Search

The discovery of neutrino masses has raised the importance of studies in the context of neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ), which constitutes a landmark for lepton number violation (LNV). The standard interpretation is that the light massive neutrinos that we observed oscillating in terrestrial experiments mediate double beta decay. In the minimal 3-3-1 model (3-3-1M), object of our study, there is an additional contribution that stems from the mixing between a new charged vector boson, W′, and the Standard Model W boson. Even after setting this mixing to be very small, we show that tight constraints arise from the nonobservation of 0νββ. Indeed, we derive bounds on the mass of the W′ gauge boson that might exceed those from collider probes and most importantly push the scale of symmetry breaking beyond its validity, leading to an exclusion bound for the minimal 3-3-1 model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This research aimed to conduct an investigation of the tools used to assess safety culture in the primary health care. Study design Integrative review of the literature. Methods We conducted a literature search using an instrument that included quantitative assessments of safety culture, using the following databases: CINAHL, ScienceDirect, PubMed, BIREME, and SciELO. Retrieved material comprised original articles published from 1998 to 2014, with titles and abstracts available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Results The search resulted in seven instruments; however, only three were primary healthcare focused. Conclusion Most of the existing instruments for assessing safety culture have acceptable psychometric properties. The study serves as a source for students, workers, and researchers who want to know more about appropriate instruments for evaluating safety culture in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banded murexHexaplex trunculusand purple dye murexBolinus brandarisare frequently caught as bycatch by bottom trawlers operating in the Gulf of Gabès, southern Tunisia. Although these muricid gastropods might importantly constitute an additional source of income for fishermen as well as help to diversify local shellfish production, information on their catches is relatively scarce. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the status of local populations ofH. trunculusandB. brandaris, including data on their spatial and depth distributions, abundance, biomass, population structure and mortality. Fishing surveys using bottom trawls were performed between May 2006 and June 2007 in offshore areas of the Gulf of Gabès. In total, 198 fishing hauls were analysed, corresponding to a total fishing duration of 333.3 hours and a total prospecting area of 1 534 ha at depths of 20–86 m. Altogether, 3 026H. trunculusand 3 599B. brandarisof a broad size range (22.9−91.1 and 22.4−97.0 mm shell length, respectively) were sampled during the study period. GIS-produced maps were employed to determine the species’ spatial and bathymetric distributions by extrapolating their estimated fishing yield (bycatch per unit effort), abundance, biomass and mortality in relation to the total area surveyed in the gulf. The results provide valuable baseline information that may be applied to management proposals for regulating this untargeted resource, ultimately assisting sustainable exploitation and long-term preservation of this alternative fishing resource in the offshore areas of the Gulf of Gabès. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel is widely used due to its remarkable mechanical properties. Heat treatments are applied in steels to enhance these properties, affecting the microstructure. Since little is known concerning phase interactions during heat treatments, a model of the microstructural evolution of steel is considered. The austenite to pearlite phase transformation in eutectoid steel when subject to non-isothermal continuous cooling was simulated. To predict the thermomechanical behaviour of each phase during continuous cooling, a coupled multiphase field and finite element models are used. The information from each phase of the microstructure is then used in a finite element commercial code, where the materials’ thermoelastoplastic constitutive equations are applied though a user routine for each microstructure constituent. Periodic boundary conditions are used in the representative unit cell. The thermomechanical behaviour of each phase is numerically taken into account. The evolution of von Mises stress and strain is analysed for each phase. Quantitative results for the thermomechanical behaviour of the microstructure during continuous cooling heat treatment are achieved and this study provides an understanding of the relation between microstructure and thermal and mechanical behaviour of the different phases of the microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of early oceanization during transition from large igneous provinces (LIPs) to new ocean crust is mostly missing in the geological record. Mafic dykes geochemically akin to mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) occur in late stages of LIPs, but their tectonic role during margin evolution remains poorly constrained. Here we use whole‐rock and high‐resolution clinopyroxene chemistry of two distinct types of mafic dykes from the southeastern Brazilian margin to show that a MORB‐like plumbing system became magmatically active in the central South Atlantic ∼2 Ma after the volcanic peak of the Paraná‐Etendeka Magmatic Province. The LIP basaltic dyke compositions resulted from the mixing between a highly metasomatized lithospheric mantle comprising enriched DMM and Archean contributions. The lack of elemental oscillatory zoning in clinopyroxene crystals suggests that they were produced by a single magma pulse, consistent with the strong magma fluxes in LIPs. In