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Plant pathogenic fungi pose a significant and ongoing threat to agriculture and food security, causing economic losses and significantly reducing crop yields. Effectively managing these fungal diseases is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity, and in this context, mycoviruses have emerged as a promising biocontrol option. These viruses alter the physiology of their fungal hosts and their interactions with the host plants. This review encompasses the extensive diversity of reported mycoviruses, including their taxonomic classification and range of fungal hosts. We highlight representative examples of mycoviruses that affect economically significant plant-pathogenic fungi and their distinctive characteristics, with a particular emphasis on mycoviruses impacting Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These mycoviruses exhibit significant potential for biocontrol, supported by their specificity, efficacy, and environmental safety. This positions mycoviruses as valuable tools in crop protection against diseases caused by this pathogen, maintaining their study and application as promising research areas in agricultural biotechnology. The remarkable diversity of mycoviruses, coupled with their ability to infect a broad range of plant-pathogenic fungi, inspires optimism, and suggests that these viruses have the potential to serve as an effective management strategy against major fungi-causing plant diseases worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sant Genís Formation is located in the NE of the Iberian Peninsula (Catalonia, Spain) and is dated to the Priabonian (upper Eocene), being part of the evaporitic formations of the margin of the Ebro Basin. It is formed by a succession of sandy lutites, occasional limestone layers, marls, and local stratified gypsum and cherts, including the Sant Martí de Tous chert. The Sant Martí de Tous chert type is confirmed by its abundance at specific locations within the territory (NE Iberian Peninsula). This is an important raw material procurement area, as evidenced by the presence of this chert in the main prehistoric sites of the region (e.g., Abric Romaní) and the constant discovery of new sites in the area around the Sant Genís Formation, especially from the Neolithic period onwards (e.g., Cal Sitjo, La Guinardera Nord workshop). All these features, together with the great heterogeneity of the Cenozoic evaporitic cherts, prompted us to carry out a multi-proxy characterization for obtaining a valid criterion by which to identify this chert in the archaeological record. This very heterogeneity hampers the macroscopic characterization of archaeological cherts (e.g., at Abric Romaní), but through petrographic analysis we have been able to identify their origins and, albeit to a lesser extent, their lithostratigraphic unit of provenance within the formation. The complementary mineralogical and geochemical techniques applied in this study show that, although it is difficult to establish an exact origin, through intensive sampling and criteria such as the differential presence of Fe and Ca, some differences among the siliceous varieties within a formation can be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite widespread vaccination, Bordetella pertussis continues to cause pertussis infections worldwide, leaving infants at the highest risk of severe illness and death, while people around them are likely the main sources of infection and rapidly spread the disease. Rapid and less complex molecular testing for the specific and timely diagnosis of pertussis remains a challenge that could help to prevent the disease from worsening and prevent its transmission. We aimed to develop and validate a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay using a new target uvrD_2 informed by the pangenome for the specific and early detection of B. pertussis. Compared to that of multitarget quantitative polymerase chain reaction (multitarget qPCR) using a large clinical DNA specimen (n = 600), the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the uvrD_2 LAMP assay were 100.0% and 98.6%, respectively, with a 99.7% degree of agreement between the two assays. The novel colorimetric uvrD_2 LAMP assay is highly sensitive and specific for detecting B. pertussis DNA in nasopharyngeal swabs and showed similar diagnostic accuracy to complex and high-cost multitarget qPCR, but it is faster, simpler, and inexpensive, which makes it very helpful for the reliable and timely diagnosis of pertussis in primary health care and resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Maize proteins are considered of low nutritional value, these proteins when hydrolyzed become a good source of peptides with important biological activity and can be used as supplements or food additives. The objective of this research was to prepare bioactive fractions of maize proteins and evaluate the effect of digestive enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin), temperature and pH on their antioxidant, hypoglycemic activities and their techno-functional properties. In a first stage, the biological activities of total protein hydrolysates of maize, zeins and non-zeins were evaluated. It was observed that the hydrolysate with the highest values of antioxidant (ABTS = 37.09%; DPPH = 33.76%) and hypoglycemic (α-amylase = 46.14%: α-glucosidase = 46.80%) activity was the total protein hydrolysate. In a second stage, the total protein hydrolyzate was fractionated by ultrafiltration to obtain four fractions of different molecular weight (> 10 kDa, 5–10 kDa, 3–5 kDa, and < 3 kDa). The fraction < 3 kDa stood out for presenting better values of ABTS (64.68%), DPPH (40.09%), α-amylase (55.22%) and α-glucosidase (37.21%). This fraction conserved its biological activity when subjected to gastrointestinal digestion and sudden changes in temperature and pH. In addition, this fraction has good techno-functional properties and could be used as a supplement or additive in food formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Bolivia, aetiologies, case fatality, and determinants of outcome are poorly characterised. We attempted to investigate such parameters to guide diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and health policy. From Nov-2017 to Oct-2018, we prospectively enrolled 257 inpatients (20.2% HIV-positive patients) of all ages from healthcare centers of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia with a suspected CNS infection and a lumbar puncture performed. Biological diagnosis included classical microbiology, molecular, serological and immunohistochemical tests. An infectious aetiology was confirmed in 128/257 (49.8%) inpatients, including, notably among confirmed single and co-infections, Cryptococcus spp. (41.7%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (27.8%) in HIV-positive patients, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (26.1%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.5%) in HIV-negative patients. The total mortality rate was high (94/223, 42.1%), including six rabies cases. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, mortality was associated with thrombocytopenia (Odds ratio (OR) 5.40, 95%-CI 2.40–11.83) and hydrocephalus (OR 4.07, 95%-CI 1.35–12.23). The proportion of untreated HIV patients, late presentations of neurotuberculosis, the rate of pneumococcal cases, and rabies patients who did not benefit from a post-exposure prophylaxis, suggest that decreasing the burden of CNS infections requires reinforcing health policy regarding tuberculosis, rabies, S. pneumoniae vaccination, and HIV-infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of knowledge resources stemming from the founding team's human capital and the access to external sources of knowledge available at or near the NTBF's inception on the venture's short- and long-term performance. Whether innovation is a vehicle through which knowledge resources have an impact on results is also studied. While previous studies have often focused on one dimension of performance, we cover complementary indicators of short-term performance (i.e., foreign market performance, total market performance and superior financial outcomes) and one indicator of long-term performance (TBF survival). Thus, the current research contributes to a wider understanding of the effect of knowledge resources at or near a venture's inception and innovation on the performance of NTBFs. A sample consisting of 175 Spanish NTBFs allows these relationships to be analysed. Results indicate that NTBFs' knowledge resources available at or near inception are of relevance to firms' innovations and to different dimensions of performance. Several knowledge resources have different positive and negative effects on different dimensions of short- and long-term performance, so those that can be good at one stage of a NTBF's life cycle can be bad at others times (e.g., founding teams with more members in the early years of the NTBF may be positive for the results, but in the long term, fewer people is better). Innovation mediates the effect of some knowledge resources on total market performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of agriculture in Central Africa has previously been associated with the migration of Bantu-speaking populations during an anthropogenic or climate-driven 'opening' of the rainforest. However, such models are based on assumptions of environmental requirements of key crops (e.g. Pennisetum glaucum) and direct insights into human dietary reliance remain absent. Here, we utilise stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O) of human and animal remains and charred food remains, as well as plant microparticles from dental calculus, to assess the importance of incoming crops in the Congo Basin. Our data, spanning the early Iron Age to recent history, reveals variation in the adoption of cereals, with a persistent focus on forest and freshwater resources in some areas. These data provide new dietary evidence and document the longevity of mosaic subsistence strategies in the region. Bleasdale et al. examine the introduction of agricultural crops in the Congo Basin with stable isotope analysis of human and animal remains, charred food remains, and plant microparticles from dental calculus. Their findings reveal variation in the adoption of cereals from the early Iron Age, and provide long-term insights into changing human reliance on different resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nejayote is a highly polluting wastewater discarded after the nixtamalization process of maize (Zea mays L.). It contains many organic compounds and unused nutrients. In this study, we optimized the biological treatment of nejayote