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Silk fibroin (SF) microparticles were administered in the diet of gilthead seabream with or without experimental skin wounds to study the effects on cellular immunity and liver. A commercially available diet was enriched with varying amount of SF: 0, 50 and 100 mg kg−1 (representing the control, SF50 and SF100 diets respectively). The animals were fed for 30 days and half of them were sampled. Similar experimental wounds were then performed on the rest of fish, and they continued to be fed the same diet. At 7 days post‐wounding, samples were taken from the wounded fish. Cellular immunity was studied on head kidney leucocytes (phagocytosis, respiratory and peroxidase content) and liver status (histological study and gene expression) were studied. Our results showed that experimental wounds affect both cellular immunity (by decreasing leucocyte respiratory burst and peroxidase activity) and altered liver histology (by inducing vascularisation and congestion of blood vessels). In addition, it influences the expression of genes that serve as markers of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. The highest dose of SF (SF100) increased the phagocytic capacity of leucocytes the most, as well as the expression of genes related to blood vessel formation in the liver. Furthermore, increased expression of antioxidant genes (cat and gsr) and decreased expression of genes related to reticulum endoplasmic stress (grp94 and grp170) and apoptosis (nos and jnk) were detected in these fish fed with SF100 and wounded. In conclusion, fed fish with SF100 had many beneficial effects as cellular immunostimulant and hepatoprotection in wounded fish. Its use could be of great interest for stress management in farmed fish conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxide thin films were grown on (111)-oriented MgO substrates via the DC magnetron sputtering technique. High-purity copper was used as target material. The films were grown in an atmosphere of pure argon at a pressure of 1.27 torr. The substrate temperature was maintained at 400 °C during the growth. After deposition, the films were annealed in-situ in an argon/oxygen atmosphere (80%/20%) at 450 °C for either two or four minutes. It was found that the annealing time was a sensitive process parameter for achieving single- or mixed-phase copper oxide thin films. The single-phase cuprous (Cu2O) oxide films were obtained with the shorter annealing time (two minutes). Longer annealing times led to destabilization of the Cu2O phase, concomitant with the formation of the cupric oxide (CuO) phase in the sample. From optical spectroscopy studies, a band gap value of 2.4 eV was determined for the Cu2O films. This value decreased for the mixed-phase films. Near-infrared spectroscopy spectra were characterized by the presence of troughs and peaks, probably stemming from volume and surface scattering. Furthermore, differences in the intensity of the absorption with the chosen annealing process were observed, which were probably associated with slight variations in the grain size and/or morphology of the films. The electrical behavior of the films was investigated by means of complex impedance spectroscopy and DC transport measurements. Strong dependence of the electrical properties on the frequency and temperature was observed. The impedance spectra were well modeled in terms of equivalent electrical circuits. As a result, it was found that the predominant contribution to the resistance and capacitance of the Cu2O films came from the bulk of the grains. It was also verified that the relaxation of the charge carriers was a thermally active process with an activation energy of ~ 0.17 eV. A semiconducting-like behavior in the 100–320 K temperature range was also verified. The electronic transport mechanism in the Cu2O films was satisfactorily described within the framework of the Mott variable range hopping model. From the fit of this model to the experimental data, values as high as 3.5 × 1018 eV−1 cm−3 and ~ 12 nm were estimated for the density of states at the Fermi level and the hopping distance, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of a taxonomic revision of the species of Bryconamericus from the Amazon River Basin of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and the Pacific coastal rivers of Peru. Based on morphological analyses, four valid species are recognized: B. bolivianus Pearson 1924, B. osgoodi Eigenmann & Allen 1942, B. pachacuti Eigenmann 1927 and B. phoenicopterus (Cope 1872). Three new species are described: B. lambayequensis sp. n. from the Cañariaco River, Pacific coast, Peru and two from the Amazon River Basin: B. abalio sp. n. from the Ucayali River drainage, Peru, and B. parapetiensis sp. n. from Itenez/Parapeti, Amazonia, Bolivia. Two species are synonymized and one was recently assigned to another genus: Bryconamericus alfredae is considered a junior synonym of Acrobrycon ipanquianus; Bryconamericus grosvenori is a junior synonym of B. bolivianus. A taxonomic key to these species of Bryconamericus and comments on the conservation status of the Amazonian and Pacific coast freshwater ichthyofauna are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a new interior point method to solve linear programming problems. Known interior point methods are difficult to understand since the tools used in them are too technical, the method proposed here is easy to understand and didactic when presented. Within the feasible region, an orthonormal basis of vectors can be found, which will serve as directions to move an arbitrary initial interior point, giving way to the generation of a search path (sequence) of points within the feasible region that converges to the optimal solution to the problem. If the path converges to a vertex of the feasible region, the solution to the problem has been found, while if the path leads to one side of the feasible region, it means that one of the variables is found to be zero and the algorithm is restarted with a decrease in the number of variables. The tools used here for the construction of the new method are basic concepts of linear algebra, this allows a pedagogical facility when it comes to understanding the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) detectors have been used on Sandia National Laboratories' Z-Machine for inertial confinement fusion and magnetized liner fusion experiments to infer physics parameters including the apparent fuel-ion temperature, neutron yield, the magnetic-radius product (BR), and the liner rho-r. Single-paddle, dual-paddle, and co-axial scintillation nTOF detectors are used in axial lines-of-sight (LOS) and LOS that are 12° from the midplane. Detector fabrication, characterization, and calibration are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In inertial confinement fusion experiments, the neutron yield is an important metric for thermonuclear fusion performance. Neutron activation diagnostics can be used to infer neutron yields. The material used for neutron activation diagnostic undergoes a threshold reaction so that only neutrons having energies above the threshold energy are observed. For thermonuclear experiments using deuterium (D) and tritium (T) fuel