Genome-Scale in silico Reconstruction of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generating Metabolism in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and Study of the role of ROS in Different Metabolic Processes

The understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship is a fundamental biological question widely studied, but still not understood in all its dimension. The existence of emergent systems' properties largely complicates the lineality of this relationship making it mandatory for the study of such properties to fully understand the biological systems. The robustness, understood as the porperty that allows the systems to maintain their functions despite external and internal perturbations, is a system-level phenomenom ubiquitously observed in living systems (Blanchini and Franco 2011). Metabolic networks can be affected by variables that have the power of modulating it as a whole and, most likely, of influencing the referred-to molecular mechanisms. Those variables, one of whihch being endogenous ROS generating metabolism, must be included in metabolic in silico models to study this robustness. We decided to model endogenous ROS generation in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 genome-scale model. P. putida is a model microorganism in biotechnology and possesses an extremely versatile metabolism, which makes it the perfect candidate to study complex metabolic processes (Belda et al. 2016). The objective of this project is to go deep in the understanding of endogenous ROS metabolism and to study the role of ROS in different metabolic processes. To do so, we built and validated the ROS generating genome-scale model and used it as a tool for two purposes: (1) to analyse, in silico, the main metabolic mechanisms to prevent the cell from ROS damage and (2) to generate hypothesis about the role of ROS in different metabolic processes that we approached experimentaly. As a result of this investigation, we have came up with (1) the theory that the main cellular mechanisms to fight back endogenous ROS generation are fuelled by NADH, and not by the activation of NADPH generating metabolic pathways, as we find in scientific literature (Mailloux, Lemire, and Appanna 2011). (2) We have also found that ROS plays an important role in different molecular mechanisms involving robustness, as the carbon flux deviation to the accumulation of  polyhydroxyalkanoate; and also influenciate the global metabolic regulator gen crc

Smart Grid: Las TICs y la modernización de las redes de energía eléctrica – Estado del Arte

In the world is growing interest in developing policies and regulations that encourage the creation of social awareness of greenhouse gas emissions. Many governments also want to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Called Smart Grid technologies can support these goals by reducing carbon emissions by managing energy demand. In addition to environmental benefits, its implementation improves the efficiency of transmission and power distribution, and allows the integration of distributed renewable energy sources. The infrastructure of the Smart Grid should provide future requirements and take advantage of emerging technologies. With the mass use of electric vehicles, the network must be able to respond to the enormous increase in demand. These actions are important in many sectors, but particularly for ICT, as their development is to enable power grids to become "smarter".En el mundo crece el interés por desarrollar políticas y regulaciones que incentiven la creación de conciencia social respecto de los gases causantes del efecto invernadero. Muchos gobiernos quieren además reducir su dependencia de los combustibles fósiles. Las tecnologías denominadas Smart Grid podrían apoyar estos propósitos al disminuir las emisiones de carbono mediante la gestión de la demanda de energía eléctrica. Además del beneficio medioambiental, su implementación mejora la eficiencia de las redes de transmisión y distribución energética y permite la integración de fuentes de energía renovable distribuidas. La infraestructura de la red eléctrica inteligente debe prever requerimientos futuros y aprovechar las tecnologías que surjan. Con la masificación del uso de vehículos eléctricos, la red deberá poder responder al enorme incremento de la demanda. Todas esas metas son importantes en muchos sectores, pero particularmente para las TIC, pues su desarrollo es el que permitirá a las redes de energía eléctrica volverse "más inteligentes"

Análisis comparativo del uso de nanosílice y ceniza volante en el concreto hidráulico

Context: Nowadays, nanomaterials constitute an innovative alternative for the construction sector. This study evaluates the benefits of adding nanosilica and fly ash to Portland cement concrete in terms of its mechanical strength properties. Methodology: 45 specimens were used to compare the compressive strength and durability of concrete mixtures with nanosilica and fly ash. The specimens were studied after 7, 14, and 21 days to determine their maximum resistance. Results: The addition of small amounts of nanosilica (up to 1%) significantly improved the compressive strength of the concrete. In contrast, a large amount of fly ash (up to 8%) was required for a noticeable effect. Conclusions: Concrete with nanosilica yielded the best results in terms of mechanical strength. The key to improving concrete through nanosilica and fly ash is to reduce the water-to-cement ratio using chemical agents that reduce porosity and increase resistance.Contexto: Hoy en día, los nanomateriales representan una alternativa innovadora para el sector de la construcción. Este estudio evalúa los beneficios de añadir nanosílice y ceniza volante al concreto de cemento Portland en función de sus propiedades de su resistencia mecánica. Método: Se utilizaron 45 especímenes para comparar la resistencia a la compresión y la durabilidad de mezclas de concreto con nanosílice y ceniza volante. Los especímenes fueron estudiados a los 7, 14 y 21 días para determinar su máxima resistencia. Resultados: La adición de cantidades pequeñas de nanosílice (hasta 1 %) mejoraron significativamente la resistencia a la compresión del concreto. En contrate, se necesitó una gran cantidad de ceniza volante (hasta 8 %) para lograr un efecto notable. Conclusiones: El concreto con nanosílice dio los mejores resultados en cuanto a resistencia mecánica. La clave para mejorar el concreto con nanosílice y ceniza volante es reducir la relación cemento-agua utilizando agentes químicos que reduzcan la porosidad y aumenten la resistencia

