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A common passive sampler used to measure NH3 volatilization losses in field studies has a nozzle with a 1‐mm, round orifice that reduces air flow to increase NH3 adsorption. This reduction in air flow, measured by the orifice's K value (0–1), implies a reduction in the amount of NH3 entering the sampler per unit of time, which may require a longer exposure to accumulate measurable quantities of NH3. Increasing the diameter of the orifice would increase the NH3 entering the sampler and possibly allow shorter exposure times, but it may also lead to increased NH3 bypass. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine the effect of wind speed on NH3 bypass in samplers with 1‐ or 2‐mm orifices, (2) determine the reduction in air speed in samplers with 1‐ or 2‐mm orifices by determining their K values, and (3) compare field NH3 volatilization losses measured with 1‐ and 2‐mm orifices. A laboratory study with wind speeds ranging from 0.6 to 10 m·s−1 showed that both orifice sizes had NH3 bypass at low and high wind speeds. Results from wind tunnel studies determined that flow was reduced to 63% (K = 0.63) in 1‐mm orifices and to 74% (K = 0.74) in 2‐mm orifices. Field studies indicated that 1‐mm orifices may measure greater NH3 volatilization losses than 2‐mm orifices at average low wind speeds when maximum wind speeds <10 m·s−1, but may measure equal or lower losses than 2‐mm orifices when several days occur with maximum wind speeds >10 m·s−1. Core Ideas: Field NH3 loss measured with 1‐ and 2‐mm orifices depended on maximum wind speeds.Ammonia bypass occurred at low and high wind speeds with both orifice sizes.Wind speed through sampler was reduced to 63% with a 1‐mm orifice and to 74% with a 2‐mm orifice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As plant litter decomposes, its mass exponentially decreases until it reaches a non-zero asymptote. However, decomposition rates vary considerably among litter types as a function of their overall quality (i.e., carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio and litter chemistry). We investigated the effects of hairy vetch (HV: Vicia villosa Roth):cereal rye (RYE: Secale cereale L.) biomass proportions with or without broadcasted poultry manure on overall litter quality before and during decomposition. As HV biomass proportions increased from 0 to 100%, the relative susceptibility of HV:RYE mixtures to microbial decomposition increased due to: (i) decrease in the initial C:N ratio (87:1 to 10:1 in 2012 and 67:1 to 9:1 in 2013), (ii) increase in the non-structural labile carbohydrates (33 to 61% across years), and (iii) decrease in the structural holo-cellulose (59 to 33% across years) and lignin (8 to 6% across years) fractions. Broadcasted poultry manure decreased the overall initial quality of HV-dominated litters and increased the overall initial quality of RYE-dominated litters. Across all HV:RYE biomass proportions with or without poultry manure, chemical changes during litter decay were related to proportional mass loss. Therefore, the relative decrease in carbohydrates and the concomitant increase in holo-cellulose and lignin fractions were more pronounced for fast decomposing litter types, i.e., litters dominated by HV rather than RYE. While our results suggest possible convergence of litter C:N ratios, initial differences in litter chemistry neither converged nor diverged. Therefore, we conclude that the initial chemistry of litter before decomposition exerts a strong control on its chemical composition throughout the decay continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial microcompartments (BMC) are complex macromolecular assemblies that participate in varied chemical processes in about one fourth of bacterial species. BMC-encapsulated enzymatic activities are segregated from other cell contents by means of semipermeable shells, justifying why BMC are viewed as prototype nano-reactors for biotechnological applications. Herein, we undertook a comparative study of bending propensities of BMC hexamers (BMC-H), the most abundant shell constituents. Published data show that some BMC-H, like β-carboxysomal CcmK, tend to assemble flat whereas other BMC-H often build curved objects. Inspection of available crystal structures presenting BMC-H in tiled arrangements permitted us to identify two major assembly modes with a striking connection with experimental trends. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) supported that BMC-H bending is triggered robustly only from the arrangement adopted in crystals by BMC-H that experimentally form curved objects, leading to very similar arrangements to those found in structures of recomposed BMC shells. Simulations on triplets of planar-behaving hexamers, which were previously reconfigured to comply with such organization, confirmed that bending propensity is mostly defined by the precise lateral positioning of hexamers, rather than by BMC-H identity. Finally, an interfacial lysine was pinpointed as the most decisive residue in controlling PduA spontaneous curvature. Globally, results presented herein should contribute to improve our understanding of the variable mechanisms of biogenesis characterized for BMC, and of possible strategies to regulate BMC size and shape. Author summary: Bacterial microcompartments are complex macromolecular ensembles that participate in varied metabolic processes in many microorganisms. They consist of a proteinaceous shell that encapsulates enzymatic cargo that mediate connected chemical reactions. Being confined within shells, the overall efficiency of the process is thought to augment, and reactions that imply toxic intermediates, which are lethal to the host in free-diffusing context, become feasible. These natural nano-reactors are therefore appealing for biotechnology purposes. Understanding how such complex objects form is essential. Experimental studies demonstrated the existence of two possible pathways. Thus, shell components grew onto a preformed core of organized cargo in cyanobacterial carboxysomes, whereas in Pdu compartments, both cargo and shell formation seemed to occur randomly. With the aim to contribute to the understanding of the different biogenesis pathways, here we investigated the trend of the most abundant protein constituents of bacterial micro-compartment shells to form curved structures. We first discovered the occurrence of two major assembly modes in deposited BMC-H crystal structures that clustered proteins in two groups that correlate well to their experimental propensities to form bent or flat structures. Subsequently, molecular dynamic simulations supported that only one of the modes is ready to curve. Moreover, simulations on protein mutants pinpointed a residue that seems to be pivotal in triggering bending. Globally, our data permit to draw a scenario that explains BMC biogenesis differences as a result of the capture of some BMC-H, such as CcmK of carboxysomes, in local minima corresponding to flat states that would delay closure of BMC shells, something that might require the intervention of other molecular effectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to explore the historical genealogy and the process by which social citizenship was constituted in Spain. Because its origins lie in nineteenth -century social reformism, the reasons why it appeared and the repercussions it had require analysis. This analysis clearly reveals that social reformism emerged as the result of the internal crisis of the imaginary of classical liberal individualism and its ensuing reframing in organicist terms. Given the incapacity of the liberal regime to attain the promised social, economic, and harmonious egalitarian political order, the new individualist organicism promoted the adoption of new ways of reaching this objective. The most important was the announcement of social reforms, which required state intervention in economic and labour relations. With time, these measures of reform would acquire the condition of social rights and give rise to the institution of so-called social citizenship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, demand for functional foods is increasing in the public interest in order to improve life expectations and general health. Food matrices containing probiotic microorganisms and active compounds encapsulated into carrier agents are essential in this context. Encapsulation via the lyophilisation method is widely used because oxidation reactions that affect physicochemical and nutritional food properties are usually avoided. Encapsulated functional ingredients, such as quercetin and Bacillus clausii, using two carrier agents' matrices—I [inulin (IN), lactose (L) and maltodextrin (MX)] and II [arabic (A), guar (G), and xanthan (X) gums)]—are presented in this work. A D-optimal procedure involving 59 experiments was designed to evaluate each matrix's yield, viability, and antioxidant activity (AA). Matrix I (33.3 IN:33.3 L:33.3 MX) and matrix II (33.3 A:33.3 G:33.3 X) exhibited the best yield; viability of 9.7 log10 CFU/g and 9.73 log10 CFU/g was found in matrix I (using a ratio of 33.3 IN:33.3 L:33.3 MX) and matrix II (50 G:50 X), respectively. Results for the antioxidant capacity of matrix I (100 IN:0 L:0M X) and matrix II (0 A:50 G:50 X) were 58.75 and 55.54 (DPPH* scavenging activity (10 µg/mL)), respectively. Synergy between matrices I and II with use of 100IN:0L:OMX and 0A:50G:50X resulted in 55.4 log10 CFU/g viability values; the antioxidant capacity was 9. 