Search

The concept of 'prion-like' behavior has emerged in the study of diseases involving protein misfolding where fibrillar structures, called amyloids, self-propagate and induce disease in a fashion similar to prions. From a biological standpoint, in order to be considered 'prion-like,' a protein must traverse cells and tissues and further propagate via a templated conformational change. Since 2017, cryo-electron microscopy structures from patient-derived 'prion-like' amyloids, in particular tau, have been presented and revealed structural similarities shared across amyloids. Since 2021, cryo-EM structures from prions of known infectivity have been added to the ex vivo amyloid structure family. In this review, we discuss current proposals for the 'prion-like' mechanisms of spread for tau and prion protein as well as discuss different influencers on structures of aggregates from tauopathies and prion diseases. Lastly, we discuss some of the current hypotheses for what may distinguish structures that are 'prion-like' from transmissible prion structures. • Prion-like aggregates exit, are taken up, and propagate across cells and tissues. • Tau fibril structures point to isoform-composition-based structural patterns. • Prion strains share structural similarities despite host prion sequence variation. • GSS harbors a distinct structure to those of scrapie-derived prion strains. • A structural line between prion and prion-like may be thin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fast synthesis of activated carbon occurred in less than 6 min. • Time and energy reduced in Activated Carbon synthesis via single-step microwave pyrolysis. • Largest surface area (1240 m2/g) was achieved in single-step microwave pyrolysis in only 3 min. • Mesoporosity in Activated Carbons influenced markedly the removal of Basic Blue 9. • Activated Carbons showed high CO 2 adsorption and excellent selectivity over N 2 and recyclability. Hierarchical porous activated carbons (ACs) were efficiently synthesized in less than 2 min using microwaves and phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4), exhibiting excellent potential as adsorbent for carbon dioxide (CO 2) and Methylene Blue (MB). The method emphasizes the development of selective physicochemical and textural properties crucial for CO 2 post-combustion capture and textile dye removal from water, using agricultural waste as carbon precursor to address the environmental and economic challenges associated with the preparation of ACs. Dielectric properties confirmed H 3 PO 4 increased the microwave absorption properties of the biomass. Employing a single-step method, the resulting ACs exhibited large specific surface areas exceeding 1000 m2g−1, achieved in less than 2 min and relatively low energies (2.4 GJ ton-1). Sample 0.4H4 displayed a surface area of 1145 m2g−1 and a significant ultra-micropore (<0.7 nm) content, demonstrating a CO 2 uptake of 4.1 and 2.8 mmolg−1 at 0 and 25 °C, with high CO 2 /N 2 selectivity (>38). The sample exhibited rapid CO 2 uptake in 5 min and efficient regeneration after 20 adsorption–desorption cycles. Sample 0.3H3 developed large mesoporosity and a high surface area of 1217 m2g−1 with less than 3 min of treatment. The maximum dye removal was 281 mgg−1 and adsorption mechanisms involved diffusion into the mesoporous matrix, electrostatic interactions, H-bonding between AC and MB acid groups, and π–π interactions. The experimental data best fitted the Freundlich model. The results confirmed that microwaves have the potential to convert waste to micro-mesoporous ACs that can be used for a wide range of applications with significant processing time reductions and superior product qualities compared to conventional technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studied the use of three-dimensional voltammetry, particularly potential-time-current (E-t-i) data, on the development of electroanalytical methods. E-t-i data was obtained by taking chronoamperograms at potentials applied as pulses on a staircase waveform. By using this three-way kind of data and appropriate calibration algorithms, the possibility of achieving the second-order advantage was evaluated in the determination of ferrocyanide in the presence of the uncalibrated interference hydroquinone as a model system. The determination of acetaminophen in urine samples, where ascorbic acid and uric acid play the major roles as interferents was also studied. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multivariate curve resolution alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) were the algorithms employed in this work. Both algorithms successfully achieved the second-order advantage by correctly predicting the concentrations of the validation synthetic samples. Excellent predictions were obtained in the direct analysis of acetaminophen-spiked urine samples by E-t-i data and MCR-ALS. Image 1 • First use of chronoamperometric-based E-t-i data with second-order calibration. • Second-order advantage achieved with E-t-i data and PARAFAC or MCR-ALS. • MCR-ALS provided better prediction results than PARAFAC. • Simple and direct determination of paracetamol in urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An interactive social robot for assistance and stimulation. • Intelligent environment with abilities to monitor and learn actively. • An outdoor assistant to help disoriented patients. • Integration of several existing solutions and adaptation to the problem at hand. • Deep learning solutions to face various challenges: memory loss, attention problems. In the last years, the care of dependent people, either by disease, accident, disability, or age, is one of the current priority research topics in developed countries. Moreover, such care is intended to be at patients home, in order to minimize the cost of therapies. Patients rehabilitation will be fulfilled when their integration in society is achieved, either in the family or in a work environment. To address this challenge, we propose the development and evaluation of an assistant for people with acquired brain injury or dependents. This assistant is twofold: in the patient's home is based on the design and use of an intelligent environment with abilities to monitor and active learning, combined with an autonomous social robot for interactive assistance and stimulation. On the other hand, it is complemented with an outdoor assistant, to help patients under disorientation or complex situations. This involves the integration of several existing technologies and provides solutions to a variety of technological challenges. Deep leaning-based techniques are proposed as core technology to solve these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Avocado (Persea americana) cv 'Hass' was analyzed at four ripening stages (RS1-RS4). • Main phenolics were epicatechin and vanillic acid; their concentration increased by 67- and 18-fold, respectively. • Extracts from RS1 and RS2 were most effective against HeLa and RAW 264.7 cells. Avocado is an excellent source of phytochemicals with remarkable bioactive properties. This study evaluated the effect of ripeness stage of 'Hass' avocado on the profile and content of lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals and their in vitro cytotoxic activity. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major phytochemicals were conducted in four stages of ripeness, using gas and liquid chromatography analyses. In general, phenolics, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols tended to increase during ripening. A decrease of individual phytochemicals was observed, namely, protocatechuic acid (0.36 to 0.03 mg 100 g−1 dw) and β-carotene (0.9 to 0.4 mg 100 g−1 dw), while quercetin and δ-tocopherol were only detected in a single ripeness stage (1 and 3, respectively). The major phytochemicals quantified at the end of ripening were epicatechin (12.66 mg 100 g−1 dw), lutein (0.5 mg 100 g−1 dw), α-tocopherol (12.4 mg 100 g−1 oil) and β-sitosterol (35.6 mg 100 g−1 dw) for phenolics, carotenoids, tocopherols and phytosterols, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of methanolic extracts of avocado was tested against RAW 264.7 and HeLa cells, where all RS showed a dose-dependent effect. We conclude that ripeness stage influences the concentration of specific compounds in each group of phytochemicals, as well as its in vitro cytotoxic activity, something that must be considered in future studies on the potential health benefits of avocado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Catastrophic thrombotic storm is a rare systemic clinical entity characterized by formation of multiple thrombi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The last few years have seen the appearance many mobile applications aimed at improving health, but studies analyzing their effectiveness on cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are few and far between. Our aim was to assess the effect on CVRFs such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and global CVR, of adding the use of a smartphone app to an intervention consisting of standard counseling on physical activity and the Mediterranean diet.Method: This is a multicenter, randomized and controlled clinical trial. From January 2014 and September 2016, a total of 833 subjects selected by random sampling from six health centers participated. Of these, 415 were assigned to the counseling + app group (IG) and 418 to the counseling only group (CG). The IG additionally received training in the use of a mobile application. The main outcome was the change in CVRFs and estimated CVR at 3 and 12 months in the IG compared to the CG.Results: No significant changes were observed at 3 or 12 months in terms of CVR. Nevertheless, an effect between groups was observed in favor of the CG at 12 months in some CVRFS: SBP, DBP, total cholesterol and triglycerides: 2.02 mmHg (95%CI: 0.43-3.61), 1.21 mmHg (95%CI: 0.20-2.24), 5.24 mg/dl (95%CI: 1.22-9.26) and 7.24 mg/dl (95%CI: 0.53-14.32).Conclusion: Adding an intervention with the use of an app for three months to standard counseling on diet and physical activity, does not provide additional benefits for improving CVRFs or the estimated CVR in the long term.Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02016014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Raman has been proposed to assess concrete after high temperature exposure. • Raman results for the decomposition of CSH phase are similar to those from XRD. • PCA from Raman data could identify concrete subjected to different temperatures. • Raman allows for clear identification of specific phases of concrete after calcination. • Raman spectroscopy proved more valuable in identifying the concrete hydrated phases. Abstract Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials, having excellent mechanical properties, but may fail in a catastrophic manner post fire. In this study, we present non-destructive Raman testing of concrete walls post fire to track temperature exposure based on the decomposition of the calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) phase. The use of Raman spectroscopy is contrasted with X-ray diffraction to demonstrate its competence in evaluating thermal damage to concrete. It was found that Raman spectroscopy was more adept at identifying the hydrated phases than XRD. Principal component analysis was applied to the Raman data to demonstrate the ability of Raman spectroscopy to distinguish concrete exposed to different temperatures. The decomposition of Calcium silicate hydrate could be followed by Raman monitoring the shifts at 1081, 709 and 278 cm−1. At the highest temperature in this study (950 °C) Raman spectra showed the disappearance of these bands with formation of a new one at 1007 cm−1 attributed to the formation of gehlenite following the matrix decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming unstructured text into a formal representation is an important goal of the Semantic Web in order to facilitate the integration and retrieval of information. The construction of Knowledge Graphs (KGs) pursues such an idea, where named entities (real world things) and their relations are extracted from text. In recent years, many approaches for the construction of KGs have been proposed by exploiting Discourse Analysis, Semantic Frames, or Machine Learning algorithms with existing Semantic Web data. Although such approaches are useful for processing taxonomies and connecting beliefs, they provide several linguistic descriptions, which lead to semantic data heterogeneity and thus, complicating data consumption. Moreover, Open Information Extraction (OpenIE) approaches have been slightly explored for the construction of KGs, which provide binary relations representing atomic units of information that could simplify the querying and representation of data. In this paper, we propose an approach to generate KGs using binary relations produced by an OpenIE approach. For such purpose, we present strategies for favoring the extraction and linking of named entities with KG individuals, and additionally, their association with grammatical units that lead to producing more coherent facts. We also provide decisions for selecting the extracted information elements for creating potentially useful RDF triples for the KG. Our results demonstrate that the integration of information extraction units with grammatical structures provides a better understanding of proposition-based representations provided by OpenIE for supporting the construction of KGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Exploit connections between decomposition schemes to study convergence in NLP. • Establish more formalism in benchmarks of different schemes. • Demonstrate performance in challenging nonconvex problems. Abstract We study connections between the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), the classical method of multipliers (MM), and progressive hedging (PH). The connections are used to derive benchmark metrics and strategies to monitor and accelerate convergence and to help explain why ADMM and PH are capable of solving complex nonconvex NLPs. Specifically, we observe that ADMM is an inexact version of MM and approaches its performance when multiple coordination steps are performed. In addition, we use the observation that PH is a specialization of ADMM and borrow Lyapunov function and primal-dual feasibility metrics used in ADMM to explain why PH is capable of solving nonconvex NLPs. This analysis also highlights that specialized PH schemes can be derived to tackle a wider range of stochastic programs and even other problem classes. Our exposition is tutorial in nature and seeks to to motivate algorithmic improvements and new decomposition