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Heat stress in hyper-prolific lactating sows is recognised as a factor reducing feed intake, milk production, and welfare, with significant losses in farm productivity. Individual capacities for body thermoregulation during environmental hyperthermia determine the adaptation of the animal during long and recurrent events. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy as a high-throughput method to identify markers of stress in plasma and milk collected from lactating sows under heat stress conditions fed with two levels of protein in the diet defined as low (16%) and standard (20%). The MIR spectra were analysed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis and validated using cross-validation. The results obtained indicated that MIR spectroscopy, in combination with chemometrics, was able to identify changes in the spectra associated with heat stress in wavenumbers corresponding with amide groups (proteins) (highest loadings observed in the regions between1065 and 1635 cm−1), lipids and unsaturated fatty acids (regions between 1746 and 3063 cm−1), lipo-polysaccharides (in 1247 cm−1) and carbohydrates (around the region1050 cm−1). These results also indicated that the information provided by these wavenumbers can be used as metabolic markers of the adaptation of the sows to hyperthermia. It was concluded that MIR spectroscopy is a rapid and inexpensive tool capable of detecting and evaluating the main biochemical changes of hyperthermia on lactating sows, facilitating the development of palliative management strategies such as dietary manipulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Monte Carlo simulation study on the charge distribution and structure of the electric double layer (EDL) that forms between two planar interfaces is presented, using a model electrolyte of monovalent hard-sphere ions and confining walls composed of two discrete and sign-alternating charge distributions. Symmetric and asymmetric plate-plate orientations, along with uncharged walls, are considered. Results are presented for effective wall-ion correlation functions and local integrated charge in the subvolumes defined by the charge domains on the plates. We report that, in the presence of multifaceted charged surfaces, the ions between the walls exhibit complex and rich behavior, with the formation of an EDL next to the charged domains of the interface, and having density profiles of counterions and coions that are established as function of the nature and configuration of the charged strips. These profiles present a structural frustration that renders the subvolumes with a net charge, in contrast to the null net charge from profiles next to a uniformly charged surface. Finally, with proper scaling, the integrated charge follows closely a master curve for each wall-wall configuration. Such phenomenology is visible in the regime of low and high surface charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) genomics has primarily been tackled by Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which have encountered troubles in identifying replicable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Endophenotypes have emerged as a promising avenue of study in trying to elucidate the genomic bases of complex traits such as OCD. We analyzed the association of SNPs across the whole genome with the construction of visuospatial information and executive performance through four neurocognitive variables assessed by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) in a sample of 133 OCD probands. Analyses were performed at SNP- and gene-level. No SNP reached genome-wide significance, although there was one SNP almost reaching significant association with copy organization (rs60360940; P = 9.98E-08). Suggestive signals were found for the four variables at both SNP- (P < 1E-05) and gene-levels (P < 1E-04). Most of the suggestive signals pointed to genes and genomic regions previously associated with neurological function and neuropsychological traits. Our main limitations were the sample size, which was limited to identify associated signals at a genome-wide level, and the composition of the sample, more representative of rather severe OCD cases than a population-based OCD sample with a broad severity spectrum. Our results suggest that studying neurocognitive variables in GWAS would be more informative on the genetic basis of OCD than the classical case/control GWAS, facilitating the genetic characterization of OCD and its different clinical profiles, the development of individualized treatment approaches, and the improvement of prognosis and treatment response. • Suggestive signals were found for visuospatial processing and recall. • The top signals pointed to the involvement of genes with a neurological role. • OCD GWAS on cognitive traits rather than case/control status might be more informative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the role of the horizontal temperature differences on the top and bottom, their combined effect, and their relation to the vertical temperature difference in the development of traditional or reversed funnel-shaped vortices in a rotating cylinder inhomogeneously cooled on the top and heated at the bottom. These thermal inhomogeneities on upper and lower levels are observed in the formation of atmospheric vortices. Our numerical results show that if the thermal inhomogeneity is stronger on the top, an axisymmetric traditional funnel-shaped tornado-like vortex with an inner updraft of warmer air is developed. On the contrary, if the thermal inhomogeneity is stronger at lower levels, an axisymmetric reversed funnel-shaped vortex develops with an inner downdraft of cooler air. When thermal inhomogeneities are equal at both levels, it is the grade of localization of the heating (at the bottom) or the cooling (at the top), which determines the formation of a V-vortex or an inverted V-vortex, respectively. We perform a force balance analysis to give a physical insight into the phenomena. The results evidence the relevance of the thermal conditions on the vortical structures developed, and they may contribute to the understanding of the morphology of atmospheric vortices, such as tornadoes or cold air funnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular cobaloxime-based heterogeneous systems have attracted great interest during the last decades in light-driven hydrogen production. Here, we present a novel cobaloxime-tethered periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) hybrid (Im-EtPMO-Co) prepared through the immobilization of a molecular cobaloxime complex on the imidazole groups present in ethylene-bridged PMO. The successful assembly of a molecular cobaloxime catalyst via cobalt-imidazole axial ligation has been evidenced by several techniques, such as 13C NMR, Raman spectroscopy, ICP-MS, and XPS. The catalytic performance of Im-EtPMO-Co catalyst was essayed on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under visible light in presence of a photosensitizer (Eosin Y) and an electron donor (TEOA). It showed an excellent hydrogen production of 95 mmol hydrogen at 2.5 h, which corresponded to a TON of 138. These results reflect an improved photocatalytic activity with respect to its homogenous counterpart [Co(dmgH)2(Im)Cl] as well as a previous cobaloxime-PMO system with pyridine axial ligation to the cobaloxime complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroscopic magnets can easily be manipulated and positioned so that interactions between themselves and with external fields induce interesting dynamics and equilibrium configurations. In this work, we use rotating magnets positioned in a line or at the vertices of a regular polygon. The rotation planes of the magnets can be modified at will. The rich structure of stable and unstable configurations is dictated by symmetry and the side of the polygon. We show that both symmetric solutions and their symmetry-breaking bifurcations can be explained with group theory. Our results suggest that the predicted magnetic textures should emerge at any length scale as long as the interaction is polar, and the system is endowed with the same symmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of executive dysfunctions. As organizational strategies may play an important role as a possible endophenotype of the disorder, we decided to investigate non-verbal memory and organizational abilities in OCD. We also investigated how organization and non-verbal memory differ between responder and non-responder patients to pharmacological treatment, to test whether cognitive functions can predict the response to pharmacological treatment.Methods: In Study 1, executive and clinical functioning measures were applied to 162 OCD and 95 controls. In Study 2, clinical, intelligence and executive functioning