On the design of clone-based haplotyping

Background: Haplotypes are important for assessing genealogy and disease susceptibility of individual genomes, but are difficult to obtain with routine sequencing approaches. Experimental haplotype reconstruction based on assembling fragments of individual chromosomes is promising, but with variable yields due to incompletely understood parameter choices. Results: We parameterize the clone-based haplotyping problem in order to provide theoretical and empirical assessments of the impact of different parameters on haplotype assembly. We confirm the intuition that long clones help link together heterozygous variants and thus improve haplotype length. Furthermore, given the length of the clones, we address how to choose the other parameters, including number of pools, clone coverage and sequencing coverage, so as to maximize haplotype length. We model the problem theoretically and show empirically the benefits of using larger clones with moderate number of pools and sequencing coverage. In particular, using 140 kb BAC clones, we construct haplotypes for a personal genome and assemble haplotypes with N50 values greater than 2.6 Mb. These assembled haplotypes are longer and at least as accurate as haplotypes of existing clone-based strategies, whether in vivo or in vitro. Conclusions: Our results provide practical guidelines for the development and design of clone-based methods to achieve long range, high-resolution and accurate haplotypes

Cytocompatibility of poly(p-dioxanone)/ poly(hydroxybutic) (PPD/PHB) blends to cartilage tissue engineering

In order of seek strategies to improve the interaction between bioreabsorbable polymer materials and cellular growth, this work aimed at evaluating in vitro the influence of PPD/PHB blends on cell adhesion and fibrochondrocytes growth. Fibrochondrocytes cells were obtained by primary extraction from enzymatic digestion methods. The PPD/PHB blends were prepared by casting with 100/0, 60/40 and 50/50 compositions, and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 6, 48, 120 and 168 hours in culture, ultrastructural observations showed changes in cell morphology, suggesting that the fibrochondrocytes can respond to substrate modifications, changing their phenotypic profile. The MTT analyses showed that the blends did not present cytotoxicity and allowed fibrochondrocytes adhesion and proliferation on the membranes in all compositions. The colorimetric Sirius Red test revealed the capability of extracellular matrix synthesis on the blends, from which one can conclude that the PPD/PHB blends are not cytotoxic and can be indicated for cell culture.Buscando estratégias que repercutam na melhoria da interação entre materiais poliméricos biorreabsorvíveis e o crescimento celular, o presente estudo in vitro teve como objetivo estudar a influência de blendas de PPD/PHB na adesão celular e crescimento de fibrocondrócitos obtidos a partir de cultura primária. As blendas de PPD/PHB foram preparadas pelo método de evaporação de solvente nas composições 100/0, 60/40 e 50/50 e caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Observações ultra-estruturais mostraram alterações na morfologia celular, sugerindo que os fibrocondrócitos podem responder a alterações no substrato alterando seu perfil fenotípico. As análises com MTT demonstraram que as blendas não apresentaram citotoxicidade e permitiram a adesão e proliferação dos fibrocondrócitos sobre os substratos em todas as suas composições. O ensaio colorimétrico com Sirius Red evidenciou a capacidade de manutenção da síntese de matriz extracelular colágena sobre as amostras, concluindo-se que as blendas de PPD/PHB podem ser indicadas para o cultivo celular.383388Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Proyecto: Esmalte de uñas en spray "Spray on"

Evalúa viabilidad de implementación del proyecto Spray On, en el ámbito comercial, legal, económico y técnico. Spray On es un esmalte de uñas en spray que busca entregar practicidad a sus clientes.Evalúa viabilidad de implementación del proyecto Spray On, en el ámbito comercial, legal, económico y técnico. Spray On es un esmalte de uñas en spray que busca entregar practicidad a sus clientes

Multidifferential study of identified charged hadron distributions in ZZ-tagged jets in proton-proton collisions at s=\sqrt{s}=13 TeV

