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Hydrogen can be produced from onsite renewable energy, energy from the power grid, or a combination of both. While the cost of grid energy is driven by the energy prices, onsite renewable investments are driven by the levelized cost of renewable energy. Energy prices can widely vary in time and in different locations, potentially having a large impact on the annualized cost of hydrogen (ACOH). Renewable sources can also vary significantly for different locations and seasons. In this paper, we develop a semi-empirical model to find key ACOH locational drivers and trends. The model finds the optimal capacity of the onsite solar and wind generators and the electrolyzer, together with the optimal use of grid energy. We found that an optimal balance between onsite renewable investments and grid energy use is strongly driven by the type of energy price (fixed or variable) and location. • Sizing onsite renewables and electrolyzers for different grid energy prices. • Onsite renewables versus grid energy, largely driven by energy prices and location. • Combined solar-wind capacity factor is key driver of the optimal energy use. • Significant hydrogen production from low-cost grid renewable energy. • Transmission congestion plays a key role in increasing the use of grid renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are destructive and recurrent natural disasters on steep slopes and represent a risk to lives and properties. Knowledge of relict landslides' location is vital to understand their mechanisms, update inventory maps and improve risk assessment. However, relict landslide mapping is complex in tropical regions covered with rainforest vegetation. A new CNN framework is proposed for semi-automatic detection of relict landslides, which uses a dataset generated by a k-means clustering algorithm and has a pre-training step. The weights computed in the pre-training are used to fine-tune the CNN training process. A comparison between the proposed and the standard framework is performed using CBERS-04A WPM images. Three CNNs for semantic segmentation are used (Unet, FPN and Linknet) with two augmented datasets. A total of 42 combinations of CNNs are tested. Values of precision and recall were very similar between the combinations tested. Recall was higher than 75% for every combination, but precision values were usually smaller than 20%. False positives (FP) samples were addressed as the cause for these low precision values. Predictions of the proposed framework were more accurate and correctly detected more landslides. This work demonstrates that there are limitations for detecting relict landslides in areas covered with rainforest, mainly related to similarities between the spectral response of pastures and deforested areas with Gleichenella sp. ferns, commonly used as an indicator of landslide scars. Relict landslide detection has limitations in rainforest environments The proposed framework for CNN semantic segmentation proved to be useful for relict landslide detection Land cover features spectral characteristics, and input data technical specificities are crucial to the accuracy of CNN models No optimal combination of parameters has been identified No CNN proved to be superior [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slow photoelectron spectrum of the ethynyl radical has been recorded for the first time by using the DESIRS beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron facility. Ethynyl was generated using a microwave discharge flow tube. The observation of the X+3Π ← X²Σ+ transition allowed the first direct measurement of the adiabatic ionization threshold of this radical (EI = 11.641(5) eV). The experimental results are supported by ab initio calculations. Our preliminary investigation of the cationic ground state potential energy surfaces predicts a non-negligible Renner-Teller effect which has not been discussed previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on photoionization studies of Xe.CF4 and Kr.CF4 van-der-Waals complexes produced in a supersonic expansion and detected using synchrotron radiation and photoelectron-photoion coincidence techniques. The ionization potential of CF4 is larger than those of the Xe and Kr atoms and the ground state of the Rg.CF4+ ion correlates with Rg+ (²P3/2) + CF4. The onset of the Rg.CF4+ signals was found to be only ~0.2 eV below the Rg ionization potential. In agreement with experiment, complementary ab initio calculations show that vertical transitions originating from the potential minimum of the ground state of Rg.CF4 terminate at a part of the potential energy surfaces of Rg.CF4+, which are approximately 0.05 eV below the Rg+ (²P3/2) + CF4 dissociation limit. In contrast to the neutral complexes, which are most stable in the face geometry, for the Rg.CF4+ ions, the calculations show that the minimum of the potential energy surface is in the vertex geometry. Experiments which have been performed only with Xe.CF4 revealed no Xe.CF4+ signal above the first ionization threshold of Xe, suggesting that the Rg.CF4+ ions are not stable above the first dissociation limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) released from conventional treatment systems poses severe environmental problems due to its dark color, its high chemical oxygen demand (COD), and high content of phenolic compounds. However, the possible biodegradation of phenolic compounds and color by microalgae was not well explored. This research aimed to reveal optimal conditions for pollutant removal through biodegradation by the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis. This species was grown under a range of POME fractions and environmental conditions (irradiance, salinity, nutrients) during which growth, final biomass, color, COD, and phenolic compound levels were followed. POME fractions influenced A. platensis growth rate, final biomass, COD, and color removal. The optimization of phenolic compound removal by using central composite design (CCD) response surface methodology (RSM) showed that low light and high initial phenolic compounds promoted the activity of A. platensis to degrade phenolic compounds. The combination of high initial phenolic compounds and high light intensity increased the growth rate up to 0.45 days−1 and final biomass up to 400 mg L−1, while total phenolic compounds were almost completely (94%) removed. Finally, this study showed that phenolic compounds and color degradation from POME were dominated by the activity of photodegradation at high irradiance, while the activity of A. platensis dominated at low light intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is well known as agricultural wastewater that has a high potential as a medium for microalgal growth due to its high macro- and micronutrient content. The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis is considered as a species with a high C-phycocyanin (C-PC) content which is important for fine chemical and pharmaceutical applications. However, cultivation of A. platensis on POME to produce economically feasible amounts of C-PC has not been well explored. For this, environmental, nutritional, and cultivation modes (batch, semi-continuous) were varied to optimize C-PC productivity when cultivated at various POME concentrations. Arthrospira platensis was found to grow well on POME. Highest biomass and C-PC concentrations were found on 30–100% POME. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) response surface methodology demonstrated that C-PC productivity was influenced by urea addition at the optimum salinity. The highest C-PC productivity was found on 100% POME during semi-continuous cultivation, while the addition of phosphorus and urea did not significantly improve C-PC productivity. By applying semi-continuous cultivation with 50% POME at the first stage and 100% POME at the second stage, a similarly high C-PC productivity (4.08 ± 1.3 mg L−1 day−1) was achieved as compared with (artificial) Zarrouk medium during batch cultivation. We conclude that, when using a two-stage semi-continuous cultivation process, A. platensis can produce economically feasible amounts of C-PC when cultivated on 100% POME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several experimental proposals expect to confirm the recent measurement of the coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS). Motivated in particular by the next generation experiments of the COHERENT collaboration, we study their sensitivity to different tests of the Standard Model and beyond. We analyze the resolution that can be achieved by each future proposed detector in the measurement of the weak mixing angle; we also perform a similar analysis in the context of Nonstandard Interaction (NSI) and in the case of oscillations into a sterile neutrino state. We show that future perspectives are interesting for these types of new physics searches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria contain sigma (σ) factors that control gene expression in response to various environmental stimuli. The alternative sigma factors σFpvI and σPvdS bind specifically to the antisigma factor FpvR. These proteins are an essential component of the pyoverdine-based system for iron uptake in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Due to the uniqueness of this system, where the activities of both the σFpvI and σPvdS sigma factors are regulated by the same antisigma factor, the interactions between the antisigma protein FpvR 20 and the σFpvI and σPvdS proteins have been widely studied in vivo. However, difficulties in obtaining soluble, recombinant preparations of the σFpvI and σPvdS proteins have limited their biochemical and structural characterizations. In this study, we describe a purification protocol that resulted in the production of soluble, recombinant His 6 -σFpvI/FpvR 1-67 , His 6 -σFpvI/FpvR 1-89 , His 6 -σPvdS/FpvR 1-67 and His 6 -σPvdS/FpvR 1-89 protein complexes (where FpvR 1-67 and FpvR 1-89 are truncated versions of FpvR 20) at high purities and concentrations, appropriate for biophysical analyses by circular dichroism spectroscopy and analytical ultracentrifugation. These results showed the proteins to be folded in solution and led to the determination of the affinities of the protein-protein interactions within the His 6 -σFpvI/FpvR 1-67 and His 6 -σPvdS/FpvR 1-67 complexes. A comparison of these values with those previously reported for the His 6 -σFpvI/FpvR 1-89 and His 6 -σPvdS/FpvR 1-89 complexes is made. • Pseudomonas aeruginosa His 6 -σFpvI/FpvR 1-67 , His 6 -σFpvI/FpvR 1-89 , His 6 -σPvdS/FpvR 1-67 and His 6 -σPvdS/FpvR 1-89. • A purification protocol for recombinant sigma/antisigma complexes is described. • The biophysical properties of these protein complexes are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we describe the design and first experimental results of a new setup that combines evaporation of liquids in ultrahigh vacuum conditions with in situ high sensitivity thermal characterization of thin films. Organic compounds are deposited from the vapor directly onto a liquid nitrogen cooled substrate, permitting the preparation and characterization of glassy films. The substrate consists of a microfabricated, membrane-based nanocalorimeter that permits in situ measurements of heat capacity under ultrafast heating rates (up to 105 K/s) in the temperature range of 100–300 K. Three glass forming liquids—toluene, methanol, and acetic acid—are characterized. The spikes in heat capacity related to the glass-transition temperature, the fictive temperature and, in some cases, the onset temperature of crystallization are determined for several heating rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile has the potential to become a leading producer of green hydrogen because of its abundance of renewable energy sources. This study has developed a model that examines the costs of producing green hydrogen using a solar and wind hybrid energy system in four locations in Chile, and also evaluates the emissions produced. The model uses local solar and wind generation data to determine the optimal capacity of the on-site solar PV and wind subsystems and the electrolyzer. The results indicate that green hydrogen can be produced at competitive prices, ranging from US$2.09/kg to US$3.28/kg, with very low CO 2 emissions of 1.06–1.57 kg CO 2 e/kg H 2. Additionally, the study suggests that using the hybrid electrolysis plant for hydrogen production is less polluting than the steam methane reforming process, which is currently the most widely used method. These findings can be used as a model for the development of emission laws and regulations related to clean technologies as well as a possible indicator for the pricing of green hydrogen. • Hydrogen generation from the combined use of off-grid solar PV and wind energy. • Hydrogen production through SMR can be replaced by electrolysis. • Green hydrogen study driven by renewable energy prices and location. • Low-emission hydrogen production at competitive prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic recoil detection with a time of flight discrimination method using [sup 127]I ions has been applied to the simultaneous determination of the H and Li depth profiles as well as of the stoichiometry of the mixed phases formed by thermal annealing in proton-exchanged LiNbO[sub 3] waveguides. For both, as-exchanged and annealed waveguides, a one-to-one local correlation between the H and Li profiles has been obtained so that [H]+[Li]=constant. Moreover, the stoichiometry of the H[sub x]Li[sub 1-x]NbO[sub 3] compound, where x is the exchange rate, has been correlated with x-ray diffraction (rocking curves) data in order to identify the generated phases after the exchange and annealing processes. In as-exchanged guides, the value x≃0.85 is mainly associated with a broad β[sub 2]-phase peak. In annealed guides, a well-defined β[sub 2]-peak is associated with x≃0.5, a broad κ[sub 2]-peak is associated with x≃0.40, a broad κ[sub 1]-peak to x≃0.19 and 0.21, and a α-shoulder to x≃0.09 and 0.12. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiCH and its cation have consistently emerged as predicted species in models of silicon chemistry within the interstellar medium, although they remain unobserved in space. Hindered by their intrinsic instability, no spectroscopic insights have been gleaned concerning the SiCH+ cation. In this study, we present experimental measurements on the SiCH+ cation through single-photon ionization spectroscopy of the SiCH radical within the 8.0–11.0 eV range. Gas-phase SiCH radicals were generated through chemical reactions involving CHx (x = 0–3) and SiHy (y = 0–3) within a microwave discharge flow-tube reactor. Employing a double imaging photoelectron/photoion coincidence spectrometer on the DESIRS beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron, we recorded mass-selected ion yield and photoelectron spectra. From the analysis of the photoelectron spectrum supported by ab initio calculations and Franck–Condon simulations, the adiabatic ionization energies for the transitions from the X2Π ground electronic state of SiCH toward the X+3Σ− and A+3Π electronic states of SiCH+ have been derived [8.935(6) and 10.664(6) eV, respectively, without spin–orbit correction]. The contribution from the less stable isomer HSiC has been explored in our analysis and ruled out in our experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study Weyl fermions in a family of Gödel-type geometries in Einstein general relativity. We also consider that these solutions are embedded in a topological defect background. We solve the Weyl equation and find the energy eigenvalues and eigenspinors for all three cases of Gödel-type geometries where a topological defect is passing through them. We show that the presence of a topological defect in these geometries contributes to the modification of the spectrum of energy. The energy zero