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Abstract An innovative and environmentally-friendly procedure has been developed for the successful preparation of Ta 2 O 5 nanoparticles (NPs). This method includes mechanical milling and a subsequent calcination step. The in-situ formation of LiCl/KCl and the partial crystallization of Ta 2 O 5 at low-temperature were observed after milling, confirming the existence of chemical reaction between TaCl 5 and LiOH/KOH reagents, and also the mechanochemical synthesis of Ta 2 O 5. By heating at 700 °C during 2 h, complete crystallization of Ta 2 O 5 was achieved. The synthesized Ta 2 O 5 NPs showed flake shape with sizes below 20 nm and S BET of 17 m2 g−1. Furthermore, the proposed method represents an alternative for the straightforward and large-scale production of crystalline Ta 2 O 5 NPs. Moreover, the as-prepared Ta 2 O 5 NPs showed high photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue (MB) dye. The Ta 2 O 5 NPs enhanced the degradation rate of MB attaining a degradation percentage of about ⁓ 81% within 180 min under UV–vis irradiation. Herein, trapping experiments demonstrated that holes are the main oxidative species in the MB photodegradation process. After recycling tests, the Ta 2 O 5 NPs showed high stability which demonstrates that this photocatalyst is suitable for use in wastewater treatment. Highlights • Ta 2 O 5 nanoparticles were synthesized by an innovative and green route. • The crystallization of Ta 2 O 5 was achieved at low-temperature during milling. • Ta 2 O 5 nanoparticles showed flake shapes with sizes below 20 nm. • Ta 2 O 5 enhanced the MB photodegradation efficiency achieving ⁓ 81% within 180 min. • The two-step route is an alternative for the easy and large-scale production of Ta 2 O 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources on organ characteristics, bone development, chemical body composition and hepatic function of female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in different reproductive ages. In total, 210 female 1-day-old birds were housed in a brick shed, which was divided into six rooms during 12 weeks. Each room was equipped with a different type of light bulb (incandescent; compact fluorescent; and white, blue, red and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) and contained seven cages with five birds in each. The light intensity was 15 lx and the photoperiod was 23 h light and 1 h dark (23L:1D) during the first week, 10 L : 14D from the second to the fifth week, and 17L : 7D until the end of the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomised, with six treatments and seven replicates of each bird. The morphophysiological conditions of the birds were evaluated at the beginning (8 weeks) and during peak production (12 weeks). At 8 weeks, a higher intestine weight and length and liver weight were observed in birds maintained in white LED (P < 0.05). Lower breast weight (P < 0.01) was also observed with this type of lamp. White and red LEDs decreased (P < 0.05) the percentage of ash in the tibia, but this reduction did not affect (P > 0.05) bone resistance. At 12 weeks, higher bone resistance was obtained (P < 0.01) with white LED and higher eye diameter was observed (P < 0.05) with incandescent and white LED lamps. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of light sources on the circulating levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Fluorescent bulbs resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) level of γ-glutamyltransferase, while blue LED resulted in the lowest level. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of light sources on chemical body composition in any of the evaluated ages. It was concluded that the photostimulation of Japanese quail with white LED is more efficient to stimulate their organ development, especially the intestine, until 8 weeks of life, resulting in birds with better bone development during peak production. The quails have high reproductive sensitivity at different light colours. Actually, LED (light-emitting diode) lamps are being increasingly used in the production system, mainly due to greater durability and power efficiency than those of other types of lamps. In our study, we concluded that the white LED resulted in better physiological and metabolic conditions of the birds than did other types of lamps, resulting in birds with a higher reproductive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hybridisation has significant ecological, genetic and evolutionary consequences altering morphological and chemical characters of individuals. Quercus glabrescens, Q. rugosa and Q. obtusata are white oak species well separated by their morphological characters when they occur in allopatry in Mexican temperate forests. However, in sympatry, individuals with atypical morphology have been observed, suggesting hybridisation events.In this study, we determined, with microsatellites and secondary metabolites, if interspecific gene flow occurs when these three oak species coexist in sympatry. In total, 180 individuals belonging to seven populations [three allopatric (one for each parental species) and four sympatric sites] were analysed.Allopatric populations represent well‐defined genetic groups and the sympatric populations showed genetic evidence of hybridisation between Q. glabrescens × Q. rugosa and Q. glabrescens × Q. obtusata. The hybridisation percentage varied between sites and combination of involved species. We registered the presence of unique flavonoid compounds for Q. glabrescens (caffeic acid and flavonol 2), Q. rugosa (flavonol 5) and Q. obtusata (flavonol 1). Three compounds (quercetin rhamnoside, flavonol 3 and alkyl coumarate) were expressed in all taxa. Finally, the hybrid genotypes identified in this study (Q. glabrescens × Q. rugosa and Q. glabrescens × Q. obtusata) showed specific chemical profiles, resulting from a combination of those of their parental species.These results show that hybridisation events between these oak species alter chemical expression of secondary metabolites, creating a mosaic of resources and conditions that provide the substrate for different combinations of foliar‐associated species such as herbivores, endophytic fungi or epiphyte plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne viral zoonosis with a case-fatality rate ranging from 9% to 50% in humans. Although a licensed vaccine to prevent infection by the CCHF virus (CCHFV) exists, its ability to induce neutralizing antibodies is limited and its efficacy against CCHFV remains undetermined. In addition, controlling CCHF infections by eradication of the tick reservoir has been ineffective, both economically and logistically, and the treatment