52 (DPPH* scavenging activity (10 µg/mL). The present work proposes use of a carrier agent mixture to produce a functional ingredient with antioxidant and probiotic properties that exceed the minimum viability, 6.0 log10 CFU/g, recommended by the FAO/WHO (2002) to be probiotic, and that contributes to the recommended daily quercetin intake of 10–16 mg/day or inulin intake of 10–20 g/day and dietary fibre intake of 25–38 g per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining techniques such as blanching time, pH and aw reduction on microbiological growth and enzymatic activity to increase the shelf life of fresh escamoles. A completely randomised factorial design with three factors (aw, pH and blanching time) and two different levels per factor was created to obtain the preservative conditions based on the microbiological growth and enzymatic activity of escamoles. The results indicated that the experimental conditions of aw, pH and blanching time were 0.90, 5 and 10 or 15 s, respectively, with reduced microbial growth and proteolytic activity, which allowed significantly increasing the escamoles' shelf life from 4 to 45 days under refrigeration at 4°C. Therefore, it is feasible to use this methodology for the preservation of this product in order to resemble fresh, microbiologically safe escamoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of electric vehicles and advancements in self-driving technologies necessitate the development of specialized infrastructure to support autonomy. Accurate pose estimation of electric vehicles sockets is crucial for efficient and reliable plug-in charging operations. This process is inherently complex due to several factors, including the textureless black color of the socket, environment-dependent lighting conditions, and the presence of small geometrical features. To address these challenges, we propose a comprehensive method that combines Deep Neural Network-based pose estimation and auto-annotation methodology. Auto-annotation facilitates the generation of diverse training data, enhancing the accuracy, robustness, and generalization capabilities of the deep learning model. The advantages of the proposed method were evaluated through a comprehensive series of experiments conducted in both simulation and controlled laboratory settings. In our evaluation, we implemented a robotic charging system consisting of a manipulator with a charging plug and a hand-eye monocular camera and conducted plug-in testing in three scenarios: (A) uniform lighting conditions, (B) dark, and (C) highly uneven illumination of the socket surface. The experimental results show that our method can achieve precise and reliable pose estimation with mean absolute errors less than 0.73 mm and 0.82 deg, and an average Insertion Success Rate of over 97.5%. • DNN-based method for accurate and robust socket pose estimation of electric vehicle. • Methodology for fast and accurate dataset annotation. • Unique application of Keypoint R-CNN detector, SQPnP, and RANSAC methods. • Validation of the designed method in diverse lighting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bentonite is a claystone formed by a complex mineralogical mixture, composed of montmorillonite, illite, and accessory minerals like quartz, cristobalite, feldspars, carbonates, and minor amounts of iron oxy-hydroxides. Bentonite presents complexity at various scales: (1): a single mineral may present different chemical composition within the same quarry (e.g., feldspars solid solutions); (2): montmorillonite presents variability in the cation-exchange distribution while illite may be presented as mixed-layer with smectite sheets; and (3): hardness and crystal size are larger in accessory minerals than in clay minerals, preventing uniform grinding of bentonite. The FEBEX bentonite used is originally from Almería (Spain), and it is a predominantly calcium, magnesium, and sodium bentonite. This Spanish FEBEX bentonite has been hydrothermally altered at laboratory scale for 7–14 years. A thermal gradient was generated by heating a disk of pressed iron powder, simulating the metal waste canister, in contact with the compacted bentonite sample. Hydration was forced from the opposite direction. XRD recorded patterns were very similar. In order to minimize the bias of XRD semi-quantitative determination methods, Rietveld refinement was performed using BGMN software and different structural models. Confidence in the quantification of the main phases allows us to convincingly detect other subtle changes such as the presence of calcite in the hydration front, right at the interface between the saturated and unsaturated bentonite, or the presence of goethite, and not hematite, in the saturated bentonite, near the source of hydration. Smectite component was 72 ± 3% and the refinement was consistent with the presence of ~10% illite, comparable with previous characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Lie algebra L is called primitive if it is prime, nondegenerate, and contains a nonzero Jordan element a such that the attached Jordan algebra L_a is primitive. In this paper we prove that every primitive Lie PI-algebra over a field of zero characteristic is simple and finite-dimensional over its centroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My main concern in this article is to arrive at a clear view of the nature, extent, and value of Descartes' universal doubt, not to determine whether Hume's critique of Cartesian doubt is compelling. It is rather to reflect on Descartes' own assessment of the matter in order to explain why Hume was right in recommending Descartes' doubt in the Meditations, when reasonably understood, as "a necessary preparative to the study of philosophy." This task will be discharged, first, through an analysis of the Meditations and other works of Descartes connected with this topic; and second, by an exploration of the effect that the radical and extensive doubt undertaken by Descartes in the Meditations has elicited from generations of students, particularly from those inclined to philosophize, namely the sudden intellectual upheaval and awakening of their critical faculties. I argue that the universal, "hyperbolic" doubt is not artificial or rhetorical, or a mere heuristic construct to secure Descartes' metaphysical principles. Instead, it is but a development and methodic refinement of a natural predisposition of the human mind that manifests itself early in the serious, encompassing doubts children entertain on certain occasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of the Discrete Element Method, we investigate the relationship between the power‐law exponent of the grain size distribution (GSD) and the mobility of granular transitional flows. This is done with the aim of testing a recently posed hypothesis, suggesting that high power‐law exponents are related to the large mobility observed in natural mass flows (Lai et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017gl075689), as a consequence of a lubrication mechanism in which small grains act as rotational bearings reducing the shear