Jet fragmentation functions are measured for the first time in proton-proton collisions for charged pions, kaons, and protons within jets recoiling against a $Z$ boson. The charged-hadron distributions are studied longitudinally and transversely to the jet direction for jets with transverse momentum 20 $< p_{\textrm{T}} < 100$ GeV and in the pseudorapidity range $2.5 < \eta < 4$. The data sample was collected with the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.64 fb$^{-1}$. Triple differential distributions as a function of the hadron longitudinal momentum fraction, hadron transverse momentum, and jet transverse momentum are also measured for the first time. This helps constrain transverse-momentum-dependent fragmentation functions. Differences in the shapes and magnitudes of the measured distributions for the different hadron species provide insights into the hadronization process for jets predominantly initiated by light quarks.Comment: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2022-013.html (LHCb public pages

Study of the B−→Λc+Λˉc−K−B^{-} \to \Lambda_{c}^{+} \bar{\Lambda}_{c}^{-} K^{-} decay

The decay $B^{-} \to \Lambda_{c}^{+} \bar{\Lambda}_{c}^{-} K^{-}$ is studied in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5 $\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment. In the $\Lambda_{c}^+ K^{-}$ system, the $\Xi_{c}(2930)^{0}$ state observed at the BaBar and Belle experiments is resolved into two narrower states, $\Xi_{c}(2923)^{0}$ and $\Xi_{c}(2939)^{0}$, whose masses and widths are measured to be $$m(\Xi_{c}(2923)^{0}) = 2924.5 \pm 0.4 \pm 1.1 \,\mathrm{MeV}, \\ m(\Xi_{c}(2939)^{0}) = 2938.5 \pm 0.9 \pm 2.3 \,\mathrm{MeV}, \\ \Gamma(\Xi_{c}(2923)^{0}) = \phantom{000}4.8 \pm 0.9 \pm 1.5 \,\mathrm{MeV},\\ \Gamma(\Xi_{c}(2939)^{0}) = \phantom{00}11.0 \pm 1.9 \pm 7.5 \,\mathrm{MeV},$$ where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The results are consistent with a previous LHCb measurement using a prompt $\Lambda_{c}^{+} K^{-}$ sample. Evidence of a new $\Xi_{c}(2880)^{0}$ state is found with a local significance of $3.8\,\sigma$, whose mass and width are measured to be $2881.8 \pm 3.1 \pm 8.5\,\mathrm{MeV}$ and $12.4 \pm 5.3 \pm 5.8 \,\mathrm{MeV}$, respectively. In addition, evidence of a new decay mode $\Xi_{c}(2790)^{0} \to \Lambda_{c}^{+} K^{-}$ is found with a significance of $3.7\,\sigma$. The relative branching fraction of $B^{-} \to \Lambda_{c}^{+} \bar{\Lambda}_{c}^{-} K^{-}$ with respect to the $B^{-} \to D^{+} D^{-} K^{-}$ decay is measured to be $2.36 \pm 0.11 \pm 0.22 \pm 0.25$, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third originates from the branching fractions of charm hadron decays.Comment: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2022-028.html (LHCb public pages

Measurement of the ratios of branching fractions R(D∗)\mathcal{R}(D^{*}) and R(D0)\mathcal{R}(D^{0})

The ratios of branching fractions $\mathcal{R}(D^{*})\equiv\mathcal{B}(\bar{B}\to D^{*}\tau^{-}\bar{\nu}_{\tau})/\mathcal{B}(\bar{B}\to D^{*}\mu^{-}\bar{\nu}_{\mu})$ and $\mathcal{R}(D^{0})\equiv\mathcal{B}(B^{-}\to D^{0}\tau^{-}\bar{\nu}_{\tau})/\mathcal{B}(B^{-}\to D^{0}\mu^{-}\bar{\nu}_{\mu})$ are measured, assuming isospin symmetry, using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0 fb${ }^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode $\tau^{-}\to\mu^{-}\nu_{\tau}\bar{\nu}_{\mu}$. The measured values are $\mathcal{R}(D^{*})=0.281\pm0.018\pm0.024$ and $\mathcal{R}(D^{0})=0.441\pm0.060\pm0.066$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The correlation between these measurements is $\rho=-0.43$. Results are consistent with the current average of these quantities and are at a combined 1.9 standard deviations from the predictions based on lepton flavor universality in the Standard Model.Comment: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2022-039.html (LHCb public pages

VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad

Acta de congresoLa conmemoración de los cien años de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918 se presentó como una ocasión propicia para debatir el rol de la historia, la teoría y la crítica en la formación y en la práctica profesional de diseñadores, arquitectos y urbanistas. En ese marco el VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad constituyó un espacio de intercambio y reflexión cuya realización ha sido posible gracias a la colaboración entre Facultades de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño de la Universidad Nacional y la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Córdoba, contando además con la activa participación de mayoría de las Facultades, Centros e Institutos de Historia de la Arquitectura del país y la región. Orientado en su convocatoria tanto a docentes como a estudiantes de Arquitectura y Diseño Industrial de todos los niveles de la FAUD-UNC promovió el debate de ideas a partir de experiencias concretas en instancias tales como mesas temáticas de carácter interdisciplinario, que adoptaron la modalidad de presentación de ponencias, entre otras actividades. En el ámbito de VIII Encuentro, desarrollado en la sede Ciudad Universitaria de Córdoba, se desplegaron numerosas posiciones sobre la enseñanza, la investigación y la formación en historia, teoría y crítica del diseño, la arquitectura y la ciudad; sumándose el aporte realizado a través de sus respectivas conferencias de Ana Clarisa Agüero, Bibiana Cicutti, Fernando Aliata y Alberto Petrina. El conjunto de ponencias que se publican en este Repositorio de la UNC son el resultado de dos intensas jornadas de exposiciones, cuyos contenidos han posibilitado actualizar viejos dilemas y promover nuevos debates. El evento recibió el apoyo de las autoridades de la FAUD-UNC, en especial de la Secretaría de Investigación y de la Biblioteca de nuestra casa, como así también de la Facultad de Arquitectura de la UCC; va para todos ellos un especial agradecimiento