modes for all three cases of the Gödel geometries are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two main methods for controlling switching converters exist in the literature. The direct one is the voltage mode control, which suffers from some disadvantages such as slow response to load variations and an input voltage-dependent total loop gain. The current mode control can overcome these problems but at the expense of extra cost and more complex control design. V1 concept is a new promising control technique for designing voltage mode control of buck-type converters with an optimal response similar to current mode control. In this paper, the dynamics and the stability of buck converters under V1 control are studied. In particular, subharmonic oscillation limits in the parameter space are addressed. First, a closed-loop state-space model is derived and then used to formulate an analytical matrix-form expression for predicting the stability limit of the system. Using this expression, multi-parametric stability boundaries are obtained. It is shown that the equivalent series inductance of the output capacitor can narrow the stability region. It is also demonstrated that the integral action in the feedback loop of a V1-controlled buck converter has a negligible effect on the subharmonic oscillation boundary. The theoretical analysis is validated through numerical simulation of the circuit-level switched model of the system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article titled "Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering as a Precision Test for the Standard Model and Beyond: The COHERENT Proposal Case" [[1]], there was an error in Figure 6 due to a minor error in the code. REFERENCES 1 Miranda O. G., Sanchez Garcia G., Sanders O. Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering as a Precision Test for the Standard Model and Beyond: The COHERENT Proposal Case. Again, the different curves are for the ideal case of =0% with 100% efficiency and a background error of =0% (solid), for =5% with 50% efficiency and a background error of =10% (dotted), for =15% with 100% efficiency and a background error of =10% (dashed-dotted), and =30% with 100% efficiency and a background error of =10% (dashed); see text for details. [Extracted from the article]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and complex disease. It is not clearly defined whether its duration is related to adverse outcomes. We determined the effect of AKI resolution time on patient's clinical outcomes. A prospective cohort of hospitalized patients with AKI by AKI network (AKIN) creatinine criteria was included. Variables for prognosis and follow-up were analyzed. One hundred and thirteen patients were included in the study. Seventy-seven (68.1%) were males, mean age 55 years (range, 16-76 years), and 48 (42.5%) were diabetic. The most common cause of AKI was sepsis (31%). AKI resolution time ≤2 days and >2 days was seen in 47 (41.6%) and 66 (58.4%) of the cases, respectively. AKI resolution time >2 days was common in older patients (66.24 ± 17.6 year vs. 47.16 ± 12.32 year, P = 0.004), with the use of mechanical ventilation (27% vs. 4%, P= 0.02) and vasopressors (41% vs. 11%, P ≤ 0.01); it was associated with increased mortality (47% vs. 4%, P ≤ 0.01), and a discharge estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m² (52% vs. 2%, P= 0.01), than in patients with resolution time ≤2 days. Survival rate was significantly worse in patients with a resolution time >2 days. By multivariate logistic step-wise regression analysis, AKI >2days, vasopressor use, and AKIN stage 2-3 were independently associated with higher mortality. AKI >2 days and vasopressor utilization were independently associated to an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² at the time of discharge. We conclude that AKI resolution time >2 days is linked to adverse clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture that forms entrepreneurs able to offer services independently, to create companies or to innovate in existing ones is, without a doubt, one of the university tasks. The objective of this research was to lay the foundations for the design of entrepreneurial training from the elaboration of a profile. The values for personal characteristics of undergraduate students in Administration, in two public universities in different countries are described. The results indicate that there is a close relationship among some dimensions. The comparison makes it possible to identify areas of opportunity to be used by Mexican and Colombian students. The conclusions will guide the entrepreneurial culture of educational institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a handful of publications exist on the topic of fluoride ion batteries (FIBs). These are electrochemical cells in which a negative anion—fluoride—enables charge transport. In this review, we will report, for the first time, an extensive theoretical screening of FIBs as well as an analysis of the safety and toxicity of electrochemical couples of such batteries. This article will also review the research progress made in recent years in the areas of high-temperature and room-temperature FIBs. A combinatorial screening of room-temperature FIBs consisting of seven different cathode and nine different anode materials is proposed at the end to further illustrate the potential and issues of such battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diatomaceous earth was mixed with Brazil nut shell ash (BNS ash) in different amounts between 0 and 30 wt% and sintered at temperatures between 750 and 950 °C. The BNS ash contains 33 wt% K 2 O and 11 wt% CaO mainly in carbonate form. The addition of BNS ash into the diatomaceous earth caused significant changes of the microstructure after sintering. The BNS ash addition produces lightweight porous bricks with acceptable strength at lower sintering temperature. The best combination of strength and porosity was achieved for a mixture of 10 wt% of BNS ash in the diatomaceous earth sintered at 850 °C. The achieved high porosity was 49%, density 1.06 g/cm 3 , thermal conductivity 0.20 W/(m K) and the compressive strength was 8.5 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out of 163 STEMI patients, 33 presented left ventricular remodeling (LVR) as assessed by multiple cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. LVR patients were identified as EarlyLVR (LVR occurring between baseline and 3 months) or LateLVR (LVR occurring between 3 months and one year), and matched to non-remodeler patients in term of age, gender, anterior infarction, baseline LV ejection fraction and infarct size. ST2 and NT-proBNP were measured at baseline and 3 months. Systolic wall stress (SWS) was calculated by CMR. At baseline, mean levels of ST2, NT-proBNP and SWS were 67.1 ± 54.1 ng/mL, 1529 ± 1702 ng/L and 17.9 ± 7.1 10 3  N·m −2 , respectively, and did not differ among the groups. At 3 months, EarlyLVR patients presented significant higher ST2, NT-proBNP and SWS (31.6 ± 12.7 ng/mL, 1142 ± 1069 ng/L, 25.5 ± 9.7 10 3  N·m −2 ), compared to the corresponding non-remodelers (20.5 ± 8.6 ng/mL, 397 ± 273 ng/L, 18 ± 7.3 10 3  N·m −2 ; with p = 0.017, 0.040, and 0.036, respectively). LateLVR patients presented higher ST2 at 3 months than their non-remodelers (33.6 ± 15.9 versus 23.66 ± 8.7 ng/mL, p = 0.046), while NT-proBNP and SWS were not different between groups at both timepoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the links between poverty and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ensuing implications for the prevention of kidney disease and care of kidney patients in said populations. Topics discussed include the higher incidence of end stage renal disease among the less advantaged indigenous populations in developed countries, the role of poverty-related factors in the development of CKD in low-income countries and limited access to resources to meet treatments costs among the poor.