measures were applied to 72 OCD responders and 63 OCD non-responder patients.Results: OCD patients and controls from Study 1 differed in copy organization (p < 0.01) and delayed recall (p = 0.048). In Study 2, the OCD responders displayed better copy organization (p = 0.013) and lower depressive, anxious and OCD symptoms (p < 0.01 in the three cases). Scores in the following instruments were found to predict the response to pharmacological treatment: HDRS, Y-BOCS, Raven progressive matrices, and Direct digit subtest from the Wechsler's scale (p < 0.01 in all four cases).Limitations: In Study 1, the imbalance of the sample can be considered a limitation, whilst in Study 2, some of the levels of pharmacological resistance were not represented.Conclusions: In this study, non-verbal memory and organization was affected in OCD. Responder patients also displayed better executive functioning and fluid intelligence. Organizational ability is a predictor of pharmacological response to SSRI monotherapy in a predictive model controlling for anxious symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the main determinants of changes in subjective well-being over time in Germany distinguishing between long-term and short-term changes. Our findings for the long term indicate that social capital and values and cultural dimensions have the greatest capacity to predict changes in subjective well-being. Likewise, the correlation between economic resources and subjective well-being is weaker due to the small increase registered in household income and because people compare their income with those who are better off and feel envy. In the short term, economic resources have the highest capacity to predict both improvements (ups) and declines (downs) in subjective well-being. Finally, we also suggest that, whenever information is available, personality traits should be taken into account in the analysis of changes in subjective well-being over time in order to achieve more reliable estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new heterogeneous catalyst has been synthesized by immobilization of a copper complex on dipyridyl-pyridazine functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (dppz-vPMO). This ordered support was first prepared by a co-condensation reaction between vinyltriethoxysilane and 1,2-bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and further post-functionalized through a hetero Diels–Alder reaction with 3,6-di-2-pyridyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine. Techniques such as XRD, N2 isotherms, TEM, 13C NMR, XPS and DRIFT, among others, were employed to characterize the surface functionalized materials. These results have proven the ordered mesostructure of the materials as well as the presence of novel nitrogen-chelating heterocyclic compounds on the pore surface after the post-modification process. Additionally, the successful anchoring of a copper complex on the dipyridyl-pyridazine (dppz) ligands has been confirmed. The resulting material was evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst in the epoxidation of styrene using tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. Under the optimized reaction conditions, Cu@dppz-vPMO showed a high styrene conversion (86.0%) and a remarkable selectivity to styrene oxide (41.9%). Indeed, this catalyst provided excellent catalytic results in terms of stability, reaction rate, conversion and selectivity compared to other bipyridine-like copper catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the development of vortical structures generated in a rotating cylinder non-homogeneously cooled on the top. In the axisymmetric regime, for moderate vertical temperature differences and any rotation rate, cyclonic and anticyclonic rotations coexist in the flow: a counterclockwise motion at upper levels, giving place to a vertical top-down vortex, and a clockwise rotation at lower levels that generates a spin up motion. For lower rotation rates and high enough vertical temperature differences, only cyclonic top-down vortices survive and get stronger. We perform a force balance analysis to explain the phenomena. In the non-axisymmetric regime, no anticyclonic rotation at the bottom is reported and the cyclonic top-down vortex either disappears or splits up in two top-down vortices, depending on the ambient rotation rate. The intensity of the cooling on the top and how localized this cool region is affect the flow developed. When the horizontal temperature difference on the top is larger than the vertical temperature difference between top and bottom, stable axisymmetric top-down vortices with an inner updraft of warmer air are reported. The more localized the cooling above, the more difficult the development of the inner updraft becomes. Results may contribute to the understanding of the relevance of thermal processes in tornadogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a Monte Carlo simulation study on the charge distribution and structure of a shape- and size-asymmetric electric double layer around a spherical colloid. Specifically, the macroparticle is surrounded by a binary electrolyte composed of spherical and spherocylindrical ions, where the excluded volume of the spherocylinders is considerably larger than that of the electrolytic spheres. We have used spherocylinders of low aspect ratio (L s c / D s c = 0.5) , a sphere-spherocylinder ionic size asymmetry of D s p / D s c = 0.5 and a colloid-spherocylinder size asymmetry of D M / D s c ≈ 4.7. Results are presented for the local integrated charge and the colloid-ion radial distribution functions, considering several salt concentrations and charged states of the macroparticle. The conditions used here produce integrated charge profiles that are strongly oscillatory, with alternating layering regions of very large charge reversal and charge amplification (or overcharging), in a sequence that depends on the ionic identity of the spherocylinders. Such phenomenology is particularly visible in the regime of low colloidal charge, and it is mainly driven by the characteristics of the non-spherical ions and the size asymmetry between the ionic species. For weakly electrified macroions, the innermost region of anomalous charge has the largest amplitude and reaches absolute values of more than 15 times the native colloidal charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of cancer in the brain; its poor prognosis is often marked by reoccurrence due to resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide, which is triggered by an increase in the expression of DNA repair enzymes such as MGMT. The poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options led to studies targeted at understanding specific vulnerabilities of glioblastoma cells. Metabolic adaptations leading to increased synthesis of nucleotides by de novo biosynthesis pathways are emerging as key alterations driving glioblastoma growth. In this study, we show that enzymes necessary for the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidines, DHODH and UMPS, are elevated in high grade gliomas and in glioblastoma cell lines. We demonstrate that DHODH's activity is necessary to maintain ribosomal DNA transcription (rDNA). Pharmacological inhibition of DHODH with the specific inhibitors brequinar or ML390 effectively depleted the pool of pyrimidines in glioblastoma cells grown in vitro and in vivo and impaired rDNA transcription, leading to nucleolar stress. Nucleolar stress was visualized by the aberrant redistribution of the transcription factor UBF and the nucleolar organizer nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), as well as the stabilization of the transcription factor p53. Moreover, DHODH inhibition decreased the proliferation of glioblastoma cells, including temozolomide-resistant cells. Importantly, the addition of exogenous uridine, which reconstitutes the cellular pool of pyrimidine by the salvage pathway, to the culture media recovered the impaired rDNA transcription, nucleolar morphology, p53 levels, and proliferation of glioblastoma cells caused by the DHODH inhibitors. Our in vivo data indicate that while inhibition of DHODH caused a dramatic reduction in pyrimidines in tumor cells, it did not affect the overall pyrimidine levels in normal brain and liver tissues, suggesting that pyrimidine production by the salvage pathway may play an important role in maintaining these nucleotides in normal cells. Our study demonstrates that glioblastoma cells heavily rely on the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway to generate ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and thus, we identified an approach to inhibit ribosome production and consequently the proliferation of glioblastoma cells through the specific inhibition of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. Author