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Background: Latinos in the United States face multiple barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA). We implemented a faith-based multilevel intervention to promote PA in parks for Latino adults, which was partially adapted to a virtual platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluated it using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Methods: We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews (83% in Spanish) with 24 intervention participants (75% women) participating in a cluster randomized controlled trial in 2019–2022 that linked 6 churches (3 intervention, 3 control) with parks in East Los Angeles, CA. The intervention included in-person, park-based fitness classes, which were adapted to Facebook during the pandemic; PA motivational text messages; and other activities. Interviews assessed Reach (participation), Effectiveness (perceived impacts), Implementation (participation barriers/facilitators), and Maintenance (plans for sustaining PA), as well as perceived pandemic impacts. Results: About 80% of interviewees participated in ≥1 park class and 67% in ≥1 virtual class (Reach). Interviewees perceived positive intervention impacts across multiple health and well-being domains (Effectiveness) despite perceived negative pandemic impacts; several facilitators to participation (personal, social, program) and few barriers (personal, virtual, environmental; Implementation); and plans for maintaining PA (eg, revisiting intervention text messages and video recordings; Maintenance). Conclusions: Findings support the utility of Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance to understand the broad impacts of a faith-based PA intervention. Findings point to the adaptability and robustness of the intervention during a public health crisis. Overall, findings may help inform the translation of the intervention to other communities to advance health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening a transposon‐mutagenized soybean population led to the discovery of a recessively inherited chlorotic phenotype. This "y24" phenotype results in smaller stature, weaker stems, and a smaller root system. Genome sequencing identified 15 candidate genes with mutations likely to result in a loss of function. Amplicon sequencing of a segregating population was then used to narrow the list to a single candidate mutation, a single‐base change in Glyma.07G102300 that disrupts splicing of the second intron. Single cell transcriptomic profiling indicates that this gene is expressed primarily in mesophyll cells, and RNA sequencing data indicate that it is upregulated in germinating seedlings by cold stress. Previous studies have shown that mutations to Os05g34040, the rice ortholog of Glyma.07G102300, produced a chlorotic phenotype that was more pronounced in cool temperatures. Growing soybean y24 mutants at lower temperatures also resulted in a more severe phenotype. In addition, transgenic expression of wild‐type Glyma.07G102300 in the knockout mutant of the Arabidopsis ortholog At4930720 rescues the chlorotic phenotype, further supporting the hypothesis that the mutation in Glyma.07G102300 is causal of the y24 phenotype. The variant analysis strategy used to identify the genes underlying this phenotype provides a template for the study of other soybean mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and has been related to more than 7 million deaths globally since 2019. The association of high levels of IL‐6 with severe cases led to the early evaluation of the anti‐IL6 inhibitor tocilizumab as a potential treatment, which unfortunately failed to improve survival in many trials. Moreover, little is known about the development of COVID‐19 sequelae, and biomarkers are needed to understand and anticipate these processes. Because extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in viral infection and immune response, they could potentially serve as predictive and prognostic biomarkers. We isolated EVs from 39 patients with severe COVID‐19, from which 29 received tocilizumab and 10 were considered controls. Blood samples, which were collected at hospitalisation before treatment, at Day 7, and Day 15 during follow‐up, were assessed by immunoblot for longitudinal expression of spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. Dynamic expression was calculated and compared with clinicopathological and experimental variables. Expression of EV S was validated by immunogold and imaging flow‐cytometry, revealing an enrichment in CD9+ EVs. As a result, decreasing expression of EV viral proteins was observed in patients treated with tocilizumab. Moreover, higher increase in EV S was observed in patients with lower antibody response, hyperfibrinogenemia, lower respiratory function, higher blood pressure and shorter outcomes. These findings lay the foundation for future studies characterizing the role of EVs in multiorgan assessment and identifying biomarkers in patients with severe COVID‐19 and possible long COVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve a full mechanistic understanding of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), the key operating mechanisms need to be identified but also quantified. In this study, we summarize and rationalize key findings from the last 15 years of high-resolution characterization of SCC in our group. A comprehensive characterization of a set of austenitic alloys with different Ni content and constant Cr level, tested under simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water conditions at various temperatures, has revealed evidence for at least two operating mechanisms: one diffusion-related and the other deformation-related. For their relevance to the nuclear industry, two additional alloys with increased Cr content were also studied (A800 and A690). Key precursors for SCC initiation and propagation are identified and their effect on alloy degradation discussed. A list of key materials' properties that ensure low SCC susceptibility is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achieving adequate alignment has traditionally been an important goal in total knee arthroplasty to achieve long-term implant survival. While accelerometer-based hand-held navigation systems (ABN) has been introduced as a way to achieve alignment, there is a limited body of evidence on its accuracy, especially in patients under 65 years with differing etiologies for knee arthritis. This study aimed to assess the