strength of the flowing mass. We show that both the mobility of the flow and the shear strength of the material are independent of the GSD power‐law exponent, as long as the system‐to‐grain size ratio of the studied system is sufficiently large, as it is expected in natural granular flows. This confirms that the power‐law exponent, or the proportion of small and big grains, are not plausible origins of the large mobility of granular avalanches. Plain Language Summary: Natural granular flows, such as rock avalanches, are known for their long traveling distance. The mechanism behind this long traveling is still elusive, with a recent hypothesis suggesting that flows with a larger amount of small grains, relative to the number of big grains, increases the flow traveling distance. The variety of grain sizes is a property often described by a power‐law grain size distribution. In this hypothesis, the authors propose a lubrication mechanism in which small grains act as rotational bearings, reducing the shear strength of the flowing mass. In this work, we test the effect of the power‐law grain size distribution on the flow traveling distance, exploring whether the aforementioned mechanism is an artifact of the total amount of grains (i.e., system‐to‐grain size ratio) employed when formulating the hypothesis. We show that both the flow traveling distance and the shear strength of a granular mass are independent of the grain size distribution, as long as the system‐to‐grain size ratio is sufficiently large, as is expected in natural mass flows. This confirms that a power‐law grain size distribution, or the proportion of small and big grains, are not plausible origins of the long traveling distance of granular avalanches. Key Points: The lubrication mechanism does not explain the large mobility of natural granular flows, such as debris flows and rock avalanchesThe mobility of granular flows is independent of the power‐law exponent of its grain size distributionThe shear strength of a granular assembly is independent of the power‐law exponent of its grain size distribution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For small island developing states (SIDS), tourism is often seen as a passport to development and wellbeing. The happiness phenomenon among residents of tourism destinations is usually linked to the concept of quality of life (QoL). The happiness literature suggests that there is a positive correlation between happiness and income of residents in SIDS, but there is not a clear directionality. In this correlation a large impact of non-income factors linked to wellbeing, such as own feelings and attitudes, belonging feeling to a community, identification with cultural and natural heritage, or a fair government that fulfills residents' needs. Thus, the goal of this research is to uncover the Caribbean model of happiness according to the relationship between tourism and wellbeing in a SIDS. To test this hypothetical-conceptual model of this work, a questionnaire was administered to obtain suitable data for measuring the quality of life based on a total of five constructs and 27 indicators among residents directly involved in the tourism activity. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was the technique used to test this hypothetical conceptual model. This work bring empirical evidence to the happiness literature deepening in the model of wellbeing Dominican Republic characterized by three maxims: 1) the Dominican model of individual happiness is not based on material goods but emotions, and thus, greed is considered a poverty condition among rich people; 2) having more is having more to share with and 3) the public sector continues to be the object of mistrust among Dominican population, without covering their expectations in terms of justice administration or reliability on political leaders, despite perceiving the political environment as stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia, a type of CNS immune cell, have been shown to contribute to ethanol-activated neuronal death of the stress regulatory proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron-producing β-endorphin peptides in the hypothalamus in a postnatal rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. We determined whether the microglial extracellular vesicle exosome is involved in the ethanol-induced neuronal death of the β-endorphin neuron. Extracellular vesicles were prepared from hypothalamic tissues collected from postnatal rats (both males and females) fed daily with 2.5 mg/kg ethanol or control milk formula for 5 d or from hypothalamic microglia cells obtained from postnatal rats, grown in cultures for several days, and then challenged with ethanol or vehicle for 24 h. Nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy indicated that these vesicles had the size range and shape of exosomes. Ethanol treatments increased the number and the β-endorphin neuronal killing activity of microglial exosomes both in vivo and in vitro. Proteomics analyses of exosomes of cultured microglial cells identified a large number of proteins, including various complements, which were elevated following ethanol treatment. Proteomics data involving complements were reconfirmed using quantitative protein assays. Ethanol treatments also increased deposition of the complement protein Clq in β-endorphin neuronal cells in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Recombinant Clq protein increased while Clq blockers reduced ethanol-induced C3a/b, C4, and membrane attack complex/C5b9 formations; ROS production; and ultimately cellular death of β-endorphin neurons. These data suggest that the complement system involving Clq-C3-C4-membrane attack complex and ROS regulates exosome-mediated, ethanol-induced β-endorphin neuronal death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the geotechnical centrifuge to obtain scaled physical models is a useful tool in geomechanics. When dealing with granular flows, however, the traditional scaling principles are challenged by the complex rheology of the material and by the non-trivial effects of the Coriolis apparent acceleration. In a laboratory centrifuge, obtaining a clear understanding of these effects is further complicated by the technical difficulties in obtaining flows in steady conditions. In this work, the scaling principles for granular flows are studied using a numerical model based on the discrete-element method. In this way it is possible to obtain a steady flow in a rotating reference frame, and to explore the variation of macroscopic properties by changing the scaling factor and the distance from the rotation centre. The outcome is compared with the prediction obtained with a continuum theory for frictional flows. Results show that granular flows scale consistently only when the Coriolis acceleration is negligible, and are severely altered otherwise. The augmented acceleration field is also responsible for an alteration of the flow state, driving the system towards the inertia-driven collisional regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging destinations develop tourism activity as an increasingly widespread strategy to boost economic prosperity among the population. The main objective of this work is to analyze the effect that tourism has on the living conditions of the population affected by multidimensional poverty and to indicate the possible causes associated with tourism on this situation. Methodology consists of a cross-sectional data analysis based on two simple linear regression models for 67 emerging destinations in the year 2014. Findings indicate that a greater tourism volume in these destinations tends to reduce poverty conditions. The phenomenon of tourism poverty trap (TPT) is presented as result of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic growers use a wide range of organic fertilizers and materials to supply nutrients and meet plant demand of N. These products range from commercially processed animal and plant byproducts to composts and poultry litters. To better synchronize N release with plant demand, we investigated the rate and pool of potentially mineralizable N from 22 commercial, organic fertilizers; 15 poultry litters; and 11 composts. Fertilizers and organic materials were mixed with soil and inorganic N was measured over 99 days under optimal conditions (50% estimated water holding capacity and 30◦C). Net N mineralized from the organic fertilizer or material was determined and fit to first-order kinetics to determine the rate of mineralization (k) and the pool of mineralizable nitrogen (N0). Net N mineralized ranged from 25–93%, 10–55%, and 1–5% of the organic N applied for the fertilizers, poultry litters, and composts that mineralized, respectively. The pool of mineralizable N was accurately predicted from the initial total N of the materials, but no characteristics predicted the rate constant, k. Using a grouped approach based on product type and the percentage of N mineralized to determine k, we were able to predict net mineralized for fertilizers (R² = 0.84) and poultry litters (R² = 0.62). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have indicated that soil properties and texture could lead to differences in N mineralization from applied organic materials. We conducted a 100-day (d) incubation study to measure net N mineralized from feather meal (14–0.1–0.1) and pellet mix (10–1–6) at 150 mg N kg soil −1 (approximately 72 kg N ha−1) incorporated into four common southeastern soils: Cecil 1, Cecil 2, Greenville, and Tifton. A second 23-d study was conducted to determine pH dynamics and the potential for ammonia volatilization from the same soils and materials. There were no differences in net N mineralized from pellet mix among soils, but net N mineralized from feather meal was lower in Greenville soil, which had the greatest clay content. Analysis of the first-order dynamics of N mineralization indicated that even in soils that differ in clay content it may be possible to describe N mineralization from feather meal and pellet mix with a single model. Our results also suggest that the effect of pH on the N mineralization dynamics of these fertilizers may be more important than the effect of clay content. No ammonia loss was observed regardless of soil texture, soil pH buffering capacity, or initial soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrone, 17β-estradiol, and testosterone are naturally occurring hormones excreted in broiler litter. With some potential for environmental concern from the hormones, understanding management practices effect on hormone concentrations is beneficial for the poultry industry. As the amount of hormones potentially introduced into the environment is directly related to the concentration at the time of land application, the purpose of this study was to investigate hormone dynamics in stacked broiler litter during the storage period before removal from the farm and/or land application. Stack temperatures and hormones concentrations were monitored at 15, 45, 75 cm, and 105 cm (measured from the stack bottom) in 6 different on-farm stack houses over 4 or 8 wk. Significant differences in temperature were determined by height and by stack. Stack temperatures during the first 4 wk ranged from 41.5°C to 54.5°C, and all stacks reached maximum temperature by 7 D. Highest temperatures were observed at the 45-cm or 75-cm height. Average stack temperatures correlated with the ambient temperature. Hormone concentration did not vary with height within each house. In 5 of the 6 stack houses, the concentrations of 17β-estradiol and/or testosterone significantly decreased after stacking for 4 or 8 wk (35 to 64%) with only one house showing a significant decrease in estrone concentration (72% in 4 wk). The percent change of estrone and 17β-estradiol mineralization during the first 4 wk was negatively correlated with the 7-D temperature of the pile (r² = 0.80), indicating that the high temperatures observed during stacking may inhibit estrogen mineralization. In this study, hormone degradation decreased with high temperatures. Therefore, stack management favoring at least a period of low temperatures may help promote mineralization of these hormones and reduce any potential for introduction into the surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caimans of the species Caiman latirostris, which are widely distributed in South America, are opportunistic predators. They show ontogenetic variation in diet, with young individuals initially feeding on invertebrates and then gradually adding vertebrates in their diets as they grow up. However, due to inexperience, young individuals may end up eating dangerous prey, such as poisonous amphibians. The intoxication caused by eating an individual of Rhinella diptycha may produce local irritation to the caiman, and even lead it to death shortly after ingestion. To avoid this threat, some animals use particular feeding strategies, such as starting to eat the prey's posterior part, or eating only its viscera. In this note, we report the first case of a predation event of an adult individual of the poisonous toad R. diptycha by a young individual of C. latirostris that we observed in a pond of the Southeast of Brazil. The caiman waited until the toad was dead before starting swallowing slowly, from the anterior part of the body. We did not observe any sign that the caiman was affected by the prey ingestion, even some hours later after ingestion. Our register suggests that the caiman may be tolerant or adapted to eat this poisonous prey and encourage research on the causes and mechanisms of this tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the night of March 31, 2017, a series of mass movements took place in the Mocoa Basin and devastated the northwestern part of its urban area. The mass movements were triggered by a 4-day rainfall accumulation and high rainfall intensities on the night of the event. After the trigger, about 420 mass movements transported material as landslides, debris flows, and hyperconcentrated flows along the Taruquita and Taruca creeks and Sangoyaco River on the northern side, and as landslides and mudflows along the Mulato River on its southern side, resulting in major damages to both its population and infrastructure. Previous reports by Cheng et al. (2018) and García-Delgado et al. (2019) described the event from a hydrological and geological perspective, connecting them with the damage caused by the event, but leaving aside an analysis of the series of mass movements and its characteristics. This work presents an extended review of these mass movements and studies them via a statistical analysis, providing a detailed review of the event's characteristics and their relationship with the resultant damage. These characteristics are compared with the existing hazard maps and they provide valuable information and awareness on hazard management for communities settled in the northern Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Small Island Developing States (SIDS) turn into a focus of attention for tourists and foreign investment, tourism becomes one of the primary sources of wealth in these economies. This increasing relevance of tourism in SIDS in turn becomes an opportunity not only to enhance the residents' quality of life but also to combat the existing vulnerabilities of SIDS. The main goal of this research is to measure the effects of tourism on the quality of life of residents in SIDS according to: 1) the degree of tourism development, 2) the allocation of public and private resources to promote the tourism sector, and 3) the direct opportunities that tourism offers to the populations in SIDS. In order to do so, an empirical analysis has been carried out based on a panel database containing data from 28 SIDS during the period 2005-2016. The findings suggest that tourism development becomes a driving force for enhancing the residents' quality of life. It is also proven that government expenditure has a positive effect on the population, with a repercussion four times greater than that of private investment. Finally, work precarity appears to be a reality in SIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lapachol acetate [systematic name: 3-(3-methyl­but-2-en­yl)-1,4-dioxonaph­thalen-2-yl acetate], C17H16O4, was prepared using a modified high-yield procedure and its crystal structure is reported for the first time 80 years after its first synthesis. The full spectroscopic characterization of the mol­ecule is reported. The mol­ecular conformation shows little difference with other lapachol derivatives and lapachol itself. The packing is