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Antarctic sea ice, a key component in the complex Antarctic climate system, is an important driver and indicator of the global climate. In the relatively short satellite‐observed period from 1979 to 2022 the sea ice extent has continuously increased (contrasting a major decrease in Arctic sea ice) up to a dramatic decrease between 2014 and 2017. Recent years have seen record sea ice lows in February 2022–February 2023. We use a statistical ensemble reconstruction of Antarctic sea ice to put the observed changes into the historical context of the entire 20th century. We propose a seasonal Vector Auto‐Regressive Moving Average (VARMA) model fit in a Bayesian framework using regularized horseshoe priors on the regression coefficients to create a stochastic ensemble reconstruction of monthly Antarctic Sea ice extent from 1900 to 1979. This novel model produces a set of 2,500 plausible sea ice extent reconstructions for the sea ice by sector that incorporate the autocorrelation structure of sea ice over time as well as the dependence of sea ice between the sectors. These fully observed reconstructions exhibit plausible month‐to‐month changes in reconstructed sea ice as well as plausible interactions between the sectors and the total. We reconstruct an overall higher sea ice extent earlier in the 20th century with a relatively sharp decline in the 1970s. These trends agree well with previous reconstructions of Antarctic sea ice based on ice core data, whaling locations, and climatological data, as well as early satellite observations in the reconstruction period. Plain Language Summary: Antarctic sea ice, a key component in the complex Antarctic climate system, is an important driver and indicator of the global climate. In the relatively short satellite‐observed period from 1979 to 2022 the sea ice extent has continuously increased (contrasting a major decrease in Arctic sea ice) up to a dramatic decrease between 2014 and 2017. Recent years have seen record sea ice lows in February 2022 and February 2023. We reconstruct the Antarctic sea ice extent to put the observed changes into the historical context of the entire 20th century. We propose a novel statistical model to create multiple reconstructions of monthly Antarctic Sea ice extent from 1900 to 1979. This state‐of‐the‐art model produces a set of 2,500 plausible sea ice extent reconstructions that exhibit plausible month‐to‐month changes in reconstructed sea ice as well as plausible interactions between the sectors and the total. We reconstruct an overall higher sea ice extent earlier in the 20th century with a relatively sharp decline in the 1970s. These trends agree well with previous reconstructions of Antarctic sea ice based on ice core data, whaling locations, and climatological data, as well as early satellite observations in the reconstruction period. Key Points: Introduction of statistical model for ensemble reconstruction of Antarctic sea ice extentReconstruction of unobserved 20th century Antarctic sea ice extent and imputation of missing values in satellite observed periodBayesian framework creates plausible reconstructions of Antarctic sea ice by sector displaying realistic spatio‐temporal autocorrelation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Combined high sedentary time (ST) and low moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular events. However, accurately assessing ST and MVPA in older adults is challenging in clinical practice. Purpose: To investigate whether step count can identify older adults with unhealthier movement behavior (high ST/low MVPA) and poorer cardiometabolic profile. Methods: Cross‐sectional study (n = 258; 66 ± 5 years). Step count, ST, and MVPA were assessed by hip accelerometry during 7 days. The cardiometabolic profile was assessed using a continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS), including blood pressure, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and waist circumference. Receiving operating curve analysis was used to test the performance of step count in identifying older adults with unhealthier movement behavior (highest tertile of ST/lowest tertile of MVPA). Healthier movement behavior was defined as lowest tertile of ST/highest tertile of MVPA, with neutral representing the remaining combinations of ST/MVPA. Results: A total of 40 participants (15.5%) were identified with unhealthier movement behavior (ST ≥ 11.4 h/day and MVPA ≤ 10 min/day). They spent ~73% and 0.4% of waking hours in ST and MVPA, respectively. Step count identified those with unhealthier movement behavior (area under the curve 0.892, 0.850–0.934; cutoff: ≤5263 steps/day; sensitivity/specificity: 83%/81%). This group showed a higher cMetS compared with neutral (β =.25, p =.028) and healthier movement behavior groups (β =.41, p =.008). Conclusion: Daily step count appears to be a practical, simple metric for identifying community‐dwelling older adults with concomitant high ST and low MVPA, indicative of unhealthier movement behavior, who have a poorer cardiometabolic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists and researchers are investigating new energy conversion and storage devices continuously because of the current global hike in energy crisis. In this study, we utilized graphene oxide (GO) and composites of transition metallic oxides (CeO2@WO3) to fabricate electrodes intended for use in supercapacitor electrodes. These electrodes' morphology demonstrates a uniform distribution of sphere and platelet nanoparticles. The XRD measurements for these manufactured electrodes showed a noticeable crystalline character. These electrodes have outstanding electrochemical performance due to their relatively low bandgap energies. The electrochemical tests demonstrated the exceptional charge storage capabilities of the different electrodes, suggesting that CeO2/GO, WO3/GO, and CeO2@WO3/GO electrodes could be useful electrodes for supercapacitor applications. Numerous electrochemical findings made it abundantly evident that the creation of bimetallic CeO2@WO3/GO composites enhanced the supercapacitive performance and cycle stability of the electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures that pair materials with diverse properties enable various quantum phenomena. However, the direct growth of vdW heterostructures is challenging. Modification of the surface layer of quantum materials to introduce new properties is an alternative process akin to solid state reaction. Here, vapor deposited transition metals (TMs), Cr and Mn, are reacted with Bi2Se3 with the goal to transform the surface layer to XBi2Se4 (X = Cr, Mn). Experiments and ab initio MD simulations demonstrate that the TMs have a high selenium affinity driving Se diffusion toward the TM. For monolayer Cr, the surface Bi2Se3 is reduced to Bi2‐layer and a stable (pseudo) 2D Cr1+δSe2 layer is formed. In contrast, monolayer Mn can transform upon mild annealing into MnBi2Se4. This phase only forms for a precise amount of initial Mn deposition. Sub‐monolayer amounts dissolve into the bulk, and multilayers form stable MnSe adlayers. This study highlights the delicate energy balance between adlayers and desired surface modified layers that governs the interface reactions and that the formation of stable adlayers can prevent the reaction with the substrate. The success of obtaining MnBi2Se4 points toward an approach for the engineering of other multicomponent vdW materials by surface reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of chlorophyll‐a (CHL) is an important proxy for autotrophic biomass and primary production in the ocean. Quantifying trends and variability in CHL are essential to understanding how marine ecosystems are affected by climate change. Previous analyses have focused on assessing trends in CHL