options for CCHF remain limited. In this review, we first critically discuss the existing animal models to evaluate therapeutics for CCHF. We then review the therapeutic options for CCHF that have been investigated in human cases, followed by investigational drugs that have been evaluated in pre-clinical studies. We highlight the importance of understanding human prognostic factors in developing an animal model for CCHF that recapitulates hallmarks of human disease and its implication for selecting therapeutic candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By following a one-step, novel methodology, ZnO and Ag/ZnO heterostructures were successfully synthesized at room-temperature. This route is simple, effective, high yield (91%), environmentally friendly (green synthesis) and consists of a mechanically assisted metathesis reaction. The metathesis reaction used in this investigation showed two results: the in-situ generation of alkaline nitrates, LiNO 3 /NaNO 3 , and the direct crystallization of the desired Zn-based compounds in milling media; revealing a true mechanochemical synthesis of ZnO and Ag/ZnO (1.25, 2.50 and 4.50 mol% of Ag) heterostructures. Particles showed spherical-like morphologies and sizes smaller than 20 nm. The Ag/ZnO heterostructures exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than ZnO for degrading methylene blue (MB) dye. It was also shown that the presence of Ag (up to 1.25 mol%) nanoparticles (NPs) in ZnO accelerates the photodegradation reaction and then slows down with further increases in Ag contents. The 1.25-Ag/ZnO sample (10 mg) showed the highest photocatalytic activity (96%) for degrading MB (100 ml, 10 mg L −1 ) within 100 min under UV–Vis light irradiation (λ = 310 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to fi gures from INEGI 2009, indicate that one in 12 Mexican women and one in 20 men over 65 will suff er a hip fracture. Is expected to reach 110,055 patients in the year 2050. Femoral neck stress fractures are more common in women and consist of 5 to 10%. There is a high number of patients with hip fracture complications, secondary to multiple factors which have been little studied and this limits its prevention. Material and methods: A retrospective, observational and transversal study in senior citizens between January and December 2016 with hip fracture was conducted. Through collection of demographic data: age, sex, address, as well as type of fracture, type of management, primary diagnosis: ICD 10 S72 fracture of hip, hospital stay, surgery carried out and place of destination subsequent to discharge from the unit. Results: The most aff ected gender was female. Within the main complications it correlates with delirium considering the average hospital stay of one day thrown outcomes, says that hospital stays are relatively short compared to other types of fractures. As in the international literature, the Transtrochanteric fracture is the main type of fracture; However in terms of surgical management of higher prevalence was hemiarthroplasty type Thompson followed by closed reduction internal fixation with DHS system placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have measured with a LaCl 3 detector the γ -ray spectrum emitted by a 235 U enriched UO 2 fuel rod 10 s after being irradiated with thermal neutrons. The experimental results are compared with simulations performed with the fission product yield and radioactive decay data libraries present in the most recent releases of ENDF/B, JEFF and JENDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate determination of the response function of organic scintillation neutron detectors complements their experimental characterization. Monte Carlo simulations with GEANT4 can reduce the effort and cost implied, especially for complex detection systems for which the characterization is more challenging. Previous studies have reported on the inaccuracy of GEANT4 in the calculation of the neutron response of organic scintillation detectors above 6 MeV, due to an incomplete description of the neutron-induced alpha production reactions on carbon. We have improved GEANT4 in this direction by incorporating models and data from NRESP, an excellent Monte Carlo simulation tool developed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany, for the specific purpose of calculating the neutron response function of organic scintillation detectors. The results have been verified against simulations with NRESP and validated against Time-Of-Flight measurements with an NE213 detector at PTB. This work has potential applications beyond organic scintillation detectors, to other types of detectors where reactions induced by fast neutrons on carbon require an accurate description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron capture cross section measurements in time-of-flight facilities are usually performed by detecting the prompt γ -rays emitted in the capture reactions. One of the difficulties to be addressed in these measurements is that the emitted γ -rays may change with the neutron energy, and therefore also the detection efficiency. To deal with this situation, many measurements use the so called Total Energy Detection (TED) technique, usually in combination with the Pulse Height Weighting Technique (PHWT). With it, it is sought that the detection efficiency depends only on the total energy of the γ -ray cascade, which does not vary much with the neutron energy. This technique was developed in the 1960s and has been used in many neutron capture experiments to date. One of the requirements of the technique is that γ -ray detectors have a low efficiency. This has meant that the PHWT has been used with experimental setups with low detection efficiencies. However, this condition does not have to be fulfilled by the experimental system as a whole. The main goal of this work is to show that it is possible to measure with a high efficiency detection system that uses the PHWT, and how to analyze the measured data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fricke dosimetry was performed in radiation fields of 60Co and 137Cs, corresponding to the Gammabeam 651PT irradiator loaded with new 60Co sources and a new Gammacell-3000 Elan self-irradiator with 137Cs. This last irradiator was purchased with funds from CONACYT. The gamma photons of 60Co from Gammabeam are using for sterilization of industrial products as well as in studies of physical and chemical properties changes of solid and aqueous solutions samples which are of the interest in research at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). However, the difference in energy of the gamma photons from 60Co (1.17, 1.33 MeV) and 137Cs (0.66 MeV) makes interesting