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Background: Familiar cardiopathies are genetic disorders that affect the heart. Cardiologists face a significant problem when treating patients suffering from these disorders: most DNA variations are novel (i.e., they have not been classified before). To facilitate the analysis of novel variations, we present CardioGraph, a platform specially designed to support the analysis of novel variations and help determine whether they are relevant for diagnosis. To do this, CardioGraph identifies and annotates the consequence of variations and provides contextual information regarding which heart structures, pathways, and biological processes are potentially affected by those variations. Methods: We conducted our work through three steps. First, we define a data model to support the representation of the heterogeneous information. Second, we instantiate this data model to integrate and represent all the genomics knowledge available for familiar cardiopathies. In this step, we consider genomic data sources and the scientific literature. Third, the design and implementation of the CardioGraph platform. A three-tier structure was used: the database, the backend, and the frontend. Results: Three main results were obtained: the data model, the knowledge base generated with the instantiation of the data model, and the platform itself. The platform code has been included as supplemental material in this manuscript. Besides, an instance is publicly available in the following link: https://genomics-hub.pros.dsic.upv.es:3090. Conclusion: CardioGraph is a platform that supports the analysis of novel variations. Future work will expand the body of knowledge about familiar cardiopathies and include new information about hotspots, functional studies, and previously reported variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling is a significant problem that affects renewable energy marine structures (REMS), such as wind turbines and those designed for wave or tidal energy exploitation. Marine organisms, including algae, barnacles, and mollusks, attach themselves to the surface of these structures, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs. In addition, biofouling can also cause corrosion, which can compromise the structural integrity of the offshore platforms. To combat this problem, several methods have been developed, including anti-fouling coatings, physical methods, and biological methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the most effective solution often depends on the specific type of fouling and the location of the offshore structure. Effective biofouling prevention is essential for the safe and efficient operation of offshore structures and the protection of marine ecosystems. To prevent the spread of invasive species, an innovative ceramic coating has been designed and tested in accordance with ASTM-D3623 procedure. The investigation results revealed that, after four years of experimentation in a real environment, the biofouling growth observed in the splash zone of the antifouling paint was 129.76% higher than that of the titanium-based ceramic coating and it is expected that this difference will continue to grow over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The requirements phase is the core of software development, if it is not carried out correctly it can cause its failure. To combat this problem, analysts have used requirements engineering (ER, for its acronym in English), which is characterized by producing a list of quality requirements called requirements specification (RS, for its acronym in English). The SR performs the requirements classification activity, which consists of identifying the class to which each requirement belongs so that analysts face the challenge of classifying them properly. This work is focused on improving the performance of the classification of non-functional requirements (NFR); that is, with the help of a convolutional neural network. It also seeks to show the importance of preprocessing, the implementation of sampling strategies, and the use of previously trained matrices such as Fasttext, Glove, and Word2vec. The results were obtained by evaluating the metrics Recall, Precision, and F1 with an average increase of up to 30% over related work. Finally, the evaluation of the model is presented with respect to the pre-trained matrices with the ANOVA analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genomics-based clinical diagnosis has emerged as a novel medical approach to improve diagnosis and treatment. However, advances in sequencing techniques have increased the generation of genomics data dramatically. This has led to several data management problems, one of which is data dispersion (i.e., genomics data is scattered across hundreds of data repositories). In this context, geneticists try to remediate the above-mentioned problem by limiting the scope of their work to a single data source they know and trust. This work has studied the consequences of focusing on a single data source rather than considering the many different existing genomics data sources. Methods: The analysis is based on the data associated with two groups of disorders (i.e., oncology and cardiology) accessible from six well-known genomic data sources (i.e., ClinVar, Ensembl, GWAS Catalog, LOVD, CIViC, and CardioDB). Two dimensions have been considered in this analysis, namely, completeness and concordance. Completeness has been evaluated at two levels. First, by analyzing the information provided by each data source with regard to a conceptual schema data model (i.e., the schema level). Second, by analyzing the DNA variations provided by each data source as related to any of the disorders selected (i.e., the data level). Concordance has been evaluated by comparing the consensus among the data sources regarding the clinical relevance of each variation and disorder. Results: The data sources with the highest completeness at the schema level are ClinVar, Ensembl, and CIViC. ClinVar has the highest completeness at the data level data source for the oncology and cardiology disorders. However, there are clinically relevant variations that are exclusive to other data sources, and they must be considered in order to provide the best clinical diagnosis. Although the information available in the data sources is predominantly concordant, discordance among the analyzed data exist. This can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. Conclusion: Precision medicine analyses using a single genomics data source leads to incomplete results. Also, there are concordance problems that threaten the correctness of the genomics-based diagnosis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-counterfeiting strategies are competitively developed against fast-growing counterfeit markets as a cornerstone for the next generation of luminescent security inks, so it will be more difficult to mimic by ever increasing sophisticated counterfeiters. In particular, rare-earth doped up-conversion luminescent materials present important advantages such as invisibility in ambient light, excitation by low cost NIR irradiation, lack in background noise and negligible auto-fluorescence from the surface. Here we present colour tuneable up-conversion emissions in two families of rare-earth doped photonic materials (sol-gel derived nano-glass-ceramics and glasses prepared by melt quenching technique) for tailoring the overall emitted luminescence, as a sort of "lightkey". In particular, intensity ratios among UV and VIS up-conversion emission bands can be tuned by modifying doping concentration level and excitation power density, as an additional security feature itself, giving rise to a multi-digit security code based on light-responsive encrypted patterns. "Lightkey": colour tuneable up-conversion emissions in rare-earth doped photonic materials for multi-digit security code based on light-responsive encrypted patterns aimed at anti-counterfeiting applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos is one of the 65 species of birds of prey found in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It has been estimated that the world population is 250 thousand specimens. The operant conditioning to obtain ejaculates of A. chrysaetos is described and to contribute to assisted reproduction protocols in captivity. Methods: In the reproductive season, the procedure was performed twice a week on 5 adult birds, in order to obtain ejaculates. Result: The study lasted 17 weeks, in which 160 contacts were made in total. It was possible to obtain 20 ejaculates, which were obtained from 3 birds. 