Filtenna Integration Achieving Ideal Chebyshev Return Losses

This paper demonstrates that it is possible to find an ideal filter response (Chebyshew, Butterworth,..) considering the antenna as the last resonator of a filter under certain circumstances related with the antenna performance and the bandwidth of the filtenna device. If these circumstances are not accomplished, we can achieve excellent performance as well, by means of an iterative process the goal of which is defined by either a filter mask or a classical filter function itself. The methodology is based on the conventional coupling matrix technique for filter design and has been validated by fabricating a microstrip prototype using hairpin resonators and a rectangular patch antenna

The Ellipse Law: Kirchhoff Meets Dislocations

In this paper we consider a nonlocal energy I \u3b1 whose kernel is obtained by adding to the Coulomb potential an anisotropic term weighted by a parameter \u3b1 08 R. The case \u3b1 = 0 corresponds to purely logarithmic interactions, minimised by the circle law; \u3b1 = 1 corresponds to the energy of interacting dislocations, minimised by the semi-circle law. We show that for \u3b1 08 (0 , 1) the minimiser is the normalised characteristic function of the domain enclosed by the ellipse of semi-axes 1-\u3b1 and 1+\u3b1. This result is one of the very few examples where the minimiser of a nonlocal anisotropic energy is explicitly computed. For the proof we borrow techniques from fluid dynamics, in particular those related to Kirchhoff\u2019s celebrated result that domains enclosed by ellipses are rotating vortex patches, called Kirchhoff ellipses

The ellipse law: Kirchhoff meets dislocations

In this paper we consider a nonlocal energyIαwhose kernel is obtained by addingto the Coulomb potential an anisotropic term weighted by a parameterα∈R. The caseα= 0corresponds to purely logarithmic interactions, minimised by the circle law;α= 1 correspondsto the energy of interacting dislocations, minimised by the semi-circle law. We show that forα∈(0,1) the minimiser is the normalised characteristic function of the domain enclosed bytheellipseof semi-axes√1−αand√1 +α. This result is one of the very few examples wherethe minimiser of a nonlocal anisotropic energy is explicitly computed. For the proof we borrowtechniques from fluid dynamics, in particular those related to Kirchhoff’s celebrated result thatdomains enclosed by ellipses are rotating vortex patches, calledKirchhoff ellipses

Datos imprecisos y mapas de distribución: el ejemplo de Phylan semicostatus Mulsant y Rey, 1854 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) en la Serra de Tramuntana (Mallorca, Mediterráneo occidental)

Distribution maps are key tools for environmental management and biogeographic analyses. However, success in predicting spatial distribution is limited when using noisy presence/absence data sets. Both false absences and presences can be related with local departures from equilibrium (for example, temporary extinctions or unsuccessful colonisations). Moreover, false absences can arise from limited sampling effort. Here we explore an analytical strategy to get additional information on the presence/absence pattern of one target species from the presence/absence of all other species in the community. The logic is simple: the target species should display higher probability of presence at a site if a sample from this site is faunistically very close to the samples from other sites where the species occurs. Therefore, we first model presence/absence of the target species as a function of between-sample faunistic similarity. Second, the observed data for the target species are readjusted as a function of the expected probability of presence: current presences at sites with extreme low probability of presence are interpreted as unstable presences, and are recoded as absences. Seemingly, absences at sites with high probability of presence are interpreted as false absences, and are recoded as presences. In the experimental case presented herein, the recoding procedure is based on the presence/absence of 174 species, covering a broad taxonomic scope (snails, beetles, spiders and isopods). 1 km2 distribution maps of presence/absence of the endemic beetle Phylan semicostatus were modelled from these recoded data. Mapping is done using GARP based on four environmental explanatory variables. These maps seem to be more stable and less prone to fail in predicting presence than those derived directly from the observed data.Los mapas de distribución son herramientas clave para la gestión medioambiental y los análisis biogeográficos. Pero el éxito en las predicciones de distribución espacial es limitado cuando se dispone de datos imprecisos de la presencia/ausencia. Tanto falsas ausencias como falsas presencias pueden estar relacionadas con desviaciones locales del equilibrio (por ejemplo, extinciones temporales o colonizaciones no exitosas). Además, las falsas ausencias pueden surgir de un esfuerzo de muestreo limitado. Aquí se explora una estrategia analítica para obtener información adicional sobre el patron de presencia/ausencia de una especie diana a partir de la presencia/ausencia de otras especies en la comunidad. La logica es simple: la especie diana debería tener una mayor probabilidad de presencia en un punto si una muestra de este punto es faunísticamente muy similar a las muestras de otros puntos donde la especie ha sido detectada. Por tanto, primeros se modela la presencia/ausencia de la especie diana en función de la similaridad faunística entre puntos. En segundo lugar, los datos observados para la especie diana son reajustados en función de la probabilidad esperada de presencia: las presencias observadas en puntos con probabilidad de presencia muy baja son interpretadas como presencias inestables, y recodificadas como ausencias. De manera similar, las ausencias en puntos con probabilidad de presencia muy elevada son interpretadas como falsas ausencias, y recodificadas como presencias. En el caso experimental estudiado, el procedimiento de recodificación esta basado en los datos de presencia/ausencia de 174 especies, abarcando un abanico taxonómico muy amplio (caracoles terrestres, coleópteros, arañas e isópodos). El mapa de distribución de celdas de 1 km2 del coleóptero endémico Phylan semicostatus es modelado a partir de estos datos. El mapa de distribución es elaborado a partir de cuatro variables medioambientales, usando una estrategia analítica basada en algoritmos genéticos (GARP). Los mapas obtenidos con los datos recodificados parecen ser mas estables y menos susceptibles de fallar en sus predicciones que los mapas elaborados directamente con los datos originales