precision of a specific ABN system in restoring the mechanical axis and report surgical variables and complications, with particular attention to younger patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 310 primary TKA performed with ABN from May 2016 to February 2021. The mean patient age was 67.4 (SD 8.9) years, with 43% under 65 years and mean body mass index of 33.2 (SD 6.8). The average surgical time was 96.8 min (57–171) and the average follow-up was 3.3 years (1.9–6.7). Data regarding length of stay, pain, range of motion (ROM), complications, and reinterventions were collected from the institutional joint arthroplasty registry and the medical records. Preoperative mechanical axis measurements and postoperative radiological data, including mechanical axis, component alignment and mechanical alignment outliers were analyzed. Results: The mean preoperative mechanical axis was 175.4° (SD 7.6), with 248 knees (80%) in preoperative varus. The mean postoperative mechanical axis was 179.5° (SD 1.96) with 98% of knees falling within ± 3° of the neutral mechanical axis. Only 6 knees (2 varus, 4 valgus) fell outside the ± 3° range. And 3 knees (1 varus, 2 valgus) fell outside the ± 5° range. In the sagittal plane, 296 knees (95.5%) knees were within ± 3° of goal of 3 degrees of femoral flexion and 302 (97.4%) knees were within ± 2° of goal 1° of slope for tibial component. Far outliers (alignment outside ± 5° of targeted position) were found in 3 knees. Factors such as posttraumatic arthrosis, previous surgery, presence of retained hardware, and age below 65 years were not associated with increase in alignment outliers and far outliers. No complications related to the navigation system were observed. There were 22 complications and 20 reoperations, including 2 revisions for periprosthetic joint infection and 1 revision for flexion instability. Patients that required knee manipulation achieved an ultimate flexion of 110° (SD 14.1). Conclusions: The ABN system proved to be user-friendly and accurate in reducing alignment outliers in both coronal and sagittal planes in all patient populations. It offers a straightforward navigation solution while preserving surgeon autonomy and the use of traditional surgical tools. These findings advocate for the integration of this navigation system as a valuable tool to enhance the precision of TKA surgery in all patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the general population is expanding, there remains a scarcity of studies investigating the efficacy and utilisation of CAM practices, specifically in the paediatric population. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of the parental utilisation of CAM in their dependents is estimated to reach up to 80%. This literature review identified broad, heterogeneous, and inconclusive evidence regarding CAM's applications and effectiveness, primarily attributed to variance in sociodemographic factors and differences in national healthcare systems. Additionally, the review identified a lack of consensus and polarised positions among mainstream professionals regarding the mechanisms of action, applications, and effectiveness of CAM. This narrative review presents varied results concerning the efficacy of most CAM therapies and their applications; however, some evidence suggests potential benefits for acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage in improving physical and mental health. Moreover, the available evidence indicates that meditation may enhance mental health, while reiki may only influence patients' perceptions of comfort. In light of the intricate and multifaceted nature of herbal medicine, it is imperative to assess its efficacy on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific compounds and procedures involved. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for health professionals, offering guidance for personalised healthcare approaches that consider the values and beliefs of patients, thereby facilitating integrated, evidence-based practices aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neo-Weberian occupational class schemas, rooted in industrial-age employment relations, are a standard socio-economic position measure in social stratification. Previous research highlighted Erikson-Goldthorpe-Portocarero (EGP)-based schemas' difficulties in keeping up with changing labour markets, but few tested alternative explanations. This article explores how job tasks linked to technological change and rising economic inequality might confound the links between employment relations, classes, and life chances. Using the European Working Conditions Survey covering the European Union (EU)-27 countries, this article analyses over time and by gender: 1) the task distribution between social classes; and 2) whether tasks predict class membership and life chances. Decomposition analyses suggest that tasks explain class membership and wage inequality better than theorised employment relations. However, intellectual/routine tasks and digital tools driving income inequality are well-stratified by occupational classes. Therefore, this article does not argue for a class (schema) revolution but for fine-tuning the old instrument to portray market inequalities in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) could be obtained from diverse lignocellulosic sources, among them wood. Regarding this, it is important to clarify if the shaft section of the tree could influence the CNF characteristics. This study evaluated cellulose nanofibers from Guazuma crinita (bolaina blanca) obtained at different heights of the longitudinal axis of the shaft of trees from a three-and-a-half-year-old plantation. The wood was subjected to pulping, bleaching and subsequent mechanical milling using a Changsha Samy XYQM-2L planetary ball mill to obtain cellulose nanofibers. The product was characterised using analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the degree of polymerisation was determined. The effect of longitudinal position on cellulose nanofibers characteristics was evaluated by comparing means using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. The yield of cellulose nanofibers production from the high, middle and basal sections was 32,1 %, 33,6 % and 31 %, respectively. The obtained cellulose nanofibers exhibited a significantly larger diameter for the high zone (84 nm) compared with the middle (75 nm) and basal (69 nm) zones; the length remained above the micrometre range. With respect to degree of polymerisation, a decrease