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The Pickering emulsion polymerization of styrene (St), divinylbenzene (DVB) as a crosslinking agent, and sodium 4-vinyl benzene sulfonate (VBS) used for in situ surface-modification of silica nanoparticles (SNps) was investigated. At 1.0 wt% DVB, amphiphilic SNps with hydrophobic patches were formed, further self-assembling into copolymer-SNps clusters occurred. Subsequently, these clusters grow by monomer swelling to finally lead to the formation of core-shell polymer microspheres. Unlike the hydrophilic patchy SNps, at 2.0 and 3.0 wt% DVB, surface-patterned SNps with higher effective hydrophobicity do not self-assemble in the water phase but rather lead to the formation of monoliths. The polymerization mechanisms related to the formation of polymer silica-coated microspheres hybrid-materials, or percolated monoliths with bi-continuous porosity, formed by interfacially jammed emulsion gel (bijels) templates, are discussed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High mountain areas are poorly represented by official weather observatories. It implies that new instruments must be evaluated over snow-covered and strongly insolated environments (i.e. mid-latitude mountain areas). We analyzed uncertainty sources over snow covered areas including: 1) temperature logger accuracy and bias of two widely used temperature sensors (Tinytag and iButton); 2) radiation shield performance under various radiation, snow, and wind conditions; 3) appropriate measurement height over snow covered ground; and 4) differences in air temperature measured among nearby devices over a horizontal band. The major results showed the following. 1) Tinytag performance device (mean absolute error: MAE ≈ 0.1–0.2 °C in relation to the reference thermistor) was superior to the iButton (MAE ≈ 0.7 °C), which was subject to operating errors. 2) Multi-plate radiation shield showed the best performance under all conditions (> 90% samples has bias between ±0.5 °C). The tube shield required wind (> 2.5 m s−1) for adequate performance, while the funnel shield required limited radiation (< 400 W m−2). Snow cover causes certain overheating. 3) Air temperatures were found to stabilize at 75–100 cm above the snow surface. Air temperature profile was more constant at night, showing a considerable cooling on near surface at midday. 4) Horizontal air temperature differences were larger at midday (0.5 °C). These findings indicate that to minimize errors air temperature measurements over snow surfaces should be carried out using multi-plate radiation shields with high-end thermistors such as Tinytags, and be made at a minimum height above the snow covered ground. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Autonomous dataloggers are an appropriate option in snow-covered areas. • Tinytag devices showed a robust and constant performance, as opposed to iButtons. • Shield design must be kept in mind in function of snow-wind-radiation conditions. • Air temperature showed stabilization at 75–100 cm above the snow cover surface. • Air temperature differences are largest at midday due to solar radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the quantum system with the symmetric Razavy potential and show how to find its exact solutions. We find that the solutions are given by the confluent Heun functions. The eigenvalues have to be calculated numerically. The properties of the wave functions depending on m are illustrated graphically for a given potential parameter ξ. We find that the even and odd wave functions with definite parity are changed to odd and even wave functions when the potential parameter m increases. This arises from the fact that the parity, which is a defined symmetry for very small m, is completely violated for large m. We also notice that the energy levels ϵi decrease with the increasing potential parameter m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the mean environmental lapse rate (MELR) value (a linear decrease of −6.5 °C/km) is the most widely used, near‐surface (i.e., non‐free atmosphere) air temperature lapse rates (NSLRs; measured at ~1.5 m height) are variable in space and time because of their dependence on topography and meteorological conditions. In this study we conducted the first analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of NSLRs for continental Spain and their relationship to synoptic atmospheric circulation (circulation weather types [CWTs]), focusing on major mountain areas including the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Central, Baetic, and Iberian ranges. The results showed that the NSLR varied markedly at spatial and seasonal scales and depended on the dominant atmospheric conditions. The median NSLR values were weaker (less negative) than the MELR for the mountain areas (Pyrenees −5.17 °C/km; Cantabrian range −5.22 °C/km; Central range −5.78 °C/km; Baetic range −4.83 °C/km; Iberian range −5.79 °C/km) and for the entire continental Spain (−5.28 °C/km). For the entire continental Spain the steepest NSLR values were found in April (−5.80 °C/km), May (−5.58 °C/km), and October (−5.54 °C/km) because of the dominance of northerly and westerly advections of cold air. The weakest NSLR values were found in July (−4.67 °C/km) and August (−4.78 °C/km) because of the inland heating, and in winter because of the occurrence of thermal inversions. As the use of the MELR involves the assumption of large errors, we propose 1 zonal, 12 monthly, 11 CWTs, and 132 hybrid monthly–CWTs NSLRs for each of the mountain ranges and for the entire continental Spain. More regional studies are urgently needed to accurately assess the NSLR as a function of atmospheric circulation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of osteosynthesis materials when complex fractures are presented is well known. However, the use of these materials has not achieved a correct fixation and reduction of all bone fragments. Therefore, an adhesive for bones would provide a simple and quick method to fix this kind of fractures. The aim of this work is to propose and to evaluate an adhesive based on chitosan hydrogels that could have a potential use as a bone adhesive underwater and will not develop cytotoxic effects. Ionically and covalently crosslinked hydrogels based on chitosan were used in this study. Butt joint test with bovine cancellous bone specimens were used in order to measure the tensile bond strength (TBS) in ideal (completely dry) and physiological (immersed in water at 37 °C) conditions. Additionally, TBS was estimated as a function of time of bone specimens immersed in water at 37 °C. Cell viability was studied using MTT assay and cell morphology on the adhesive surface was examined by scanning electron microscope. Mechanical studies revealed that only covalently crosslinked hydrogels maintain their TBS at physiological condition with respect to the dry environment. In addition, it was observed that the TBS, using only covalently crosslinked hydrogels adhesives, dramatically changes as a function of time and its behavior increases as calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite is added. Finally,in vitrocell testing of covalently crosslinked hydrogel with calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite exhibited excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, this formulation is proposed as a potential candidate for clinical use in orthopedic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of domestic cooking stoves is usually optimized by performing time-consuming cooking experiments, often using frying of pancakes as a standard. Simulation of cooking processes may reduce the number of experiments used in the development of the cooking