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The European research community, via European Space Agency (ESA) spaceflight opportunities, has significantly contributed toward our current understanding of spaceflight biology. Recent molecular biology experiments include “omic” analysis, which provides a holistic and systems level understanding of the mechanisms underlying phenotypic adaptation. Despite vast interest in, and the immense quantity of biological information gained from space omics research, the knowledge of ESA-related space omics works as a collective remains poorly defined due to the recent exponential application of omics approaches in space and the limited search capabilities of pre-existing records. Thus, a review of such contributions is necessary to clarify and promote the development of space omics among ESA and ESA state members. To address this gap, in this review, we i) identified and summarized omics works led by European researchers, ii) geographically described these omics works, and iii) highlighted potential caveats in complex funding scenarios among ESA member states., QC 20221122

It is known that large amounts of residual lignin are generated in the pulp and paper industry. A new alternative for Kraft lignin valorization, which consists of first a chemical modification using a diisocyanate and then the efficient dispersion in castor oil to achieve stable gel-like systems, is proposed in this work. Rheological properties and microstructure of these materials were determined by means of small amplitude oscillatory shear tests and viscous flow measurements and atomic force microscopy observations, respectively. Moreover, both standardized penetration tests and tribological assays, usually performed in the lubricant industry, were carried out to evaluate the performance characteristics as lubricating greases. Linear viscoelasticity functions are affected by the lignin/diisocyanate ratio and thickener concentration. The thermorheological response evidenced a softening temperature of around 105 °C. The microstructure of these gel-like dispersions is composed of interconnected thin fibers, homogeneously distributed in castor oil. Moreover, the NCO-functionalized lignin gel-like dispersions studied show lower friction coefficients than traditional lubricating greases.It is known that large amounts of residual lignin are generated in the pulp and paper industry. A new alternative for Kraft lignin valorization, which consists of first a chemical modification using a diisocyanate and then the efficient dispersion in castor oil to achieve stable gel-like systems, is proposed in this work. Rheological properties and microstructure of these materials were determined by means of small amplitude oscillatory shear tests and viscous flow measurements and atomic force microscopy observations, respectively. Moreover, both standardized penetration tests and tribological assays, usually performed in the lubricant industry, were carried out to evaluate the performance characteristics as lubricating greases. Linear viscoelasticity functions are affected by the lign

Within the realm of renewable energies, biomass will play a fundamental role in the coming years, especially due to the rise in the prices of fossil fuels, the doubtful safety of nuclear energy, and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. In Almería (SE Spain), a million tonnes of plant wastes are generated per year from greenhouse crops such as Cucurbita pepo L., Cucumis sativus L., Solanum melongena L., Solanum lycopersicum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Capsicum annuum L., Citrillus vulgaris Schrad, and Cucumis melo L., which have an energy potential of around a million MWh year-1. The aim of the present work is to conduct structural analyses (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and extractives) together with new HHV prediction models based on these parameters. For the analyses, internationally recognised methods and norms were used. Also, in the 15 univariate and multivariate prediction equations formulated, R2 and adjusted R2 proved higher in all cases (0.748 and 0.717), respectively, with the mean absolute percentage error varying between 0.119 and 0.623. Finally, only 10 equations were validated.

Research in microgravity is indispensable to disclose the impact of gravity on biological processes and organisms. However, research in the near-Earth orbit is severely constrained by the limited number of flight opportunities. Ground-based simulators of microgravity are valuable tools for preparing spaceflight experiments, but they also facilitate stand-alone studies and thus provide additional and cost-efficient platforms for gravitational research. The various microgravity simulators that are frequently used by gravitational biologists are based on different physical principles. This comparative study gives an overview of the most frequently used microgravity simulators and demonstrates their individual capacities and limitations. The range of applicability of the various ground-based microgravity simulators for biological specimens was carefully evaluated by using organisms that have been studied extensively under the conditions of real microgravity in space. In addition, current heterogeneous terminology is discussed critically, and recommendations are given for appropriate selection of adequate simulators and consistent use of nomenclature.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the influence of nutrition and its interaction with the photoperiod on the ovarian activity of Criollo goats. In early February (22° NL, anestrous season) goats were randomly assigned to the two experimental groups high (HN; n=10) and low (LN; n=10) nutrition goats. The HN group was fed in mixed prairies with grass and clover (17.3±7.5% of crude protein, CP; 66.3±5.7% dry organic matter, DOM) and received 150 g of concentrate (12% CP) per goat and day. The LN group received only corn stubble (6.2±0.7% CP, 53.7±1.9% DOM). Serum progesterone (P4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were measured (RIA) at three selected periods of seasonal anestrous early (8-24th March), mid (13th April- 3rd May) and late (26th May- 14th June) anestrous. Body weight, body condition and body condition index were determined at the beginning of the study and every 14 days. Body weight was positively correlated with serum T3 (r=0.704; p<0.05). The percentage of cycling does during the three examined periods was higher (p<0.05) in the HN group than in the LN group (80 vs. 30%, 80 vs. 20%, and 60 vs. 10%, respectively). The high nutrition level increased reproductive activity of Criollo goats during all three periods of the anestrous season including deep anestrous. Copyright © 2009 by the Society for Biology of Reproduction.