was evidenced with respect to the increase in shaft height; the basal zone exhibited a degree of polymerisation of 300, a significantly higher value than the middle and high zones, which exhibited degree of polymerisation of 249 and 211, respectively. The product showed typical cellulose type I polymorphism and crystallinity indexes of 76 %, 93 % and 96 % for the high, middle and basal sections, respectively. Regarding the thermostability of cellulose nanofibers, the maximum degradation rate of cellulose nanofibers occurred between 335 °C and 341 °C, with cellulose nanofibers from the basal area being the most stable. The adsorption of the methylene blue dye on cellulose nanofibers was evaluated; an efficiency > 60 % was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The sports‐science literature lacks data on training and performance characteristics of international elite athletes over multiple seasons. The present case study provided general training characteristics and performance data of two male short‐distance triathletes in the Junior, U23, and international Elite categories. Methods: General training and performance data of two male elite triathletes were described in swimming, cycling, and running segments from the 2015 to 2022 season. The training load was presented using the ECO model while the training intensity distribution (TID) was a triphasic model. Results: Both triathletes increased their performance throughout the seasons. Triathlete A increased his VO2max in cycling by 20.6%, in running by 16.7%. His power at VO2max and his speed at VO2max by 18.9% and 11.0%, respectively. Triathlete B improved his VO2max by 17.8% in cycling, by 16.1% in running and his power at VO2max by 24%, and his speed at VO2max by 14.3%. The triathletes trained on average 14–17 h a week. The TID model was polarized. Conclusions: To achieve the top international level, it is necessary to consider the following measures: training load progression; improvements in physiological variables; and participation in international events starting from youth categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a tunable pseudo-resistor was designed, simulated, and tested using a 0.35 µm CMOS technology. The proposal used a compact voltage bias circuit free of body-effect, allowing a constant resistance value over the pseudo-resistor's dynamic range, improving its linearity. A fabricated cell was characterized providing a resistance value from 300 kΩ to 10 GΩ with a THD from <2.5% to 1 GΩ. Additionally, the pseudo-resistor was incorporated into a high-pass OTA filter showing a THD below 0.2% for input voltages in the range ≤ 0.3 Vp. The simulations were compared with experimental measurements in a CMOS-fabricated cell, which verified the proposal's feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined potential sex-related differences and correlations among the pennation angle (PA), muscle thickness (MT), and mechanomyographic amplitude (MMGRMS)–torque relationships of the vastus lateralis (VL) in 11 healthy males and 12 healthy females. The PA and MT of the VL were quantified with ultrasound. Participants performed an isometric muscle action of the knee extensors that linearly increased to 70% of maximal strength followed by a 12 s plateau. MMG was recorded from the VL. Linear regression models were fit to the log-transformed MMGRMS–torque relationships to calculate b terms (slopes) for the linearly increasing segment. MMGRMS was averaged during the plateau. Males exhibited greater PA (p < 0.001), MT (p = 0.027), b terms (p = 0.005), and MMGRMS (p = 0.016). The b terms were strongly (p < 0.001, r = 0.772) and moderately correlated (p = 0.004, r = 0.571) with PA and MT, respectively, while MMGRMS was moderately correlated with PA (p = 0.018, r = 0.500) and MT (p = 0.014, r = 0.515). The greater mechanical behavior of individuals possessing a larger PA and MT of the VL may reflect increased cross-bridge activity within the muscle fibers. Additionally, PA may help explain sex-related differences in MMGRMS between sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a new approach to NIDS deployment based on machine learning. This new approach is based on detecting attackers by analyzing the relationship between computers over time. The basic idea that we rely on is that the behaviors of attackers' computers are different from those of other computers, because the timings and durations of their connections are different and therefore easy to detect. This approach does not analyze each network packet statistically. It analyzes, over a period of time, all traffic to obtain temporal behaviors and to determine if the IP is an attacker instead of that packet. IP behavior analysis reduces drastically the number of alerts generated. Our approach collects all interactions between computers, transforms them into time series, classifies them, and assembles them into a complex temporal behavioral network. This process results in the complex characteristics of each computer that allow us to detect which are the attackers' addresses. To reduce the computational efforts of previous approaches, we propose to use visibility graphs instead of other time series classification methods, based on signal processing techniques. This new approach, in contrast to previous approaches, uses visibility graphs and reduces the computational time for time series classification. However, the accuracy of the model is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is common among patients with cancer and is associated with lower treatment participation, lower satisfaction with care, poorer quality of life, greater symptom burden and higher healthcare costs. Various types of interventions (e.g. pharmacological, psychotherapy) are used for the treatment of depression. However, evidence for these among patients with cancer is limited. Furthermore, the relative effectiveness and acceptability of different approaches are unknown because a direct comparison between all available treatments has not been carried out. We will address this by conducting a network meta-analysis (NMA) of interventions for depression among people with cancer using a hybrid overview of reviews and systematic review methodology. Methods: We will search for and extract data from systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of depression interventions for patients with cancer from inception, before performing a supplemental search for more recent RCTs. We will include RCTs comparing pharmacological, psychotherapy, exercise, combination