4% success was achieved in obtaining ejaculates. Additionally, behaviors of clinical utility for diagnosis, care and well-being were conditioned in birds. The above should be considered in assisted reproduction programs, since, as demonstrated by the results of this study, not all the birds provide sufficient ejaculates, for which reason, the evaluation of the individuals that present the greatest advance in operant conditioning to include them in assisted reproduction programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brand co-creation is an increasingly ingrained consumer behavior and its effects on the purchasing process have become an object of study. However, the link between perceived brand value and co-creation is still little known. This study principally aims to delve into the relationship between perceived brand and the act of co-creation through eWOM, that is, consumers' recommendations, comments, and participation on the Internet. The research implements a descriptive and explanatory cross-sectional study design through a sample of 1,521 consumers. Information collection was carried out through an ad hoc online questionnaire focused on co-creation attitudes and perceived brand value and found a sufficiently solid link to affirm that there is a relationship between them. We also differentiated three types of behavior and attitudes towards the co-creation process that consumers develop, as well as the attribution of perceived value to brands with which they interact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely studied due to their interesting physicochemical properties and remarkable antibacterial properties. Chemical synthesis methods, including green chemistry, have achieved 0D nanostructures. However, ecological methods have little studied self-assembling Ag nanostructures, such as flowers or dendrites. In this work, Ag dendrites and Ag flower-like morphologies have been successfully synthesized using a one-step green method employing Arctostaphylos pungens Kunth fruit extract at room temperature. The antibacterial properties of both nanostructures were evaluated against Gram-positive Escherichia coli and Gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and infrared spectroscopy (IR) characterized the synthesized products. The morphological changes of the nanostructures come from the variation in the concentration of the precursor salt, silver nitrate (AgNO3). A growth mechanism is proposed that includes the formation of nanospheres and their subsequent transformation into Ag dendrites. Both nanostructures show good antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms. The Ag dendritic nanostructures presented inhibition zones of 11 mm and 10.7 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. However, the flower-like structure was slightly less effective, presenting 11 and 9.5 mm inhibition zones against the same microorganisms, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the significance of a DNA variant in patients' health status – a complex process known as variant classification – is highly critical for precision medicine applications. However, there is still debate on how to combine and weigh diverse available evidence to achieve proper and consistent conclusions. Indeed, currently, there are more than 200 different variant classification guidelines available to the scientific community, aiming to establish a framework for standardizing the classification process. Yet, these guidelines are qualitative and vague by nature, hindering their practical application and potential automation. Consequently, more precise definitions are needed. In this work, we discuss our efforts to create VarClaMM, a UML meta-model that aims to provide a clear specification of the key concepts involved in variant classification, serving as a common framework for the process. Through this accurate characterization of the domain, we were able to find contradictions or inconsistencies that might have an effect on the classification results. VarClaMM's conceptualization efforts will lay the ground for the operationalization of variant classification, enabling any potential automation to be based on precise definitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeast Asia, a biodiversity hotspot, is at the center of the global wildlife extinction crisis. Despite being Threatened in the region, the population status of the leopard (Panthera pardus) is mostly unknown. We conducted the largest camera-trap study for leopard in Southeast Asia, encompassing seven sites across four countries, to estimate densities, activity patterns, and habitat use in key populations across the region. We developed spatially explicit capture-recapture models to estimate leopard densities, analyzed detections within a Bayesian occupancy framework to evaluate leopard habitat use in response to environmental and anthropogenic factors, and examined activity patterns. In northern sites (Cambodia, Thailand), leopard was mostly nocturnal, densities were low (0.23–0.88 leopard/100 km2), and its habitat use was strongly positively associated with higher vegetation productivity. In southern sites (Malaysia, Indonesia), leopard was almost exclusively diurnal, densities were higher (0.98–4.72 leopard/100 km2), and its habitat use was strongly positively associated with preferred prey. Leopard densities estimated in our study areas are some of the lowest ever reported for the species, with illegal human activities appearing to affect densities, habitat use and activity patterns. The effects of humans differed between northern and southern sites, likely due to differences pertaining to poaching, which appear to be influenced by management effectiveness, proximity to major wildlife consuming markets, religious beliefs, and socio-economic status. Our findings suggest the overall prognosis of the leopard in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly bleak, and only with timely and effective strategies will the long-term conservation of this species be feasible in the region. • Population status of leopard (Panthera pardus) in Southeast Asia is mostly unknown. • Leopard densities in our study areas are some of the lowest ever reported. • Anthropogenic factors affect leopard densities, habitat use and activity patterns. • Human impacts differ regionally likely due to differences pertaining to poaching. • Overall prognosis of the species in the region is becoming increasingly bleak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Precision medicine is a promising approach that has revolutionized disease prevention and individualized treatment. The DELFOS oracle is a model-driven genomics platform that aids clinicians in identifying relevant variations that are associated with diseases. In its previous version, the DELFOS oracle did not consider the high degree of variability of genomics data over time. However, changes in genomics data have had a profound impact on clinicians' work and pose the need for changing past, present, and future clinical actions. Therefore, our objective in this work is to consider changes in genomics data over time in the DELFOS oracle. Methods: Our objective has been achieved through three steps. First, we studied the characteristics of each database from which the DELFOS oracle extracts data. Second, we characterized which genomics concepts of the conceptual schema that supports the DELFOS oracle change over time. Third, we updated the DELFOS Oracle so that it can manage the temporal dimension. To validate our approach, we carried out a use case to illustrate how the new version of the DELFOS oracle handles the temporal dimension. Results: Three events can change genomics data, namely, the addition of a new variation, the addition of a new link between a variation and a phenotype, and the update of a link between a variation and a phenotype. These events have been linked to the entities of the conceptual model that are affected by them. Finally, a new version of the DELFOS oracle that can deal with the temporal dimension has been implemented. Conclusion: Huge amounts of genomics data that is associated with diseases change over time, impacting patients' diagnosis and treatment. Including this information in the DELFOS oracle added an extra layer of complexity, but using a model-driven based approach mitigated the cost of implementing the needed changes. The new version handles the temporal dimension appropriately and eases clinicians' work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Netflix's decision to add games to its traditional content catalogue in November 2021 is perceived as a bet whose realisation is still uncertain. This study examines the first months of this new service from the company and seeks to find out how this content has been integrated into the platform, what kind of entertainment is offered and how it fits into the company's strategy, as well as how it has been received by users and subscribers. The methodology is based on a quantitative and qualitative triangulation of methods collected in an analysis sheet for each of the games in the sample (n=14). The results reflect that in these first months, the games offered are aimed to provide light entertainment and reinforce the value of the Netflix subscription, even if the games are gradually oriented towards a transmedia logic or serve to reinforce other content on the platform. In addition, the new data Netflix receives from its subscribers when they view content on the platform and their interaction with the new content could be an important asset for the future of the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the silver nanodendrites synthesis by a facile method using the Hamelia patens plant extract as a reducing agent. Furthermore, Ag nanostructures are evaluated for their catalytic properties by degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy micrographs show nanodendrites formed with branches around 800 nm long and 300 nm wide. At the same time, chemical composition, and X-ray diffraction analysis confirm the composition and crystal structure of the products. The ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) shows the surface plasmon resonance band typical of Ag nanostructures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) illustrates that nanodendrites degrade MB and RhB while adsorbing MO. The UV–Vis technique showed excellent degradation efficiencies in Ag dendrites of 98% MB and 96% RhB. However, it illustrates only 93% adsorption of the MO dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exercise and other lifestyles are key treatment strategies to improve diabetes outcome, prevent cardiovascular risk and may also result in further results in quality if life and emotional symptoms. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise intervention program for people with diabetes or cardiovascular risk. To evaluate the influence of previous metal health and quality of life status in the results. Methods: 61 people with a type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk factors were recruited from health primary health centers in Ponferrada (EL Bierzo), including patients from the mental health association. After informed consent they were included in a 20 week, twice a week supervised walking training program to improve exercise and other lifestyles. A poster used for advertisement of the adtivity ("the way/walk to change diabetes") is displayed in image 1). Baseline and after 20 weeks BMI and Waist perimeter were assessed, quality of life was evaluated with EQ-5D-5L and WHO-5 scales and the weekly steps walked were recorded previously and after the intervention with the subject usual mobile device. Differences in the variables were compared with Paired Ts and repeated ANCOVAs measures adjusted by gender, age and initial steps. Results: 46 subjects (75.4%) completed more than 90% of the sessions and 3 more 70-90%. The 19.7% that did not complete had worse scores in SF-12 Role Physical (t 2.261, p=0.041) and Role Emotional (t:2.048, p=0.045) and Mental Component Summary (t:2,313; p=0,036) and WHO5 Total Score (t:2.101; p=0,040) at Baseline. Main reasons for dropout (Image 2) were health related problems (50%) and adherence to exercise and motivation problems (31.25%). Those who completed the training improve number of weekly steps (baseline: 42022,92 +- 18836,35, final: 66448.06 +-28914,58; t:5.038; p<0.001), BMI (29.45 +-4.66 to 28.25 +-4.09 kg/m2; t:5.629; p<0.001), waist (from 107,34 + 9.98 to 102,88 +9,79 cm; t:6,840; p<0.001) and the EoQ-5D-EL VAS (form 72.88 to 82.42; t:6.122; p<0.001, image 3). The increase in the steps correlated directly with the improvement in the EoQ VAS (r:0.308; p=0.033). Image: Image 2: Image 3: Conclusions: Exercise and lifestyle supervised intervention programs appear to be useful to improve physical health, wellbeing, emotional symptoms and quality of life in people with diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Factors associated to higher dropout rates were previous limited quality of life scores and mental health worse status. These could be related with limited motivation and adherence to the program and may be of interest to develop specific strategies for these high-risk groups. Studies focused on the long-term effect of the program are warranted. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Fernández-García and Vidal [Physica D401 (2020) 132129], the authors have analyzed the synchronization features between two identical 3D slow-fast oscillators, symmetrically coupled, and built as an extension of the FitzHugh—Nagumo dynamics generating Mixed-Mode Oscillations. The third variable in each oscillator aims at representing the time-varying intracellular calcium concentration in neurons. The global model is therefore six-dimensional with two fast variables and four slow variables with strong symmetry properties. In the present article, we consider an extension of this model in two different directions. First, we consider heterogeneity among cells and analyze the coupling of two oscillators with different values for one parameter which tunes the intrinsic frequency of the output. We therefore identify new patterns of antiphasic synchronization, with non trivial signatures and that exhibit a Devil's Staircase phenomenon in signature transitions when varying the coupling gain parameter value. Second, we introduce a network of N cells divided into two clusters: the coupling between neurons in each cluster is excitatory, while the coupling between the two clusters is inhibitory. Such system aims at modelling the interactions between neurons tending to synchronization in each of two subpopulations that inhibit each other, like ipsi- and contra-lateral motoneurons assemblies. To perform the numerical simulations in this case when N is large, as an initial step towards the network analysis, we consider Reduced Order Models in order to save computational costs. We present the numerical reduction results in a network of 100 cells. For the sake of validation of the numerical reduction method, we both compare the outputs and CPU times obtained with the original and the reduced models in different cases of network coupling structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few on-line platforms related to Natural Language Processing and zero services of machine translation for Nahuatl as a low-resource language. However, Nahuatl has had academical implementations on machine translation, from Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) to Neural Machine Translation (NMT), in specific Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). This research aims to create a platform that can address this issue with text, voice and Text-To-Speech features. In particular, the current paper presents several advancements on text translation as a comparative analysis between two attention architectures, transformers and RNNs using several models that combine such architectures, two parallel corpuses, and two tokenization techniques. Additionally, the development of a platform and iOS application client is described. A new and bigger corpus, over 35,000 pairs, is made to improve the state of the art, where a conscious cleaning of it shows a reduction on the religious bias presented on the source text. The model performance is evaluated with % BLEU in order to conduct a direct comparative on previous Nahuatl machine translation works. The results outperformed those works with a score of 66.45 at best using transformers compared to 34.78 and 14.28 for RNNs and SMT respectively, confirming that transformers and a sub-word tokenization are the best combination so far for Nahuatl Machine translation. Moreover, emerging behaviors were observed in the Transformers, where a subtle pleonasm seen only in rural locations where Mexican Spanish is spoken arouse from the model, linking its origin to Nahuatl, as well as the ability of the model of transforming numbers from base 10 to base 20. Finally, some out of corpus translations were presented to a Nahuatl speaker where the model demonstrated a good performance and retention of information for its size. This research seeks to be used as a framework of how a polysynthetic language can be manipulated to be used for different languages like Spanish, English or Russian. This research work was carried out at the "Tecnológico Nacional de México" (TecNM), campus "Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco" (ITA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few on-line platforms related to Natural Language Processing and zero services of machine translation for Nahuatl as a low-resource language. However, Nahuatl has had academical implementations on machine translation, from Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) to Neural Machine Translation (NMT), in specific Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). This research aims to create a platform that can address this issue with text, voice and Text-To-Speech features. In particular, the current paper presents several advancements on text translation as a comparative analysis between two attention architectures, transformers and RNNs using several models that combine such architectures, two parallel corpuses, and two tokenization techniques. Additionally, the development of a platform and iOS application client is described. A new and bigger corpus, over 35,000 pairs, is made to improve the state of the art, where a conscious cleaning of it shows a reduction on the religious bias presented on the source text. The model performance is evaluated with % BLEU in order to conduct a direct comparative on previous Nahuatl machine translation works. The results outperformed those works with a score of 66.45 at best using transformers compared to 34.78 and 14.28 for RNNs and SMT respectively, confirming that transformers and a sub-word tokenization are the best combination so far for Nahuatl Machine translation. Moreover, emerging behaviors were observed in the Transformers, where a subtle pleonasm seen only in rural locations where Mexican Spanish is spoken arouse from the model, linking its origin to Nahuatl, as well as the ability of the model of transforming numbers from base 10 to base 20. Finally, some out of corpus translations were presented to a Nahuatl speaker where the model demonstrated a good performance and retention of information for its size. This research seeks to be used as a framework of how a polysynthetic language can be manipulated to be used for different languages like Spanish, English or Russian. This research work was carried out at the “Tecnológico Nacional de México” (TecNM), campus “Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco” (ITA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the genome, with all of its components and intrinsic relationships, is a great challenge. Conceptual modeling techniques have been used as a means to face this challenge. The heterogeneity and idiosyncrasy of genomic use cases mean that conceptual modeling techniques are used to generate conceptual schemes that focus on too specific scenarios (i.e., they are species-specific conceptual schemes). Our research group developed two different