Rationale: The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) 5-HT receptor is localized in brain areas mediating memory; however, the role of this receptor on memory remains little explored. Objective: First, demonstrating the associative nature of Pavlovian/instrumental autoshaping (P/I-A) task, rats were exposed (three sessions) to CS-US (Pavlovian autoshaping), truly random control, free operant, and presentations of US or CS, and they were compared with rats trained-tested for one session to the P/I-A procedure. Also, effects of the 5-HT receptor agonist LP-211 administered intraperitoneally after training was determined on short- (1.5 h) and long-term memory 24 and 48 h) and on scopolamine-induced memory impairment and cAMP production. Methods: Autoshaping and its behavioral controls were studied. Other animals were subjected to an autoshaping training session and immediately afterwards were given (intraperitoneal) vehicle or LP-211 (0.1-10 mg/kg) and/or scopolamine (0.2 mg/kg) and tested for short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM); their brains were extracted for the cAMP ELISA immunoassay. Results: P/I-A group produced the higher %CR. LP-211 did not affect STM; nonetheless, at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, it improved LTM. The 5-HT receptor antagonist SB-269970 (SB; 10.0 mg/kg) alone had no effect; nevertheless, the LP-211 (1.0 mg/kg) LTM facilitation was reversed by SB. The scopolamine (0.2 mg/kg) induced-decrement in CR was accompanied by significant increased cAMP production. The scopolamine-induced decrement in CR and increments in cAMP were significantly attenuated by LP-211. Conclusions: Autoshaping is a reliable associative learning task whose consolidation is facilitated by the 5-HT receptor agonist LP-211. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in disadvantaged populations. Topics discussed include the incidence of CKD in developed countries, low birth weight and risk of CKD in the disadvantaged populations, and disparities in access to renal replacement therapy (RRT). The bidirectional relationship between poverty and CKD is also examined.

Population genetic analyses based on both mitochondrial cytochrome b and the internal transcribed spacer 2 of recombinant (r)DNA genes were implemented to examine hypotheses of population differentiation in the angular angel shark Squatina guggenheim, one of the four most-widespread endemic species inhabiting coastal ecosystems in the south-western Atlantic Ocean. A total of 82 individuals of S. guggenheim from 10 sampling sites throughout the Río de la Plata mouth, its maritime front, the outer shelf at the subtropical confluence and the coastal areas of the south-west Atlantic Ocean, were included. The analysis of molecular variance ( AMOVA) based on the second internal transcribed spacer ( its-2) region supports that the samples from the outer shelf represent an isolated group from other sites. Historical gene flow in a coalescent-based approach revealed significant immigration and emigration asymmetry between sampling sites. Based on the low level of genetic diversity, the existence of a long-term population decline or a past recent population expansion following a population bottleneck could be proposed in S. guggenheim. This demographic differentiation suggests a degree of vulnerability to overexploitation in this endemic and endangered south-west Atlantic Ocean shark, given its longevity and low reproductive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of binary mixtures on square lattices is studied by combining theoretical modeling and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in grand canonical ensemble. The adsorption thermodynamics is analyzed through the total and partial isotherms. Two theoretical models have been used in the present study: (i) the first, which we called cluster approximation (CA), is based on exact calculations of configurations on finite cells. An efficient algorithm allows us to calculate the detailed structure of the configuration space for $$m = l \times l $$ cells; and (ii) the second is a generalization of the classical quasi-chemical approximation (QCA) in which the adsorbate is a binary mixture of species $$a$$ and $$b$$ . Adsorbate-adsorbate lateral interactions are incorporated in the context of the two mentioned approximations. Results from CA and QCA are compared with MC simulations. Close agreement between simulated and theoretical data supports the validity of the theoretical models to describe the adsorption of mixed gases on two-dimensional surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supernatant resulting from the anaerobic digestion of sludge generated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is an attractive flow for technologies such as partial nitritation–anammox (CANON), nitrite shortcut (NSC) and struvite crystallization processes (SCP). The high concentration of N and P and its low flow rate facilitate the removal of nutrients under more favorable conditions than in the main water line. Despite their operational and economic benefits, the environmental burdens of these technologies also need to be assessed to prove their feasibility under a more holistic perspective. The potential environmental implications of these technologies were assessed using life cycle assessment, first at pilot plant scale, later integrating them in a modeled full WWTP. Pilot plant results reported a much lower environmental impact for N removal technologies than SCP. Full-scale modeling, however, highlighted that the differences between technologies were not relevant once they are integrated in a WWTP. The impacts associated with the WWTP are slightly reduced in all categories except for eutrophication, where a substantial reduction was achieved using NSC, SCP, and especially when CANON and SCP were combined. This study emphasizes the need for assessing wastewater treatment technologies as part of a WWTP rather than as individual processes and the utility of modeling tools for doing so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory allergies rely on a defect of IL-10-secreting regulatory CD4+ T-cells ( IL-10- Tregs) leading to excessive Th2-biased immune responses to allergens. According to clinical data, the restoration of allergen-specific IL-10- Tregs is required to control respiratory allergies and cure patients. The discovery of mechanisms involved in the generation of IL-10- Tregs will thus help to provide effective treatments. We previously demonstrated that dendritic cells ( DCs) expressing high levels of the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein ( GILZ) generate antigen-specific IL-10- Tregs. Objective We suspect a defective expression of GILZ in the DCs of respiratory allergic patients and speculate that increasing its expression might restore immune tolerance against allergens through the induction of IL-10- Tregs. Methods We assessed GILZ expression in blood DCs of patients and healthy nonallergic