Stress Corrosion Cracking of Stainless Steel 316L Additively Manufactured using Sinter-based and Laser-based Technologies

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) poses a risk to SS316L components. The solution is widely agreed to be the development of new materials or innovative manufacturing processes that create unique microstructures to improve SCC resistance. 3D printing technologies, especially Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Sinter-based Material Extrusion, are seen as promising pathways for achieving this goal. This research aims to investigate the impact of process parameters on printed microstructures to develop enhanced alloys for SCC resistanc

Chiral Symmetry restoration from the hadronic regime

We discuss recent advances on QCD chiral symmetry restoration at finite temperature, within the theoretical framework of Effective Theories. $U(3)$ Ward Identities are derived between pseudoscalar susceptibilities and quark condensates, allowing to explain the behaviour of lattice meson screening masses. Unitarized interactions and the generated $f_0(500)$ thermal state are showed to play an essential role in the description of the transition through the scalar susceptibilityComment: 10 pages, 9 figures. Proceedings of "XII Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum

Desarrollo de un exoesqueleto para la rehabilitación del movimiento flexo-extensor del codo

En este trabajo de investigación se presenta el desarrollo de un dispositivo electro-mecánico para la rehabilitación del movimiento flexor-extensor del codo con potencial rehabilitatorio. Para la elaboración de este prototipo se diseñó y construyó una articulación del codo el cual permite realizar movimientos de 0° a 120°. El diseño del sistema de engranaje se realizó utilizando el software Solid Edge a partir de una selección previa del motor de paso que ofreciera el torque suficiente para lograr la flexión y extensión del codo, seguidamente para la construcción de este sistema se utilizó una impresión 3D en PLA. Dicho sistema se acoplo a un sistema estabilizador de brazo con bisagra. El prototipo se opera desde un aplicativo software en Android utilizando el IDE MITapp inventor, que le envía la angulación deseada a un dispositivo arduino el cual implementa un sistema de control digital. Para mejorar la percepción de la terapia con el exoesqueleto se elaboró un aplicativo software de telerehabilitación utilizando el IDE processing y el dispositivo de reconocimiento corporal Kinect, el cual guía al paciente en una terapia interactiva donde realizan la rehabilitación del movimiento de flexión y extensión guiando un objeto virtual de un ángulo a otro.In this research work, the development of an electro-mechanical device for the rehabilitation of the flexor-extensor movement of the elbow with rehabilitative potential is presented. For the development of this prototype, an elbow joint was designed and built which allows movements from 0 ° to 120 °. The design of the gear system was carried out using Solid Edge software from a previous selection of the step motor that offered enough torque to achieve flexion and extension of the elbow, then for the construction of this system a 3D printing was used in PLA. This system was coupled to a hinged arm stabilizer system. The prototype is operated from a software application on Android using the IDE MITapp inventor, which sends the desired angulation to an Arduino device which implements a digital control system. To improve the perception of exoskeleton therapy, a telerehabilitation software application was developed using IDE processing and a Kinect body recognition device, which guides the patient in an interactive therapy where they perform the rehabilitation of flexion and extension movement by guiding a virtual object from one angle to another

Exploring the Relevance of Search Engines: An Overview of Google as a Case Study

The huge amount of data on the Internet and the diverse list of strategies used to try to link this information with relevant searches through Linked Data have generated a revolution in data treatment and its representation. Nevertheless, the conventional search engines like Google are kept as strategies with good reception to do search processes. The following article presents a study of the development and evolution of search engines, more specifically, to analyze the relevance of findings based on the number of results displayed in paging systems with Google as a case study. Finally, it is intended to contribute to indexing criteria in search results, based on an approach to Semantic Web as a stage in the evolution of the Web

Efectos del clima y el nivel del agua sobre la reproducción de aves acuáticas coloniales en Laguna Mar Chiquita - Bañados del Río Dulce (Argentina Central)