directed by inter­molecular π–π and C—H···O inter­actions, as described by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The former inter­actions make the largest contributions to the total packing energy in a ratio of 2:1 with respect to the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the possibility of tailoring the electronic properties of isoreticular metal-organic materials by replacing the metal atom in the metal-organic cluster and by doping. The electronic structure of M-IRMOF1, where IRMOF1 stands for isoreticular metal-organic framework 1 and M=Be, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Cd, was examined using density-functional theory. The results show that these materials have similar band gaps (ca. 3.5 eV) and a conduction band that is split into two bands, the lower of which has a width that varies with metal substitution. This variation prompted us to investigate whether doping with Al or Li could be used to tailor the electronic properties of the Zn-IRMOF1 and Be-IRMOF1 materials. It is shown that replacing one metal atom with Al can effectively be used to create IRMOFs with different metallic properties. On the other hand, adding Li produces structural changes that render this approach less suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this paper is to explore the origins of nineteenth-century social reformism, which constitutes the immediate precedent of the modern welfare state and social citizenship. The rise of social reformism has usually been attributed to factors such as the economic transformation of capitalism, the design of new instruments of social and political control, the pressure of the labor movement, and the initiative of one ideological-political party or other. However, as the Spanish case shows, social reformism seems to have emerged as the outcome of the internal crisis of the modern liberal imaginary or discourse. In light of this imaginary, the persistence of social inequalities and the rise of the labor movement—the so-called social problem—appeared as evidence of the liberal regime's failure to fulfill the promise of an egalitarian, stable, and harmonious social order, as well as of an historical anomaly that needed repairing. It was this frustration of expectations with the liberal regime that led some liberals to rethink and reformulate the assumptions of classical individualism and to implement a set of social reforms as a means of solving the social problem and rectifying this historical anomaly. Thus, social reformism emerged and paved the way for the welfare state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surimi-based products from lisa blanca (Mugil curema) were produced using different heating processes of steaming, boiling, frying, and baking. The cooking time, thermophysical properties, and overall acceptability of each product were determined. The specific heat (Cp) and density (ρ) of raw samples was determined by differential scanning calorimetry and by volume displacement with water, respectively. The temperature variation inside the surimi was measured by several thermocouples strategically placed. Experimental data of temperature and time were recorded and used to estimate thermal conductivity (k) and heat transfer coefficient (h) by nonlinear regression. A simulation of heat transfer was carried out by COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3 software. A sensory evaluation was performed with 100°C judges using a 9-point hedonic scale. The values of Cp and of raw surimi were 3768.56 ± 15.35 J/kg℃ and 1030 ± 15 kg/m3, respectively. The experimental cooking time of surimi was 120 and 65 min for the baking and boiling processes, respectively, and 50 min for steaming and frying processes. k and h were dependent on the thermal process used and could be used to calculate the process time of new products with different shapes and other operation conditions. The sensory evaluation of products indicated a good acceptance by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, the effects of the non-Fickian diffusion on the prediction of effectiveness factor in non-isothermal porous catalytic slab considering external transport resistances are studied. A Green's function formulation is used to solve the fractional diffusion-reaction model assuming non-Fickian diffusion to describe the internal mass transport in the porous catalytic particle. Evaluation of the effectiveness factor considering linear and nonlinear reaction rates was developed under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. In both cases, numerical simulations show the relation existent between the anomalous diffusion with the performance of the catalytic slabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major concern of the broiler industry is the volatilization of ammonia (NH3) from the mixture of bedding material and broiler excretion that covers the floor of broiler houses. Gypsum has been proposed as a litter amendment to reduce NH3 volatilization, but reports of NH3 abatement vary among studies and the mechanism responsible for decreasing NH3 volatilization is not well understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding 20 or 40% flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) to broiler litter on pH, electrical conductivity (EC), water potential, urea-degrading bacteria abundance, NH3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution, and nitrogen (N) mineralization in several 21-d experiments. The addition of FGDG to broiler litter increased EC by 24 to 33% (P < 0.0001), decreased urea-degrading bacteria by 48 to 57% (P = 0.0001) and increased N mineralization by 10 to 11% (P = 0.0001) as compared to litters not amended with FGDG. Furthermore, the addition of FGDG to broiler litter decreased NH3 volatilization by 18 to 28% (P < 0.0001), potentially resulting from the significantly lower litter pH values compared to un-amended litter (P < 0.0001). Findings of this study indicate that amending broiler litter with 20% FGDG can decrease NH3 volatilization and increase the fertlizer value of broiler litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid receptors are known to control neurotransmission of various peptidergic neurons, but their potential role in regulation of microglia and neuronal cell communications is unknown. We investigated the role of mu-opioid receptors (MOR) and delta-opioid receptors (DOR) on microglia in the regulation of apoptosis in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons induced by neonatal ethanol in the hypothalamus.Methods: Neonatal rat pups were fed a milk formula containing ethanol or control diets between postnatal days 2-6. Some of the alcohol-fed rats additionally received pretreatment of a microglia activation blocker minocycline. Two hours after the last feeding, some of the pups were sacrificed and processed for histochemical detection of microglial cell functions or confocal microscopy for detection of cellular physical interaction or used for gene and protein expression analysis. The rest of the pups were dissected for microglia separation by differential gradient centrifugation and characterization by measuring production of various activation markers and cytokines. In addition, primary cultures of microglial cells were prepared using hypothalamic tissues of neonatal rats and used for determination of cytokine production/secretion and apoptotic activity of neurons.Results: In the hypothalamus, neonatal alcohol feeding elevated cytokine receptor levels, increased the number of microglial cells with amoeboid-type circularity, enhanced POMC and microglial cell physical interaction, and decreased POMC cell numbers. Minocycline reversed these cellular effects of alcohol. Alcohol feeding also increased levels of microglia MOR protein and pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the hypothalamus, and MOR receptor antagonist naltrexone prevented these effects of alcohol. In primary cultures of hypothalamic microglia, both MOR agonist [D-Ala 2, N-MePhe 4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and ethanol increased microglial cellular levels and secretion of pro-inflammatory cell signaling proteins. However, a DOR agonist [D-Pen2,5]enkephalin (DPDPE) increased microglial secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed ethanol's