Natural selection on plant resistance to herbivores in the native and introduced range

. When plants are introduced into new regions, the absence of their co-evolved natural enemies can result in lower levels of attack. As a consequence of this reduction in enemy pressure, plant performance may increase and selection for resistance to enemies may decrease. In the present study, we compared leaf damage, plant size and leaf trichome density, as well as the direction and magnitude of selection on resistance and plant size between non-native (Spain) and native (Mexico) populations of Datura stramonium. This species was introduced to Spain about five centuries ago and constitutes an ideal system to test four predictions of the enemy release hypothesis. Compared with native populations, we expected Spanish populations of D. stramonium to have (i) lower levels of foliar damage; (ii) larger plant size; (iii) lower leaf trichome density that is unrelated to foliar damage by herbivores; and (iv) weak or no selection on resistance to herbivores but strong selection on plant size. Our results showed that, on average, plants from non-native populations were significantly less damaged by herbivores, were less pubescent and were larger than those from native populations. We also detected different selection regimes on resistance and plant size between the non-native and native ranges. Positive selection on plant size was detected in both ranges (though it was higher in the non-native area), but consistent positive selection on relative resistance was detected only in the native range. Overall, we suggest that changes in selection pressure on resistance and plant size in D. stramonium in Spain are a consequence of ‘release from natural enemies’

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Translation and Validation in University Students

El propósito de esta investigación ha sido traducir al español y analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de autoestima de Rosenberg (RSES) en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios. El análisis factorial confirmatorio confirmó que el modelo que mejor se ajusta a los datos tanto en la muestra total como en las submuestras de hombres y mujeres tiene una estructura unifactorial con efectos de método en los ítems formulados en positivo. Los resultados indican correlaciones positivas y fuertes entre la autoestima y cinco dimensiones del autoconcepto. Además, la escala ha mostrado niveles satisfactorios de consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal tras un periodo de cuatro semanas. Finalmente, se han obtenido diferencias de género significativas. Estos resultados apoyan el uso de la RSES para evaluar la autoestima en el contexto educativo universitario.The aim of this study was to translate into Spanish and to validate the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), completed by 420 university students. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the model that best fit the data, both in the total sample and in the male and female subsamples, was the one-factor structure with method effects associated with positively worded items. The results indicated high, positive correlations between self-esteem and the five dimensions of selfconcept. The scale showed satisfactory levels of internal consistency and temporal stability over a four-week period. Lastly, gender differences were obtained. These findings support the use of the RSES for the assessment of self-esteem in higher education

Propuesta de un modelo explicativo del bienestar psicológico en el contexto deportivo

El objetivo de este estudio fue poner a prueba un modelo teórico que explique el bienestar psicológico en el contexto del deporte. El modelo hipotetizó la influencia de la percepción del clima motivacional orientado a la tarea, la inteligencia emocional percibida, la orientación a la tarea y la motivación intrínseca sobre el bienestar psicológico. Los participantes fueron 399 deportistas españoles, 281 hombres y 118 mujeres. El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mostró que la inteligencia emocional percibida medió parcialmente la relación entre el clima motivacional orientado a la tarea y la orientación a la tarea, donde la orientación a la tarea influyó sobre la motivación intrínseca, y la motivación intrínseca sobre el bienestar psicológico. Además, la inteligencia emocional percibida influyó directamente sobre el bienestar psicológico. El modelo se mostró invariante respecto a la variable aficionados versus profesionales. Los resultados son discutidos en el marco de la teoría de la autodeterminación y la teoría de las metas de logroThe aim of this study was to test a theoretical model that would explain psychological well-being within the of sport. The model hypothesised the influence of the perceived task motivation climate, perceived emotional intelligence, task orientation and intrinsic motivation on psychological well-being. The participants were 399 Spanish athletes, 281 of whom were male and 118 female. Structural equation modelling showed that intelligence partially mediated the relationship between task motivational climate and task orientation, in which task orientation influenced intrinsic motivation and in turn, intrinsic motivation influenced psychological well-being. Furthermore, perceived emotional intelligence directly influenced psychological well-being. The model was invariant across two sport settings: amateur versus professional athletes. The findings are discussed within the framework of the selfdetermination and achievement goal theorie

Technological and infrastructure collaborative seismic research in Western Mexico

In February and March 2014, Spanish, Mexican and British scientists and technicians explored the western margin of Mexico, a region with a high occurrence of large earthquakes (> Mw = 7.5) and tsunami generation, on board the British Royal Research Ship James Cook. This successful joint cruise, named TSUJAL, was made possible thanks to a cooperative agreement between NERC and CSIC as part of the Ocean Facilities Exchange Group (OFEG), a major forum of European oceanographic institutions for the exchange of ship time, equipment and personnel. A dense geophysical data set was acquired using for the first time 6 km length seismic streamer facilities from Spain’s Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), usually operating in the Spanish RV Sarmiento de Gamboa, onboard the British RRS James Cook by solving all mechanical, electrical and electronic problems. The RRS James Cook in turn provides the seismic source and the acoustic, hullmounted echosounder operated by the British Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Multiscale seismic and echosounder images unravel the subduction geometry, nature of the crust, and evidence faults and mass wasting processes. The data are crucial to estimating fault seismic parameters, and these parameters are critical to carrying out seismic hazard in Mexico, especially when considering largemagnitude earthquakes (Mw 8.0), and to constrain tsunami models.Peer Reviewe

La evaluación del aprendizaje de estudiantes: validación española del Assessment Experience Questionnaire (AEQ)