summary: The current standard therapy for glioblastoma, the most malignant brain tumor, was established more than a decade ago and relies on a combination of surgery, radiation, and the DNA methylating agent temozolomide. Here, we report a new approach to target glioblastoma growth through the inhibition of the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidines, which preferentially limits ribosomal RNA (rRNA) production. Cancer cells have elevated rates of rRNA synthesis so that they can produce enough ribosomes to meet the demands for protein synthesis that are linked to increase cell growth and division. Therefore, targeting aberrant rRNA production by reducing nucleotide availability could provide an effective strategy to treat glioblastoma and, potentially, other tumor types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study numerically the effect of the variation of the vessel's radius on the distribution of flow velocity and temperature for four solvents with different dielectric properties, frequently used in organic chemistry: water, toluene, ethanol, and methanol, when they are irradiated with microwaves at 2.45 GHz. We use a multidimensional axisymmetric numerical model based on spectral element methods for solving heat and momentum equations coupled with Maxwell's equations. The varied dielectric behavior of the solvents results in a different behavior when the size of the vessel varies: from solvents for which the variation of the radius has little effect, as in the case of toluene due to its high penetration depth, to high absorbing solvents, with smaller penetration depth as ethanol, for which the effect of the radius is determinant for the distribution of the power absorption and, consequently, for the temperature and flow in the sample. Results are interesting as they provide a full description and understanding of the velocity and temperature distribution in the flow depending on the sample size and the dielectric properties of the solvents, becoming an important tool for prediction when parameters in the experiments are varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) drives the expression of genes involved in detoxification pathways in cells exposed to pollutants and other small molecules. Moreover, AHR supports transcriptional programs that promote ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis in cells stimulated to proliferate by the oncoprotein MYC. Thus, AHR is necessary for the proliferation of MYC-overexpressing cells. To define metabolic pathways in which AHR cooperates with MYC in supporting cell growth, here we used LC-MS-based metabolomics to examine the metabolome of MYC-expressing cells upon AHR knockdown. We found that AHR knockdown reduced lactate, S-lactoylglutathione, N-acetyl-L-alanine, 2-hydroxyglutarate, and UMP levels. Using our previously obtained RNA sequencing data, we found that AHR mediates the expression of theUMP-generating enzymes dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (quinone) (DHODH) and uridine monophosphate synthetase (UMPS), as well as lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), establishing a mechanism by which AHR regulates lactate and UMP production in MYC-overexpressing cells. AHR knockdown in glioblastoma cells also reduced the expression of LDHA (and lactate), DHODH, and UMPS but did not affect UMP levels, likely because of compensatory mechanisms in these cells. Our results indicate that AHR contributes to the regulation of metabolic pathways necessary for the proliferation of transformed cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MAX network transcriptional repressor (MNT) is an MXD family transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family. MNT dimerizes with another transcriptional regulator, MYC-associated factor X (MAX), and down-regulates genes by binding to E-boxes. MAX also dimerizes with MYC, an oncogenic bHLH transcription factor. Upon E-box binding, the MYC-MAX dimer activates gene expression. MNT also binds to the MAX dimerization protein MLX (MLX), and MNT-MLX and MNT-MAX dimers co-exist. However, all MNT functions have been attributed to MNT-MAX dimers, and no functions of the MNT-MLX dimer have been described. MNT's biological role has been linked to its function as a MYC oncogene modulator, but little is known about its regulation. We show here that MNT localizes to the nucleus of MAX-expressing cells and that MNT-MAX dimers bind and repress the MNT promoter, an effect that depends on one of the two E-boxes on this promoter. In MAX-deficient cells, MNT was overexpressed and redistributed to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, MNT was required for cell proliferation even in the absence of MAX. We show that in MAX-deficient cells, MNT binds to MLX, but also forms homodimers. RNA-sequencing experiments revealed that MNT regulates the expression of several genes even in the absence of MAX, with many of these genes being involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA repair. Of note, MNT-MNT homodimers regulated the transcription of some genes involved in cell proliferation. The tight regulation of MNT and its functionality even without MAX suggest a major role for MNT in cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of high pressure on the point of no return or the minimum time required for a kicker to respond to the goalkeeper's dive in a simulated penalty kick task. The goalkeeper moved to one side with different times available for the participants to direct the ball to the opposite side in low-pressure (acoustically isolated laboratory) and high-pressure situations (with a participative audience). One group of participants showed a significant lengthening of the point of no return under high pressure. With less time available, performance was at chance level. Unexpectedly, in a second group of participants, high pressure caused a qualitative change in which for short times available participants were inclined to aim in the direction of the goalkeeper's move. The distinct effects of high pressure are discussed within attentional control theory to reflect a decreasing efficiency of the goal-driven attentional system, slowing down performance, and a decreasing effectiveness in inhibiting stimulus-driven behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the presence of contents related to early infant feeding (API), breastfeeding (LM), in Primary Education textbooks. Our hypothesis is that we would find limited contents and misconceptions. The aim is i) to establish the presence or absence of contents related to health and mammals, included in the school curriculum: Health and living beings; ii) detect contents promoting or reinforcing misconceptions about API. Our purpose is to contribute with this research to a field that has been little explored in Science Education, despite its relevance. Actually, we have found a limited presence of proper school contents and, furthermore, a large amount of images containing misconceptions. So we have concluded that this analysed textbooks could promote the absence of learning and the misconceptions related to the early infant feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anterior cingulate and insular cortices are activated by extinction and reappraisal. • Activation in sensory and emotion processing regions is observed in fear extinction. • Cognitive reappraisal recruits the dorsal fronto-parietal network. • Reappraisal differences with extinction partially depend on the regulation strategy. Cognitive reappraisal and fear extinction learning represent two different approaches to emotion regulation. While their respective neural correlates have been widely studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), few direct comparisons between these processes have been conducted. We conducted a meta-analysis of fMRI studies of reappraisal and fear extinction, with the aim of examining both commonalities and differences in their neural correlates. We also conducted independent analyses that focused on specific reappraisal strategies (reinterpretation, distancing). Overall, we observed that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the bilateral anterior insular cortex (AIC) were similarly consistently engaged by reappraisal and extinction. Extinction was more consistently linked to activation of sensory and emotion processing regions, whereas reappraisal was more consistently associated with activation of a dorsal fronto-parietal network. Interestingly, the amygdala was preferentially deactivated by distancing. These results suggest that the dACC and the AIC are involved in domain-general regulatory networks. Differences between extinction and reappraisal could be explained by their relative processing demands on visual perceptual versus higher cognitive neural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Neuropathic