changes in research samples such as polymers, new dosimetric materials, organic compounds, etc., which are currently researching at the Nuclear Science Institute (ICN-UNAM). In order to use the radiation fields of irradiators, it is important to determine the exposure dose. In this paper, a successful methodology by using Fricke chemical dosimeter is reported. In this dosimeter is carried out the oxidation reaction in acid to ferric ion of ferrous. Dose rates distribution, less than 99 Gy/min, was determined in the Gammabeam irradiator. In the case of 137Cs irradiator, 10.89 Gy/min, at the center of the irradiation chamber was obtained. This value is in agreement to that certified measurement given by the Gammacell- 3000 supplier. Because the sources are nonpoint, the uncertainties associated to the gamma doses were determinated. The two irradiators have adequate dose rates to continue supporting scientific research on different substances and materials, and offer the irradiation service at semi-industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations of FOXP2 are associated with altered brain structure, including the striatal part of the basal ganglia, and cause a severe speech and language disorder. Songbirds serve as a tractable neurobiological model for speech and language research. Experimental downregulation of FoxP2 in zebra finch Area X, a nucleus of the striatal song control circuitry, affects synaptic transmission and spine densities. It also renders song learning and production inaccurate and imprecise, similar to the speech impairment of patients carrying FOXP2 mutations. Here we show that experimental downregulation of FoxP2 in Area X using lentiviral vectors leads to reduced expression of CNTNAP2, a FOXP2 target gene in humans. In addition, natural downregulation of FoxP2 by age or by singing also downregulated CNTNAP2 expression. Furthermore, we report that FoxP2 binds to and activates the avian CNTNAP2 promoter in vitro. Taken together these data establish CNTNAP2 as a direct FoxP2 target gene in songbirds, likely affecting synaptic function relevant for song learning and song maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ce-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared in molten chlorides. Nanoparticles were obtained at 380 °C during 1 h in a LiCl/KCl molten flux. The Ce-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles showed sizes below 7 nm and spherical shapes. Complete stabilization of cubic phase was achieved by adding 10 mol % of Ce. XRD, Raman and HRTEM techniques confirmed that the Ce-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles have a cubic structure. Furthermore, this simple, efficient and high yield (>95%) method represents an alternative route for the synthesis of fluorite-type cubic phases and should be useful for doping or co-doping HfO 2 with other cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in mice have been developed; the most similar to the habit of smoking is the inhalation of the smoke in mice. The objective was to develop and implement an experimental model of COPD in mice through the passive inhalation of smoke and demonstrate the physiological changes on ventilatory function and its correlation with 3 emphysema quantification methods. Materials and methods: Twenty Wistar mice were included in an experimental and control group. The experimental group was exposed to tobacco smoke, and we performed several pulmonary functional tests and imaging techniques. Results: Pulmonary function tests showed the volume expiration in the first second (VEF1) differs significantly between groups (p < 0.001). Pulmonary compliance was reduced in the experimental group by 50% in comparison to the control group (male vs control p < 0.001). Morphometric analysis: 17% reduction in lung volume with a destructive index (DI) of 45%. The intersection test had a DI of 43%. The free point test showed a DI of 44%. Conclusions: The implementation of our model generated the presence of emphysema and alterations in the lung physiology in the experimental group. We demonstrated evidence of 90% with emphysema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse pile-up and associated dead time effects in an 243 Am(n, γ ) cross section measurement with a BaF 2 Total Absorption Calorimeter at the CERN n_TOF facility have been characterized. In this case, reliable corrections of these effects are crucial because of the complex detector configuration and of the high count rate induced by the sample activity of 50 MBq. The techniques, which have been developed for offline processing of the present data, may be of general interest for the analysis of other experiments using digital acquisition systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental evidence has revealed the role of mitochondria in various aspects of neuronal physiology. Mitochondrial failure results in alterations that underlie the pathogeneses of many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) has been used to model failure; for example, systemic administration of 3-NP imitates the striatal degeneration that is exhibited in the postmortem tissue of patients afflicted with HD. We have demonstrated that low, sub-chronic doses of 3-NP are sufficient to initiate the damage to striatal neurons that is associated with changes in neurotrophin expression levels. However, the mechanisms underlying the alterations in neuronal activity and neurotransmission due to 3-NP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction remain to be elucidated. In this paper, we focus on how corticostriatal transmission and its modulation by neurotrophins are altered in vivo after 5 days of mitochondrial inhibition with 3-NP. Recordings of population spikes and a paired pulse (PP) stimulation protocol were used to document changes in corticostriatal synapses in 3-NP-treated brain slices. The corticostriatal synapses were modulated by neurotrophins but displayed differential amplitude increases in the presence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), or neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) under control conditions. Neurotrophin-mediated synaptic modulation was decreased in slices from 3-NP-treated mice. The protein and mRNA levels of neurotrophins and their receptors were also modified in the 3-NP-treated tissue. Neuronal structural evaluation demonstrated that synaptic length and density were reduced in the 3-NP-treated mice, which partially explained the changes in the amplitudes of the synaptic field responses. Our results demonstrate that corticostriatal synapses are differentially modulated by neurotrophins and that this modulation is altered by mitochondrial failure. Mitochondrial dysfunction also