ability to increase microglial production of inflammatory signaling proteins and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, MOR-activated inflammation promoted while DOR-suppressed inflammation inhibited the apoptotic effect of ethanol on POMC neurons.Conclusions: These results suggest that ethanol's neurotoxic action on POMC neurons results from MOR-activated neuroinflammatory signaling. Additionally, these results identify a protective effect of a DOR agonist against the pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic action of ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-assembly properties of N(9)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl adenine) (DHPA), a plausible prebiotic nucleoside analogue of adenosine, were investigated using density functional theory. Two different isomers were considered, and it is found that while both isomers can form a variety of structures, including chains, one of them is also able to form cages and helixes. When these results were put in the context of substrate supported molecular self-assembly, it is concluded that gas-phase self-assembly studies that consider isomer identity and composition not only can aid interpreting the experimental results, but also reveal structures that might be overlooked otherwise. In particular, this study suggest that a double-helical structure made of DHPA molecules which could have implications in prebiotic chemistry and nanotechnology, is stable even at room temperature. For example electrical properties (energy gap of 4.52eV) and a giant permanent electrical dipole moment (49.22 Debye) were found in our larger double-helical structure (3.7 nm) formed by 14 DHPA molecules. The former properties could be convenient for construction of organic dielectric-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sound prediction of soil organic phosphorus (P o ) mineralization would be helpful to improve fertilizer recommendations. However, in most mineral soils expensive and time consuming isotopic dilution experiments are required to assess P o mineralization. A proposed method to estimate P o mineralization is the quantification of P in the coarse fraction (CF, >53 μm) of the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate if P in the CF can effectively predict P o mineralization. Soil samples from three North American long-term arable field experiments (>10 years) with different textures (sand content 15–82%) and different fertilization treatments (non-P-fertilized, mineral P fertilizer, poultry litter) were analyzed. Soil samples were physically fractioned into CF and fine fraction (FF, <53 μm). Total P (P t ), P o , and total carbon (C t ) were determined in each fraction. Gross and net P o mineralization rates as well as soil respiration were determined in a 13-day-incubation experiment. The cumulative gross P o mineralization over 13 days ranged from 8.3 to 38.6 mg P kg −1 , while P t in CF varied between 9.7 and 90.7 mg P kg −1 and P o in CF between 6.1 and 17.7 mg kg −1 . No association between P t in CF and gross or net mineralized P o was observed. However, a significant linear relationship between P o in CF and net (R 2 :0.68, p < 0.01) and gross mineralized P o (R 2 :0.72, p < 0.01) was observed after 6 days and 13 days of incubation. Additionally, gross and net mineralized P o could also be predicted from C respiration, and these models were significantly improved by incorporating the C t :P o ratio of the CF. Our results suggest that the quantification of P o in the CF as well as the measurement of respiration corrected by the C t :P o ratio of the CF are promising non-isotopic indicators of P o mineralization rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dew deposition is often overlooked in humid regions, such as the southeastern USA, but may play an important role in nutrient cycling for surface-applied fertilizers and broiler litter. The objectives of this study were to measure dew in a pasture and to evaluate the effect of simulated dew on NH3 volatilization in a laboratory study. A microlysimeter method was used to measure dew in a tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) pasture over 206 d. In the 206 d measured, 119 d received dew with an average dew fall of 0.19 mm and greater events observed in the cooler spring and fall months. dew accumulated during the measurement period accounted for 6% of the precipitation measured. Under lab conditions, the effect of simulated, daily dew (0.2 mm) on NH3 volatilization from surface-applied broiler litter to air-dry soil was evaluated under diurnal fluctuations of temperature (6-27°C) and relative humidity (26-91%) for 15 d. dew application significantly increased NH3 volatilization losses (31% of the applied NH4-N and 5% of the applied total nitrogen [TN]) when compared with NH3 losses in the absence of dew (15% of the applied NH4-N and 2.4% of the applied TN). These results suggest that dew may affect NH3 losses from surface-applied broiler litter under dry field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A granular front emerges whenever the free-surface flow of a concentrated suspension spontaneously alters its internal structure, exhibiting a higher concentration of particles close to its front. This is a common and yet unexplained phenomenon, which is usually believed to be the result of fluid convection in combination with particle size segregation. However, suspensions composed of uniformly sized particles also develop a granular front. Within a large rotating drum, a stationary recirculating avalanche is generated. The flowing material is a mixture of a viscoplastic fluid obtained from a kaolin-water dispersion with spherical ceramic particles denser than the fluid. The goal is to mimic the composition of many common granular-fluid materials, such as fresh concrete or debris flow. In these materials, granular and fluid phases have the natural tendency to separate due to particle settling. However, through the shearing caused by the rotation of the drum, a reorganization of the phases is induced, leading to the formation of a granular front. By tuning the particle concentration and the drum velocity, it is possible to control this phenomenon. The setting is reproduced in a numerical environment, where the fluid is solved by a lattice-Boltzmann method, and the particles are explicitly represented using the discrete element method. The simulations confirm the findings of the experiments, and provide insight into the internal mechanisms. Comparing the time scale of particle settling with the one of particle recirculation, a nondimensional number is defined, and is found to be effective in predicting the formation of a granular front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the diet of Philodryas mattogrossensis, who prey upon Tropidurus torquatus, a medium-sized, terrestrial, saxicolous, or arboreal lizard.

The effect of long-term (more than 10 years) application of poultry litter (PL) or inorganic fertilizer (IF) on sulfur (S) mineralization potential (S) was evaluated using four different soils (Delaware 1, Delaware 2, Iowa, and Georgia). Also, different methods to estimate S availability (extraction with KCl, NaHCO, and KCl after a wetting-drying cycle, aerobic incubations for 7 and 14 days, and NH quantification after an anaerobic incubation) were compared to S. When compared to long-term application of IF, long-term application of PL generated an increase in total soil S ranging from 0 to 0.14 g kg, which was positively associated with the soil clay content ( R = 0.98), and resulted in an increase in S ranging from 0 to 21.2 g kg. From the evaluated methods to estimate S, only three of them were significantly ( p < 0.05) correlated to S: aerobic incubation for 7 days ( r = 0.85), extraction with NaHCO ( r = 0.85), and nitrogen anaerobic incubation ( r = 0.99). Based on the reduced time and labor involved and in their capacity to distinguish between treatments, we recommend further use and further evaluation of the last two methods as estimators of S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterilization process of canned pickled escamoles and canned brined escamoles was studied in order to analyze the heat transfer mechanisms as well as to calculate the thermal properties and process time. Sterilization