through Bacillus clausii-induced fermentation, using the response surface methodology, to enhance the content of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of nejayote. The optimal fermentation temperature and time were 36 °C and 4.8 days, respectively, which produced a biomass of 9.1 log10 CFU mL−1 of B. clausii, total phenolic content of 524 mg equivalents of gallic acid per 100 mL sample, and antioxidant activity of 2876 µmol equivalent of trolox per 100 mL sample. The fermentation significantly increased the total phenolic content (~ 150%) and antioxidant activity (~ 30%), increased the content of 8-O-4-hydrodiferulic, 8-O-4-hydrotriferulic, and ferulic acids, and synthesized caffeic acid when compared with non-fermented nejayote. The fermentation process improved the antimicrobial activity of nejayote against Salmonella Typhimurium (3.5-fold) and Enterococcus faecalis (2.72-fold) after 12 h as compared to non-fermented nejayote. B. clausii-fermented nejayote obtained by this alternative eco-friendly process is thus a product with increased bioactive properties that could be used as functional ingredient in different food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of alternative interventions, such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets, is frequent due to limited therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our aims were to determine the influence of a GFCF diet on behavior disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD and the potential association with urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations. Thirty-seven patients were recruited for this crossover trial. Each patient consumed a normal diet (including gluten and casein) for 6 months and a GFCF diet for another 6 months. The order of the intervention (beginning with normal diet or with GFCF diet) was assigned randomly. Patients were evaluated at three time-points (at the beginning of the study, after normal diet and after GFCF diet). Questionnaires regarding behavior and autism and dietary adherence were completed and urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations were determined at each time-point. No significant behavioral changes and no association with urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations were found after GFCF diet. A 6-month GFCF diet do not induce significant changes in behavioral symptoms of autism and urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations. Further studies with a long follow-up period similar to ours and including placebo and blinding elements are needed to identify better those respondents to GFCF diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient dental calculus research currently relies on destructive techniques whereby archeological specimens are broken down to determine their contents. Two strategies that could partly remediate a permanent loss of the original sample and enhance future analysis and reproducibility include (1) structural surface characterization through spectroscopy along with crystallographic and spectroscopic analysis of its molecular structure, and (2) surface decontamination protocols in which the efficacy of cleaning dental calculus prior to extraction is demonstrated. Dental calculus provides ancient starch research a niche where granules may be adsorbed to minerals, coated, overgrown, entrapped, and/or protected from chemical degradation. While encapsulation offers protection from degradation, it does not shield the sample's surface from contamination. The most common approach to retrieving microbotanical particles from archeological calculus has been the direct decalcification of the sample, after a cleaning stage variously consisting of immersion in water, acids, and mechanical dislodgment via gas, sonication, and/or toothbrushes. Little is known about the efficiency of these methods for a complete removal of sediment/soil and unrelated microbotanical matter. In this paper, controlled laboratory experimentation leads to chemical structural characterization and a decontamination protocol to eradicate starch granules. Several concentrations of acids, bases, and enzymes were tested at intervals to understand their potential to gelatinize and fully destroy starch granules; arriving at a procedure that effectively eradicates modern starch prior to dissolution without damaging the matrix or entrapped starch microremains. This is the first attempt at creating synthetic calculus to understand and systematically test effective decontamination protocols for ancient starch research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) represents a rare autoimmune disease (AD) characterized by systemic vasculitis that primarily affects large arteries, especially the aorta and the aortic arch and its main branches. Genetic components in TA are largely unknown. PTPN22 is a susceptibility loci for different ADs; however, the role of different PTPN22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the susceptibility to TA is not clear. Methods: We evaluated the PTPN22 R620W (C1858T), R263Q (G788A), and − 123G/C SNPs in a group of patients with TA and in healthy individuals from Mexico. Our study included 111 patients with TA and 314 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed with the 5′ exonuclease (TaqMan®) assay.Results: Our data showed that the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is