Osteoblast cells behavior on polymeric biomaterial

Resumo: Os polímeros biorreabsorvíveis, tais como, PHB, PCL e PLGA, têm sido estudados como dispositivo para engenharia de tecidos por serem biocompatíveis, suportarem o crescimento e diferenciação celular e os produtos de sua degradação serem atóxicos. No entanto, a escolha do biomaterial depende das necessidades exigidas para uma determinada aplicação. Os suportes para engenharia de tecidos devem se basear na construção de réplicas biológicas in vitro, como que o biomaterial se tornasse parte integrada para transplante in vivo para a recuperação de perdas ou mau funcionamento de tecidos ou órgãos, devendo subseqüentemente, atuar sem agredir o restante do organismo, isto é, sem o risco de rejeição ou complicação. Muitas estratégias têm sido desenvolvidas com o intuito de substituir tecidos ou órgãos danificados, incluindo a aplicação de suportes tridimensionais (3D), os quais devem possuir características estruturais e mecânicas para guiar a proliferação e espalhamento de células in vitro e in vivo. Os suportes, feitos de materiais sintéticos ou naturais, servem como substitutos para a matriz extracelular (MEC) nativa. Ênfase especial é dada as técnicas com controle computadorizado, como a fabricação sólida com forma livre (SFF), conhecida como prototipagem rápida (RP), a qual permite preparar suportes 3D com geometrias complexas, tanto externamente como internamente, além de ser uma técnica rápida e de baixo custo. Além disso, grande parte dos polímeros possuem superfície hidrofóbica, característica inadequada para a maior parte dos diferentes tipos celulares, o que dificulta aplicação na engenharia de tecidos. Uma alternativa a este problema é o tratamento da superfície por plasma. Este tratamento induz modificação restrita ao topo da superfície, conferindo carater hidrofílico à superfície, dependendo do gás utilizado. Neste estudo, arcabouços de polímeros biorreabsorvíveis PCL, PLGA e PHB foram preparados por diferentes técnicas, casting e sinterização seletiva a laser, avaliando-se o comportamento de células osteoblásticas diferenciadas sobre os biomateriais poliméricos tridimensionais. Inicialmente o trabalho foi desenvolvido com os polímeros PCL e PLGA preparando-se blendas poliméricas, as quais demonstraram melhorar as características gerais dos polímeros, quando utilizados como dispositivos para tecido ósseo, como as propriedades mecânicas. Com o intuito de aprimorar o design tridimensional do material, optou-se pela realização da técnica de sinterização seletiva a laser. No entanto, a técnica exige uma grande quantidade de material e devido ao alto do custo do PCL e PLGA, este foi substituído pelo polímero PHB, o qual é produzido pela indústria nacional Biocycle possuindo um baixo custo e ainda ser biocompatível. Os dados são apresentados em capítulos independentes. Arcabouços porosos de PCL, PLGA e suas blendas foram preparados pela técnica de evaporação do solvente, onde sais de citrato de sódio com granulometria de 180-250 µm, foram adicionados a solução para a promoção dos poros, sendo posteriormente lavados do arcabouço. Células osteoblásticas provenientes de calota craniana de ratos Wistar foram semeadas sobre os arcabouços, sendo avaliado o comportamento de citoxicidade do material e o comportamento de adesão e morfologia celular através de ensaios bioquímicos e MEV. Os arcabouços de PHB foram obtidos por uma das técnicas de RP, a sinterização seletiva a laser (SSL), sendo sua superfície modificada por plasma pelos gases oxigênio e nitrogênio. Células osteoblásticas provenientes de calota craniana de coelhos foram semeadas sobre os arcabouços realizando-se o estudo in vitro, através de análises bioquímicas pela técnica do MTT, para viabilidade e adesão celular, quantificação de colágeno por Sírius Red e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Para o estudo in vivo, após o cultivo celular sobre os arcabouços, defeitos ósseos foram provocados em coelhos e os arcabouços contendo as células foram então implantados, avaliando-se a interação PHB/osteoblasto/tecido, através da análise histológica. Todos os arcabouços estudados, PCL, PLGA e suas blendas, assim como o PHB, não apresentaram índices de citotoxicidade, permitiram às células a capacidade de adesão, proliferação e síntese de matriz, mantendo seu fenótipo osteoblástico. As amostras de PHB tratadas por plasma de Nitrogênio mostrou melhorar a capacidade de adesão celular. Os arcabouços de PHB contendo células mostraram-se os mais adequados para o preenchimento de defeitos ósseos, melhorando o processo de regeneração apresentando uma boa osteointegração. A sinterização seletiva a laser apresentou-se uma excelente técnica para a obtenção de PHB 3D para a Engenharia de Tecidos. ;;Abstract: The bioresorbable polymers as, PHB, PCL and PLGA have been studied as device for Tissue Engineering for their biocompatibility and to support the cell growth and differentiation and their degradation products are nontoxics. However, the choice of the biomaterial depends on the needs demanded for a certain application. The scaffolds for tissue engineering have to be designed to mimetize the biological conditions in vitro to became part integrated for transplant for the recovery of tissue or organs lost or without function, and subsequently, to work in a cordial way with the remaining of the organism without the rejection risk or complication. A lot of strategies have been developed with to substitute damaged tissues or organs, and it has been used the application of three-dimensional supports (3D), which should possess structural and mechanical applications to guide the cells proliferation and spread in vitro and in vivo. The scaffolds, made from synthetic or natural materials, serve as substitutes for the extracellular matrix (ECM) native. Special emphasis is given the techniques with computerized control, as the free solid form (SFF), known as rapid prototyping (RP), which allows to prepare three-dimensional supports with complex geometries, so much externally as internally, besides to be a fast technique with low cost. Besides, great part of the polymers possess hydrophobic surface, inadequate characteristic for most of the different cell types, which is not desirable for tissue engineering applications. An alternative to this problem is the surface treatment by plasma. Plasma treatment induces restricted modification to the top of the surface, improving the surface hydrophilicity, depending on the gas used. In this study, scaffolds of bioresorbable polymer PCL, PLGA e PHB were prepared by different techniques, casting and selective laser sintering, being evaluated the osteoblast cells behavior on the 3D polymer scaffolds. Previously we developed the studies preparing the polymeric blends with PCL and PLGA, which demonstrated improve the general characteristic of the material, as the mechanical properties, as devices for bone tissue. With the intention to improve the design of the scaffolds, we chose for the selective laser sintering technique. However, the technique demands a great amount of material and due to the high cost of PCL and PLGA, those weres substituted by PHB polymer, which is produced by Brazilian industry Biocycle with low cost and still to be biocompatible. For those reasons the data are presented in independent chapters. PCL, PLGA porous scaffolds and their blends were prepared those scaffolds by casting solvent, and sodium citrate with 180-250 µm were added to the solution for porous formation when the salt was washed later of the scaffolds. Osteoblast cells from rat Wistar calvaria were seemed on the scaffolds, being evaluated the behavior of cell adhesion and viability behavior, cell morphology through biochemical assays, and scanning electron microscopy. Three-dimensional PHB scaffolds were obtained by selective sintering laser (SSL), with the surface modified by nitrogen and oxygen plasma. Osteoblast cells obtained from rabbit calvaria were seemed on the scaffolds to the in vitro studies, through biochemical analyses by MTT test for cell viability and cell adhesion, collagen quantification of by Sirius Red colorimetric assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the in vivo studies, bone defects were provoked in rabbits and they were filling out with 3D PHB with osteoblast cells culture prior implant. We evaluated the PHB/osteoblast/tissue, interaction through the histological analysis. All the scaffolds studied PCL, PLGA and their blends, as well as the PHB did not showed cytotoxicity effects, allowed cells adhere, proliferated, and matrix synthesized, maintaining their osteoblastic phenotype. The PHB samples treated by nitrogen plasma have been showed to improve the cell adhesion. The PHB scaffolds with cell seeded previously demonstrated to be more suitable for filling out bone defects, improving the regeneration process showing a good osteointegration. The selective laser sintering was excellent technique to obtain PHB scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