donors by qPCR. We compared the ability of patients' DCs to induce allergen-specific IL-10- Tregs before and after an in vivo up-regulation of GILZ expression by steroid administration, steroids being inducers of GILZ. Results We report lower levels of GILZ in DCs of respiratory allergic patients that return to normal levels after steroid administration. We show that patients' DCs with increased levels of GILZ generate allergen-specific IL-10- Tregs again. We further confirm unequivocally that GILZ is required in patients' DCs to activate these IL-10- Tregs. Conclusion This proof of concept study shows that the re-establishment of GILZ expression in patients' DCs to normal levels restores their capacity to activate allergen-specific IL-10- Tregs. We thus highlight the up-regulation of GILZ in DCs as a new interventional approach to restore the immune tolerance to allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first ecological restoration of mining tailing were carried out in the Mining District of Cartagena-La Unión in 1982, by means of the sealing of the mining wastes with a layer of 0.5m of soil, to allow the colonization by the vegetation. This study provides an evaluation of the metal mobilization on those mining ponds restored 30 years ago under semiarid Mediterranean climate conditions. With this objective, to guarantee independence of samples, up to six restored mine tailings with a well-developed vegetation cover with trees and herbaceous species were studied. The metals content in the soil profile was evaluated, as well as the heavy metals transference to wild plant communities. Results show that after 30 years the sealing did not prevent the ascent of heavy metals to the soil surface, reaching levels which are above the levels established by normative. The lowest values in the soil profile were found in the soil surface but even those, the total heavy metal showed 12mg/kg, 4616mg/kg, 67mg/kg, and 3635mg/kg, for Cd, Pb, As and Zn respectively in topsoil. Furthermore Dittrichia viscosa, Tetraclinis articulata, Thymelaea hirsuta, Teucrium capitatum and Hyparrenia hirta showed excessive levels in its tissues for Cd or Zn. Therefore topsoil of restored mining tailings does not remain unpolluted after 30 years and still remain a high mobility and bioaccumulation for metals, especially for Cd and Zn. In this regard, the sealing of the mining tailing with a soil cover is not enough and before the sealing the installation of physical barriers on mining waste should be employed to breaks the bottom-up flux of metallic salts. The efforts should be oriented to look for cheaper but effective materials to be employed in the building of capillary barriers which can be used in large areas. It should be considered a basic step for environmental restoration of these mining areas in order to avoid capillary rise of heavy metal salts that finally will contaminate again the soil surface in the long term. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mid-trimester scan showed a high-output aneurysmal dilation of the vein of Galen with hemodynamic and neurological repercussions. Tetracameral cardiomegaly, pulsatility index of umbilical artery with absence of diastole and periventricular leukomalacia were detected. After a normal course pregnancy and delivery of a healthy newborn, a follow-up ultrasound at week 28 showed moderate polyhydramnios and an intracranial vascular malformation. [Extracted from the article]

Morphological US at week 20 revealed left pelvis dilatation of 5.6mm, single umbilical artery and absent stomach bubble within a two-hour interval period. US at our centre at week 23 demonstrated pouch sign so final diagnosis of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA with TEF) was made. First-trimester ultrasound (US) was normal and aneuploidy screening showed low risk. [Extracted from the article]

Elliptical galaxies are systems where dark matter is usually less necessary to explain observed dynamics than in the case of spiral galaxies; however, there are some instances where Newtonian gravity and the observable mass are insufficient to explain their observed structure and kinematics. Such is the case of NGC 4649, a massive elliptical galaxy in the Virgo cluster for which recent studies report a high fraction of dark matter, 0.78 at 4Re. However, this galaxy has been studied within the MOdified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) hypothesis, where a good agreement with the observed values of velocity dispersion is found. Using a MONDian gravity force law, here we model this galaxy as a self-consistent gravitational equilibrium dynamical system. This force law reproduces the MOND phenomenology in the a < a0 regime, and reduces to the Newtonian case when a > a0 . Within the MONDian a < a0 scales, centrifugal equilibrium or dispersion velocities become independent of radius, and show a direct proportionality to the fourth root of the total baryonic mass, V4 α (MGa0). We find that the recent detailed observations of the surface brightness profile and the velocity dispersion profile for this galaxy are consistent with the phenomenology expected in MONDian theories of modified gravity, without the need to invoke the presence of any hypothetical dark matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a versatile double imaging particle coincidence spectrometer operating in fully continuous mode, named DELICIOUS III, which combines a velocity map imaging device and a modified Wiley-McLaren time of flight momentum imaging analyzer for photoelectrons and photoions, respectively. The spectrometer is installed in a permanent endstation on the DESIRS vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) beamline at the French National Synchrotron Radiation Facility SOLEIL, and is dedicated to gas phase VUV spectroscopy, photoionization, and molecular dynamics studies. DELICIOUS III is capable of recording mass-selected threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence spectra with a sub-meV resolution, and the addition of a magnifying lens inside the electron drift tube provides a sizeable improvement of the electron threshold/ion mass resolution compromise. In fast electron mode the ultimate kinetic energy resolution has been measured at ΔE/E = 4%. The ion spectrometer offers a mass resolution-full separation of adjacent masses-of 250 amu for moderate extraction fields and the addition of an electrostatic lens in the second acceleration region allows measuring the full 3D velocity vector for a given mass with an ultimate energy resolution of ΔE/E = 15%, without sacrificing the mass resolution. Hence, photoelectron images are correlated both to the mass and to the ion kinetic energy and recoil direction, to access the electron spectroscopy of size-selected species, to study the photodissociation processes of state-selected cations in detail, or to measure in certain cases photoelectron angular distributions in the ion recoil frame. The performances of DELICIOUS III are