constituents, neutrons arising from D + D reactions (DD-neutrons) and neutrons resulting from D + T reactions (DT-neutrons) are of primary interest. Indium has two neutron activation reactions that can be used to infer yields of DD-neutrons and DT-neutrons. One threshold is high enough that only DT-neutrons can induce activation, the second reaction can be activated by both DD-neutrons and DT-neutrons. Thus, to obtain the DD-neutron yield, the contribution made by DT-neutrons to the total induced activity must be extracted. In DD-fuel experiments, DT-neutrons arise from secondary reactions, which are significantly lower in number than primary DD-neutrons, and their contribution to the inferred DD-neutron yield can be ignored. When the DD- and DT-neutron yields become comparable, such as when low tritium fractions are added to DD-fuel, the contribution of DT-neutrons must be extracted to obtain accurate yields. A general method is described for this correction to DD-neutron yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay introduces new evidence for an eschatological Phoenician motif that alludes to a final sailing and its perils, represented by a monstrous lion attacking or sinking a boat. The lion-and-boat motif was, so far, only documented in a Phoenician funerary stela from late classical Athens, the Antipatros/Shem stela. Excavations at the fifth-century BCE Tartessic site of Casas del Turuñuelo in southwestern Spain has revealed a set of ivory and bone panels that decorated a wooden box, bearing relevant iconography in the so-called orientalizing style. Additional comparanda from the Levant, Iberia, and Tunisia in various media (coins, ivories, amulets), add weight to this interpretation. Our analysis highlights how the artists behind the Athenian and Tartessic artifacts were innovative in their way of representing a theme that was not codified iconographically. Most remarkable is the use of an ivory-carving convention (the Phoenician palmette motif) to portray the stylized boat, a choice corroborated by a painted pottery sherd from Olympia. This "palmette-boat" depiction, in our view, is coherent with Egyptian Nilotic boats, but also with the use of flat or shallow river-boats in the Tagus and Guadiana region, illustrating mechanisms of local adaptation of Phoenician sailing and life-death "passing" symbolism. If, as we suggest, this representation can be added to that in the Athenian document, we now have testimonies of two different local adaptations of a Phoenician theme at the two ends of the Mediterranean oikoumene between the archaic and late classical periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Adolescent exposure to ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychotropic constituent of cannabis, might affect brain development, and in rodent models leads to long-term behavioral and physiological alterations. Yet, the basic pharmacology of this drug in adolescent rodents, especially when ingested via ecologically relevant routes like aerosol inhalation, commonly referred to as "vaping," is still poorly characterized. Moreover, sex differences exist in THC metabolism, kinetics, and behavioral effects, but these have not been rigorously examined after vapor dosing in adolescents. Objectives: We investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of aerosolized THC (30 min inhalation exposure, 25 or 100 mg/ml) in adolescent Wistar rats of both sexes. Methods: Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of THC and its major metabolites was conducted on blood plasma and brain tissue at 5, 30, 60, and 120 min following a 30-min aerosol dosing session. Effects on activity in a novel environment for 120 min after aerosol, and temperature, were measured in separate rats. Results: We found sex-dependent differences in the pharmacokinetics of THC and its active (11-OH-THC) and inactive (11-COOH-THC) metabolites in the blood and brain, along with dose- and sex-dependent effects on anxiety-like and exploratory behaviors; namely, greater 11-OH-THC levels accompanied by greater behavioral effects in females at the low dose but similar hypothermic effects in both sexes at the high dose. Conclusions: These results provide a benchmark for dosing adolescent rats with aerosolized (or "vaped") THC, which could facilitate adoption by other labs of this potentially human-relevant THC exposure model to understand cannabis effects on the developing brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased interest has been shown in the study of attachment to place of residence. In this work, we adopted the comprehensive model of Scannell and Gifford (2010) to gain further insights into people's attachment to their neighborhoods by means of the psychological elements of affect, cognition, and behavior. Our objectives were to: (1) verify the suitability of the structure of the three processes of attachment to the neighborhood; (2) identify differences in these processes based on reasons for living in the neighborhood, their perception of the neighborhood, and residential wellbeing and city size where the neighborhood is located; and (3) verify whether differences in the processes of place attachment are due to sociodemographic variables such as gender, religiosity, and length of residence. For this purpose, Israel was selected as a case study. A two-component structure of (1) behavioral component and (2) cognitive-emotional component was observed. It was found that reasons for living in a neighborhood are affected not only by the behavioral component, but mainly the cognitive-emotional component. People who perceived their neighborhood as high quality showed higher levels of attachment in these two components. The important aspects affecting development of cognitive-emotional place attachment were residential well-being, perceiving the neighborhood as high quality, and city size. Our findings can contribute to enhancing understandings of place attachment, in general, and the neighborhood, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking at the time of surgery is associated with postoperative complications. Quitting smoking before surgery is linked to fewer complications during the hospital stay. This work analysed whether a smoking cessation intervention before surgery is economically worthwhile when funded by the National Health System (NHS) in Spain. Methods: The economic analysis considered costs and benefits of the intervention to the NHS for the year 2016. The population who would benefit comprised adult smokers who were ready to quit and for whom surgery requiring admission to hospital was planned. The intervention, a combination of medical counselling and use of a smoking cessation drug which should occur 12 weeks before surgery, considered one attempt only to quit smoking. Benefits were costs avoided by averting postoperative complications if cessation was successful. The analysis compared the net economic outcome (benefit minus cost of intervention) and the return on investment, for intervention funded by the NHS versus the current situation without funding. Results: Smoking cessation increased by 21·7 per cent with funding; the rate was 32·5 per cent when funded versus 10·7 per cent without funding, producing 9611 extra quitters. The