stoves, saving time and resources. In this work we propose a model of contact frying of pancakes in domestic cookers, particularly in induction hobs and radiant cookers, in which the heating of the cooking vessels can be non-uniform. This non-uniformity is unavoidable in practice, but it can be reduced by optimizing the design of the cooker. The proposed model combines heat and mass transfer phenomena, and also includes the correlation between the browning development and the temperature distribution, the local water content and the cooking time. The model has been also validated through experiments using a commercial induction hob and a radiation stove. With this model the color of the cooked pancakes can be predicted, taking into account also uneven heating, and through simulations the design of the cooker can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, accurate maps from mostly anywhere in the world can be obtained for free, with the exception of indoor spaces. However, the evidence seems to suggest that in the next few years indoor maps will be more and more available for anyone. Thus, profiting from the idea of easily obtainable indoor maps, we present a novel approach for real-time mobile robot localization that focuses on spatial reasoning at a high abstraction level. In order to manage and query existing indoor spatial models, we rely on the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial databases. Moreover, to extract symbolic information from the environment, we have developed a door detection system that fuses 2D laser and vision data. We have integrated these two ideas into an extended Kalman filter localization framework. Our proposal has been implemented and tested through autonomous navigation missions in real-world scenarios. Extensive experimental results are provided, which show robustness and accuracy concerning both door detection and localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work intends to check the efficiency of the 3-PG model (Physiological Principles in Predicting Growth) (Landsberg and Waring in For Ecol Manag 95:209-228, ) in the simulation of biomass growth for a natural Mediterranean maritime pine forest with two canopy layers comprising different species ( Pinus pinaster Ait. subsp. mesogeensis and Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota) in the Cuenca Mountains, Spain, that had previously been subject to thinning. We assigned a dominant ( P. pinaster Ait.) and a subdominant ( Quercus ilex L.) component, individually parameterised. The competition between dominant and subdominant layers was simulated with specific modifications to the input solar radiation, precipitation, evapotranspiration and available soil water without any structural change to the model. Data from three study sites were used: control (C, no thinning over 30 years), treatment 1 (T1, light thinning, with thinning operations carried out in January 2004) and treatment 2 (T2, moderate thinning, with thinning operations carried out in January 2002). The data were divided into two sets: (1) A model data set from C site was used to parameterise 3-PG, and (2) an independent testing data set from the T1 and T2 sites was used to test growth predictions made by 3-PG. We report successful outcome its parameterisation, obtaining accurate predictions compared to the long-term field measurements acquired from thinned stands. Results show that the current implementation of the 3-PG slightly over- and underestimated biomass components for both pine and oak after thinning. However, values for the coefficient of efficiency (EC) were very high for both species (0.85-0.99). According to the results, the 3-PG may provide a feasible tool for estimating biomass growth and guiding forest management in natural Mediterranean maritime pine forest stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are still considerable uncertainties about soil functioning in semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystems. Hence, studies that have focused on Juniperus species in thermophilic Mediterranean woodlands are practically non-existent. This study provides a survey of the effects of (i) woodland maturity (mature and young woodlands), (ii) vegetation cover ( Juniperus thurifera L. trees, Rosmarinus officinalis L. shrubs and semi-wooded grasslands) and (iii) growing season (spring, summer and autumn) on soil enzymatic activity (urease, alkaline phosphatase and β-glucosidase) and microbiological characteristics (microbial biomass C (MBC), basal respiration (Br), and microbial and metabolic quotients) in thermophilic Spanish Juniper woodlands. The results showed that mature woodland maintained a greater enzymatic and microbiological activity than the more productive young woodland. The advanced communities of Juniperus trees and Rosmarinus shrubs exhibited greater enzymatic and microbial activity than grassland areas. Soil biological characteristics were strongly affected by the season. Significant β-glucosidase activity and Br were observed in the summer, as a consequence of the greater organic matter availability for microbes, despite the reduced soil moisture availability. Thus, foliar abscission in trees and shrubs and withering in grasslands seem to control soil biological activity. Hence, we hypothesize that microbial communities that are adapted to drought exist. In contrast, the presence of greater N and P content in summer seems to reduce the urease and phosphatase activities. In addition, the more advanced communities ( Juniperus and Rosmarinus covers, especially in mature woodland) showed an inherent trend towards efficiency in C utilization throughout the growing seasons, thus increasing the MBC at the end of the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this work we present a detailed analysis of the global and fine structure of four middle-mass disc galaxies obtained from hydrodynamic simulations in a Λcold dark matter (ΛCDM) scenario. These objects have photometric disc-to-total ratios in good agreement with those observed for late-type spirals, as well as kinematic properties in agreement with the observational I-band Tully-Fisher relation. We identify the different dynamical components at redshift zero on the basis of both orbital parameters and the binding energy of stars in the galaxy. In this way, we recognize a slowly rotating centrally concentrated spheroid, and two disc components supported by rotation: a thin disc with stars in nearly circular orbits, and a thick disc with orbital parameters transitional between the thin disc and the spheroid. The spheroidal component is composed mainly by old, metal-poor and α-enhanced stars. The distribution of metals in this component shows, however, a clear bimodality with a low-metallicity peak, which could be related to a classical bulge formed from rapid collapse at early times, and a high-metallicity peak, which could be related to a pseudo-bulge formed from instabilities of the inner disc. The thin disc appears in our simulations as the youngest and most metal-rich component, with median stellar ages ranging from 3.8 to 6.7 Gyr. The radial distribution of ages and colours in this component is U-shaped: the new stars are forming in the inner regions, where the galaxy is bluer, and then migrate through secular processes reaching the outer parts. Finally, we also find in all simulated galaxies a thick disc containing about 16 per cent of the total stellar mass and with properties that are intermediate between those of the thin disc and the spheroid. Its low-metallicity stars are α-enhanced when compared to thin disc stars of the same metallicity. The structural parameters (e.g. the scale height) of the simulated thick discs suggest that such a component could result from the combination of different thickening mechanisms that include merger-driven processes, but also long-lived internal perturbations of the thin disc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semiempirical nearest-neighbor tight-binding approach, that reproduces the indirect band gaps of elemental semiconductors, has been applied to study the electronic and optical properties of Si and Ge nanowires (NWs). The calculations show that Si-NWs keep the indirect bandgap whereas Ge-NWs changes into the direct bandgap when the wire cross section becomes smaller. Also, the band gap enhancement of Si-NWs showing to quantum confinement effects is generally larger than that of similar-sized Ge-NWs, confirming the larger quantum confinement effects in Si than in Ge when they are confined in two dimensions. Finally, the dependence of the imaginary part of the dielectric function on the quantum confinement within two different schemes: intra-atomic and interatomic optical matrix elements are applied. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose proper quantization rule, [formula], where [formula]. The xA and xB are two turning points determined by E=V(x), and n is the number of the nodes of wave function ψ(x). We carry out the exact solutions of solvable quantum systems by this rule and find that the energy spectra of solvable systems can be determined only from its ground state energy. The previous complicated and tedious integral calculations involved in exact quantization rule are greatly simplified. The beauty and simplicity of the rule come from its meaning-whenever the number of the nodes of [lowercase_phi_synonym](x) or the number of the nodes of the wave function ψ(x) increases by 1, the momentum integral xAxBk(x)dx will increase by π. We apply this proper quantization rule to carry out solvable quantum systems such as the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, the Morse potential and its generalization, the Hulthén potential, the Scarf II potential, the asymmetric trigonometric Rosen-Morse potential, the Pöschl-Teller type potentials, the Rosen-Morse potential, the Eckart potential, the harmonic oscillator in three dimensions, the hydrogen atom, and the Manning-Rosen potential in D dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new stratigraphic unit (named LM unit) located at the base of the Pliocene marine succession in the eastern sector of the Malaga Basin has been distinguished. This unit is composed of two fining-upward sequences bounded by a discontinuity related to synsedimentary tectonic activity. Both sequences are made up of basal alluvial deposits overlain by subaquatic deposits. The lower sequence contains rich mollusc faunas characterized by bivalves Lymnocardiinae and Dreissenidae of Paratethyan origin, and non-marine gastropods, typical of oligo-low mesohaline shallow waters, and low diversified ostracod faunas of Paratethyan origin (Loxocorniculina djafarovi, Tyrrhenocythere pontica, Euxinocythere (Maeotocythere) praebaquana and Amnicythere propinqua) typical of low mesohaline waters. Alternances of monospecific ostracod assemblages made of Cyprideis agrigentina or oligotypic assemblages made of C . agrigentina and Loxoconcha spp. and richer assemblages made of L . djafarovi accompanied by several Amnicythere spp. and Camptocypria sp.1 characterize the upper sequence, pointing to more unstable environment affected by salinity and depth changes. Some samples collected from this upper sequence yielded rare, planktonic and benthic foraminifera, which could suggest the sporadic establishment of quasi-normal marine conditions in the westernmost Mediterranean during the deposition of this sequence. The palaeontological data and the palaeomagnetic results obtained in both the LM unit and the overlying Pliocene marine sediments restrict the age of the former to the post-evaporitic late Messinian. The age and the environmental conditions correlate these deposits with the Lago-Mare event occurring throughout the Mediterranean before the quick and widespread marine flooding of the Mediterranean at the beginning of the Pliocene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The problem of determining the constancy of the diffusion coefficient, or its dependency on moisture content, from observations of moisture content during the course of the drying is addressed. The method employed departed from the usual finite dimensional model representation of the drying process, a truncated Fourier series solution to the diffusion equation, where the possibility of determining the diffusion coefficient from drying kinetics data is assessed. In this work, a state-observer based estimation process was implemented to identify the diffusion coefficient using the moisture content measurements and their time-derivatives. Two examples using simulated data were chosen to set up a criterion for discrimination purposes, and the developed technique was applied to two sets of experimental data. The results obtained showed that: (i) the diffusion coefficient dependency on moisture content could be uniquely determined, (ii) modelling discrimination can be performed and, (iii) the functional dependency of moisture content can be determined and not assumed, as previously. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Mediterranean diet is receiving increasing attention in cardiovascular epidemiology. The association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with the incidence of hypertension was evaluated among 9,408 men and women enrolled in a dynamic Spanish prospective cohort study during 1999-2005. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline with a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and a 9-point Mediterranean diet score was constructed. During a median follow-up period of 4.2 years (range, 1.9-7.9), 501 incident cases of hypertension were identified. After adjustment for major hypertension risk factors and nutritional covariates, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was not associated with hypertension (the hazard ratio was 1.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81, 1.41) for moderate adherence and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.60) for high adherence). However, it was associated with reduced changes in mean levels of systolic blood pressure (moderate adherence, -2.4 mm Hg (95% CI: -4.0, -0.8); high adherence, -3.1 mm Hg (95% CI: -5.4, -0.8)) and diastolic blood pressure (moderate adherence, -1.3 mm Hg (95% CI: -2.5, -0.1); high adherence, -1.9 mm Hg (95% CI: -3.6, -0.1)) after 6 years of follow-up. These results suggest that adhering to a Mediterranean-type diet could contribute to the prevention of age-related changes in blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model for chemical enrichment and radiative cooling in cosmological simulations of structure formation. This model includes: (i) the delayed gas restitution from stars by means of a probabilistic approach designed to reduce the statistical noise and, hence, to allow for the study of the inner chemical structure of objects with moderately high numbers of particles; (ii) the full dependence of metal production on the detailed chemical composition of stellar particles by using, for the first time in SPH codes, the matrix formalism that relates each nucleosynthetic product to its sources and (iii) the full dependence of radiative cooling on the detailed chemical composition of gas particles, achieved through a fast algorithm using a new metallicity parameter ζ( T) that gives the weight of each element on the total cooling function. The resolution effects and the results obtained from this SPH chemical model have been tested by comparing