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The mechanical properties of mortar containing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as Strapping Band Fibers (SBF) replacing natural sand have been studied by many researchers. These studies indicate that when SBF is used as a substitute for sand in mortar, the characteristics in both the fresh and hardened states are altered. This experiment’s purpose is to valorize local materials, which are abundant in the region of Djelfa (Algeria), in cement mortar manufacturing and to discuss the influence of these materials on the mechanical and physical characteristics of the resulting mortar at the room, and at the high temperature. This study presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effects of high temperatures on the properties of dune sand mortar made with strapping band fibers. The method for formulating the mortar mixes was based on the progressive replacement of dune sand by PET fibers, with weight contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. Several tests have been carried out to study the evolution of the different characteristics of mortar mixtures. The workability, bulk density, compressive and tensile strengths, and all samples were subjected to temperatures of ambient, 100 °C, 200 °C, and 400 °C. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the recycled fibers and the preservation mode had remarkable effects on the characteristics of the mortar obtained.

In the past, to model fibre stiffness of finite-radius fibres, previous finite-strain (nonlinear) models were mainly based on the theory of non-linear strain-gradient (second-gradient) theory or Kirchhoff rod theory. We note that these models characterize the mechanical behaviour of polar transversely isotropic solids with infinitely many purely flexible fibres with zero radius. To introduce the effect of fibre bending stiffness on purely flexible fibres with zero radius, these models assumed the existence of couple stresses (contact torques) and non-symmetric Cauchy stresses. However, these stresses are not present on deformations of actual non-polar elastic solids reinforced by finite-radius fibres. In addition to this, the implementation of boundary conditions for second gradient models is not straightforward and discussion on the effectiveness of strain gradient elasticity models to mechanically describe continuum solids is still ongoing. In this paper, we develop a constitutive equation for a non-linear non-polar elastic solid, reinforced by embedded fibers, in which elastic resistance of the fibers to bending is modelled via the classical branches of continuum mechanics, where the development of the theory of stresses is based on non-polar materials; that is, without using the second gradient theory, which is associated with couple stresses and non-symmetric Cauchy stresses. In view of this, the proposed model is simple and somewhat more realistic compared to previous second gradient models.

As an essential block in optical communication systems, silicon (Si) Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs) are approaching the limits of possible performance for high-speed applications. However, due to a large number of design parameters and the complex simulation of these devices, achieving high-performance configuration employing conventional optimization methods result in prohibitively long times and use of resources. Here, we propose a design methodology based on artificial neural networks and heuristic optimization that significantly reduces the complexity of the optimization process. First, we implemented a deep neural network model to substitute the 3D electromagnetic simulation of a Si-based MZM, whereas subsequently, this model is used to estimate the figure of merit within the heuristic optimizer, which, in our case, is the differential evolution algorithm. By applying this method to CMOS-compatible MZMs, we find new optimized configurations in terms of electro-optical bandwidth, insertion loss, and half-wave voltage. In particular, we achieve configurations of MZMs with a 40 GHz bandwidth and a driving voltage of 6.25 V, or, alternatively, 47.5 GHz with a driving voltage of 8 V. Furthermore, the faster simulation allowed optimizing MZM subject to different constraints, which permits us to explore the possible performance boundary of this type of MZMs.

