Bases del diseño de un dispositivo para la evaluación no destructiva de la textura en frutos y hortalizas.

Se estudia la utilidad de un dispositivo para la determinación objetiva de la textura, en su aspecto mecánico, de frutos en movimiento en una posible línea de clasificación. Se establecen las especificaciones del funcionamiento del posible dispositivo para su diseño, así como los aspectos del mismo que han de ser aún estudiados para los diversos frutos de interés

Configurational analysis of uranium-doped thorium dioxide

While thorium dioxide is already used industrially in high temperature applications, more insight is needed about the behaviour of the material as part of a mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel, incorporating uranium. We have developed a new interatomic potential model, commensurate with a prominent existing UO2 potential, to conduct configurational analyses of uranium-doped ThO2 supercells. Using the GULP and Site Occupancy Disorder (SOD) computational codes, we have analysed the distribution of low concentrations of uranium in the bulk material, but have not observed the formation of uranium clusters or a single dominant configuration

Morphological variation of the labellum of Vanilla planifolia Andrews (Orchidaceae) in Oaxaca, Mexico

Infraspecific variation has transcendental ecological consequences for species adaptation to new niches. Estimating levels of variation is key for understanding the life history of a species, as well as for designing strategies for use and conservation. For this reason, the objective of this study was to characterize infra-specific morphological variation of the labellum of V. planifolia, of 122 flowers from 28 specimens from the state of Oaxaca and two specimens from Veracruz, Mexico. The labellum of each flower was dissected and analyzed by morphometry. Sixty variables were obtained and grouped into basal, middle and apical regions. An analysis of variance was performed considering the collections and the origin of each individual as sources of variation. Principal components and cluster analyses were also conducted. Differences in the 60 variables analyzed were highly significant among the collections. Among environments, 18 variables showed significant differences, which were situated in the lateral and middle lobes of the labellum. Thus, these structures were considered susceptible to environmental changes. The remaining 42 variables situated in the basal and middle regions of the labellum, which were fused to the edges of the floral column were not significantly different among environments. With the first three principal components, the model explained 73% of the total variation studied. Morphological variation of the flower labellum was represented by four morphotypes distributed in three environments. Highlights The evaluation of vanilla flowers wild does not allow to have the same number of treatments or repetitions, for the inaccessibility of the species. Morphometric analysis of the labellum revealed infra-specific variation in the germplasm of Vanilla planifolia. The features of the basal and middle regions of the labellum are the most informative in distinguishing the variation between vanilla specimens.Infraspecific variation has transcendental ecological consequences for species adaptation to new niches. Estimating levels of variation is key for understanding the life history of a species, as well as for designing strategies for use and conservation. For this reason, the objective of this study was to characterize infra-specific morphological variation of the labellum of V. planifolia, of 122 flowers from 28 specimens from the state of Oaxaca and two specimens from Veracruz, Mexico. The labellum of each flower was dissected and analyzed by morphometry. Sixty variables were obtained and grouped into basal, middle and apical regions. An analysis of variance was performed considering the collections and the origin of each individual as sources of variation. Principal components and cluster analyses were also conducted. Differences in the 60 variables analyzed were highly significant among the collections. Among environments, 18 variables showed significant differences, which were situated in the lateral and middle lobes of the labellum. Thus, these structures were considered susceptible to environmental changes. The remaining 42 variables situated in the basal and middle regions of the labellum, which were fused to the edges of the floral column were not significantly different among environments. With the first three principal components, the model explained 73% of the total variation studied. Morphological variation of the flower labellum was represented by four morphotypes distributed in three environments. Highlights The evaluation of vanilla flowers wild does not allow to have the same number of treatments or repetitions, for the inaccessibility of the species. Morphometric analysis of the labellum revealed infra-specific variation in the germplasm of Vanilla planifolia. The features of the basal and middle regions of the labellum are the most informative in distinguishing the variation between vanilla specimens

Configurational analysis of uranium-doped thorium dioxide

While thorium dioxide is already used industrially in high temperature applications, more insight is needed about the behaviour of the material as part of a mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel, incorporating uranium. We have developed a new interatomic potential model, commensurate with a prominent existing UO2 potential, to conduct configurational analyses of uranium-doped ThO2 supercells. Using the GULP and Site Occupancy Disorder (SOD) computational codes, we have analysed the distribution of low concentrations of uranium in the bulk material, but have not observed the formation of uranium clusters or a single dominant configuration

Failed limb salvage by microsurgery, resolved by super-microsurgery

Advances in perforating artery flaps have improved reconstruction in various body parts, particularly the lower extremities, offering benefits in patient quality of life and reduced public health service costs. The use of flaps and microsurgery extends beyond trauma to address conditions like osteomyelitis, tumor resection, osteoarthritis, and post-radiation necrosis. Notably, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP) is highlighted for its thin profile and utility in limb coverage, minimizing donor site morbidity. Microsurgical techniques contribute to limb salvage, reducing amputation risks in severe fractures and post-osteosynthesis complications. A 29-year-old male with cerebral palsy suffered bimalleolar fracture from a high-energy motor vehicle accident. Initial ALT flap reconstruction failed, leading to flap removal and osteosynthesis exposure. After 48 hours, removal of the flap was necessary due to venous thrombosis. Salvage with SCIP flap involved anastomosis to perforators of both posterior tibial artery and vein. This case details a patient with a bimalleolar fracture post-motorcycle accident, initially treated with conventional microsurgery using an ALT flap. Complications arose from venous thrombosis, necessitating flap removal. Salvage was achieved through a SCIP flap with supermicrosurgery techniques, employing 0.5 mm anastomosis for improved functionality and reduced complications in flap recovery and donor site comorbidities. Successful outcomes in microsurgery and supermicrosurgery necessitate comprehensive training. Specialized limb salvage centers must possess specific equipment and instruments for these techniques. The literature reviewed doesn't indicate contraindications related to the patient's mental state for the execution of microsurgery and supermicrosurgery

Self-assembling of calcium salt of the new DNA base 5-carboxylcytosine

Supramolecular architectures involving DNA bases can have a strong impact in several fields such as nanomedicine and nanodevice manufacturing. To date, in addition to the four canonical nucleobases (adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine), four other forms of cytosine modified at the 5 position have been identified in DNA. Among these four new cytosine derivatives, 5-carboxylcytosine has been recently discovered in mammalian stem cell DNA, and proposed as the final product of the oxidative epigenetic demethylation pathway on the 5 position of cytosine. In this work, a calcium salt of 5-carboxylcytosine has been synthesized and deposited on graphite surface, where it forms self-assembled features as long range monolayers and up to one micron long filaments. These structures have been analyzed in details combining different theoretical and experimental approaches: X-ray single-crystal diffraction data were used to simulate the molecule-graphite interaction, first using molecular dynamics and then refining the results using density functional theory (DFT); finally, data obtained with DFT were used to rationalize atomic force microscopy (AFM) results