affects neurotransmitter release in corticostriatal synapses, neurotrophin availability, dendritic arborization and the lengths of the striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The design of new nuclear reactors and transmutation devices requires to reduce the present neutron cross section uncertainties of minor actinides. Purpose: Improvement of the 243Am(n,γ) cross section uncertainty. Method: The 243Am(n,γ) cross section has been measured at the n_TOF facility at CERN with a BaF2 total absorption calorimeter, in the energy range between 0.7 eV and 2.5 keV. Results: The 243Am(n,γ) cross section has been successfully measured in the mentioned energy range. The resolved resonance region has been extended from 250 eV up to 400 eV. In the unresolved resonance region our results are compatible with one of the two incompatible capture data sets available below 2.5 keV. The data available in EXFOR and in the literature have been used to perform a simple analysis above 2.5 keV. Conclusions: The results of this measurement contribute to reduce the 243Am(n,γ) cross section uncertainty and suggest that this cross section is underestimated up to 25% in the neutron energy range between 50 eV and a few keV in the present evaluated data libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO) is the most straightforward sugar detected in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and participates in the formation pathways of molecules fundamental to life, red such as ribose and derivatives. Although detected in several regions of the ISM, its formation route is still debated and its abundance cannot be explained only by reactions in the gas phase. This work explores a new gas-phase formation mechanism for glycolaldehyde and compares the energy barrier reduction when the same route happens on the surface of amorphous ices. The first step of the mechanism involves the formation of a carbon–carbon bond between formaldehyde (H2CO) and the formyl radical (HCO), with an energy barrier of 27 kJ mol−1 (gas-phase). The second step consists of barrierless hydrogen addition. Density functional calculations under periodic boundary conditions were applied to study this reaction path on 10 different amorphous ice surfaces through an Eley–Rideal type mechanism. It was found that the energy barrier is reduced on average by 49 per cent, leading in some cases to a 100 per cent reduction. The calculated adsorption energy of glycolaldehyde suggests that it can be promptly desorbed to the gas phase after its formation. This work, thus contributes to explaining the detected relative abundances of glycolaldehyde and opens a new methodological framework for studying the formation routes for Complex Organic Molecules (COMs) in interstellar icy grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain ischaemia and reperfusion produce alterations in the microenvironment of the parenchyma, including ATP depletion, ionic homeostasis alterations, inflammation, release of multiple cytokines and abnormal release of neurotransmitters. As a consequence, the induction of proliferation and migration of neural stem cells is redirected towards the peri-infarct region. The success of new neurorestorative treatments for damaged brain implies the need to describe with greater accuracy the mechanisms in charge of regulating adult neurogenesis, under both physiological and pathological conditions. Recent evidence demonstrates that many neurotransmitters, glutamate in particular, control the subventricular zone ( SVZ), thus being part of the complex signal network that exerts a remarkable influence on the production of new neurones. Neurotransmitters provide a link between brain activity and SVZ neurogenesis. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of the role of neurotransmitters systems, such as glutamate and its transporters, in adult neurogenesis, may prove a valuable tool to be utilized as a neurorestorative therapy in this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mendoza, E.T., Trejo-Rangel., M. A., Salles, P., Appendini, C.M., Lopez-Gonzalez, J. and Torres-Freyermuth, A., 2013. Storm characterization and coastal vulnerability in the Yucatan Peninsula A preliminary coastal hazard potential assessment due to storm impacts in terms of erosion and flooding for the Yucatan coast is presented. Firstly, a 30-year wave hindcast is employed in order to characterize the coastal storms by creating a 5-class storm scale in terms of wave information. Subsequently, the storm classification is converted to one based on the consequences over 26 beach profile sections located along the Yucatan coast. The storm consequences were classified according to their flood and erosion potential by means of parametric and numerical model results which are correlated with key beach characteristics such as beach width and maximum beach height. According to the obtained results, the storms were characterized in five different categories and it was found that the Yucatan coast presents higher threat to flood than to erosion during the impact of storms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia that has increased in prevalence in the last years. Between its complications, we can find the main cause of death in diabetic patients: cardiovascular. Therefore, an adequate control and management of the associated risk factors can have a significant repercussion on the morbidity and mortality of this group of patients. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the adult patients with with type 2 - diabetes mellitus, controlled at the cardiovascular health program of the Outpatient Clinic of the Penco-Lirquén Hospital, during 2011, excluding patients with 65 years old or more. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study, by checking the last control registered in the chronic control cards of the patients of the cardiovascular health program of the Outpatient Clinic of the Penco-Lirquén Hospital, from January to December, 2011. RESULTS: 68.8% of the patients (n=86) were women. The average age was 52.88 years. 58.1% had blood pressure in hypertensive levels. The 63.8% had glycosylated hemoglobin above 8, and only 26% had normal cholesterol levels. DISCUSSION: The most important epidemiologic and clinic aspect of the study was the bad control of the patients, in the particular goals of diabetes mellitus, and in the risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, situation that requires an urgent intervention for a better future quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Heart Failure is very frequent in our adult population. It causes a great number of hospitalizations a year and means an important expense in health. There is a clear relationship between diverse demographic factors and the development, evolution and prognosis of heart failure, being one of the accepted the age and of the discussed the sex. The objective of this study was to characterize hospitalized patients with heart failure in the Department of Medicine of the Familia y Comunidad Hospital of Mulchén, Chile, in 2011. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study, there were checked the records of admission-discharge of the department and were selected all the patients with heart failure diagnosis at the income analyzing variables as age, sex, days and others. Included a total of 162 patients; 84 males (51.85%). RESULTS: The ages ranged from 38 to 96 years, with an average of 67 years, with a 73.45% of patients 60 years or older. The length of hospitalization ranged between 3 and 19 days, with an average of 11 days. Almost 80 % of the patients came from to Emergency Department. The most frequent associated diagnoses were hypertension/hypertensive cardiomyopathy (22%) and coronary heart disease (11.2 %). There were 12 deaths (7%). 55% of patients were affiliated to Fondo Nacional de Salud B. DISCUSSION: We conclude that the results obtained are concordant with those described in the literature for the general population and provide useful data to confront the patient with heart failure served in our service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated potential mechanisms through which the known anti-angiogenic factor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) blocks angiogenesis. As a strategy to identify TIMP-3 binding proteins, we used tandem affinity purification, employing recombinant adenoviruses constructed to deliver TIMP-3 fused to C-terminal S and His tags (TIMP-3-S-His) or TIMP-1-S-His control to endothelial cells prior to extraction. Western blotting of final eluates revealed robust binding of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17 and a slight association of ADAM15 to TIMP-3, but not TIMP-1 control. To confirm a functional requirement for ADAM15 and 17 in mediating angiogenic events, a model of endothelial cell invasion was utilized. Silencing of ADAM17, but not ADAM15, expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) interfered with invasion, resulting in decreased density of invading cells and decreased invasion distance. Stable EC lines expressing short hairpin RNA directed to ADAM17 were similarly inhibited. To confirm these results, dominant negative mutants (ΔMPs) of ADAM10, ADAM15 or ADAM17 were delivered using recombinant lentiviruses. Expression of ADAM17 ΔMP, but not ADAM10 or ADAM15 ΔMP, decreased invasion density and distance. Further, time-lapse analyses revealed ADAM17 ΔMP cells exhibited far greater numbers of protruding sprouts compared to control, suggesting an inability of extended processes to retract properly. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed ADAM17 localized to bifurcations in invading sprouts. These data jointly indicate a role for ADAM17 in modulating endothelial sprouting events during angiogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which investigates the clinical characteristics of Diabetes Mellitus 2 patients of Family Health Center "Chiguay" indicating that late aged dominance and obese in females were the most noticeable clinical and epidemiology characteristics.

Sprouting angiogenesis is a multistep process consisting of basement membrane degradation, endothelial cell (EC) activation, proliferation, invasion, lumen formation, and sprout stabilization. Such complexity is consistent with a requirement for orchestration of individual gene expression alongside multiple signaling pathways. To better understand the mechanisms that direct the transformation of adherent ECs on the surface of collagen matrices to develop multicellular invading sprouts, we analyzed differential gene expression with time using a defined in vitro model of EC invasion driven by the combination of sphingosine-l-phosphate, basic FGF, and VEGF. Gene expression changes were confirmed by real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. A cohort of cell adhesion molecule genes involved in adherens junction and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions were upregulated, whereas a set of genes associated with tight junctions were down-regulated. Numerous genes encoding ECM proteins and proteases were induced, indicating that biosynthesis and remodeling of ECM is indispensable for sprouting angiogenesis. Knockdown of a highly upregulated gene, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-type repeats-l (ADAMTS1), decreased invasion responses, confirming a role for ADAMTS1 in mediating EC invasion. Furthermore, differential expression of multiple members of the Wnt and Notch pathways was observed. Functional experiments indicated that inhibition and activation of the Notch signaling pathway stimulated and inhibited EC invasion responses, respectively. This study has enhanced the molecular road map of gene expression changes that occur during endothelial invasion and highlighted the utility of three-dimensional models to study EC morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton growth in oligotrophic regions might be constrained by a low photosynthetic capacity related to nutrient stress. A reduced photosynthetic capacity has been documented by low values of the maximum quantum efficiency of charge separation (Fv/Fm) of photosystem II (PSII). In the present work, spatial and temporal variations of Fv/Fm in phytoplankton samples of the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP) off Mexico were characterized to explore the potential of this parameter as a nutrient stress indicator. Our results show that Fv/Fm was lower than 0.5 in most of the samples and that in surface waters this parameter was highly variable. The variability of Fv/Fm was related to the time of sampling, and Fv/Fm changes followed a day/night cycle with maximum values at dawn and a strong reduction at noon related to down-regulation of PSII activity. Enrichment experiments showed that Fv/Fm did not increase after nitrate addition to surface samples. These results suggest that photosynthesis of the phytoplankton community in the ETNP dominated by picoplankton, of which 60-80% was represented by prokaryote biomass (Prochloroccocus and other cyanobacteria), was not rate-limited under natural conditions. Therefore, low Fv/Fm values associated with PSII down-regulation and inherent of specific phytoplankton species are not indicative of nutrient stress in picoplankton-dominated environments such as the ETNP off Mexico. These sources of variability that are not directly associated with the nutritional status of the