Bioblitz is a citizen global science initiative which aims to find and identify as many species of fauna and flora as possible in a specific area during a short period of time. This activity promotes the engagement of the public to learn about the biodiversity of a particular region, often in urban areas. The objective of this study was to do the first Bioblitz in Quito (Ecuador) to (1) survey the flora and fauna of Quito, specifically in the Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park; and (2) engage citizens in such activity. This first Bioblitz, held on December 2, 2017, was organized by Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica and Fundación Zoológica del Ecuador. The event was attended by 15 experts, 21 students, and 29 citizens, including two children under 10 years of age. Standard biological diversity assessment methods were used for amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, insects, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and plants. A total of 18 species of birds, two of amphibians, one reptile, 21 terrestrial invertebrates, two macroinvertebrates, one mammal, and 26 plant species were identified. This experience allowed the engagement of citizens to learn about the local biodiversity in their city.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:43:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) We propose and analyze a classifier based on logistic regression (LR) to mitigate the impact of nonlinear phase noise (NPN) caused by Kerr-induced self-phase-modulation in digital coherent systems with single-channel unrepeated links. Simulation results reveal that the proposed approach reduces the bit error ratio (BER) in a 100-km-long 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) system operating at 56-Gbps. Thus, the BER is reduced from 6.88 × 10−4 when using maximum likelihood to 4.27 × 10−4 after applying the LR-based classification, representing an increase of 0.36 dB in the effective Q-factor. This performance enhancement is achieved with only 624 operations per symbol, which can be easily parallelized into 16 lines of 39 operations. Center for Advanced and Sustainable Technologies São Paulo State University (UNESP), São João da Boa Vista CPqD Foundation Metropolitan Autonomous University Center for Advanced and Sustainable Technologies São Paulo State University (UNESP), São João da Boa Vista FAPESP: 2015/24517-8 FAPESP: 2018/25339-4 CNPq: 311035/2018-3 CNPq: 432303/2018-9

This paper describes an optical coupling method based on angle polished fiber for grating couplers on silicon photonics. Compared with classic coupling methods, this approach minimizes the difficulty of alignment accuracy and facilitates the packaging between devices and waveguides. The procedures to obtain the polishing angle to improve coupling, metallization of the fiber surface to increase reflectivity, and experimental measurement of insertion loss are described. The results show that the polished fiber coupling method increases insertion loss by only 0.8 dB when compared to the standard grating coupler vertical coupling.

In this work, we present the design for a broadband, compact and efficient silicon nitride polarization rotor. This work uses the inverse design method and the results show the polarization rotor with a footprint of 15x3 µm2.

The human being in his blessed curiosity has always wondered how to make machines feel, and, at the same time how a machine can detect emotions. Perhaps some of the tasks that cannot be replaced by machines are the ability of human beings to feel emotions. In the last year, this hypothesis is increasingly questioned by scientists who have done work that seeks to understand the phenomena of brain functioning using the state of the art in instrumentation, sensors, and signal processing. Today, the world scientists have powerful machine learning methods developed to challenge this issue.The field of emotion detection is gaining significance as the technology advances, and particularly due to the current developments in machine learning, the Internet of Things, industry 4.0 and Autonomous Vehicles. Machines will need to be equipped with the capacity to monitor the state of the human user and to change their behaviour in response. Machine learning offers a route to this and should be able to make use of data collected from questionnaires, facial expression scans, and physiological signals such as electroencephalograms (EEG), electrocardiograms, and galvanic skin response. In this study, an approach was proposed to identify the emotional state of a subject from the collected data in the elicited emotion experiments. An algorithm using EEG data was developed, using the power spectral density of the frequency cerebral bands (alpha, beta, theta, and gamma) as features for classifier training. A K Nearest Neighbors algorithm using Euclidian distance was used to predict the emotional state of the subject. This article proposes a novel approach for emotion recognition that not only depends on images of the face, as in the previous literature, but also on the physiological data. The algorithm was able to recognize nine different emotions (Neutral, Anger, Disgust, Fear, Joy, Sadness, Surprise, Amusement, and Anxiety), nine valence positions, and nine positions on arousal axes. Using the data from only 14 EEG electrodes, an accuracy of approximately 97% was achieved. An approach has been developed for evaluating the state of mind of an driver in the context of a semi-autonomous vehicle context, for example. However, the system has a much wider range of potential applications, from the design of products to the evaluation of the user experience.

This work presents a capacitive modulator design and modeling of a new waveguide architecture using silicon and poly-si technologies. We use a methodology involving the entire lumped-type modulator design process, from the optical design to the small-signal RF analysis. By means of geometric and physical parameters adjustments, the trade-offs among several figures of merit are analyzed in this paper. Due to the waveguide configuration, it is shown that the modulator can improve the trade-off between $V_{\pi }$ and bandwidth compared to the state-of-the-art for this kind of device. For instance, the best combinations are $V_{\pi }\simeq$ 1 V @ 20.4 GHz and $V_{\pi }$ = 5.7 V @ $\sim$ 31 GHz, with equivalent optical losses of 3 dB and 1.1 dB, respectively.