conceptual schemes. The first one is the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome, which is intended to improve Precision Medicine and genetic diagnosis. The second one is the Conceptual Schema of the Citrus Genome, which is intended to identify the genetic cause of relevant phenotypes in the agri-food field. Methods: Our two conceptual schemes have been ontologically compared to identify their similarities and differences. Based on this comparison, several changes have been performed in the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome in order to obtain the first version of a species-independent Conceptual Schema of the Genome. Identifying the different genome information items used in each genomic case study has been essential in achieving our goal. The changes needed to provide an expanded, more generic version of the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome are analyzed and discussed. Results: This work presents a new CS called the Conceptual Schema of the Genome that is ready to be adapted to any specific working genome-based context (i.e., species-independent). Conclusion: The generated Conceptual Schema of the Genome works as a global, generic element from which conceptual views can be created in order to work with any specific species. This first working version can be used in the human use case, in the citrus use case, and, potentially, in more use cases of other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The announcement of the State of Alarm in Spain in March 2020 brought with it a period of great information intensity in traditional and digital media. The extraordinary nature of the measure, which provided the Government with exceptional measures to confront the Covid-19 pandemic, gave rise to a tremendously polarized scenario. In this context, some webs known for the dissemination of disinformation campaigns and, even, the promotion of ideas closes to the alt-right, were especially active in networks promoting the dissemination of ideological content with the aim of capturing traffic for subsequent monetization through advertising. This work follows the activity around of two of these webs on Twitter, Caso Aislado and Periodista Digital, with the intention of determinate their role in the political polarization. For more than two months, more than 100,000 tweets were captured, stored and studied using R software and various analysis algorithms to determine their social activity, the possible presence or not of bots or automated profiles, the nature of the content and the emotional charge associated with it. There is an intense organized activity around both portals through a high percentage of apparently automated accounts and the support of influencers profiles. Although with differences inherent around each web, it is possible to glimpse an intentional coordination through campaigns that combine content, use of support accounts and automations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling is a natural phenomenon that consists of the accumulation of living organisms on an artificial surface submerged or in contact with water like Offshore platforms. This study highlights the need for offshore floating wind farms structures to consider the choice of material used in offshore applications to minimize microbial-associated and corrosion problems. For this purpose, differences in the total of seawater biofouling attached on two coated paints and three ceramic coatings in carbon steel for offshore structures were evaluated and compared. All ceramic coatings were made of incorporating, by electrophoretic deposition, active ceramic particles against biofouling as copper, silver, zinc and titanium. This experiment consisted of testing ceramic coatings and conventional paints in a real environment with high biological activity and at the same time in a shallow marine environment for a period of 1 year, which provided positive comparisons with the standard system (ASTM-D3623) for using in protecting offshore marine structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the in vitro wound healing and osteogenic activity of dexamethasone-doped polymeric nanoparticles (Dex-NPs) to be employed as immunomodulator agent aiding in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained through a polymerization precipitation technique. The NPs are composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the backbone monomer, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate acting as a cross-linker. NPs were doped with dexamethasone (Dex) through immersion in a Dex aqueous solution for 2 h, at room temperature and under constant shaking, in order to reach the Dex adsorption equilibrium. Subsequently, the suspensions were centrifuged, and the particles were detached from the supernatant. Different eluates of NPs were prepared at concentrations (0.1,1,10 and 100 µg•mL-1). Undoped nanoparticles were also included in the study. An osteogenic culture medium (Osteodiff®) was employed as a positive control. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSC) were cultured. Cell migration/proliferation at 24, 48 and 72 h was assessed via a wound-healing assay and osteogenic activity was analyzed by cell mineralized nodule formation through Alizarin Red staining. Statistical differences were assessed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Wound healing assay demonstrated an adequate cell migration and proliferation when Dex-NPs were employed at 0.1 and 1 µg•mL-1. Moreover, undoped NPs neither exert differences with the control even at 10 µg•mL-1 (Graphic). Mineralized nodule formation was evidenced in all cases when any of the tested NPs were employed, except for the lowest tested NPs concentration (0.1 µg•mL-1) (Figure). Favorable in vitro wound healing and osteogenic activity has been demonstrated when NPs were used at 1 µg•mL-1. Attained proliferation, migration and osteogenic activity may encourage the clinical use of this new therapeutic tool. Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), grants numbers [PID2020-114694RB-I00 and PID2020-115887GB-I00 MINECO/AEI/FEDER/UE]. M. Toledano-Osorio holds a FPU fellowship from the Ministry of Universities [FPU20/00450]. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microstructural composition, ion release, cytocompatibility, and mineralization potential of Bio-C Sealer ION+ (BCI) and EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF), compared with AH Plus (AHP), in contact with human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Materials and methods: The sealers' ionic composition and release were assessed using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. For the biological assays, hPDLCs were isolated from third molars, and sealer extracts were prepared (undiluted, 1:2, and 1:4 ratios). An MTT assay, wound-healing assay, and cell morphology and adhesion analysis were performed. Activity-related gene expression was determined using RT-qPCR, and mineralization potential was assessed using Alizarin Red staining (ARS). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α < 0.05). Results: The three sealers exhibited variable levels of silicon, calcium, zirconium, and tungsten release and in their composition. Both BCI and BCHiF groups showed positive results in cytocompatibility assays, unlike AHP. The BCHiF group showed an upregulation of CAP (p < 0.01), CEMP1, ALP, and RUNX2 (p < 0.001) compared with the negative control, while the BCI group showed an upregulation of CEMP1 (p < 0.01), CAP, and RUNX2 (p < 0.001). Both groups also exhibited a greater mineralization potential than the negative and positive controls (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The calcium silicate–based sealers considered in the present in vitro study exhibited a high calcium ion release, adequate cytocompatibility, upregulated osteo/cementogenic gene expression, and increased mineralized nodule formation in contact with hPDLCs. Clinical relevance: From a biological perspective, BCI and BCHiF could be clinically suitable for root canal filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report on Monte Carlo simulations to study the capability to generate Gunn oscillations of diodes based on InP and GaN with around 1 lm active region length. We compare the power spectral density of current sequences in diodes with and without notch for different lengths and two doping profiles. It is found that InP structures provide 400 GHz current oscillations for the fundamental harmonic in structures without notch and around 140 GHz in notched diodes. On the other hand, GaN diodes can operate up to 300 GHz for the fundamental harmonic, and when the notch is effective, a larger number of harmonics, reaching the Terahertz range, with higher spectral purity than in InP diodes are generated. Therefore, GaN-based diodes offer a high power alternative for sub-millimeter wave Gunn oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The existence of contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is considered a criterion for direct transfer of patients with suspected acute stroke to thrombectomy‐capable centers in the prehospital setting. Our aim was to assess the utility of this criterion in a setting where routing protocols are defined by the Madrid – Direct Referral to Endovascular Center (M‐DIRECT) prehospital scale. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the M‐DIRECT study. Reported contraindications to IVT were retrospectively collected from emergency medical services reports and categorized into late window, anticoagulant treatment and other contraindications. Final diagnosis and treatment rates were compared between patients with and without reported IVT contraindications and according to anticoagulant treatment or late window categories. Results: The M‐DIRECT study included 541 patients. Reported IVT contraindications were present in 227 (42.0%) patients. Regarding final diagnosis no significant differences were found between patients with or without reported IVT contraindications: ischaemic stroke (any) 65.6% vs. 62.1%, ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) 32.2% vs. 28.3%, hemorrhagic stroke 15.4% vs. 15.6%, stroke mimic 18.9% vs. 22.3% respectively. Amongst patients with LVO, endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was performed less often in the presence of IVT contraindications (56.2% vs. 74.2%). M‐DIRECT‐positive patients had higher rates of LVO and EVT compared with M‐DIRECT‐negative patients independent of reported IVT contraindications. Conclusions: Reported IVT contraindications alone do not increase EVT likelihood and should not be considered to determine routing in urban stroke networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by the progressive damage of frontal and temporal brain regions. These networks largely overlap with those involved in pain and temperature processing. Although the impaired perception of pain and temperature has been previously described to be relatively common in patients with FTD, these symptoms are often not consistently assessed by Neurologists. We present the case of a patient with a probable behavioral variant FTD who died due to scalding with hot water in the shower. Impairments in the perception of pain and temperature might have played a fundamental role in this accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate in a laboratory setting the effects of Endosequence BC Sealer HiFlow (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), a novel calcium silicate‐based sealer developed for use in warm canal filling techniques, on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Methodology: Eluates of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) (Brasseler USA), EndoSequence BC Sealer (BCS) (Brasseler USA) and AH Plus (AHP) (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) were placed in contact with hPDLSCs. The characterization of the chemical elements of the root canal sealers was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX). Inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) was used to determine the ion release of the sealers. MTT assay and wound healing techniques were used to determine cell viability and migration, respectively. Cell morphology and cell attachment were assessed using a direct contact technique of hPDLSCs onto the surface of the sealers and analysed by SEM. The bioactivity potential was carried out with the Alizarin Red and qPCR testing methods. The statistical differences were evaluated using one‐way anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Results: ICP‐MS and EDX revealed significantly more zirconium in BCHiF than BCS (P < 0.05), whereas BCS had slightly higher levels of Ca2+ than BCHiF (P < 0.05). The cell viability assay revealed no relevant differences between BCS and BCHiF when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Both BCS and BCHiF had similar rates of cell migration to the control group at 24 and 48 h. Cell morphology and adhesion capacity were also similar for BCS and BCHiF groups, whilst the AHP group was associated with reduced adhesion capacity. The Alizarin Red assay revealed a significant difference between the BCS and the control group (P < 0.001), as well as for the BCHiF group (P < 0.001). Finally, BCS and BCHiF promoted overexpression of osteo/cementogenic genes. Conclusions: In general, EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow possesses suitable biological properties to be safely used as a root canal filling material and promote increased expression of oste/cementogenic genes by hPDLSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Network alterations underlying neurodegenerative diseases often precede symptoms and functional deficits. Thus, their early identification is central for improved prognosis. In Huntington's disease (HD), the cortico-striatal networks, involved in motor function processing, are the most compromised neural substrate. However, whether the network alterations are intrinsic of the striatum or the cortex is not fully understood. Results: In order to identify early HD neural deficits, we characterized neuronal ensemble calcium activity and network topology of HD striatal and cortical cultures. We used large-scale calcium imaging combined with activity-based network inference analysis. We extracted collective activity events and inferred the topology of the neuronal network in cortical and striatal primary cultures from wild-type and R6/1 mouse model of HD. Striatal, but not cortical, HD networks displayed lower activity and a lessened ability to integrate information. GABAA receptor blockade in healthy and HD striatal cultures generated similar coordinated ensemble activity and network topology, highlighting that the excitatory component of striatal system is spared in HD. Conversely, NMDA receptor activation increased individual neuronal activity while coordinated activity became highly variable and undefined. Interestingly, by boosting NMDA activity, we rectified striatal HD network alterations. Conclusions: Overall, our integrative approach highlights striatal defective network integration capacity as a major contributor of basal ganglia dysfunction in HD and suggests that increased excitatory drive may serve as a potential intervention. In addition, our work provides a valuable tool to evaluate in vitro network recovery after treatment intervention in basal ganglia disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a bibliographic review of the treatment of laryngeal pathologies using direct intracordal administration of various different drugs. The evidence published essentially shows that the most drugs for which the most experience is available that are administered by this route are glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid, cidofovir, botulinum toxin, and fibroblast growth factors. These drugs improved the clinical variables evaluated in the different laryngeal pathologies described. In conclusion, intracordal administration allows the drug to provide a local therapeutic action, without the need for high systemic concentrations that lead to an increased risk of adverse effects. However, more studies are required to support their use in clinical practice and to include other drugs that may also be beneficial in laryngeal pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Compositional modifications may alter the biological and physicochemical characteristics of calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBS) and, ultimately, their bioactivity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the biological properties of three CSBS: EndoSequence BC Sealer, Ceraseal, and Endoseal mineral trioxide aggregate. Materials and methods: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) were exposed to several eluates of CSBS. The ion release profile and pH were determined, and metabolic activity and cell migration were assessed using the MTT and wound healing assays. hPDLSCs were cultured in direct contact with the surface of each material, and cell morphology and attachment were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bioactivity potential was assessed by RT-qPCR and mineralization assays. Statistical differences between biomaterials were assessed using one- or two-way ANOVA (α < 0.05). Results: All materials showed an alkaline pH, although Endoseal exhibited a significantly higher pH compared with the other CSBS (p < 0.05). Ceraseal released significantly more Ca2+ (p < 0.05) than EndoSequence BC Sealer and Endoseal. Interestingly, Endoseal induced a significant reduction in cell viability and cell migration compared with the control (p < 0.001). Moreover, SEM showed abundant cells adhering to EndoSequence BC Sealer and Ceraseal surfaces, whereas very few round cells were detected on the surface of Endoseal. Finally, Ceraseal and EndoSequence induced ALP, CAP, and CEMP-1 expression and a significantly higher mineralization capacity than Endoseal (***p < 0.001). Conclusions: The eluates from EndoSequence BC Sealer and Ceraseal displayed higher cell viability, cell attachment, cell migration rates, and ion release rates than Endoseal. Ceraseal and EndoSequence BC Sealer exhibited significantly more gene expression and mineralization capacity than Endoseal. Clinical relevance: The results obtained in the present work suggest that EndoSequence BC Sealer and Ceraseal possess biological properties that make them suitable materials for root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. A moderate enhancement of the star formation rates (SFR) in local interacting galaxies has been reported, but the physical mechanisms leading to this increase are not clear. Aims. We study the atomic gas content and the central stellar mass concentration for a sample of almost 1500 nearby galaxies to further investigate the nature of starbursts and the influence of galaxy-galaxy interactions on star formation. Methods. We used a sample of catalogued interacting and non-interacting galaxies in the S4G survey - along with archival H i gas masses, stellar masses (M•), and SFRs from IRAS far-infrared fluxes - and calculate depletion times () and gas fractions. We traced the central stellar mass concentration