUs which fluctuate over time after feeding, with a tendency to eliminate the parasitism after prolonged feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence-Based Nursing (EBN), is a movement that encourages research and constant study to include scientific evidence in clinical and health decisions. The aim of this study was to analyze the skills and disciplinary components used in teaching EBN care in the curriculum of undergraduate programs in nursing from Santander. Materials and Methods: An exploratory study was conducted over 69 teachers integrating quantitative method of care and 37 area nursing curricula in four universities in Santander. We designed two forms for data collection, one for teachers with 21items to identify the components and skills used for teaching, and other for the subjects that included 12 items derived from these dimensions. Results: The research revealed that in the implementation of evidence-based nursering practice to guide students with care, there is diversity in employment than it does in the disciplinary components and development institutions. Discussion: The study showed that the ability to analyze critically stands out as one of the skills that fosters in students when nursing evidence-based use and databases to support EBN are minimally related to curricula subjects programs. Conclusions: The skills and knowledge they require nursing students to face the exercise of their profession, are not seen sustained in the benefits it can develop the use of nursing based on evidence, as a strategy to make the best decisions in the care patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater quality has been changing due to the ever greater use of water resources and the contamination load resulting from human activities. Management of these systems, thus, requires constant diagnose of water quality with fast and efficient methodologies. The conventional methods adopted are, however, time-consuming, often very expensive, and require specialised expertise. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a simple, fast and label-free technique that can be applied to environmental diagnosis using diatoms. Here, we developed a diagnostic method based on Raman spectroscopy applied to freshwater diatoms. For this, Raman spectra were recorded from diatoms of three lakes of a natural city park. The data acquired was analysed by chemometrics methods to describe the data (Partial Least Squares Regression), infer relationships in the dataset (Cluster Analysis) and produce classification models (Artificial Neural Network). The classification models developed diagnosed the lakes with excellent accuracy (89%) without requiring taxonomic information about the diatom species recorded. This study provides a proof-of-concept for the application of diatom Raman spectroscopy to diagnosing water quality, laying an important foundation for future environmental studies aiming at assessing freshwater systems, to be replicated at larger scales and to varied geographic settings. • Using Raman spectroscopy applied to diatoms to diagnose environmental quality. • PLS and ANN chemometric methods employed in the analysis of the Raman data. • Environmental conditions diagnosed with excellent accuracy. • Diatom Raman spectroscopy showed to be an expeditious and cost-effective biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the last thirty years of opening to the world Beijing has stressed that its rise will be peaceful and that, from a strategic point of view, China is exceptional. There are many challenges facing Beijing's response to the US rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific, but we consider that the ones with greater impact are, in point of fact, of a domestic nature and constitute limits to Chinese exceptionalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convolutional codes are considered with code se, quences modeled as semi-infinite Laurent series. It is well known that a convolutional code C over a finite group G has a minimal trellis representation that can be derived from code sequences. It is also well known that, for the case that G is a finite field, any polynomial encoder of C can be algebraically manipulated yield a minimal polynomial encoder whose controller canonical realization is a minimal trellis. In this paper we seek to extend this result to the finite ring case G = Zpr by introducing a so-called "p-encoder". We show how to manipulate a polynomial encoding scheme of a noncatastrophic convolutional code over Zpr to produce a particular type of p-encoder ("minimal p-encoder") whose controller canonical realization is a minimal trellis with nonlinear features. The minimum number of trellis states is then expressed as pγ, where γ is the sum of the row degrees of the minimal p-encoder. In particular, we show that any convolutional code over Zpr, admits a delay-free p-encoder which implies the novel result that delay-freeness is not a property of the code but the encoder, just as in the field case. We conjecture that a similar result holds with respect to catastrophicity, i.e., any catastrophic convolutional code over Zpr admits a noncatastrophic p-encoder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Motivated by applications in communications, we consider linear discrete-time systems over the finite ring . We solve the open problem of deriving a theory of row-reduced representations for these systems. We introduce a less restrictive form of representation than the adapted form introduced by Fagnani and Zampieri. We call this form the “composed form”. We define the concept of “p-predictable degree property” and “p-row-reduced”. We demonstrate that these concepts, coupled with the composed form, provide a natural setting that extends several classical results from the field case to the ring case. In particular, the classical rank test on the leading row coefficient matrix is generalized. We show that any annihilator of of a pre-specified degree is uniquely parametrized with finitely many coefficients in terms of a kernel representation in p-row-reduced composed form. The underlying theory is the theory of “reduced p-basis” for submodules of that is developed in this paper. We show how to construct a p-row-reduced kernel representation in composed form by constructing a reduced p-basis for the module . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this work was to develop and fully validate an analytical assay to quantify zinc in hepatic tissue. The procedure should be as simple and fast as possible in order to avoid sample contamination. The amount of sample used should also reflect the sample size usually obtained in clinical biopsies, which are about 3–4 mg at most. The validation protocol is in accordance to international guidelines, such as ICH and FDA. The parameters evaluated were precision, accuracy, range, limit of detection and limit of quantification. The method was evaluated in the 2.0–32.0 parts per billion (μg/l) range. Under the described conditions intra and inter day precision of the three levels of quality controls were lower than 9.06 and 5.27, respectively, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD). The accuracy ranged from 86.35 to 114.71%. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.60 and 2.0 μg/l, respectively. Fresh bovine liver samples were used in order to evaluate the clinical procedure used to collect biopsies. According to the results and experimental protocol, the method is fully validated and ready to use in clinical trials involving zinc quantitation using hepatic samples as small as 2.00 mg of dry tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, polynomial matrix fraction descriptions (MFDs) are used as a tool for investigating the structure of a (linear) convolutional code and the family of its encoders and syndrome formers. As static feedback and precompensation allow to obtain all minimal encoders (in particular, polynomial encoders and decoupled encoders) of a given code, a simple parametrization of their MFDs is provided. All minimal syndrome formers, by a duality argument, are obtained by resorting to output injection and postcompensation. Decoupled encoders are finally discussed as well as the possibility of representing a convolutional code as a direct sum of smaller ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper studies the isolated and combined effects of several latency-tolerance techniques for software-based distributed shared-memory systems (software DSM5). More specifically, we focus on data prefetching, update-based coherence, and single-writer optimizations for page-based software DSM5. Our experimental results with six parallel applications show that, when these techniques are carefully combined, they can provide running time and speedup improvements of up to 54 percent and 110 percent, respectively, on a cluster of eight PCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review of Raman spectroscopy applied to diatom research and applications. • Spectral profiles according to excitation wavelength and mode assignments reviewed. • Raman spectroscopy for taxonomic identification of diatoms. • Raman spectroscopy and diatom physiological responses to environmental cues. • Application to water quality assessment and environmental diagnosis. Diatom species are good pollution bioindicators due to their large distribution, fast response to changes in environmental parameters and different tolerance ranges. These organisms are used in ecological water assessment all over the world using autoecological indices. Such assessments commonly rely on the taxonomic identification of diatom species-specific shape and frustule ornaments, from which cell counts, species richness and diversity indices can be estimated. Taxonomic identification is, however, time-consuming and requires years of expertise. Additionally, though the diatom autoecological indices are region-specific, they are often applied indiscriminately across regions. Raman spectroscopy is a simpler, fast and label-free technique that can be applied to environmental diagnosis with diatoms. However, this approach has been poorly explored. This work reviews Raman spectroscopy studies involving the structure, location and conformation of diatom cell components and their variation under different conditions. A critical appreciation of the pros and cons of its application to environmental diagnosis is also given. This knowledge provides a strong foundation for the development of environmental protocols using Raman spectroscopy in diatoms. Our work aims at stimulating further research on the application of Raman spectroscopy as a tool to assess physiological changes and water quality under a changing climate. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal processing of coconut water is designed to ensure safety and stability and microwave may be used as an alternative process. This study evaluated the feasibility of microwave processing of acidified green coconut water (pH 4.30–4.50) concerning inactivation of Bacillus coagulans spores with specific power between 115 and 135 W/mL. Four variables were evaluated (temperature, microwave power, amount, and composition of added acids) according to a central composite design with four replicates at the center point. After holding periods of 5, 10, 15 and 20 min, the reduction in spore population was determined. The only significant variable for spore inactivation was the temperature; consequently, the survival curves were described by Weibull model, which was adjusted in a single-step procedure that integrated the time-temperature profile of 112 experiments. The α value (time of the first decimal reduction) at reference temperature of 90 °C was 33.8 s and the z ′ value (temperature required for a 10-fold change in α) was 5.06 °C. The reduction in the population of B. coagulans spores and the kinetics parameters suggest that microwave may be used as a viable alternative for coconut water processing. • Microwave processing inactivated B. coagulans spores in acidified coconut water. • The α value at 90 °C was 33.8 s with a z ′ value of 5.06 °C. • A 5-log reduction was obtained at 95 °C and 6.61 min. • Microwaves can be employed in commercial sterilization process of coconut water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Destination memory involves remembering to whom we told information. Low accuracy of this memory is linked to higher self‐focus and lower attentional resources allocated to the recipient of the information. The present paper aimed to investigate whether the existence of distinctive features (e.g., tattoos) of destination face would improve destination memory, in a within‐ (Experiment 1 and 2) and between‐participants (Experiment 3) design. In a destination memory task, participants had to tell proverbs to faces that presented a distinctive feature and to other faces that did not. Results showed that a destination memory advantage only occurs when faces with different distinctive features are compared to faces without distinctive features (Experiment 1). These results are in accordance with the existing theoretical framework on destination memory and distinctiveness; highlighting the importance of personal attributes, namely, the distinctiveness of the destination face and the relativity of distinctiveness in destination memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Schizanthus species from northern Chile is described and illustrated. Schizanthus nutantiflorus was discovered based on recent collections made during unusual rain events in the Atacama Desert in 2015. The new species is distinguished morphologically from other Schizanthus species from northern Chile by its short corolla tube, with a distinct upper lip arrangement and colour, having the longest lower lip, and downward-facing flowers. Additionally, the reinstatement of Schizanthus fallax is proposed. By using both nDNA and cpDNA, phylogenetic relationships among all species of Schizanthus were investigated. Molecular and field observations, as well as an exhaustive morphological revision of fresh material and herbarium specimens, supports the segregation of Schizanthus with short corolla tubes from northern Chile into three species. We propose that, in order to fully understand both the taxonomy and evolution of Schizanthus, an integrative framework encompassing molecular, ecological, and morphological data should be carried out. Information on distribution, habitat, informal conservation status, as well as taxonomic notes and illustrations are provided. In addition, an updated key for the species of Schizanthus from northern Chile is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A convolutional code C over Z p r ((D)) is a Z p r ((D)) -submodule of Z p r n ((D)) that admits a polynomial set of generators, where Z p r ((D)) stands for the ring of (semi-infinity) Laurent series. In this paper we study several structural properties of its dual C ⊥. We use these results to provide a constructive algorithm to build an explicit generator matrix of C ⊥. Moreover, we show that the transpose of such a matrix is a parity-check matrix (also called syndrome former) of C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the properties of two-dimensional (2D) convolutional codes which are obtained from series concatenation of two 2D convolutional codes. For this purpose, we confine ourselves to dealing with finite-support 2D convolutional codes and make use of the Fornasini-Marchesini input-state-output (ISO) model representations. Within these ISO representations, we study when the structural properties of modal reachability and modal observability of the two given ISO representations carry over to the resulting 2D convolutional code. Moreover, we provide necessary conditions for obtaining a systematic concatenated convolutional code. Finally, we present a lower bound on its free distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer has a poor prognosis and is non-responsive to first-line therapies; hence, new therapeutic strategies are needed. Enhanced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) has been widely described as a contributing factor to tumorigenic behavior in several tumor types, particularly in breast cancer cells. SOCE-associated regulatory factor (SARAF) acts as an inhibitor of the SOCE response and, therefore, can be a potential antitumor factor. Herein, we generated a C-terminal SARAF fragment to evaluate the effect of overexpression of this peptide on the malignancy of triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, we showed that overexpression of the C-terminal SARAF fragment reduced proliferation, cell migration, and the invasion of murine and human breast cancer cells by decreasing the SOCE response. Our data suggest that regulating the activity of the SOCE response via SARAF activity might constitute the basis for further alternative therapeutic strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness practices might become an important intervention strategy, but also a prevention approach, with regular practice helping people to cope with adverse daily situations, adopting more conscious attitudes and behaviors, responding, instead of reacting. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two of the main structured mindfulness-based interventions (MBCT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy program; and MBSR, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program), applied to adults, to assess their impact on psychological variables. Method: Participants completed self-report measures concerning posttraumatic growth, alexithymia, dispositional mindfulness, and type D personality, in an initial moment (before the program; n=126), in a second moment (at the end of the program; n=44), and in a third moment (four months after the end of the program; n=13), thus fulfilling a 6-month study protocol. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the levels of positive psychological changes after a traumatic event, alexithymia, dispositional mindfulness, and type D personality, after participating in these programs and later, 4 months after the programs have ended, only for the MBCT group. Conclusions: Despite some limitations inherent to this type of study, that future studies should consider, the results reinforce the value of conducting and comparing the efficacy of different mindfulness programs, in isolation, or complementing individual therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C, N, P) stoichiometry influences the growth of plants and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Indeed, elemental ratios are used as an index for functional differences between plants and their responses to natural or anthropogenic variations in nutrient supply. We investigated the variation in growth and elemental content of the rootless terrestrial bromeliad Tillandsia landbeckii, which obtains its moisture, and likely its nutrients, from coastal fogs in the Atacama Desert. We assessed (1) how fog nutrient supply influences plant growth and stoichiometry and (2) the response of plant growth and stoichiometry to variations in nutrient supply by using reciprocal transplants. We hypothesized that T. landbeckii should exhibit physiological and biochemical plastic responses commensurate with nutrient supply from atmospheric deposition. In the case of the Atacama Desert, nutrient supply from fog is variable over space and time, which suggests a relatively high variation in the growth and elemental content of atmospheric bromeliads. We found that the nutrient content of T. landbeckii showed high spatio-temporal variability, driven partially by fog nutrient deposition but also by plant growth rates. Reciprocal transplant experiments showed that transplanted individuals converged to similar nutrient content, growth rates, and leaf production of resident plants at each site, reflecting local nutrient availability. Although plant nutrient content did not exactly match the relative supply of N and P, our results suggest that atmospheric nutrient supply is a dominant driver of plant growth and stoichiometry. In fact, our results indicate that N uptake by T. landbeckii plants depends more on N supplied by fog, whereas P uptake is mainly regulated by within-plant nutrient demand for growth. Overall, these findings indicate that variation in fog nutrient supply exerts a strong control over growth and nutrient dynamics of atmospheric plants, which are ubiquitous across fog-dominated ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination by microplastics is increasing steadily worldwide, affecting all environments. Additionally, aquatic organisms are often exposed to mixtures of other contaminants, including various chemicals. Numerous studies reported adsorption of chemicals to microplastics, raising concern about their possible role as vehicles of exposure through transfer to biota. Nevertheless, until recently, the studies on the topic were mostly focused on the marine environment. In the past five years, however, plenty of publications contributed empirical data about freshwater ecosystems, raising the need for a critical appraisal of the information. Herein the scientific literature was reviewed and multivariate data analysis was done. The analysed studies employed widely different experimental designs, endpoints, test species, shapes and concentrations of various polymer types and chemicals, often not relevant for the freshwater environment. Our integrated analytical approach revealed unfathomable research gaps, given the theoretical knowledge available and lessons learned from research about the marine environment. Greater harmonization of laboratory studies investigating this topic is needed, as well as testing conditions reflecting real exposure scenarios. Furthermore, standardized testing protocols are urgently required to guide such experiments and improve the comparability of the results obtained. [Display omitted] • Microplastics role as a vehicle of chemicals to freshwater biota is still not clear. • Review and analysis of available data were done to identify main contributing factors. • Experimental design, test species and endpoints assessed differ greatly among studies. • Most species, polymer shapes