In this paper we present the design and optimization of demultiplexer lattice filters with very short channels spacing of 0.5 nm and 0.4 nm for two and four channels respectively.

The advanced condition of deterioration of the column’s bases of the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace of Tarazona (Spain) built in the middle of 16th century required its restoration with Aragonese alabaster. Thus, adapted ageing tests were developed to simulate the environmental conditions in which the stones were and will be exposed. These tests were thermal fatigue by temperature variations, acid rain and water stagna­tion by immersion tests and a combination of both agents of decay. The results indicated that alabaster did not experimented deformation after thermal fatigue but a progressive dehydration to bassanite. This process entailed an increase of porosity and consequently a loss of structural properties. The dissolution was measured as a lineal weight and volume loss while porosity and capillary uptake remained stable. The conclusions of this study establish the importance of restoration protocols to maintain the alabaster integrity when used and exposed to rainwater and insolation. Las basas deterioradas de las columnas del patio del Palacio Episcopal de Tarazona (España), construido a mediados del siglo XVI, fueron restauradas con alabastro aragonés. Por lo tanto, se han desarrollado pruebas de envejecimiento adaptadas para simular las condiciones ambientales en las que las piedras estaban y estarán expuestas, fatiga térmica por variaciones de temperatura, lluvia ácida, inmersión en agua y una combinación de agentes de deterioro. Los resultados indican que el alabastro no experimentó deformación después de la fatiga térmica, sino una progresiva deshidratación a bassanita, lo cual implica un aumento de porosidad y una pérdida de propiedades estructurales. La disolución se midió como una pérdida lineal de peso y volumen, mientras que la porosidad y el ascenso capilar se mantuvieron estables. Se desprende la importancia de adoptar protocolos de restauración para mantener la integridad del alabastro cuando se expone al agua de lluvia e insolación.

This paper presents recent advances on high-capacity optical fiber communication for coherent and non-coherent transmission systems. We describe works carried out at CPQD on digital signal processing, forward error correction, and integrated photonic devices for long-haul, unrepeatered, and data center interconnect scenarios. Future trends and perspectives for next generation systems based on the state-of-the-art research are also discussed.

Solar cell research aims at a gradual increment on the overall power conversion efficiency, looking into the possibility of an increment on the output current of the device. This research discusses the different methods applied during experimentation allowing for the reach of higher efficiency, explaining the effects each method had on the different samples used. Some of the methods to be discussed are some conventional methods in the creation of perovskite solar cells such as sonication, spin spin-on doping, annealing, and contact creation. In accordance to the methods used, a power conversion efficiency of 15.2% was obtained, as well as an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.065 V, a short circuit current (Isc) of 1.99 mA, a fill factor (FF) of 50.4%, a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 28.2 mA/cm2, and a shunt resistance of 3.3 kΩ. Each sample is discussed in order to provide a wider view on the positive and negative aspects of each method applied.

Through the years, the education sector has been influenced by the evolution of technology and the global, regional and local social dynamics. Therefore, today, teaching and learning methods include the use of emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs), advanced tools and innovative facilities. Also, teaching and learning methods are focused on developing desirable competencies in today’s students to motivate them to propose solutions to the problems of today and the future. This new era has been known as "Education 4.0". This paper describes how Open Innovation Laboratories are used as enabling resources to reach the vision of Education 4.0 and describes a case of implementation at the Tecnologico de Monterrey University in Mexico.