The Mediterranean basin - Sustainable Tourism as a driver of Peace and Economic growth - Med Blu Marina-Network Project

The Mediterranean is a melting pot of civilizations, a testimony of our origins and an inspiration for the future. The south of the Mediterranean needs tourism but also has the utmost need for peace, stability, and cooperation in order to work it out between both shores. Tourism is no longer just an economic sector, as people are recently experiencing a change and self consciousness towards the conversion of natural and cultural heritage and Sustainable Tourism may drive the way to a new awareness of visitors and hosting local communities. The United Nations recognizes tourism’s contribution to people and to the planet through peace and prosperity. Transforming the Mediterranean in an area of peace, cooperation investing and promoting sustainable tourism may be the turning point for future generations. Enhance the Mediterranean into a common area for all its inhabitants and visitors with the aim of increasing its potential for sustainable growth and prioritize the achievements to the Sustainable Development Goals. Capitalizing on tourism’s potential to advance economic growth, social inclusiveness, women, and youth employment as well as poverty and inequality reduction is the contribution that tourism may offer, by raising awareness on environmental safeguard and biodiversity preservation and boost on climate change relief. The project aims to strengthen the links among the countries coasting the Mediterranean Sea and encourage the development of a network capable of supporting a rational conversion targeting sustainable enhancement. The Med Blu Marina-Network project is potentially a new concept to develop marinas cooperation adopting the values and essential features of sustainable tourism, as an incentive to local economic development. A sustainable marina- network as an incentive to local development by putting into effect the goals recommended by the United Nations and promote a responsible “Peace” oriented tourism as a driver of economic growth tracing the path for future generations