its predictions in different problems with known theoretical solutions. We also present some preliminary results on the chemical properties of elliptical galaxies found in self-consistent cosmological simulations. Such simulations show that the above ζ-cooling method is important to prevent an overestimation of the metallicity-dependent cooling rate, whereas the formalism is important to prevent a significant underestimation of the [α/Fe] ratio in simulated galaxy-like objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent miscarriage is a rare condition that has been described as a traumatic event for couples. Although symptoms of depression, anxiety and lowered self-esteem have been related after recurrent miscarriage, little is known about its impact on couple sexuality and on gender differences in attitude and the grief that follow. The objectives of this study are to describe the consequences of recurrent pregnancy loss for the couple's relationship, and explore gender differences in attitudes and grief intensity toward this kind of reproductive failure. Each member of 30 couples with at least 3 recurrent miscarriages answered a set of questionnaires, including the Impact of Events Scale (Horowitz, Wilnwe, & Alvarez, 1979), the Perinatal Grief Scale (Toedter, Lasker, & Qlhadeff, 1988), the Partnership Questionnaire (Hahlweg, 1979) and the Intimate Relationship Scale (Hetherington & Soeken, 1990). Results showed that men do grieve, but less intensely than their partners. Although the couple's relationship seemed to not be adversely affected by recurrent miscarriage, couples described sexual changes after those events. Grief was related to the quality of communication in the couple for women, and to the quality of sex life for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors propose a new solution to the blind separation of sources (BSS) based on statistical independence. In the two-dimensional (2-D) case, we prove that, under the whiteness constraint, the fourth-order moment-based approximation of the marginal entropy (ME) cost function yields a sinusoidal objective function. Therefore, we can minimize it by simply estimating its phase. We prove that this estimator is consistent for any source distribution. In addition, such results are useful for interpreting other algorithms such as the cumulant-based independent component analysis (CuBICA) and the weighted approximate maximum likelihood (WAML) [or weighted estimator (WE)]. Based on the WAML, we provide a general unifying form for several previous approximations to the ME contrast. The bias and the variance of this estimator have been included. Finally, simulations illustrate the good consistency, convergence, and accuracy of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nerja area (S Spain), on the northern edge of the Alboran basin, underwent palaeogeographic, sedimentary and geomorphic changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene, that were controlled by tectonics and by eustatic–climatic variations. The existence of NW–SE fault lines and the particular lithology of the area played a fundamental role in differentiating two sectors of divergent geomorphic evolution: the NE sector, which forms part of the Sierra Almijara, and the SW sector, in the area of Nerja.The NE sector contains outcrops of Alpujarride marbles and is characterised as a continental domain that has been permanently emerged and subjected to uplifting at intervals, under which the relief becomes progressively steeper.Today, the SW sector is constituted of Alpujarride schists and Plio–Quaternary sediments. This sector was partially affected by the marine transgression of the early Pliocene, during which time alluvial fans developed; distally, these are connected to littoral and shallow marine environments. During the early Zanclian, a tectonic event separated the Pliocene sediments into two lithostratigraphic units that rest unconformably but without any significant sedimentary interruption. As a consequence of this event, some fluvial courses changed direction. Towards the end of the early Zanclian, falling sea levels led to the emergence of the Nerja region. During the late Pliocene, marine sediments were restricted to the innermost areas of the Alboran Sea, but continental deposits did not develop, probably due to the warm, humid climate that did not favour clastic sediment supply. Another tectonic event in the Pliocene tilted the sediments of the Zanclean II unit in the western sector. During the cold period in the final Pliocene and in the basal Pleistocene, a pediment developed over the Pliocene units and the Alpujarride basement. Three phases of sedimentation of alluvial fans took place during the Pleistocene, becoming progressively more limited towards the SW. The deposition phases are separated by stages of erosion and trenching of the fluvial network, mainly occurring during periods of low sea levels. Another tectonic pulse has been identified, in the mid-Pleistocene, between the first and the second generation of fans, which caused further changes in the direction of some fluvial courses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article reviews previous studies and presents new data on pesticide exposure in order to provide some indications of the extent and significance of childhood exposure to xenoestrogens, including pesticides, epoxy resins, and polycarbonates. After more than four decades of pesticide use, little is known about their adverse effects on health. There is a need to address the potential risks associated with the current contamination of water, soils, and foods in many agricultural areas. In southeastern Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, extensive areas alongside residential zones are devoted to intensive farming in plastic greenhouses, with the use of large amounts of pesticides. Human tissue samples have been investigated for pesticide residues. Samples of fat from children living in farm areas contained a total of 14 pesticides, including lindane, HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, o,p′-DDE, and o,p′-DDD, among others. Of the 113 samples studied, 43 were positive for one or more pesticides, some of which have estrogenic activity. The number of new substances that mimic the action of endogenous estrogens is increasing rapidly. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals are not restricted to pesticides. Several different compounds used in the food industry, in plasticizers, and in dental restorations are also estrogenic. The few studies that have investigated their effects in humans all indicate that concerns are warranted. If there is indeed an association between zexposure to substances with hormone-disruptive activity and certain disorders of sexual maturation, the incidence of such disorders should be greater in areas where exposure to agents with this activity is high. We used a spatial ecological design to search for variations in orchidopexy rates and to analyze relationships between these differences and geographical variations in exposure to pesticides. Our results are compatible with a hypothetical association between exposure to hormone-disruptive chemicals and the induction of cryptorchidism. Several methodological limitations in the study design make it necessary to evaluate the results with caution. In conclusion, a closer scrutiny is required to determine whether epoxy resins and polycarbonates contribute, together with estrogenic pesticides, to the exposure of human consumers, especially children, to xenoestrogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on frog specie Haddadus binotatus which are found near coastal Brazil, and mentions about its ecological interactions.