pain is a complex disorder associated with emotional and cognitive deficits that may impair nociceptive manifestations. There is high inter-individual variability in the manifestations of human neuropathic pain, which largely depends on personality traits. We aim to identify the influence of different behavioral traits in the inter-individual vulnerability to neuropathic pain manifestations using behavioral, electrophysiological and genetic approaches. We first selected mice with extreme social and emotional traits and look for correlation with the spontaneous neuronal activity in the central amygdala. Neuropathic pain was induced to these mice to evaluate the influence of behavioral traits on nociceptive manifestations and gene expression profiles in the amygdala. Our results show an association of the spontaneous central amygdala neuronal activity with the sociability behavior. We demonstrate that low sociable, high anxious and low depressive phenotypes develop enhanced nociceptive hypersensitivity after nerve injury. However, greater emotional alterations and cognitive impairment are observed in high sociable, anxious-like and depressive-like mice, indicating that nociceptive, emotional and cognitive manifestations of neuropathic pain do not correlate with each other. Gene analyses identify high Pdyn and Il6 levels in the amygdala as indicative of enhanced nociceptive hypersensitivity and reveal an association between high Gadd45 expression and attenuated emotional and cognitive manifestations of neuropathic pain. Highlights • This article provides evidences of the influence of sociability, anxiety and depression traits on neuropathic pain. • It may help in the understanding of mechanisms that could explain the inter-individual variation of responses to neuropathic pain. • These findings could provide an additional step for the development of efficient personalized treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A utilization pathway for waste foundry sand (WFS) in thermal energy storage. • WFS blended with NaNO3 and clay to fabricate composite phase change materials. • Optimal composition yields an energy density of 628 ± 27 kJ/kg. • And a thermal conductivity of 1.38 W/mK over a 25–400 °C temperature range. • Potential for sustainable upcycling in medium-to-high temperature applications. Waste foundry sand (WFS) is a by-product of the casting industry, which poses increasing economic and environmental issues due to the costs associated with landfill maintenance and stricter environmental regulations. This study proposes a novel solution for WFS as a material for thermal energy storage. The approach involves blending WFS with NaNO 3 and a proprietary additive, X, to fabricate a composite phase change material (CPCM). The CPCM is found to be structurally stable up to 400 °C, and an optimal composition with a mass ratio of NaNO 3 :WFS:X = 0.6:0.3:0.1 is achieved. This composition yields an energy storage density of 628 ± 27 kJ/kg, and an average thermal conductivity of 1.38 W/mK over the temperature range of 25–400 °C. The CPCM also exhibits good mechanical strength and a low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to NaNO 3. Currently, only a small portion of WFS is recycled, most commonly in building applications. The CPCM presented in this study has the potential for medium-to-high temperature heat storage in waste heat recovery applications, offering a sustainable solution for upcycling WFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key phenomena in flat slab structures is their punching shear behaviour. The real importance of punching shear consists of a sudden brittle fracture, which can trigger catastrophic consequences for humans. This paper presents a nonlinear numerical model based on finite elements in order to study the punching shear phenomenon of reinforced slabs. The numerical model developed has been configured with hexahedral 3D elements for concrete and linear elements (2D truss) for steel reinforcements. Constitutive equations for concrete and steel include the nonlinearity of these materials. The slab has been simulated in ABAQUS software and the model has been calibrated in comparison to experimental results developed in the University of Waterloo by Adetifa and Polak, and some additional analytical results developed by Polak, in order to validate the model. The calibration has also been contrasted with some experimental results from ACI database for punching tests. Afterwards, a parametric analysis has been performed to study the influence of different geometric and mechanical parameters which define a classic slab-column structure. This discussion also addresses the adequacy of some mechanical approaches, such as the CEB Model Code 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fact that most farm animals have no dietary choice under commercial practices translates the dietary decisions to the carers. Thus, a lack of understanding of the principles of dietary choices is likely to result in a high toll for the feed industry. In healthy animals, diet selection and, ultimately, feed intake is the result of factoring together the preference for the feed available with the motivation to eat. Both are dynamic states and integrate transient stimulus derived from the nutritional status, environmental and social determinants of the animal with hard-wired genetic mechanisms. Peripheral senses are the primary inputs that determine feed preferences. Some of the sensory aspects of feed, such as taste, are innate and genetically driven, keeping the hedonic value of feed strictly associated with a nutritional frame. Sweet, umami and fat tastes are all highly appetitive. They stimulate reward responses from the brain and reinforce dietary choices related to essential nutrients. In contrast, aroma (smell) recognition is a plastic trait and preferences are driven mostly by learned experience. Maternal transfer through perinatal conditioning and the individual's own innate behaviour to try or to avoid novel feed (often termed as neophobia) are known mechanisms where the learning process strongly affects preferences. In addtition, the motivation to eat responds to episodic events fluctuating in harmony with the eating patterns. These signals are driven mainly by gastrointestinal hormones (such as cholecystokinin [CCK] and glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1]) and load. In addition, long-term events generate mechanisms for a sustainable nutritional homeostasis managed by tonic signals from tissue stores (i.e. leptin and insulin). Insulin and leptin are known to affect appetite by modulating peripheral sensory inputs. The study of chemosensory mechanisms related to the nutritional status of the animal offers novel tools to understand the dynamic states of feed choices so as to meet nutritional and hedonic needs. Finally, a significant body of literature exists regarding appetite driven by energy and amino acids in farm animals. However, it is surprising that there is scarcity of knowledge regarding what and how specific dietary nutrients may affect satiety. Thus, a better understanding on how bitter compounds and excess dietary nutrients (i.e. amino acids) play a role in no-choice animal feeding is an urgent topic to be addressed so that right choices can be made on the animal's behalf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: What is known and objective: Enterococcus faecalis is the third most common causal agent of infective endocarditis. Currently, the treatment recommended is a combination of ampicillin (2 g/4 h) plus ceftriaxone (2 g/12 h), so patients must remain hospitalized for almost 6 weeks to receive the treatment. They are not generally included in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy programs because 2 different electronic pumps are required to administer these 2 antibiotics. To enable the treatment of patients with E. faecalis IE at home, we designed a continuation combination regimen of ceftriaxone 4 g once daily in a short infusion plus ampicillin 2 g/4 h using a programmable pump. Methods: We analyzed a cohort of patients attended in an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program that has been working since 2012 in 2 tertiary hospitals. We selected patients attended in this program for E. faecalis IE treated with a continuation regimen of ampicillin 12 g daily (2 g/4 h) and ceftriaxone 4 g every 24 hours between July 2012 and March 2017. Results and discussion: Of the 720 patients included in the outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program, 42 had infective endocarditis, and 4 (9.52%) were treated using the combination regimen described above. All patients were men, and all had left‐sided native‐valve infective endocarditis. All 4 patients received ampicillin 2 g every 4 hours and ceftriaxone 2 g every 12 hours in