Application of Experimental Design and Canonical Analysis of Response Surfaces to the Optimization of Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2

The aim of this work was to optimize the culture medium for biomass and PHA production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2, using a five-level-three-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). A total of 23 sets of experiments was developed to obtain the second-order polynomial equations that were used to predict biomass and PHA production in terms of three independent variables: carbon source, nitrate and phosphate concentrations. Canonical analysis of the response surface models showed that the optimum medium composition differed for the production of biomass and PHA. When the models were validated experimentally by culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa 42A2 in the optimal media, similar values to the predicted ones were obtained for the biomass (18.73 g L–1) and PHA (4.52 g L–1) concentrations. Moreover, central composite rotatable design and canonical analysis of the response surfaces proved to be useful tools for determining the optimum composition of the culture medium

Desarrollo de simulador de negocios en la industria de sensores: estrategia y toma de decisiones

El presente informe tiene como tema central la toma de decisiones y el análisis de la competencia de la industria de sensores dentro del simulador Capsim. Se pretende desplegar detalladamente el proceso estratégico administrativo, el cual empieza con la definición del propósito fundamental de una compañía, el análisis de las fuerzas de la industria, la visión del negocio, la adopción de una estrategia, el diseño organizacional, la ejecución y el monitoreo del negocio

Sexuality throughout all the stages of pregnancy: experiences of expectant mothers

Objective: To explore and understand the sexual experiences of expectant mothers during their pregnancy. Methods: The study was carried out in two healthcare centers in the Almería Health District, in southern Spain. The participants included pregnant women who received prenatal care and/or maternity education. The inclusion criteria were being pregnant, maintaining sexual activity and agreeing to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were having limitations on sexual activity by medical prescription. The sample consisted of 15 expectant women selected using a convenience sample, of which 5 took part in a focus group (FG) and 10 in in-depth interviews (IDI). Data was collected between the months of June and December 2016. Participants were contacted by the main researcher and an appointment was made to carry out the FGs or the IDIs. Results: Three main categories emerged: False beliefs and a holistic approach to sexuality during pregnancy, which is related to the concept of sexuality, false beliefs, and limited sexual counseling during pregnancy. Limitations: From fear at the beginning to physical diffi culty at the end, referring to the fluctuations in sexual desire as well as the physical changes that limit sexual activity. Adapting to changes: safe practices and satisfaction with one’s body image, which encompasses concerns about the risks and the relationship between body image and self-esteem. Conclusion: A lack of sexual counseling during pregnancy leads to the creation of false beliefs, which, together with physical changes, concerns about the risk, and fl uctuations in sexual desire and interest, bring about a decrease in sexual activity. But sexuality remains an important aspect of pregnancy, toward which the participants must adopt a broader approach, not limited to intercourse, and adopt sexual practices that are adapted to the physical and emotional changes that happen during this time

An Unsaturated Four-Coordinate Dimethyl Dimolybdenum Complex with a Molybdenum–Molybdenum Quadruple Bond

We describe the synthesis and the molecular and electronic structures of the complex [Mo2Me2{μ‐HC(NDipp)2}2] (2; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3), which contains a dimetallic core with an Mo–Mo quadruple bond and features uncommon four‐coordinate geometry and has a fourteen‐electron count for each molybdenum atom. The coordination polyhedron approaches a square pyramid, with one of the molybdenum atoms nearly co‐planar with the basal square plane, in which the trans coordination position with respect to the Mo−Me bond is vacant. The other three sites are occupied by two trans nitrogen atoms of different amidinate ligands and the methyl group. The second Mo atom occupies the apex of the pyramid and forms an Mo–Mo bond of length 2.080(1) Å, consistent with a quadruple bond. Compound 2 reacts with tetrahydrofuran (THF) and trimethylphosphine to yield the mono‐adducts [Mo2Me(μ‐Me){μ‐HC(NDipp)2}2(L)] (3⋅THF and 3⋅PMe3, respectively) with one terminal and one bridging methyl group. In contrast, 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (dmap) forms the bis‐adduct [Mo2Me2{μ‐HC(NDipp)2}2(dmap)2] (4), with terminally coordinated methyl groups. Hydrogenolysis of complex 2 leads to the bis(hydride) [Mo2H2{μ‐HC(NDipp)2}2(thf)2] (5⋅THF) with elimination of CH4. Computational, kinetic, and mechanistic studies, which included the use of D2 and of complex 2 labelled with 13C (99 %) at the Mo–CH3 sites, supported the intermediacy of a methyl‐hydride reactive species. A computational DFT analysis of the terminal and bridging coordination of the methyl groups to the Mo≣Mo core is also reported.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación CTQ2010-15833, CTQ2013-42501-P, CTQ2014-52769-C3-3-R, CTQ2015-64579-C3-1-P, Consolider-Ingenio 2010 CSD2007-00006Junta de Andalucía FQM-119, P09-FQM-5117Ministerio de Educación AP-4193Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación BES-2011-04764