therapy, collaborative care or complementary and alternative medicine interventions with pill placebo, no treatment, waitlist, treatment as usual or minimal treatment control groups, or directly in head-to-head trials, among adults who currently have cancer or have a history of any cancer and elevated depressive symptoms (scores above a cut-off on validated scales or meeting diagnostic criteria). Our primary outcomes will be change in depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference) and intervention acceptability (% who withdrew). Our secondary outcomes will be 6-month change in depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, adverse events and mortality. We will independently screen for eligibility, extract data and assess risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool. We will use frequentist random-effects multivariate NMA in Stata, rankograms and surface under the cumulative ranking curves to synthesise evidence and obtain a ranking of intervention groups. We will explore heterogeneity and inconsistency using local and global measures and evaluate the credibility of results using the Confidence in NEtwork Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework. Discussion: Our findings will provide the best available evidence for managing depression among patients with cancer. Such information will help to inform clinical guidelines, evidence-based treatment decisions and future research by identifying gaps in the current literature. Systematic review registration: Submitted to PROSPERO (record number: 290145), awaiting registration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sequential synchronized atrioventricular (AV) pacing provides enhanced electrophysiologic parameters which contribute to improved hemodynamic parameters and increased cardiac performance to subsequently confer a clinical advantage over traditional ventricular pacing. Current temporary transvenous pacemaker catheters are limited to only one electrode which paces solely the right ventricle, thus lacking the capability to provide the optimal pacing mode. A new multilead pacemaker device was developed in response to the need for improved temporary pacing through the utilization of sequential synchronized atrioventricular pacing (TAVSP). It consists of seven preformed, preshaped nitinol wires electrodes, of which four are for intra-atrial and three for intraventricular positioning and endocardial contact, respectively. Each wire carries a ball tip designed to minimize tissue trauma and provide a high current density for adequate myocardial capture. The device is not yet Food and Drug Administration approved.Objective: To present the unique structural components and mechanical properties of a novel sequential synchronized AV pacing device for temporary insertion and to report its first-in-human application with an analysis of the early clinical experience.Methods: Following a process of development and proof of concept of the novel pacing modality in an animal model which demonstrated feasibility and safety, a series of patients who were candidates for the device application was identified. During left and right heart catheterization, the novel temporary pacing catheter was inserted transvenously and delivered in most patients under fluoroscopy or echocardiography. The catheter was deployed to its target right heart anatomic sites and then activated in an AV sequential mode. The technical aspects, the corresponding clinical utilization, and device performance were documented and analyzed.Results: The series included 10 enrolled subjects. During planned left and right heart catheterization, the novel TAVSP device was inserted transvenously and then delivered and deployed successfully in a timely fashion in all patients. The pacing catheter achieved proper threshold and impedance in all (100%) patients. The performance of all ventricular leads was adequate; however, in 1 (10%) patient poor performance of the atrial leads was detected. The device was successfully retrieved in all patients. No adverse arrhythmia, impaired hemodynamics, or clinical adverse events occurred. No technical difficulties, component failure, or wires thrombosis were detected. All patients sustained the device application without sequala and were discharged home.Conclusion: Initial clinical experience with the utilization of a novel TAVSP demonstrates feasibility and safety in humans. The TAVSP modality potentially offers improved pacing capability and subsequent hemodynamic benefits over the current temporary pacing catheters. Further experience with the clinical application of this pacing catheter is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cracking from a fine equiaxed zone (FQZ), often just tens of microns across, plagues the welding of 7000 series aluminum alloys. Using a multiscale correlative methodology, from the millimeter scale to the nanoscale, we shed light on the strengthening mechanisms and the resulting intergranular failure at the FQZ. We show that intergranular AlCuMg phases give rise to cracking by micro-void nucleation and subsequent link-up due to the plastic incompatibility between the hard phases and soft (low precipitate density) grain interiors in the FQZ. To mitigate this, we propose a hybrid welding strategy exploiting laser beam oscillation and a pulsed magnetic field. This achieves a wavy and interrupted FQZ along with a higher precipitate density, thereby considerably increasing tensile strength over conventionally hybrid welded butt joints, and even friction stir welds. Fusion welding of 7000 series aluminum alloy is plagued by cracking from a fine equiaxed zone (FQZ). Here, the authors quantify key softening mechanisms, show the damage accumulation sequence, and propose a hybrid laser/arc welding strategy to mitigate the FQZ and increase weld strength and toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First, we give a detailed review of two algorithms that solve the minimization case of the assignment problem, the Bertsekas auction algorithm and the Goldberg & Kennedy algorithm. It was previously alluded that both algorithms are equivalent. We give a detailed proof that these algorithms are equivalent. Also, we perform experimental results comparing the performance of three algorithms for the assignment problem: the ϵ -scaling auction algorithm, the Hungarian algorithm and the FlowAssign algorithm. The experiment shows that the auction algorithm still performs and scales better in practice than the other