strategies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Wound healing after myocardial infarction (MI) is mediated by different cell types, secreted proteins, components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and, as increasing evidences suggest, extracellular vesicles (EVs). We aim to determine the dynamics of release and origin of EVs after MI, as well as their biological activity on endothelial cells (ECs). Methods MI was induced in WT mice and blood and tissues collected at baseline, 3, 15 and 30 days post-ligation for cardiac function (echocardiography) and histological evaluation. Circulating EVs subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry in mouse, and in a small cohort of patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI, n = 6). In vitro, EVs were isolated from a cardiomyocyte cell line (HL1) and their function assayed on ECs. Results Leukocyte and endothelial EVs increased concomitant to inflammatory and angiogenic processes triggered by ischemia. More strikingly, cardiomyocyte EVs (connexin43+) were detected in STEMI patients and in murine MI, where a significant increase in their levels was reported at day 15 post-ischemia (p < 0.05 vs baseline). In vitro, HL1EVs induced ECs migration (p = 0.05) and proliferation (p < 0.05), but impaired tube formation. These apparent contradictory results could be partially explained by the upregulation of MMP3, and the apoptosis and senescence genes, p53 and p16 , induced by HL1EVs on ECs (p < 0.05). Conclusions MI induces the release of different EVs subpopulations, including those of cardiac origin, in a preclinical model of MI and STEMI patients. In vitro, cardiomyocyte derived EVs are able to modulate endothelial function, suggesting their active role in heart repair after ischemia. Highlights • Dynamics of extracellular vesicle release after myocardial infarction are studied. • Leukocyte EVs are associated with early inflammation post-MI. • Endothelial EVs fluctuation mimics angiogenic processes in the ischemic heart. • Cardiomyocyte EVs increase after injury in human and mouse plasma post-MI. • Cardiomyocyte derived EVs modulate endothelial function in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we introduce a Sequential Convex Programming (SCP) algorithm for the motion generation with the centroidal dynamics of legged robots using a sequential bounds tightening of McCormick envelopes strategy to cope with the nonconvexity of the problem (related to bilinear terms). Therefore, the proposed SCP algorithm is initialized with relaxed McCormick envelopes and then their bounds are sequentially tightened around the current estimate of the solution enforcing this way convergence to a feasible point. The SCP algorithm solves a quadratic program at each iteration by an interior point method. Additionally, the proposed SCP algorithm is alternated with an inverse kinematics algorithm to achieve the whole body motion generation. Finally, extensive numerical experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in generating highly agile motions such as trotting, bounding, stotting and running for humanoid and quadruped robots. • Motion generation using sequential bounds tightening of McCormick envelopes. • Highly agile motions such as trotting, bounding, stotting and running for robots. • McCormick bounds are sequentially tightened enforcing convergence to a feasible point. • Alternates between kinematic and centroidal dynamics optimization until a consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and characterization of an ultrasonic vibration-assisted ball burnishing (VABB) tool on Ti-6Al-4V. This process is based on the modification of conventional ball burnishing, by means of the addition of a 40-kHz vibratory force to the burnishing preload exerted by the spring inside the tool. For the purposes of successfully executing the process, a new tool is designed through the assembly of different modules responsible for the various aspects involved in it. That design is hereby presented. Then, a methodology comprising acoustic emission and high frequency sampling is proposed to characterize the functioning of a prototype manufactured according to the previously presented design. The set of techniques deployed to measure the performance of the VABB prototype is presented as a feasible means of characterizing this sort of advanced manufacturing tools, especially like this one which is governed by ultrasonic frequencies. Last of all, the prototype is tested on a Ti-6Al-4V surface to validate it. The superior results of VABB, compared to the non-assisted version of the process, is shown in terms of average and total surface roughness, as well as surface hardness. The highest improvement is achieved by applying the VABB process with 300 N and 5 passes. The effectiveness of the designed prototype is confirmed, and places this kind of VABB tools as inexpensive systems to successfully execute an innovative finishing process for industrial components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of the studied artworks were altarpieces, sculptures and/or wood-based works from different periods. Non-traditional gilding techniques have been first described in this paper, such as those that employ materials as oil in the gilding on bole, glue and bole with lead white in mordant gilding, vermilion in the preparation layers; and brass gilding or those with aluminium, lead chromate, mica or corla trying to imitate the golden hue in restoration or repaint processes. For the determination of the composition of the different gilded layers, spectroscopic techniques, such as FTIR and micro-Raman, and SEM-EDX elemental chemical analyses were successfully used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is now possible to routinely determine atomic resolution structures by electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM), facilitated in part by the method known as micro electron-diffraction (MicroED). Since its initial demonstration in 2013, MicroED has helped determine a variety of protein structures ranging in molecular weight from a few hundred Daltons to several hundred thousand Daltons. Some of these structures were novel while others were previously known. The resolutions of structures obtained thus far by MicroED range from 3.2 Å to 1.0 Å, with most better than 2.5 Å. Crystals of various sizes and shapes, with different space group symmetries, and with a range of solvent content have all been studied by MicroED. The wide range of crystals explored to date presents the community with a landscape of opportunity for structure determination from nano crystals. Here we summarize the lessons we have learned during the first few years of MicroED, and from our attempts at the first ab initio structure determined by the method. We re-evaluate theoretical considerations in choosing the appropriate crystals for MicroED and for extracting the most meaning out of measured data. With more laboratories worldwide adopting the technique, we speculate what the first decade might hold for MicroED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal selection of chemical features (molecular descriptors) is an essential pre-processing step for the efficient application of computational intelligence techniques in virtual screening for identification of bioactive molecules in drug discovery. The selection of molecular descriptors has key influence in the accuracy