a risk factor for TA (CC vs. CT: OR 4.3, p = 0.002, and C vs. T: OR 4.1, p = 0.003); however, the PTPN22 R263Q and − 1123G/C polymorphisms are not associated with this AD. In addition, the PTPN22 CGT haplotype, which carries the minor allele of the PTPN22 C1858T variant, was also associated with TA susceptibility.Conclusion: This is the first report documenting an association between PTPN22 R620W and TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw material provenance and procurement studies are an essential research line to infer landscape exploitation, mobility dynamics and territorial management among prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups. This paper proposes an original and intuitive method, the chert abundance ratio, aimed at quantifying lithic resource occurrence in the landscape while considering the geological natural factors of an area (chert-bearing formation extent, thickness, occurrence index, size and chert content). The resource availability can be statistically compared to any archaeological assemblage distribution to define the procurement strategies, whether generalist or selective, and the mobility patterns. The study area, the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, focused in the Prades Mountains, represents a regional scenario with high chert disposal shared by several Late Upper Palaeolithic occupations. The discrimination of the procurement areas is used as a parameter for outlining the foraging radius and the territorial range, contributing to an understanding of several aspects of the settlement, such as site functions, occupation length or intensity and group size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies show that a large percentage of students lack the digital competencies to solve information problems using the internet. To address this problem, researchers have developed models to structure the process. However, we maintain that it is first necessary to understand how students actually search for information online when solving an information problem and compare their behaviours with the available literature. To do this, we collected and analysed the data on a laboratory setting of 41 students while they solved 16 information problems using the internet and expressed aloud what they were thinking whilst solving them. We identified 21 categories of actions, grouped into 9 activity types associated with four information search processes, showing that some of the students’ stereotyped search behaviours are in fact conscious decisions based on the requirements of the task and the answers found. The results also show that searching for information on the internet can not only vary depending on the task’s requirements, but also on the number of iterations students need to perform to reach an answer. These findings provide some evidence that challenge the assumption that students simply lack the competencies to search for information on the internet; rather, it seems that they show an awareness of different strategies, which they decide to use based on the context and purpose of the task, making their search behaviour more elaborated and complex than is usually portrayed by researchers in the field. Based on this, implications and further research lines are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic coarctation is a congenital heart disease that causes an increased left ventricular afterload, resulting in increased systolic parietal tension, compensatory hypertrophy, and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The speckle tracking is a new echocardiographic technique that allows the detection of subclinic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to detect early left ventricular dysfunction using mechanical deformation by echocardiography in adults with un-repaired aortic coarctation. A total of 41 subjects were studied, 20 patients with aortic coarctation and 21 control subjects, 21 women (51.2%), with an average age of 30 ± 10 years. All patients with aortic coarctation had systemic arterial hypertension (p < 0.001). Seventy percent (14/20) of the patients had bicuspid aortic valve. Statistically significance (p < 0.005) were found in left ventricular mass index, E/e ratio, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and peak velocity and maximum gradient of the aortic valve. The global longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle in patients with aortic coarctation was significative decreased, p < 0.001. The ejection fraction and the global longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle were significantly lower in patients with aortic coarctation compared to the control group, p < 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively. The subgroup of patients with coarctation and left ventricular ejection fraction < 55% had a marked decrease in global longitudinal strain (- 15.9 ± 4%). The radial deformation was increased in patients with aortic coarctation and showed a trend to be significant (r = 0.421; p < 0.06). A significant negative correlation was observed between the global longitudinal deformation and left ventricular mass index (r = 0.54; p = 0.01) in the aortic coarctation group. The patients with aortic coarctation and left ventricular hypertrophy had marked reduction of left ventricular global longitudinal deformation (- 16%, p < 0.05). In our study patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction had abnormal global longitudinal deformation and also the increased left ventricular mass was related with a decreased left ventricular global longitudinal deformation as a sign of subclinical systolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After reviewing literature on knowledge-based antecedents of the internationalization of SMEs, one could conclude that knowledge-based capabilities of the firm and external spillovers are influential factors equally valid for leading a firm to decide becoming an exporter or becoming a born global. Since these decisions are conceptually different, and so are those potentially influential factors, one at the micro and the other at the macro level of antecedents, this research work assumes the opposite thesis. For hypotheses testing, we examined the case of young Spanish manufacturing SMEs combining firm-level data with territorial data at the autonomous community level in Spain. Applying binomial logistic regression models, which estimate the probability of an event happening, results from a sample of 242 young Spanish manufacturing SMEs corroborate that knowledge spillovers rather than firm's capabilities influence a young SME's propensity to export, while firm's capabilities rather than knowledge spillovers influence a new venture propensity to become a born-global firm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two micro-catchments, tributaries of the Elqui River in the coastal range of the semiarid central-northern Chile were analyzed to establish the hazard potentials associated with extreme rainfall and their effects on the urban area of La Serena city. Geomorphological mapping was performed identifying the morphological features associated with inherited and present-day processes, through photointerpretation and field work. To assess the geohazard potentials related to extreme precipitation events, a detailed terrain analysis was performed deriving topographic indices that in turn characterize the related process potentials. Extreme rainfall events were calculated with a decadal recurrence (>60 mm/day) and are subsequently associated with El Niño (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO warm phase) events. We applied a simple storm flow model using a 20-year return period reflecting a disastrous flood event that affected the La Serena urban area in June 2011. The results highlight the spatial distribution of the hazard potentials in the two Elqui tributaries and their effects on the La Serena urban area. We show that areas subject to intensive land use change and urban sprawl associated with the lower marine terrace and river mouth of the Elqui River are of very high flooding and tsunami risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutional studies based on cross-country comparisons and founded on a determinist perspective analyse the behaviour in emerging economies. The current research, in contrast, looks to neo-institutionalism and the literature on entrepreneurship to pose two research questions based on individuals' discretion: (1) How does the entrepreneur's perception of the institutional dimensions influence their decision to involve their SME in international operations? (2) What role does opportunity motivation play in the impact of those perceptions on the internationalisation decision? We analyse a sample of 296 entrepreneurs who had founded their businesses in Brazil (Federal State of Sergipe), and our results confirm that the individual's perception of the normative and regulative aspects of institutions, the interaction between the two, and the interaction between the normative and cognitive aspects of institutions, explain the decision to embark on international operations. Opportunity motivation mediates the impact of the normative aspects of institutions on that decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Specific data is needed to safely expand bariatric surgery and to preserve good surgical outcomes in response to the non-stop increase in obesity prevalence worldwide. Objective: The aims of this study are to provide an overview of the baseline characteristics, type of surgery, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Spanish public hospitals, and evaluate changes throughout the 2000-2014 period. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study using data from the RICIBA, a computerized multicenter and multidisciplinary registry created by the Obesity Group of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Spanish Society. Three periods according to the date of surgery were created: January 2000 to December 2004 (G1), January 2005 to December 2009 (G2), and January 2010 to December 2014 (G3). Results: Data from 3843 patients were available (44.8 ± 10.5 years, a 3:1 female-to-male ratio, 46.9 ± 8.2 kg/m). Throughout the 15-year period assessed, candidate patients for bariatric surgery were progressively older and less obese, with an increase in associated comorbidities and in the prevalence of men. The global trend also showed a progressive decrease in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most performed bariatric procedure (75.1 % in G1, 69.3 % in G2, and 42.6 % in G3; p < 0.001), associated with a parallel increase in sleeve gastrectomy (0.8 % in G1, 18.1 % in G2, and 39.6 % in G3; p < 0.001). An overall mortality rate of 0.3 % was reported. Conclusions: Data from Spain is similar to data observed worldwide. Information recorded in the National Registries like RICIBA is necessary in order to safely expand bariatric surgery in response to increasing demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory allocation has a significant impact on power consumption in embedded systems. We address the dynamic memory allocation problem, in which memory requirements may change at each time interval. This problem has previously been addressed using integer linear programming and iterative approaches which build a solution interval by interval taking into account the requirements of partial time intervals. A GRASP that builds a solution for all time intervals has been proposed as a global approach. Due to the complexity of this problem, the GRASP algorithm solution quality decreases for larger instances. In order to overcome this drawback, we propose a multiple neighborhood search hybridized with a Tabu Search and enhanced by complex ejection chains. The proposed approach outperforms all previously developed methods devised for the dynamic memory allocation problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinorhizobium meliloti can exhibit diverse modes of surface translocation whose manifestation depends on the strain. The mechanisms involved and the role played by the different modes of surface motility in the establishment of symbiosis are largely unknown. In this work, we have characterized the surface motility shown by two S. meliloti reference strains (Rm1021 and GR4) under more permissive conditions for surface spreading and analyzed the symbiotic properties of two flagella-less S. meliloti mutants with different behavior on surfaces. The use of Noble agar in semisolid minimal medium induces surface motility in GR4, a strain described so far as non-motile on surfaces. The motility exhibited by GR4 is swarming as revealed by the non-motile phenotype of the flagella-less flaAB mutant. Intriguingly, a flgK mutation which also abolishes flagella production, triggers surface translocation in GR4 through an as yet unknown mechanism. In contrast to GR4, Rm1021 moves over surfaces using mostly a flagella-independent motility which is highly reliant on siderophore rhizobactin 1021 production. Surprisingly, this motility is absent in a flagella-less flgE mutant. In addition, we found that fadD loss-of-function, known to promote surface motility in S. meliloti, exerts different effects on the two reference strains: while fadD inactivation promotes a flagella-independent type of motility in GR4, the same mutation interferes with the surface translocation exhibited by the Rm1021 flaAB mutant. The symbiotic phenotypes shown by GR4flaAB and GR4flgK, non-flagellated mutants with opposite surface motility behavior, demonstrate that flagella-dependent motility positively influences competitiveness for nodule occupation, but is not crucial for optimal infectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method has been developed to determine resveratrol and piceid isomers in bee pollen using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). An efficient extraction procedure has also been proposed (average analyte recoveries were between 89 and 96 %); this involved a cleaning step with hexane, a solid-liquid extraction using a mixture of ethanol and water (80:20, v/ v), and a concentration step in a rotary evaporator. The separation of all the compounds was achieved using a C column (150 × 4.6 mm) and a mobile phase composed of 1 % ( v/ v) formic acid in water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The method was fully validated in terms of selectivity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), linearity, precision, and accuracy. The LOD and LOQ values ranged from 10 to 25 and 35 to 80 μg/kg, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was applied to analyze bee pollen samples from different origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the design of electronic embedded systems, the allocation of data structures to memory banks is a main challenge faced by designers. Indeed, if this optimization problem is solved correctly, a great improvement in terms of efficiency can be obtained. In this paper, we consider the dynamic memory allocation problem, where data structures have to be assigned to memory banks in different time periods during the execution of the application. We propose a GRASP to obtain high quality solutions in short computational time, as required in this type of problem. Moreover, we also explore the adaptation of the ejection chain methodology, originally proposed in the context of tabu search, for improved outcomes. Our experiments with real and randomly generated instances show the superiority of the proposed methods compared to the state-of-the-art method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dehydrated vegetables mixture loaded in four pharmaceutical dosage forms as powder, effervescent granulate, sugar granulate and gumdrops were investigated for their antioxidant capacity using 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging capacity assay, oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay. Total phenolic content of dehydrated vegetables powder mixture was also measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, so as to evaluate its contribution to their