We propose and demonstrate a polarization splitter and rotator (PSR) operating in the range of 1530–1590 nm, built on the SOI platform and based on a new bow tie converter TM0-to-TE1. Comparing with other compact (

This paper deals with the application of interactive engineering through an electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect the level of distraction or concentration of drivers of automotive vehicles. In particular, for the case of alerts, signals or outputs emitted by an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the intelligent transportation systems context. To do that and based on the state-of-the-art, an experimental protocol to detect distraction by using EEG signals of driver has been developed. Finally, the goal is to detect if drivers paid attention on the road when different kinds of alerts are emitted by the ADAS. In terms of signal processing, the challenge was the noise level in EEG records due to quality of road that had some bumpers and potholes that add noise in records due to movements of drivers. With the proposed protocol, the efficiency and utility of ADAS can be evaluated by designers to create new adaptable cabins to provide the driver a better driving environment reducing distractions according to the neurological profile. New perspectives and discussion are formulated in this paper, for example, to enhance the interactive design of the automotive vehicle cabins.

The present study aimed to introduce an approach to implement facial analysis on monitoring driver emotional status in real time. For this purpose, an experimental setup had been performed based on commercial technologies. Such experimental protocol includes the main variables involved in driving and how those variables influence in the driver performance. The goal of the experimental design was to detect which emotions of the driver s face are present during driving and how those emotions can be changed in presence of stimuli from a passive advanced driver for assistance systems (ADAS). Finally, the idea is to investigate if the driver performance changes when some external stimuli are applied as hazards are reported to the driver. The experimental results suggest that the ADAS is not sufficient to enhance the driver’s performance. As a result, the authors propose a new framework for driver assistance systems based on driver state, especially emotions: advanced driver monitoring for assistance systems (ADMAS), refer to Fig. 1. With ADMAS implementation security and intelligence can be provided to a car and thus help to reduce traffic accidents.

We demonstrate a broadband and polarization insensitive 3 dB power splitter compatible with CMOS process. The simulation results show low insertion loss in the wavelength range from 1460 to 1640 nm for both TE and TM polarization. The fabricated device has a maximum insertion loss of 0.5 dB and 0.07 dB for TE and TM polarization, respectively, from 1520 to 1580 nm wavelength.

We propose a fiber-chip edge coupler based on a subwavelength grating in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform for coupling to cleaved and high numerical aperture (HNA) optical fibers (mode field diameter of 6.3 μm). Its robustness to fabrication errors and high tolerance to fiber misalignment (±1.5 μm for a 1 dB of excess loss) make it suitable for high-volume production, being a potential candidate for data center applications. Simulation results show a 1 dB bandwidth higher than 200 nm, a polarization dependent loss lower than 0.5 dB, and minimum coupling losses of 1.47 and 1.39 dB for TE and TM modes, respectively, considering a 204 μm-long mode converter.

This chapter describes the development of passive and active components for silicon photonic integrated circuits that were performed in the CPqD. Specifically, the devices studied are polarization splitter and rotator (PSR), optical \(90^{\circ }\) hybrid, modulator, and laser. Each one is explained showing the principle of operation, modeling, and results obtained. These designed devices are compatible with standard manufacturing processes enabling monolithic integration with other devices. In addition, they can be used as building blocks for coherent transceivers and receivers in silicon photonics.

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a single-drive push-pull Silicon Mach-Zehnder modulator with more than 48 GHz modulation bandwidth and V Π L ≈ 2.3 V.cm, compatible with standard Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) process. The modulator also presents S 11 < −15 dB up to 50 GHz.

et al., [Objectives]: To detect whether signs of oxidative stress appear at early stages of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC), particularly in the polyp stage. We also aimed to evaluate the specific entities myeloperoxidase (MPO) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as novel markers of oxidation in the plasma of patients with CRC and to study the relationship between oxidative status in plasma and patient survival. [Methods]: We assayed serum or plasma specimens from healthy control subjects (n = 14), from patients with intestinal polyps (n = 39), and from patients with CRC (n = 128) to calculate the modified oxidative balance score (MOBS) using several serum markers (β-carotene, lycopene, vitamin A, vitamin E, MPO, and oxLDL). We also assayed the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and obtained lipid profiles. Finally, we studied the survival of patients in relationship to oxidative status (antioxidants and pro-oxidants) and inflammation markers, and added theses data to the lipid profile for each patient. [Results]: Oxidative stress levels increased as disease stage advanced. This increase was detected early in the polyp stage, before polyps progressed to cancer, and could be measured by the increase of such new markers as MPO and oxLDL, the decrease in antioxidants, and the MOBS value. Higher levels of oxidation correlated with lower survival. [Conclusion]: The oxidation process, which can cause mutations leading to CRC, begins development in the polyp stage. This process may be detected early by monitoring serum markers such as MPO and oxLDL., This work has been supported by grants to M.R.B. (JCyL GRS/278/A/08).