cost per averted smoker was €1753 with a benefit of €503, achieving a net economic benefit of €4·8 million per year. Given the annual cost of the intervention (€17·4 million, of which €5·6 million (32·5 per cent) represents drugs), the return on investment was 28·7 per cent annually, equivalent to €1·29 per €1 of investment. Conclusion: From the perspective of the Spanish NHS, the benefit of funding smoking cessation before surgery, in terms of healthcare cost savings, appears to greatly outweigh the costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nivolumab is a fully human immunoglobulin G4 programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody that selectively blocks the interaction between PD-1, which is expressed on activated T cells, and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are expressed on immune cells and tumour cells. Patients with severe renal dysfunction and haemodialysis are not enrolled in clinical trials. However, in daily clinical practice, we have patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The scientific evidence about the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in these patients is scarce. We report three cases of mRCC patients with ESRD treated with second-line nivolumab therapy. They received both biweekly and monthly schemes. None of our patients showed grade 2–4 toxicities. Two patients achieved partial response and one progressive disease as best response. Our patients did not show increased toxicity by ESRD; also, two of the three patients had objectifiable clinical benefit. Nivolumab seems to be similarly safe for ESRD or dialysis patients as for patients without impaired kidney function (IKF). Dose adjustments might not be necessary. We suggest that patients on dialysis could be treated with nivolumab in the same way as populations without IKF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect levels in CdTe doped with Bi are studied by low temperature photoluminescence, photoinduced current transient spectroscopy, photoconductivity measurements, and optical absorption. Two centers associated with the doping with Bi are reported. The first one, a deep level located at Ev+0.71 eV, only present at low dopant concentrations, has donor character and hole-trap properties, and is mainly responsible for the high resistivity and very high photoconductivity of the samples. The second one, an acceptor center located at Ev+0.30 eV, assigned to BiTe species, is only present at high dopant concentrations and is mainly responsible for the low resistivity and poor photoconductivity of these samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living systems emit what is called ultraweak photon emission (UPE). This visually undetectable phenomenon has only been studied in humans for the last 30 years, finding that UPE is a complex process depending on multitude factors. Considering previous literature, this review discusses the current trends in the analysis of in vivo UPE from human beings. To this aim, Analytical Approaches Employed for UPE Measurement section focuses on the analytical techniques employed (photomultipliers and charged coupled device cameras), summarizing analytical conditions and reporting figures of merit reached to date. Then, Human UPE Depending on External Factors and Human UPE Depending on Internal Factors sections address external and internal factors, which have proved to affect UPE, pointing out the important influence on oxidative processes outside and inside the body, and also highlighting some personal states of the individuals affecting UPE. Last section is devoted to give a general view on the goals and achieved up to date regarding UPE measurement, emphasizing some potential applications as well as recommendations which include: use of UPE spectra information together with UPE intensity, larger populations (≈50–100 subjects), further studies on internal states of individuals, and use of statistical tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The repeated practice of unilateral sports activities has been associated with postural adaptations. However, the persistence of these adaptations may contribute to the appearance of lesions. Although there is abundant scientific literature on postural assessment in professional players, there are few studies conducted in non-professional players. Objectives: To describe the posture in the frontal and sagittal planes in a sample of non-professional tennis players, and to classify the players in postural morphotypes. Material and method: A descriptive study was conducted using a sample of 19 non-professional tennis players. A postural evaluation (photogrammetry) was performed in the three anatomical planes, where 28 alignment variables of head, trunk and limb body segments were evaluated. Descriptive analyses were carried out using the statistical package SPSS (19.0). Results: The study subjects presented in almost all of the variables measured misalignments with respect to the line of the plumb line. The most frequent misalignments found were: anterior greater trochanter of the non-dominant side (94.73%), anteriorly tragus on the dominant side (89.47%), T12 and T3 deviated towards the non-dominant side (78.95% and 68,42 % respectively), head inclined towards the dominant side (63.16%), shoulder and lower dominant scapular angle (63.16%) and L5 and xiphoid process diverted to the non-dominant side (63.16%). The most frequently found morphotypes were type E (57.89%) and C (21.05%). Conclusions: We observed a high frequency of postural misalignments in the study sample, as well as a predominance of the morphotype E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In statistics, machine learning, and related fields, feature selection is the process of choosing a smaller subset of features to work with. This is an important topic since selecting a subset of features can help analysts to interpret models and data, and to decrease computational runtimes. While many techniques are purely automatic, the data visualization community has produced a number of interactive approaches where users can make decisions taking into account their domain knowledge. In this paper we propose a new visualization technique based on radial axes that allows analysts to perform feature selection effectively, in contrast to previous radial axes methods. This is achieved by employing alternative scaled axes that provide insight regarding the features that have a smaller contribution to the visualizations. Therefore, analysts can use the technique to carry out interactive backwards feature elimination, by discarding the least relevant features according to the information on the plots and their expertise. Our approach can be coupled with any linear dimensionality reduction method, and can be used when performing analyses of cluster structure, correlations, class separability, etc. Specifically, in this paper we focus on combining the proposed technique with methods designed for classification. Lastly, we illustrate the effectiveness of our proposal through a case study analyzing high-dimensional medical chronic conditions data. In particular, clinicians have used the technique for determining the most important features that discriminate between patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we propose a successive double injection in microstructured-capillary electrophoresis for a fast, simple and easy-to-interpret comparison of samples. First, injection was optimized through three capillaries (conventional capillary of 28.5 μm id, microstructured capillary (MSC) of 6 holes of 32.8 μm each, and MSC of 61 holes of 8.9 μm each). The 6-hole MSC was selected, as it provided reproducible results, and higher volume capacity, which allowed larger injection volumes. Then, the method was applied to the analysis of different types of inks present in questioned documents. After the criterion to establish a MATCH or No match between two successive samples, a blind test with 20 pairwise comparisons between questioned signatures was finally made to demonstrate the potential of the method. The method proved to be useful in pairwise comparison analyses, as it: i) provides a fast and practical analysis; ii) maintains the same CE conditions for both samples; iii) uses simple data treatment which puts on easy interpretation on the results, interesting in court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current trends in teaching in engineering have shown the need for a change on the traditional pedagogical models, by those who promote an approach to active learning in which the involvement of all stakeholders in the process is important. In this regard, through playful methodologies it is possible to use techniques and dynamics of simulation games as an effective means to involve and motivate students to develop their skills, that commonly in the classroom or their real life situations are restricted by their role as students, which sometimes makes it difficult to understand the problems that they must face in practice. In this sense, the present article shows the methodology used for the development of a simulation game for the development of skills and competencies of students of industrial engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the micellar composition of mixed micelles of n -dodecyl-β- d -maltoside (β-C 12 G 2 ) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the photophysics and rotational diffusion of Coumarin 153 has been investigated. State-steady and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic data, including time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy ones, were used to assess the effect of the presence of the ionic surfactant on the local environment of mixed micelles. The probe molecule was found to reside close to the micellar interface, where it senses a relatively polar environment. Hydrodynamic radii data of micellar aggregates, as determined from dynamic light-scattering studies, indicated that the micellar size is controlled by a combined effect of steric and electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the two-step model together with the wobbling-in-cone one were used to analyze the fluorescence anisotropy decay, which proved to be biexponential in nature. Our experimental results suggest that the translational diffusion of the probe within micelle is the main factor controlling the depolarization mechanism of Coumarin 153 in micellar media. We conclude that the presence of the ionic surfactant in the mixed micelle causes a reduction of the micellar microviscosity. This finding was attributed to a significant relaxation of the local structure of the micellar interface as a result of the substitution of the bulky, rigid, and strongly hydrated headgroups of β-C 12 G 2 by the small and charged ones of SDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has become increasingly important due to its contribution to sustainability and a circular bioeconomy. While AD technologies are widespread in developing countries, developed countries have mainly driven research. The aim of this research is to analyze the biogas sector development from the point of view of a developing country like Colombia. AD research ranges from laboratory mesophilic AD to psychrophilic full-scale digesters, which are intergrated with household farms as a thermal energy source for cooking, nutrient recycling for agriculture, and waste management. Research on agricultural waste substrates, inocula, and co-digestion has dominated the Colombian publications, while full-scale digesters performance research is incipient. A survey of installed digesters collected information about 996 systems and found that 79% were psychrophilic low-cost tubular digesters. Regulations for biogas were reviewed, and it was found that they are not adequate for low-cost digesters and are inherited from developed countries, ignoring the national context. Five case studies are presented on the characterization of AD technology experiences, analyzing barriers and opportunities for the technology. National networks that include farmers, NGOs, and academia are driven slowly by Colombia's widespread AD technology, mainly on small-to medium-scale farms. • Half of the Colombian AD publications are from the last three years. • 79% of the digesters are low-cost and run under psychrophilic conditions. • Mesophilic AD research on substrates, co-digestion, and inoculum dominates. • There is a lack of regulation, support, and psychrophilic AD research. • Multidisciplinary networks drive the spread and research of low-cost digesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

introducción: La insuficiencia cardiaca es un síndrome complejo que produce un impacto adverso en la calidad de vida de quien lo padece. Los síntomas físicos y la función física deteriorada son algunos factores que pueden generar síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en los pacientes. Escasas investigaciones han evaluado los niveles de ansiedad y depresión en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca derecha (ICD), a diferencia de la insuficiencia cardiaca izquierda (ICI) donde la ansiedad y la depresión son comunes. Objetivo: Investigar las diferencias en los niveles de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre pacientes con ICD e ICI. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal que incluyó 124 pacientes con diagnóstico de ICI (GI) y 115 pacientes con diagnóstico de ICD (GII). Se utilizó la escala hospitalaria de ansiedad y depresión (HADS). Para determinar diferencias se utilizó t de Student y χ2, según el tipo de variable, en SPSS v25. resultados: GI: 63.37 ± 17.75 años, 67% hombres; GII: 67.33 ± 14.0 años, 63% mujeres (p > 0.05). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.001) entre los grupos (GI vs GII) en los puntajes de ansiedad (3.05 ± 3.39 vs 4.87 ± 4.23) y depresión (3.88 ± 4.17 vs 5.64 ± 3.91). De acuerdo con la clasificación de los síntomas, se encontraron diferencias significativas (p = 0.05) entre ambos grupos (GI vs GII) en los niveles de sintomatología ansiosa moderada (7.3 vs 13.9%) y grave (4.8 vs 13%). El GII presentó mayor sintomatología depresiva moderada (10.5 vs 17.4%) y grave (8.9 vs 12.2%), sin ser estadísticamente significativas. conclusiones: La depresión y la ansiedad son comunes en pacientes con ICI; no obstante, los pacientes con ICD mostraron mayores niveles de ansiedad y depresión. Lo anterior podría deberse a la congestión superior que genera un mayor deterioro cognitivo. Sin embargo, es necesaria una mayor investigación al respecto para conocer a la población y desarrollar estrategias interdisciplinarias de atención, que a su vez puedan mejorar su calidad de vida, funcionalidad y pronóstico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