La maladie bipolaire touche 1 à 4 % de la population, et peut engager le pronostic vital lors des épisodes maniaques et dépressifs. Les sels de lithium en représentent le traitement de première intention, bien que leur grande efficacité soit contrebalancée par une faible marge thérapeutique entraînant des risques de surdosage potentiellement sévères, et par des effets secondaires à long terme. Nous détaillons dans cette revue les toxicités liées à la prise chronique de sels de lithium à dose thérapeutique. Au plan rénal, des troubles de concentration des urines peuvent précocement être responsables d'un syndrome polyuro-polydipsique voire d'une déshydratation intracellulaire en l'absence d'accès à l'eau. La prise de lithium peut également conduire à une insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) avec atteinte rénale microkystique aboutissant dans de rares cas à une IRC terminale. Les troubles extra-rénaux sont principalement représentés par l'hypercalcémie et l'hypothyroïdie. Ces effets secondaires peuvent conduire à l'arrêt du lithium mais nécessite une concertation pluridisciplinaire évaluant le rapport bénéfice/risque d'un tel arrêt. Étant pour la plupart modérés et peu évolutifs, ils font le plus souvent l'objet d'un simple suivi évolutif et, le cas échéant, d'une prise en charge en milieu spécialisé néphrologique et/ou endocrinologique. La surveillance clinique et biologique régulière est enfin essentielle pour leur prévention. Lithium salts are the main treatment of bipolar disorder, which is characterized by potentially life-threatening maniac and/or depressive episodes. They have proven efficient in the prevention and treatment of acute episodes as well as in the prevention of suicidal risk. However, this efficacy is counterbalanced by a narrow therapeutic range that can lead to potentially harmful overdose, and by adverse long-term events. Nevertheless, they remain first-line treatment, notwithstanding therapeutic alternatives. In this review, we will describe toxic effects of long-term treatment at therapeutic levels of lithium salts. Regarding renal effects, early-impaired urine concentrating ability might lead to polyuria and polydipsia, and even to hypernatremia if free access to water is compromised. Long-term lithium treatment might also lead to chronic kidney disease, characterized by tubulo-interstitial multicystic nephropathy. End-stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy is a rare complication. Major extra-renal toxic effects are hypercalcemia and hypothyroidism. Treatment cessation due to these adverse events should be a multidisciplinary and case-by-case decision based on the benefit/risk ratio. Since these toxic effects are mild and display slow progression, treatment cessation is uncommon. However, regular medical and biological check-up is needed in order to prevent these disorders, and patients might be referred to nephrologists and/or endocrinologists once the disorders are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A different internal reference band in Raman spectroscopy, to monitor SiO2-supported styrene Pickering emulsion polymerizations, is postulated. Raman spectroscopy allowed detecting silanol/styrene-aromatic-ring interactions yielding a deviation, against conversion, in the 1630/1000 wave number ratio, commonly used for monitoring styrene polymerizations. The detection of silanol/aromatic-ring interactions permitted supporting a previous proposal for the continuous nucleation during Pickering polymerization, without requiring a more sophisticated analysis such as NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The audio-to-score framework consists of two separate stages: preprocessing and alignment. The alignment is commonly solved through offline dynamic time warping (DTW), which is a method to find the path over the distortion matrix with the minimum cost to determine the relation between the performance and the musical score times. In this work we propose a parallel online DTW solution based on a client-server architecture. The current version of the application has been implemented for multi-core architectures ( $$\times $$ 86, $$\times $$ 64 and ARM), thus covering either powerful systems or mobile devices. An extensive experimentation has been conducted to validate the software. The experiments also show that our framework allows to achieve a good score alignment within the real-time window using parallel computing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the article written by Dadhwal et al. which presents their experience in the management of pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS) in a tertiary center.

An abstract of the article "Pulse pressure and the risk of heart failure hospitalization after acute myocardial infarction: insights from the SAVE trial," by F. Valencia-Serrano and colleagues is presented.

Chytridiomycosis, a lethal fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is responsible for population declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. However, not all amphibian species are equally susceptible to the disease; some species persist in Bd enzootic regions with no population reductions. Recently, it has been shown that the amphibian skin microbiome plays a crucial role in the defense against Bd. Numerous bacterial isolates with the capacity to inhibit the growth of Batrachochytrium fungi have been isolated from the skin of amphibians. Here, we characterized eight Acinetobacter bacteria isolated from the frogs Agalychnis callidryas and Craugastor fitzingeri at the genomic level. A total of five isolates belonged to Acinetobacter pittii , Acinetobacter radioresistens , or Acinetobacter modestus , and three were not identified as any of the known species, suggesting they are members of new species. We showed that seven isolates inhibited the growth of Bd and that all eight isolates inhibited the growth of the phytopathogen fungus Botrytis cinerea. Finally, we identified the biosynthetic gene clusters that could be involved in the antifungal activity of these isolates. Our results suggest that the frog skin microbiome includes Acinetobacter isolates that are new to science and have broad antifungal functions, perhaps driven by distinct genetic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A step towards the understanding of some mechanistic events occurring in the styrene Pickering emulsions, using a SiO2dispersion, is presented. Polymerizations at 80°C with different levels of a water soluble initiator were performed. The emulsion polymer content was ca. 15% with conversions close to 90%. With conversion and particle size measurements, the particle density was estimated for bare and surface modified SiO2particles. Then, the average number of radicals per particle was inferred, yielding a pseudo-bulk type polymerization. It was found that bare SiO2nanoparticles do not participate in the nucleation mechanism; however, they, along with the initiator, promote an enhanced oligomer coagulation. On the other hand, the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide modified SiO2nanoparticles do participate in the nucleation and coagulation mechanisms, yielding more stable and smaller poorly-covered polymer particles. This approach allowed untangling some events such as: particle nucleation, radical entry to particles, particle density, coagulation and vitreous and Trommsdorff effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

c-Myc transcription factor is a key protein involved in cellular growth, proliferation and metabolism. c-Myc is one of the most frequently activated oncogenes, highlighting the need to identify intracellular molecules that interact directly with c-Myc to suppress its function. Here we show that Hhex is able to interact with the basic region/helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper of c-Myc. Knockdown of Hhex increases proliferation rate in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, whereas Hhex expression cell-autonomously reduces cell proliferation rate in multiple cell lines by increasing G1 phase length through a c-Myc-dependent mechanism. Global transcriptomic analysis shows that Hhex counter-regulates multiple c-Myc targets involved in cell proliferation and metabolism. Concomitantly, Hhex expression leads to reduced cell size, lower levels of cellular RNA, downregulation of metabolism-related genes, decreased sensitivity to methotrexate and severe reduction in the ability to form tumours in nude mouse xenografts, all indicative of decreased c-Myc activity. Our data suggest that Hhex is a novel regulator of c-Myc function that limits c-Myc activity in transformed cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to examine the effect of pine forests on the soil microbial community along an altitudinal gradient in the Cuenca Mountains, Spain. Six experimental forest areas and two tree diversity levels (monospecific and mixed pine forest) were selected according to the following types: (i) at lower altitudes (up to 960 m above sea level), a monospecific Spanish black pine ( Pinus nigra Arn. ssp salzmannii) forest stand and a mixed forest stand (maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Ait.) and Spanish black pine); (ii) at medium altitudes (up to 1350 m), a monospecific Spanish black pine forest stand and a mixed forest stand (Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and Spanish black pine); and (iii) above 1670 m, a monospecific Spanish black pine forest stand and a mixed forest stand (Scots pine and Spanish black pine). Soil moisture and temperature and different forest stand variables such as tree species composition, tree height, basal area and shrub cover were measured. Physicochemical soil properties including texture, pH, carbonates, total organic carbon, organic matter, electrical conductivity, N, P, soil enzyme activities, soil respiration and soil microbial biomass carbon were analysed at the selected forest areas and tree diversity levels. Results showed that soil moisture and temperature differed significantly across the altitudinal gradient. Carbon:nitrogen ratio, total carbonates, total organic carbon, phosphorus and total N values also differed at each experimental area but tree diversity level was not an influential factor. Soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon and enzyme activities tended to be less at low altitudes whereas no differences were found between monospecific and mixed pine forests across the altitudinal gradient. This work suggests that the soils of the Cuenca Mountains may be more sensitive to some physical and chemical site-specific aspects such as soil temperature and moisture than changes in tree stand composition (when considering only pine species). In addition, differences in soil physicochemical properties found at each experimental area may also act as additional factors for regulating enzymatic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the mass assembly and star formation histories of massive galaxies identified at low redshift in different cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. To this end, we have carried out a detailed follow-up backwards in time of their constituent mass elements (sampled by particles) of different types. After that, the configurations they depict at progressively higher zs were carefully analysed. The analyses show that these histories share common generic patterns, irrespective of particular circumstances. In any case, however, the results we have found are different depending on the particle type. The most outstanding differences follow. We have found that by , mass elements identified as stellar particles at exhibit a gaseous cosmic-web-like morphology with scales of physical Mpc, where the densest mass elements have already turned into stars by . These settings are in fact the densest pieces of the cosmic web, where no hot particles show up, and dynamically organized as a hierarchy of flow convergence regions (FCRs), that is, attraction basins for mass flows. At high z FCRs undergo fast contractive deformations with very low angular momentum, shrinking them violently. Indeed, by most of the gaseous or stellar mass they contain shows up as bound to a massive elliptical-like object at their centres, with typical half-mass radii of kpc. After this, a second phase comes about where the mass assembly rate is much slower and characterized by mergers involving angular momentum. On the other hand, mass elements identified at the diffuse hot coronae surrounding massive galaxies at do not display a clear web-like morphology at any z. Diffuse gas is heated when FCRs go through contractive deformations. Most of this gas remains hot and with low density throughout the evolution. To shed light on the physical foundations of the behaviour revealed by our analyses (i.e. a two-phase formation process with different implications for diffuse or shocked mass elements), as well as on their possible observational implications, these patterns have been confronted with some generic properties of singular flows as described by the adhesion model (i.e. potential character of the velocity field, singular versus regular points, dressing, locality when a spectrum of perturbations is implemented). We have found that the common patterns the simulations show can be interpreted as a natural consequence of flow properties that, moreover, could explain different generic observational results from massive galaxies or their samples. We briefly discuss some of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-phase microemulsion regions at 25 and 60 °C and the polymerization at 60 °C in o/w microemulsion formed by 1,3-butadiene, water, and a mixture of the surfactants, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and didodecyldimethylamonium bromide (3/1 w/w), are reported. The polybutadienes obtained here have similar characteristics to those of their homologous obtained by emulsion polymerization, with the only difference that the average particle size of the former (25-30 nm) was smaller by an order of magnitude. The obtained polymer had high average molecular weights, but the gel content at high conversion is lower than the value for a conventional emulsion polymerization. The DSC measurements showed that the polymer has a single glass transition temperature at −72.5 ± 1.5 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of two methods to evaluate diet quality in young people in Southern Spain: a new Mediterranean Diet Pattern (MDP) and a modification of the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) for the Mediterranean area. The study population was 3190 schoolchildren aged 8-15 yrs. The questionnaires used were first validated (Bland-Altman plot and Wilcoxon tests) in a randomized sample. The DQI gives a more detailed evaluation of food components, whereas the MDS gives global information on food groups but includes foods characteristically consumed in the Mediterranean region. Highly similar results were obtained using the MDP and the adapted DQI-I, which appear to be equally useful to evaluate diet quality in a Mediterranean population. The fact that we selected the same types of food for both indices may explain the similar overall evaluations. According to these results, both methods appear to be equally appropriate for evaluating diet quality in a Mediterranean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The loss of bone mass and density is influenced by nutritional factors that act on the bone mass peak, age-related bone loss and muscle strength. The objective of the present study was to validate a food frequency questionnaire applied to estimate the relationship between food habits and bone mineral density (BMD) in a healthy adult population.Methods: The results of the food frequency questionnaire were compared with 24-hr recall findings. Calcaneus BMD was measured by densitometry.Results: The validity of the questionnaire was demonstrated, with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.014 to 0.467. The Bland-Altman test also found no differences in study variables between the two methods. Correlation analysis showed that the BMD was significantly associated with the intake of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, thiamine and iron. Total fat consumption was not associated with BMD but the intake of monounsaturated fatty acids, EPA, DHA and cholesterol showed a significant correlation.Conclusion: The questionnaire evaluates the consumption of energy and nutrients with adequate validity. Its application revealed the importance for bone health of a diet rich in B-group vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, iron, monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To perform a balanced diet adapted to the needs of the different life stages is important for a correct peopleís physical and psychological growth, preventing disease, and obtaining an optimal health status. The industrialized society is characterized by unbalanced energy balance due to an increase of energy intake