The field high-amplitude SX Phe variable BL Cam: results from a multisite photometric campaign. II. Evidence of a binary - possibly triple - system

Short-period high-amplitude pulsating stars of Population I ($\delta$ Sct stars) and II (SX Phe variables) exist in the lower part of the classical (Cepheid) instability strip. Most of them have very simple pulsational behaviours, only one or two radial modes being excited. Nevertheless, BL Cam is a unique object among them, being an extreme metal-deficient field high-amplitude SX Phe variable with a large number of frequencies. Based on a frequency analysis, a pulsational interpretation was previously given. aims heading (mandatory) We attempt to interpret the long-term behaviour of the residuals that were not taken into account in the previous Observed-Calculated (O-C) short-term analyses. methods heading (mandatory) An investigation of the O-C times has been carried out, using a data set based on the previous published times of light maxima, largely enriched by those obtained during an intensive multisite photometric campaign of BL Cam lasting several months. results heading (mandatory) In addition to a positive (161 $\pm$ 3) x 10$^{-9}$ yr$^{-1}$ secular relative increase in the main pulsation period of BL Cam, we detected in the O-C data short- (144.2 d) and long-term ($\sim$ 3400 d) variations, both incompatible with a scenario of stellar evolution. conclusions heading (mandatory) Interpreted as a light travel-time effect, the short-term O-C variation is indicative of a massive stellar component (0.46 to 1 M_{\sun}) with a short period orbit (144.2 d), within a distance of 0.7 AU from the primary. More observations are needed to confirm the long-term O-C variations: if they were also to be caused by a light travel-time effect, they could be interpreted in terms of a third component, in this case probably a brown dwarf star ($\geq$ 0.03 \ M_{\sun}), orbiting in $\sim$ 3400 d at a distance of 4.5 AU from the primary.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in A&

The astrometric Gaia-FUN-SSO observation campaign of 99 942 Apophis

Astrometric observations performed by the Gaia Follow-Up Network for Solar System Objects (Gaia-FUN-SSO) play a key role in ensuring that moving objects first detected by ESA's Gaia mission remain recoverable after their discovery. An observation campaign on the potentially hazardous asteroid (99 942) Apophis was conducted during the asteroid's latest period of visibility, from 12/21/2012 to 5/2/2013, to test the coordination and evaluate the overall performance of the Gaia-FUN-SSO . The 2732 high quality astrometric observations acquired during the Gaia-FUN-SSO campaign were reduced with the Platform for Reduction of Astronomical Images Automatically (PRAIA), using the USNO CCD Astrograph Catalogue 4 (UCAC4) as a reference. The astrometric reduction process and the precision of the newly obtained measurements are discussed. We compare the residuals of astrometric observations that we obtained using this reduction process to data sets that were individually reduced by observers and accepted by the Minor Planet Center. We obtained 2103 previously unpublished astrometric positions and provide these to the scientific community. Using these data we show that our reduction of this astrometric campaign with a reliable stellar catalog substantially improves the quality of the astrometric results. We present evidence that the new data will help to reduce the orbit uncertainty of Apophis during its close approach in 2029. We show that uncertainties due to geolocations of observing stations, as well as rounding of astrometric data can introduce an unnecessary degradation in the quality of the resulting astrometric positions. Finally, we discuss the impact of our campaign reduction on the recovery process of newly discovered asteroids.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&

Impacts of the olive fruit fly on the ‘Cyprus Local’ and ‘Gemlik’ olive cultivars