from the inner slope of the stellar component of the rotation curves, dRv•(0). Starbursts are defined as galaxies with a factor >4 enhanced SFR relative to a control sample of non-interacting galaxies which are ±0:2 dex in stellar mass and ±1 in T-type. Results. Starbursts are mainly early-type (T. 5), massive spiral galaxies (M• & 1010 M⊙) that are not necessarily interacting. For a given stellar mass bin, starbursts are characterised by lower gas depletion times, similar gas fractions, and larger central stellar mass concentrations than non-starburst galaxies. The global distributions of gas fraction and gas depletion time of interacting galaxies are not statistically different from those of their non-interacting counterparts. However, in the case of currently merging galaxies, the median gas depletion time is a factor of 0:4 ± 0:2 that of control sample galaxies, and their SFRs are a factor of 1:9 ± 0:5 enhanced, even though the median gas fraction is similar. Conclusions. Starbursts present long-lasting star formation in circumnuclear regions, which causes an enhancement of the central stellar density at z 0 in both interacting and non-interacting systems. Starbursts have low gas depletion timescales, yet similar gas fractions as normal main-sequence galaxies. Galaxy mergers cause a moderate enhancement of the star formation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lubricant reactions in internal combustion engines follow complex reaction pathways, in which oil (hydrocarbons) and additives form protecting films (known as tribofilms) on the surfaces of the cylinder-piston couple. Up-to-date there is not a fundamental model useful to describe the chemistry involved in formation of these tribofilms, and degradation of oils and additives as result of working time of the engine. One of the main problems associated is the impossible measuring of the actual phenomena inside the engine, at working conditions. In order to model formation of tribofilms, starting by lumping two main groups of lubricating molecules, anti-shear and anti-wear, the lumped kinetics model for degradation products was solved, based on actual data collected in commercial engine workshops. Later these two-lump reaction schemes were delumped into two new systems, each one consisting of three lumps, in order to infer lubricant reaction pathways that form tribofilms and degrade lubricants. Distribution of anti-shear and anti-wear lubricants in tribofilms was predicted by simulation of these two delumped schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Spiral galaxies are very common in the local Universe, but their formation, evolution, and interplay with bars remain poorly understood after more than a century of astronomical research on the topic. Aims. We use a sample of 391 nearby galaxies from the S4G survey to characterise the winding angle and amplitude of spiral arms as a function of disc properties, such as bar strength, in all kinds of spirals (grand-design, multi-armed, and flocculent). Methods. We derived global pitch angles in 3.6 μm de-projected images from (i) average measurements of individual logarithmic spiral segments, and (ii) for a subsample of 32 galaxies, from 2D Fourier analyses. The strength of spirals was quantified from the tangential-to-radial force ratio and from the normalised m = 2 Fourier density amplitudes. Results. In galaxies with more than one measured logarithmic segment, the spiral pitch angle varies on average by ∼10° between segments, but by up to ≳15 − 20°. The distribution of the global pitch angle versus Hubble type (T) is very similar for barred and non-barred galaxies when 1 ≲ T ≲ 5. Most spiral galaxies (> 90%) are barred for T >  5. The pitch angle is not correlated with bar strength, and only weakly with spiral strength. The amplitude of spirals is correlated with bar strength (and less tightly, with bar length) for all types of spirals. The mean pitch angle is hardly correlated with the mass of the supermassive black hole (estimated from central stellar velocity dispersion), with central stellar mass concentration, or with shear, questioning previous results in the literature using smaller samples. Conclusions. We do not find observational evidence that spiral arms are driven by stellar bars or by invariant manifolds. Most likely, discs that are prone to the development of strong bars are also reactive to the formation of prominent spirals, explaining the observed coupling between bar and spiral amplitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rings are distinctive features of many disc galaxies and their location and properties are closely related to the disc dynamics. In particular, rings are often associated to stellar bars, but the details of this connection are far from clear. We have studied the frequency and dimensions of inner and outer rings in the local Universe as a function of disc parameters and the amplitude of non-axisymmetries. We used the 1320 not highly inclined disc galaxies (i <  65°) from the S4G survey. The ring fraction increases with bar Fourier density amplitude: this can be interpreted as evidence for the role of bars in ring formation. The sizes of inner rings are positively correlated with bar strength: this can be linked to the radial displacement of the 1/4 ultraharmonic resonance while the bar grows and the pattern speed decreases. The ring's intrinsic ellipticity is weakly controlled by the non-axisymmetric perturbation strength: this relation is not as strong as expected from simulations, especially when we include the dark matter halo in the force calculation. The ratio of outer-to-inner ring semi-major axes is uncorrelated with bar strength: this questions the manifold origin of rings. In addition, we confirm that (i) ∼1/3 (∼1/4) of the galaxies hosting inner (outer) rings are not barred; (ii) on average, the sizes and shapes of rings are roughly the same for barred and non-barred galaxies; and (iii) the fraction of inner (outer) rings is a factor of 1.2−1.4 (1.65−1.9) larger in barred galaxies than in their non-barred counterparts. Finally, we apply unsupervised machine learning (self-organising maps, SOMs) to show that, among early-type galaxies, ringed or barred galaxies cannot be univocally distinguished based on 20 internal and external fundamental parameters. We confirm, with the aid of SOMs, that rings are mainly hosted by red, massive, gas-deficient, dark-matter poor, and centrally concentrated galaxies. We conclude that the present-day coupling between rings and bars is not as robust as predicted by numerical models, and diverse physical mechanisms and timescales determine ring formation and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous administration of lipid emulsions represents an increasingly widely-used alternative to reverse cardiac and neurological toxicity caused by high doses of drugs like local anaesthetics. In order to ensure fast, safe administration, dispensing and administration of the lipid emulsion in surgical and anaesthesiology services needs to be governed by a protocol. This paper describes the case of a patient subjected to orthopaedic surgery after administration of local anaesthetics in whom toxicity appeared and was reversed quickly and effectively thanks to the prior implementation of a protocol for action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which described current-voltage, small-signal measurements and deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) spectra of p-n junctions made by magnesium implantation into undoped indium phosphate. Reverse characteristics of all junctions; Experimental details; Description of the DLTS procedure; Admittance spectroscopy.

To evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of dexamethasone-doped polymeric nanoparticles (Dex-NPs) to be employed as immunomodulator agent aiding in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained through a polymerization precipitation technique. The NPs are composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the backbone monomer, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate acting as a cross-linker. NPs were doped with dexamethasone (Dex) through immersion in a Dex aqueous solution for 2 h, at room temperature and under constant shaking, in order to reach the Dex adsorption equilibrium. Subsequently, the suspensions were centrifuged and the particles were detached from the supernatant. Different eluates of NPs were prepared at concentrations (0.1,1,10 and 100 µg•mL-1). Undoped nanoparticles were also included in the study. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSC) were cultured. The cell cytotoxicity and viability was assessed by analyzing the resazurin-based assays after 24, 48, 72 and 168 h of culture, light absorbance per well was recorded by means of a microplate reader. Phalloidin staining was used to analyze changes in cell morphology and in the actin cytoskeleton structure and organization. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry to evaluate cells viability after exposure to the different NPs. Statistical differences were assessed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Cytotoxicity was only produced on cells cultured in the presence of Dex-NPs and undoped NPs when using concentrations of 10 or 100 µg•mL-1, after 7d (Graphic 1). Phalloidin staining demonstrated cells' structural integrity, except when NPs were used at 100 µg•mL-1. In this case nuclei alterations were evidenced. After cells' cycle analysis, none of the NPs used disturbed the cell cycle, there being a similar percentage of cells in each of the stages of the cell cycle; except for NPs at 100 µg•mL-1, it was shown that cell division was interrupted and cells remained at DNA synthesis stage (Figure 1). Favorable in vitro cytocompatibility has been demonstrated when NPs were used at 0.1 and 1 µg•mL-1. Biological activity of doped NPs at these concentrations has to be demonstrated in order to facilitate the clinical use of this new therapeutic tool. Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), grants numbers [PID2020-114694RB-I00 and PID2020-115887GB-I00 MINECO/AEI/FEDER/UE]. M. Toledano-Osorio holds a FPU fellowship from the Ministry of Universities [FPU20/00450]. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the solutions of an extended form of the Fractional-order Neutron Point Kinetics (FNPK) equation in terms of Caputo-time derivatives of the same order are investigated. Instead of using a Caputo derivative, a distributed-order fractional derivative in the Caputo sense was employed in the term of the FNPK equation which is multiplied by the reactivity. This term plays an important role in the description of neutron kinetics during the start-up, shutdown, and steady-state processes in nuclear reactors. The extended (DFNPK) model was solved using the beta, normal, bimodal and Dirac delta distributions to investigate their effect on the transient state solutions of the neutron density. Regardless of the distribution used, the most significant finding is that a destabilizing effect on the neutron density is induced when the mode (or the instant of application of the Dirac delta) of the distribution tends to one while maintaining the orders of the Caputo-time derivatives constant. What defines the destabilizing effect are large magnitude oscillations, a rapid decay, and an oscillation-free steady state with a monotonic increase that is parallel to but somewhat above the trend determined by the FNPK equation. The extended model is anticipated to be effective for modeling neutron density dispersion in a highly heterogeneous medium that may be described using distributed derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case of a 78-year-old patient infected by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-119) in Madrid, Spain whose primary symptoms were indicative of a musculoskeletal pathology. Topics include the patient's diagnosis with bilateral pneumonia caused by SARS-Cov-2, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure; commonly found symptoms in coronavirus case series reported in the 2003 outbreak of SARS and the 2012 outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and clinical signs of COVID-19.

Floral scents attract pollinators to plant rewards; in nectarless flowers, pollen grains are the only reward. Thus, pollen not only fertilizes ovules, but also feeds pollinators. This dilemma is resolved by specialization of anthers (i.e., heteranthery): feeding anthers that feed pollinators and pollinating anthers for fertilization. We hypothesized that the chemical composition of floral volatiles differs between the two types of anther and influences pollination preference for feeding anthers. We used Solanum rostratum as a study model because its heterantherous flowers produce a floral scent that suggests a close association with their pollinators. The main aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the two types of anther and to investigate how they influence foraging behaviour of pollinators. To characterize this composition, we used solid phase microextraction and hexane extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We registered 12 volatile compounds in S. rostratum floral extracts, mainly aromatic and sesquiterpene compounds. The proportion of these compounds differed between feeding and pollinating anthers. Some of these compounds were probably emitted by osmophores located in both anther types. Also, we used electroantennography to investigate Melipona solani antennal response to floral volatiles. The M. solani antennae are receptive to the highest floral extract dose tested. Finally, we conducted two behavioural bioassays to test bee attraction for each type of floral extract: a) multiple-choice in a feeding arena using M. solani and b) Y-olfactometer bioassay using Bombus impatiens. Both bee species preferred feeding anthers in bioassays. In conclusion, heteranthery involves chemical differentiation (i.e., proportion of volatiles compounds) in anther specialization that influences bee preference for feeding anthers over pollinating anthers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of microorganisms and particularly fungi on rock surfaces, which is favored by humid tropical climates, may accelerate the degradation of historical monuments and buildings and thereby cause the irreversible loss of rich cultural heritage. Therefore, it is urgent to search for new ways to preserve such buildings. The in vitro antifungal activity of calcium zinc hydroxide dihydrate [CaZn2(OH)6·2H2O] (CZ) synthesized via the sol-gel method has been previously reported for limestone. The present study reports for the first time, the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of CZ obtained via mechanochemical processing, against diverse fungi involved in biodeterioration processes of limestone and dolostone. We found that CZ nanoparticles had a fungicidal effect on all evaluated fungi, at concentrations of 156-1250 μg/mL. The MFC depends on the number of cells in conidia and the presence of melanin in cell walls. For these reasons, Pestalotiopsis maculans and Curvularia lunata, which had more than four cells and melanin pigmentation, both required a greater CZ concentration (1250 μg/mL) for inhibition, compared with species from the genera Penicillium oxalicum and Aspergillus niger, which had one cell and were strongly inhibited. Thus, CZ nanoparticles are promising candidates for application in treatments to restore the cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) are bioactive molecules released by phytoplankton cells which can modify phytoplankton trophic interactions with grazers, bacteria or coexisting phytoplankters. Their ecological significance is still a matter of debate. There have been reports of PUA producers having been investigated at the ocean surface in both coastal and open areas, but there is little information regarding natural ranges and distribution of dissolved PUA ( d PUA) once they are released. In this report, we provide novel information regarding vertical profiles of d PUA for a coastal area under two different hydrodynamical conditions (mixing and stratified waters). Results show significant concentrations of d PUA ranging from 0.061 nM to 1.87 nM during both periods. This data demonstrate a significant consistency of these compounds in coastal areas and may prove an indirect evidence of high turnover rates in seawater. The vertical distribution of d PUA showed high variability in stratification, and for the first time we describe “patches” of relatively high d PUA concentrations in the upper layer. We hypothesize that these patches of d PUA, correlated to the flow of phytoplankton-derived sinking organic matter, could be significant for increasing the turnover rates of nutrients by triggering bacterial metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A procedure for drying the deep eutectic solvent (DES) choline chloride - ethylene glycol, ChCl-EG (1:2), based on the use of molecular sieves has been developed, being the final water content of the electrolyte 145 ± 5 ppm. In this dried DES, the stability of InCl and InCl 3 as well as the electrochemical behaviour of their solutions has been investigated using electrochemical techniques, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experiments performed under a N 2 atmosphere show that InCl 3 , dissolved in the rich chloride media as InCl p 3-p , is reduced on a tungsten electrode to indium metal via only one electrochemical step. Conversely, InCl undergoes the following disproportionation reaction when dissolved in the eutectic ChCl-EG (1:2) 3InCl s + p − 3 Cl − ⇌ 2In 0 + InCl p 3 − p generating In(0) and giving place to identical electrochemical signals as those obtained after the addition of InCl 3 to the DES. On a tungsten electrode, nucleation and crystal growth of In plays an important role in the electrodeposition process. Chronoamperometric results were consistent with instantaneous three dimensional nucleation on a finite number of active sites with diffusion controlled growth of the nuclei, whatever the applied overpotential and temperature. Mass transport towards the electrode is a diffusion process, and the following empirical expression for the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient was calculated. LnD = − 3.58 ± 0.22 – 3665 ± 76 T − 1 The electro-reduction of In(III) solutions was also investigated at a copper substrate. The resulting cyclic voltammograms evidenced the formation of In-Cu intermetallic compounds. Hence, In-Cu alloy films were obtained by continuous potentiostatic electrolysis and intensiostatic pulse electrolysis. The obtained samples, characterized by XRD and SEM, revealed the formation of the metastable CuIn phase that could be transformed into Cu 11 In 9 by thermal annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to know the effect of 60Co gamma irradiation, in the sunflower crop, were irradiated achenes in the Transelektro LGI-01 in the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares. The data was evaluated under a completely randomized design, where the treatments were 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 Gy and four repetitions (10x4) = 