introducción: La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) puede presentarse en el ventrículo derecho o izquierdo. Los síntomas generan incapacidad al paciente, por lo que es necesaria la ayuda de un cuidador primario informal (CPI) para cubrir necesidades básicas; sin embargo, asumir este rol puede generar diversos problemas para su salud mental, pudiendo verse afectada también la calidad del cuidado otorgado. Objetivo: Comparar el nivel de sobrecarga y autoeficacia percibida en cuidadores de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca derecha e izquierda. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal comparativo. Participaron 162 CPI: 109 de pacientes con IC izquierda (G1) y 53 de pacientes con IC derecha (G2). Para la evaluación de sobrecarga percibida se utilizó la escala de carga de Zarit y para evaluar la autoeficacia percibida se aplicó la escala de autoeficacia percibida en cuidadores primarios informales de enfermos crónicos. Los análisis estadísticos fueron realizados a través de SPSS v25. resultados: La edad promedio fue en el G1: 55.1 ± 13.8 años y en el G2: 55.1 ± 12.6 años. El sexo femenino predominó en ambos grupos (G1: 76.1% y G2: 73.6%). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las variables de estudio (p < 0.05): sobrecarga percibida (G1 = 21.27, sobrecarga leve; G2 = 14.65, sin sobrecarga), autoeficacia (G1 = 5.62, G2 = 23.6), impacto de cuidado (G1 = 12.51, G2 = 3.33), impacto en relaciones interpersonales (G1 = 3.13, G2 = 5.62). conclusiones: El G1 reportó sobrecarga percibida con afectaciones en diversas esferas: impacto de cuidado (estrés crónico), relaciones interpersonales y autoeficacia respecto a sus capacidades de brindar cuidado. La severidad de la sintomatología, las necesidades de cuidado y la mayor dependencia de los pacientes con IC izquierda podría estar generando mayor afectación en el G1. Investigar más sobre este tema puede favorecer el diseño de herramientas útiles para el cuidado y autocuidado de la salud en general del cuidador, ya que su condición de salud impacta en la calidad de cuidado brindado y lo pone en riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades crónicas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemibrycon guejarensis, new species, is described from the Güejar River, La Macarena mountain range, upper Guaviare River drainage, Colombia. The new species is distinguished from most cis-Andean congeners (H. jabonero Lake Maracaibo and adjacent Caribbean drainages, H. metae which is found in the Guavio River, some Orinoco and Caribbean River drainages in Venezuela, and H. taeniurus from Trinidad and adjacent mainland drainages in Venezuela) in having ii, 7, i dorsal-fin rays (vs. ii, 8). H. guejarensis is further distinguished from H. taeniurus and H. jabonero, in having a wider second pigment layer in the humeral spot (covering 3 vs. 2 scale widths). H. guejarensis is very similar to H. metae (an allopatric species also present in streams of the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and Colombia and some Venezuelan Caribbean drainages). Hemibrycon guejarensis is distinguished by the orientation of the dorsal canal which crosses the humeral spot transversely vs. horizontally across dorsal part of spot in the holotype of H. metae and Orinoco and Caribbean populations. H. guejarensis differs from H. metae in having the tip of the pectoral fin passing the pelvic-fin insertions (vs. pectoral fin tip not reaching pelvic-fin insertions). We identify populations previously considered as Hemibrycon metae from Venezuelan Orinoco River Basin piedmont streams and Caribbean drainages to be instead H. jabonero and H. taeniurus. Careful analysis of these populations indicated that all of them differ from the H. metae holotype and topotypic specimens in pelvic fin and postorbital lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal methods consist of furnishing heat to the oil, reducing its viscosity. The electromagnetic heating for oil recovery is based on the transformation of electric energy into thermal energy. It happens through a direct interaction between the electromagnetic field and the electrically sensitive particles of the medium. The physical model applied to a reservoir is based on the principles of conservation of mass, conservation of energy, and conservation of movement in porous mediums, applied to the fluids and the solid phases. This study was based on reservoirs with characteristics similar to those found in the sedimentary basins of the Brazilian Northeast. The purpose of this work is to analyze the influence of the distinct cracking reactions and the coke formation of the different models during electromagnetic heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium nitride coatings were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering technique on H13 steel and polished silicon substrates. To vary the nitrogen content in the ReNx coatings, flow rates of 2, 6, and 8 sccm were used in the nitrogen line gas, while argon flow was kept constant (40 sccm). Different substrate temperatures of 100 °C, 175 °C, and 250 °C were also evaluated. A stack of four Ti/TiN bilayers with a total thickness of 200 nm was deposited, in order to improve the adhesion of the rhenium nitride top layer. X- ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X- ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the coatings confirmed the formation of ReNx compounds with a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure for all samples produced, together with the formation of rhenium oxides and metallic rhenium. The nanohardness of the coating, measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), reached values up to 24 GPa. The coating design and hardness value obtained have not been previously reported for ReN synthesized by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and represent an important contribution to the current state of knowledge and a relevant database for future research projects on ReN. • Rhenium nitride films were obtained by reactive magnetron sputtering on H13 steel substrates. • Rhenium nitride coatings highly stable at environmental conditions were obtained. • The films were deposited varying the nitrogen content and substrate temperatures in the deposition processes. • High nanohardness of the coating, measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), reached values up to 24 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorescence quenching of human serum albumin (HSA) by diphthaloylmaslinic acid (FMA) at different pH and temperature values was investigated by both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence. The quenching was found to be appreciable, and an upward-curving Stern–Volmer trend was detected in all cases studied at high drug concentrations. This non-linear dependence reveals the presence of a not purely dynamic fluorescence-quenching mechanism. The experimental data were analyzed