En el presente trabajo se exploró la relación entre factores relacionados al clima y la reproducción de aves acuáticas coloniales en un extenso humedal del centro de Argentina, el sistema Laguna Mar Chiquita - Bañados del Río Dulce. Debido a sus distintos requerimientos ecológicos, las diversas especies presentaron respuestas disímiles a las variaciones de los factores climáticos, los cuales a su vez actúan a distintas escalas espaciales. El éxito reproductivo de casi todas las especies fue negativamente afectado por el viento durante las tormentas que se forman localmente durante el verano. Las variaciones en el nivel del agua, producidas por fenómenos no locales sino ocurridos en la parte alta de la cuenca, a gran distancia del humedal, tuvieron una acción directa sobre el número de especies en colonias. El número de parejas, en cambio, no fue directamente afectado por dichas variaciones, aunque el número de parejas en colonias de la Garcita Azulada (Butorides striata) estuvo relacionado al área de hábitat óptimo disponible para la alimentación y nidificación de esta especie, superficie que en definitiva fue regulada por el nivel del agua. La formación de colonias de aves acuáticas estuvo supeditada a niveles estables o con variaciones de hasta 1 m entre un año y el siguiente. Los datos obtenidos presentan implicancias para la biología de la conservación y las estrategias de manejo del agua.The relationship between climate-related factors in an important extensive wetland of central Argentina (Laguna Mar Chiquita - Bañados del Río Dulce) and colonial waterbirds reproduction was explored. Due to their different ecological requirements, the diverse species responded differently to variations in climatic factors, which in turn interact at different spatial scales. Nesting success of almost all species was negatively affected by storm winds occurring in the region in summer. Water level changes, induced by non-local phenomena occurring in the high basin, at a great distance from the Mar Chiquita– Dulce River system, had a direct effect on species number in colonies. On the contrary, pair numbers was not directly affected by water level changes, although the pair numbers in the Striated Heron (Butorides striata) colonies was related to the area of the feeding and nesting habitat suitable for this species, which was eventually regulated by water level. Waterbirds colony formation depended on water levels that were stable or changed in up to 1 m in consecutive years. The data obtained has implications for biodiversity conservation and water management strategies.Fil: Torres, Ricardo Marcelo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Michelutti, Matias Pablo. No especifica;Fil: Dominino, Jael. Administración Nacional de Parques; ArgentinaFil: León, José Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Mangeaud, Arnaldo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Rodriguez, Andres. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Pozzi Piacenza, Cecilia Elena. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Plencovich, Gonzalo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Pagot, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Hillman, Gerardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentin

Ensayos en probetas para el estudio del efecto tamaño en la cabeza de compresión de vigas sometidas a esfuerzo cortante: aplicación de la metodología DIC

To evaluate how the size effect affects the stresses developed along the compression chord in a beams subjected to shear forces, a simplified experimental program was developed on 50 prismatic specimens subjected to a splitting test. The studied parameters were: dimensions, slenderness, concrete compressive strength, and maximum aggregate size. To capture the post-peak behavior of the concrete, the load was introduced as a function of the crack width, through appropriate control algorithms. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in a 2D configuration has also been used to accurately capture the formation, width and propagation of cracks to corroborate the experimental measurements.The financial support provided by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and the European Funds for Regional Development (FEDER), through the Research projects: BIA2015-64672-C4-1-R and BIA2017-84975-C2-2-P and through the Excellence network BIA2015-71484-REDT.Postprint (published version

Targeting γ-secretases protect against angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy

OBJECTIVE: The Notch pathway has been linked to pulmonary hypertension, but its role in systemic hypertension and, in particular in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), remains poorly understood. The main objective of this work was to analyse the effect of inhibiting the Notch pathway on the establishment and maintenance of angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced arterial hypertension and LVH in adult mice with inducible genetic deletion of γ-secretase, and to test preclinically the therapeutic efficacy of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs). BASIC METHODS: We analysed Ang-II responses in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells obtained from a novel mouse model with inducible genetic deletion of the γ-secretase complex, and the effects of GSI treatment on a mouse cardiac cell line. We also investigated Ang-II-induced hypertension and LVH in our novel mouse strain lacking the γ-secretase complex and in GSI-treated wild-type mice. Moreover, we analysed vascular tissue from hypertensive patients with and without LVH. MAIN RESULTS: Vascular smooth muscle cells activate the Notch pathway in response to Ang-II both 'in vitro' and 'in vivo'. Genetic deletion of γ-secretase in adult mice prevented Ang-II-induced hypertension and LVH without causing major adverse effects. Treatment with GSI reduced Ang-II-induced hypertrophy of a cardiac cell line 'in vitro' and LVH in wild-type mice challenged with Ang-II. We also report elevated expression of the Notch target HES5 in vascular tissue from hypertensive patients with LVH compared with those without LVH. CONCLUSION: The Notch pathway is activated in the vasculature of mice with hypertension and LVH, and its inhibition via inducible genetic γ-secretase deletion protects against both conditions. Preliminary observations in hypertensive patients with LVH support the translational potential of these findings. Moreover, GSI treatment protects wild-type mice from Ang-II-induced LVH without affecting blood pressure. Our results unveil the potential use of GSIs in the treatment of hypertensive patients with LVH.Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral contract from MINECO [JCI-2011-09663]; MINECO; ProCNIC Foundation; Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (MINECO) [SAF2013-46663-R]; Instituto de Salud Carlos III [RD12/0042/0028, RD12/0042/0009, MS-00151]; Inserm (jeune chercheur accueilli)S