hospital, for a median duration of 25 days (IQR 15‐32). Thereafter, in the program, they received the following regimen: a 30‐minute infusion of ceftriaxone 4 g in 250 mL of saline solution, followed by ampicillin 12 g daily in 500 mL of saline solution delivered by a pump programmed to administer 2 g every 4 hours. Patients received this treatment at home for a median of 22.5 days (IQR 13‐32). All patients achieved clinical and microbiological cure with no recurrences or complications after a lengthy follow‐up period (median 365 days, IQR 221‐406). No drug‐related adverse events or problems with the pump system were reported. What is new and conclusions: Use of ceftriaxone 4 g in a single dose yields a mean plasma concentration of 30 μg/mL. Ceftriaxone also has a high plasma protein binding capability, and once this binding is saturated, there is no reason to administer higher doses. Therefore, it seems reasonable to use a dose of 4 g of ceftriaxone once daily to have a synergist effect with ampicillin within the vegetation, and enable the treatment of patients with E. faecalis infective endocarditis at home. In conclusion, the administration of ampicillin (2 g/4 h) plus ceftriaxone (4 g/24 h) as a continuation regimen in an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program may be as effective and safe as the usual lengthy in‐hospital regimen (ampicillin 2 g/4 h and ceftriaxone 2 g/12 h) in patients with E. faecalis infective endocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral route is the preferred for the administration of drugs; however, it has some serious limitations. One of the main disadvantages is poor permeability across the intestinal barrier. Various approaches are currently being adopted to overcome this issue. In this review, we describe the alternatives that use peptides to enhance intestinal absorption. First, we define the various sources of peptide enhancers followed by the analysis of the absorption mechanism used. We then comment on the possible toxic effects derived from their use as permeation enhancers, as well as potential formulation strategies. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of peptides as intestinal enhancers are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) play an important role in the interaction of bacterial pathogens with host cells. Indeed, some OMPs from different Gram-negative bacteria have been recognized as important virulence factors for host immune recognition. This scenario has led to the study of the outer membrane (OM) subproteome of pathogenic bacteria as an essential step for gaining insight into the mechanisms of pathogenesis and for the identification of virulence factors. Although progress in the characterization of the OM has recently been reported, detailed protein composition of this subcellular localization has not been clearly defined for most pathogens. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is not only a leading cause of human gastroenteritis in high-income countries but is also one of the main causes of invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis (iNTS) in middle- and low-income countries. The incidence of non-typhoidal salmonellosis is increasing worldwide, causing millions of infections and deaths among humans each year. Regrettably, antimicrobial resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics is common among non-Typhi Salmonella strains. Therefore, the development of vaccines targeting this leading invasive pathogen is warranted. In the present study we have identified the OM protein profile of the virulent S. Typhimurium strain SL1344 by means of sarkosyl extraction. Significance Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes food-borne gastroenteritis around the world, but is also responsible for a more serious manifestation of the disease through a form of invasive illness, invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease, which is considered a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Even though some studies have been carried out in order to characterize the outer membrane subproteome of this human pathogen, as far as we know, this is the first report in which the most indicated methodology has been used in order to extract the outer membrane proteins and to check the presence of the proteins in the SL1344 genome; indeed all the previous studies were carried out before the genome sequence was available in 2012. Outer membrane proteins are key elements for the interaction of Gram-negative bacteria with their environment – including the host – and have fundamental roles in both infection and resistance processes. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the outer membrane composition will certainly play a key role in providing new targets to fight this pathogen in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy ( EDMD) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by peripheral muscular weakness often associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. We characterize clinically a large family with a mutation in FHL1 gene (p. Cys255Ser). Penetrance was 44%, 100% for males and 18% for females. The heart was the main organ involved. Affected adult males had mild hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction and restriction with non-dilated ventricles. Carriers had significant QTc prolongation. The proband presented with resuscitated cardiac arrest. There were two transplants. Pathological study of explanted heart showed fibrofatty replacement and scarring consistent with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and prominent left ventricular trabeculations. Myopathic involvement was evident in all males. Females had no significant neuromuscular disease. Mutations in FHL1 cause unclassifiable cardiomyopathy with coexisting EDMD. Prognosis is poor and systolic impairment and arrhythmias are frequent. Thrombopenia and raised creatine phosphokinase should raise suspicion of an FHL-1 disorder in X-linked cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair disorder. Finasteride and minoxidil have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of AGA. However, some side effects have been related to the intake of these drugs. Recently, plasma rich in growth factors has emerged as a safe alternative for the management of pattern hair loss. The purposes of the present study are to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) versus topical minoxidil treatment in AGA-affected patients. Methods: Following a retrospective case control design, 379 patients treated with either PRGF or minoxidil were included in this study. Diagnostic trichograms at baseline and 4 months after treatment were performed with the aim of analyzing the anagen/telogen hair change improvement. Results: PRGF-treated patients showed higher anagen hair increase improvement compared to minoxidil-treated ones (6.9 ± 0.4 and 4.6 ± 0.5 %, respectively) ( p < 0.05). Telogen hair decrease improvement was also higher in PRGF group (5.7 ± 0.3 and 2.6 ± 0.5 %, respectively) ( p < 0.05). Global photographs showed an overall volume and quality hair improvement for both treatments. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: This retrospective study shows that PRGF is a safe and effective treatment for AGA and evidences that PRGF exerts improved anagen/telogen results than topical minoxidil. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progresses from a chronic to a blastic phase, where the leukemic cells are proliferative and undifferentiated. The CML is nowadays successfully treated with BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors as imatinib and its derivatives. NUMB is an evolutionary well-conserved protein initially described as a functional antagonist of NOTCH function. NUMB is an endocytic protein associated with receptor internalization, involved in multiple cellular functions. It has been reported that MSI2 protein, a NUMB inhibitor, is upregulated in CML blast crisis, whereas NUMB itself is downregulated. This suggest that NUMB plays a role in the malignant progression of CML. Here we have generated K562 cells (derived from CML in blast crisis) constitutively expressing a dominant negative form of NUMB (dnNUMB). We show that dnNUMB expression confers a high proliferative phenotype to the cells. Importantly, dnNUMB triggers a partial resistance to imatinib in these cells, antagonizing the apoptosis mediated by the drug. Interestingly, imatinib resistance is not linked to p53 status or NOTCH signaling, as K562 lack p53 and imatinib resistance is reproduced in the presence of NOTCH inhibitors. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that NUMB activation could be a new therapeutic target in CML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at total valorization of fruit and vegetable by-products, moving towards developing an original concept of a “dry” bio-refinery (DBR). Indeed, all valuable products were recovered from food by-products without addition of solvents or water and using green processes. Ginger was chosen as a reference matrix since its juice processing generates a large amount of press cake currently considered as waste. Therefore, in this study, after juice processing, ginger press cake (GP) was firstly treated by microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity processing (MHG) to recover essential oil (EO) and constituent water present in ginger by-products. Gingerols and 6-shogaol remaining in the ginger presscake residue after MHG (GPMHG) were then extracted by ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) at different ultrasonic intensities (UI) using constituent water as solvent. The assessment of microwave (MW) power enabled us to determine that a power of 1.6 W g−1 was optimal to recover constituent water and EO, preserving extract quality in a reduced time. The mass extraction yield was enhanced by UAE (16.7 W cm−2; 0.303 W cm−3) with an increase of 126% compared to conventional maceration (CM). Total valorization of ginger by-products was achieved since juice, essential oil, extract rich in phenolics, and solid residue rich in fibers and phenolic acids were obtained from ginger rhizomes (GR) using “dry” bio-refinery without solvent and added water. Finally, the performances of “dry” bio-refinery and conventional bio-refinery (CBR) were compared in terms of processing time, energy consumption, quantity of waste and quantity of solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German decision to phase out nuclear power will increase the quantity of very low level waste (VLLW) from nuclear power plant (NPP) decommissioning in the near future, which will cause a capacity shortage of landfills. As a likely consequence, landfills will have to be constructed that are exclusively built for decommissioning waste without addition of municipal waste, and assessments for such types of landfills are not available in Germany. The present study investigates flow and transport processes in generic landfills that only contain decommissioning waste. The generic landfills comply with German technical standards such as the Landfill Ordinance. Simulations of contaminant transport are performed using the codes SiWaPro DSS and SPRING. The simulations show that Sr-90 is the first radionuclide that leaves the landfill due to its low sorption in the waste body. In contrast, no release of Cs-134, Cs-137 and Am-241, which have higher sorption coefficients, was simulated. Our work also shows that three-dimensional modelling of flow and transport is required if the landfill has a lateral drainage. Results suggest that the migration of radionuclides into the environment could be reduced by installing a drainage layer with high sorption capacity on top of the landfill's bottom seal. Sorption of Sr-90 within this drainage layer would delay the release of Sr-90 from the landfill, thereby giving more time for the Sr-90 decay inside the landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair disorder that affects both men and women all over the world. Although it is far from being a life-threatening disease, the psychosocial impact of AGA can provoke stress and a significant decrease in life quality. The objective of this retrospective study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of autologous plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) for the treatment of AGA. Methods: One hundred patients were included in this study. They followed two intradermal cycles of PRGF every 4 weeks. Macrophotographs and trichograms were performed at baseline and at 4 months after the first treatment in order to evaluate the overall improvement and determine the anagen/telogen hair ratio, respectively. Results: Patients showed an overall increase in hair density. Trichogram analysis showed that anagen hair follicles increased significantly at 6.2 percentage points ( p < 0.05) comparing to baseline levels, while a decrease of 5.1 points ( p < 0.05) was observed among telogen ones. No adverse effect was reported by any patient. Conclusions: Although more randomized clinical studies are needed, our data suggest that PRGF has a positive therapeutic effect on androgenetic alopecia showing no adverse effects related to the treatment protocol. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound and microwave as green processes are investigated in this study, focusing on the extraction selectivity towards antioxidant extraction from rosemary leaves. Due to its richness in valuable compounds such as rosmarinic, carnosic and ursolic acids, rosemary is a reference matrix for extraction study. In this work, six alternative processes are compared: ultrasound (bath, reactor and probe), microwave (reflux under microwave, microwave under nitrogen pressure and microwave under vapor pressure). The main result of this study is that selective extraction can be achieved according to extraction techniques and therefore to the extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The series of polycrystalline heteronuclear complexes, BiNd[Fe(CN)]·4HO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), was successfully synthesized and characterized, by means of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and infrared spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour was studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The crystal structure of the complexes was refined by Rietveld analysis. It was found that they crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system, space group Cmcm. The lattice parameters and unit cell volume decrease with an increase in Nd concentration. In order to obtain the oxides BiNdFeO, the thermal decomposition of the inorganic complexes, BiNd[Fe(CN)]·4HO, has been investigated. By Rietveld analysis of PXRD data, the synthesis of the oxides was confirmed, evidencing in the series, a gradual change in crystal structure from rhombohedra to triclinic. Furthermore, with an increase in Nd content in BiNdFeO oxides, impurity phases, such as BiO, BiFeO and BiFeO associated with the synthesis of BiFeO, are reduced. The morphology and chemical composition were investigated by microscopy electronic scattering and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrical and magnetic properties have been determined to characterize the obtained oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: to study the efficacy and the safety of triple therapy with telaprevir and to describe the related adverse drug reaction (ADR).To determine the subgroup of co-infected patients who would benefit from treatment with triple therapy, with the high efficacy defined as sustained viral response 12 weeks after the end of the treatment. Methods: Observational retrospective cohort study with triple therapy in cirrhotic HIV/HCV GT1- coinfected patients (naïve and pre-treated) in a third level hospital. Results: fifty-two patients (male 77%) were included, all in ART treatment. 83% were cirrotic (85%, CHILD>5), with advanced fibrosis (> 9,5 kPa by FibroScan®; F3-F4 in Metavir scale) and the 78% had been treated before for the HVC-GT1 chronic infection. The sustained virological response rate was 37% and 40% (ITT and PP respectively). Adverse events, AEs (incidence>50%) included haematological, cutaneous toxicity and hyperbilirrubinaemia. Severe haematological toxicity according to DAIDS criteria were: 6.5% (Hb<7.4mg/dl), 42% (platelets<50.000), 57% (leucocytes<1500). After week 8, the 15% of the patients had hyperbilirrubinaemia (BLR>5mg/dl), the 20.9% were being treated with Atazanavir (19% associated with Ritonavir). 