40 experimental units. The response variables were: plant height, root length and volume, dry biomass. The results indicated that germination and sprouting decreased as the radiation increased, adjusting these to a quadratic model. Plant height, length, root volume and dry biomass decreased at high doses. From this investigation it was concluded, that doses of 100 and 200 Gy, have a stimulating effect on plant height and root length, being an important agent, to induce genetic variability in sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intra‐individual variation in the production and size of reproductive traits has been documented in columnar cacti, being higher in equator‐facing flowers. Such variation is attributed to the high amount of PAR intercepted by stems oriented towards the equator. Most studies focused on this phenomenon have documented the existence of intra‐individual variation on traits associated with the female function; however, its impact on traits associated with the male function has been neglected. We tested the hypothesis that equator‐facing flowers of Myrtillocactus geometrizans exhibit higher values on traits associated with both male and female functions than flowers facing against it. Number and size of anthers and ovaries, pollen:ovule ratio and number and quality of pollen grains (diameter, germinability, viability and pollen tube length) were estimated from reproductive structures facing north and south, and compared with t‐tests between orientations. Number of anthers per flower, number of pollen grains per anther and per floral bud; pollen size, viability and germinability; pollen tube length; ovary length and pollen:ovule ratio were significantly higher in reproductive structures oriented towards the south (i.e. equator). These findings suggest that intra‐individual variation in floral traits of M. geometrizans might be associated with different availability of resources in branches with contrasting orientation. Our results provide new evidence of the existence of a response to an orientation‐dependent extrinsic gradient. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the existence of intra‐individual variation on pollen quality and P:O ratio in Cactaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Foods and drinks are major contributors (17%) to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by private consumption in Europe. The carbon footprint (CF) of a certain product expresses the total GHG emissions over its whole life cycle, and its calculation for foodstuff is a necessary first step to reduce their contribution to global warming. The calculation of the CF of Maltese food products is especially relevant for two reasons: the economic characteristics of the island, whose food sector is highly dependent on imports, implying longer transport distances; and the Maltese electricity production mix, based almost exclusively on oil combustion. Methods and results The CF of ten multi-fruit juices marketed in Malta has been determined, covering all the processes from the agricultural stage to the distribution of the final products. As a functional unit (FU), a 250 ml bottle of packaged product arriving at the retailer has been considered. The Maltese orange juice, the only final product in which only local ingredients are used, presents the lowest CF (0.50 kgCO 2 /FU), while the remaining ones range from 0.67 kgCO 2 /FU to 0.80 kgCO 2 /FU. The major contributor to all the CFs is juice processing at the Maltese plant (0.42 kgCO 2 /FU), mainly due to the use of electricity (78%). Conclusions The influence of both the electricity mix and the Maltese supply chain in the CF of the final products has been demonstrated. Alternatives to reduce the impacts of the final products have been proposed and evaluated that could lower the average CF of the juices by 32%. Significance and impact of the study The calculation of the CF of Maltese juices represents an innovative case study due to the characteristics of the island, and it is expected to act as a first step to lower their environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the assessment of the environmental profile of a milk farm, representative of the dairy sector in Northeast Spain, from a cradle-to-gate perspective. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles established by ISO standards together with the carbon footprint guidelines proposed by International Dairy Federation (IDF) were followed. The environmental results showed two critical contributing factors: the production of the livestock feed (e.g., alfalfa) and the on-farm emissions from farming activities, with contributions higher than 50% in most impact categories. A comparison with other LCA studies was carried out, which confirmed the consistency of these results with the values reported in the literature for dairy systems from several countries. Additionally, the Water Footprint (WF) values were also estimated according to the Water Footprint Network (WFN) methodology to reveal that feed and fodder production also had a predominant influence on the global WF impacts, with contributions of 99%. Green WF was responsible for remarkable environmental burdens (around 88%) due to the impacts associated with the cultivation stage. Finally, the substitution of alfalfa by other alternative protein sources in animal diets were also proposed and analysed due to its relevance as one of the main contributors of livestock feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human genome complexity is captured by many signals, representing for instance DNA variations, the expression of gene activity, or DNA's structural rearrangements; a rich set of data types and formats is used to record these signals. Conceptual models can support the description and explanation of the genome's elaborate structure and behavior. Among others, the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome (CSG) provides a concept-oriented, top-down representation of the genome behavior, which is independent of data formats. The Genomic Conceptual Model (GCM) provides instead a data-oriented, bottom-up representation, targeting a well-organized, unified description of these formats. In this research, we join the two approaches to achieve PoliViews, a comprehensive model that links (1) a concepts layer , describing genome elements and their conceptual connections, with (2) a data layer , describing datasets derived from genome sequencing with specific technologies. Their dynamic connection is established when specific genomic data types are chosen in the data layer, thereby triggering the selection of a view in the concepts layer. The benefit is mutual: data records can be semantically described by high-level concepts exploiting their links and, in turn, the continuously evolving abstract model can be extended thanks to the input provided by real datasets. PoliViews enables expressing queries that employ a holistic conceptual perspective on the genome, directly translated onto data-oriented terms and organization. Here, we demonstrate the approach by linking two major genomic data types, namely DNA variation and gene expression. For each type, we consider different eminent data sources; we describe their mapping with the corresponding view in the concepts layer, enabling an intra-data-type integration. Then, leveraging on the connections available in the concepts layer, we show how the distinct data types can be interoperated, enabling an inter-data-type integration. The PoliViews approach is shown through several examples of biological interest and can be further extended to any kind of genomic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the knowledge about human genomics is available to all scientists, information about this scientific breakthrough can often be difficult to fully comprehend and share. A Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome was previously developed to assist in describing human genome-related knowledge, by representing a holistic view of the relevant concepts regarding its biology and underlying mechanisms. This model should become helpful for any researcher who works with human genomics data. We, therefore, perform the process of ontological unpacking on a portion of the model, to facilitate domain understanding and data exchange among heterogeneous systems. The ontological unpacking is a transformation of an input conceptual model into an enriched model based on a foundational ontology. The preliminary analysis and enrichment process are supported by the ontological conceptual modeling language OntoUML, which has been applied previously to complex models to gain ontological clarity. The value of the used method is first assessed from a theoretical point of view: the transformation results in significant, diverse modeling implications regarding the characterization of biological entities, the representation of their changes over time, and, more specifically, the description of chemical compounds. Since the ontological unpacking process is costly, an empirical evaluation is conducted to study the practical implications of applying it in a real learning setting. A particularly complex domain such as metabolic pathways is either described by adopting a traditional conceptual model or explained through an ontologically unpacked model obtained from a traditional model. Our research is evidence that including a strong ontological foundation in traditional conceptual models is useful. It contributes to designing models that convey biological domains better than the original models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]