of affinity prediction. In order to improve this prediction, we examined a Random Forest (RF)-based approach to automatically select molecular descriptors of training data for ligands of kinases, nuclear hormone receptors, and other enzymes. The reduction of features to use during prediction dramatically reduces the computing time over existing approaches and consequently permits the exploration of much larger sets of experimental data. To test the validity of the method, we compared the results of our approach with the ones obtained using manual feature selection in our previous study (Perez-Sanchez, Cano, and Garcia-Rodriguez, 2014).The main novelty of this work in the field of drug discovery is the use of RF in two different ways: feature ranking and dimensionality reduction, and classification using the automatically selected feature subset. Our RF-based method outperforms classification results provided by Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Neural Networks (NN) approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to establish the advantages and limitations of the combined use of portable UV–Vis-FORS and XRF-XRD portable equipment for the non-invasive characterisation of pigments from Roman wall paintings from Seville, Spain, dated to the first and second century AD. XRD revealed the presence of calcite, dolomite and aragonite, indicating the colour white. Egyptian blue was identified using FORS and XRF, and additional information was obtained with XRD. For the colour green, FORS and mainly FTIR and colorimetry enabled the distinction between glauconite and celadonite, although other techniques were necessary to classify all components of the green areas by determining the presence of cuprorivaite, chlorite and chromium. For the colours yellow and red, the presence of goethite, yellow ochre, cinnabar and haematite was confirmed using FORS and XRF in some cases; the results were corroborated by XRD. Chromatic characterisation and the values of inflection points of FORS spectra enabled a better differentiation between reddish colours (orange, brown, purple and pink). The XRD and XRF techniques revealed that violet was created by mixing red haematite and Egyptian blue and slight variations in FORS spectra confirmed this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work suggests a way of differentiation between the natural or synthetic origin of inorganic materials that were historically used in the Cultural Heritage field. An exhaustive review of different reported procedures of synthesis of pigments was conducted, as well as a review of the accompanying minerals in case of natural pigments. The natural or synthetic origin of the pigments studied in this work was performed through the characterization of the accompanying minerals, in the case of the natural pigments, or the trace elements that are present as part of synthesis by-products or washing/purifying reagents and/or reactants that have only been partly removed in the final steps of these processes. This work characterized red pigments due to their wide variety, complexity and possibility of use in different mixtures. The following pigments were studied: cinnabar-vermilion, red lead and iron pigments. Also mixtures of these pigments between them and with red lake were also studied. Natural cinnabar was accompanied by silicon oxide (opal, chalcedony or quartz), calcite, clay minerals and, sometimes, pyrite. K together with S indicated a synthetic pigment (vermilion) obtained through the wet method. Nevertheless, K has not been found in layers containing only vermilion in our samples. The presence of Sn in some cases indicated vermilion that came from the dry process. K from the synthesis always appeared in the red lead pigment. The red natural ochre was confirmed by presence of clay minerals and iron. It should be said that Ca and S, and sometimes Al and K, were usually found in Mars red pigment. The presence of Al and Ca allowed the identification of carmine lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider parametric optimization problems from an algebraic viewpoint. The idea is to find all of the critical points of an objective function thereby determining a global optimum. For generic parameters (data) in the objective function the number of critical points remains constant. This number is known as the algebraic degree of an optimization problem. In this article, we go further by considering the inverse problem of finding parameters of the objective function so it gives rise to critical points exhibiting a special structure. For example if the critical point is in the singular locus, has some symmetry, or satisfies some other algebraic property. Our main result is a theorem describing such parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a study of 30 fragments of green wall paintings from Roman times found in the Patio de Banderas excavation in Seville Alcazar. The sample characterisation was realised using optical microscopy, colourimetry, infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The study of these pigments is important because it can help determine the source or the pictorial technique used. The samples studied in this work have been divided into two groups, according to the composition of their green pigments. In the first group, celadonite has been characterised as the primary component of the green colour; chlorite was also detected. Particles constituted by chromium accompanied by aluminium, iron and zinc were found in all studied samples of this group. Chlorite and chromium oxide could also be responsible for the green colour. The presence of chromium suggested the presence of green colour pigment from Verona. In the second group, a mixture of celadonite and glauconite was detected and could be responsible for the green colour observed. The addition of refracting material such as Egyptian blue was also used. A mixture of Egyptian green and Egyptian blue together with celadonite and glauconite was also found. Four classes of intonaco were recognised and classified based upon the composition of the aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient total synthesis of the potent V-ATPase inhibitor saliphenylhalamide (SaliPhe), a synthetic variant of the natural product salicylihalamide A (SaliA), has been accomplished aimed at facilitating the development of SaliPhe as an anticancer and antiviral agent. This new approach enabled facile access to derivatives for structure–activity relationship studies, leading to simplified analogs that maintain SaliPhe’s biological properties. These studies will provide a solid foundation for the continued evaluation of SaliPhe and analogs as potential anticancer and antiviral agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hybrid heating in preparation of activated carbons was investigated. • High CO 2 adsorption was achieved with low KOH impregnation ratio. • Synergic effects observed by using modest microwave intensity and temperature. • Linear correlation between CO 2 uptake and microporosity. • Langmuir model describes the adsorption mechanism in hybrid AC. Microwave has become an attractive technology in the valorisation of renewable biomass and in the mitigation of challenges of climate change. In this work, the synergic effects of coupling microwave and mild conventional heating conditions has been investigated in preparing engineered