Resumen La esclerosis multiple es un trastorno inflamatorio autoinmune en el que cada vez existe un mayor control de la fase inflamatoria de la enfermedad, pero esto no es asi en la fase progresiva, donde aunque existen algunos tratamientos aprobados, solo consiguen un pobre control. En las formas progresivas primarias, basandonos en los estudios llevados a cabo, actualmente no se recomienda el uso de medicamentos, salvo en pacientes con evidencia clinica de brotes o actividad en la RM, que pueden evaluarse de forma individual. En las formas progresivas secundarias (EMSP), siempre que haya brotes, interferon beta 1b y 1a pueden usarse tras haber demostrado disminuir la tasa de recaidas. Tambien en este grupo de EMSP con brotes cabe la mitoxantrona, si bien su peligrosidad limita sensiblemente su uso. Los pacientes con actividad en RM pero sin brotes clinicos pueden ser individualizados.

In this work, we present a design for a high-bandwidth (> 40 GHz) O-band Silicon Mach-Zehnder modulator using a lateral junction and compare it with an interleaved junction in terms of efficiency, loss and bandwidth.

Open Innovation is not a new concept and it is been actively used by different entities to cope with new challenges posed by the evolving society in business, science and education. However, for this last one seems to be poor documentation about how higher education institutions are dealing with it. It is evident that universities are applying concepts like Open Innovation Laboratories, however it is not clear the methodologies or resources they are using. Tecnologico de Monterrey recently created its own laboratory and in this article we present the motives, concepts and uses of it in the context of higher education. Different approaches are made, from the development of core competences concepts to the physical and virtual tools used in the lab. Two study cases are briefly presented in order to illuminate how external actors are collaborating with internal actors in an Open Innovation process.

We present the design of a carrier depletion silicon modulator with series push-pull diode configuration and slow-wave transmission line for the 1550 nm wavelength range. The electro-optical bandwidth is 40 GHz at −2.5 V diode bias and 35 Ω termination resistance in a 3.15 mm long device. The modulation efficiency V π L π is 2.2 V.cm and optical loss is 12.8 dB/cm for the same bias. The steps in the design process are detailed and simulation results are presented.

Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype of autoinmune diseases with excessive anti-nuclear autoantibodies production. B cells activation with immune complex formation is the main characteristic of SLE with abnormalities in immune cells, dysregulation of apoptosis, and defects in the clearance of apoptotic materials. Autophagy, a highly conserved protein degradation pathway, is essential for removing protein aggregates and misfolded proteins in cells and its defects contributes to SLE pathogenesis. On the other hand, multiple evidences in humans and experimental models suggest that prolactin (PRL) is associated with active SLE and participates in the immune dysregulation, and one of the mechanisms of PRL action is the inhibition of apoptosis. Objectives Analyze the relationship between PRL receptors (PRL-R) on B cells and markers of autophagy on T regulatory cells and the association, if any, with clinical characteristics of SLE. Methods The expression of PRL-R on B cells CD19+, and autophagy-related key regulator protein ATG14+, on T regulatory cells CD25+, were measured by flow cytometry, and expressed in percentages of SLE patients (1997, ACR criteria), and healthy controls. Active SLE was considered by SLEDAI (≥4). The organs affected and treatments were evaluated. Results A total of 40 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls were included. Mean age of patients and controls was 30.67±4.16. Mean duration of disease was 6±4.6 years. Twenty patients were active (SLEDAI 8.45±1.9) and of these, lupus glomerulonephritis was observed in 13 patients (65%). The expression of PRL-R on B cells of active SLE was higher than in inactive SLE (50.5% vs 26.5%). In active SLE especially in patients with glomerulonephritis, the mean amount of PRL-R on B cells/ml was 6,645/ml (range 3167–6957). In contrast, patients with inactive SLE, had a low amount of PRL-R, 522.5/ml (range 15–895). In the relation of autophagy, the mean expression of ATG14+ in 20 active SLE patients was 11.19% in comparison with inactive SLE patients, 7.13%, (p=0.04), and in healthy donors, 7.445% (p=0.0281). Conclusions Our study suggest: In active SLE patients the expression of PRL-R and autophagy-related key regulator protein ATG14+ are very high in B cells and T regulators respectively, in comparison with inactive SLE and healthy donors. These novel findings suggest the interaction between PRL-R and autophagy in order to promote clinical/immune activation with overproduction of autoantibodies. PRL-R and ATG14+ may be a new target of SLE treatment. References Lech M, Anders HJ, The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. J Am Soc Nephrol, 2013, 24, 1357–1366. Jara LJ, Medina G, Saavedra MA, et al. Prolactic has a patogenyc role in systemic lupus erythematosus, Inmmunol Res, 2017, Jan 28. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Adequate prenatal counseling in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) may help minimize maternal-fetal complications. However, the available information about the frequency and quality of prenatal counseling given to these patients is limited. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of preconceptional counseling and associated factors in women with ARDs. Methods A survey was conducted on socio-demographic data, gynecological-obstetric history, and domains related to preconception counseling in women with ARDs at the reproductive stage. It was defined as adequate preconception counseling if the patient knew that the pregnancy should be medically planned, that the complications are associated with severity/activity of the disease, that they should use an effective contraceptive method and that their medications may or may not be used during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics, Student9s T test for quantitative variables with normal distribution, Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal and chi-square distribution were used for categorical or ordinal variables. Results Of a total of 146 surveys, 131 were analyzed. Only 49 (37.4%) patients received adequate preconception counseling. Two thirds of the patients had systemic lupus erythematosus (Table). The time of evolution of the disease was a factor associated with receiving adequate counseling (5.6 vs 3.6 years, p=0.023). Illness, marital status, and level of education were not factors associated with adequate counseling. The adoption of a contraceptive method and the number of pregnancies were not different between the two groups. The history of use of embryotoxic/teratogenic drugs was associated with a higher frequency of adequate counseling (79.6% vs 41.5%, p=0.001). According to the patients, adequate counseling was given by the rheumatologist in 75.5% of the cases (p=0.001). Conclusions Adequate preconceptional counseling in our patients with ARDs at the reproductive stage is deficient. A multidisciplinary strategy is required to improve the frequency and quality of preconception counseling in patients with ARDs. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Autophagy is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway, essential for removing protein aggregates and misfolded proteins in healthy cells. Autophagy and autophagy-molecules expression have been implicated in autoimmune diseases. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype of autoimmune disease whose main characteristic is the loss of immune tolerance. Recent evidences suggest that autophagy, and autophagy-related proteins participate in SLE immune regulation. However, little is known about the SLE clinical significance of autophagy-related proteins, T regulatory, and NK cells. Objectives To evaluate the expression of ATG14 + (autophagy-related key regulator protein), FOXP3 + , CD25 + T regulators, CD56 + NK cells in active and inactive SLE patients. Methods The expression of ATG14 + , FOXP3 + , CD25 + , and CD56 + were measured by flow cytometry, and expressed in percentages in T and NK cells of SLE patients (1997, ACR criteria), and healthy controls. Active SLE was considered by SLEDAI (≥4). The organs affected and treatments were evaluated. Results A total of 40 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls were included. The mean expression of autophagy in 20 active SLE patients was 11.19% in comparison with inactive SLE patients, 7.13%, (p=0.04), and in healthy donors, 7.445% (p=0.0281). The FOXP3 + expression in NK cells in active SLE was lower in comparison with inactive patients (0.98% vs 3.82% respectively). In healthy donors was 2.89%. Conclusions We found that in active patients autophagy is higher than in inactive patients. In inactive patients FOXP3 expression in NK cells is normal. These results can be due to the effect of the different treatments given according to clinical manifestations. Autophagy-related key regulator protein may be a new target of SLE treatment References Lech M, Anders HJ. The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013, 24, 1357–1366. Chikte S, et. al. use of LysoTracker dyes: A flow cytometric study of autophagy. Cytometry. 2014, 85(2), 169–78. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Biodiversity loss is a global phenomenon that can result in the collapse of food webs and critical ecosystem services. Amphibian population decline over the last century is a notable case of species loss because amphibians survived the last four major extinction events in global history, their current rate of extinction is unprecedented, and their rate of extinction is greater than that for most other taxonomic groups. Despite the severity of this conservation problem and its relevance to the study of global biodiversity loss, major knowledge gaps remain for many of the most threatened species and regions in the world. Rigorous estimates of population parameters are lacking for many amphibian species in the Neotropics. The goal of our study was to determine how the demography of seven species of the genus Pristimantis varied over time and space in two cloud forests in the Ecuadorian Andes. We completed a long term capture–mark–recapture study to estimate abundance, survival, and population growth rates in two cloud forests in the Ecuadorian Andes; from 2002 to 2009 at Yanayacu in the Eastern Cordillera and from 2002 to 2003 at Cashca Totoras in the Western Cordillera. Our results showed seasonal and annual variation in population parameters by species and sex. P. bicantus experienced significant reductions in abundance over the course of our study. Abundance, apparent survival, and population growth rates were lower in disturbed than in primary or mature secondary forest. The results of our study raise concerns for the population status of understudied amphibian groups and provide insights into the population dynamics of Neotropical amphibians.