using the ground-state complex and sphere action quenching models. The latter model offers a good fit with the experimental results. Time-resolved studies corroborate the simultaneous presence of dynamic and sphere action quenching. The pH significantly affects the binging affinity of FMA to HSA, being stronger at pH 7.4 than at pH 3.0. Thermodynamic parameters Δ G °, Δ H °, and Δ S ° were evaluated at different temperatures to examine the nature of the binding forces between FMA and HSA. At pH 7.4, electrostatic interactions controlled the association process, whereas at pH 3.0 the dominant forces seemed to be the hydrophobic interactions. The probable binding site of FMA on HSA was located at subdomain IIA, as suggested by displacement measurements. The surface electrical charge of FMA–HSA complexes was studied by measuring their electrophoretic mobility. Results corroborated the binding of the ligand to the protein. Circular dichroism experiments showed that the FMA binding does not alter the secondary structure of the protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of information with regards to the friction effect in ECAPed aluminum alloys, even though it might substantially modify the deformation at the surface. In this work, the friction effect at the surface and the deformation heterogeneity in the ECAPed aluminum alloy 6061-T6 were characterized. X-Ray diffraction was used to determine residual stresses (RS) on the sample surface. The volumetric sections were characterized by Synchrotron diffraction at ESRF beamline ID15B (Grenoble, France). It was found that the microhardness mapping and residual stress results showed a good agreement with the finite element analysis for the first layer studied. Minor strain variation, Δd/d as a function of ( hkl ) planes, for the different analyzed sections was found. The study also showed that there was an incomplete symmetry in the residual stress near the surface, even at up to a depth of 400 µm. The regions with higher deformation were found to be at the top and bottom parts of the sample, while the central region showed stress variations of up to 50 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic heating for oil recovery is based on the transformation of electric energy into thermal energy. It happens through a direct interaction between the electromagnetic field and the electrically sensitive particles of the medium. There are different types of electromagnetic heating and the choice of the heating type depends on factors such as reservoir depth, geological heterogeneities, and electrical characteristics of the reservoir constituents. This study was based on reservoirs with characteristics similar to those found in the sedimentary basins of the Brazilian Northeast. The purpose of this work is to analyze the influence of the cracking reactions using electromagnetic heating and the influence of the fractures geometries in the reservoir model proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interaction of disuccinylmaslinic acid (SMA) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopic methods under different experimental conditions. From the temperature dependence of the binding process an extensive analysis of thermodynamic parameters has been made in connection with the drug structure. SMA binds to BSA mainly through electrostatic interactions at physiological pH (7.4) and low ionic strength. An increased electrolyte concentration provoked hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces to control the complex formation. When pH was higher than the isoelectric point of albumin (i.e.p. 4.9) the attachment of the drug was favored by both negative enthalpy and positive entropy changes. These results suggest a dominance of electrostatic forces in the association process. Conversely, at pH values lower than i.e.p. the unfavorable negative entropy changes prompt the involvement of hydrogen bonds in the binding. A noteworthy enthalpy–entropy compensation phenomenon has been detected. The binding processes controlled mainly by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions (pH 2.8, 4.2, and 7.4 at high NaCl concentration) fall in the same compensation line. The observation of this entropy-enthalpy compensation suggests that water reorganization plays an important role in the binding of SMA to BSA. Heat-capacity change (Δ C p ) has been deduced from temperature dependence of enthalpy. Minimal values of Δ C p were found when electrostatic forces controlled the SMA–BSA association. The formation of a drug–albumin complex has been corroborated by electrophoretic mobility measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence together with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic studies was performed to examine the interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and two alkylmaltoside surfactants, i.e. n -decyl-β- d -maltoside (β-C 10 G 2 ) and n -dodecyl-β- d -maltoside (β-C 12 G 2 ), having identical structures but different tail lengths. Changes in the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA from static as well as dynamic measurements revealed a weak protein–surfactant interaction and gave the corresponding binding curves, suggesting that the binding mechanism of surfactants to protein is essentially cooperative in nature. The behavior of both surfactants is similar, so that the differences detected were attributed to the more hydrophobic nature of β-C 12 G 2 , which favors the adsorption of micelle-like aggregates onto the protein surface. These observations were substantially demonstrated by data derived from synchronous, three-dimensional and anisotropy fluorescence experiments. Changes in the secondary structure of the protein induced by the interaction with surfactants were analyzed by CD to determine the contents of α-helix and β-strand. It was noted that whereas the addition of β-C 10 G 2 appears to stabilize the secondary structure of the protein, β-C 12 G 2 causes a marginal denaturation of BSA for a protein:surfactant molar ratio as high as 1 to 100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Immunosenescence, a decline in immune system function, has been linked to several age-related diseases and geriatric syndromes, including cardiovascular diseases and frailty. Very old adults (aged ≥85 years) live with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) or multimorbidity—a complex phenomenon of poor health defined by either counts (≥2 diseases), indices, or patterns. However, little is known about the relationship between immunosenescence and MLTC in this age group. We utilised baseline data from the Newcastle 85+ Study to investigate the association between previously defined immunosenescence profilesa and MLTC. Method We used data from 703 participants who had multimorbidity and complete data for 16 chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes (i.e. analytic sample). MLTC counts were derived from the number of conditions and categorised into