ultra-micropore carbons from lignocellulosic biomass. The processing conditions were systematically investigated and correlated to the physicochemical properties of activated carbons produced and their performance in post-combustion CO 2 capture. The highest CO 2 uptake (225 mg g−1) was achieved for the hybrid carbon produced at low temperature (600 °C) and modest microwave intensity. The synergic effect of hybrid heating was confirmed by the significant CO 2 uptake increase up to 80 and 60 % for the activated carbons prepared by microwave and conventional heating, respectively. The enhanced adsorption was confirmed by cyclic regeneration up to 99 % after 16 adsorption–desorption cycles, showing a linear correlation between the surface area, micropore volume and CO 2 uptake. The Pseudo-first order model accurately describes the adsorption phenomena, indicating that physisorption is the primary mechanism governing the process. The results acquired from this study highlight the process intensification in the synthesis of porous materials with comparable properties that are typically attained in conventional heating using energy intensive conditions. Additionally, this approach reveals the benefits of conventional treatment for increasing the material's microwave susceptibility and as consequence to reduce the processing time by microwave heating. The synergic effects confirms the potential of hybrid heating for applications where fast and selective heating is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let X be a complex affine variety in C N , and let f : C N → C be a polynomial function whose restriction to X is nonconstant. For g : C N → C a general linear function, we study the limiting behavior of the critical points of the one-parameter family f t : = f − t g as t → 0. Our main result gives an expression of this limit in terms of critical sets of the restrictions of g to the singular strata of (X , f). We apply this result in the context of optimization problems. For example, we consider nearest point problems (e.g., Euclidean distance degrees) for affine varieties and a possibly nongeneric data point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Raman spectroscopy characterisation of the compounds used to produce polychrome wall paintings. [•] The reliability of Raman techniques (portable and μ-Raman). [•] Effects of the compounds that are formed on or added to the wall paintings in the Raman study. [•] Characterisation of the advantages of compounds from cross sections of the wall paintings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Highly selective process for the production of simple phenols. [•] TiO2 defunctionalized monomeric phenolics from lignin. [•] Over 95% conversion of monomeric phenolics is attainable. [•] Catechols were the most reactive monomeric phenolic. [•] Anatase TiO2 performed much better than rutile TiO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An amperometric flow system for glucose determination in blood serum samples after enzymatic reaction with glucose oxidase immobilized on magnetite covered with silica gel modified propylamine is described. The solid was magnetically retained on a mini-column and placed into the flow injection system preceding the amperometric detector using a modified screen printed electrode with [Fe(tris(3,5-dimetyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate)2]+[FeCl4]−. The variables involved in the system such as flow rate, enzyme concentration, injection volume and reaction coil length were evaluated using a Taguchi parameter design. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve of glucose sample was linear between 0.24 and 6.00mM, and with a limit of detection of 0.08mM. The repeatability for a 4.0mM glucose solution was 1.0%.The method was validated by comparing the obtained results to those provided by the enzymatic spectrophotometric method; no significant differences were observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the RUSLE3D (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation–3D) and USPED (Unit Stream Power-based Erosion Deposition) models, the effects of topography on soil loss are represented by the combined factor LS, where L is the slope length factor and S the slope gradient factor. The problems with measuring slope gradient and length over large areas are i) they are not always estimated correctly, and ii) different ways are used for their calculation. GIS (Geographical Information Systems) software has several algorithms for estimating topographic parameters included in the equations of LS. The objective of this research was developing a methodology for LS calculation using GIS, in order to define the most accurate algorithm for each parameter. For the estimation of S and upslope contribution area (~ L), the Zevenbergen and Thorne algorithm and the Deterministic Infinity algorithm, respectively, were selected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A detailed fluoride adsorption study in packed columns with chitin or a chitin-based biocomposite is reported. The biocomposite was preconditioned by an acidification process, which produced a suitable material to be used in a continuous fluoride adsorption process. An empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 20min was determined as adequate. The fluoride concentration of the artificially prepared influent was 5.1mg/L. About 200 and 300 bed volumes of contaminated water were treated before saturation of packed columns with biocomposite or chitin, respectively. Fluoride was desorbed from the fluoride exhausted chitin and biocomposite by using a NaOH solution as eluent: the regeneration efficiencies were 85 and 84% for chitin and biocomposite, respectively. Finally, continuous fluoride adsorption experiments were carried out with natural fluoride contaminated water (3.9mgfluoride/L). The chitin and biocomposite fluoride selectivity was determined as follows: SO4 2− >HCO3 − >F− >Cl− >NO3 −. Results of this study confirmed the potential of chitin-based biocomposites as adsorbents materials of fluoride and other anions present in water. However, the preconditioning of the biocomposite should be considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A magnetic solid phase extraction method coupled to capillary electrophoresis is proposed for the determination of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline in milk samples. Five different magnetic phenyl silica adsorbents covered with magnetite were synthesized by varying the molar ratio of phenyltrimethylsilane and tetramethylorthosilicate; these adsorbents were evaluated in terms of their pH and degree of hydrophobicity for tetracycline retention. The optimal, selected combination of conditions was a pH of 10.0 and a magnetic sorbent ratio of 4:1; under these conditions, the retention capacity ranged from 99.7% to 101.2% for the four tetracyclines analyzed. The elution conditions and initial sample volume of the proposed extraction method were also optimized, and the best results were obtained with 1×10−3 M acetic acid in methanol as eluent and a 200ml of sample volume. Under optimal conditions, average recoveries ranged from 94.2% to 99.8% and the limits of detection ranged from 2 to 9μgl−1 for the four tetracyclines. After the proposed method was optimized and validated, 25 milk samples of different brands were analyzed, oxytetracycline residues were