process was performed using water immersion and saturated steam at 115°C and 121°C. Transient temperature changes in the cold point inside of the can containing either pickled or brined escamoles were determined experimentally and compared with simulation results. Additionally, the physicochemical, nutritional and sensory quality properties of sterilized escamoles were also evaluated. Uniform and conductive heating profiles were observed in both products. The thermal conductivity (k), specific heat (Cp) and density (ρ) were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the temperature and by the heating medium. Results also showed that maximum quality retention and the lowest process times were achieved for canned pickled escamoles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Broiler litter is commonly applied to grasslands as fertilizer where it undergoes N losses through NH3 volatilization. Ammonia losses represent not only a loss of plant-available N but also a source of environmental contamination. Previous research has shown that NH3 volatilization from broiler litter is affected by environmental conditions, but the effects of atmospheric water and soil water content (WC) are not well understood. We conducted a study at constant 94% relative humidity (RH) to evaluate rewetting of broiler litter and another study at 32% RH to evaluate drying of broiler litter. We also conducted two laboratory studies to evaluate the effect of soil WC (0.03 vs. 0.13 g H2O g-1) at either 32 or 92% RH on NH3 volatilization from surface-applied broiler litter. Results of the drying and rewetting studies showed that broiler litter can absorb or lose water at a relatively fast rate depending on RH. Ammonia volatilization was greater from wet soil (0.13 g g-1 soil WC) than from drier soil (0.03 g g-1 soil WC) under the high RH (92%), with losses of 21 and 11 % of total N, respectively. In contrast, NH3 loss was only slightly greater in wet (0.13 g g-1 soil WC) vs. dry (0.03 g g-1 soil WC) soil at 32% RH, with losses of 5.2 and 3.2% of total N, respectively. These findings indicate that both soil WC and RH may play an important role in NH3 volatilization. Further research should evaluate the effect of diurnal RH changes on NH3 loss from surface-applied broiler litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a pine forest, urea hydrolysis rates can vary widely. The rate of urea hydrolysis is controlled by the amount of urease enzyme, temperature, pH, urea concentration, but at the soil surface, soil water potential is an especially critical factor because it may vary widely in short periods of time due to precipitation, dews, and rapid evaporation. The objective of this study was to describe the quantitative relationship between soil water and urea hydrolysis rates in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forest floor. Hydrolysis rates were measured in a pine forest with time after urea was applied in seven studies performed at different times that varied widely in soil water content and temperature. Separately in a laboratory study, the urea hydrolysis rates were measured in pine needles and in the humified layer at different water potentials. Results showed that although well-defined relationships were found between urea hydrolysis rates and forest floor water potentials, the urea hydrolysis rates measured in the field could not be predicted based on these relationships and the water potential of the forest floor pine needles at the time of urea application. However, the percent of urea hydrolyzed at 3 and 29 d could be predicted accurately from the initial water potential of new needles and an interaction between initial water potential and relative humidity days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broiler litter is commonly surface-applied to pasture in the southeastern United States as a method of waste management and to provide an inexpensive source of plant nutrients, such as N. However, predicting plant available N derived from litter can be difficult due to losses through NH3 volatilization. We conducted 11 field studies to determine overall NH3 loss as affected by environmental variables and litter characteristics. Ammonia loss as a percentage of the applied total N (TN) ranged from 0.9 to 10.5% in eleven 28-d studies conducted from April to November in 2011 and 2012. In two studies, a series of small rain events (2-5 mm) combined with elevated soil water con- tent (WC) (>0.2 g H2O g soil -1) decreased overall NH3 losses, potentially due to N movement into the soil. In the remaining nine studies, average vapor pressure (VP) and initial NH4-N plus uric acid-N (ANUA) explained 79% of the variability in cumulative NH3 loss over 28 d. Our data suggest that elevated concentrations of initial uric acid-N and NH4-N, as well as, elevated VP increase NH3 losses. The effect of elevated VP on NH3 losses was attributed to the rewetting of the litter, which likely leads to increased N mineralization and NH4-N in solution. The statistical model developed may help estimate NH3 losses from surface-applied litter and increase the accuracy of estimat- ing available N under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in the city of Malaga. The main objective of the study is to analyse the effects that the pandemic has had, as well as the responses that have been given to rebuild the tourism system in the city of Malaga. The study uses a qualitative and descriptive methodology, prioritising the search for primary sources (institutional) to measure the impact of the pandemic on tourism in Malaga. There are two main conclusions of the study: firstly, the Malaga tourism industry has shown such a level of dynamism and resilience that it has been able to initiate a slow but vigorous recovery of the tourism productive fabric; secondly, the actions of the public administrations have generally been diligent, efficient, rapid, and flexible, although the level of interpenetration and synergy between public administrations, tourism operators and residents is still insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionophore antibiotics (IPAs) are polyether compounds used in broiler feed to promote growth and control coccidiosis. Most of the ingested IPAs are excreted into broiler litter (BL), a mixture of excreta and bedding material. BL is considered a major source of IPAs released into the environment as BL is commonly used to fertilize agricultural fields. This study investigated IPA biodegradation in BL and soil microcosms, as a process affecting the fate of IPAs in the environment. The study focused on the most widely used IPAs, monensin (MON), salinomycin (SAL), and narasin (NAR). MON was stable in BL microcosms at 24-72% water content (water/wet litter, w/w) and 35-60 °C, whereas SAL and NAR degraded under certain conditions. Factor analysis was conducted to delineate the interaction of water and temperature on SAL and NAR degradation in the BL. A major transformation product of SAL and NAR was identified. Abiotic reaction(s) were primarily responsible for the degradation of MON and SAL in nonfertilized soil microcosms, whereas biodegradation contributed significantly in BL-fertilized soil microcosms. SAL biotransformation in soil microcosms yielded the same product as in the BL microcosms. A new primary biotransformation product of MON was identified in soil microcosms. A field study showed that MON and SAL were stable during BL stacking, whereas MON degraded after BL was applied to grassland. The biotransformation product of MON was also detected in the top soil layer where BL was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive investigation using hydrodynamic models and experiments over the past decades, there remain open questions regarding the origin of the initial rupture of thin liquid films. One of the reasons that makes it difficult to identify the rupture origin is the coexistence of two dewetting mechanisms, namely, thermal nucleation and spinodal instability, as observed in many experimental studies. Using a coarse-grained model and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, we are able to characterize the very early stage of dewetting in nanometer-thick liquid-metal films wetting a solid substrate. We observe the features characteristic of both spinodal instability and thermal