Self-similarity and universality of void density profiles in simulation and SDSS data

The stacked density profile of cosmic voids in the galaxy distribution provides an important tool for the use of voids for precision cosmology. We study the density profiles of voids identified using the ZOBOV watershed transform algorithm in realistic mock luminous red galaxy (LRG) catalogues from the Jubilee simulation, as well as in void catalogues constructed from the SDSS LRG and Main Galaxy samples. We compare different methods for reconstructing density profiles scaled by the void radius and show that the most commonly used method based on counts in shells and simple averaging is statistically flawed as it underestimates the density in void interiors. We provide two alternative methods that do not suffer from this effect; one based on Voronoi tessellations is also easily able to account from artefacts due to finite survey boundaries and so is more suitable when comparing simulation data to observation. Using this method, we show that the most robust voids in simulation are exactly self-similar, meaning that their average rescaled profile does not depend on the void size. Within the range of our simulation, we also find no redshift dependence of the mean profile. Comparison of the profiles obtained from simulated and real voids shows an excellent match. The mean profiles of real voids also show a universal behaviour over a wide range of galaxy luminosities, number densities and redshifts. This points to a fundamental property of the voids found by the watershed algorithm, which can be exploited in future studies of voids

Reconstruction of primary vertices at the ATLAS experiment in Run 1 proton–proton collisions at the LHC

This paper presents the method and performance of primary vertex reconstruction in proton–proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS experiment during Run 1 of the LHC. The studies presented focus on data taken during 2012 at a centre-of-mass energy of √s=8 TeV. The performance has been measured as a function of the number of interactions per bunch crossing over a wide range, from one to seventy. The measurement of the position and size of the luminous region and its use as a constraint to improve the primary vertex resolution are discussed. A longitudinal vertex position resolution of about 30μm is achieved for events with high multiplicity of reconstructed tracks. The transverse position resolution is better than 20μm and is dominated by the precision on the size of the luminous region. An analytical model is proposed to describe the primary vertex reconstruction efficiency as a function of the number of interactions per bunch crossing and of the longitudinal size of the luminous region. Agreement between the data and the predictions of this model is better than 3% up to seventy interactions per bunch crossing

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Análisis sedimentológico de depósitos lavustres y eólicos del cretácico tardío en la localidad Paso Córdoba, Cuencua Neuquina

Fil: Paz, Maximiliano. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Baez, Alejandro D. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Pino, Diego A. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Yunes, Yamile S. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Garat, Luis M. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Ponce, Juan J. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Tunik, Maisa A. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología. Río Negro, Argentina.Fil: Ponce, Juan J. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFil: Tunik, Maisa A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Buenos Aires, ArgentinaLas sedimentitas cretácicas tardías de las Formaciones Anacleto y Allen expuestas en el área de Paso Córdoba, representan depósitos lacustres y eólicos. Los sistemas lacustres muestran sucesiones de centro de lago (offshore) y zonas marginales (shoreface), con facies deltaicas asociadas. Los depósitos de offshore conforman cuerpos tabulares de pelitas finamente laminadas con abundante contenido de micas, materia orgánica y moldes de Corbicula. Las facies de shoreface muestran bancos tabulares de areniscas finas bioturbadas por organismos suspensívoros (Skolithos, Arenicolites) y trazas ornamentadas (Spongeliomorpha), y de manera subordinada bancos tabulares con abundantes concentraciones de bioclastos acumulados durante eventos de tormenta. Los sistemas deltaicos muestran el típico arreglo grano creciente, generado por la progradación de areniscas finas a medias correspondientes a un frente deltaico, bioturbadas con Skolithos y Arenicolites, sobre depósitos heterolíticos de prodelta. Los sistemas eólicos muestran depósitos de dunas e interdunas secas y húmedas. Los sistemas de dunas, están compuestos por sets de hasta 10 m de espesor integrados por areniscas medianas a finas con estratificación entrecruzada planar y tangencial de gran escala, que lateralmente pasan a areniscas con estratificación paralela y laminación ondulítica asimétrica, correspondientes a depósitos de interdunas secas, con trazas de vertebrados y rizolitos. Las interdunas húmedas conforman cuerpos lenticulares de escasa extensión y poco espesor, integrados por heterolitas bioturbadas por Taenidium, Skolithos, Arenicolites, trazas de vertebrados y rizolitos. En su conjunto la sección analizada muestra una progresiva aridización desde la base al techo, reflejada por sistemas lacustres con icnofacies de Scoyenia y Skolithos de la Formación Anacleto, que pasan en transición a sistemas de interduna húmeda con icnofacies de Scoyenia y Skolithos, y a dunas e interduna seca con icnofacies de Entradichnus, de la Formación Allen