mean, but little is known about observed changes in CHL extremes and variance. Here we apply a quantile regression model to detect trends in CHL distribution over the period of 1997–2022 for several quantiles. We find that the magnitude of trends in upper quantiles of global CHL (>90th) are larger than those in lower quantiles (≤50th) and in the mean, suggesting a growing asymmetry in CHL distribution. On a regional scale, trends in different quantiles are statistically significant at high latitude, equatorial, and oligotrophic regions. Assessing changes in CHL distribution has potential to yield a more comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts on CHL. Plain Language Summary: The marine environment is essential to nature and society, as it provides food and other important services such as Earth's climate regulation and habitat for species. Marine primary productivity is increasingly stressed due to global climate change. Detecting the impact of climate change on primary producers should be a priority given their critical role in the climate system. Most studies focus on the impact of climate change by evaluating the mean state of primary productivity, but little is known about whether and how climate change is impacting variance and extremes. Here we assess changes in chlorophyll‐a (CHL), which is an important proxy for primary production of marine ecosystems. We quantify long‐term changes in different aspects of the CHL distribution (mean, variance, and extremes) using a quantile regression model. We find that CHL high extremes and variability are slightly intensified globally during the 26 years of observational record. Trends in regional scales, especially in high‐latitude and North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, show that CHL high extremes have been increasing since 1997. Our results suggest that more emphasis should be put into understanding the impact of climate change on the variance and extremes of primary productivity for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Key Points: Long‐term changes are detected in different aspects of the distribution of chlorophyll‐a (not just the mean state)Oceanic chlorophyll‐a high extremes are changing faster than chlorophyll‐a mean globally during 1997–2022On a regional scale, chlorophyll‐a extremes trends are predominant at high latitude (+), equatorial (−), and oligotrophic regions (−) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) can reduce the sequelae of experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats modulating systemic parameters. Background: This study evaluated the effects of probiotic therapy (PROB) in the prevention of local and systemic damage resulting from EP. Methods: Forty‐eight rats were allocated into four groups: C (control), PROB, EP, and EP‐PROB. PROB (1 × 1010 CFU/mL) administration lasted 8 weeks and PE was induced on the 7th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. All animals were euthanized in the 9th week of the experiment. Biomolecular analyses, RT‐PCR, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (ANOVA, Tukey, p <.05). Results: The EP group had higher dyslipidemia when compared to the C group, as well as higher levels of insulin resistance, proteinuria levels, percentages of systolic blood pressure, percentage of fatty hepatocytes in the liver, and expression of adipokines was up‐regulated (LEPR, NAMPT, and FABP4). All these parameters (except insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, LEPR and FABP4 gene expression) were reduced in the EP‐PROB group when compared to the EP group. The EP group had lower villus height and crypt depth, as well as a greater reduction in Bacteroidetes and a greater increase in Firmicutes when compared to the EP‐PROB group. Greater alveolar bone loss was observed in the EP group when compared to the EP‐PROB group. Conclusion: Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 can reduce the sequelae of EP in rats modulating intestinal parameters, attenuating expression of lipogenic genes and hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many coastal states throughout the USA have observed negative effects in marine and estuarine environments caused by cyanotoxins produced in inland waterbodies that were transported downstream or produced in the estuaries. Estuaries and other downstream receiving waters now face the dual risk of impacts from harmful algal blooms (HABs) that occur in the coastal ocean as well as those originating in inland watersheds. Despite this risk, most HAB monitoring efforts do not account for hydrological connections in their monitoring strategies and designs. Monitoring efforts in California have revealed the persistent detection of cyanotoxins across the freshwater‐to‐marine continuum. These studies underscore the importance of inland waters as conduits for the transfer of cyanotoxins to the marine environment and highlight the importance of approaches that can monitor across hydrologically connected waterbodies. A HAB monitoring strategy is presented for the freshwater‐to‐marine continuum to inform HAB management and mitigation efforts and address the physical and hydrologic challenges encountered when monitoring in these systems. Three main recommendations are presented based on published studies, new datasets, and existing monitoring programs. First, HAB monitoring would benefit from coordinated and cohesive efforts across hydrologically interconnected waterbodies and across organizational and political boundaries and jurisdictions. Second, a combination of sampling modalities would provide the most effective monitoring for HAB toxin dynamics and transport across hydrologically connected waterbodies, from headwater sources to downstream receiving waterbodies. Third, routine monitoring is needed for toxin mixtures at the land–sea interface including algal toxins of marine origins as well as cyanotoxins that are sourced from inland freshwater or produced in estuaries. Case studies from California are presented to illustrate the implementation of these recommendations, but these recommendations can also be applied to inland states or regions where the downstream receiving waterbody is a freshwater lake, reservoir, or river. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:586–604. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: Water flows from inland watersheds to downstream waterbodies can be conduits that transport cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins into coastal environments.A harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring strategy is presented for the freshwater‐to‐marine continuum designed to inform management and mitigation efforts.HAB monitoring would benefit from coordinated and cohesive efforts across hydrologically interconnected waterbodies and across organizational and political boundaries and jurisdictions.Several toxins (both cyanotoxins and marine algal toxins) and sample modalities provide the most effective monitoring for HAB toxin dynamics and transport across hydrologically connected waterbodies throughout the freshwater‐to‐marine continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity has been linked to higher cardiac autonomic modulation. However, it is not clear in the literature which type of intensity of physical activity (sedentary, light, moderate, or vigorous) could be related to better cardiac autonomic modulation and whether this relationship is similar in men and women. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cardiac autonomic modulation and the different intensities of physical activity in men and women. The sample included 100 men and 131 women. Cardiac autonomic modulation was obtained by heart rate variability (SDNN, RMSSD, LF un, HF un, SD1, and SD2). Time spent in different intensities (sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous intensity physical activity) was measured using a waist-worn accelerometer for seven days. Linear regression was used to verify the relationship between physical activity and cardiac autonomic modulation, considering the adjustment for age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic level. Among men, a significant relationship of moderate intensity was observed with SDNN (β = 2.442; p = 0.021) and SD2 (β = 2.936, p = 0.028), and of vigorous intensity with SDNN (β = 12.826, p = 0.028), RMSSD (β = 16.370, p = 0.018), and SD1 (β = 12.344, p = 0.025) indices. Among women, light-intensity physical activity was significantly related with LFnu (β =.655, p = 0.005) and HFnu (β = -.590, p = 0.010). Moderate and vigorous physical activity was associated with better cardiac autonomic modulation in men. Light physical activity was associated with lower sympathetic modulation in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, carbon‐based material has received a keen interest in the fabrication of electrodes because it enhances the performance of energy storage devices. Amalgamated composites of three transition metals (Co3O4@CuO@NiO) and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated employing the hydrothermal method. The performance of some fabricated electrodes was optimized by annealing using various temperatures, examined for supercapacitor application using a three‐electrode system. Our results indicate that Co3O4@CuO@NiO‐amalgamated electrode optimized using 100°C temperature shows enhanced features compared to deposited and other samples annealed at various temperatures. These discoveries also showed that Co3O4@CuO@NiO‐amalgamated electrode optimized using 100°C temperature delivered a specific capacitance of 1312 F/g from cyclic voltammetry analysis using 10.0 mV/s scan rate and 1258 F/g from galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis using 1.0 A/g current density. The cycling stability of electrodes annealed at 100°C was 92.5% after 10 000 cycles, indicating that annealing at 100°C enriched electrode characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass is considered to be an abundant and cheap resource for biogas plants. Efficient production of biogas from lignocelluloses depends upon its proximate composition. This short communication characterizes the proximate composition of locally available lignocellulosic crop residues (LCRs) – wheat straw, maize stover and soybean straw – as potential feedstocks for biogas production. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater were used to determine its physicochemical characteristics. Cellulose, lignocellulose and lignin content of the biomass were evaluated after Soxhlet ectraction. Results show that proximate composition varied widely amongst LCRs. Lignocellulosic crop residues were acidic in nature with high total nitrogen (TN) content, hence the need for some buffering in anaerobic digestion (AD). Soybean straw and wheat straw showed the highest pH and TN content, respectively. However, all LCRs contained more than 30% cellulose, suggesting their potential use in AD. Wheat straw reported the highest cellulose (37.8%) and hemicellulose (28.2%) content, and it was thus considered to be the most competitive feedstock for AD. Soybean straw had the lowest cellulose and hemicellulose content but it was found to have the highest lignin content (23.5%). The findings imply that soybean straw will have the lowest AD efficiency. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multidisciplinary aspect of Internet of Things (IoT) requires teaching approaches that can support this characteristic. Research has shown that inductive teaching methods can contribute to deeper learning. The development of the three‐phase methodology (TpM), an approach that guides the many disciplines involved in the creation of IoT solutions, precipitated the development of strategies for its implementation. To test these strategies, we propose a new learning environment that uses the TpM in a postgraduate course in IoT where students are introduced to the concepts required to design, build, and test IoT solutions. The adoption of the TpM combined with extensive experimentation can produce a learning environment that encourages students' active participation in the activities and facilitate the retention of the concepts learned. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, we compared the results of an earlier edition of the course (2019), when the approach was not used, to two more recent ones (2020 and 2021) when it was. The same syllabus and rubrics were used in all three editions of the course. The final group projects' grades and satisfaction surveys were used to evaluate the students' performance and motivation. Findings indicate that the 2020 and 2021 classes performed better than the 2019's, as their final group project grades were considerably higher, indicating that the approach has an impact on the development of students' transversal skills. The proposed learning environment encourages active participation in the activities and facilitates the retention of the concepts learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) in the development of periodontitis (PE), associated or not with metabolic syndrome, (MS) in rats.Methods: Ninety-six rats were grouped according to a food protocol: high-fat diet for induction of MS or standard diet for the control groups (C). They were subdivided into groups with (+) and without (-) PE, receiving (*) or not (**) probiotic (PROB): C-**, CP-*, PE+**, PEP+*, MS- MSP-*, MSPE+**, and MSPEP+*. PROB administration started on the eighth week of the study and PE was induced on the 14th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. Euthanasia occurred in the 16th week. Biomolecular analyzes, immunoenzymatic assays, and microtomographic analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05).Results: The PEP and MSPEP groups showed lower levels of alveolar bone loss when compared with the PE and MSPE groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The immunoenzymatic analysis showed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and a higher receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in the MSPE group when compared with the MSPEP group (P < 0.05). The PEP group showed lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 when compared with the PE group. The use of PROB attenuated dyslipidemia parameters in animals with MS, with or without PE.Conclusion: B. lactis HN019 reduced more significantly the severity of PE in rats with MS, modulating both systemic metabolic and immunoinflammatory parameters in periodontal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural systems produce vast amounts of crop residues (CR) as by‐products. More than 200 billion tonnes per year of CR are produced worldwide. They are mostly used as animal feed or disposed of by incorporation into soil for fertility purposes and by burning. Traditional CR management practices have environmental and techno‐economic implications. Crop residues are an excellent bioresource, with multiple untapped applications. There is a significant lack of knowledge about commercializing the conversion of CR into value‐added products in a sustainable way. A biorefinery concept is an important option that can transform CR into useful products. This paper reviews the potential state‐of‐the‐art options for valorization of CR into multiple product streams. The paper focuses on 13 products. These are biogas, bioethanol, biobutanol, biohydrogen, biomethanol, pyrolytic products, enzymes, bioactive compounds, animal feed, mushroom, single‐cell protein, organic acids, and biocomposites. The product streams can be divided into three categories: biofuels, animal feed and food, and phytochemicals. Biofuel production is the most promising strategy for the valorization of CR at large‐scale biorefineries. Anaerobic digestion and fermentation are preferred to thermochemical conversions because they are cost effective and have improved conversion efficiency. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid‐19 pandemic has brought about new challenges to educational institutions around the world, as there has been a sudden interest in distance‐learning solutions in the offering of disciplines, including the science and technology ones. Distance‐learning will have a direct impact on the training of professionals that will develop the bespoke Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that homes, offices, companies, and cities are increasingly dependent on. Regardless, the training for IoT needs to consider the particularities of wireless communications, as it is essential to guarantee communication in any IoT solution. However, this training is hindered by the difficulty of conducting remote experiments that reproduce the wireless channel behavior. Besides, learning the main theoretical concepts of wireless connectivity would be facilitated by the adoption of practical methods centered on the student, the so‐called inductive training methods. This paper presents a remote, low cost, open‐source network emulation environment capable of reproducing the behavior of nonguided, low‐power links under different configurations. The emulation environment incorporates inductive approaches in the experimentation with wireless connectivity while following a consolidated project methodology. This environment was offered at a postgraduate course in the first semester of 2020. An end of course survey with the students indicated that the environment contributed to the comprehension of the principles governing the over‐the‐air connectivity. The evidence suggests that this remote environment is a useful tool for academic investigations of the particularities of low‐power wireless channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the acute effects of breaking up prolonged sitting with isometric exercise on the cardiovascular health of sedentary adults. This is a three-condition randomized crossover trial. The sample was comprised of 17 subjects (11 women; 29 ± 10 years old; 25,1 ± 5,1 kg/m²). The participants completed, in randomized order, three experimental conditions (control, breaks with isometric leg extension exercise, and breaks with walking), with the order of the conditions determined through simple automatic randomization. All the conditions had in common a sitting period of 3 h. During the conditions with isometric exercise and walking breaks the participants performed breaks with isometric leg extension exercise and with walking every 30 min, while in the control condition they remained seated with no breaks. Before and after this period, vascular function (primary outcome), blood pressure, and cardiac autonomic modulation (secondary outcomes) were measured. Generalized estimated equations were used to analyze the data. The results did not indicate significant interaction effects for vascular function among experimental conditions (p > 0,05 for all). We also did not find significant interaction effects for systolic or diastolic blood pressure among the conditions (p > 0,05 for all). The heart rate variability parameters did not present significant interaction effects among conditions (p > 0,05 for all). In conclusion, breaking up sitting with isometric exercise does not seem to lead to significant effects on the cardiovascular health of sedentary adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to systematically review randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of respiratory training on blood pressure control in hypertensive individuals. Systematic review with meta‐analysis was coducted following the guidelines from PRISMA statement. Searches for randomized controlled trials were performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and PEDro). Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of respiratory training on blood pressure of individuals with systemic arterial hypertension and the patients had no other associated disease. Eight studies were included for final analysis (total of 270 participants; 18–85 years) and presented an average score of 6.25 in the PEDro scale, being considered of high methodological quality. The meta‐analysis showed a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure for respiratory training when the load was applied [−15.72 (−18.63; −12.81) and −7.08 (−9.03; −5.13) mmHg, respectively]. There was also a reduction in systolic, but not in diastolic blood pressure when the training was performed without load [−5.08 (−7.49; −2.66) and −1.04 (−2.55; +0.46) mmHg, respectively]. The respiratory training has a positive effect in BP in hypertensive patients, however, only when performed with load seems to be able to promote some beneficial effect on diastolic blood pressure reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination of transition metal oxides and carbon derivatives have received a lot of interest in last two decades for electrochemical energy storage due to their small size and high specific surface area. The effects of carbon ion irradiation on the properties of the electrodes were examined. The structural properties as obtained from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that irradiation of the nanocomposite enhances the crystallinity of the materials up to the optimal dose of 5.0×1015 ions/cm2. Beyond this dose, there was a reduction in the crystallinity occasioned by distortion and defects in the structure of the material. The morphological studies indicated that the nanocomposites have spherical nanoparticles with some agglomerations. The agglomerations as well the particle sizes reduced with increase in the radiation dosages. The energy bandgaps estimated for the Co3O4−CuO−ZnO@GO reduced as energy dosages increases. The highest specific capacitance obtained from cyclic voltammetry (CV) plots at 10 mV/s scan rate and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) were 1950 and 2045 F/g at a radiation dose of 5.0×1015 ions/cm2. Results indicate that carbon ion irradiations, especially low doses enhance the characteristics performance of these electrodes while high doses induce deficiencies and disorder to the Co3O4−CuO−ZnO@GO electrodes. These results also indicate that radiation is a useful tool to enhance or damage properties of nanomaterials especially with low energy doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermally synthesized electrodes of Co3O4@GO, MnO2@GO and Co3O4/MnO2@GO were produced for usages in supercapacitors. Graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated in the nanocomposites used for electrodes synthesis due to its great surface area and electrical conductivity. The synergistic alliance among these composites and GO enhance electrodes performance, life span and stability. The structural properties as obtained from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that nanocomposites are crystalline in nature. The morphological studies indicated that the nanocomposites have platelet nanoparticles with some agglomerations. The energy bandgaps estimated for the Co3O4@GO, MnO2@GO and Co3O4/MnO2@GO are 2.38 eV, 2.05 eV and 2.33 eV respectively The electrochemical studies provided highest specific capacitance from CV using 10 mV/s scan rates and GCD using 1.0 A/g current density were 765, 1215, 1518 and 975, 1358, 1718 F/g for Co3O4@GO, MnO2@GO and Co3O4/MnO2@GO respectively. These results obviously indicate that composites perform better than single transition metal oxide and the addition of graphene oxide enhanced electrodes performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, the known