In this study a probabilistic model was developed to estimate the intake level of Fe, Zn, Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Cu, Na, and K derived from consumption of infant formulas and processed cereal-based food in Spain. Infant formulas were classified in two categories (first term and follow-on) while cereal-based foods were split up in six groups according to their composition (without gluten, only with gluten, fruits, honey, cocoa, and integral cereal). Contributions to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) were studied for two population groups: 0–6-month-old and 6-month–1-year-old infants. The results reported that mineral and trace elements contents in these types of food cover the established DRIs for Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and K being relatively low for Zn and Cu. Conversely, Na and Mn contents were moderately high and should be decreased to reduce the prevalence of certain diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The unsteady aerodynamics of flapping low-aspect-ratio ellipsoidal-wings in ornithopters is analyzed and modeled by the use of three dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The range of interest is high amplitude, moderate frequency flapping, and low to moderate angles of attack at Reynolds around 105, where autonomous ornithopters like GRIFFIN are able to perform complex maneuvers such as perching. The results obtained show that the Leading Edge Vortex is produced above a certain Strouhal and angle of attack at downstroke. The frequency response of the aerodynamic loads are compared with the classical analytical models, observing that analytical models based on absence of viscosity and small perturbations are not appropriate for the range of interest. Through the 3D CFD aerodynamic loads database, a finite memory Volterra model is identified in order to predict the characteristics of forces and moments produced by the flapping wing. A good agreement with the 3D CFD simulations has been found by considering a reduced-order model depending on the effective angle of attack of the surrogate airfoil located at 70% of the semi-span at three-quarters chord on the airfoil, in agreement with the literature. Finally, a methodology for validation with a high-accuracy Motion Capture System and without the need of wind tunnel is proposed. As a result the proposed model provides better estimates than classical analytical ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of variation in atomic level population of a neutral beam on the Motional Stark Effect (MSE) measurements is investigated in the low density plasmas of HSX stellarator. A 30 KeV, 4 A, 3 ms hydrogen diagnostic neutral beam is injected into HSX plasmas of line averaged electron density ranging from 2 to 4 · 1018 m-3 at a magnetic field of 1 T. For this density range, the excited level population of the hydrogen neutral beam is expected to undergo variations. Doppler shifted and Stark split Hα and Hβ emissions from the beam are simultaneously measured using two cross-calibrated spectrometers. The emission spectrum is simulated and fit to the experimental measurements and the deviation from a statistically populated beam is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A subset A of a Banach space is called Banach–Saks when every sequence in A has a Cesàro convergent subsequence. Our interest here focuses on the following problem: is the convex hull of a Banach–Saks set again Banach–Saks? By means of a combinatorial argument, we show that in general the answer is negative. However, sufficient conditions are given in order to obtain a positive result. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and refers to a spectrum of disorders ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis, a disease stage characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, cell death and insulin resistance (IR). Due to its association with obesity and IR the impact of NAFLD is growing worldwide. Consistent with the role of mitochondria in fatty acid (FA) metabolism, impaired mitochondrial function is thought to contribute to NAFLD and IR. Indeed, mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial respiratory chain have been described in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and skeletal muscle of obese patients. However, recent data have provided evidence that pharmacological and genetic models of mitochondrial impairment with reduced electron transport stimulate insulin sensitivity and protect against diet-induced obesity, hepatosteatosis and IR. These beneficial metabolic effects of impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation may be related not only to the reduction of reactive oxygen species production that regulate insulin signaling but also to decreased mitochondrial FA overload that generate specific metabolites derived from incomplete FA oxidation (FAO) in the TCA cycle. In line with the Randle cycle, reduced mitochondrial FAO rates may alleviate the repression on glucose metabolism in obesity. In addition, the redox paradox in insulin signaling and the delicate mitochondrial antioxidant balance in steatohepatitis add another level of complexity to the role of mitochondria in NAFLD and IR. Thus, better understanding the role of mitochondria in FA metabolism and glucose homeostasis may provide novel strategies for the treatment of NAFLD and IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems is highly threatened by different economic activities driven by human populations, and its description is increasingly a priority. For the Cauca-Magdalena River system we have described 14 species, and the purpose of this paper was to describe three new species belonging to the same genus Hemibrycon from the Nare and Guatapé River drainages of the middle Magdalena River, Colombia. The description was based on a series of 200 specimens, and the use of morphometric, meristic and osteological characters, as well as fish distribution and morphogeometric analytical methods. We have found that Hemibrycon fasciatus n. sp. (n=54) differs from other species of Hemibrycon (that also have a vertical humeral spot) in having: melanophores outlining the posterior margins of the scales along sides of body; humeral spot extending onto posterior margin of opercle; a dark lateral stripe, formed by deep pigment that is continuous with the peduncular spot; the toothed portion of the maxilla not reaching the dorsal margin of the dentary (vs. toothed portion of maxilla extending beyond dorsal margin of dentary); all maxillary teeth tricuspid (vs. some unicuspid teeth present on maxilla). H. cardalensis n. sp. (n=64) differs in having: a vertically elongate humeral spot that extends one or two scales below the lateral line canal. H. cardalensis n. sp. differs from all congeners in having the pigment of the caudal spot restricted to the ventral half of the caudal peduncle, and in having melanophores around the anterior scales of the lateral line. Hemibrycon antioquiae n. sp. (n=82) differs in having a circular humeral spot. It differs from the other species with a circular humeral spot, like H. mikrostiktos, in having a projection of disperse melanophores extending from the dorsal margin of the humeral spot to below the lateral stripe. Habitat data and environmental impacts caused by the construction of reservoirs for hydroelectric projects and other threats in the area are included, as well as a key to all species Hemibrycon present in the Magdalena River Basin. The