Characterizing SL2S galaxy groups using the Einstein radius

We analyzed the Einstein radius, $\theta_E$, in our sample of SL2S galaxy groups, and compared it with $R_A$ (the distance from the arcs to the center of the lens), using three different approaches: 1.- the velocity dispersion obtained from weak lensing assuming a Singular Isothermal Sphere profile ($\theta_{E,I}$), 2.- a strong lensing analytical method ($\theta_{E,II}$) combined with a velocity dispersion-concentration relation derived from numerical simulations designed to mimic our group sample, 3.- strong lensing modeling ($\theta_{E,III}$) of eleven groups (with four new models presented in this work) using HST and CFHT images. Finally, $R_A$ was analyzed as a function of redshift $z$ to investigate possible correlations with L, N, and the richness-to-luminosity ratio (N/L). We found a correlation between $\theta_{E}$ and $R_A$, but with large scatter. We estimate $\theta_{E,I}$ = (2.2 $\pm$ 0.9) + (0.7 $\pm$ 0.2)$R_A$, $\theta_{E,II}$ = (0.4 $\pm$ 1.5) + (1.1 $\pm$ 0.4)$R_A$, and $\theta_{E,III}$ = (0.4 $\pm$ 1.5) + (0.9 $\pm$ 0.3)$R_A$ for each method respectively. We found a weak evidence of anti-correlation between $R_A$ and $z$, with Log$R_A$ = (0.58$\pm$0.06) - (0.04$\pm$0.1)$z$, suggesting a possible evolution of the Einstein radius with $z$, as reported previously by other authors. Our results also show that $R_A$ is correlated with L and N (more luminous and richer groups have greater $R_A$), and a possible correlation between $R_A$ and the N/L ratio. Our analysis indicates that $R_A$ is correlated with $\theta_E$ in our sample, making $R_A$ useful to characterize properties like L and N (and possible N/L) in galaxy groups. Additionally, we present evidence suggesting that the Einstein radius evolves with $z$.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Typos correcte

Dengue Vector Dynamics (Aedes aegypti) Influenced by Climate and Social Factors in Ecuador: Implications for Targeted Control

Background Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is now the fastest spreading tropical disease globally. Previous studies indicate that climate and human behavior interact to influence dengue virus and vector (Aedes aegypti) population dynamics; however, the relative effects of these variables depends on local ecology and social context. We investigated the roles of climate and socio-ecological factors on Ae. aegypti population dynamics in Machala, a city in southern coastal Ecuador where dengue is hyper-endemic. Methods/Principal findings We studied two proximate urban localities where we monitored weekly Ae. aegypti oviposition activity (Nov. 2010-June 2011), conducted seasonal pupal surveys, and surveyed household to identify dengue risk factors. The results of this study provide evidence that Ae. aegypti population dynamics are influenced by social risk factors that vary by season and lagged climate variables that vary by locality. Best-fit models to predict the presence of Ae. aegypti pupae included parameters for household water storage practices, access to piped water, the number of households per property, condition of the house and patio, and knowledge and perceptions of dengue. Rainfall and minimum temperature were significant predictors of oviposition activity, although the effect of rainfall varied by locality due to differences in types of water storage containers. Conclusions These results indicate the potential to reduce the burden of dengue in this region by conducting focused vector control interventions that target high-risk households and containers in each season and by developing predictive models using climate and non-climate information. These findings provide the region's public health sector with key information for conducting time and location-specific vector control campaigns, and highlight the importance of local socio-ecological studies to understand dengue dynamics. See Text S1 for an executive summary in Spanish

Energetics and the magnetic state of Mn2 adsorbed on Au(111): Dimer bond distance dependence