Sedimentological analysis of lacustrine and eolian deposits of the Late Cretaceous in the Paso Córdoba area, Neuquén Basin

Las sedimentitas cretácicas tardías de las Formaciones Anacleto y Allen expuestas en el área de Paso Córdoba, representan depósitos lacustres y eólicos. Los sistemas lacustres muestran sucesiones de centro de lago (offshore) y zonas marginales (shoreface), con facies deltaicas asociadas. Los depósitos de offshore conforman cuerpos tabulares de pelitas finamente laminadas con abundante contenido de micas, materia orgánica y moldes de Corbicula. Las facies de shoreface muestran bancos tabulares de areniscas finas bioturbadas por organismos suspensívoros (Skolithos, Arenicolites) y trazas ornamentadas (Spongeliomorpha), y de manera subordinada bancos tabulares con abundantes concentraciones de bioclastos acumulados durante eventos de tormenta. Los sistemas deltaicos muestran el típico arreglo grano creciente, generado por la progradación de areniscas finas a medias correspondientes a un frente deltaico, bioturbadas con Skolithos y Arenicolites, sobre depósitos heterolíticos de prodelta. Los sistemas eólicos muestran depósitos de dunas e interdunas secas y húmedas. Los sistemas de dunas, están compuestos por sets de hasta 10 m de espesor integrados por areniscas medianas a finas con estratificación entrecruzada planar y tangencial de gran escala, que lateralmente pasan a areniscas con estratificación paralela y laminación ondulítica asimétrica, correspondientes a depósitos de interdunas secas, con trazas de vertebrados y rizolitos. Las interdunas húmedas conforman cuerpos lenticulares de escasa extensión y poco espesor, integrados por heterolitas bioturbadas por Taenidium, Skolithos, Arenicolites, trazas de vertebrados y rizolitos. En su conjunto la sección analizada muestra una progresiva aridización desde la base al techo, reflejada por sistemas lacustres con icnofacies de Scoyenia y Skolithos de la Formación Anacleto, que pasan en transición a sistemas de interduna húmeda con icnofacies de Scoyenia y Skolithos, y a dunas e interduna seca con icnofacies de Entradichnus, de la Formación Allen.The Late Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Anacleto and Allen Formations in the area of Paso Córdoba comprise lacustrine and eolian deposits. Lacustrine systems are represented by offshore and shoreface deposits, with associated deltaic systems. Offshore deposits are composed of mudstones with abundant mica content, organic matter, and Corbicula molds. Shoreface facies shows tabular banks of fine-grained sandstones, bioturbated by suspension feeders (Skolithos, Arenicolites) and ornamented burrows (Spongeliomorpha), and subordinately tabular banks with high concentration of fragmented bioclasts produced by storm events. The deltaic systems shows the typical upward-coarsening arrangement, generated by the progradation of medium to fine-grained sandstones of the delta-front, bioturbated by Skolithos and Arenicolites, on the heterolitic deposits of the prodelta. Eolian deposits are represented by dunes and dry and wet interdunes. Dune systems are composed by sets up to 10 m thick, integrated by fine to medium-grained sandstones with large scale planar and tangential cross stratification, which laterally pass to dry interdune deposits with vertebrate traces and root marks. The wet interdune facies form lenticular bodies of small regional extension, composed by heterolitic facies bioturbated by Taenidium, Skolithos, Arenicolites, vertebrate traces and root marks. The analyzed section shows a marked aridity from base to top, where the lacustrine system with the Skolithos and Scoyenia ichnofacies (Anacleto Formation) passes transitionally into a wet interdune system with Skolithos and Scoyenia ichnofacies, and to dunes and dry interdunes with the Entradichnus ichnofacies (Allen Formation).Fil: Paz, Marcos Maximiliano. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Báez, Alejandro David. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Pino, Diego Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Yunes, Yamile S.. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; ArgentinaFil: Garat, Luis Marcial. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Ponce, Juan Jose. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Tunik, Maisa Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Sede Alto Valle. Instituto de Investigaciones en Paleobiología y Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentin

Front. Plant Sci.

The use of more salt stress-tolerant vine rootstocks can be a sustainable strategy for adapting traditional grapevine cultivars to future conditions. However, how the new M1 and M4 rootstocks perform against salinity compared to conventional ones, such as the 1103-Paulsen, had not been previously assessed under real field conditions. Therefore, a field trial was carried out in a young ‘Tempranillo’ (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard grafted onto all three rootstocks under a semi-arid and hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The vines were irrigated with two kinds of water: a non-saline Control with EC of 0.8 dS m(–1) and a Saline treatment with 3.5 dS m(–1). Then, various physiological parameters were assessed in the scion, and, additionally, gene expression was studied by high throughput sequencing in leaf and berry tissues. Plant water relations evidenced the osmotic effect of water quality, but not that of the rootstock. Accordingly, leaf-level gas exchange rates were also reduced in all three rootstocks, with M1 inducing significantly lower net photosynthesis rates than 1103-Paulsen. Nevertheless, the expression of groups of genes involved in photosynthesis and amino acid metabolism pathways were not significantly and differentially expressed. The irrigation with saline water significantly increased leaf chloride contents in the scion onto the M-rootstocks, but not onto the 1103P. The limitation for leaf Cl(–) and Na(+) accumulation on the scion was conferred by rootstock. Few processes were differentially regulated in the scion in response to the saline treatment, mainly, in the groups of genes involved in the flavonoids and phenylpropanoids metabolic pathways. However, these transcriptomic effects were not fully reflected in grape phenolic ripeness, with M4 being the only one that did not cause reductions in these compounds in response to salinity, and 1103-Paulsen having the highest overall concentrations. These results suggest that all three rootstocks confer short-term salinity tolerance to the scion. The lower transcriptomic changes and the lower accumulation of potentially phytotoxic ions in the scion grafted onto 1103-Paulsen compared to M-rootstocks point to the former being able to maintain this physiological response in the longer term. Further agronomic trials should be conducted to confirm these effects on vine physiology and transcriptomics in mature vineyards

Neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion - central and peripheral mechanisms

Abstract\ud \ud Review\ud The pain that commonly occurs after brachial plexus avulsion poses an additional burden on the quality of life of patients already impaired by motor, sensory and autonomic deficits. Evidence-based treatments for the pain associated with brachial plexus avulsion are scarce, thus frequently leaving the condition refractory to treatment with the standard methods used to manage neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathophysiology of brachial plexus avulsion. Available evidence indicates that besides primary nerve root injury, central lesions related to the abrupt disconnection of nerve roots from the spinal cord may play an important role in the genesis of neuropathic pain in these patients and may explain in part its refractoriness to treatment.\ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud The understanding of both central and peripheral mechanisms that contribute to the development of pain is of major importance in order to propose more effective treatments for brachial plexus avulsion-related pain. This review focuses on the current understanding about the occurrence of neuropathic pain in these patients and the role played by peripheral and central mechanisms that provides insights into its treatment.\ud \ud \ud Summary\ud Pain after brachial plexus avulsion involves both peripheral and central components; thereby it is characterized as a mixed (central and peripheral) neuropathic pain syndrome.Department of Neurology and by the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory of the Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paul