Evaluation of the MDC and FEC over the quality of service and quality of experience for video distribution in ad hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) offer an excellent scenario for deploying communication applications because of the connectivity and versatility of this kind of networks. In contrast, the topology is usually extremely dynamic causing high rate of packet loss, so that ensuring a specific Quality of Service (QoS) for real-time video services becomes a hard challenge. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of using Multiple Description Coding (MDC) and Forward Error Correction (FEC) techniques for improving video quality in a multimedia content distribution system. A hybrid architecture using fixed and wireless ad hoc networks is proposed, which enables the use of multipoint-to-point transmission. MDC and FEC mechanisms can be combined with multipath transmission to increase the network efficiency and recover lost packets, improving the overall Quality of Experience (QoE) of the receiver. Simulations have been analyzed paying attention to objective parameters (Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, Packet Delivery Ratio, Decodable Frame Rate and interruptions) and subjective parameters. Results show that MDC increases the probability of packet delivery and FEC is able to recover lost frames and reduce video interruptions in moderate mobility scenarios, resulting in the improvement of video quality and the final user experience.This work was supported by project MIQUEL (TEC2007- 68119-C02-01/TCM) of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. The authors would like to thank the Editor and the reviewers for helpful suggestions to improve the quality of this paper.Acelas Delgado, P.; Arce Vila, P.; Guerri Cebollada, JC.; Castellanos Hernández, WE. (2014). Evaluation of the MDC and FEC over the quality of service and quality of experience for video distribution in ad hoc networks. Multimedia Tools and Applications. 68(3):969-989. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-012-1111-3969989683Apostolopoulos JG, Wong T, Tan W, Wee SJ (2002) On multiple description streaming with content delivery networks. IEEE INFOCOMBoukerche A (2009) Algorithms and protocols for wireless and mobile ad hoc networks. John Wiley & Sons IncChow CO, Ishii H (2007) Enhancing real-time video streaming over mobile ad hoc networks using multipoint-to-point communication. Comput Commun 30:1754–1764Clausen T, Jacquet P (2003) Optimized link state routing protocol (OLSR), RFC 3626Corrie B et al (2003) Towards quality of experience in advanced collaborative environments. Third Annual Workshop on Advanced Collaborative EnvironmentsGabrielyan E, Hersch R (2006) Reliable multi-path routing schemes for real-time streaming. International Conference on Digital Telecommunications, pp 65–65Gandikota VR, Tamma BR, Murthy CSR (2008) Adaptive-FEC based packet loss resilience scheme for supporting voice communication over adhoc wireless networks. IEEE Trans Mobile Comput 7:1184–1199Gharavi H (2008) Multi-channel for multihop communication links. International Conference on Telecommunications, pp 1–6Grega M, Janowski L, Leszczuk M, Romaniak P, Papir Z (2008) Quality of experience evaluation for multimedia services. Przegląd Telekomunikacyjny i Wiadomości Telekomunikacyjne 4:142–153Hsieh MY, Huang YM, Chian TC (2007) Transmission of layered video streaming via multi-path on ad hoc networks. Multimed Tool Appl 34:155–177ITU—International Telecommunication Union (2007) Definition of quality of experience (QoE)”, Reference: TD 109rev2 (PLEN/12)ITU-R Recommendation BT.500-12 (2009) Methodology for the subjective assessment of the quality of television pictures. International Telecommunication Union, GenevaITU-T Recommendation P.910 (2000) Subjective video quality assessment methods for multimedia applications. International Telecommunication Union, GenevaKao KL, Ke ChH, Shieh CH (2006) An advanced simulation tool-set for video transmission performance evaluation. IEEE Region 10 Conference, pp 1–40Ke CH et al (2006) A novel realistic simulation tool for video transmission over wireless network. Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Sensor Networks, Ubiquitous, and Trsutworthy ComputingKeisuke U, Cheeonn C, Hiroshi I (2008) A study on video performance of multipoint-to-point video streaming with multiple description coding over ad hoc networks. EEJ Trans Electron, Inf Syst 128:1431–1437Kilkki K (2008) Quality of experience in communications ecosystem. J Univers Comput Sci 14:615–624Li A (2007) RTP payload format for generic forward error correction. RFC 5109, Dec. 2007Li J, Blake C, Couto DD, Lee H, Morris R (2001) Capacity of ad hoc wireless networks. 7th Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking, pp 16–21Liao Y, Gibson JD (2011) Routing-aware multiple description video coding over mobile ad-hoc networks. IEEE Trans Multimed 13:132–142Lindeberg M, Kristiansen S, Plagemann T, Goebel V (2011) Challenges and techniques for video streaming over mobile ad hoc networks. Multimed Syst 17:51–82Mao S et al (2003) Video transport over ad hoc networks: multistream coding with multipath transport. IEEE J Sel Area Comm 21:1721–1737Ni P (2009) Towards Optimal Quality of Experience Via Scalable Video Coding. Mälardalen University Press Licentiate Theses, SwedenPinson MH, Wolf S (2004) A new standardized method for objectively measuring video quality. IEEE Trans Broadcast 50:312–322Rong B, Qian Y, Lu K, Hu RQ, Kadoch M (2010) Multipath routing over wireless mesh networks for multiple description video transmission. IEEE J Sel Area Comm 28:321–331Schierl T, Ganger K, Hellge C, Wiegand T, Stockhammer T (2006) SVC-based multisource streaming for robust video trans- mission in mobile ad hoc networks. IEEE Wireless Comm 13:96–103Schierl T, Stockhammer T, Wiegand T (2007) Mobile video transmission using scalable video coding. IEEE Trans Circ Syst Video Tech 17:1204–1217Schwarz H, Marpe D, Wiegand T (2007) Overview of the scalable video coding extension of the H.264/AVC standard. IEEE Trans Circ Syst Video Tech 17:1103–1120VQEG (2008) Video quality experts group. Available online: http://www.vqeg.orgWang Z et al (2004) Image quality assessment: from error visibility to structural similarity. IEEE Trans Image Process 13:600–612Wei W, Zakhor A (2004) Robust multipath source routing protocol (RMPSR) for video communication over wireless ad hoc net- works. Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo 2:1379–1382Winkler S, Mohandas P (2008) The evolution of video quality measurement: from PSNR to hybrid metrics. IEEE Trans Broadcast 54:660–668Xunqi Y, Modestino JW, Bajic IV (2005) Performance analysis of the efficacy of packet-level FEC in improving video transport over networks. IEEE International Conference on Image Processing 2:177–180Zink M, Schmitt J, Steinmetz R (2005) Layer-encoded video in scalable adaptive streaming. IEEE Trans Multimed 7:75–8