"In this work we present a theoretical study of the adsorption Mn2 dimer on the Au(111) surface. Here we use the density functional theory to construct a map of adsorption energies, EA, of Mn2 on a Au(111) surface as a function of interatomic bond distance, , among Mn atoms. We employed a 4×4 supercell of Au(111) surface which lead us to reach values in the range from 2.6 to 6.8 Å. To make a full study of the adsorption energies we considered the antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) states of the Mn2 on the surface. The energy landscape contains local minima when the Mn atoms are adsorbed above triangular sites and barriers that the Mn adatoms have to overcome when they move across the Au(111) surface along various paths. Our results show that the lowest energy state corresponds to the state in which the Mn atoms are next-nearest neighbors and are antiferromagnetically coupled. Furthermore, all the local minima with higher bonding energy are also those in the antiferromagnetic state. Nevertheless we find a short interval in which the FM state has lower energy than the AFM one. Finally, scanning tunneling microscope simulations for various dimer configurations on surface are reported.

Automated detection of parenchymal changes of ischemic stroke in non-contrast computer tomography: a fuzzy approach

The detection of ischemic changes is a primary task in the interpretation of brain Computer Tomography (CT) of patients suffering from neurological disorders. Although CT can easily show these lesions, their interpretation may be difficult when the lesion is not easily recognizable. The gold standard for the detection of acute stroke is highly variable and depends on the experience of physicians. This research proposes a new method of automatic detection of parenchymal changes of ischemic stroke in Non-Contrast CT. The method identifies non-pathological cases (94 cases, 40 training, 54 test) based on the analysis of cerebral symmetry. Parenchymal changes in cases with abnormalities (20 cases) are detected by means of a contralateral analysis of brain regions. In order to facilitate the evaluation of abnormal regions, non-pathological tissues in Hounsfield Units were characterized using fuzzy logic techniques. Cases of non-pathological and stroke patients were used to discard/confirm abnormality with a sensitivity (TPR) of 91% and specificity (SPC) of 100%. Abnormal regions were evaluated and the presence of parenchymal changes was detected with a TPR of 96% and SPC of 100%. The presence of parenchymal changes of ischemic stroke was detected by the identification of tissues using fuzzy logic techniques. Because of abnormal regions are identified, the expert can prioritize the examination to a previously delimited region, decreasing the diagnostic time. The identification of tissues allows a better visualization of the region to be evaluated, helping to discard or confirm a stroke.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

First-principles study of electronic, vibrational, elastic, and magnetic properties of FeF 2 as a function of pressure

We report systematic ab initio calculations of the electronic band structure, phonon dispersion relation, and the structural characterization of FeF 2 in the rutile (P 4 2 /mnm) structure as well as in several high-pressure phases by means of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) + U approximation. Using the phonon dispersion relations, we calculated the Gibbs free energy and evaluated the phase transitions at 300 K, at which most experimental measurements are performed. Calculated Raman and infrared vibrational modes, lattice parameters, and electronic structure for all considered crystalline structures are compared with available experimental data. Our calculations show that at 5.33 GPa, the FeF 2 undergoes a second-order proper ferroelastic phase transition, rutile → CaCl 2 -type structure. This result is supported by the softening of the elastic shear module C s in the rutile phase, the softening (hardening) of the B 1g (A g ) Raman active mode in the rutile (CaCl 2 -type) structure near the transition pressure, and the decrease of the square of the spontaneous strain e ss from the CaCl 2 -type structure. This demonstrates that the rutile → CaCl 2 -type phase transition is driven by the coupling between the Raman active B 1g mode and shear modulus C s . At 8.22 GPa, the CaCl 2 -type structure undergoes a first-order phase transition to the P bca phase, a distorted fcc P a3 phase with a volume reduction of V ≈ 7%, as reported in experiments. Upon further increase of the pressure, the P bca phase transforms to a F mmm phase othorhombic center-type structure at ∼20.38 GPa, with V ≈ 2.5%. Finally, at 25.05 GPa, there is a phase transition to the orthorhombic cotunnite structure (P nma space group), with V ≈ 5.8%, which is stable up to 45 GPa, the largest considered pressure. The coordination number for the Fe ion in each phase is 6, 6, 6, 8, and 9 for rutile, CaCl 2 -type, P bca, F mmm, and cotunnite structures, respectively. The evolution of the band gap, phonon frequencies, and magnetic moment of Fe ion as a function of the applied pressure is reported for all studied phases. The exchange constants J 1 , J 2 , and J 3 , calculated for rutile and the lowest Gibbs free-energy high-pressure phases, are reported

Analysis of the Relationship between Lifestyle and Coffee Consumption Habits, from the Myth Approach, in the Municipalities of Orizaba, Tehuipango, and Zongolica Veracruz.