detected in five samples, in concentrations ranging from 98 to 213μgl−1. Subsequent analysis of positive samples by SPE–CE and magnetic solid phase extraction–HPLC revealed than no significant differences were found from results obtained by the proposed methodology. Thus, the developed magnetic extraction is a robust pre-concentration technique that can be coupled to other analytical methods for the quantitative determination of tetracyclines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the dimensional stability of 8 impression materials over 12 weeks relevant to in vitro tribology studies. Methods: Ten impressions from eight impression materials were taken of a metal block (ADA block) conforming to the American Dental Association specification for impression materials and of another metal block (custom block) which allowed measurements over a larger surface area. The impressions and blocks were scanned on a non-contacting laser profilometer (Taicaan® – Southampton, UK) and using surface metrology software Boddies® (Taicaan® – Southampton, UK) measurements were made at 24h, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The impression materials tested were Aquasil®, Aquasil® DECA, Affinis®, Express®, Extrude®, Impregum®, President® and Take 1®. Results: Seven addition silicones and one polyether were tested. and were monophasic, the rest were putty-wash. The results from impressions of the ADA block showed that all materials contracted compared to measurements obtained directly from the block expanded over time (+31.5μm) (p <0.05). The results from the custom block showed that all materials contracted compared to direct measurements of the block. and expanded over time (+62μm and +63.8μm respectively). contracted over time (−54.7μm) (p <0.05). Significance: No material showed linear changes >1.5% and were stable for 12 weeks. Nevertheless, the range of changes would affect tribology studies were cut-offs lesser than the reported changes are selected. All impressions should be processed after similar time delays to reduce the errors introduced by dimensional changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tropical fruits production, trade and consumption have increased significantly due to their attractive sensory and nutrimental properties; nevertheless, their highly perishable nature limits their postharvest life. Postharvest treatments have been used to preserve quality of fresh produce and have been focused mainly on preserving freshness and avoid microbial growth. However, an improvement on the antioxidant system as a secondary response under certain adverse environmental and stress conditions has been observed, including some types of stress used as postharvest treatments. This review focuses on analyzing and proposing some possible mechanisms induced by postharvest treatments affecting the antioxidant status of treated tropical fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The optimum composition of a chitin-based biocomposite was determined based on both its fluoride adsorption capacity and its chemical resistance in acid aqueous solution. Parameters such as the chitin content, additive content, catalyst content, chitin particle size, degree of acetylation of chitin and effect of pH on adsorption were evaluated. It was possible to chemically reinforce chitin while keeping an acceptable fluoride adsorption capacity onto the chitin-based biocomposites. Optimum chitin content (60%) was limited by the polymer–biopolymer anchoring capacity. An amine-based additive was used to improve the biocomposite adsorption capacity; however, its inclusion was not suitable in terms of biocomposite chemical resistance. The chitin particle size had no effect on adsorption capacity, and the degree of acetylation of chitin notably modified biocomposite adsorption capacity. On the other hand, the biocomposite chemical resistance was notably improved compared to pure chitin. The physicochemical properties of the optimum chitin-based biocomposite showed its potential for being used in continuous adsorption processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To analyze differences in the way dental materials digitize on a non-contacting laser profilometer (NCLP). Methods: Three Type IV dental stones and 15 impression materials were mixed according to the manufacturer''s instructions and expressed against a glass block to record its surface characteristics. From each material an area of 6×40mm was scanned on the NCLP and the Ra, Rq and Rt roughness values measured from 20 randomly selected transverse profiles. The surface of the impression materials was subsequently poured in Moonstone™ (Bracon Ltd., Etchingham, England) dental stone and the same roughness values obtained from these casts. Differences in roughness values from the dental materials were compared using ANOVA and differences in roughness between impression materials and the Moonstone™ casts compared using paired t-tests. Results: There were significant differences in roughness values between individual materials within each type (impression material or dental stone) (p <0.05). The roughness of the dental stones varied between Ra=0.87 and 0.99μm, Rq=1.09 and 1.23μm, and Rt=5.70 and 6.51μm. The roughness values of the impression materials varied between Ra=0.75 and 4.56μm; Rq=0.95 and 6.27μm and Rt=4.70 and 39.31μm. Darker materials showed higher roughness values compared to lighter materials (p <0.05). The roughness of the Moonstone™ casts varied between Ra=0.80 and 0.98μm; Rq=1.01 and 1.22μm, and Rt=5.04 and 6.38μm. Roughness values of some impression materials were statistically significantly lower when the surface was reproduced in Moonstone™ (p <0.01). Significance: Digitization of dental materials on optical profilometers was affected by color and transparency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The morphology and structure of nanosized ceria particles prepared by several in vacuo deposition methods on a Au(111) template were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy. Cerium metal nanoparticles on gold have limited reactivity toward molecular oxygen and NO2, due to the formation of Ce–Au alloys, and their oxidation leads to formation of non-uniform substoichiometric three-dimensional (3D) oxide particles. Cerium metal deposition onto condensed multilayers of water or NO2 generates fully oxidized but poorly ordered ceria particles after annealing. Ultra-thin flat and ordered ceria nanoislands were prepared by deposition of cerium metal on the gold surface at elevated temperatures under an oxygen background pressure. Atomically resolved images show an oxygen-terminated surface of CeO2(111) with oxygen vacancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents a detailed characterization of stearic acid film in various experimental conditions, recorded both in the pre- and post-collapse region, using – in addition to π–Α isotherms – visualization of film structure and thickness measurements (using Brewster angle microscope, BAM) supplemented with a precise analysis of compressibility modulus versus area (C s −1- A) plots. π–Α isotherms recorded for unionized molecules exhibit a liquid-condensed (LC) state where the thickness (th) and the compressibility modulus (C s −1) remain constant with monolayer compression along a plateau region, where a tilt angle of 73.5°, in respect to the water surface, was calculated for