biogeography of nitrogen fixation in the ocean has been expanded to colder and nitrogen‐rich coastal environments. The symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria group A (UCYN‐A) has been revealed as one of the most abundant and widespread nitrogen‐fixers, and includes several sublineages that live associated with genetically distinct but closely related prymnesiophyte hosts. The UCYN‐A1 sublineage is associated with an open ocean picoplanktonic prymnesiophyte, whereas UCYN‐A2 is associated with the coastal nanoplanktonic coccolithophore Braarudosphaera bigelowii, suggesting that different sublineages may be adapted to different environments. Here, we study the diversity of nifH genes present at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf in the Monterey Bay (MB), California, and report for the first time the presence of multiple UCYN‐A sublineages, unexpectedly dominated by the UCYN‐A2 sublineage. Sequence and quantitative PCR data over an 8‐year time‐series (2011–2018) showed a shift toward increasing UCYN‐A2 abundances after 2013, and a marked seasonality for this sublineage which was present during summer‐fall months, coinciding with the upwelling‐relaxation period in the MB. Increased abundances corresponded to positive temperature anomalies in MB, and we discuss the possibility of a benthic life stage of the associated coccolithophore host to explain the seasonal pattern. The dominance of UCYN‐A2 in coastal waters of the MB underscores the need to further explore the habitat preference of the different sublineages in order to provide additional support for the hypothesis that UCYN‐A1 and UCYN‐A2 sublineages are different ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton biomass in Monterey Bay, California is typically dominated by diatoms, but it shifted to dinoflagellates twice in the past 18 years (2004–2007, 2017–2018), which was associated with increased harmful algal blooms. Located within the central California Current System (CCS), Monterey Bay is strongly influenced by cycles of upwelling‐favorable winds and their relaxation or reversal. Both dinoflagellate‐dominated periods were linked to a negative North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) and increased river discharge, but each had a different relationship with upwelling. To examine the connection between large‐scale and local forcings underlying floristic shifts in the phytoplankton assemblage, an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) was deployed within the Monterey Bay upwelling shadow for a full year. A machine learning classifier differentiating IFCB images of the phytoplankton assemblage was developed. Despite anomalously strong upwelling in 2018, dinoflagellates comprised 57% of the annual phytoplankton‐specific biomass. During upwelling, dinoflagellates appear to have accumulated at convergent fronts, while during relaxation these frontal populations were transported to the nearshore where they seeded local blooms. Frequent upwelling‐relaxation cycles and local wind anomalies generated an unusually retentive circulation pattern in the upwelling shadow, producing a warm and stratified bloom incubator. Thus, local features and forcings (upwelling shadow, winds, river discharge) modified the effects of regional‐ and basin‐scale oceanographic variability (regional upwelling, NPGO), altering local phytoplankton patterns. As North Pacific decadal variability and CCS upwelling intensity increase under climate warming, dinoflagellates may become more common in some CCS regions, due to the enhancement or mitigation of large‐scale trends by local forcings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta‐analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training reduces blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. However, the effects on cardiac autonomic modulation are still controversial. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to analyse the effects of isometric handgrip training on cardiac autonomic modulation in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. For this, Medline, Cinhal, Embase, Spordiscus and PEdro were searched for relevant studies published until December 2018. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of isometric handgrip training on heart rate variability parameters were considered eligible. Parameters were obtained in time (standard deviation of all the RR intervals‐SDNN, root mean square of successive differences between the normal adjacent RR intervals‐RMSSD and the percentage of adjacent intervals with more than 50 ms‐PNN50) and frequency domain (low frequency‐LF, high frequency‐HF and sympathovagal balance‐LF/HF). Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using an inverse variance method with a random effects model. Seven trials were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis, totalling 86 participants. No significant effect was observed in heart rate variability parameters after isometric handgrip training (4 trials to SDNN: MD = −1.44 ms and 95% CI = −8.02, 5.14 ms; RMSSD: MD = −1.48 ms and 95% CI = −9.41, 6.45 ms; PNN50: MD = 0.85% and 95% CI = −1.10, 2.81%; 7 trials to LF: −0.17 n.u. and 95% CI = −6.32, 5.98 n.u.; HF: MD = 0.17 n.u. and 95% CI = −5.97, 6.30 n.u.; and LF/HF: MD = 0.13 and 95% CI = −0.34, 0.59). In conclusion, current literature indicates that isometric handgrip training does not improve heart rate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Es wird gezeigt, dass Kovalenz die Ladungstrennung nach Photooxidation des Metallzentrums in einem Metall‐Ligand‐Ladungstransferzustand eines Eisensensibilisators ausgleicht. Die Fähigkeit der Liganden zur σ‐Bindung kompensiert den Verlust einer 3d‐Elementarladung am Eisenzentrum, sodass die ursprüngliche Ladungsdichte und lokale Edelgaskonfiguration am Metall erhalten bleibt. Diese Erkenntnisse werden durch elementspezifische und orbitalselektive zeitaufgelöste Röntgenabsorptionsspektroskopie an der Eisen‐L‐Kante ermöglicht. Die Population von Valenzorbitalen um das Metallzentrum wird so direkt zugänglich. Mit Hilfe von Dichtefunktionaltheorie stellen wir fest, dass das Bild einer lokalisierten Ladungstrennung inadäquat ist. Die ungepaarte Spindichte bietet jedoch eine geeignete Beschreibung des mit dem Elektronentransferprozess assoziierten Elektron‐Loch‐Paares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalency is found to even out charge separation after photo‐oxidation of the metal center in the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer state of an iron photosensitizer. The σ‐donation ability of the ligands compensates for the loss of iron 3d electronic charge, thereby upholding the initial metal charge density and preserving the local noble‐gas configuration. These findings are enabled through element‐specific and orbital‐selective time‐resolved X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the iron L‐edge. Thus, valence orbital populations around the central metal are directly accessible. In conjunction with density functional theory we conclude that the picture of a localized charge‐separation is inadequate. However, the unpaired spin density provides a suitable representation of the electron–hole pair associated with the electron‐transfer process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large river hydrodynamics studies inform global and regional issues pertaining to biogeochemical cycling, ecology, water availability, and flood risk. Such studies rely increasingly on satellite measurements, but these are limited by resolution, coverage, and uncertainty and their inability to directly measure bathymetry or discharge. We obtain new in situ data covering 650 km of the Congo's main stem, including elusive bathymetry and discharge measurements that complement space‐borne data sets. Our key findings relate to our