contrast, the MORB‐like dykes, which exhibit strong similarities with South Atlantic MORBs, are interpreted to represent early stages of oceanization deriving from the mixing of enriched asthenospheric melts either with ancient SCLM contributions or small crustal assimilation. The MORB‐like intrusions ascended and cooled rapidly along faults and were fed by numerous magma injections that suggest episodic decompression of the asthenospheric source ∼20 Ma before the birth of central South Atlantic. The combination of subduction‐influenced and MORB‐like dykes is recurrent in ancient and modern rifts globally, suggesting that thinned lithospheric blocks affected by ancient subduction events may become more susceptible to early oceanization in rifted margins. Plain Language Summary: The processes that promote initial formation of new ocean floor, whenever a continent breaks, are still poorly described. In the South Atlantic Ocean case, for example, magnetic registers of oceanic rocks indicate that seafloor boomed ∼20 Ma after the ancient Gondwana continent broke up, creating distinct South American and African plates. However, we know very little about the preliminary steps of "oceanization" of the continental margins during the transition period. In this research, we studied two groups of magmatic rocks located in the Brazilian southeast margin. One of them is geochemically similar to the abundant volcanism that affected Gondwana prior to breakup; the other is akin to South Atlantic seafloor. The later was formed only ∼2 Ma after initial stages of Gondwana breakup. Geochemical signatures and mineralogical textures allowed us to describe how the two types of magmas were formed and how they ascended through the crust. The results and comparisons suggest that ∼20 Ma before the South Atlantic seafloor developed there were localized areas of the continental margins affected by early "oceanization," where ocean floor‐like rocks started forming along weakened continental structures. Such areas were probably more susceptible to breakup because of their more complex previous geological histories. Key Points: Oceanization of the South Atlantic started as early as ∼132 Ma through lithospheric thinning and focused mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB)‐like intrusive magmatismMagma dynamics of Paraná‐Etendeka and MORB dykes in the Brazilian margin suggest an intermittent shift toward a passive regime at ∼132 MaThinned lithospheric blocks affected by ancient subduction potentially allow early asthenospheric magma ascent and crustal oceanization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Deep weathering profiles and associated supergene Mn-oxides deposits are widely distributed in South China. However, data on their ages are not available until most recently. 40Ar/39Ar laser incremental heating analysis of potassium-bearing supergene Mn-oxides collected from four weathering profiles in the Qinzhou–Fangcheng Mn belt, Guangxi Province, South China, provides, for the first time, numerical constraints on timing of weathering and supergene Mn enrichment. Thirty-eight of 42 cryptomelane grains yield well-defined plateau (36 grains) or pseudo plateau (2 grains) ages ranging from 17.6±0.5 Ma to 4.71±0.08 Ma (2σ). The results, when combined with data from Mn-oxides deposits from the adjacent Guangdong and Hunan Provinces, document a protracted history of weathering and supergene Mn enrichment, spanning from the earliest Miocene to the latest Pliocene in South China. This indicates that warm and humid climatic conditions conducive to intense weathering and secondary mineralization prevailed across South China during the whole Neogene. The climatic conditions inferred from weathering geochronology are consistent with sedimentary records and fossil floral and fauna associations from Cenozoic inland and marginal sea basins of South China. The weathering geochronology data also provide temporal constraints on the initiation and intensification of the East Asian monsoon that has been the cause for the South China''s humid climate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Morphometric and meristic characteristics of a specimen of Grammicolepis brachiusculus Poey caught off the Algarve coast, southern Portugal, are reported. This is the first record of this benthopelagic species in Portuguese waters (including Madeira and Azores Archipelagos) and its fifth finding in the north-eastern Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in the application of K-Ar and [sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar dating of continental weathering process demonstrate the method's suitability for dating minerals present in weathering profiles. Alunite-group sulfates and hollandite-group manganese oxides, which often precipitate through weathering reactions, were first analyzed by the K-Ar method 30 years ago. Recently these minerals were shown to be suitable to[sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar geochronology, despite their fine-grained habits. The bulk nature of the K-Ar technique and the complex mineral assemblages in weathering profiles restrict K-Ar dating of weathering processes. The single-crystal approach possible with the[sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar method allows the study of weathering profiles where alunite- and hollandite-group minerals occur as minor phases. Step-heating analysis possible with the[sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar method provides information about the Ar and K retention histories, the presence of hypogene contaminants, and possible[sup 39]Ar recoil during sample irradiation. Fully automated, modern[sup 40]Ar/[sup 39]Ar systems enable analysis of several samples, providing a comprehensive weathering database. These results are useful in the study of continental paleoclimates and the geochemical, geomorphological, and tectonic histories of an area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern Australia encompasses the longest track (~2000 km) of age-progressive continental volcanoes on Earth. These so-called 'central volcanoes' are shield volcanoes considered as surficial expressions of Cenozoic mantle plume activity under the northward moving Australian continent. Here, we investigate three central volcanoes located in the southern, younger part of the volcanic track (Ebor, Nandewar, and Canobolas) with the aim of unraveling the plumbing system architecture during waning hotspot activity. We explore the duration of volcanic activity and compare long-term evolution of magmatic processes via 40Ar/39Ar geochronology, mineral and groundmass chemistry, mineral-melt thermobarometry, and Rhyolite-MELTS thermodynamic simulations. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on groundmass and mineral separates indicates that Ebor is the oldest of the three volcanoes, with duration of at least ~1 Ma (20.4 ± 0.09 to 19.4 ± 0.07 Ma). Nandewar also lasted ~1 Ma (19.4 ± 0.03 to 18.5 ± 0.03 Ma). The Canobolas volcanic complex was younger and shorter lived at ~0.5 Ma (12.0 ± 0.02 to 11.55 ± 0.05 Ma). Interestingly, all three volcanoes share a repetitive tempo of ~0.1 Ma between eruptions. The volcanoes produced porphyritic to aphyric lavas with basalt to trachyte compositions. The phenocryst assemblage includes plagioclase and K-feldspar, pink and green clinopyroxene, rare olivine, and titanomagnetite. Textural and compositional zoning of phenocrysts reveals successive events of mafic replenishment and magma transport prior to eruption. Dissolution textures in plagioclase, coupled with increasing An and FeOt and decreasing Ba and Ce from crystal cores to mantles, indicate recharge with mafic, oxidised melt. Increasing Mg# and Cr from clinopyroxene cores to rims also supports primitive magma replenishment. Mineral–melt thermobarometry and Rhyolite–MELTS simulations indicate a main level of magma storage in the three volcanoes in the middle crust (18–25-km depth; ~1100°C), repeatedly replenished by undegassed, primitive melts. Green clinopyroxene cores crystallised in isolated pockets where magmas underwent extensive fractionation at depths of 15 to 30 km and ~800°C. The shallow level plumbing system was volumetrically minor and dominated by crystallisation of low-An plagioclase with large melt inclusions, possibly crystallised from degassed, reduced and evolved magma, as suggested by plagioclase hygrometry and fO2 modelling. Our combined geochronological and geochemical approach reveals that the three spatially separated but genetically linked volcanoes had comparable, complex plumbing system architectures. Fractionation and repeated magma rejuvenation were critical processes throughout the lifespans of volcanism, and eruptive tempos were controlled by recurrent mafic influx. The maficity of lavas and their crystal cargo correlate with the volume fraction of phenocrysts, suggesting mafic recharge was a key driver of mush remobilisation and eruption. Other volcanoes active during the late stages of plume activity in eastern Australia share similar textural and geochemical features, suggesting that waning hotspot activity may result in increased complexity in magma transport and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a patient with subungual ectopic hair growth. Topics discussed include the patient's presentation of a longitudinal ridge of the nail with green discoloration studied by scanning electron microscopy, the removal of the subungual filamentous hair, and the treatment of the patient with topical gentamicin. Also mentioned are the growth of another subungual hair shaft on the same location several months later and partial matricectomy performed on the patient.

During the Grenvillian assembly of Rodinia, the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Province (NNMP) was formed as a result of the convergence of the Laurentia and Kalahari cratons. A detailed model for this accretion along the southeastern margin of the Kalahari Craton has been established, but the tectonic history of the NNMP along the western margin of the Kalahari Craton has remained highly controversial. U-Pb SHRIMP zircon age dating of gneiss in the Kakamas Domain of the NNMP, as well as U-Pb SHRIMP age dating of detrital zircons and 40Ar/39Ar dating of metamorphic muscovite from sediments overlying the gneiss, confirms the presence of at least two separate events during the Namaqua-Natal Orogeny at ~1 166 Ma and 1 116 Ma. These events occurred after the Areachap Terrane was accreted onto the western margin of the Proto-Kalahari Craton during the Kheis Orogeny. 40Ar/39Ar ages derived from metamorphic muscovite formed in the metasediments of the Kheis terrane does not provide evidence for the timing of the Kheis Orogeny but suggests that it most likely only occurred after ~1 300 Ma and not at 1 800 Ma as commonly accepted. A U-Pb concordia age of ~1 166 Ma was derived from granitic gneiss in the Kakamas Domain of the Bushmanland Subprovince, possibly reflecting subduction and the initiation of continent-continent collision between the Proto-Kalahari Craton and the Bushmanland Subprovince. This granitic gneiss is nonconformably overlain by the metasediments of the Korannaland Group that contains metamorphic muscovite with 40Ar/39Ar ages of ~1 116 Ma. This age suggest that complete closure of the ocean between the Proto-Kalahari Craton and Bushmanland Subprovince probably occurred about 50 Ma after the intrusion of the ~1 166 Ma granitic gneisses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of an eight-year-old Caucasian girl who developed an erythematous eruption and diagnosed with childhood pityriasis rubra pilaris mixed type III/IV disease. Topics discussed include treatment with emollients and calcipotriene, physical examination, and results of skin biopsy.