25% developed a rash, 45% pruritus and 32% anal itching. Severe anaemia led to erythropoietin use (15.7%), blood transfusion (15%), interferon adjustment dose (17.6%), RBV dose reduction (25%). One patient was treated with eltrombopag and other with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. Early discontinuation of triple therapy happened in the 15% (8 patients) because of non-response/breakthrough (50%) or treatment abandon (50%). Toxicity causes of discontinuation were not reported. Conclusions: this study reflects higher toxicity in co-infected patients compared to monoinfected patients, based on the haematological toxicity. This fact could be explained by the severe hepatopathy and the coinfection HIV/HVC. The efficacy is similar to clinical trials with monoinfected patients. Despite the hight toxicity, an important number of the co-infected patients reached the sustained virological response rate at week 24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we analyze the efficacy and safety of DT56a in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms. Similar to all selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), DT56a demonstrates dual agonistic and antagonistic effects due to the synergy between its components. DT56a is referred to as a plant-origin SERM (phyto-SERM) and, for this reason, its therapeutic capacity in postmenopausal women differs from other phytoestrogens used independently. Although interesting data on relief of vasomotor symptoms have been reported for DT56a, further clinical studies with a greater number of cases and a longer period of study are required to correctly identify its indications for use as an alternative to hormone therapy, especially in preventing osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and design: Carrageenan-induced paw edema has been described as a local and acute inflammatory process. In fact, little is known about the time course and systemic changes following a carrageenan injection. In this study, we examine the systemic changes that follow carrageenan injection in the paw. Methods: Acute inflammation was produced by subplantar injection of carrageenan in a hind paw of Sprague-Dawley rats. Saline was used in control rats. Paw volume was measured with a plethysmometer. The hot plate latency test was used to quantify antinociception. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured with a sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Fibrinogen concentration was measured using the gravimetric method. Lung morphometric analysis was performed using an image processing package. Lungs and paws were also examined for tissue factor (TF) and proinflammatory cytokines expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: We found diverse systemic changes including increased levels of acute phase proteins, such as CRP and fibrinogen, and a lung inflammatory process characterized by lung edema, fibrin deposition, and leukocyte infiltration. An elevated expression of TF, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα, was observed in paw and lung tissue sections by immunohistochemical methods. Conclusion: This study provides new evidence that a local carrageenan injection induces a systemic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic eruptions are a widespread force of geological and ecological disturbance and present recurrent opportunities for the study of biological responses to novel habitat formation. However, scientific study of such events is difficult given their short duration and often distant location. Here we report results from opportunistic sampling of unique volcano-generated habitats formed during the 2011 explosive eruption in the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle complex (Chile), when massive amounts of pumice were ejected, creating novel floating substrata that have never before been characterized from a microbiological perspective. DNA sequencing revealed a dynamic community of microbes that came to inhabit the pumice, with a unique composition distinct from that of the lakes' surface waters and with suggestions of ecological convergence across lakes and sampling times. Furthermore, biogeochemical studies of net nutrient fluxes showed that, while the fresh pumice arriving to the lakes was an initial source of phosphorus (P), colonized pumice had high rates of nitrogen (N) and P uptake and was sufficiently abundant to represent a significant lake-wide nutrient sink. These findings highlight the remarkable versatility of microbes in exploiting novel environments and are consistent with a recent proposal of floating pumice as a favorable environment for the initial origins of life on early Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the development of hybrid nanostructured materials (HNM) based on spinel-metal-oxide nanoparticles (SMON) stabilized in carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC)/cetyltrimethyl-ammonium-bromide (CTAB) templates, with tunable magnetic characteristics. These HNM were synthesized using a one-pot chemical approach to obtain CMC/CTAB templates with controllable size and morphology, where the SMON could be densely arranged. The synthesized HNM were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and its related techniques, such as bright field (BF) and Z-contrast (HAADF-STEM) imaging, and selected area electron diffraction, as well as static magnetic measuring. Experimental evidence suggests that the morphology and size of the CMC/CTAB templates are highly dependent on the weight ratio of CTAB:SMON, as well as the hydration days of the CMC that is used for the synthesis of the HNM. Controlling these parameters allows modifying the density of the SMON arrangement in the CMC/CTAB templates. Moreover, magnetic features such as remanence, coercivity, and blocking/de-blocking processes of the particles' magnetic moments are highly dependent on the interactions among the SMON assembled in the templates. Hence, the magnetic characteristics of HNM can be modulated or tuned by controlling the manner the SMON are arranged within the CMC/CTAB templates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the influence of the inner radius on the stability and intensity of vertical vortices, qualitatively similar to dust devils and cyclones, generated in a cylindrical annulus nonhomogeneously heated from below. Little relation is found between the intensity of the vortex and the magnitude of the inner radius. Strong stable vortices can be found for both small and large values of the inner radius. The Rankine combined vortex structure, that characterizes the tangential velocity in dust devils, is clearly observed when small values of the inner radius and large values of the ratio between the horizontal and vertical temperature differences are considered. A contraction on the radius of maximum azimuthal velocity is observed when the vortex is intensified by thermal mechanisms. This radius becomes then nearly stationary when frictional force balances the radial inflow generated by the pressure drop in the center, despite the vortex keeps intensifying. These results connect with the behavior of the radius of the maximum tangential wind associated with a hurricane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apolioprotein E (APOE) genotype is reported to influence a person's fasting lipid profile and potentially the response to dietary fat manipulation. The impact of APOE genotype on the responsiveness to meals of varying fat composition is unknown. Objective: We examined the effect of meals containing 50 g of fat rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), unsaturated fatty acids (UNSATs), or SFAs with fish oil (SFA-FO) on postprandial lipemia. Method: A randomized, controlled, test meal study was performed in men recruited according to the APOE genotype (n = 10 APOE3/3, n = 11 APOE3/E4) . Results: For the serum apoE response (meal x genotype interaction P = 0.038), concentrations were on average 8% lower after the UNSAT than the SFA-FO meal in APOE4 carriers (P= 0.015) only. In the genotype groups combined, there was a delay in the time to reach maximum triacylglycerol (TG) concentration (mean ± SEM: 313 ± 25 vs. 266 ± 27 min) and higher maximum nonesterified fatty acid (0.73 ± 0.05 vs. 0.60 ± 0.03 mmol/L) and glucose (7.92 ± 0.22 vs. 7.25 ± 0.22 mmol/L) concentrations after the SFA than the UNSAT meal, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). In the Svedberg flotation rate 60-400 TG-rich lipoprotein fraction, meal x genotype interactions were observed for incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for the TG (P = 0.038) and apoE (P= 0.016) responses with a 58% lower apoE IAUC after the UNSAT than the SFA meal (P = 0.017) in the E4 carriers. Conclusions: Our data indicate that APOE genotype had a modest impact on the postprandial response to meals of varying fat composition in normolipidemic men. The physiologic importance of greater apoE concentrations after the SFA-rich meals in APOE4 carriers may reflect an impact on TG-rich lipoprotein clearance from the circulation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01522482. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates fundamental translational period and damping ratio parameters and examines the changes in dynamic characteristics of a set of low-to-medium rise buildings in Lorca town (SE of Spain) affected by the May 11th, 2011 earthquake. These building parameters have been calculated analysing structural dynamic response from ambient vibration measurements recorded at top RC buildings pre- and post earthquake, using the Fast Fourier Transform and the Randomdec technique. The empirical expression relating period $$(T)$$ and number of floor $$(N)$$ here obtained analysing ambient noise recorded on 59 healthy buildings before the earthquake is $$T= (0.054\pm 0.002)\, N$$ , very similar to others empirical period-height relationships obtained for RC structures in the European built environment but quite different from code provisions. Measurements performed in 34 damaged buildings show a period elongation after the quake according to $$T^{*} =(0.075\pm 0.002)\,N$$ expression. Moreover, we found a rise of the fundamental period with the EMS's grade of damage of buildings. In contrast to natural frequency, damping ratio $$(\xi )$$ do not shows a significant variation with earthquake damage degree and the product $$\xi \, T$$ remains near constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local site effect assessment based on subsurface ground conditions is often the key to evaluate urban seismic hazard. The site effect evaluation in Lorca town (south-eastern Spain) started with a classification of urban geology through the geological mapping at scale 1:10,000 and the use of geotechnical data and geophysical surveys. The 17 geological formations identified were classified into 5 geological/seismic formations according to their seismic amplification capacity obtained from ambient vibration measurements as well as from simultaneous strong motion records. The shear-wave velocity structure of each geological/seismic formation was evaluated by means of inversion of Rayleigh wave dispersion data obtained from vertical-component array records of ambient noise. Nakamura's method was applied to determine a predominant period distribution map. The spectral amplification factors were fourfold the values recorded in a reference hard-rock site. Finally, the capability of this study for explaining the damage distribution caused by the May 11th, 2011 Lorca destructive earthquake (Mw $$=$$ 5.2) was examined. The methods used in this work are of assistance to evaluate ground amplification phenomena in urban areas of complex geology as Lorca town due to future earthquakes with applicability on urban seismic risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of executive dysfunctions and the internalized symptoms on academic performance in primary school. A sample of 87 children of both sexes was randomly selected (mean = 10.80; SD = .73). The sample was classified in three groups according to academic performance (high, average and low), and was evaluated by means of the Raven's Progressive Matrices (Raven, 1995), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Self-Report (BRIEFSR; Guy et al., 2004) and the Youth Self Report for ages 11-18 (YSR/11-18; Achenbach, 1991). The results show that a lower academic performance is associated with lower cognitive skills, and a presence of executive dysfunctions, especially in control and internalized symptomatology, in particular somatic disorders and social introversion. The inclusion in educational facilities of transversals programs of stimulation of executive functioning could help to reduce levels of academic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonyl stress and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in human tissues are involved in diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and aging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro protective effect of aqueous extracts of coffee silverskin (CS) in the formation of AGEs and trapping of carbonyl reactive species such as methylglyoxal (MGO). Aqueous extracts of CS from Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties were obtained under environment friendly extraction conditions. CS extracts were characterized by the analysis of dietary fiber, caffeine, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), total phenolic compounds, browning, melanoidins, and antioxidant capacity. CS extracts and CGA exhibited a dose-dependent anti-AGE capacity in the protein-glucose model system (37°C/21days) with an IC50 of 0.6mg/mL and 0.4mg/mL, respectively. Caffeine did not prevent AGE formation under the studied conditions. Regardless to protein-MGO assay (37°C/14days), the anti-AGE capacity of CS extracts and CGA was also dose-dependent with an IC50 of 1.3mg/mL and 0.1mg/mL, respectively. Caffeine weakly inhibited the reaction of protein and MGO. The MGO trapping capacity was established as a model for protection against carbonyl stress. Robusta CS was very effective for the direct trapping of MGO with an IC50 of 0.055mg/mL as compared with Arabica CS (IC50 of 0.6mg/mL). CGA and caffeine showed an IC50 for MGO trapping capacity of 0.14mg/mL and >10mg/mL, respectively. The highest CGA content in the Robusta CS extract could explain its higher MGO trapping activity as compared with the Arabica CS extract. The anti-AGE and MGO trapping capacities of CS may be associated to other chemical components besides CGA. In conclusion, aqueous CS extract may be considered as a natural source of inhibitors of in vitro formation of AGEs and carbonyl stress. The inhibitory effect of the coffee extracts may be associated to their carbonyl trapping capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite phase change materials (CPMCs) are of particular interest in high-temperature thermal energy storage and waste heat utilization applications. To further enhance their thermal conductivity, CPCMs are often doped with nanosized particles (NPs). However, NP's influence the PCM's viscosity and wettability, significantly contributing to the CPCM's microstructure. Their effects on the PCM's viscosity have been extensively documented, but little has been done on its effect on wettability. To this end, we investigated, using a custom maximum bubble pressure tensiometer, the surface tension of the solar salt, as well as its contact angle on an MgO {1 0 0} surface with various concentrations of α-SiO 2 NPs. At 0.5 wt%, an increase of 2.45% on the surface tension is observed, scaling up to 11.8% at 2.5 wt%. Contrary to the pure salt, in the presence of SiO 2 the surface tension increases up to 400 °C followed by rapid decay, which is found to be related to NP agglomeration and subsequent sedimentation. In terms of contact angle NP addition leads to an increase at the melting point, but fully wetting conditions are attained at 390 °C independent of α-SiO 2 content. To capitalize on this effect, MgO-Solar salt CPCMs without and with 1.0 wt % SiO 2 are kept at 390 °C for 5 h. Silica addition leads to smaller leakage (mass loss), improved density (by 8.9%), improved porosity (by 18.9%), mean pore size reduction (by 100%) and enhanced thermal diffusivity (by 6.5%). This is suggested to be indirectly related to the surface tension/wettability modification through doping with polar NPs. • Nanoparticles (NPs) modify the wetting properties of solar salt (SS). • SS surface tension is increased by up to 11.8% for 2.5 wt% SiO 2. • MgO-SS (0.3–0.7 ratio) composites with 0 and 1.0 wt% SiO 2 are fabricated. • SiO 2 addition reduces composite porosity by 19% and mean pore size by 100%. • Composite microstructure is suggested to be tuned by NP effect on wetting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L7982 --> 648.22 --> Nucleolar function and ribosome biogenesis are essential for protein synthesis and cellular growth. Therefore, aberrant increase in nucleolar size and number are hallmarks of many cancers and have been associated with poor prognosis; nucleolar size is one of the most frequently used parameters by pathologists to grade solid tumors. While basic components and general molecular functions of the nucleolus have been studied, fundamental information on the mechanisms and molecules involved in the increased nucleolar size and activity specifically in cancer cells is missing. In an unbiased screen designed to identify growth promoting pathways in MYC‐transformed cells, our lab identified a novel and critical nucleolar regulator, the Zinc finger protein 692 (ZNF692) (manuscript in preparation). Our data has shown that ZNF692 downregulation interferes with protein synthesis and nucleolar function, and overexpression promotes nucleolar activity and protein synthesis. Moreover, we found that ZNF692 expression is dramatically increased in nearly all solid tumors deposited in the TGCA and is correlated with poor patient outcome. On a molecular level, our lab has shown that ZNF692 might play a role in rRNA processing. Through this project, we have unexpectedly discovered that ZNF692 is likely to coordinate cellular and mitochondrial ribosome production to fulfill the needs for rapid cell proliferation. This project aims to define understudied mechanisms and key regulators of increased ribosome biogenesis in cancer cells and could become the basis for the development of novel and unexplored approaches to alter nucleolar activity specifically in solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Solid by-product material characterization for TES applications. [•] Laboratory characterization and pilot plant experimentation. [•] High temperature corrosion analysis and comparison with molten salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]