Coffee consumption habits have evolved along with society for more than 300 years around the world. Social changes imply different lifestyles in each culture. Lifestyles influence the myths used by people in their consumption decisions. The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between lifestyle and coffee consumption habits, from the perspective of myth, in the inhabitants of the Mexican municipalities of Orizaba, Tehuipango, and Zongolica. A survey was conducted with a sample of inhabitants of the three municipalities studied. The statistical analyzes applied were the central limit theorem, Pearson, and Chi-square. The results show that the variables Consumption habits-Lifestyle-Myth, are highly dependent on the level of perception of people. It is concluded that the coffee myth corresponds to the "family union" in the study municipalities. This myth is not characterized in the evolutionary stages contemplated in the "waves of coffee"

Transcriptome profiling of grapevine seedless segregants during berry development reveals candidate genes associated with berry weight

Indexación: Web of Science; PubMedBackground Berry size is considered as one of the main selection criteria in table grape breeding programs. However, this is a quantitative and polygenic trait, and its genetic determination is still poorly understood. Considering its economic importance, it is relevant to determine its genetic architecture and elucidate the mechanisms involved in its expression. To approach this issue, an RNA-Seq experiment based on Illumina platform was performed (14 libraries), including seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight at fruit setting (FST) and 6–8 mm berries (B68) phenological stages. Results A group of 526 differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified, by comparing seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight: 101 genes from the FST stage and 463 from the B68 stage. Also, we integrated differential expression, principal components analysis (PCA), correlations and network co-expression analyses to characterize the transcriptome profiling observed in segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight. After this, 68 DE genes were selected as candidate genes, and seven candidate genes were validated by real time-PCR, confirming their expression profiles. Conclusions We have carried out the first transcriptome analysis focused on table grape seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight. Our findings contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in berry weight determination. Also, this comparative transcriptome profiling revealed candidate genes for berry weight which could be evaluated as selection tools in table grape breeding programs.http://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-016-0789-

The burden of 14 hr-HPV genotypes in women attending routine cervical cancer screening in 20 states of Mexico: a cross-sectional study

In Mexico, HPV vaccines available immunize against genotypes 16/18 and 16/18/6/11; however, there is limited surveillance about carcinogenic subtypes in different states of the country that allow evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs. Here, we report the regional and age-specific prevalence of 14 hr-HPV genotypes as well as their prevalence in abnormal cytology (from ASCUS to cervical cancer) among Mexican women which were undergoing from cervical cancer screening in the Salud Digna clinics in 20 states of the country. This study includes women with social security from the majority of public health institutions (IMSS, ISSSTE, SEMAR, and PEMEX), and women without social security. For cervical cancer screening, we used the SurePath liquid-based cytology and the BD Onclarity HPV Assay. From December 1, 2016, to August 2, 2018, the hr-HPV prevalence among 60,135 women was 24.78%, the most prevalent types were HPV 16 (4.13%), HPV 31 (4.12%) and HPV 51 (3.39%), while HPV 18 (1.70%) was less prevalent among infected women. Interestingly, the genotypes not covered by current vaccines in Mexico were commonly found in precancerous lesions, evidencing their carcinogenic potential, so it is necessary to increase their surveillance and inclusion in cervical cancer screening triage.We gratefully acknowledge to Iromy Meza, Jessica Avitia, and Oswaldo Carrillo for their technical support in obtaining databases during this project. Also, we want to thanks the staff of the Salud Digna clinics and the National Reference Center of Salud Digna for their support during this work. This work was funding by Salud Digna