algorithms which are harder to implement and have better theoretical time complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of cycling training on mechanomyographic median power frequency (MMGMDF)–torque relationships of the vastus lateralis (VL). Ten males (Age ± SD; 20.20 ± 1.87 years) and 14 females (21.93 ± 5.33 years) performed isometric trapezoidal muscle actions with the knee extensors at 40% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) before (PRE) and following 10 weeks of cycling training at the same absolute submaximal torque as pre-training (POSTABS). MMGMDF–torque relationships (increasing and decreasing segment) were log-transformed and b terms (slopes) were calculated. MMGMDF was averaged during steady torque. For POSTABS, the b terms for the females (0.133 ± 0.190) were greater than for the males (−0.083 ± 0.200; p = 0.013) and compared to PRE (0.008 ± 0.161; p = 0.036). At PRE, the b terms for the linearly increasing-muscle action (0.123 ± 0.192) were greater compared to the linearly decreasing-muscle action (−0.061 ± 0.188; p < 0.001), whereas no differences existed between muscle actions for POSTABS (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 10 weeks of cycling training resulted in different motor unit (MU) control strategies between sexes and altered MU control strategies between muscle actions for the VL during a moderate-intensity contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MyD88-dependent intracellular signalling cascades and subsequently NF-kappaB-mediated transcription lead to the dynamic inflammatory processes underlying the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to identify the effect of the MyD88 dimerization inhibitor, ST2825, as a modulator of pathogenic gene expression signatures and systemic inflammation in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)-naïve RA patients. We analyzed bulk RNA-seq from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in DMARDs-naïve RA patients after stimulation with LPS and IL-1β. The transcriptional profiles of ST2825-treated PBMC were analyzed to identify its therapeutic potential. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was implemented to identify downregulated pathogenic processes. Our analysis revealed 631 differentially expressed genes between DMARDs-naïve RA patients before and after ST2825 treatment. ST2825-treated RA PBMC exhibited a gene expression signature similar to that of healthy controls PBMC by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteases. In addition, B cell receptor, IL-17 and IL-15 signalling were critically downregulated pathways by ST2825. Furthermore, we identified eight genes (MMP9 , CXCL9 , MZB1 , FUT7 , TGM2 , IGLV1-51 , LINC01010 , and CDK1) involved in pathogenic processes that ST2825 can potentially inhibit in distinct cell types within the RA synovium. Overall, our findings indicate that targeting MyD88 effectively downregulates systemic inflammatory mediators and modulates the pathogenic processes in PBMC from DMARDs-naïve RA patients. ST2825 could also potentially inhibit upregulated genes in the RA synovium, preventing synovitis and joint degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry is an important technique for the study of the composition of a wide range of materials because of the exceptionally high sensitivity that allows the study of trace elements and the ability to distinguish isotopes that can be used as markers for reactions and transport processes. However, when studying nuclear materials, it is often necessary to analyse highly radioactive samples, and only rather few SIMS facilities are available in active environments. In this paper, we present a methodology using focussed ion beam milling to prepare samples from radioactive specimens that are sufficiently large to undertake SIMS mapping experiments over microstructurally significant regions, but with overall activities small enough to be readily transported and analysed by a SIMS instrument in a normal laboratory environment. Radioactive samples prepared using this methodology can also be used for correlative SIMS analysis with other analytical microscopies. SIMS results showing the distributions of deuterium in oxides on in‐reactor corroded zirconium alloys are presented to demonstrate the potential of this sample preparation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose high-order well-balanced finite-volume schemes for a broad class of hydrodynamic systems with attractive-repulsive interaction for ces and linear and nonlinear damping. Our schemes are suitable for free energies containing convolutions of an interaction potential with the density, which are essential for applications such as the Keller--Segel model, more general Euler--Poisson systems, or dynamic-density functional theory. Our schemes are also equipped with a nonnegative-density reconstruction which allows for vacuum regions during the simulation. We provide several prototypical examples from relevant applications highlighting the benefit of our algorithms and also elucidate some of our analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Chronic inflammation induces transcriptomic and epigenetic modifications that imparts a persistent catabolic phenotype to the FLS, despite their dissociation from the inflammatory environment. We analyzed high throughput gene expression and chromatin accessibility data from human and mouse FLS from our and other studies available on public repositories, with the goal of identifying the persistently reprogrammed signaling pathways driven by chronic inflammation. We found that the gene expression changes induced by short-term tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) treatment were largely sustained in the FLS exposed to chronic inflammation. These changes that included both activation and repression of gene expression, were accompanied by the remodeling of chromatin accessibility. The sustained activated genes (SAGs) included established pro-inflammatory signaling components known to act at multiple levels of NF-kappaB, STAT and AP-1 signaling cascades. Interestingly, the sustained repressed genes (SRGs) included critical mediators and targets of the BMP signaling pathway. We thus identified sustained repression of BMP signaling as a unique constituent of the long-term inflammatory memory induced by chronic inflammation. We postulate that simultaneous targeting of these activated and repressed signaling pathways may be necessary to combat RA persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter emission from the combustion of fossil fuels is a major concern due to its harmful effects on human health and impact on engine performance. Measurement of the smoke point of these fuels is a key issue in order to assess the tendency of fuels to generate particulate matter. Although certain commercial devices for measuring the smoke point are available, they are very expensive and their precision can still be improved. This paper proposes a novel low-cost device to achieve precise and repetitive smoke point measurements. It is based in an improved image processing algorithm that reduces the measurement error compared to previously developed methods. The device design allows easy adaptation to the smoke point lamp normalized in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D1322, without any modification to the lamp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-balanced and free energy dissipative first- and second-order accurate finitevolume schemes are proposed for a general class of hydrodynamic systems with linear and nonlinear damping. The variation of the natural Lyapunov functional of the system, given by its free energy, allows for a characterization of the stationary states by its variation. An analogous property at the discrete level enables us to preserve stationary states at machine precision while keeping the dissipation of the discrete free energy. Performing a careful validation in a battery of relevant test cases, we show that these schemes can accurately analyze the stability properties of stationary states in challenging problems such as phase transitions in collective behavior, generalized Euler--Poisson systems in chemotaxis and astrophysics, and models in dynamic density functional theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work a system is designed and implemented in SCADA MOVICON 11.5, in which the operation of five seawater desalination lines by reverse osmosis which work in parallel, with four coastal wells and two end-of-line pumps of the permeated water obtained are integrated, synchronized and supervised as a single plant. Each desalination line has its own control system and can operate independently. As a product, synchronization algorithms were obtained that were added to the system through script codes, which guarantee continuous productivity in the desalination process, achieving synchronization between the mentioned sub-processes. Simultaneous operations of starting, washing and stopping that affected the performance of the osmosis lines are avoided. Alarms are generated, reports are created, historical records and trends for the decision making on failures prediction, predictive maintenance and troubleshooting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus inhabits primarily the Pampean and adjoining Espinal, Monte and Chaquenean regions of Argentina. In order to study the population genetic structure of L. maximus, a fragment of 560 bp of the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region 1from 90 individuals collected from the 3 subspecies and 8 groups along Argentina was amplified and analyzed. We found 9 haplotypes. The haplotype network did not show an apparent phylogeographical signal. Although low levels of genetic variation were found in all the subspecies and groups analyzed, a radiation of L. maximus would have occurred from the North and Center of the Pampean region toward the rest of its geographic range in Argentina. Low levels of genetic diversity, the existence of a single genetically distinct population in Argentina and changes of its effective size indicate that metapopulation processes and changes in human population dynamics during the late-Holocene were important factors shaping the population genetic structure of L. maximus in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pampa-Patagonia region in Argentina has been characterized as an ethnically complex territory during the late Holocene. This region presents a high frequency of human burials and, although several papers have focused on the study of cranial vault modification, none of them have discussed systematically the ethnic role of this practice. In this study, we assess the role of cranial modification as a potential expression of ethnic identity among hunter-gatherer groups from northeastern Patagonia and southeastern Pampas during the late Holocene. In order to define morphological groups and to recognize spatio-temporal patterns, we applied 2D landmark-based morphometric methods and multivariate statistical techniques on 216 adult male and female crania, which were grouped into three geographic units. The results of this paper do not support the idea of cranial modification as an ethnic marker within the region, as the different modifications follow a temporal sequence and are present in the entire study area. Also, our results show that the groups of cranial modification are different from each other, and they show variability among the geographic units. The reasons behind the change between cranial modification groups remain unclear, but it coincides approximately with some technological and symbolic changes in the material record. Variability within groups is understood as the result of a non-standardized practice and the existence of local ways of doing among the hunter-gatherer of the study region. As we see in shared art motives and decorative patterns, cranial modification would have represented another correlate of a macro-regional visual communication system that worked during the late Holocene in Pampa-Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Regular exercise training is effective to altering many markers of metabolic syndrome and its effects are strongly influenced by the type of consumed diet. Nowadays, resistance training (RT) has been frequently associated with low-carbohydrate high-fat diet (LCD). After long term these diets causes body weight (BW) regain with deleterious effects on body composition and metabolic risk factors. The effects of RT associated with long-term LCD on these parameters remain unexplored. We aimed to investigate the effects of RT when associated with long-term LCD on BW, feed efficiency, body composition, glucose homeostasis, liver parameters and serum biochemical parameters during BW regain period in rats. Subjects/Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with LCD (LC groups) or standard diet (STD) (ST groups). After 10 weeks-diet animals were separated into sedentary (Sed-LC and Sed-ST) and resistance-trained (RT-LC and RT-ST) groups (N = 8/group). RT groups performed an 11-week climbing program on a ladder with progressive load. Dual x-ray absorptiometry, glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests were performed at weeks 10 and 20. Liver and serum were collected at week 21. Results: RT reduced feed efficiency, BW gain, liver fat and total and LDL cholesterol, and improved body composition and glucose clearance in animals fed on STD. In those fed with LCD, RT reduced caloric intake, BW regain, liver fat and serum triglycerides levels. However, improvement in body composition was inhibited and bone mineral density and glucose clearance was further impaired in this association. Conclusions: The LCD nullifies the beneficial effects of RT on body composition, glucose homeostasis and impairs some health parameters. Our results do not support the association of RT with LCD in a long term period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to compare and correlate the aerobic threshold (THaer), and anaerobic threshold (THanaer) measured during a new single judo-specific incremental test and treadmill test for aerobic demand evaluation. Eight well-trained male competitive judo players (24.3 ± 7.9 years; height of 169.3 ± 6.7 cm; the fat mass of 12.7 ± 3.9%) performed a maximal incremental specific test for judo mimicking the Uchi-komi drills and on the treadmill in different days. There was a difference between specific and general THaer (P = 0.0006) as well as a weak correlation for THaer (r = 0.32; R2 = 0.1; P = 0.2) and THanaer (r = − 0.31; R2 = 0.1; P = 0.12). When correlation was applied to normalized data (percentage of peak load), we observed moderate correlation for THaer (r = 0.76; R2 = 0.58; P = 0.027), but the same result was not observed for THanaer. We conclude that there is a need for THaer and THanaer evaluation through a specific test for Judo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an instrument, the scanning transmission electron microscope is unique in being able to simultaneously explore both local structural and chemical variations in materials at the atomic scale. This is made possible as both types of data are acquired serially, originating simultaneously from sample interactions with a sharply focused electron probe. Unfortunately, such scanned data can be distorted by environmental factors, though recently fast-scanned multi-frame imaging approaches have been shown to mitigate these effects. Here, we demonstrate the same approach but optimized for spectroscopic data; we offer some perspectives on the new potential of multi-frame spectrum-imaging (MFSI) and show how dose-sharing approaches can reduce sample damage, improve crystallographic fidelity, increase data signal-to-noise, or maximize usable field of view. Further, we discuss the potential issue of excessive data-rates in MFSI, and demonstrate a file-compression approach to significantly reduce data storage and transmission burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovariectomy (OVX) in female rats leads to increased adiposity that may result in the emergence of obesity-related diseases. Adiposity index has been used in analyses and discussions endeavoring to elucidate the deleterious effects of increased adiposity and possible effects of resistance training (RT) as a treatment capable of preventing fat accumulation induced by OVX. Objectives: Investigate the effects of RT on adiposity index and the percentage of visceral fat in intact and ovariectomized rats. Methods: Female Wistar rats were distributed in four experimental groups (n = 10 per group): intact sedentary (INT-SED) and trained (INT-RT) groups; ovariectomized sedentary (OVX-SED) and trained (OVX-RT) groups. The rats performed RT for 12 weeks on a vertical ladder with a session performed every 72 hours. Intra-abdominal fat deposits including mesenteric (MES), urogenital (URO) and retroperitoneal (RET) were analyzed. Adiposity index was performed using a gravimetric method and percentage of fat (%) = ( P (fat depots)/body mass) X 100). Results: RT in OVX animals decreased relative mass of RET and MES tissues compared to OVX-SED (P < 0.05). The OVX-RT group showed lower fat percentage for RET (Δ = 31%), MES (Δ = 44%) and URO (Δ = 36%) compared to OVX-SED (P = 0.001, P = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). The adiposity index (%) was lower in OVX-RT compared to INT-RT (P < 0.05). Rats exposed to RT and OVX decreased % of fat by approximately 15% compared to INT-RT group (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Resistance training was able to decrease the adiposity index and percentage of visceral fat RET, MES and URO tissue of OVX rats. Resistance training may be a beneficial, non-pharmacological treatment of obesity, specifically after ovarian hormone deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vessels produce oily wastewater during evolutions including engine room operations and maintenance, cargo operations, deck machinery operations, washdown, and runoff. Currently, technologies require effluent be gathered in a central tank for treatment or managed through best management practices. Technologies to remove oil include gravity separation, filtration, absorption, coalescing, centrifuging, and flocculation. The majority of the technologies require periodic replacement of treatment materials associated with oil removal. These technologies may lose efficiency due to vessel motion. In this article we introduce a simple, efficient, eco-friendly procedure using readily available materials and equipment for fabricating highperformance magnetic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite sponges for oil-water separation. The magnetic sponges are resistant to corrosive chemicals, exhibit high sorption capacities for oils and cleaning agents, and selective sorption for oil from oil-water emulsions. The sponges can be reused multiple times with no signs of deterioration. They are magnetically controllable and will hold position when magnetized, allowing for separations not compromised by vessel motion. The magnetic PDMS nanocomposite sponge(s) provide a promising technology for removing oil from vessel water discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mosquitoes have long been known as a nuisance of an insect. Their role as vectors has increased the importance of them in both the medical and veterinary. Mosquitoborne diseases are a serious threat to the health and well-being of all human beings. The re-emergence of serious