Correlated response in litter size components in rabbits selected for litter size variability

[EN] A divergent selection experiment for the environmental variability of litter size (Ve) over seven generations was carried out in rabbits at the University Miguel Hernandez of Elche. The Ve was estimated as the phenotypic variance within the female, after correcting for year-season and parity-lactation status. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlated responses to selection in litter size components. The ovulation rate (OR) and number of implanted embryos (IE) in females were measured by laparoscopy at 12 day of the second gestation. At the end of the second gestation, the total number of kits born was measured (TB). Embryonic (ES), foetal (FS) and prenatal (PS) survival were computed as IE/OR, TB/IE and TB/OR, respectively. A total of 405 laparoscopies were performed. Data were analysed using Bayesian methodology. The correlated response to selection for litter size environmental variability in terms of the litter size components was estimated as either genetic trends, estimated by computing the average estimated breeding values for each generation and each line, or the phenotypic differences between lines. The OR was similar in both lines. However, after seven generations of selection, the homogenous line showed more IE (1.09 embryos for genetic means and 1.23 embryos for phenotypic means) and higher ES than the heterogeneous one (0.07 for genetic means and 0.08 for phenotypic means). The probability of the phenotypic differences between lines being higher than zero (p) was 1.00 and .99, respectively. A higher uterine overcrowding of embryos in the homogeneous line did not penalize FS; as a result, this line continued to show a greater TB (1.01 kits for genetic means and 1.30 kits for phenotypic means, p=.99, in the seventh generation). In conclusion, a decrease in litter size variability showed a favourable effect on ES and led to a higher litter size at birth.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), Grant/Award Number: AGL2011-29831-C03-02, AGL2014-55921-C2-2-P; Babel project from the Erasmus Mundus programmeArgente, MJ.; Calle, EW.; Garcia, ML.; Blasco Mateu, A. (2017). Correlated response in litter size components in rabbits selected for litter size variability. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 134(6):505-511. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.12283S505511134

Effectiveness of a program of physical activity in people with serious mental disorder

En el presente estudio se analiza el impacto que ha tenido un Programa de actividad física y deporte en un grupo de 28 personas con Trastorno Mental Grave (TMG). Se realizó una evaluación antes del comienzo del Programa y otra a los cuatro meses, tomando medidas antropométricas, de capacidad física funcional, equilibrio y coordinación, así como del funcionamiento social y las actividades de la vida cotidiana. Los resultados mostraron mejorías estadísticamente significativas en aquellas personas que asistieron a más del 50% de las sesiones en todas las variables antropométricas, y de condición física funcional y cualidades motrices, así como en la Escala de Funcionamiento Personal y Social (PSP).Por otro lado, la asistencia al programa fue alta, manteniéndose en el mismo el 80% de las personas que lo iniciaron. Se discute la relevancia de los resultados y la necesidad de implantar este tipo de intervenciones en el TMGIn this paper the effectiveness of a physical activity and sport program is analyzed in a group of 28 people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI). An assessment was made before the start of the program and again after four months, measuring anthropometric variables, physical functional ability, balance and coordination, and social functioning and activities of daily life. The results showed statistically significant improvements in those who attended more than 50% of the sessions in all anthropometric variables, and functional fitness and motor skills, as well as the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP). Moreover, assistance to the program was high, keeping the same 80% of people who started it. The relevance of the results and the need to implement such interventions in the SMI is discusse

Analysis of ORF5 and Full-Length Genome Sequences of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Isolates of Genotypes 1 and 2 Retrieved Worldwide Provides Evidence that Recombination Is a Common Phenomenon and May Produce Mosaic Isolates

Recombination is currently recognized as a factor for high genetic diversity, but the frequency of such recombination events and the genome segments involved are not well known. In the present study, we initially focused on the detection of recombinant porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates by examining previously published data sets of ORF5 sequences (genotypes 1 and 2) obtained worldwide. We then examined full-length genome sequences in order to determine potential recombination breakpoints along the viral genome. For ORF5, 11 sets of genotype 1 sequences from different geographical areas, including 2 Asian, 1 American, and 7 European regions, and three sets of genotype 2, including sets from China, Mexico, and the United States, were analyzed separately. Potential recombination breakpoints were detected in 10/11 genotype 1 sets, including 9 cases in which the clustering of at least one isolate was different before and after the breakpoints. In genotype 2, potential breakpoints and different tree clustering of at least one strain before and after the breakpoint were observed in 2 out of 3 sets. The results indicated that most of the ORF5 data sets contained at least one recombinant sequence. When the full-length genome sequences were examined, both genotype 1 and 2 sets presented breakpoints (10 and 9, respectively), resulting in significantly different topologies before and after the breakpoints. Mosaic genomes were detected in genotype 1 sequences. These results may have significant implications for the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of PRRSV. IMPORTANCE PRRSV is one of the most important viruses affecting swine production worldwide, causing big economic losses and sanitary problems. One of the key questions on PRRSV arises from its genetic diversity, which is thought to have a direct impact on immunobiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and vaccine efficacy. One of the causes of this genetic diversity is recombination among strains. This study provides evidence that recombinant PRRSV isolates are common in most of the countries with significant swine production, especially PRRSV genotype 1. This observation has implications in the proper characterization of PRRSV strains, in the future development of phylogenetic studies, and in the development of new PRRSV control strategies. Moreover, the present paper emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and circumstances involved in the generation of genetic diversity of PRRSV