phytoplankton community should be taken into account when using Fv/Fm as a diagnostic tool for nutrient limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A numerical model of the modified time-independent mild-slope equation for linear waves over a rapidly changing finite porous bed is presented. In this solution the reflection and phase coefficient shift are solved implicitly. Boundaries are assumed to be open, partially reflecting, or fully absorbing through the second-order parabolic approximation. Discretisation of the governing equation and boundary conditions is by means of a second-order accurate central difference scheme. The resulting sparse-banded matrix is solved using an inexpensive banded solver with Gaussian elimination. The model has been validated and the numerical predictions are in excellent agreement with analytical solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) diseases, sometimes referred to as prion diseases, are a group of rare, incurable, transmissible neurodegenerative, and fatal diseases, affecting a variety of mammals. Over the last 20 years, they have gone from a fascinating but relatively difficult to understand group of diseases to one that is a major economic problem in agricultural, cattle farming and as well as a threat to human health, to due to prions are infectious for cattle, wildlife animals or both and human beings. TSE include kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans, scrapie in sheep, transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME), and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in mule deer and elk, while in cattle the head-line grabbing ‘mad cow’ disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), immediately comes to mind. CWD can be transmitted to susceptible animals indirectly, from environments contaminated by excreta or decomposed carcasses. Last five years, the known distribution of CWD across North America has expanded; increasing concerns over the impact of this disease on populations of free-ranging cervids and the viability of game farming industries. In Mexico, there is no evidence of CWD of any specie of wildlife or captivity deer. This TSE is considered exotic and it should take pertinent measures to avoid its entrance to Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In our study we use a highly efficient and simple methodology based on wet chemistry to fill single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with iron, and thus create quantum wires in a bulk. The research shown is unique in that it is the first experimental single-wall carbon nanotubes that have iron continuously within their core for extended length scale. The resulting Fe-filled SWCNTs show ferromagnetic behavior even at room temperature, despite the very small diameter. The intercalation of metals within single-wall carbon nanotube structures is a significant step towards the realization of the potential applications using these materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviews the process of growing large area arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNT) to be used as sensing platforms. First the work explores different methods to prepare Ni catalyst particles. More precisely, the work shows how the nanostructured arrays of catalyst are obtained by thermal annealing of Ni thin films, laser nanostructuring of Ni thin films and formation by organic dendrimers in aqueous solution. The growth process by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) is detailed and the influence of the catalyst particles on the final morphology of the tubes is discussed. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each Ni nanoparticle technique to grow CNT arrays as a sensing platform is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article reports on segmental duration measurements of eight selected consonants (voiceless obstruents, nasals and liquids) and three vowels in 192 disyllabic (CVCe) nonsense words with stress on the first syllable, spoken in isolation by 12 Spanish speakers. Durations as measured based on acoustic discontinuities are discussed along with speaker variability. The intrinsic and context-dependent duration of consonants /f, θ, x, s, m, n, l, r/ and vowels /a, i, u/, as well as the inter-speaker variability of these phonemes were analysed. Results show sizable differences in the duration of consonants (voiceless fricatives are longer than voiced fricatives) and vowels (/a/ has a longer duration than /i/ and /u/). With regard to contextual effects, there is a remarkable decrease and increase in vowel durations preceding voiceless fricatives and sonorants, respectively. These effects are present in all speakers. Our results on durational effects indicate that (a) the initial consonants /x, s/ and /r/ show larger differences among speakers; (b) effects for the vowel /a/ are greater than for the vowels /i/ and /u/; and (c) voiceless fricative consonants in medial position show greater intra-speaker idiosyncrasy than voiced consonants. The effects of anticipatory consonant-to-vowel coarticulation are discussed, as well as differences in segmental duration among speakers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single domain melt textured YBCO ceramics have a high interest as switching elements for fault current limiters. The high amount of energy accumulated in the hot spot together with the low thermal conductivity leads to material damage. A reduction of the critical current density (JC) is a way to minimise the accumulated energy in the hot spot. Our approach for the reduction of the JC is to dope the material to lower the TC. Single domain melt textured bars have been obtained by the Bridgman method with different dopants. Pulsed currents have been applied to the samples in order to study the quench current that induces transition to the normal state. This measurements show that with the appropriate dopant level, and thus, by tuning the optimal JC, it is possible to get a transition of the 100% of the superconducting volume. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Estimates the agreement and reliability of voice evaluation by a group of expert listeners. Variability in the evaluation of both voice samples; Basis of the perceptual analysis of voice; Methodology used in perceptual analysis.