synonymy of H. pautensis with H. polyodon is discussed and H. pautensis is revalidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the socialization practices and goals of 47 mothers who live in rural areas of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. Using a semistructured interview, mothers were asked about how they guided their interaction with children aged from three to four years in four everyday situations (feeding, bathing, playing and going to sleep). The results indicate that although the emphasis in specific socialization goals and practices changes in each situation, mothers have a general orientation to reach in their children the development of an autonomous relational self, which according to Kagitcibasi (2005) implies a balance between practices promoting the independence and practices encouraging the interdependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the electrical and Raman scattering analysis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 cells synthesised with different densities of Se and Cu related point defects. The analysis of the Raman spectra from the surface region of the absorbers shows a direct correlation between the spectral features of the main Raman peak and the density of Se vacancies detected by admittance spectroscopy, being sensitive to the presence of vacancy densities higher than 1015 cm-3. These results corroborate the potential of Raman scattering for the non-destructive detection of electronic defects with potential impact on the characteristics of the solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lateral pillar classification has proven to be useful for the prognosis and treatment of patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Most patients progress to skeletal maturity with some kind of morphologic alteration. Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition that results in early osteoarthrosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between the initial lateral pillar classification and the presence of final femoroacetabular impingement. Material and methods: A retrospective review of 61 patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease was conducted (68 hips); they were classified into three groups according to the lateral pillar classification. At the time of skeletal maturity the radiographic presence of femoroacetabular impingement was determined and the correlation between both variables was analyzed. Results: The use of the lateral pillar classification resulted in seven hips considered as type A, 37 as type B, and 24 as type C. Three of the type A hips had radiographic findings of cam femoroacetabular impingement, three of pincer femoroacetabular impingement, and one of mixed femoroacetabular impingement. Among type B hips, radiographic data of cam femoroacetabular impingement were found in 17, of pincer femoroacetabular impingement in 12, and of mixed femoroacetabular impingement in 10. Twenty-three of the type C hips had radiographic data of cam femoroacetabular impingement, 15 of pincer femoroacetabular impingement, and 15 of mixed femoroacetabular impingement. Conclusion: Patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease have a directly proportional relationship between the initial lateral pillar classification and subsequent femoroacetabular impingement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary university should develop strategic learning due to the demands imposed by the technological, economic and labor changes that take place each time faster in the current context. However, its systematic articulation in the curriculum, either within it or as specific programs in higher education in Cuba, is not present. Although different curriculum programs have been proposed, they do not help to a strategic perspective of learning. Given these needs, this article proposes a subject for the development of strategic learning from the optional / elective curriculum in higher education, as well as the theoretical and methodological fundamentals of the subject, and the curricular design of a flexible analytical program including basic and principal learning strategies at university with a focus in their use. In conducting this research, materialist dialectics was assumed as a general method of science, as well as specific methods of educational research at the following levels: theoretical (historical-logical, inductive deductive, systemic-structural), empirical (survey, interview and documentary analysis) and statistical (descriptive statistics, empirical frequency distribution, frequency distribution in table form). The results presented are part of the project "Learning, epistemological criteria and academic performance: foundations for quality of education." It has also been endorsed by Central University "Marta Abreu de Las Villas", through directors and experts in the field of professional education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure of mixed micelles containing n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside and n-dodecyl-hexaethylene-glycol,two nonionic surfactants belonging to the alkyl polyglucoside andpolyoxyethyelene alkyl ether families, respectively, has been investigated.With the aim of understanding how the micellar composition affectsthe microenvironmental properties of micelles, we have examined thephotophysics and dynamics of the neutral probe coumarin 153 in thebinary mixtures of the surfactants across the entire composition range.We present data on the steady-state absorption and emission spectraof the probe, as well as fluorescence lifetimes and both steady-stateand time-resolved fluorescence anisotropies. These data indicate thatthe participation of the ethoxylated surfactant in the mixed micelleinduces an increasing hydration in the palisade layer of the micelle,which forces the probe to migrate toward the inner micellar region,where it senses a slightly less polar environment. The time-resolvedfluorescence anisotropy data were analyzed on the basis of the two-stepand wobbling-in-cone model. The average reorientation time of theprobe molecule was found to decrease with the presence of the ethoxylatedsurfactant, in good agreement with steady-state fluorescence anisotropydata, suggesting a reduction of the microviscosity in the solubilizationsite of the probe. The behavior of all diffusion reorientation parameterswas analyzed on the basis of two factors: the micellar hydration andthe headgroup flexibility of both surfactants. It was concluded thatthe increasing participation of the ethoxylated surfactant inducesa greater hydration in the micellar palisade layer, producing theformation of a less compact microenvironment where the probe experiencesa faster rotational reorientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The DRAGON facility for the study of radiative capture reactions has an extended gas target, surrounded by an array of BGO detectors. The distribution of detected gamma rays amongst the segmented array permits an estimate of the reaction position and consequently of the resonance energy. We report a study of the technique, using the 24Mg(p, )25Al reaction. Energy determination to better than 0.5% has been demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]