and concentrations tested lack environmental relevance. • Testing guidelines are urgently needed to improve research quality and comparability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reachability and observability of two-dimensional (2D) discrete state-space models are introduced in two different forms: a local form, which refers to single local states, and a global form, which pertains to the infinite set of local states lying on a separation set [M. Bisiacco, State and output feedback stabilizability of 2D systems, IEEE Trans. Circ. Syst., CAS-32 (1985) 1246–1249; E. Fornasini, G. Marchesini, Global properties and duality in 2-D systems, Syst. Control Lett. 2 (1) (1982) 30–38]. While local reachability and observability can be naturally characterized by resorting to classical state space techniques, their global counterparts are better addressed by means of polynomial techniques. In this paper, reachability and observability are introduced in the context of 2D positive systems and their global versions investigated via a polynomial approach. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of these properties are provided and, in particular, polynomial canonical forms for globally reachable/observable positive systems with scalar inputs/scalar outputs are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Massive mortality in kelp beds of the Pacific coasts of North and South America was caused by the rise in surface seawater temperature during the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event of 1982/83, the strongest in the four and half previous centuries. In northern Chile a stretch of 600 km of coastline showed massive mortality of the intertidal kelp species Lessonia nigrescens Bory, of which only a few individuals managed to survive. Kelps and their associated biodiversity recovered but kelp beds re-colonization in general was variable in time and space seemingly very slow along northern Chilean coasts. Here we show, effectively, that northward re-colonization advanced less than 60 km in 20 years. Conversely, kelp beds of the Northern Hemisphere recovered 300 km in only six months after the same ENSO event. Genetic diversity in the two most affected populations of L. nigrescens shows half of the heterozygosity and polymorphism with respect to that observed in six non affected populations. In addition, geographically separated populations seem highly isolated as evidenced by high and significant fixation indices (all FST values over 0.4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study product convolutional codes described by state-space representations. In particular, we investigate how to derive state-space representations of the product code from the horizontal and vertical convolutional codes. We present a systematic procedure to build such representation with minimal dimension, i.e., reachable and observable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convolutional code C over Z p r [ D ] is a Z p r [ D ] -submodule of Z p r n [ D ] where Z p r [ D ] stands for the ring of polynomials with coefficients in Z p r . In this paper, we study the list decoding problem of these codes when the transmission is performed over an erasure channel, that is, we study how much information one can recover from a codeword w ∈ C when some of its coefficients have been erased. We do that using the p -adic expansion of w and particular representations of the parity-check polynomial matrix of the code. From these matrix polynomial representations we recursively select certain equations that w must satisfy and have only coefficients in the field p r − 1 Z p r . We exploit the natural block Toeplitz structure of the sliding parity-check matrix to derive a step by step methodology to obtain a list of possible codewords for a given corrupted codeword w , that is, a list with the closest codewords to w. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several vicinal azidoalcohols were prepared in good to high yield and purity, starting from aryl α-haloketones, using reagents supported on a macroporous ion exchange resin. This is a fast and new approach to aryl azidoalcohols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Serological screening for celiac disease (CD) allows the identification of individuals genetically predisposed, as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, the diagnosis is confirmed by intestinal biopsy. The aim was to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin‐A anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA‐tTG) and CD in a large cohort of young T1DM patients. Methods: Screening for CD was randomly conducted in 881 T1DM by IgA‐tTG and total IgA. Individuals with positive antibodies were referred to endoscopy/duodenal biopsy. Results: The age of the cohort at the screening was 14.3 ± 5.9 years and at T1DM onset was 7.9 ± 4.4 years. The prevalence of positive serology was 7.7%. Median IgA‐tTG levels were 117.7 U/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 35.7‐131.5 U/mL). Of the 62 duodenal biopsy, CD was diagnosed in 79.0%, yielding an overall prevalence of 5.6%. The mean age of CD patients was 15.6 ± 6.5 years and, at T1DM onset was 6.3 years (4.0‐9.9 years). The modified Marsh‐Oberhuber histological classification was 22.5% (3a), 36.7% (3b), and 40.8% (3c). In the biopsy‐proven patients, T1DM onset occurred at slightly younger ages (6.3 vs 9.7 years, P = 0.1947), gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations, predominantly abdominal pain and distension, were more prevalent (71.4% vs 38.5%, P = 0.027) and higher IgA‐tTG titers (128.0 vs 26.3 U/mL, P = 0.0003) were found than in those with negative‐biopsies. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the prevalence of 7.7% of IgA‐tTG and 5.6% of CD in T1DM patients in South Brazil and, emphasize the importance of the screening in high‐risk individuals. Furthermore, the presence of GI manifestations and higher IgA‐tTG titers strongly suggest the diagnosis of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An SNP in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) was examined. • Child's oxytocin response depends on the interplay OXTR SNP - quality of care. • The genotype-oxytocin response correlation emerged under low quality of care. Abstract The oxytocinergic system is a primary biological system involved in regulating a child's needs for bonding and for protection from threats. It is responsive to social experiences in close relationships, though evidence across studies is not entirely consistent. Guided by previous literature, we investigated individual and environmental factors predicting and presumably affecting children's oxytocin (OT) response during mother-child interaction. by focusing on children's OXTR genotype, and maternal behavior, respectively. This was achieved by assessing salivary OT levels of 88 Portuguese preschoolers prior to and following a mother-child interaction task, and by genotyping children's OXTR SNP rs53576. Maternal interactive behavior was assessed using Ainsworth scales. Results indicated that child genotype and mother's sensitive responsiveness interacted in predicting change in child OT concentrations from before to after the interaction. Specifically, Genotypic differences emerged under conditions of low maternal sensitive responsiveness: OT levels increased over time for children with the GG genotype when maternal sensitive responsiveness was low, but no such genotypic differences were evident when mothers were highly sensitive responsive. Findings provide preliminary support for the notion that increased understanding of children's OT and close relationships requires consideration of both individual and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia is an immune disease characterized by thrombocytopenia and bleeding due to platelet antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. Human platelet antigens are derived from polymorphisms of these glycoproteins. The aim of this study was to investigate human platelet antigen frequencies in immune thrombocytopenia patients from the state of Amazonas, Brazil and investigate the potential association between specific antigens and risk for immune thrombocytopenia. Method: Human platelet antigen typing was performed by BeadChip technology to determine allelic variants of 11 systems (HPA-1 to HPA-9, HPA-11 and HPA-15). Thirty-six patients (8 male and 28 female) with a median age of 34 years (range: 9-69 years) were evaluated and compared with data from Amazonas blood donors. Results: Platelet counts varied from 3 to 98 × 109/L. The allele frequencies were 0.944 for HPA- 1a, 0.056 for HPA-1b, 0.847 for HPA-2a, 0.153 for HPA-2b, 0.555 for HPA-3a, 0.444 for HPA-3b, 0.805 for HPA-5a, 0.222 for HPA-5b, 0.9975 for HPA-9a, 0.025 for HPA-9b, 0.486 for HPA-15a and 0.513 for HPA-15b. Among immune thrombocytopenia individuals, no b allele of the HPA-4, -6, -7, -8 and -11 were found. Conclusions: The results suggest HPA-1a, HPA-3b and HPA-5b are immune thrombocytopenia-specific autoepitopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia is an immune disease characterized by thrombocytopenia and bleeding due to platelet antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. Human platelet antigens are derived from polymorphisms of these glycoproteins. The aim of this study was to investigate human platelet antigen frequencies in immune thrombocytopenia patients from the state of Amazonas, Brazil and investigate the potential association between specific antigens and risk for immune thrombocytopenia. Method: Human platelet antigen typing was performed by BeadChip technology to determine allelic variants of 11 systems (HPA-1 to HPA-9, HPA-11 and HPA-15). Thirty-six patients (8 male and 28 female) with a median age of 34 years (range: 9-69 years) were evaluated and compared with data from Amazonas blood donors. Results: Platelet counts varied from 3 to 98×109/L. The allele frequencies were 0.944 for HPA- 1a, 0.056 for HPA-1b, 0.847 for HPA-2a, 0.153 for HPA-2b, 0.555 for HPA-3a, 0.444 for HPA-3b, 0.805 for HPA-5a, 0.222 for HPA-5b, 0.9975 for HPA-9a, 0.025 for HPA-9b, 0.486 for HPA-15a and 0.513 for HPA-15b. Among immune thrombocytopenia individuals, no b allele of the HPA-4, -6, -7, -8 and -11 were found. Conclusions: The results suggest HPA-1a, HPA-3b and HPA-5b are immune thrombocytopenia-specific autoepitopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cirrhosis is characterized by a chronic alteration of the liver parenchyma that often leads to malnutrition in children and adolescents. Nutritional intervention should be performed early, requiring careful follow-up of these patients. Objectives: To compare the nutritional assessment of cirrhotic pediatric patients performed in two separate periods of time. Methods: This research used two different databases originated from studies conducted with pediatric patients with cirrhosis. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 children and adolescents were assessed in two series of tests performed within a time range of approximately a decade. Both series had standard deviation score for height-for-age (SDS-H/A), standard deviation score for triceps skinfold-for-age and (SDS-TSF/A), calculated according to the standards established by the World Health Organization. Disease severity was evaluated by the Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease (PELD)/Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and by the Child-Pugh score. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: The present study did not find any statistically significant difference for the nutritional status of the researched subjects in any of the series. In the first series, 22.6% of patients were undernourished, compared to 27.8% in the second one (p = 0.955). Conclusions: We can conclude that in both series of tests conducted with an interval of about a decade from each other the percentage of malnutrition and the severity of cirrhosis remained stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Virtual Machine (VM) scheduler for homogeneous High Performance Computing (HPC) cloud environments is presented in this paper. This scheduler considers each VM workload type (CPU or I/O-bound) to decide on its allocation. Scheduler is able to reduce energy consumption, as well as SLA violations on this cloud environment, avoiding performance losses by allocating simultaneously VMs which run different types of tasks. The scheduler method was validated through simulations conducted with the CloudSim framework. Two synthetic benchmarks representing both workload types were run previously in VMs in order to obtain basic data to design the scheduler. Thus, it was possible to implement a scheduling method that employs a VM allocation policy based on features of each application. Results showed that knowing the specifications and characteristics of environment may contribute to a better usage of resources, leading to an increased level of services availability and, finally, reducing problems caused by competition in resource usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum distance separable (MDS) block codes and MDS 1D convolutional codes are the most robust codes for error correction within the class of block codes of a fixed rate and 1D convolutional codes of a certain rate and degree, respectively. In this paper, we generalize this concept to the class of 2D convolutional codes. For that, we introduce a natural bound on the distance of a 2D convolutional code of rate k/n and degree \delta , which generalizes the Singleton bound for block codes and the generalized Singleton bound for 1D convolutional codes. Then, we prove the existence of 2D convolutional codes of rate k/n and degree \delta if k {\nmid } \delta , or n \geq k (({(({\delta }/{k}) + 1)(({\delta }/{k}) + 2)})/{2})$ if $k \mid \delta $ , by presenting a concrete constructive procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim In deserts, past climate change (and particularly past rainfall variability) plays a large role in explaining current plant species distributions. We ask which species were most and which were least affected by changes in rainfall during the late Quaternary in northernmost Chile. Location Quebrada La Higuera ( QLH; 18° S), a shallow canyon that cuts east-west through the western Andean precordillera of northern Chile, connecting the Altiplano with the hyperarid Atacama Desert. Methods We collected and dated 22 rodent middens from elevations of 3100-3500 m in QLH. These were analysed for identifiable plant macrofossils and pollen. We also measured chinchilla rat ( Abrocoma cinerea) faecal pellets in the youngest middens to explore how they relate to past ecological and climatic change. Results The three oldest middens dated to more than 37 ka (thousand calibrated 14C years), four middens dated to 14.4-11.6 ka, and fifteen middens spanned the last 650 years. During all the intervals examined, extralocal species (those found today at higher elevations and indicative of positive rainfall anomalies) were present at our midden sites. In the youngest interval, Parastrephia pollen (indicating increased rainfall) increased abruptly at ad 1760 and remained high until the mid-1800s. This increase was also seen in our faecal pellet record. Main conclusions Extralocal species were prevalent in late Pleistocene middens at lower elevations when the climate was wetter. When combined with other regional midden records, we postulate that many species found today in the Altiplano were displaced to lower elevations during the late Pleistocene. The recent large-scale mortality documented among arboreal cactus populations along the present upper margins of the Atacama suggests that these are relict populations that are likely to have flourished during a wetter period in the early 1800s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper two-dimensional convolutional codes with finite support are considered, i.e., convolutional codes whose codewords have compact support indexed in and take values in , where is a finite field. The main goal of this work is to analyze the (free) distance properties of this type of codes of rate and degree . We first establish an upper bound on the maximum possible distance for these codes. We then present particular constructions of two-dimensional convolutional codes with finite support of rate and degree that attain such a bound and therefore have the maximum distance among all two-dimensional convolutional codes with finite support with the same rate and degree. We call such codes maximum distance separable two-dimensional convolutional codes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]