through foods and decreased energy waste with increased SFA consumption.Objective: To assess average dietary intake and how certain demographical and socio-economic factors have an influence on dietary habits of a sample of schoolchildren from Granada city.Methods: The study population comprises 3,190 children and adolescents schooled at Granada city, with ages comprised between 8 and 15 years. A previously validated specific questionnaire was created including lifestyle habits, dietary habits, 24-hour recall, and frequency of foods consumption.Results and Discussion: The average caloric ingestion in this population is higher than the predicted average waste recommended by WHO, with higher energy values being found in males. The caloric profile found in our sample is clearly unbalanced. The main protein sources were meats and dairy products. There were high intakes of SFA, PUFA, and cholesterol, markedly surpassing the recommended values. Vitamin E intake did not reach the daily recommended values. With regards to dietary habits, the study population spends less than 30 minutes for breakfast and about half an hour for lunch and dinner, those spending more time for meals having the highest energy and proteins intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fas ligand (FasL) is a type II transmembrane protein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family. Its binding to the cognate Fas receptor triggers the apoptosis that plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of immune system homeostasis. The cell death-inducing property of FasL has been associated with its extracellular domain, which can be cleaved off by metalloprotease activity to produce soluble FasL. The fate of the remaining membrane-anchored N-terminal part of the FasL molecule has not been determined. Here we show that post-translational processing of overexpressed and endogenous FasL in T-cells by the disintegrin and metalloprotease ADAM10 generates a 17-kDa N-terminal fragment, which lacks the receptor-binding extracellular domain. This FasL remnant is membrane anchored and further processed by SPPL2a, a member of the signal peptide peptidase-like family of intramembrane-cleaving proteases. SPPL2a cleavage liberates a smaller and highly unstable fragment mainly containing the intracellular FasL domain (FasL ICD). We show that this fragment translocates to the nucleus and is capable of inhibiting gene transcription. With ADAM10 and SPPL2a we have identified two proteases implicated in FasL processing and release of the FasL ICD, which has been shown to be important for retrograde FasL signaling.Cell Death and Differentiation (2007) 14, 1678–1687; doi:10.1038/sj.cdd.4402175; published online 8 June 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: In order to identify a reliable marker for the early detection of muscle injuries in sports, alpha-actin protein and other markers of muscle damage were studied in sera of uninjured sportspeople and those with skeletal muscle injury. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 20 sportspeople with skeletal muscle injury and 48 uninjured sportspeople. Immunoassays were performed to determine cardiac troponin I (TnI), troponin T, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin concentrations. Western blot and densitometry were used to measure alpha-actin concentrations. Skeletal muscle damage was diagnosed according to physical examination, MRI findings and the biochemical criterion of a creatine kinase value >500 IU/l (Rosalki method, Beckman Instruments SL, Fullerton, California, USA). Results were also compared with previously obtained data on injured and uninjured non-sportspeople. RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of alpha-actin was significantly higher in sportspeople with muscle damage (10.49 microg/ml) than in uninjured sportspeople (3.99 mcirog/ml). Sera from injured sportspeople showed higher levels of alpha-actin than of troponin or myoglobin. No significant difference in TnI levels was observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, alpha-actin is a new and reliable marker of skeletal muscle damage in sportspeople which can be used for the detection of muscle injury. Possible cross interference between skeletal and cardiac muscle damage can be discriminated by the combined use of alpha-actin and TnI. These data suggest that early measurement of alpha-actin in sportspeople with suspected muscle damage will allow them to receive earlier and more effective treatment and to return sooner to the practice of their sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infiltrating T lymphocytes are found in many malignancies, but they appear to be mostly anergic and do not attack the tumor, presumably because of defective T-cell activation events. Recently, we described a strategy for the tumor-specific polyclonal activation of tumor-resident T lymphocytes based on the in situ production of recombinant bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) by transfected nonhematological cell lines. Here, we have constructed a novel HIV-1-based lentiviral vector for efficient gene transduction into various human hematopoietic cell types. Several myelomonocytic and lymphocytic cell lines secreted the anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) × anti-CD3 diabody in a functionally active form with CD3+ T-cell lines being the most efficient secretors. Furthermore, primary human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were also efficiently transduced and secreted high levels of functional diabody. Importantly gene-modified PBLs significantly reduced in vivo tumor growth rates in xenograft studies. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the utility of lentiviral vectors for sustained expression of recombinant bsAbs in human T lymphocytes. Such T lymphocytes, transduced ex vivo to secrete the activating diabody in autocrine fashion, may provide a promising route for a gene therapy strategy for solid human tumors.Cancer Gene Therapy (2007) 14, 380–388. doi:10.1038/sj.cgt.7701021; published online 12 January 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) offer advantages for schizophrenic patients compared to oral antipsychotics: less frequent dosing, lower relapse rates, better adherence, and lower healthcare costs. LAIs include paliperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone, and zuclopenthixol. Paliperidone palmitate is the only antipsychotic with two formulations with an administration interval longer than one month (3-monthly and 6-monthly), which could be better for the patient and help ensure treatment continuity, especially in cases of limited access to the health care system. Objectives: To assess the satisfaction of patients under treatment with 6-month paliperidone palmitate compared to other long-acting injectable antipsychotics with a higher frequency of administration. Methods: We analyzed the satisfaction level of a sample of patients receiving treatment with LAIs at the Mental Health Center of El Escorial. All patients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (according to DSM-5). Patients who met the inclusion criteria completed the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), a generic questionnaire of treatment satisfaction that measures four dimensions: side effects, treatment efficacy, comfort of use, and overall satisfaction. Other clinical and socio-demographic variables were collected, as well as the type of injectable, dose, and frequency of administration. Results: Data from approximately 30 patients will be analyzed and discussed later. Conclusions: Less frequent administration of LAIs may result in greater patient satisfaction and be just as beneficial clinically. Treatment satisfaction is positively associated with an improvement in psychotic symptoms and seems to be related to better adherence. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigated the sensitivity of the snowpack to increased temperature and short-wave radiation, and precipitation change along an elevation gradient (1500–2500 m a.s.l.) over the main mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula (Cantabrian Range, Central Range, Iberian Range, Pyrenees, and the Sierra Nevada). The output of a meso-atmospheric model (WRF) was used as forcing data in a physically-based energy and mass balance snowpack model (FSM2). A cluster analyses was applied to the input data of the FSM2 model to identify a total of 12 cells that summarized the climatic variability of the mountain ranges. The WRF output was then rescaled to various elevation bands using an array of psychrometric and radiative formulae and air temperature lapse rates. A factorial experiment was performed to generate synthetic meteorological series involving gradual alteration of the temperature (0–4 °C increases), short-wave radiation (0–40 Wm-2 increases), and precipitation (variations of ±20%) to force the FSM2. We found differing sensitivities across the various mountainous areas as a consequence of differences in their energy and mass balances. The results showed a generally negative impact of climate warming on the magnitude, duration, and melt rates of the snowpack over all elevation bands, even under scenarios of greater precipitation. The average effect of warming on the duration of the snowpack ranged from −23% per °C at 1500 m a.s.l. to −13% per °C at 2500 m a.s.l., on the peak snow water equivalent ranged from −20% per °C at 1500 m a.s.l. to −15% per °C at 2500 m a.s.l., and on melt rates ranged from −9% to −6% per °C. The effect of increasing short-wave radiation on the snowpack ranged from approximately −2% per 10 Wm−2 at 1500 m a.s.l. to −1% per 10 Wm−2 at 2500 m a.s.l. for both the snowpack duration and peak SWE indices. The effect on the snowpack caused by precipitation changes reduced gradually with increasing elevation, especially in the colder areas. The response of the melt rates to warming was negative in most of the areas at all elevations, suggesting less intense but longer melt seasons. • The snowpack sensitivities are different over main Iberian mountain ranges. • There will be a generalize reduction of the snowpack at all the elevations under warmer conditions, even under higher precipitation scenarios. • The sensitivity of the melt rates to warming was negative in most of the areas at all the elevations suggesting less intense but longer melt seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Presenter: b Maria Bejar | Tecnológico de Monterrey B Background: b Only 2 to 4% of the patients with melanoma will be diagnosed with gastrointestinal metastasis during the course of their disease. The most common sites of gastrointestinal metastatic melanoma include the small bowel, colon and stomach, Metastatic melanoma to the gallbladder is extremely rare and it is associated with a very bad prognosis. B Results: b A 56 year-old woman with diagnosis of melanoma with two satellite lesions in 2017 and a PET-CT positive for inguinal adenopathy showed to our hospital. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To determine the outcome predictors of in-hospital mortality in acute total occlusion of the left main coronary artery (ATOLMA) patients referred to emergent angioplasty and to describe the clinical presentation and the long-term outcome of these patients.Background: ATOLMA is an uncommon angiographic finding that usually leads to a catastrophic presentation. Limited and inconsistent data have been previously reported regarding true ATOLMA, yet comprehensive knowledge remains scarce.Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort that includes patients presenting with myocardial infarction due to a confirmed ATOLMA who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Results: In the period of the study, 7930 emergent PCI were performed in the five participating centers, and 46 of them had a true ATOLMA (0.58%). At admission, cardiogenic shock was present in 89% of patients, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required in 67.4%. All the patients had right dominance. Angiographic success was achieved in 80.4% of the procedures, 13 patients (28.2%) died during the catheterization, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 58.6% (27/46). At one-year and at the final follow-up, 18 patients (39%) were alive, including four cases successfully transplanted. Multivariate analysis showed that postprocedural TIMI flow was the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 0.23, (95% CI 0.1-0.36), p < 0.001).Conclusions: Our study confirms that the clinical presentation of ATOLMA is catastrophic, presenting a high in-hospital mortality rate; nevertheless, primary angioplasty in this setting is feasible. Postprocedural TIMI flow resulted as the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. In-hospital survivors presented an encouraging outcome. ATOLMA and left dominance could be incompatible with life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The bioconvection of gravitactic microorganisms, through linear analysis and numerical simulation is presented. Using the basic state as initial condition for both microorganisms and streamlines, the critical Rayleigh number and the bioconvection are predicted. The dynamic microorganisms' behavior is influenced by the initial spatial distribution. The stability of the system is dependent on the horizontal wave component that is inversely related to wavelength. The pattern length and the instability of the process are associated with the horizontal component of the wave number and the characteristic wavelength, respectively. Using complex and real eigenvalues, five unstable and three stable rolls are found respectively. The three stable rolls is the dominant pattern when varying the principal variables of this bioconvective process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenols (BPs) are a family of chemicals with known endocrine disrupting activity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most representative prototype of this group of chemicals. Recently, the use of BPA, a prototype of endocrine disruptors, has been reduced and replaced with structural analogs due to its negative effects on both the environment and consumers. In this work, a new method is presented for the determination of seven BPs, with estrogenic activity in ready-to-eat plastic packaged baby foods. The procedure involves the isolation of the analytes using solid-liquid phase extraction with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up step with a mixture of dispersive-SPE sorbents (C18 and PSA) and magnesium sulphate, to reduce matrix effect from proteins, sugars and lipids. Extraction parameters were optimized using multivariate optimization methods. The compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The limits of quantification were between 0.1 and 1.2 ng g −1 for the studied analytes. The method was validated using matrix–matched calibration and recovery assays with spiked samples. Recovery rates were between 91% and 110% and % RSD was lower than 13% in all cases. The method has been successfully applied for the determination of these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in samples of a novel type of food consumed by pre-schoolers. This is the first study to analyze EDCs in plastic packaged foods consumed by this target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the micro-macro approach is used to simulate the flow of dilute polymer solutions by means of a kinetic model coupled with the dynamics of a transient network. The transient network modeling is based on the original formulation, in which the kinetics of microstates describes the complexity of interactions among the macromolecules suspended in a Newtonian solvent (Rincón et al, J Non-Newton Fluid 131:64-77, 2005). The average concentration of microstates, at a given time, defines a variable maximum segment length (variable extensibility) of the molecular FENE model. The non-Newtonian contribution to the extra stress tensor is computed according to the Brownian configuration-fields method. Comparisons with the Oldroyd-B model validates its limiting behavior. Numerical results show the influence of the solvent to total viscosity ratio and shear rate, on the transient and steady rheological phenomena of complex fluids with microstates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety regulations require the control of the presence of protozoa in meats destined for human consumption. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat may constitute a source of zoonoses. A 23.8% (688/2881) seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and 72.2% (662/910) Sarcocystis sarcocysts prevalence were detected among wild boars hunted in Southwestern areas of Spain. Identity of Sarcocystis spp. was performed by RFLP-PCR and sequencing, detecting S. miescheriana (7/8) and the zoonotic S. suihominis (1/8). Risk assessment studies of these coccidian in meats destined to human consumption are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]