Differential antibody response against conformational and linear epitopes of the L1 protein from human papillomavirus types 16/18 is generated in vaccinated woman or with different exposures to the virus

Antibodies against human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 protein are associated to past infections and related to the evolution of the disease, while antibodies against L1 virus like particles (VLPs-L1) are used to follow the neutralizing immune response in vaccinated women. In this study, sera antibodies against conformational and linear epitopes of L1 protein from HPV16/18 were evaluated to discriminate HPV vaccinated women from those naturally infected or with uterine cervical lesions. The VLPs-L1 from HPV16/18 generated in baculovirus were purified by CsCl gradient and linear L1 protein obtained by denature VLPs. Serum antibodies against VLPs-L1 and L1 from vaccinated women or with different exposures to the virus were measured by ELISA. Regresion and ROC analysis were carried out to evaluete the test performance to discriminate the different women populations. The results showed that antibodies against VLPs-L1-16/18 highly associated with vaccinated women (OR=2.11e+08 and 57.74, respectively), but not associations were observed with natural infected women or with cervical lesions. However, antibodies against L1-16/18 showed high associations with vaccinated women (OR= 101.33 and 37.91, respectively) (p≤ 0.05), but also associations of these antibodies were observed with the cervical cancer (CC) group (OR= 3.33 and 5.65, respectively). The ROC analysis showed that antibodies against VLPs-L1 and L1 16/18 were highly effective to detect vaccinated women (AUC= 0.96, 0.91. 0.80 and 0.78, respectively), with high sensitivity for HPV16 (100% and 86.3%), and moderate for HPV18 (63.6%). However, anti-L1 antibodies had the best test performance to discriminate the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3)/CC group from controls (AUC= 0.67 HPV16 and 0.63 HPV18), with low sensitivity (15% to 20%, respectively) and high specificity (96% and 92%, respectively). In conclusion, our results suggested that anti-VLPs-L1 16/18 antibodies are highly efficient to detect vaccinated women, but anti-L1 antibodies are better to discriminate CIN3/CC among the general population

First Jurassic brittlestar from Neuquén Basin, Argentina

Articulated fossil ophiuroids from South America were reported for the Devonian, Cretaceous, Eocene, and Miocene. Here we report the first Jurassic record of an articulated ophiuroid from the Sierra Chacaicó Formation (early Pliensbachian– Sinemurian) in Neuquén Basin, Argentina, and discuss the taphonomic processes that allowed its preservation. The Sierra Chacaicó Formation represents the onset of the Early Jurassic extensive marine transgression in the basin. The basal section comprises shoreface and offshore Gilbert-type delta system, which was affected by hyperpycnal discharges. The middle and upper sections are represented by offshore deposits, affected by storms and eroded by hyperpycnal channel-levee systems. The ophiuroid specimen was found in levels of massive, fine, tuffaceous sandstone beds and covered by coarse sandstone containing a large amount of plant debris and organic matter. It was preserved articulated, with a complete disc and almost complete arms. Based on the microstructure of the spine-bearing lateral arm plates, the ophiuroid is assigned to Sinosura, an extinct genus of the family Ophioleucidae, widespread in the Lower Jurassic deposits of Europe but previously unknown from other parts of the world. The posture of the ophiuroid, with one arm curved distally and extended in one direction and the other four arms symmetrically oriented in the opposite direction, suggests a walking or escape movement frozen in time. This implies that the ophiuroid was buried alive by sediment thick enough to prevent successful escape. The taphonomic and sedimentologic evidence indicates that the fossil material was found in hyperpycnal deposits accumulated in offshore positions, which carried a high concentration of sediment in suspension