stearic acid molecule. Films subjected to subsequent compressions (beyond the collapse) and expansions show semi-reversible behavior as proved with BAM images. Upon the increase of carboxylic group ionization in alkaline pHs and increasing the speed of compression, the "spike" at the collapse changed its shape from sharp to rounded. Upon further compression, a long plateau transition has been observed. Within this post-collapse plateau, a three-fold increase in film thickness was observed, confirming the previously suggested model of trilayer formation. However, the visualization of film structure with BAM revealed that this process does not occur homogeneously, but through the nucleation of trilayer structures in the form of domains that undergo a continuous process of growth and coalescence within the post-collapse plateau region. The application of the adapted Clausius-Clapeyron equation indicates that the process of trilayer formation is endothermic and implies an increase of entropy, which has been additionally proven by PM-IRRAS. [Display omitted] • Full characteristics of stearic acid (SA) film in pre- and post-collapse region is presented. • Film thickness measurements proved a tilt orientation of 73.5° for SA in LC phase. • A change in "spike" shape at π c results from increased ionization and compression speed. • A long plateau transition beyond π c was observed. • Post-collapse transition implies an increase in entropy as proved with PM-IRRAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A fully three dimensional finite-strain damage model for fibrous soft tissue is here presented. The model assumes uncoupled contributions for the matrix and collagen fibers, and uncoupled bulk and deviatoric response over any range of deformations. A simple isotropic damage mechanism within the framework of continuum damage mechanics has been used to describe the softening behavior under deformation for the matrix. On the other hand, statistical aspects related to the length distribution of the reinforcing fibers lead to a damage model for the reinforcing material. As a result, a general theoretical framework for constitutive modeling of biological soft tissue with continuum damage is obtained. The formulation has been implemented in a finite element framework and the capabilities of the model tested in three computer simulations of inhomogeneous boundary value problems. The results show the quadratic rate of convergence of the implementation and the ability to describe typical stress–strain behavior of fiber reinforced soft tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surface topographic deformations produced by mantle movements are typically estimated using a numerical mantle convection model with the thin-sheet approximation, where the topographic load is assumed to be always balanced with the calculated normal stress at the top of the fixed boundary of the convecting cell. Although this approximation is commonly used due to its relative simplicity, it implicitly neglects the effect of gravitational relaxation over the dynamically uplifted topography. In order to estimate the potential errors of this approximation, we have developed a new Boundary Element model that permits precise calculations of viscous flow movements with flexible boundaries in the gravity field. Our applications of this model to the estimations of topographic uplifts over mantle upwelling zones show that the thin-sheet approximation results in exaggerated topographic values. Thus, we conclude that, by considering the effect of gravitational relaxation, it is possible to significantly increase the accuracy in estimating the effect that mantle convection has on the surface topography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Clinical studies have shown that nuclear expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein Survivin in tumor cells predicted a favorable prognosis whereas cytosolic-localized protein caused a decreased overall survival. Therefore Survivin’s subcellular localization may be important for its anti-apoptotic capacity. To address this question, we investigated localization and function of Survivin in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) and HeLa tumor cells. NHLFs of early passages expressed Survivin in the nucleus and were highly sensitive to C2 ceramide, which induces the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In contrast, NHLFs at higher passages relocated Survivin to the cytosol and became more resistant to C2 ceramide. Blocking nuclear export of Survivin by leptomycin B in HeLa cells increased susceptibility to C2 ceramide. In addition, transduction of HeLa cells with Survivin fused to a nuclear localization signal augmented basal expression levels of p53 and Bax and enhanced sensitivity for intrinsic apoptosis. Those findings suggest that a predominant nuclear localization of Survivin increases the sensitivity for pro-apoptotic stimuli, whereas nuclear export enables Survivin to fulfill its inhibitor of apoptosis function. A therapeutic intervention which holds Survivin in the nucleus of tumor cells might improve cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: This study evaluated changes in weight, glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with schizophrenia and antipsychotic-related metabolic disturbances who were switched to ziprasidone. Methods: Eighty-four outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder also having glucose intolerance, diabetes, dyslipidemia or weight gain related to their antipsychotic treatment were switched to ziprasidone. Clinical status was assessed using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) scales and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Assessment scales, weight, glucose and lipids were measured at baseline and at three and six months of ziprasidone treatment. Results: Significant baseline to endpoint reductions were seen in mean weight (−5.1 kg), Body Mass Index (BMI; −1.6 kg/m2), serum glucose (−14.0 mg/dL), total cholesterol (−24.1 mg/dL), and triglyceride leves (−46.2 mg/dL). Mean PANSS total score improved 13.9% after 6 months of treatment with ziprasidone. A proportion (34.3%) of patients were classified as much improved in the CGI-I. Conclusions: Switching patients with schizophrenia to ziprasidone when metabolic disturbances are detected may improve these side effects and result in an improved overall outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bok/Mtd (Bcl-2-related ovarian killer/Matador) is considered a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family. Although identified in 1997, little is known about its biological role. We have previously demonstrated that Bok mRNA is up-regulated following E2F1 overexpression. In the current work, we demonstrate that Bok RNA is low in quiescent cells and rises upon serum stimulation. To determine the mechanism underlying this regulation, we cloned and characterized the mouse Bok promoter. We find that the mouse promoter contains a conserved E2F binding site (-43 to -49) and that a Bok promoter-driven luciferase reporter is activated by serum stimulation dependent on this site. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that endogenous E2F1 and E2F3 associate with the Bok promoter in vivo. Surprisingly, we find that H1299 cells can stably express high levels of exogenous Bok protein. However, these cells are highly sensitive to chemo-therapeutic drug treatment. Taken together these results demonstrate that Bok represents a cell cycle-regulated pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, which may predispose growing cells to chemotherapeutic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines the susceptibilities of meropenem and other broad-spectrum antimicrobials tested against bacterial isolates collected from hospitalized patients during 2002–2004 from worldwide medical centers participating in the Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection (MYSTIC) Program. The in vitro activity of meropenem and 5 comparator antimicrobial agents was assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. Generally, the susceptibility of Australasian and North American isolates was higher than that of the European and South American isolates. The rank order of activity of the antimicrobial agents tested against a worldwide collection of P. aeruginosa was piperacillin/tazobactam (77.7% susceptible) > meropenem (75.4%) > ceftazidime (70.0%) > imipenem (69.7%) > gentamicin (66.1%) > ciprofloxacin (62.0%). Against a worldwide collection of Acinetobacter spp. meropenem (76.1% susceptible) was the most active compound followed by imipenem (74.7%) > gentamicin (51.9%) > ciprofloxacin (40.5%) > piperacillin/tazobactam (39.8%) > ceftazidime (38.1%). The carbapenems appear to be a valuable option for the treatment of serious nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa or Acinetobacter spp. over a broad geographical region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Insolation differences among the aspects amplify the variability in soil moisture. • Soil moisture and vegetation variability are sensitive to geomorphic factors. • Aspect-related vegetation differences are more pronounced in smaller contributing area. • Landscapes generated under low uplift rates display less spatial variability. Landscapes evolve through nonlinear interactions between soil, vegetation, and climate. In semi-arid ecosystems, soil moisture variability (SMV) and vegetation variability (VV) can be strongly related to landscape organisation induced by differences in insolation on opposing north-facing slopes (NFS) and south-facing slopes (SFS). Due to its complex interactions with various processes and factors, soil moisture and vegetation exhibit significant variability in both space and time. In this study, the Channel-Hillslope Integrated Landscape Development (CHILD) landscape evolution model (LEM), coupled to a dynamic vegetation model (BGM) and equipped with a spatially distributed solar radiation component is used. The model is used to investigate the implications of various soil, climatic, and geomorphic factors on SMV and VV over landscapes with different characteristics. The analysis of model results indicates that SMV and VV are more sensitive to changes in geomorphic (hillslope diffusion and uplift rate) and climate (solar radiation, precipitation) factors than to soil hydrologic factors (anisotropy, porosity, infiltration capacity, root depth, and pore size distribution) considered in this study. Spatial variability increases with decreases in hillslope diffusion, and with increases in uplift rates and latitude, while temporal variability has the same response to those factors, and also increases with precipitation. All of these factors contribute to larger difference in condition on NFS and SFS, which ultimately is reflected in SMV and VV. Slope-area, soil moisture-area, and vegetation-area relationships revealed that the difference in SMV and VV between NFS and SFS is more pronounced for smaller contributing areas, where NFS are steeper than SFS. They also show that the temporal variability of soil moisture and vegetation is less in SFS than in NFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mainly use of infrared spectroscopy and colorimetry allowed the characterization of the pigments and compounds of the wall paintings from the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo in Seville, dated on the 15th century. Calcite, quartz and albite were detected in the ground mortar layers. As pigments, red ochre, yellow ochre, paratacamite, atacamite, azurite and carbon black were used, and also lime as the binder, therefore the fresco technique was employed. Both FTIR-ATR and FTIR (in transmission) experiments were performed. Comparison between materials used in some of the wall paintings from Seville in this period was performed. The article revealed important information about wall paintings within a historical context related to the 15th century Catholic Reformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose ADMM to precondition the iterative Krylov solver GMRES. • Approach overcomes scalability limits of Schur complement decomposition. • Use approach to solve problems arising in power networks with millions of variables. We study the solution of block-structured linear algebra systems arising in optimization by using iterative solution techniques. These systems are the core computational bottleneck of many problems of interest such as parameter estimation, optimal control, network optimization, and stochastic programming. Our approach uses a Krylov solver (GMRES) that is preconditioned with an alternating method of multipliers (ADMM). We show that this ADMM-GMRES approach overcomes well-known scalability issues of Schur complement decomposition in problems that exhibit a high degree of coupling. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated using linear systems that arise in stochastic optimal power flow problems and that contain up to 2 million total variables and 4000 coupling variables. We find that ADMM-GMRES is nearly an order of magnitude faster than Schur complement decomposition. Moreover, we demonstrate that the approach is robust to the selection of the augmented Lagrangian penalty parameter, which is a key advantage over the direct use of ADMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interaction between α-zein and Ca2+ in nixtamalization was analyzed and described. • The calcium-binding constant of α-zein from nixtamalized flour was 1.45/mM. • α-Zein from nixtamalized flour presented a higher affinity for Ca2+. • Calcium bridges occurs mainly through carboxylate from C-ter of zein. The possible interactions between α-zein and Ca2+ in nixtamalization process were analyzed from a multidisciplinary approach, considering the effect of these interactions on the thermal properties of the nixtamalized flour. SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions did not reveal differences between patterns of zeins from nixtamalized and control samples. However, analysis from affinity capillary electrophoresis indicated an increment in protein volume when calcium is added to zein extracted from nixtamalized flour. In addition, the binding constant for the zein-calcium interaction was calculated indicating a higher affinity for calcium by zein from nixtamalized samples. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the interaction α-zein-Ca2+ through C-ter was more favorable than Glu48. However, in excess of Ca2+ ions, each site could bind one calcium atom at the same time, confirming that aggregation of α-zein through calcium bridges is possible, expanding the technological applications of this protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]