There is a general consensus among healthcare leaders that animal production industries should improve practices aiming to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, a significant global threat to public health. However, the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in animal production systems is very complex as a result of in numerous sources and dissemination routes of resistant bacteria. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance can be transferred among bacteria by mobile elements, such as plasmids, which play a major role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. In broiler production, litter contaminated by feces during the production cycle can serve as a potential reservoir for bacteria harboring antimicrobial resistance genes that can then be disseminated to susceptible bacteria. This study reports the effect of 1) different materials used as litter and 2) different litter recycling protocols on the conjugation frequencies of IncIII plasmids harboring extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–resistant genes among Escherichia coli isolates. Results found that, compared with cane bagasse litter, the use of wood shavings as litter decreased the conjugation frequency among E. coli isolates (P,0.001). In regard to the recycling protocols, the presence of chemical residues in both types of litter materials was associated with a decreased conjugation frequency, with lowest frequencies observed for quicklime and superphosphate. Our findings suggest that the type of material used as poultry litter as well as litter recycling procedures, distinguished by means of chemical compounds, may affect plasmid conjugation among E. coli isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study we demonstrate the recovery of refractory copper from Cu-sulphide inclusions in silicate minerals of waste rocks by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans -mediated silicate dissolution. Acidophilic, iron-oxidising bacteria and waste rock samples were collected at the Salobo 3 Alpha Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) mine in Pará State, Brazil. Bench-top column leaching trials of seven different waste rocks with complex gangue mineralogy were run with and without endemic A. ferrooxidans in acidic media. Pre- and post-leach materials characterisation and continuous monitoring of leaching column effluents were used to investigate the amenity of low-sulphide waste material to leaching by A. ferrooxidans and the mechanisms controlling solution chemistry. The data presented here suggests that, in-lieu of other Fe(II) sources, iron-oxidising bacteria utilise solubilised ferrous iron from Fe-bearing silicate minerals, such as chlorite, biotite and amphiboles as alternative energy sources. The microbially mediated weathering of Fe(II)-bearing silicates provides access to 'refractory' sulphides trapped as Cu-sulphide inclusions in these minerals. The dissolution of these silicate minerals controls the pH of the leach solution. A. ferrooxidans thereby indirectly causes the leach solution pH of biotic systems to buffer at pH 3.2 to 5.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the discovery of the presence of Cyclopterus lumpus Linnaeus, 1758 or lumpfish or lumpsucker off the Algarve coast in southern Portugal. Characteristic of the lumpfish species; Comparison of the main morphometric parameters and respective body proportions of the discovered fish with the weight ranges and body proportions reported by other authors who systematically described the species; Reason for the rarity of the species in the southern Bay of Biscay and along the coast of Portugal.

Summary: Viral hepatitis is globally leading causes of death, and 96% of these are due to hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) late outcomes. The first Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) aims to reduce by 65% the mortality associated with HBV/HCV, and an indicator (C10) is proposed to monitor progress. Data on viral hepatitis and liver‐related mortality are required, and different methods of estimation can be used, depending on availability and quality of sources. We aimed to understand the current situation and practicality of calculating C10, accessing available sources to estimate initial figure for Europe. We listed and compiled regional and national data sources reporting deaths from HCC, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD) and available estimates of attributable fraction. We critically appraised quality of data, highlighting gaps in current data and estimated mortality attributable to HBV and HCV, for 31 EU/EEA countries from 2010 to 2015. Mortality data are available for 30/31 countries. Quality varies but 60% of national sources report with specificity as required by WHO indicator. Attributable fraction is only available through the literature search. We estimated C10 for 87.6% country‐years. Deaths attributable to HBV/HCV for this period and region were 292 600, while HCV deaths were three times higher. Incomplete data for 2015 prevented calculation of time trends. Regional sources are outdated for monitoring C10, but national sources are capable of reporting mortality data. Sources for attributable fraction are sparse, outdated and much needed. We recommend improvement of death registration allowing measuring this indicator. Studies measuring attributable fraction on national and subnational levels are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern Australia hosts a long track of Cenozoic age-progressive volcanoes, mostly alkaline in composition. Of these, Warrumbungle and Comboyne are coeval and occur at the same latitude (31°S), but they are ∼300 km apart, on either side of the Great Dividing Range. The lavas from both volcanoes often contain complex crystal assemblages, including plagioclase, olivine and clinopyroxene, which permit a comparative study of pre-eruptive magma histories in a large, complex, continental setting. Here we combine mineral and whole-rock geochemistry with 40Ar/39Ar geochronology to temporally constrain the processes operating in the magma plumbing systems. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology indicates that volcanic activity took place for ∼3 Myr, in two separate stages. The first stage (18–17·5 Ma) is evident only at the larger Warrumbungle volcano. In Stage 2 (∼17–15·5 Ma) the two volcanoes were active contemporaneously. The dominantly porphyritic and relatively evolved (MgO from 7·25 to 0·39 wt %) nature of the lavas suggests that the magmas stalled and differentiated in the crust prior to eruption. At the Warrumbungle volcano, Stage 1 magmas fractionated olivine and minor clinopyroxene and subsequently differentiated during ascent. The crystal cargo in Stage 2 magmas at the Warrumbungle volcano became increasingly more complex with time and the samples have been divided into two subgroups, according to age and petrological variation. Stage 2.1 magmas sampled olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase mushes at Moho depths of ∼41 km. Disequilibrium textures in plagioclase and clinopyroxene macrocrysts indicate differences in composition between the mush and the ascending magmas. Stage 2.2 magmas, by contrast, carried a combination of antecrysts and phenocrysts. Clinopyroxene antecrysts show strong disequilibrium textures and are reversely zoned. In plagioclase, anorthite contents increase close to the rim of the crystals, to levels (An60–55) similar to those found at the core of primitive, normally zoned, euhedral antecrysts (An53–50). At the Comboyne volcano mineral phases have a similar complexity to those of Stage 2.2 at the Warrumbungle volcano, with disequilibrium textures and reversely zoned antecrysts providing evidence of magma mixing, only lacking the primitive, normally zoned, euhedral plagioclase crystals. The complex crystal assemblage evident in Stage 2.2 lavas at the Warrumbungle volcano and throughout Stage 2 at the Comboyne volcano indicates a coeval rejuvenation of evolving crystal–melt mushes with the intrusion of more primitive, hotter, and crystal rich or -poor magmas shortly before eruption. Forward modelling using Rhyolite-MELTS replicates the composition of melts and fractionated minerals along a polybaric fractional crystallization path at depths from 24 to 7 km at the Warrumbungle volcano and from 15 to 7 km at Comboyne, supported by barometry estimates on clinopyroxene crystals. This study has identified that the two temporally associated, but spatially discrete, continental alkaline volcanoes were fed by parallel plumbing systems, which become more complex throughout the life of the volcanoes. Multiple mush zones, in which magmas stagnated and fractionated, were periodically replenished with more primitive magmas, triggering eruptions intermittently over a protracted period of ∼3 Myr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles of women with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: The sample comprised 28 women divided into two groups: 14 with rheumatoid arthritis [mean age: 52.2 ± standard deviation (SD): 3 years] and 14 without rheumatoid arthritis (mean age: 49.4 ± SD: 2.4 years). The women were paired by age and body mass index. The electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles was analyzed in mandibular tasks: rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, maximal voluntary contraction with and without Parafilm M®, habitual and non-habitual chewing. The MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) was used to compare the means of the two independent groups, considering as independent variable side and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and age as the covariate. The Bonferroni correction was used for the post hoc comparisons (p <0.05). Results: Rheumatoid arthritis group presented an increase in the normalized electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles and lower mean values for the habitual and non-habitual chewing. Conclusions: Women with rheumatoid arthritis showed functional alterations in the stomatognathic system, demonstrated through muscular hyperactivity and reduction of masticatory efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rio Negro Province in the NW Amazon craton is composed of three domains (northeastern, central, and southwestern) in turn separated into several regional terrains, showing main NE-SW and WNW-ESE structures and being composed of high-grade polydeformed basement with 1840–1700 Ma protolith ages. The Northeastern Domain shows basements dominated by high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic metagranitoids, orthogneisses, migmatites, augen gneisses, and local A-type leucogneisses (1810–1760 Ma, Cauaburi Complex). In Venezuela, this basement is not widely known, but encompasses the oldest rocks of the province (1840–1820 Ma, San Carlos Metamorphic Terrane). The Southwestern Domain comprises medium- to high-K calc-alkaline orthogneisses (Querari Complex) with an extended compositional range (diorite to granite), NE-trending main foliation, and 1740–1700 Ma protolith ages. The Central Domain comprises peraluminous crustal-derived granites (1520–1480 Ma), supracrustal rocks, paragneisses, and some Cauaburi Complex inliers. The Nd isotope data for the basement rocks indicates mantle sources with decreasing crustal contributions and younger TDM ages from east (2.54–1.96 Ga) to west (1.97–1.82 Ga). The Rio Negro Province is interpreted as an accretionary orogen formed by a long-lived magmatic arc system active during three phases: 1.84–1.82 Ga, 1.81–1.76 Ga (main flare up) and 1.75–1.70 Ga. Later, this arc system was affected by collisional orogenies at ~1500 Ma (Içana Orogeny) and ~1300 Ma (Putumayo Orogeny), as showed by the Ar–Ar step heating plateau ages (biotite, hornblende) and U-Pb SHRIMP ages (zircon, titanite) recording two main metamorphic events at 1520–1480 Ma (medium–high T) and 1400–1310 Ma (low–medium T), with important tectonothermal effects also further east in the Tapajós-Parima Province. Based on similar accretionary histories, the Rio Negro Province has also apparent long-lived connections with Laurentia and Baltica (Transscandinavian Belt), forming the core of the Columbia Supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction: Sexual health is a central dimension of overall health and quality of life, yet it remains a largely neglected component in vulnerable populations such as cancer patients. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, and its treatments negatively affect people's sexual and relational health and well-being throughout the course of the disease. Notwithstanding the negative impact of treatments on different dimensions of sexual functioning (e.g., changes in sexual desire, sexual arousal, and orgasm experience), on the experience of pleasure and sexual satisfaction of people with CRC, access to specialized support is often hampered due to organizational, geographical, and attitudinal barriers (e.g., stigma). Given their intimate nature, accessibility, and convenience/flexibility, smartphone-based digital interventions can help bridge this gap and be an important supportive tool to effectively address unmet sexual health care needs in people with CRC. However, there is still a lack of studies evaluating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of smartphone-based sexual health promotion programs for people with CRC. Objective: Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of Anathema, a program developed for the promotion of the sexual health of CRC survivors. Methods: Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study is underway and involves 30 CRC survivors randomly assigned to an experimental group (with access to the program) and a waiting list control group (treatment as usual). The program was structured into five modules to be completed in 8 weeks and developed based on the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. An institutional Ethical Board approved the study. Acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Anathema were the primary outcomes defined in this study. Sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual functioning and distress, sexual pleasure, and quality of life were defined as secondary outcomes. Results: Results: The participatory design used throughout the different phases of this project anticipates a good acceptability of the program among its primary users. It is also expected that the program and the design adopted will be suitable for the future implementation of an RCT. Improvement in levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction, sexual pleasure, quality of life, and a decrease in levels of sexual distress in people who use the program compared to people in the waiting list group, are also expected. Conclusions: Conclusions: Anathema is a promising program for promoting sexual health and quality of life in CRC survivors. Funding source: This project is jointly funded by the European Commission through the AAL Program (ref. AAL-2020-7-133-CP) and its Member States: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, in Portugal (AAL/0005/2020), Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), in Austria, and ZonMw, the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, in the Netherlands. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction: Sexual health is a central dimension of overall health and quality of life, yet it remains a largely neglected component in vulnerable populations such as cancer patients. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, and its treatments negatively affect people's sexual and relational health and well-being throughout the course of the disease. Notwithstanding the negative impact of treatments on different dimensions of sexual functioning (e.g., changes in sexual desire, sexual arousal, and orgasm experience), on the experience of pleasure and sexual satisfaction of people with CRC, access to specialized support is often hampered due to organizational, geographical, and attitudinal barriers (e.g., stigma). Given their intimate nature, accessibility, and convenience/flexibility, smartphone-based digital interventions can help bridge this gap and be an important supportive tool to effectively address unmet sexual health care needs in people with CRC. However, there is still a lack of studies evaluating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of smartphone-based sexual health promotion programs for people with CRC. Objective: Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of Anathema, a program developed for the promotion of the sexual health of CRC survivors. Methods: Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study is underway and involves 30 CRC survivors randomly assigned to an experimental group (with access to the program) and a waiting list control group (treatment as usual). The program was structured into five modules to be completed in 8 weeks and developed based on the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. An institutional Ethical Board approved the study. Acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Anathema were the primary outcomes defined in this study. Sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual functioning and distress, sexual pleasure, and quality of life were defined as secondary outcomes. Results: Results: The participatory design used throughout the different phases of this project anticipates a good acceptability of the program among its primary users. It is also expected that the program and the design adopted will be suitable for the future implementation of an RCT. Improvement in levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction, sexual pleasure, quality of life, and a decrease in levels of sexual distress in people who use the program compared to people in the waiting list group, are also expected. Conclusions: Conclusions: Anathema is a promising program for promoting sexual health and quality of life in CRC survivors. Funding source: This project is jointly funded by the European Commission through the AAL Program (ref. AAL-2020-7-133-CP) and its Member States: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, in Portugal (AAL/0005/2020), Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), in Austria, and ZonMw, the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, in the Netherlands. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, it is common to observe unmotivated students with little interest in learning what is taught by the teacher. It is up to the educator to develop strategies that aim to contribute significantly to both teaching and student learning processes. We know that the game is inherent in childhood, but it remains alive in each stage of a person's life. This experience takes place from simple toys, such as dominoes to virtual video games, they are all common to children, young teens and adults. The act of playing brings to the human being feelings of pleasure and excitement, thus, becoming a useful tool for students and teachers when combining theoretical concepts learned in the classroom. In this context, this paper addresses the topic of Chemical Bonding from a dynamic and attractive approach by using games and playing as tools in the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singularity subtraction for linear weakly singular Fredholm integral equations of the second kind is generalized to nonlinear integral equations. Two approaches are presented: The Classical Approach discretizes the nonlinear problem, and uses some finite dimensional linearization process to solve numerically the discrete problem. Its convergence is proved under mild hypotheses on the nonlinearity and the quadrature rule of the singularity subtraction scheme. The New Approach is based on linearization of the problem in its infinite dimensional setting, and discretization of the sequence of linear problems by singularity subtraction. It is more efficient than the former, as three numerical experiments confirm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we overhaul previous studies of Flavor Changing Neutral Current processes in the context of the Reduced Minimal 3-3-1 (RM331) model. We sift the individual contributions from the CP-even scalars and the Z′ gauge boson using two different parametrizations schemes and compare our results with current measurements. In particular, studying the meson system we find the most stringent bounds in the literature on this model, namely and . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of exhaled breath was examined for volatile organic compound (VOC) indicators of sexual arousal in human beings. Participants (12-male, 12-female) were shown a randomized series of three emotion-inducing 10-min film clips interspersed with 3-min neutral film clips. The films caused different arousals: sports film (positive-nonsexual); horror film (negative-nonsexual); and erotic (sexual) that were monitored with physiological measurements including genital response and temperature. Simultaneously the breath was monitored for VOC and CO2. While some breath compounds (methanol and acetone) changed uniformly irrespective of the film order, several compounds did show significant arousal associated changes. For both genders CO2 and isoprene decreased in the sex clip. Some male individuals showed particularly strong increases of indole, phenol and cresol coincident with sexual arousal that decreased rapidly afterwards. These VOCs are degradation products of tyrosine and tryptophan, precursors for dopamine, noradrenalin, and serotonin, and therefore represent potential breath markers of sexual arousal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different irrigation strategies in virgin olive oil (VOO) composition and quality of cv. Cobrancosa, integrated in a protected denomination of origin of "Azeite de Trás-os-Montes" in the Northeast of Portugal. Three irrigation treatments were applied: T2-full irrigation that received a seasonal water equivalent to 100% of estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETC), T1-continuous deficit irrigation (30% ETC) and T0-rainfed treatment. Data were collected from two consecutive crop years (2005-2006). Irrigation regimes had a minor effect on standard quality indices (free fatty acids, peroxide value, K232 and K270) of VOO and in fatty acid composition. Total polyphenols decreased up to treatment T2, and were strongly related to the water stress integral, suggesting that the effect of irrigation on this variable occurs along the crop season and not just during the oil accumulation phase. A strategy of continuous deficit irrigation with only 30% of maximum ETc may have an advantageous effect, as it increased oil yield to more than double that of rainfed conditions while VOO quality was similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports weight–length relationships for 50 selected fish species of the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Specimens were caught during fishing surveys with different types of fishing gears (trawls, nets, long-lines and traps) or sampled during whole fish market sampling operations. A total of 22 825 individuals were sampled, belonging to 50 fish species from 25 families. The best represented was family Sparidae (13 species), distantly followed by Scombridae and Triglidae (four species), Carangidae (three species), and by Gadidae, Haemulidae, Scyliorhinidae, Serranidae and Soleidae (two species). In numerical terms, the most important species were Trachinus draco and Diplodus bellottii, with 2767 and 2144 individuals, respectively, followed by Citharus linguatula (1844), D. vulgaris (1206), Microchirus azevia (1165), Scorpaena notata (1118) and Pagellus erythrynus (1075). To the author’s best knowledge, this study presents the first references on weight–length relationships for six fish species worldwide, for 15 species for the northeastern Atlantic, for 20 species for Portuguese waters and for 25 species for the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the western part of Myanmar the geodetic and seismic data indicate the ongoing highly oblique subduction of Indian Plate under Eurasian Plate. Volcanoes of Burma arc, however, did not produce eruptions in the recorded history and are considered extinct. Such perception questions the ongoing subduction, as well as keeping local officials unaware of possibility of future volcanic eruptions in the country. We have investigated the youngest lava flows and pyroclasts of Mt. Popa, which is the best-preserved polygenetic volcanic edifice in Myanmar. The Ar/Ar dating of the youngest products of the volcano provided very young radiometric ages which were unable to be measured accurately. The radiocarbon dating of paleosols intercalated with the most recent ash layers of the volcano has shown that Mt. Popa produced several eruptions in the beginning of Holocene. The youngest eruption occurred ~8000 BP and included the 1.3 km 3 gravitational collapse of the volcanic cone with deposition of the 11-km-long debris avalanche, immediately followed by emplacement of 0.1 km 3 of pyroclastic flow of calc-alkaline basaltic andesite composition. The collapse direction as well as complex morphology of the resulted crater were prearranged by geometry of the listric fault, which was formed during the pre-collapse asymmetric gravitational spreading of the volcanic cone. The recently erupted products are geochemically similar to products of young monogenetic volcanoes of Monywa area located 150 km north Mt. Popa, and both display patterns consistent with magma generation at an active subduction system. Low magma production rate of Mt. Popa (3 × 10 −5  km 3 /year averaged for the 1 Ma of the volcano history) is in agreement with the highly oblique angle and slow rate of the subduction. The fact of the Holocene eruptions of calc-alkaline composition in Burma arc represents volcanological evidence of the ongoing subduction in this part of the collision zone between India and Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha curcas is an oilseed crop renowned for its tolerance to a diverse range of environmental stresses. In Brazil, this species is grown in semiarid regions where crop establishment requires a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying appropriate seed, seedling and plant behaviour under water restriction conditions. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the physiological and cytological profiles of J. curcas seeds in response to imbibition in water (control) and in polyethylene glycol solution (osmoticum)., Seed germinability and reactivation of cell cycle events were assessed by means of different germination parameters and immunohistochemical detection of tubulin and microtubules, i.e. tubulin accumulation and microtubular cytoskeleton configurations in water imbibed seeds (control) and in seeds imbibed in the osmoticum., Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increasing accumulation of tubulin and appearance of microtubular cytoskeleton in seed embryo radicles imbibed in water from 48 h onwards. Mitotic microtubules were only visible in seeds imbibed in water, after radicle protrusion, as an indication of cell cycle reactivation and cell proliferation, with subsequent root development. Imbibition in osmoticum prevented accumulation of microtubules, i.e. activation of cell cycle, therefore germination could not be resumed., Osmoconditioned seeds were able to survive re-drying and could resume germination after re-imbibition in water, however, with lower germination performance, possibly due to acquisition of secondary dormancy. This study provides important insights into understanding of the physiological aspects of J. curcas seed germination in response to water restriction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined radiogenic and cosmogenic noble gases in a mudstone on the floor of Gale Crater. A K-Ar age of 4.21 ± 0.35 billion years represents a mixture of detrital and authigenic components and confirms the expected antiquity of rocks comprising the crater rim. Cosmic-ray-produced ³He, 21Ne, and 36Ar yield concordant surface exposure ages of 78 ± 30 million years. Surface exposure occurred mainly in the present geomorphic setting rather than during primary erosion and transport. Our observations are consistent with mudstone deposition shortly after the Gale impact or possibly in a later event of rapid erosion and deposition. The mudstone remained buried until recent exposure by wind-driven scarp retreat. Sedimentary rocks exposed by this mechanism may thus offer the best potential for organic biomarker preservation against destruction by cosmic radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Itacaiunas and Curionopolis viruses were isolated from Culicoides midges in Parauapebas municipality, Pará state, Brazil, in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Itacaiunas virus infected newborn mice and mosquito cells (C6/36), but did not replicate in some mammalian cell lineages; while Curionopolis virus infected only mice. Neither virus showed a serological relationship with any of the 195 known arboviruses circulating in Brazil, nor against 38 other rhabdoviruses isolated worldwide. Both virus particles are bullet-shaped and similar in morphology to that observed for other members of the family Rhabdoviridae. Partial nucleotide sequencing of the N protein showed that those two viruses constitute a separate clade in the family Rhabdoviridae, which we propose to be a new genus, designated Bracorhabdovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the pharmacodynamics of phentolamine in human corpus cavernosum (HCC) with special attention to the role of the K+ channels. Strips of HCC precontracted with nonadrenergic stimuli and kept in isometric organ bath immersed in a modified Krebs-Henseleit solution enriched with guanethidine and indomethacine were used in order to study the mechanism of the phentolamine-induced relaxation. Phentolamine caused relaxation (˜50%) in HCC strips precontracted with K+ 40?mM. This effect was not blocked by tetrodotoxin (1?µM) (54.6±4.6 vs 48.9±6.4%) or (atropine (10?µM) (52.7±6.5 vs 58.6±5.6%). However, this relaxation was significantly attenuated by L-NAME (100?µM) (59.7±5.8 vs 27.8±7.1%; P<0.05; n=8) and ODQ (100?µM) (62.7±5.1 vs 26.8±3.9%; P<0.05; n=8). Charybdotoxin and apamin (KCa-channel blockers) did not affect the phentolamine relaxations (54.6±4.6 vs 59.3±5.2%). Glibenclamide (100?µM), an inhibitor of KATP-channel, caused a significant inhibition (56.7±6.3 vs 11.3±2.3%; P<0.05; n=8) of the phentolamine-induced relaxation. In addition, the association of glibenclamide and L-NAME almost abolished the phentolamine-mediated relaxation (54.6±5.6 vs 5.7±1.4%; P<0.05; n=8). The results suggest that phentolamine relaxes HCC by a nonadrenergic-noncholinergic mechanism dependent on nitric oxide synthase activity and activation of KATP-channel.International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, 27-32. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901269 Published online 28 October 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the numerical approximation of the solution of a weakly singular integral equation of the second kind which appears in Astrophysics. The reference space is the complex Banach space of Lebesgue integrable functions on a bounded interval whose amplitude represents the optical thickness of the atmosphere. The kernel of the integral operator is defined through the first exponential-integral function and depends on the albedo of the media. The numerical approximation is based on a sequence of piecewise constant projections along the common annihilator of the corresponding local means. In order to produce high precision solutions without solving large scale linear systems, we develop an iterative refinement technique of a low order approximation. For this scheme, parallelization of matrix computations is suitable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inverse seesaw is a genuine TeV scale seesaw mechanism. In it active neutrinos with masses at eV scale requires lepton number be explicitly violated at keV scale and the existence of new physics, in the form of heavy neutrinos, at TeV scale. Therefore it is a phenomenologically viable seesaw mechanism since its signature may be probed at the LHC. Moreover it is successfully embedded into gauge extensions of the standard model as the 3-3-1 model with the right-handed neutrinos. In this work we revisit the implementation of this mechanism into the 3-3-1 model and employ deep learning analysis to probe such setting at the LHC and, as main result, we have that if its signature is not detected in the next LHC running with energy of 14 TeVs, then, the vector boson Z ′ of the 3-3-1 model must be heavier than 4 TeVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new arenavirus, called Sabiá, was isolated in Brazil from a fatal case of haemorrhagic fever initially thought to be yellow fever. Antigenic and molecular characterisation indicated that Sabiá virus is a new member of the Tacaribe complex. A laboratory technician working with the agent was also infected and developed a prolonged, non-fatal influenza-like illness. Sabiá virus is yet another arenavirus causing human disease in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]