Carbazole-based Diradicals for Dynamic Covalent Chemistry

Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) is focused on the creation of structural scaffolds based on chemical components that interact through strong but reversible bonds. In fact, dynamic covalent bonds receive lot of attention because of their unique feature to become reversible under mild conditions.1 conjugated diradical compounds has emerged as essential building blocks in DCC.2 In this work, we will review our most recent works on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes by self-assembly of carbazole-based diradicals. To this end, we use a combined experimental and theoretical approach that links vibrational spectroscopy with DFT calculations. In this sense, it is interesting to note that we have recently demonstrated the potential of a para-substituted carbazole with terminal dicyanomethylene (DCM) groups to act as building blocks in DCC.3 This quinoid carbazole monomer transforms to a macrocycle cyclophane upon soft external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light), showing strong chromic features. In addition, we have also recently explored how the different DCM substitution position affects the interesting chromoactive properties of carbazole compounds.4 Finally, we are currently exploring the effect of the elongation of the carbazole backbone on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Multiresponsive chromic soft materials: formation of strongly coupled σ-dimers from IndoloCarbazole-based biradicaloids

Dynamic covalent chemistry is focused on the creation of structural scaffolds based on chemical components that interact through strong but reversible bonds. In fact, dynamic covalent bonds receive lot of attention because of their unique feature to become reversible under mild conditions.1 π-conjugated biradical compounds has emerged as essential building blocks in DCC (dynamic covalent chemistry).2 We have recently demonstrated the potential of a para-substituted carbazole with terminal dicyanomethylene groups to act as building blocks in DCC.3 In fact, this quinoid carbazole monomer transform to a macrocycle cyclophane upon soft external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light), showing strong chromic features. Here, we explore the effect of the elongation of the carbazole backbone on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes by self-assembly. To this end, we use a join experimental and theoretical approach that links vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and IR) with DFT calculationsUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes by self-assembly: the case of carbazole-based biradicals

Dynamic covalent bonds has recently received lot of attention because of their unique feature to become reversible under mild conditions.[1] In this context, π-conjugated biradical compounds has emerged as essential building blocks.[2] For instance, we have demonstrated that 2,7-dicyanomethylene-9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole biradical reversibly converts to a macrocycle cyclophane upon soft stimuli (temperature, pressure, light), showing strong chromic effects.[3] We now extent this study towards longer conjugated carbazole backbone (i.e., indolocarbazole shown in Figure 1), aiming at investigating how the elongation of the conjugated backbone impacts on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes. The self-assembly process is investigated both in solution and solid state by linking theory and experiments.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech