The Calar Alto Lunar Occultation Program: Update and New Results

We present an update of the lunar occultation program which is routinely carried out in the near-IR at the Calar Alto Observatory. A total of 350 events were recorded since our last report (Fors et al. 2004, A&A, 419, 285). In the course of eight runs we have observed, among others, late-type giants, T-Tauri stars, and infrared sources. Noteworthy was a passage of the Moon close to the galactic center, which produced a large number of events during just a few hours in July 2004. Results include the determinations of the angular diameter of RZ Ari, and the projected separations and brightness ratios for one triple and 13 binary stars, almost all of which representing first time detections. Projected separations range from 0farcs09 to 0farcs007. We provide a quantitative analysis of the performance achieved in our observations in terms of angular resolution and sensitivity, which reach about 0farcs003 and K ≈8.5 mag, respectively. We also present a statistical discussion of our sample, and in particular of the frequency of detection of binaries among field stars

Telescope Fabra ROA Montsec: a new robotic wide-field Baker-Nunn facility

A Baker–Nunn Camera (BNC), originally installed at the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA) in 1958, was refurbished and robotized. The new facility, called Telescope Fabra ROA Montsec (TFRM), was installed at the Observatori Astronòmic del Montsec (OAdM). The process of refurbishment is described in detail. Most of the steps of the refurbishment project were accomplished by purchasing commercial components, which involve little posterior engineering assembling work. The TFRM is a 0.5 m aperture f/0.96 optically modified BNC, which offers a unique combination of instrumental specifications: fully robotic and remote operation, wide field of view (4°.4 × 4°.4), moderate limiting magnitude (V ∼ 19.5 mag), ability of tracking at arbitrary right ascension (α) and declination (δ) rates, as well as opening and closing CCD shutter at will during an exposure. Nearly all kinds of image survey programs can benefit from those specifications. Apart from other less time-consuming programs, since the beginning of science TFRM operations we have been conducting two specific and distinct surveys: super-Earths transiting around M-type dwarfs stars, and geostationary debris in the context of Space Situational Awareness/Space Surveillance and Tracking (SSA/SST) programs. Preliminary results for both cases will be shown

Guillain-Barré syndrome following the 2009 pandemic monovalent and seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination campaigns in Spain from 2009 to 2011: Outcomes from active surveillance by a neurologist network, and records from a country-wide hospital discharge database

Background: Studies have shown a slight excess risk in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) incidence associated with A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination campaign and seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine immunisations in 2009-2010. We aimed to assess the incidence of GBS as a potential adverse effect of A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination. Methods: A neurologist-led network, active at the neurology departments of ten general hospitals serving an adult population of 4.68 million, conducted GBS surveillance in Spain in 2009-2011. The network, established in 1996, carried out a retrospective and a prospective study to estimate monthly alarm thresholds in GBS incidence and tested them in 1998-1999 in a pilot study. Such incidence thresholds additionally to observation of GBS cases with immunisation antecedent in the 42 days prior to clinical onset were taken as alarm signals for 2009-2011, since November 2009 onwards. For purpose of surveillance, in 2009 we updated both the available centres and the populations served by the network. We also did a retrospective countrywide review of hospital-discharged patients having ICD-9-CM code 357.0 (acute infective polyneuritis) as their principal diagnosis from January 2009 to December 2011. Results: Among 141 confirmed of 148 notified cases of GBS or Miller-Fisher syndrome, Brighton 1-2 criteria in 96 %, not a single patient was identified with clinical onset during the 42-day time interval following A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination. In contrast, seven cases were seen during a similar period after seasonal campaigns. Monthly incidence figures did not, however, exceed the upper 95 % CI limit of expected incidence. A retrospective countrywide review of the registry of hospital-discharged patients having ICD-9-CM code 357.0 (acute infective polyneuritis) as their principal diagnosis did not suggest higher admission rates in critical months across the period December 2009-February 2010. Conclusions: Despite limited power and underlying reporting bias in 2010-2011, an increase in GBS incidence over background GBS, associated with A(H1N1)pdm09 monovalent or trivalent influenza immunisations, appears unlikely

UV-Casting on methacrylated PCL for the production of a peripheral nerve implant containing an array of porous aligned microchannels

Peripheral nerves are basic communication structures guiding motor and sensory information from the central nervous system to receptor units. Severed peripheral nerve injuries represent a large clinical problem with relevant challenges to successful synthetic nerve repair scaffolds as substitutes to autologous nerve grafting. Numerous studies reported the use of hollow tubes made of synthetic polymers sutured between severed nerve stumps to promote nerve regeneration while providing protection for external factors, such as scar tissue formation and inflammation. Few approaches have described the potential use of a lumen structure comprised of microchannels or microfibers to provide axon growth avoiding misdirection and fostering proper healing. Here, we report the use of a 3D porous microchannel-based structure made of a photocurable methacrylated polycaprolactone, whose mechanical properties are comparable to native nerves. The neuro-regenerative properties of the polymer were assessed in vitro, prior to the implantation of the 3D porous structure, in a 6-mm rat sciatic nerve gap injury. The manufactured implants were biocompatible and able to be resorbed by the host’s body at a suitable rate, allowing the complete healing of the nerve. The innovative design of the highly porous structure with the axon guiding microchannels, along with the observation of myelinated axons and Schwann cells in the in vivo tests, led to a significant progress towards the standardized use of synthetic 3D multichannel-based structures in peripheral nerve surgery

Calendario de vacunaciones de la Asociación Española de Pediatría: recomendaciones 2019

El Comité Asesor de Vacunas de la Asociación Española de Pediatría publica anualmente el calendario de vacunaciones que estima idóneo para los niños residentes en España, teniendo en cuenta la evidencia disponible. En cuanto a las vacunas financiadas, se recomienda emplear el esquema 2 + 1 (2, 4 y 11 meses) con vacunas hexavalentes (DTPa-VPI-Hib-HB) y con antineumocócica conjugada 13-valente. Se aconseja un refuerzo a los 6 años, preferentemente con DTPa, junto con una dosis de polio para aquellos que recibieron esquemas 2 + 1, así como vacunación con Tdpa en adolescentes y en cada embarazo, entre la semana 27 y la 32. Se emplearán esquemas de 2 dosis para triple vírica (12 meses y 3-4 años) y varicela (15 meses y 3-4 años). La segunda dosis se podría aplicar como vacuna tetravírica. Se recomienda vacunación sistemática universal frente al VPH, tanto a chicas como a chicos, preferentemente a los 12 años, debiéndose realizar un mayor esfuerzo para mejorar las coberturas. La nueva vacuna de 9 genotipos amplía la cobertura para ambos sexos. Se recomienda que la vacuna antimeningocócica conjugada tetravalente (MenACWY) se introduzca en el calendario financiado a los 12 meses y a los 12-14 años, aconsejándose un rescate hasta los 19 años. Igualmente, se recomienda en los mayores de 6 semanas de edad con factores de riesgo o que viajen a países de elevada incidencia de estos serogrupos. Respecto a las vacunas no financiadas, se recomienda la antimeningocócica B, con esquema 2 + 1, solicitando su entrada en el calendario. Es recomendable vacunar a todos los lactantes frente al rotavirus. The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics annually publishes the immunisation schedule considered optimal for children resident in Spain, according to available evidence on current vaccines. As regards funded immunisations, the 2 + 1 strategy (2, 4, 11 months) with hexavalent (DTPa-IPV-Hib-HB) and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccines are recommended. Administration of the 6-year booster dose with DTPa is recommended, with a poliomyelitis dose for children who had received the 2 + 1 scheme, as well as Tdap vaccine for adolescents and pregnant women in every pregnancy between 27 and 32 weeks gestation. The 2-dose scheme should be used for MMR (12 months and 3-4 years) and varicella (15 months and 3-4 years). MMRV vaccine could be applied as the second dose. Vaccination against HPV is recommended in both genders, preferably at 12 years of age. A stronger effort should be made to improve vaccination coverage. The new 9-valent vaccine is now available, expanding the coverage for both genders. Tetravalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is recommended at 12 months and 12-14 years, with a catch-up up at 19 years of age. It is also recommended in infants older than 6 weeks of age with risk factors, or travellers to countries with high incidence of ACWY meningococcal serogroups. As regards non-funded immunisations, it is recommended meningococcal B vaccination, with a 2 + 1 schedule, and requests that it be included in the National Immunisation Program. Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended in all infants

Model and Simulation Engines for Distributed Simulation of Discrete Event Systems

The construction of efficient distributed simulation engines for discrete event systems (DES) remains a challenge. The vast majority of simulations that are developed today are based on federation of modular sequential simulations. This paper proposes the steps to fill the gap from specifications based on Petri Nets to an efficient simulation of the net throughout a distributed application devoted to this purpose and exploiting the versatility of cloud infrastructures. The outcomes of the proposed DES distributed simulation are: (1) an adapted execution model of PN that is based in the generation and management of events related to the enabling and occurrence of transitions; (2) simple simulation engines for these adapted PN, each hosting a subset of transitions; (3) an scheme for deployment of a set of connected simulation engines; and (4) a simple mechanism for dynamic load balancing by merging/splitting the subsets of transitions hosted in simulation engines

Biodegradable DFADs: Current status and prospects

Until recently, dFAD structure, materials and designs have remained quite rudimentary and virtually the same since their discovery, characterized by the increase of the dimensions and prevailing heavy use of plastic components. Biodegradable materials are called to be an important part of the solution, as they can faster degrade in the environment, free of toxins and heavy metals, reducing their lifespan, and preventing them from accumulating in sensitive areas once they are abandoned, lost or discarded. During last decades, regulatory measures at tRFMOs have advanced in the gradual implementation of biodegradable materials in dFAD constructions together with other measures limiting the number of active dFADs and the use of netting materials. However, more clarity is needed starting with a standardised definition of biodegradable dFADs among tRFMOs, to provide operational guidance. Research with those natural and synthetic materials is required, along with updated data collection for monitoring standards, as well as alternative and complementary actions need to be explored to contribute to minimising dFAD adverse effects on environment. Acknowledging the current difficulties for the implementation of fully biodegradable dFADs a stepwise process towards the implementation of fully biodegradable dFADs should be considered.Postprin

Atlas de las flotas de pesca españolas de aguas europeas atlánticas

The European Commission has acknowledged the value of fleet-based management approaches since the 2001 Green Paper on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). In the 2009 Green Paper, this was again recognized as a key area of interest for future development of the CFP, in particular setting the technical basis for the recent Data Collection Framework (DCF), which specifies the standard for national fishery sampling programs within a pan-European context. These policy changes require deeper and up to date knowledge about European fleets and fisheries, thus encouraging Member States to undertake scientific projects in order to obtain appropriate fleet segmentations classifying their fishing activities within a hierarchical structure. The work presented in this book is the first comprehensive analysis of the Spanish fleets operating in Atlantic European waters, taking into account both European and national management requirements. This has been possible due to the availability of official logbooks, which provide the broadest perspective on the activity of Spanish fleets in the study area. The only exception to this is small scale fisheries, pursued mainly by vessels of less than 10 m of length and, therefore, not subject to the requirement of keeping logbooks. In order to match better European and Spanish fleet classifications, a new level (“Management Unit”) is proposed here, which is placed between “modalidad”, used in the Spanish regulations, and “métier”, as is defined by the recent DCF. Spanish national waters comprise four fishing grounds, two of which are in the European Atlantic. Nine Management Units have been identified in the Northern Spanish fishing ground: bottom otter trawl (OTB10), bottom pair trawl (PTB10), purse seine (PSN10), set long line (LLS10), set gillnet targeting hake (GNS11), set gillnet targeting anglerfish (GNS12), trolling (LTL11) and bait-boats (LHP11) targeting albacore, and hand line targeting mackerel (LHP12). Two Management Units have been identified in Southern Spanish waters: bottom otter trawl (OTB20) and purse seine (PSN20). In European waters outside Spain, six Management Units have been identified in non-Iberian waters: bottom otter trawl (OTB50), bottom pair trawl (PTB50), set long line (LLS50) and set gillnet (GNS50) by vessels of more than 100 GRT, and set long line (LLS60) and set gillnet (GNS60) by vessels of less than 100 GRT. Finally, one Management Unit using bottom otter trawl has been found to operate in Portuguese waters (OTB70). Unluckily, the analyses made on the logbooks of the Spanish fleet using drifting long line could not be used to categorize this fleet due to the geographical limitations of the logbooks available. After detailed analyses and categorization of the Management Units, the results obtained were used in an exercise to test the usefulness and feasibility of using logbook information to answer some DCF requirements. This revealed that logbooks are an essential tool to deal with bioeconomic challenges posed by the new CFP.Versión del edito