Universidad y sociedad. Extensión universitaria conocimiento y redes

En la constitución de una sociedad red, el núcleo común de su realidad actual es la transición de un tipo de sociedad industrial basada en la manufactura hacia otra sustentada en la tecnología y los conocimientos, particularmente en los relacionados con la información, la comunicación y la genómica. Las redes, entonces, aparecen articuladas a un nuevo modo de organización de la actividad humana en todos sus ámbitos, como fuente de poder y dominio, pero también como posibilidad de trascender los espacios meramente económicos y mercantiles, hacia la construcción de comunidades culturales libres y autónomas. Las redes sociales no son nuevas. Lo que aparece como una ruptura en el marco de su historia es el alcance planetario que ahora tienen y la velocidad con la que están sumando día tras día a comunidades, personas, instituciones y empresas, en una vorágine que hace del tiempo apenas una distancia

Genetic variants in KCNJ11, TCF7L2 and HNF4A are associated with type 2 diabetes, BMI and dyslipidemia in families of Northeastern Mexico: A pilot study

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether genetic markers considered risk factors for metabolic syndromes, including dyslipidemia, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), can be applied to a Northeastern Mexican population. A total of 37 families were analyzed for 63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and the age, body mass index (BMI), glucose tolerance values and blood lipid levels, including those of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides were evaluated. Three genetic markers previously associated with metabolic syndromes were identified in the sample population, including KCNJ11, TCF7L2 and HNF4A. The KCNJ11 SNP rs5210 was associated with T2DM, the TCF7L2 SNP rs11196175 was associated with BMI and cholesterol and LDL levels, the TCF7L2 SNP rs12255372 was associated with BMI and HDL, VLDL and triglyceride levels, and the HNF4A SNP rs1885088 was associated with LDL levels (P<0.05)

Lipidomic traits of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis correlate with disease progression

Since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases exhibit significant heterogeneity, we aim to investigate the association of lipid composition of plasma and CSF with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis, its progression and clinical characteristics. Lipidome analyses would help to stratify patients on a molecular basis. For this reason, we have analysed the lipid composition of paired plasma and CSF samples from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases and age-matched non-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis individuals (controls) by comprehensive liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The concentrations of neurofilament light chain-an index of neuronal damage-were also quantified in CSF samples and plasma. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis versus control comparison, in a moderate stringency mode, showed that plasma from cases contains more differential lipids (n = 122 for raw P < 0.05; n = 27 for P < 0.01) than CSF (n = 17 for raw P < 0.05; n = 4 for P < 0.01), with almost no overlapping differential species, mainly characterized by an increased content of triacylglyceride species in plasma and decreased in CSF. Of note, false discovery rate correction indicated that one of the CSF lipids (monoacylglycerol 18:0) had high statistic robustness (false discovery rate-P < 0.01). Plasma lipidomes also varied significantly with the main involvement at onset (bulbar, spinal or respiratory). Notably, faster progression cases showed particular lipidome fingerprints, featured by decreased triacylclycerides and specific phospholipids in plasma, with 11 lipids with false discovery rate-P < 0.1 (n = 56 lipids in plasma for raw P < 0.01). Lipid species associated with progression rate clustered in a relatively low number of metabolic pathways, mainly triacylglyceride metabolism and glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid biosynthesis. A specific triacylglyceride (68:12), correlated with neurofilament content (r = 0.8, P < 0.008). Thus, the present findings suggest that systemic hypermetabolism-potentially sustained by increased triacylglyceride content-and CNS alterations of specific lipid pathways could be associated as modifiers of disease progression. Furthermore, these results confirm biochemical lipid heterogeneity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with different presentations and progression, suggesting the use of specific lipid species as potential disease classifiers