explored through several examples including the photoionization of N2, NO, and CF3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at the identification of microorganisms present in the scum layer of the settler compartment of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, and to evaluate their role in the biological oxidation of sulphides. The experiments were conducted using scum samples taken from two pilot-scale UASB reactors, both treating domestic wastewater. Microorganisms similar to Beggiatoa sp., Thiotrix sp. and species of cyanobacteriawere identified based on their morphology, and most of them have been shown to be capable of carrying out sulphur oxidation. Tests of biological oxidation of sulphides using scum and cultures of the cyanobacteria Phormidium and Pseudoanabaena showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of the sulphides, suggesting that the microorganisms present in the scum layer can play a role in the minimization of odour emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World Kidney Day on 8 March 2012 provides a chance to reflect on the success of kidney transplantation as a therapy for end-stage kidney disease that surpasses dialysis treatments both for the quality and quantity of life that it provides and for its cost effectiveness. Anything that is both cheaper and better, but is not actually the dominant therapy, must have other drawbacks that prevent replacement of all dialysis treatments by transplantation. The barriers to universal transplantation as the therapy for end-stage kidney disease include the economic limitations which, in some countries, place transplantation, appropriately, at a lower priority than public health fundamentals such as clean water, sanitation, and vaccination. Even in high-income countries, the technical challenges of surgery and the consequences of immunosuppression restrict the number of suitable recipients, but the major finite restrictions on kidney transplantation rates are the shortage of donated organs and the limited medical, surgical, and nursing workforces with the required expertise. These problems have solutions which involve the full range of societal, professional, governmental, and political environments. World Kidney Day is a call to deliver transplantation therapy to the 1 million people a year who have a right to benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World Kidney Day on March 8th, 2012, provides a chance to reflect on the success of kidney transplantation as a therapy for end-stage kidney disease that surpasses dialysis treatments, both for the quality and quantity of life, that it provides and for its cost effectiveness. Anything that is both cheaper and better, but is not actually the dominant therapy, must have other drawbacks that prevent replacement of all dialysis treatment by transplantation. The barriers to universal transplantation as the therapy for end-stage kidney disease include the economic limitations which, in some countries place transplantation, appropriately, at a lower priority than public health fundamentals such as clean water, sanitation and vaccination. Even in high-income countries the technical challenges of surgery and the consequences of immunosuppression restrict the number of suitable recipients, but the major finite restrictions on kidney transplantation rates are the shortage of donated organs and the limited medical, surgical and nursing workforces with the required expertise. These problems have solutions which involve the full range of societal, professional, governmental and political environments. World Kidney Day is a call to deliver transplantation therapy to the one million people a year who have a right to benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is to prevent pollution. However, it is necessary to assess their sustainability in order to ensure that pollution is being removed, not displaced. In this research, the performance of 24 WWTPs has been evaluated using a streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with Eutrophication Potential (EP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) as environmental indicators, and operational costs as economic indicators. WWTPs were further classified in six typologies by their quality requirements according to their final discharge point or water reuse. Moreover, two different functional units (FU), one based on volume (m3) and the other on eutrophication reduction (kg PO4 3− removed) were used to further determine sustainability. A correlation between legal requirements and technologies used to achieve them was found: Organic matter removal plants were found to be less costly both in environmental and economic terms if volume was used as the functional unit, while more demanding typologies such as reuse plants showed a trade-off between lower EP and higher cost and GWP; however, this is overcome if the second FU is used instead, proving the sustainability of these options and that this FU better reflects the objectives of a WWTP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A protein concentrate from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) was produced under alkaline conditions. Solubility, recovery of proteins, electrophoretic profile, as well as changes in the pattern of solubility of proteins recovered were determined. In the gels, its capability (functional-technological) was evaluated in terms of texture profile analysis, folding test, water holding capacity, and color attributes. The alkaline treatment promoted the autolysis of myosin heavy chain; however, the alkaline concentrate showed better gel formation ability compared with the mantle, resulting in gel strength of 11.83 ± 0.66 and 21.53 ± 2.95 N · cm at 75% and 90% compression, respectively. Nevertheless, the gels prepared from protein concentrate showed a low water holding capacity (38.1 ± 0.1%), while the folding test showed gels grade C-A and C-B for protein concentrate and mantle, respectively. Se elaboro un concentrado proteico a partir de calamar gigante (Dosidicus gigas) bajo condiciones alcalinas. Se monitoreo la solubilidad, recuperacion de proteinas, el perfil electroforetico, asi como cambios en el patron de solubilidad de las proteinas recuperadas. En los geles se evaluo su capacidad funcional-tecnologica en terminos de su analisis del perfil de textura, prueba de doblado, capacidad de retencion de agua y los atributos de color. El tratamiento alcalino promovio la autolisis de la cadena pesada de miosina; sin embargo el concentrado alcalino mostro una mejor capacidad de formacion de geles en comparacion con el manto, obteniendose fuerzas de gel de 11,83 ± 0,66 y 21,53 ± 2,95 N · cm en compresiones al 75% y 90%, respectivamente. No obstante los geles elaborados a partir del concentrado proteico mostraron una pobre capacidad de retencion de agua (38,1 ± 0,1%), mientras que la prueba de doblado mostro geles grado C-A y C-B para concentrado proteico y manto, respectivamente. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report on nanocalorimetric measurements of 50nm thick toluene films at heating rates spanning 600 to 8×104 K/s. The films are grown from the vapour at 90K directly onto the nanocalorimetric cell. The kinetic and thermodynamic stability of as-deposited films is higher than the stability of films cooled from the supercooled liquid at 2000K/s. We also show that at those heating rates, the calorimetric T g does not correlate with the relaxation time obtained by dielectric spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study addresses the control of linear systems subject to both sensor and actuator saturations and additive L2-bounded disturbances. Supposing that only the output of the linear plant is measurable, the synthesis of stabilising output feedback dynamic controllers, allowing to ensure the internal closed-loop stability and the finite L2-gain stabilisation, is considered. In this case, it is shown that the closed-loop system presents a nested saturation term. Therefore, based on the use of some modified sector conditions and appropriate variable changes, synthesis conditions in a ‘quasi’- linear matrix inequality (LMI) form are stated in both regional (local) as well as global stability contexts. Different LMI-based optimisation problems for computing a controller in order to maximise the disturbance tolerance, the disturbance rejection or the region of stability of the closed-loop system are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Growing evidence indicates that 5-hydrohytryptamine (5-HT) receptors mediate learning and memory. Particularly interesting are 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 receptors, which are localized in brain areas involved in memory formation. Interestingly, recently selective 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 receptor agonists and antagonists have become available. Previous evidence indicates that 5-HT6 or 5-HT7 receptors antagonists had no effects, improved memory formation and/or reversed amnesia. Herein, the effects of EMD (a 5-HT6 receptor agonist) and AS19 (a 5-HT7 receptor agonist) in the associative learning task of autoshaping were studied. Post-training systemic administration of EMD (1–10mg/kg) or AS19 (1–10mg/kg) were tested in short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). Results showed that only EMD 5.0mg/kg impaired both STM and LTM. AS19 at 1–10mg/kg significantly impaired STM but not LTM. In those groups used to test only LTM, EMD impaired it; while AS19 improved LTM. Moreover, in the interaction experiments, the STM EMD-impairment effect was partially reversed by the selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB-399885 (10mg/kg). The STM AS19-impairment effect (5.0mg/kg) was not altered by the selective 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635 (0.3mg/kg) but reversed by the selective 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB-269970 (10.0mg/kg). The AS19-SB-269970 combination impaired LTM. Taken together these data suggest that the stimulation of 5-HT6 impaired both STM and LTM. 5-HT7 receptors stimulation impaired STM but improved LTM. And these results are discussed in the context of their possible neural bases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Traditionally, the search for memory circuits has been focused on examinations of amnesic and AD patients, cerebral lesions and neuroimaging. A complementary alternative has become the use of autoradiography with radioligands, aiming to identify neurobiological markers associated with memory formation, amnesia states and (more recently) recovery from memory deficits. Indeed, ex vivo autoradiographic studies offer the advantage of detecting functionally active receptors altered by pharmacological tools during memory formation, amnesia states and memory recovery. Moreover, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) systems have become a pharmacological and genetic target in the treatment of memory disorders. Herein evidence from studies involving expression of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT4, and 5-HT6 receptors in memory formation, amnesia conditions (e.g., pharmacological models or aging) and recovery of memory is reviewed. Thus, specific 5-HT receptors were expressed in trained animals relative to untrained in brain areas such as cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. However, relative to the control group, rats showing amnesia or recovered memory, showed in the hippocampus, region where explicit memory is formed, a complex pattern of 5-HT receptor expression. An intermediate expression occurred in amygdala, septum and some cortical areas in charge of explicit memory storage. Even in brain areas thought to be in charge of procedural memory such as basal ganglia, animals showing recovered memory displayed an intermediate expression, while amnesic groups, depending on the pharmacological amnesia model, showed up- or down-regulation. In conclusion, evidence indicates that autoradiography, by using specific radioligands, offers excellent opportunities to map dynamic changes in brain areas engaged in these cognitive processes. The 5-HT modulatory role strengthens or suppresses memory is critically depend on the timing of the memory formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Natural mycoflora and fumonisins were analysed in 490 samples of freshly harvested corn (Zea mays L.) (2003 and 2004 crops) collected at three points in the producing chain from the Northern region of Parana State, Brazil, and correlated to the time interval between the harvesting and the pre-drying step. The two crops showed a similar profile concerning the fungal frequency, and Fusarium sp. was the prevalent genera (100%) for the sampling sites from both crops. Fumonisins were detected in all samples from the three points of the producing chain (2003 and 2004 crops). The levels ranged from 0.11 to 15.32 µg g-1in field samples, from 0.16 to 15.90 µg g-1in reception samples, and from 0.02 to 18.78 µg g-1in pre-drying samples (2003 crop). Samples from the 2004 crop showed lower contamination and fumonisin levels ranged from 0.07 to 4.78 µg g-1in field samples, from 0.03 to 4.09 µg g-1in reception samples, and from 0.11 to 11.21 µg g-1in pre-drying samples. The mean fumonisin level increased gradually from ≤ 5.0 to 19.0 µg g-1as the time interval between the harvesting and the pre-drying step increased from 3.22 to 8.89 h (2003 crop). The same profile was observed for samples from the 2004 crop. Fumonisin levels and the time interval (ρ = 0.96) showed positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05), indicating that delay in the drying process can increase fumonisin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of metallic minerals and the mineral dressing operations in concentrators produced a high impact in soils and sediments. Heavy metals in soils constitute a high risk of pollution, not only for mining areas, but also for agriculture