New solar axion search in CAST with 4^4He filling

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) searches for $a\to\gamma$ conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. Two parallel magnet bores can be filled with helium of adjustable pressure to match the X-ray refractive mass $m_\gamma$ to the axion search mass $m_a$. After the vacuum phase (2003--2004), which is optimal for $m_a\lesssim0.02$ eV, we used $^4$He in 2005--2007 to cover the mass range of 0.02--0.39 eV and $^3$He in 2009--2011 to scan from 0.39--1.17 eV. After improving the detectors and shielding, we returned to $^4$He in 2012 to investigate a narrow $m_a$ range around 0.2 eV ("candidate setting" of our earlier search) and 0.39--0.42 eV, the upper axion mass range reachable with $^4$He, to "cross the axion line" for the KSVZ model. We have improved the limit on the axion-photon coupling to $g_{a\gamma}< 1.47\times10^{-10} {\rm GeV}^{-1}$ (95% C.L.), depending on the pressure settings. Since 2013, we have returned to vacuum and aim for a significant increase in sensitivity.Comment: CAST Collaboration 6 pages 3 figure

Associations between whole peripheral blood fatty acids and DNA methylation in humans

Fatty acids (FA) modify DNA methylation in vitro, but limited information is available on whether corresponding associations exist in vivo and reflect any short-term effect of the diet. Associations between global DNA methylation and FAs were sought in blood from lactating infants (LI; n = 49) and adult males (AMM; n = 12) equally distributed across the three conventional BMI classes. AMM provided multiple samples at 2-hour intervals during 8 hours after either a single Western diet-representative meal (post-prandial samples) or no meal (fasting samples). Lipid/glucose profile, HDAC4 promoter and PDK4 5'UTR methylation were determined in AMM. Multiple regression analysis revealed that global (in LI) and both global and PDK4-specific DNA methylation (in AMM) were positively associated with eicosapentaenoic and arachidonic acid. HDAC4 methylation was inversely associated with arachidonic acid post-prandially in AMM. Global DNA methylation did not show any defined within-day pattern that would suggest a short-term response to the diet. Nonetheless, global DNA methylation was higher in normal weight subjects both post-prandially and in fasting and coincided with higher polyunsaturated relative to monounsaturated and saturated FAs. We show for the first time strong associations of DNA methylation with specific FAs in two human cohorts of distinct age, diet and postnatal development stage

Results and perspectives of the solar axion search with the CAST experiment

The status of the solar axion search with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) will be presented. Recent results obtained by the use of $^3$He as a buffer gas has allowed us to extend our sensitivity to higher axion masses than our previous measurements with $^4$He. With about 1 h of data taking at each of 252 different pressure settings we have scanned the axion mass range 0.39 eV$\le m_{a} \le$ 0.64 eV. From the absence of an excess of x rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of g$_{a\gamma} \le 2.3\times 10^{-10}$ GeV$^{-1}$ at 95% C.L., the exact value depending on the pressure setting. CAST published results represent the best experimental limit on the photon couplings to axions and other similar exotic particles dubbed WISPs (Weakly Interacting Slim Particles) in the considered mass range and for the first time the limit enters the region favored by QCD axion models. Preliminary sensitivities for axion masses up to 1.16 eV will also be shown reaching mean upper limits on the axion-photon coupling of g$_{a\gamma} \le 3.5\times 10^{-10}$ GeV$^{-1}$ at 95% C.L. Expected sensibilities for the extension of the CAST program up to 2014 will be presented. Moreover long term options for a new helioscope experiment will be evoked.Comment: 4 pages, 2 pages, to appear in the proceedings of the 24th Rencontres de Blois V2 A few affiliations were not corrected in previous version V3 Author adde