Contrary to the English /r/, which has been extensively analysed, there is very little information on the trilled consonants in Spanish. These sounds are in general difficult to produce for young Spanish children and occur later (than other consonant sounds) in normal development. This paper describes acoustic measurements made on the trill productions in Spanish children with varying degrees of speech intelligibility. The spectral (frequency, amplitude, C-V ratio) and temporal characteristics (duration of the trill, number of open and closed periods-apertures and occlusions-and duration of these periods) were studied in 45 children (Granada, Spain) between 3.0 and 9.6 years old, divided into 5 groups. The results reveal differences in spectral and temporal acoustic correlates of trill /r/ among the five speaker groups (e.g., the duration of the first aperture period was longer for the articulatory disordered group than for the normal control group). They seem to indicate, in particular, that children who have trouble learning to make the trill sound do little more than tap the alveolar ridge. Moreover, these children seem to use more of their tongues to make these gestures; also, they do not make many trills or make them very quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel room-temperature, one-step, high-yield and green route of Al-doped HfO 2 NPs. • Viability and survival of normal human prostate epithelial cells exposed to c-HfO 2. • c-HfO 2 and Al-doped HfO 2 NPs are non-toxic for normal prostate tissue. Al-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles were prepared at room-temperature using a novel one-step, straightforward, high-yield, efficient and green process. It includes a mechanically activated metathesis reaction that promotes the direct crystallization of cubic HfO 2 (c-HfO 2) in milling. Al-cation was used as dopant, achieving c-HfO 2 stabilization at low content (5% mol). The c-HfO 2 is stable up to 380 °C without exhibiting transformation from the cubic to monoclinic polymorph. The c-HfO 2 showed spherical-like morphology with diameter below 7 nm. Human Prostate Epithelial Cells (HPrEC) were used to evaluate nanoparticles toxicity. Cells viability and survival were determined performing MTS and colony formation assays. Nanoparticles were found harmless for cells metabolic activity at concentrations up to 1000 μg/mL. A decrease of ~30% on HPrEC plating efficiency was observed at the highest concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Trimethoprim(TMP), tetracycline(TC) and chlorphenamine(CPA) adsorption was studied. • Adsorption rate of TMP, TC and CPA on bentonite (Bent) clay was analyzed in detail. • Adsorption rate of TMP, TC and CPA was not affected by external mass transport. • Adsorption rate of CPA on Bent was controlled by pore volume diffusion. • Adsorption rate of TMP and TC was governed by surface diffusion. In this work, the External Mass Transport Model (EMTM), Pore Volume Diffusion Model (PVDM) and Pore Volume and Surface Diffusion Model (PVSDM) were implemented to analyze the adsorption kinetics of trimethoprim (TMP), tetracycline (TC) and chlorphenamine (CPA) in aqueous solution on a natural bentonite clay (Bent). Experimental adsorption kinetics data were obtained at different experimental conditions of initial concentration and stirring speed. The findings indicated that the Bent capacity for adsorbing TMP, TC and CPA was 596.9, 493.6 and 160.9 mmol/kg, respectively. The external mass transfer does not control the overall adsorption rate because the EMTM model predicted that the adsorption rate is much faster than the experimental one. The stirring speed does not affect speeds above 450 RPM, indicating that intraparticle diffusion governs the overall adsorption rate. The PVSDM model revealed that surface diffusion and pore volume diffusion participate in the adsorption kinetics of TMP and TC, while the PVDM model demonstrated that the adsorption rate of CPA is governed by pore volume diffusion. The dependence of the mass transport parameters on the uptake adsorbed at equilibrium (qe) was studied, and it was noticed that the surface diffusion coefficient (D e,s) increased with the values of q e of TMP and TC due to the interaction magnitude between the adsorbed solute and the active sites of the adsorbent. The effective pore diffusion coefficient (D e,p) of CPA did not vary with the uptake adsorbed of CPA, and it was possible to estimate an experimental tortuosity factor of Bent, which was 9.64. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In México obesity rates have been increasing in the last years. Food addiction (FA) has been considered a factor that could explain processes or behaviors associated with obesity. Objectives: The aim of this study was the identification of risk patterns of FA and it association with other variables in healthy Mexican population. Methods: We hypothesized that a higher risk of FA will be higher levels of impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and emotional and external eating styles. The sample consisted of 81 female (61) and male (20) volunteers universitary students from Pachuca city in México, with an average age of 20.0 years old (SD = 1,7). The questionnaires EDI-2, YFAS 2.0, DERS, UPPS-P, and DEBQ were applied. Results: Figure 1: Radar-chart (z-standardized means are plotted) (n=81) Three groups were defined by the FA severity (Figure 1). The presence of FA was more strongly associated to higher scores in the threeDEBQscales, in the DERS impulse control, emotion regulation and total score, and in the UPPS-P lack of premeditation and negative urgency. Compared with the group without FA, the FA-probable scoring was related to higher levels in the DEBQ external and restrained scales, and in the DERS total; FA-probable group also registered the highest mean score in the DERS non acceptance scale compared with the other groups. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study that explores FA in Mexican population. Considering that, the identification of different patterns of FA that could be associated with obesity, could lead to better prevention and treatment approaches. Disclosure: The present work was supported by a grant to the presenter author from the Mexican Institution: "Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología" (CONACYT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron production induced by (α ,xn) reactions is important in various fields, such as nuclear power technologies or the search for rare events carried out in underground laboratories. One of the most relevant scenarios is related to underground dark matter experiments, where the neutrons produced by the α -decay from radioactive contaminants in the detector materials can generate an irreducible background, limiting the sensitivity of the experiment. A precise estimate of the background due to these neutrons is crucial for the experiments currently taking data and for the design of the next generation detectors. In this work, we prove that Geant4 can be used to calculate neutron yields and energy spectra induced by α -decay. Additionally, we provide a Geant4 tool for performing these calculations at http://win.ciemat.es/SaG4n/. These neutrons are produced according to the information compiled in data libraries originally written in the ENDF-6 format. In this article we also review the different databases available, showing the differences and similarities among them. Finally, we compare several Geant4 neutron production yields and spectra with experimental data and other codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peterborough Care Home Support Team (CHST) have worked on a small pilot of 4 care homes with a local GP and an interface geriatrician to address the complex needs of the residents within those care homes to improve patient experience, quality of care and reduce attendances and admissions to hospital in a geographical area of 5000 care home beds. Methods: The multidisciplinary team (MDT) consisted of a General Practitioner, Interface Geriatrician, Pharmacist from the medicine optimisation team and Care Home Support Team member with once a month meeting in the selected Care Home. We measure the impact of our intervention comparing the data predating our intervention comparing 4 selected care homes with high A&E attendances in each period 2017 and 2018. Results: 50% reduction in hospital attendances with £4985.48 cost saving following medication review in the 4 care homes under study. Conclusions: Commissioners, Local Authorities and Care Home Providers have started to look towards more innovative solutions to improve patient experience, quality of care and reduce attendances and admissions to hospital. Our experience and results aim to consider enhance GP-Geriatrician Care Homes MDT as a good model of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide and tin oxide have been photodeposited in porous Vycor glass and examined before and after consolidation of the glass. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the iron oxide particles are larger than the tin oxide particles. However, small-angle x-ray scattering and Rutherford backscattering show that the glass consolidates about the iron oxide but not about the tin oxide. Photodeposition of tin oxide, which appears to chemically modify the glass surface and to prevent its consolidation, offers a means of producing highly resolved regions of porosity in the otherwise consolidated glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the thermal neutron flux measurements carried out at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC) with two commercial 2 ″ × 2 ″ CLYC detectors. The measurements were performed as part of an experimental campaign at LSC with 3 He detectors, for establishing the sensitivity limits and use of CLYCs in low background conditions. A careful characterization of the intrinsic α and γ -ray background in the detectors was required and done with dedicated measurements. It was found that the α activities in the two CLYC crystals differ by a factor of three, and the use of Monte Carlo simulations and a Bayesian unfolding method allowed us to determine the specific α activities from the 238 U and 232 Th decay chains. The simulations and unfolding also revealed that the γ -ray background registered in the detectors is dominated by the intrinsic activity of the components of the detector such as the aluminum housing and photo-multiplier and that the activity within the crystal is low in comparison. The data from the neutron flux measurements with the two detectors were analyzed with different methodologies: one based on an innovative α /neutron pulse shape discrimination method and one based on the subtraction of the intrinsic α background that masks the neutron signals in the region of interest. The neutron sensitivity of the CLYCs was calculated by Monte Carlo simulations with MCNP6 and GEANT4. The resulting thermal neutron fluxes are in good agreement with complementary flux measurement performed with 3 He detectors, but close to the detection limit imposed by the intrinsic α activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 241Am(n,γ) cross section has been measured at the n_TOF facility at CERN with the n_TOF BaF2 Total Absorption Calorimeter in the energy range between 0.2 eV and 10 keV. Our results are analyzed as resolved resonances up to 700 eV, allowing a more detailed description of the cross section than in the current evaluations, which contain resolved resonances only up to 150-160 eV. The cross section in the unresolved resonance region is perfectly consistent with the predictions based on the average resonance parameters deduced from the resolved resonances, thus obtaining a consistent description of the cross section in the full neutron energy range under study. Below 20 eV, our results are in reasonable agreement with JEFF-3.2 as well as with the most recent direct measurements of the resonance integral, and differ up to 20-30% with other experimental data. Between 20 eV and 1 keV, the disagreement with other experimental data and evaluations gradually decreases, in general, with the neutron energy. Above 1 keV, we find compatible results with previously existing values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using APEX-1 and APEX-2 observations, we have detected and studied the rotational lines of the HC3N molecule (cyanoacetylene) in the powerful outflow/hot molecular core G331.512−0.103. We identified 31 rotational lines at J levels between 24 and 39; 17 of them in the ground vibrational state v  = 0 (9 lines corresponding to the main C isotopologue and 8 lines corresponding to the 13C isotopologues), and 14 in the lowest vibrationally excited state v 7 = 1. Using local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE)-based population diagrams for the beam-diluted v  = 0 transitions, we determined T exc = 85 ± 4 K and N (HC3N) = (6.9 ± 0.8) × 1014 cm−2, while for the beam-diluted v 7 = 1 transitions we obtained T exc = 89 ± 10 K and N (HC3N) = (2 ± 1) × 1015 cm−2. Non-LTE calculations using H2 collision rates indicate that the HC3N emission is in good agreement with LTE-based results. From the non-LTE method, we estimated T kin ≃90 K, n (H2) ≃ 2 × 107 cm−3 for a central core of 6 arcsec in size. A vibrational temperature in the range from 130 to 145 K was also determined, values which are very likely lower limits. Our results suggest that rotational transitions are thermalized, while infrared radiative pumping processes are probably more efficient than collisions in exciting the molecule to the vibrationally excited state v 7 = 1. Abundance ratios derived under LTE conditions for the 13C isotopologues suggest that the main formation pathway of HC3N is C2H2 + CN → HC3N + H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]