The objective of this study was to investigate damage rate and impact of Bactrocera oleae on olive oil quality on the ‘Cyprus Local’ and ‘Gemlik’ cultivars in Northern Cyprus. This study included 11 olive groves which were located in two different districts. A total of 11 olive groves from two separate cities (Güzelyurt and Girne) were selected during the maturity time where cvs, ‘Cyprus Local’ and ‘Gemlik’ are grown intensively. Two hundred and fifty fruits (25 fruits/10 trees) were randomly selected from each orchard and the damaged fruits were counted. These data were compared with the environmental conditions to determine relationships among the damage rates and environmental conditions.The results showed that the damage rate of olive fruit fly had a moderate correlation with the temperature, while the temperatures above 20°C were found to provoke the highest damage rate on both cultivars. Moreover, the results showed that cv. ‘Cyprus Local’ is more sensitive to olive fruit fly damage, especially at higher temperatures. An important result of the current work is that an increase in the damage rate raises the acidity ratio of the fruits and reduces the fruit quality

Depression but not anxiety is associated with iron deficiency anemia for patients with stage 2-4 CKD

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, often complicated by iron deficiency anemia (IDA), depression, and anxiety. While the impact of IDA on depression has been well-documented, its association with anxiety in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IDA and neuropsychiatric disorders, specifically depression and anxiety, in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD stages 2-4. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient nephrology clinic at Gazi University Hospital, enrolling 200 patients with stable CKD (stages 2-4). Depression and anxiety were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. Statistical analysis included comparisons of BDI and BAI scores between anemic and non-anemic groups, along with subgroup analysis of iron-treated anemic patients. Results: Anemia was present in 38% of patients, and anemic patients had significantly higher BDI scores (mean 13.4 vs. 9.0, p<0.001) than non-anemic patients, indicating a greater prevalence of depressive symptoms. No significant differences were found in BAI scores between the groups. However, anemic patients receiving iron supplementation had lower BDI and BAI scores compared to untreated anemic patients (p<0.001). Conclusions: IDA was associated with a higher prevalence of depression but not anxiety in non-dialysis CKD patients. Iron supplementation may help mitigate depressive symptoms in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to explore the full potential of iron therapy in managing mental health outcomes in CKD patients

Potential use of sewage sludge ash (SSA) as a cement replacement in precast concrete blocks

The present study explored the technological feasibility of re-using sewage sludge ash (SSA) as a Portland cement replacement in commercially manufactured pre cast concrete blocks. The blocks analysed were made to the guidelines laid down in Spain s National Plan for Waste Water Treatment Plant Sludge, 2001 2006, and European Union specifications (CE marking) for such products. Performance was compared in three families of blocks, with 0, 10 and 20% SSA. The findings proved that SSA is apt for pre cast concrete block manufacture and that, in addition to the economic and environmental benefits afforded, its use would improve certain of the properties of conventional block.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of the Environment under project A173/2007/304.4. The authors wish to thank Prefabricados Saval Hermanos, S. L. for the use of their pre cast concrete plant facilities to manufacture the blocks analysed in this study.Pérez-Carrión, M.; Baeza-Brotons, F.; Paya Bernabeu, JJ.; Saval, J.; Zornoza Gómez, EM.; Borrachero Rosado, MV.; Garcés, P. (2014). Potential use of sewage sludge ash (SSA) as a cement replacement in precast concrete blocks. Materiales de Construcción. 64(313):2-11. https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2014.06312S21164313Inci, I., Schuurmans, M. M., Kestenholz, P., Schneiter, D., Hillinger, S., Opitz, I., … Weder, W. (2012). Long-term outcomes of bilateral lobar lung transplantation. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 43(6), 1220-1225. doi:10.1093/ejcts/ezs541Artemiou, O., Wieselthaler, G., Zuckermann, A., Wisser, W., Wekerle, T., Senbaklavaci, O., … Klepetko, W. (1997). Downsizing of the donor lung: Peripheral segmental resections and lobar transplantation. Transplantation Proceedings, 29(7), 2899-2900. doi:10.1016/s0041-1345(97)00722-7Aigner, C. (2004). Lobar transplantation, split lung transplantation and peripheral segmental resection – reliable procedures for downsizing donor lungs. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 25(2), 179-183. doi:10.1016/j.ejcts.2003.11.009Bisson, A., Bonnette, P., El Kadi, N. B., Leroy, M., & Colchen, A. (1994). Bilateral pulmonary lobe transplantation: Left lower and right middle and lower lobes. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 57(1), 219-221. doi:10.1016/0003-4975(94)90405-7Couetil, J.-P. A., Tolan, M. J., Loulmet, D. F., Guinvarch, A., Chevalier, P. G., Achkar, A., … Carpentier, A. F. (1997). Pulmonary bipartitioning and lobar transplantation: A new approach to donor organ shortage. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 113(3), 529-537. doi:10.1016/s0022-5223(97)70366-0Aigner, C., Winkler, G., Jaksch, P., Ankersmit, J., Marta, G., Taghavi, S., … Klepetko, W. (2004). Size-reduced lung transplantation: An advanced operative strategy to alleviate donor organ shortage. Transplantation Proceedings, 36(9), 2801-2805. doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.09.066Hardy, J. D., Webb, W. R., Dalton, M. L., & Walker, G. R. (1963). Lung Homotransplantation in Man. JAMA, 186(12). doi:10.1001/jama.1963.63710120001010(1986). Unilateral Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 314(18), 1140-1145. doi:10.1056/nejm1986050131418029. Helvaci A, Meydan B, Akin O, et al. Silikozis tanisiyla yapilan tek tarafli akciğer nakli: Türkiye'deki ilk başarili akciğer nakli olgusu. Türk Göğüs Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Dergisi. 2011;19:455-462.Oto, T., Date, H., Hayama, M., Ando, A., & Shimizu, N. (2005). Peripheral Lung Volume Reduction Improved Early Graft Function in Severe Size Mismatched Living Donor Lobar Lung Transplantation. Transplantation Proceedings, 37(10), 4515-4521. doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2005.10.11911. Bowdish ME, Barr ML. Living lobar lung transplant. In: Lynch III JP, Ross JD, eds. Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis; 2006:255-267