In the context of the theory of nonlinear magneto-elastic deformations, the problem of the extension (shortening) of a cylinder of finite length under the influence of a magnetic field applied far away in free space is studied. The boundary value problem is solved using the finite element method. There exist exact solutions for the problem, which are based on the assumption of working with infinitely long cylinders. In this communication, results are obtained for different relations between the radius of the cylinder and its length, comparing the results for the magnetic field between short and long cylinders. As well as this, the influence of applying such external traction through the direct contact with an external machine has been studied.

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The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the machined surface of wood of Peruvian Amazonian species under industrial processing conditions. For this, planks of capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum), cachimbo (Cariniana domestica) and copaíba (Copaifera paupera) were obtained from which four specimens of each species were removed and selected. The specimens were previously conditioned and subsequently submitted to planing and sanding operations, considering three cutting orientations (tangential, radial and intermediate). Then, the quality of the flattened and sanded surfaces of the studied species was evaluated by measuring the surface roughness (Ra) by means of a digital needle detection roughness meter. The results indicated significant differences in wood surface quality among the species in the three evaluated cutting planes, and the capirona radial plane had better planing and sanding quality. Concomitantly, due to the operations performed, the capirona wood allowed a greater possibility for better finishing, followed by cachimbo and copaíba wood, thus being grouped in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd surface quality classes, respectively.

Despite several reports point out a rhizosphere effect shaping soil microbial communities and others an effect of altitude on plant phenotypic features, currently little is known about the impact of elevational patterns on the diversity of soil microbial communities. In this study, diversity of soil microbial communities was assessed in samples derived of bulk and rhizosphere soils associated to Californian poppy ( Eschscholzia californica Cham.) populations at 1000 and 2000 m.a.s.l in Central Chile. E. californica , a native plant of North America, is considered a successful invader in Mediterranean ecosystems worldwide but its effect on diversity of soil microbial communities is yet unknown. Microbial diversity was evaluated at genetic level through T-RFLP (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms) using bacterial, archaeal and fungal molecular markers, and at metabolic level using CLPP (community-level physiological profiles). At genetic level, microbial diversities of bulk and rhizosphere soils at lower altitude were similar, although at higher altitude microbial diversity of both types of soils was different, suggesting a plant filtering effect more notorious at higher altitude. At metabolic level, microbial diversity of rhizosphere soils were similar independently of the altitude, suggesting a plant filtering effect that exceeds the altitude effect observed in the case of the bulk soil.