nucleation in the spontaneously dewetting films and show that these two macroscopic mechanisms share a common origin at molecular levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broiler litter is commonly surface applied to grasslands as fertilizer in the southeastern United States. Surface application may lead to losses of P in surface runoff and to losses of N through NH3 volatilization. Adding gypsum to broiler litter can reduce water-soluble P and, therefore, the potential for surface water contamination, but no information is currently available on the effect of gypsum on NH3 volatilization when broiler litter is applied to soil. We conducted three laboratory studies to evaluate the effect of adding flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum to broiler litter or soil on NH3 volatilized and N mineralized. In two studies, soil with or without 0.01 g FGD gypsum g-1 soil was packed into acrylic columns and broiler litter with or without 0.25 g FGD gypsum g-1 litter was applied on the soil surface and incubated at 25°C for 15 d. In a third study, litter with or without 0.25 g FGD gypsum g-1 litter was mixed with soil and incubated at 25°C for 63 d. Our results showed that the addition of FGD gypsum to broiler litter or soil did not affect net N mineralized or NH3 volatilized when litter was surface applied. Similarly, the addition of FGD gypsum to broiler litter did not affect net N mineralized when broiler litter was incorporated into soil. Thus, the addition of FGD gypsum at these rates does not change NH3 loss or N mineralized from broiler litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hume did not criticize Hutcheson’s moral-empirical argument in his published philosophical works, even though he forcefully denied, especially in Parts X and XI of theDialogues Concerning Natural Religion, that we could empirically prove the moral attributes of the Deity. Yet he seemingly rejected this particular reasoning in a famous letter to Hutcheson, dated March 16, 1740. Hutcheson’s claim that our moral sense is a likely to be expected effect of divine benevolence and Hume’s critique of this claim are analyzed in this essay. It is argued that the particular criticism presented by Hume in that letter is not sufficient to refute Hutcheson’s argument. It is also suggested that Hume may be right after all in rejecting Hutcheson’s inference about God’s benevolent design on other grounds, that is, our deep-rooted knowledge of the annoying conspicuousness of evil in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Let A be a (possibly non-associative) complex Banach algebra and let * be a conjugate-linear vector space involution on A such that ‖ a*a‖=‖ a*‖ ‖ a ‖ for every a∈A. We prove the following facts: If A has an approximate unit bounded by 1 and consisting of *-invariant elements, and if dim (A)≠2, then A is alternative, and * is an algebra involution.If A is alternative, and if * is an algebra involution, then * is an isometry, and hence A has an approximate unit bounded by 1 and consisting of *-invariant elements. Fact 1 seems to us to be new even if A is associative, whereas Fact 2 becomes a generalization to alternative algebras of a well-known result in the associative setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A linearization scheme is presented that enables near-exact solution of the nonlinear ordinary differential equations associated with Film Theory-based modeling of absorption with multiple reversible chemical reactions. The technique, a variant of singular perturbation methods, is applied here to the analysis of absorption of carbon dioxide in aqueous monoethanolamine and stripping of CO2 from the same solutions. Enhancement factors by which reactions multiply mass transfer rates are in excellent agreement with values obtained via numerical methods. Unlike previously published approximate techniques, the computationally efficient method outlined here is applicable whether the reversible reactions are fast or slow, and whether the solvent is lean or loaded. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thin-film dewetting can be exploited to self-assemble and organize nanoparticles. Crucial to this effort is the understanding of the nanoscale liquid phase dynamics, and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) provide a powerful tool in this respect. In this paper we demonstrate that MD simulations utilizing a Lennard-Jones (LJ) interface potential can be effectively used to study various wetting regimes of nanoscale Cu disks on graphite. It was found that both the dewetting velocity and the equilibrium contact angle increase with a decrease in the Cu-C potential, and that the retraction velocities obtained are characteristic of dewetting phenomena governed by inertial and capillary forces. This phenomena leads to a change in morphology, from disks to nanodroplets, which, in turn, when using the most accurate LJ potential, jump off the graphitic substrate with a velocity on the order of 140 m/s. This ejection velocity is consistent with the previous experimental observation that nanoscale Au triangles deposited on graphite or glass jump when exposed to a pulsed laser above the melting threshold. Interestingly, the Cu ejection velocity decreases when the liquid Cu disks are deposited on a suspended graphene membrane. Finally, a Rayleigh-Plateau-like instability, which leads to the breakup of a pseudo-one-dimensional liquid Cu nanowire in nanodroplets, is revealed when the MD simulations are performed using different LJ interface potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Currently, bacterial diseases cause a death toll around 2 million people a year encouraging the search for new antimicrobial agents. DNA gyrase is a well-established antibacterial target consisting of two subunits, GyrA and GyrB, in a heterodimer A2B2. GyrA is involved in DNA breakage and reunion and GyrB catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP. The GyrB subunit from Escherichia coli has been investigated, namely the ATP binding pocket both considering the protein without ligands and bound with the inhibitors clorobiocin, novobiocin and 5′-adenylyl-β-γ-imidodiphosphate. The stability of the systems was studied by molecular dynamics simulation with the further analysis of the time dependent root-mean-square coordinate deviation (RMSD) from the initial structure, and temperature factors. Moreover, exploration of the conformational space of the systems during the MD simulation was carried out by a clustering data mining technique using the average-linkage algorithm. Recognizing the key residues in the binding site of the enzyme that are involved in the binding mode with the aforementioned inhibitors was investigated by using two techniques: free energy decomposition and computational alanine scanning. The results from these simulations highlight the important residues in the ATP binding site and can be useful in the design process of potential new inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The egg and larval stages of Gnathostoma turgidum were examined using light microscopy. Fertilized uterine eggs are 65.97 long and 32.28 wide, oval, brownish, with two cap-like thickenings. The eggshell surface is covered with numerous irregularly shaped pits of various sizes and depths. A sheathed second-stage larva emerges from the egg, measures 178 × 9; the sheath measures 243 × 21. Development to early third-stage larva in the coelomic cavity of cyclopoid copepods is similar to that described for other gnathostome species. After 10 days at 27°C, the larvae undergo a molt (the second for gnathostomes) and develop to early third stage. The body of this stage measures 412.3 × 40.1, with evident hemispherical cephalic bulbs. Cephalic bulbs measure 25 × 40, armed with four transverse rows of sharp hooklets. The average number of hooklets in each row is 31, 34, 37, and 42, respectively. The whole body is covered with 193 transverse rows of small single-pointed cuticular spines. One pair of cervical papillae and an excretory pore are present on the anterior part of the body. On the other hand, potential species-specific features regarding the latter larval stage are discussed. Finally, some G. turgidum life cycle considerations are portrayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]