water surface elevation measurements, which show that spatial coverage of existing satellite altimetry for deriving river water surface profiles may be adequate through the globally important Cuvette Centrale but is not at its outlet where our field data reveal significant spatial variability in water surface slope. The findings have implications for altimetry‐based hydrodynamics studies of other large rivers, such as those that involve estimating discharge or modeling multichannel river hydraulics. Plain Language Summary: Understanding the dynamics of surface water along the world's large river channel systems is of major importance. For example, it controls the duration and extents of floods that sustain globally important floodplain and wetland ecosystems. However, this understanding remains poor for unmonitored systems where access is difficult. In this study, we report results from a field campaign covering 650 km of the Congo River. Key measurements of river depth, flow rate, velocity, and water surface elevation are combined with satellite measurements to characterize this system. We find flow conditions vary minimally along most of the 650 km surveyed. However, significant changes occur along a 150‐km reach at the outlet of the Cuvette Centrale wetland region, and a comparison of different data sets shows that measurements of water surface elevation from space by satellites have insufficient coverage to detect major changes in the water surface at this location. These findings have important implications given the widespread use of these satellite measurements in a number of applications such as computer modeling of floods and the estimation of river flows from space. Key Points: New field data show water surface slopes vary significantly at a major planform transition, but minimally elsewhereSpatial coverage of existing satellite altimetry may be adequate for Congo River water slopes in the Cuvette Centrale, but not the outletAdjustment of depth is the main mechanism for conserving mass at width constrictions, minimizing variability in water slope and velocity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isocyano group is a structurally compact bioorthogonal functional group that reacts with tetrazines under physiological conditions. Now it is shown that bulky tetrazine substituents accelerate this cycloaddition. Computational studies suggest that dispersion forces between the isocyano group and the tetrazine substituents in the transition state contribute to the atypical structure–activity relationship. Stable asymmetric tetrazines that react with isonitriles at rate constants as high as 57 L mol−1 s−1 were accessible by combining bulky and electron‐withdrawing substituents. Sterically encumbered tetrazines react selectively with isonitriles in the presence of strained alkenes/alkynes, which allows for the orthogonal labeling of three proteins. The established principles will open new opportunities for developing tetrazine reactants with improved characteristics for diverse labeling and release applications with isonitriles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse the factors associated with low health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people living in Brazil. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study of the Jewish community residing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, we extensively evaluated the characteristics – including clinical, functional and sociodemographic – of 496 older people. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF), while the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that GDS score (β = −0.07; P = 0.04) and cancer (β = −0.47; P = 0.05) were associated with a low WHOQOL‐BREF score. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms and cancer were independently associated with low HRQoL among older people living in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compacts of irregular glass particles sinter up to five times faster than spherical-particle compacts of the same composition. This effect has been attributed to the sharp edges of irregular particles. In this article, we propose and test a phenomenological model for the sintering kinetics of jagged glass particles considering their rounding during sintering. We assume that the small radii of curvature of the particle edges increase as the particles round off and control the sintering rate. We tested the model by measuring the sintering shrinkage of spherical and irregular particle compacts of a diopside (MgO·CaO·2SiO2) glass and using literature sintering data for particles of different shapes of a soda‐lime‐silica glass. The sintering rate of irregular‐particle compacts is initially much higher but tends to reach that of their spherical counterparts as they round off. Our model describes the experimental shrinkage of both glasses and explains the shrinkage anisotropy of irregular‐particle compacts in the initial stages of sintering, providing a significant step toward the understanding and description of the sintering kinetics of jagged glass particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) is a fundamental process in biomolecular photochemistry, but its underlying mediators often evade direct observation. We identify a distinct pathway for ESPT in aqueous 2‐thiopyridone, by employing transient N 1s X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and multi‐configurational spectrum simulations. Photoexcitations to the singlet S2 and S4 states both relax promptly through intersystem crossing to the triplet T1 state. The T1 state, through its rapid population and near nanosecond lifetime, mediates nitrogen site deprotonation by ESPT in a secondary intersystem crossing to the S0 potential energy surface. This conclusively establishes a dominant ESPT pathway for the system in aqueous solution, which is also compatible with previous measurements in acetonitrile. Thereby, the hitherto open questions of the pathway for ESPT in the compound, including its possible dependence on excitation wavelength and choice of solvent, are resolved. Intersystem crossing: Efficient intersystem‐crossing (ISC) drives proton‐transfer in 2‐thiopyridone (2‐TP, aq). Transient N 1s X‐ray absorption spectroscopy reveals prompt ISC upon photoexcitation of 2‐TP. The dominant population of the T1 state mediates excited‐state proton‐transfer on sub‐nanosecond timescales. Comparison to existing data indicates invariance of the pathway to excitation wavelength and solvent environment (see scheme). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To present an updated database of fish species recorded on south‐western Atlantic reef environments and to explore the ecological drivers of the structure, the latitudinal gradient of biodiversity and the centre of endemism in this peripheral province. Location: South‐western Atlantic (SWA): Brazilian and Argentinian Provinces. Methods: A database composed of 733 fish species along 23 locations in the SWA (00°55′ N to 43°00′ S) was compiled based on primary data, literature and museum records. Cluster and beta diversity analyses were carried out to evaluate faunal overlaps among locations and subprovinces. “Target‐area‐distance effect” and “stepping stones dispersal” hypotheses for assemblage composition were tested through Mantel tests. Relationships between the distribution patterns and ecological traits of reef fish species were investigated through generalized linear mixed‐effect models. Results: Out of the 733 fish species, 405 are SWA resident reef fishes, of which 111 (27%) are endemics and 78 are threatened with extinction. Cluster analysis detected six subprovinces in the SWA structured following the target‐area‐distance model, and with no evidence for a latitudinal gradient in diversity. The greatest overall richness and endemic