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In this study, it is examined how the thermal insulation and other parameters, such as the orientation of external surfaces and the outdoor/indoor environmental conditions, affect the energy performance of building walls. The analysed assemblies correspond to externally insulated concrete walls, at all cardinal orientations. Their thermal performance is assessed in terms of annual heat flows to maintain the system in balance, while the dynamic thermal inertia parameters (decrement factor and time lag) are also determined. For the aims of this study a one-dimensional lumped model has been adopted by using the finite element method. The analysis also assesses the optimal thickness of the thermal insulating layer from an economic point of view, during the expected lifespan of building structures. Evidently, the varying insulation thickness and orientation of wall configurations, affect the initial cost of the structure installation and the operation cost of the energy consumption (natural gas and electricity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and functional organization of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) remains intensely debated. Here, we show the co-existence of two separate MRC organizations in human cells and postmitotic tissues, C-MRC and S-MRC, defined by the preferential expression of three COX7A subunit isoforms, COX7A1/2 and SCAFI (COX7A2L). COX7A isoforms promote the functional reorganization of distinct co-existing MRC structures to prevent metabolic exhaustion and MRC deficiency. Notably, prevalence of each MRC organization is reversibly regulated by the activation state of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Under oxidative conditions, the C-MRC is bioenergetically more efficient, whereas the S-MRC preferentially maintains oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) upon metabolic rewiring toward glycolysis. We show a link between the metabolic signatures converging at the PDC and the structural and functional organization of the MRC, challenging the widespread notion of the MRC as a single functional unit and concluding that its structural heterogeneity warrants optimal adaptation to metabolic function. [Display omitted] • COX7A isoforms drive structurally distinct respiratory chains: C-MRC and S-MRC • C-MRC and S-MRC display different bioenergetic properties • C-MRC is favored when the PDH complex is activated, promoting OXPHOS • Metabolic shift toward glycolysis stabilizes SCAFI and the S-MRC Fernández-Vizarra et al. show the co-existence of two separated mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) organizations in human cells driven by distinct COX7A isoforms. The prevalence of either organization is modulated by the activation state of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which arises as a major metabolic regulator of MRC structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Traceability is the ability for the retrieval of the history and use or location of an article or an activity through a registered identification, while wood traceability is a computer-based system that provides unique identification for wood and lots of other products based on wood. Traceability is beneficial both for companies and the consumers, providing better quality for wood and its products. The aim of the paper is to study the emerging traceability technologies used in wood trade sector and present the current trends and the future perspectives. Current methods are also presented in a detailed table with a lot of information about their function, history and the benefits that they provide. Such methods are the marking method of Punching, marking logs with Paint, barcodes, QR codes, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), DNA and fingerprinting methods to verify the origin of wood and the identification system with a micro-wave sensor. Some of the methods are delayed because of the cost limits throughout the supply chain, while traditional methods are widely used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Within the current trends in the modern society, wood entrepreneurship sector gains increasing interest, globally. A database can be a marketing tool in wood enterprises, as registered wood properties and origin constitute quality characteristics that must be acknowledged by wood entrepreneurs. The particular structure and origin that characterizes each wood type, differentiates its usage and behavior, and determines its final use in wood products. Wood is produced by national forests but it is also imported from various countries and continents. This paper describes the use of this modern marketing tool, a database named as WooDB. WooDB aims to present the most important and utilitarian timber species. At pilot level, scientific records relating to European and Tropical wood, their uses and characteristics have been used. WooDB uses macro commands to create interactive elements for the management of the database, in a user-friendly interface, even for non-experienced users. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We conducted a double-blinded phase I clinical trial to establish whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) replenishment therapy, via oral intake of nicotinamide riboside (NR), is safe, augments cerebral NAD levels, and impacts cerebral metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD). Thirty newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients received 1,000 mg NR or placebo for 30 days. NR treatment was well tolerated and led to a significant, but variable, increase in cerebral NAD levels—measured by 31phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy—and related metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid. NR recipients showing increased brain NAD levels exhibited altered cerebral metabolism, measured by 18fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and this was associated with mild clinical improvement. NR augmented the NAD metabolome and induced transcriptional upregulation of processes related to mitochondrial, lysosomal, and proteasomal function in blood cells and/or skeletal muscle. Furthermore, NR decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings nominate NR as a potential neuroprotective therapy for PD, warranting further investigation in larger trials. [Display omitted] • Oral NR increases brain NAD levels in individuals with Parkinson's disease • NR intake alters cerebral metabolism in Parkinson's disease • Cerebral NAD increase is associated with clinical improvement in Parkinson's disease • NR induces transcription of mitochondrial, lysosomal, and proteasomal pathways Researchers from Haukeland University Hospital conducted a phase I trial of NAD-replenishment therapy with oral nicotinamide riboside (NR) in Parkinson's disease (PD). NR increased cerebral NAD levels, and this was associated with altered brain metabolism and clinical improvement. The findings nominate NR as a potential neuroprotective treatment for PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]