Silicon photonics has been widely researched as a potential technology for the next generation of optical devices due to its high integration capabilities. After presenting the first Brazilian high speed integrated 100G-DPQPSK transmitter, this paper brings the design and characterization of a compact integrated silicon coherent receiver, with a footprint of are 4.5 mm x 1 mm. The characterization was performed with 112 Gb/s DP-QPSK modulation resulting in an estimated BER of 5.46 x10 -7 .

We describe Centrolene bacatum, C. buckleyi, Cochranella posadae, and a new species of Cochranella from Yanayacu Biological Station on the Amazonian slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. The new species differs from other species in Centrolenidae by a combination of characters, including reduced webbing between Fingers III and IV, and kidneys covered with white peritoneum. We summarize the current generic and infrageneric classification in Centrolenidae and discuss some of its problems. A phylogenetic analysis of morphological and behavioural data shows that the genera Centrolene and Cochranella might not be monophyletic; the genus Hyalinobatrachium and, in particular, the group H. fleischmanni seem to be monophyletic. However, an analysis with many more characters is needed to resolve the relationships of glass frogs. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 147, 489–513.

A study of the structural and magnetic properties of as-cast and melt spun (x)Nd2Fe14B(100-x)Nd70Cu30 alloys ( x = 10 , 50 and 75 %wt.) is presented. In as-cast alloys for x = 10 wt % . the formation of a high coercivity phase, referred to as N ( T C = 240 ° C , i H C = 4.9 kOe ) is found. N is a (Nd–Fe)-based phase with a Fe/Nd ratio lower than that of phase Nd2Fe14B (φ). It is suggested that this phase is related to the A1 phase found in binary Nd–Fe alloys. In melt-spun alloys, at the same x value of 10 wt % , another hard phase is found which is suggested to be the Nd6Fe13Cu δ-phase ( T C = 192 ° C , i H C = 4.8 kOe ). Trasmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs of the ribbons with x = 10 wt % showes the formation of nanograins with a non-uniform grain size distribution. In cast alloys with x = 50 and 75 wt % large slab-like grains of φ are formed, in the inter-granular region a Nd–Cu eutectic phase and Nd grains, are observed. High coercivities are obtained in ribbons with x = 50 wt % ( i H C = 19.7 kOe ) and 75 wt % ( i H C = 13.0 kOe ). A slight reduction in the Curie temperature of the φ-phase with respect to the bulk value is found in these ribbons.

Hypoxia increases the release of neurotransmitters from chemoreceptor cells of the carotid body (CB) and the activity in the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) sensory fibers, elevating ventilatory drive. According to previous reports, perinatal hyperoxia causes CSN hypotrophy and varied diminishment of CB function and the hypoxic ventilatory response. The present study aimed to characterize the presumptive hyperoxic damage. Hyperoxic rats were born and reared for 28 days in 55%–60% O2; subsequent growth (to 3.5–4.5 months) was in a normal atmosphere. Hyperoxic and control rats (born and reared in a normal atmosphere) responded with a similar increase in ventilatory frequency to hypoxia and hypercapnia. In comparison with the controls, hyperoxic CBs showed (1) half the size, but comparable percentage area positive to tyrosine hydroxylase (chemoreceptor cells) in histological sections; (2) a twofold increase in dopamine (DA) concentration, but a 50% reduction in DA synthesis rate; (3) a 75% reduction in hypoxia-evoked DA release, but normal high [K+]0-evoked release; (4) a 75% reduction in the number of hypoxia-sensitive CSN fibers (although responding units displayed a nearly normal hypoxic response); and (5) a smaller percentage of chemoreceptor cells that increased [Ca2+]1 in hypoxia, although responses were within the normal range. We conclude that perinatal hyperoxia causes atrophy of the CB–CSN complex, resulting in a smaller number of chemoreceptor cells and fibers. Additionally, hyperoxia damages O2-sensing, but not exocytotic, machinery in most surviving chemoreceptor cells. Although hyperoxic CBs contain substantially smaller numbers of chemoreceptor cells/sensory fibers responsive to hypoxia they appear sufficient to evoke normal increases in ventilatory frequency.