species richness were found in the east–south‐eastern region. Depth range, habitat use and body size were the main drivers of SWA reef fish assemblage structure. Main conclusions: The Brazilian and Argentinian coasts constitute different provinces structured by oceanographic barriers and environmental filters. Similarities among oceanic islands indicate connectivity driven by stochastic and ecological factors. Species richness and endemism indicate that peripheral provinces may also bear centres of origin and biodiversity, patterns driven by parapatric/ecological speciation and the overlap between tropical and subtropical reef fish species. Ecological drivers of reef fish distribution, such as habitat specialization and body size, support hypotheses of speciation in the periphery. New approaches for spatial planning, marine protected areas and off‐reserve marine management are essential for the conservation and sustainability of SWA reef fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Trophic studies are fundamental to understanding the dynamics of assemblages and functional roles of species within ecosystems, contributing to the identification of factors responsible for the organization and structure of communities. This study aimed to analyse the trophic organization of tidepool fish assemblages in the tropical Southwestern Atlantic, based on the underlying idea that food resources are not limiting and that trophic guild formation is not driven by food competition. Diets were based on feeding index values of food categories for 12 representative species collected in six tidepools (20º49′ S, 40º36′ W) at quarterly intervals (2005 to 2007). The main food categories were small crustaceans, polychaetes and macroalgae. Multivariate techniques evidenced two multispecific trophic guilds: small‐prey carnivores, including Bathygobius soporator, Bathygobius geminatus, Malacoctenus delalandii and Halichoeres poeyi, and herbivores, including Sparisoma axillare and Acanthurus bahianus. Other species presented significantly different diets and were classified into the following guilds: omnivores feeding on filamentous algae and copepods (Abudefduf saxatilis); large‐prey carnivores (Labrisomus nuchipinnis); omnivores feeding on polychaetes and filamentous algae (Stegastes fuscus); and polychaete feeders (Ahlia egmontis). Gymnothorax funebris and Gymnothorax moringa were classified as carcinophagores and piscivores, respectively. Trophic organization appears related to species convergence toward the use of abundant food resources, driven by a combination of factors allowing some resource partitioning through inter‐specific differences in consumer size, microhabitat, behavior, and trophic specialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a single session of walking and combined exercise on oxidative stress and vascular function in peripheral arterial disease patients. Thirteen patients with peripheral arterial disease underwent two experimental sessions in random order: walking (ten sets of 2-min walking at the speed corresponding to the onset of claudication pain with 2-min interval between sets) and combined exercise (1 × 10 reps in eight resistance exercises plus five-two-minute sets of walking). Before and after the exercise, vascular function (blood flow, leg vascular resistance and blood-flow postreactive hyperaemia) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and plasma nitrite levels) were obtained. Blood flow increased similarly after both sessions, whilst leg vascular resistance decreased similarly after both sessions. Plasma nitrite increased only after the combined exercise. Malondialdehyde decreased after both sessions, and the decrease was greater after combined exercise. As a conclusion, a single session of combined exercise improves blood flow and leg vascular resistance similarly to walking session; however, combined exercise promoted better effects on oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of water resources by organic and inorganic pollutants emitted from industrial and non-industrial activities is a global concern. The availability of toxic pollutants in high concentrations may be lethal to humans and the natural ecosystem. Established technologies that range from biological to chemical methods are available to ameliorate polluted environments. Traditional remediation technologies including physical, chemical, and thermal processes have several drawbacks. The key point is that the fate of most of their products is not known. Recently, phytoremediation has gathered momentum and has attracted the interest of many scientists. It has more advantages than traditional methods. Phytoremediation uses plant mechanisms to remodel contaminated environments. The technologies include phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, and phytovolatization. These approaches differ in purposes and goals, which can be remediation, detoxification, management of water movement, and leaching of contaminants, containment, and stabilization. Jatropha has now emerged as a plant that can be exploited for phytoremediation. The plant is able to survive on degraded land, often poor and fragile soils. Jatropha has the ability to facilitate sequestration, uptake, translocation, and detoxification of pollutants. The objective of this paper is to provide a review of the utility of Jatropha for phytoremediation of heavy metals and emerging contaminants. Phytoremediation is a new area undergoing extensive scientific research and development. Thus, amalgamation of trends in research and development is essential in order to shape and guide future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While 15N-labeled nitrogen (N) compounds have been used to quantify N uptake rates by plankton communities for decades, accurately ascribing those rates to individual populations or species has been a challenge. Here, we apply sorting flow cytometry combined with species-specific immuno-detection of a harmful alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens, to contrast the nutritional ecology of this alga with co-occurring picoplankton (picoeukaryotes, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria) during brown tides. The method was iteratively refined to yield close agreement (85-101%) between plankton community 15N uptake quantified via traditional filtration and this novel sorting method. Sorting of plankton revealed that the δ15N values of A. anophagefferens and phycocyanin-containing cyanobacteria were more enriched (∼ 10‰) than the values of other picoeukaryotes and heterotrophic bacteria that decreased to < 0‰ after A. anophagefferens abundance declined, suggesting that these plankton utilized isotopically lighter nitrogen sources (e.g., recycled nutrients or fertilizer). A. anophagefferens utilized multiple forms of nitrogen (e.g., nitrate, ammonium, urea) during blooms and their uptake rates of ammonium and urea were highest during blooms. However, A. anophagefferens urea uptake rates on a per cell basis were fivefold faster than all other groups, affirming the nutritionally strategic uptake of urea to fuel brown tides. This study presents a novel approach to successfully sort a single algal species from a plankton community for the purpose of assessing nitrogen uptake and highlights a promising and powerful approach for investigating and contrasting the nutritional ecology of bloom-causing species and co-occurring plankton populations during harmful algal blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of active recovery on autonomic and haemodynamic responses after exercise in healthy adults. Nineteen healthy young male individuals underwent two experimental sessions: exercise with active recovery ( AR) and exercise with passive recovery ( PR). The exercise sessions comprised three phases: warm-up (5 min), exercise phase (cycle ergometer, 30 min, intensity between 60 and 70% of the heart rate reserve) and recovery (5 min). In the AR, the subjects remained cycling in the recovery phase at intensity between 30% and 35% of heart rate reserve, while in the PR, the subjects stopped the exercise after finishing the exercise phase. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and over the 30 min after the interventions. There were no differences for systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate and rate pressure product between active and passive recovery sessions. Also, all heart rate variability parameters changed similarly after exercise with passive or active recovery sessions. In summary, exercise with active recovery does not affect the autonomic and haemodynamic responses after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in healthy young male individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose and test a simple and accurate technique capable of determining the crystal growth rate, U(T), over a fairly wide temperature range by means of a single differential scanning calorimetry run. This method is based on using 50-200 μm-thick samples with parallel rough surfaces so that crystal growth is effectively unidirectional and the crystallization fronts have a constant area during the entire crystallization process. Growth rates are calculated from the expression U(T) = L·q· DSC (T)/Apeak, where DSC( T) is the value of the differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC) crystallization curve at each temperature T, Apeak is the overall peak area, L is half the sample thickness, and q is the heating rate. This method has been tested for different values of L and q for three glasses undergoing predominantly surface nucleation, that possess distinctly different crystallization behaviors: stoichiometric lithium disilicate and diopside (CaO·MgO·2SiO2) and a nonstoichiometric lithium-calcium metasilicate. Growth rates spanning temperature intervals of more than 100 K, including temperature ranges where literature data are scarce due to experimental difficulties, were determined using a single DSC run. The resulting U(T) data were compared with literature data obtained using optical microscopy. The growth rates determined using the proposed method show excellent agreement with the published data for both stoichiometric glasses and only small errors for the nonstoichiometric glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A previous study observed that the chronic effects of aerobic training on blood pressure ( BP) are related to acute BP responses after a single bout of aerobic exercise. However, whether similar responses are observed with resistance exercise ( RE) remains obscure. Thus, this study analysed the relationship between the acute BP responses to a single bout of RE and chronic changes in resting BP after a RE training in medicated hypertensive elderly women. Methods and results Twenty medicated hypertensive women participated in the study. They underwent an acute RE bout where BP and heart rate ( HR) were obtained at rest and for 60 min after the RE. Subsequently, the participants underwent a progressive RE training for 12 weeks at 60-80% of maximal strength test. Resting BP and HR were also obtained after the RE training. The chronic decreases in systolic and diastolic BP were significantly greater in the participants who experienced acutely decreased systolic and diastolic BP, respectively ( P<0·05). The changes in systolic BP after acute RE were correlated with the chronic changes in resting systolic BP after RE training ( r = 0·47; P = 0·03). Similar correlations between acute and chronic responses were also observed for diastolic BP ( r = 0·70; P = 0·01), mean BP ( r = 0·58; P = 0·01), HR ( r = 0·73; P<0·01) and RPP ( r = 0·52; P = 0·01). Conclusion Similar to previously work involving aerobic exercise, BP responses to a single bout of RE are strongly related to chronic effects of RE training on BP in medicated hypertensive elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods for the rapid and inexpensive discovery of hit compounds are essential for pharmaceutical research and DNA-encoded chemical libraries represent promising tools for this purpose. We here report on the design and synthesis of DAL-100K, a DNA-encoded chemical library containing 103 200 structurally compact compounds. Affinity screening experiments and DNA-sequencing analysis provided ligands with nanomolar affinities to several proteins, including prostate-specific membrane antigen and tankyrase 1. Correlations of sequence counts with binding affinities and potencies of enzyme inhibition were observed and enabled the identification of structural features critical for activity. These results indicate that libraries of this type represent a useful source of small-molecule binders for target proteins of pharmaceutical interest and information on structural features important for binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of resistance training (RT) on body water in men and women. Thirty men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg and 174.5 ± 6.6 cm) and 34 women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg and 162.6 ± 6.2 cm) underwent progressive RT for 16 weeks (2 phases, 8 weeks each), 3 times per week, that consisted of 10–12 whole body exercises with 3 sets of 8–12 repetitions maximum. Total body water, TBW (intracellular water, ICW and extracellular water, ECW compartments) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were assessed using a spectral bioelectrical impedance device (Xitron 4200 Bioimpedance Spectrum Analyzer). TBW, ICW compartment and SMM increased significantly (P < 0.05) over time in men (+7.5%, +8.2% and +4.2%, respectively) and women (+7.6%, +11.0% +3.9%, respectively), with no sex by time interaction (P > 0.05). We conclude that progressive RT promotes an increase in body water, principally by intracellular content; however, the hydration status is not influenced by sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Although previous studies have analyzed the association between cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure in adolescents, few studies conducted in developing countries analyzed whether the aggregation of risk factors contributes to an increased risk of high blood pressure in adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess the association between cardiovascular risk factors (including general overweight, abdominal obesity, high consumption of foods rich in fats, and insufficient physical activity levels) and high blood pressure in adolescents. Methods This study was carried out from 2007 to 2008 with 1021 adolescents (528 girls) from primary schools located in the city of Londrina- Brazil. Blood pressure was assessed using an oscillometric device. General overweight was obtained through body mass index, abdominal obesity was assessed using waist circumference, and the consumption of foods rich in fat and physical activity were assessed using a questionnaire. The sum of these risk factors was determined. Results Adolescents with three or four aggregated risk factors were more likely to have higher values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with adolescents who did not have any cardiovascular risk factors ( P = 0.001 for both). Logistic regression indicated that groups of adolescents with 2 (OR= 2.46 [1.11-5.42]; P = 0.026), 3 (OR= 4.97 [2.07-11.92]; P = 0.001) or 4 risk factors (OR= 6.79 [2.24-19.9]; P = 0.001) presented an increased likelihood of high blood pressure. Conclusions The number of cardiovascular risk factors was found to be related to high blood pressure in adolescents. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:518-522, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]