total antioxidant function. The effect of different temperatures on stability of these systems after 90 days storage was also evaluated. These formulations presented strong antioxidant properties and high phenolic content (279 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of sample) and thus could be potential rich sources of natural antioxidants. Antioxidant properties differed significantly among selected formulations ( p < 0.05). Generally, the losses were lower in samples stored under refrigeration. To interpret the antioxidant properties a kinetic approach was performed. Degradation kinetics for the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity followed a zero-order function. Effervescent granulate was the formulation which underwent faster degradation. Contrary, sugar granulate and gumdrops were much more slowly. Time required to halve the initial amount of phenolic compounds was 589 ± 45 days for samples stored at 4 º C, and 312 ± 16 days for samples stored at room temperature. These developed dosage forms are new and innovative approach for vegetable intakes in population with special requirements providing an improvement in the administration of vegetables and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory allocation in embedded systems is one of the main challenges that electronic designers have to face. This part, rather difficult to handle is often left to the compiler with which automatic rules are applied. Nevertheless, an optimal allocation of data to memory banks may lead to great savings in terms of running time and energy consumption. This paper introduces an exact approach and a vns-based metaheuristic for addressing a memory allocation problem. Numerical experiments have been conducted on real instances from the electronic community and on dimacs instances expanded for our specific problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a liquid chromatography method with diode array and fluorescence detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-FLD and LC-ESI-MS) has been developed for the determination of residues of resveratrol in all its forms (free isomers and glycosylates) in honey. This procedure involves a solid-phase extraction on polymeric cartridges for the isolation of trans/cis-isomers of resveratrol and piceid from diluted honey samples. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was performed in isocratic mode on a C column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) operated at 30 °C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of water with 1% formic acid and acetonitrile (75/25, v/ v), and the flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min. Average analyte recoveries were from 71% to 113% in replica sets of fortified honey samples. The detection limits when using LC-DAD-FLD were between 40 and 120 μg/kg, meanwhile for LC-ESI-MS were between 1.4 and 14.6 μg/kg. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of honey samples collected from treated beehives in experimental apiaries after a preliminary field trial, and they were not found any residues over the detection limits of the studied compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few cases published in literature in which the use of intravenous dextrose as treatment for an insulinoma resulted in a metabolic acidosis. This is due perhaps to the usual method of administration, which is usually at low concentrations, for limited periods or low volumes. We present the case of a woman with suspected insulinoma by laboratory findings in which an endogenous hyperinsulinism was observed. During hospitalization, the patient required a progressive increase of the glucose infusion to prevent severe hypoglycemia. Two days before surgery, the patient presented symptoms of malaise and muscle weakness and a metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia became apparent in the blood analysis. This metabolic imbalance was attributed to a long period of treatment with high volume of intravenous dextrose infusion. If large doses of dextrose are required in a patient with an insulinoma, then the possibility of a metabolic imbalance must be considered during the follow-up. When the suspicion of an insulinoma is high, and all the attempts of pre-operative localization fail, patients should be derived early to specialized centers with modern imaging techniques, so that surgery is not delayed, and this rare and threatening complication could be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse outcomes resulting from aspiration or ingestion of instruments and materials can occur in any dental procedure. Clinical manifestation depends on the location, the obstructive potential of the foreign body, and the temporal factor since the accidental incident. Accidental inhalation of dental appliances can be an even more serious event than ingestion and must always be treated as an emergency situation. A 62-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the suspicion of ingestion of a screwdriver implants. In spite of the clinically asymptomatic presentation, chest radiography in posteroanterior and lateral projections showed a radiopaque dental instrument impacted on the right main inferior bronchus. Rigid bronchoscope was successful to remove the dental instrument under general anesthesia, and the patient was discharged 24 h later. Aspiration and ingestion of