Boron and Lithium in Calcium Sulfate Veins: Tracking Precipitation of Diagenetic Materials in Vera Rubin Ridge, Gale Crater

The NASA Curiosity rover’s ChemCam instrument suite has detected boron in calcium‐sulfate‐filled fractures throughout the sedimentary strata of Gale crater including Vera Rubin ridge (VRR). The presence of elevated B concentration provides insights into Martian subsurface aqueous processes. In this study we extend the dataset of B in Ca‐sulfate veins across Gale crater, comparing the detection frequency and relative abundances with Li. We report 33 new detections of B within veins analyzed between sols 1548 and 2311 where detections increase in Pettegrove Point and Jura members, which form VRR. The presence of B and Li in the Ca‐sulfate veins is possibly due to dissolution of pre‐existing B in clays of the bedrock by acids or neutral water and redistribution of the elements into the veins. Elevated frequency of B detection in veins of Gale crater correlate with presence of dehydration features such as desiccation cracks, altered clay minerals and detections of evaporites such as Mg‐sulfates, chloride salts in the host rocks. The increased observations of B also coincide with decreased Li concentration in the veins (average Li concentration of veins drops by ~15 ppm). Boron and Li have varying solubilities and Li does not form salts as readily upon dehydration as B, causing it to remain in the solution. So, the weak negative correlation between B and Li may reflect the crystallization sequence during dehydration on Vera Rubin ridge

Late Byzantine Mineral Soda High Alumina Glasses from Asia Minor: A New Primary Glass Production Group

The chemical characterisation of archaeological glass allows the discrimination between different glass groups and the identification of raw materials and technological traditions of their production. Several lines of evidence point towards the large-scale production of first millennium CE glass in a limited number of glass making factories from a mixture of Egyptian mineral soda and a locally available silica source. Fundamental changes in the manufacturing processes occurred from the eight/ninth century CE onwards, when Egyptian mineral soda was gradually replaced by soda-rich plant ash in Egypt as well as the Islamic Middle East. In order to elucidate the supply and consumption of glass during this transitional period, 31 glass samples from the assemblage found at Pergamon (Turkey) that date to the fourth to fourteenth centuries CE were analysed by electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) and by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The statistical evaluation of the data revealed that the Byzantine glasses from Pergamon represent at least three different glass production technologies, one of which had not previously been recognised in the glass making traditions of the Mediterranean. While the chemical characteristics of the late antique and early medieval fragments confirm the current model of glass production and distribution at the time, the elemental make-up of the majority of the eighth- to fourteenth-century glasses from Pergamon indicate the existence of a late Byzantine glass type that is characterised by high alumina levels. Judging from the trace element patterns and elevated boron and lithium concentrations, these glasses were produced with a mineral soda different to the Egyptian natron from the Wadi Natrun, suggesting a possible regional Byzantine primary glass production in Asia Minor

Resting-state electroencephalographic rhythms depend on sex in patients with dementia due to Parkinson\u27s and Lewy Body diseases: An exploratory study

\ua9 2025 The Authors. Parkinson\u27s disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are more prevalent in males than females. Furthermore, they typically showed abnormally high delta (< 4 Hz) and low alpha (8–10 Hz) rhythms from resting-state electroencephalographic (rsEEG) activity. Here, we hypothesized that those abnormalities may depend on the patient\u27s sex. An international database provided clinical-demographic-rsEEG datasets for cognitively unimpaired older (Healthy; N = 49; 24 females), PDD (N = 39; 13 females), and DLB (N = 38; 15 females) participants. Each group was stratified into matched female and male subgroups. The rsEEG rhythms were investigated across the individual rsEEG delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands based on the individual alpha frequency peak. The eLORETA freeware was used to estimate cortical rsEEG sources. In the Healthy group, widespread rsEEG alpha source activities were greater in the females than in the males. In the PDD group, widespread rsEEG delta source activities were lower and widespread rsEEG alpha source activities were greater in the females than in the males. In the DLB group, central-parietal rsEEG delta source activities were lower, and posterior rsEEG alpha source activities were greater in the females than in the males. These results suggest sex-dependent hormonal modulation of neuroprotective-compensatory neurophysiological mechanisms in PDD and DLB patients underlying the generation of rsEEG delta and alpha rhythms, which should be considered in the treatment of vigilance dysregulation in those patients

Geographical variation in therapy for bloodstream infections due to multidrug-resistant enterobacteriaceae: a post hoc analysis of the INCREMENT study

We aimed to describe regional differences in therapy for bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by extended-spectrum ?-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). 1,482 patients in 12 countries were included from an observational study of BSI caused by ESBL-E or CPE. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the influence of country of recruitment on empirical use of ?-lactam/?-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLI) or carbapenems, targeted use of BLBLI for ESBL-E and use of targeted combination therapy for CPE. The use of BLBLI for empirical therapy was least likely in sites from Israel (aOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.81), Greece (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.94) and Canada (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.88) but more likely in Italy (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.11-2.2) and Turkey (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.14-3.81), compared to Spain as a reference. Empirical carbapenems were more likely to be used in sites from Taiwan (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.03-2.92) and USA (aOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.05-3.39), and less likely in Italy (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.69) and Canada (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.74). Targeted BLBLI for ESBL-E was more likely in sites from Italy. Treatment at sites within Israel, Taiwan, Turkey and Brazil was associated with less combination therapy for CPE. Although this study does not provide precise data on the relative prevalence of ESBL-E or CPE, significant variation in therapy exists across countries even after adjustment for patient factors. A better understanding of what influences therapeutic choices for these infections will aid antimicrobial stewardship efforts.PH is supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award from the University of Queensland. The study was funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III - co-financed by European Development Regional Fund "A way to achieve Europe" ERDF, Spanish Network for the Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD12/0015). BGG, JRB, APH and YC also received funds from the COMBACTE-CARE project (grant agreement 115620), Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) and in-kind contributions from EFPIA companies