and villages placed in subsidiary areas. This research has been focused on the assessment of the real environmental and health hazards of Zn in relation to geochemistry and metal mobility in surface soils from a mining area in SE Spain, under semiarid weather conditions. Mineralogy of the studied soils revealed major presence of quartz, but also of other silicates, sulfates, carbonates, and sulfides. Regarding Zn minerals, the presence of sphalerite as the main Zn sulfide, and of goslarite as Zn sulfate, and of smithsonite as Zn carbonate should be highlighted. Soil pH ranged between 4.4 and 4.9 and the electrical conductivity between 55 and 85μS/cm. By using the sequential extraction procedure, the achieved results show that zinc is not only mainly associated to primary but also to secondary sulfides. Total concentration of the non-available fractions rises up to 98.45% of total Zn in the studied soils. On the other hand, available Zn fraction did not exceed more than 1.55% in percentage and less than 2000ppm in absolute terms, and when referred to more easily available fraction (water-soluble and exchangeable fractions), these values are not more than 0.44% and then 800ppm. Therefore, although there is a significant pollution level in this area, immediate hazard for the environment can be assessed as moderate. Finally it should be highlighted that these surface soils have undergone concentration processes of sphalerite, whose mechanisms should be related to the ascending flow of capillary water and the dragging of sphalerite crystals and Zn salts by electrokinetic and colloidal processes These processes seem to occur based on environmental pollution by wind and water erosion, and therefore directly associated to environmental pollution and risks by free metals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a highly polluting wastewater, caused by a high organic load and phenol content. These characteristics suggest that it may be suitable for aerobic treatment and anaerobic bacterial digestion. Aerobic treatment coupled with anaerobic bacterial digestion may be economically feasible as the methane produced is a valuable energy source while simultaneously purifying the OMW. In an attempt to improve the overall performance of the process, the addition of a co-substrate such as whey to the aerobic treatment pre-treatment of OMW by the yeast Candida tropicalis was studied. The two-stage system operated satisfactorily up to an organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.0kgCODL−1 day−1 with a biogas production rate of 1.25Lbiogas Lreactor −1 day−1 and a total COD reduction in excess of 93% (62% COD reduction in aerobic pretreatment and 83% COD reduction in anaerobic digestion). Fifty-four percent of the phenol was biodegraded during the aerobic treatment stage, and biogas with between 68% and 75% methane was produced during anaerobic digestion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a rare variant of severe asthma resulting from hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus (Asp f) present in the airways. Aims of the study: We analyzed the expression of a panel of six chemokine receptors (CCR3, CCR4, CCR8, CCR5, CXCR3 and CXCR4) on total blood CD4+ T cells and Asp f-specific-T cells in ABPA patients. We hypothesized that chemokine receptor pattern on T cells differs between ABPA patients, non-ABPA allergic asthmatics sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) or Phleum pratense (Phl p) and healthy controls. Methods: We used the fluorescent dye PKH26, a membrane bound marker, to identify accumulated proliferating (cell-sorted PKH26low) CD4+ T cells in response to allergens (Asp f, Der p, Phl p) or recall antigens (PPD and TT). Chemokine receptor expression was analyzed by flow cytometry on proliferating CD3+ CD4+ PKH26low cells. Results: Stimulation of CD4+ T cells with the relevant allergen resulted in different patterns of chemokine receptor expression in ABPA and non-ABPA allergic asthmatics. Upon Asp f exposure, proliferating CD4+ T cells from ABPA patients down-regulated the expression of CCR4 and CXCR3 while CCR4 and CXCR3 were up-regulated in allergen-specific T cells from non-ABPA allergic asthmatics. Considering each group of patients, the pattern of chemokine receptors expressed on proliferating allergen-specific CD4+ T cells was similar to that expressed by recall antigen-specific T cells. Conclusions: The down-regulation of CCR4 and CXCR3 after allergen exposure in Asp f-specific T cells seems to be a characteristic feature of ABPA patients and requires further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sourcing of novel, inexpensive biowastes such as olive mill waste (OMW) from the two-decanter olive-oil-production system offers potential for the removal of metal ions by biosorption. OMW can be used in repeated regeneration cycles for the adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The metal ions sequestered can be released in an acid solution until the concentration of these metal ions reaches a level where conventional methods can be used to provide economic metal recovery and potential revenue generation. The ability of this biomass to adsorb more than one metal ion from solution may increase its potential for application in the wastewater industry since the majority of industrial effluents contain more than one metallic species. Metal ion adsorption was found to increase with the speed of agitation and at an optimum pH value of between 4 and 7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Avidity tests can be used to discriminate between cattle that are acutely and chronically infected with the intracellular parasite Neospora caninum. The aim of this study was to compare the IgG avidity ELISA tests being used in four European laboratories. A coded panel of 200 bovine sera from well documented naturally and experimentally N. caninum infected animals were analysed at the participating laboratories by their respective assay systems and laboratory protocols. Comparing the numeric test results, the concordance correlation coefficients were between 0.479 and 0.776. The laboratories categorize the avidity results into the classes “low” and “high” which are considered indicative of recent and chronic infection, respectively. Three laboratories also use an “intermediate” class. When the categorized data were analysed by Kappa statistics there was moderate to substantial agreements between the laboratories. There was an overall better agreement for dichotomized results than when an intermediate class was also used. Taken together, this first ring test for N. caninum IgG avidity assays showed a moderate agreement between the assays used by the different laboratories to estimate the IgG avidity. Our experience suggests that avidity tests are sometimes less robust than conventional ELISAs. Therefore, it is essential that they are carefully standardised and their performance continuously evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]