dental foreign objects are infrequent, but they can occur at large multidisciplinary dental procedures. These episodes have the potential to result in acute medical and life-threatening emergencies since the beginning of the event or at a late stage in proceeding in the underdiagnosed patient. Prevention of such incidents is, therefore, the best approach via the mandatory use of precautions during all dental procedures, and in case of suspicion with no retrievable material, patient must always be submitted to a radiographic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agent-based technologies in production control systems could facilitate seamless reconfiguration and integration of mechatronic devices/modules into systems. Advances in embedded controllers which are continuously improving computational capabilities allow for software modularization and distribution of decisions. Agent platforms running on embedded controllers could hide the complexity of bootstrap and communication. Therefore, it is important to investigate the messaging performance of the agents whose main motivation is the resource allocation in manufacturing systems (i.e., conveyor system). The tests were implemented using the FIPA-compliant JADE-LEAP agent platform. Agent containers were distributed through networked embedded controllers, and agents were communicating using request and contract-net FIPA interaction protocols. The test scenarios are organized in intercontainer and intracontainer communications. The work shows the messaging performance for the different test scenarios using both interaction protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the physical and mental components of the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in coronary patients.Methods: We studied 132 patients diagnosed with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and unstable angina admitted to a cardiology unit over a period of 18 months. The HRQL was assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36) and the presence of possible mental disorders was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). In order to study the variables related to both physical and mental summary components of the SF-36, two multiple linear regression models were constructed with the physical (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS) as outcome variables.Results: The GHQ-28 score > or = 6 was the variable most associated with the lowest PCS in the patients studied. Moreover in the patients with a personal history of coronary heart disease (CHD), age tended to increase the PCS of the HRQL, whereas in those with no such history, age diminished the PCS score. For the MCS, not being married, being of female sex, having GHQ-28 scores > or = 6 and being of younger age were the four variables most related to the lowest MCS score in the patients studied.Conclusion: Age, sex, marital status, personal history of CHD and the presence of a possible mental disorder were the factors most related to HRQL in the coronary patients studied. Focusing medical attention on these groups could contribute to improving their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work it is proposed that in evolution amino acid substitutions implying strong physico chemical and structural differences are more relevant and more frequent than substitutions between similar amino acids. This analysis is made over a group of protein families representing about 10 000 substitutions and as examples the evolutionary trees of fibrinopeptides A and calcitonins were constructed and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Montmaneu Formation is located at the NE margin of the Ebro Basin (Catalonia, Spain), and is dated to the Rupelian (Lower Oligocene). It is formed by 120 m of light grey stratified limestones with bedded-nodular chert, the Panadella chert, associated with the La Segarra lacustrine system. This chert is macroscopically characterized by very fine-grained, homogeneous, opaque greenish black colors, containing bioclasts that generate mudstone-wackestone textures. Thin-sections show a micro-cryptocrystalline quartz matrix with micritic calcite, abundant charophytes, and scattered detrital quartz. These features confer excellent qualities for knapping, as attested by its suitability for manufacturing stone-tools throughout the Abric Romaní sequence (Capellades, Barcelona). The Abric Romaní rock shelter has approximately 50 m of sedimentary infilling ranging from 110 to 40 ka BP. The archaeological assemblages recovered in several levels from 50 to 55 ka BP present this chert as lithic manuports. The Panadella lithotype is scarcely exploited in most of the levels, although differential management strategies are observed. At an intra-assemblage level, there are no differences in the technical strategies for the exploitation of the Panadella chert when compared with other chert lithotypes. Diachronically, however, the Abric Romaní sequence shows a tendency of the Panadella chert to increase when complex reduction methods based on predetermination (e.g., Levallois) are dominant. As we have demonstrated by means of geoarcheological surveys, the Panadella chert was procured in primary formations, confirming the increase in the procurement radius of the Neanderthals who occupied the Abric Romaní site to about 24 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]