El propósito de esta investigación fue traducir al español y analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Assessment Experiences Questionnaire (AEQ) ya que no se dispone de un cuestionario en español que evalúe la experiencia de evaluación del aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Los participantes fueron 329 estudiantes universitarios. Los resultados del análisis de correlaciones y de la regresión lineal múltiple apoyaron la validez predictiva. El análisis factorial confirmatorio confirmó la estructura de nueve factores. Además, la consistencia interna fue aceptable y la correlación test-retest fue moderada. En conclusión, los resultados apoyan preliminarmente el uso de la versión española del AEQ.The aim of this study was the translation of the Assessment Experiences Questionnaire (AEQ) into Spanish, and the analysis of its psychometric proper- ties. We carried out this study because there is no questionnaire in Spanish which evaluates the experience of learning assessment. Participants were 329 university students. Results of the correlation analysis and the multiple linear regression supported the predictive validity of the questionnaire. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the nine-factor structure. In addition, internal consistency was acceptable, and the testretest correlation was moderate. In conclusion, the results support the use of the Spanish version of the AEQ as an instrument to assess the students' perception of the experience of learning assessment

Induced scalarization in boson stars and scalar gravitational radiation

The dynamical evolution of boson stars in scalar-tensor theories of gravity is considered in the physical (Jordan) frame. We focus on the study of spontaneous and induced scalarization, for which we take as initial data configurations on the well-known S-branch of a single boson star in general relativity. We show that during the scalarization process a strong emission of scalar radiation occurs. The new stable configurations (S-branch) of a single boson star within a particular scalar-tensor theory are also presented.Comment: 18 pages, 11 figures. Minor changes to match the published versio

Perfiles de personalidad y síndromes clínicos en personas sin hogar

Abstract: Personality profiles and clinical syndromes in the homeless . The aims of this study were to analyze in a sample of homeless persons the prevalence of clinical personality patterns and clinical syndromes, to examine the relationship between the two, and to identify common personality profiles. Participants were 144 subjects, 35 women and 109 men, with a mean age of 42 years, all in a situation of chronic social exclusion, 67% were homeless for more than a year, and 33% more than three years. During the evaluation period they resided in a shelter for the homeless. Results showed that clinical personality patterns and clinical syndromes with higher prevalence, according to Millon’s model, were respectively: depressive, narcissistic and paranoid, as well as anxiety, drug dependence and thought disorder. In addition, cluster analysis classified subjects into two groups "narcissistic-adaptive" and "depressive-paranoid". These results suggest that treatment and health resources should be adapted based on psychiatric deterioration, considering the homeless as a heterogeneous group with different psychosocial needs.Resumen: Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: analizar la prevalencia de patrones clínicos de personalidad y de síndromes clínicos, examinar la relación entre ambos e identificar perfiles de personalidad comunes en una muestra de personas sin hogar. Los participantes fueron 144 sujetos, 35 mujeres y 109 hombres, con una media de edad de 42 años, todos ellos en una situación de exclusión social crónica, el 67% llevaba sin hogar un periodo de tiempo superior a un año, y el 33% más de tres años. Durante el periodo de evaluación residían en un albergue para personas sin hogar. Los resultados mostraron que los patrones clínicos de personalidad y los síndromes clínicos de mayor prevalencia, de acuerdo al modelo de Millon, fueron: depresivo, narcisista y paranoide, así como la ansiedad, la drogodependencia y el trastorno del pensamiento, respectivamente. Además, el análisis de cluster clasificó a los sujetos en dos grupos “narcisista-adaptativo” y “depresivo-paranoide”. Estos resultados sugieren que se deben adaptar los tratamientos y recursos sanitarios en función del deterioro psiquiátrico, considerando a las personas sin hogar como un colectivo heterogéneo con necesidades psicosociales diferentes

Quantitative proteomics analysis of lymph nodes from pigs infected by porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2) by 2-DE, 18O/16O labeling and linear ion trap mass spectrometry

Comunicaciones a congreso

An exploratory, large-scale study of pain and quality of life outcomes in cancer patients with moderate or severe pain, and variables predicting improvement

Background There have been few large-scale, real world studies in Spain to assess change in pain and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in cancer patients with moderate to severe pain. This study aimed to assess changes on both outcomes after 3 months of usual care and to investigate factors associated with change in QoL. Patients and methods Large, multi-centre, observational study in patients with lung, head and neck, colorectal or breast cancer experiencing a first episode of moderate to severe pain while attending one of the participating centres. QoL was assessed using the EuroQol-5D questionnaire and pain using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Instruments were administered at baseline and after 3 months of follow up. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of treatment factors, demographic and clinical variables, pain and other symptoms on QoL scores. Results 1711 patients were included for analysis. After 3 months of usual care, a significant improvement was observed in pain and QoL in all four cancer groups (p<0.001). Effect sizes were medium to large on the BPI and EQ-5D Index and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Improvements were seen on the majority of EQ-5D dimensions in all patient groups, though breast cancer patients showed the largest gains. Poorer baseline performance status (ECOG) and the presence of anxiety/depression were associated with significantly poorer QOL outcomes. Improvements in BPI pain scores were associated with improved QoL. Conclusion In the four cancer types studied, pain and QoL outcomes improved considerably after 3 months of usual care. Improvements in pain made a substantial contribution to QoL gains whilst the presence of anxiety and depression and poor baseline performance status significantly constrained improvementFinancial support for this research was provided by Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals S.L