diseases such as West Nile virus, yellow fever, malaria, and Zika virus have reinforced the importance of studying mosquitoes and their distribution across environments. Researchers have spent much time and money investigating the distribution of mosquitoes worldwide. While it is commonly understood that certain species are more prevalent in particular areas of the world, the distribution of mosquitoes within smaller communities of the United States, such as Bryan/College Station (BCS), is less studied and understood. The purpose of this survey was to gain a greater understanding of how environmental factors influence the prevalence and type of mosquitoes present in the Bryan/College Station vicinity. Mosquito larvae were collected from four different locations once a month from September to November, 2016. The larvae were identified using a wet mount slide. Additionally, some larvae were allowed to develop into mature adults, subsequently killed, and analyzed for identification. Environmental conditions were noted at each collection. Mosquitoes from the genera Aedes, Psorophora, and Culex were identified with Aedes being the most prevalent. Analysis of environmental conditions showed pH had a negligible effect on larval development while water and air temperature did indeed impact larvae numbers. Furthermore, mosquito numbers were greater in populated, brushy areas with standing water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most miniaturized froglets of the genus Brachycephalus occur in isolation in slopes of mountain ranges at elevations varying from 600 to 1,800 m in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. For organisms such as Bracycephalus with spatially discontinuous distributions, a fundamental task is to determine whether observed patterns of variation are consistent with geographic differentiation among allopatric populations within a single species or are suggestive of a potential species boundary. We address this problem by focusing on continental and island population samples potentially assignable to Brachycephalus nodoterga (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the perspective of variation in qualitative and quantitative morphological traits and DNA sequences. Population samples from continental and island populations share color characteristics, qualitative traits, and multivariate patterns of variation and covariation in cranial metric traits. Comparative analysis of DNA sequences showed the magnitude of molecular distances between B. nodoterga and Brachycephalus ephippium to be 1 order of magnitude larger than molecular distances within B. nodoterga and B. ephippium. We interpret the combined morphological and molecular evidence to indicate that continental and island population samples examined here are conspecific. Therefore, by defining species boundaries for B. nodoterga, we also established minimal estimates of its distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicate glasses are durable solids, and yet they are chemically unstable in contact with aqueous fluids-this has important implications for numerous industrial applications related to the corrosion resistance of glasses, or the biogeochemical weathering of volcanic glasses in seawater. The aqueous dissolution of synthetic and natural glasses results in the formation of a hydrated, cation-depleted near-surface alteration zone and, depending on alteration conditions, secondary crystalline phases on the surface. The long-standing accepted model of glass corrosion is based on diffusion-coupled hydration and selective cation release, producing a surface-altered zone. However, using a combination of advanced atomic-resolution analytical techniques, our data for the first time reveal that the structural and chemical interface between the pristine glass and altered zone is always extremely sharp, with gradients in the nanometre to sub-nanometre range. These findings support a new corrosion mechanism, interfacial dissolution-reprecipitation. Moreover, they also highlight the importance of using analytical methods with very high spatial and mass resolution for deciphering the nanometre-scale processes controlling corrosion. Our findings provide evidence that interfacial dissolution-reprecipitation may be a universal reaction mechanism that controls both silicate glass corrosion and mineral weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steels are main candidates for structural applications in future fusion reactors. Understanding their irradiation-induced behaviour is a key in building optimised components with enhanced radiation resistance. In this work, the stability of an ODS Fe12Cr steel was investigated by transmission electron microscopy after single- (Fe) and simultaneous triple-ion-beam irradiation (Fe, He and H) at room temperature to doses of 4.4 and 10 dpa. The irradiations were accomplished at the JANNUS-Saclay facility. Results after single-ion-beam irradiation were also compared with those from a reference Fe12Cr steel produced following the same route. Analyses focused on determining the irradiation-induced loop size and density in the ODS and reference materials, investigating the grain boundary microchemistry and studying the evolution of the secondary phases present. These experiments show that the Y-rich nanoparticles present in the ODS steel are quite stable under these irradiation conditions although evolution of larger Cr-rich carbides could be taking place. Loop sizes are smaller for the ODS steel than for the reference material and appear to increase with dose. Cr segregates at some of the grain boundaries, though this segregation also occurs in the absence of irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium-based alloys are used in water-cooled nuclear reactors for both nuclear fuel cladding and structural components. Under this harsh environment, the main factor limiting the service life of zirconium cladding, and hence fuel burn-up efficiency, is water corrosion. This oxidation process has recently been linked to the presence of a sub-oxide phase with well-defined composition but unknown structure at the metal-oxide interface. In this paper, the combination of first-principles materials modeling and high-resolution electron microscopy is used to identify the structure of this sub-oxide phase, bringing us a step closer to developing strategies to mitigate aqueous oxidation in Zr alloys and prolong the operational lifetime of commercial fuel cladding alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]