Architectural optimization of an epoxy-based hybrid sol–gel coating for the corrosion protection of a cast Elektron21 magnesium alloy

An epoxy-based hybrid sol–gel coating was prepared in various architectural configurations has beenstudied for the corrosion protection of a cast Elektron21 magnesium alloy. The creation of a single layerof this coating presents defects consisting of macro-pores and protuberances, which opens access for cor-rosive species to reach the metallic substrate. These defects are suspected to result from the high reactivityof the substrate, as well as to the irregular topography of the substrate disrupted by the microstructureof the own magnesium alloy. Hence, a sol–gel coating in bilayer architecture is proposed, where the firstlayer would “inert” the surface of the magnesium substrate, and the second layer would cover the defectsof the first layer and also thickening the coating. The morphological characteristics of the sol–gel coatingswere analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their corrosion behavior was evaluated byOCP (open circuit potential) monitoring and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in chloridemedia. It is shown that both the architectural arrangement and the individual thickness of the first andsecond layers have an important influence on the anticorrosion performances of the protective system,just as much as its global thickness

Efectos de secuencias de disturbios sobre la acumulación de biomasa y su calidad forrajera en un pajonal de Spartina spartinae (Trin.) Merr. Ex Hitchc.

Spartina spartinae (Trin.) Merr. Ex Hitchc. es la especie dominante de planicies halo-hidromorfas con baja diversidad florística en el sureste de Santiago del Estero. Debido a su pobre calidad forrajera, el fuego es la práctica de manejo frecuente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la producción y calidad del rebrote de S. spartinae al aplicar cuatro secuencias binarias de nueve posibles con tres disturbios: quema controlada (F), corte mecánico (C) y aplicación de herbicida (H), aplicados en setiembre 2012 y marzo 2013 respectivamente, y Testigo no disturbado (T). Todas las secuencias de perturbación mostraron resultados favorables en comparación con T, acumulación de biomasa con mayores niveles de proteína bruta, digestibilidad y reducción de la altura de S. spartinae, la secuencia C-C mostró mayor productividad de forraje disponible

Obtaining a nanoporous Layer by the Anodizing Process on AISI 316L Steel to Obtain Better Corrosion Resistance Properties in Metallic Biomaterials Applications

AISI 316L is a metallic biomaterial used in Unified Health System (SUS) due to low cost. However, corrosion in AISI 316L is a major cause of premature failure and toxic reactions to implants. Nanotubular or nanoporous anodized layers have proven to be good and affordable alternatives to create greater interaction and less damage to human tissue. Thus, the main of this study was to obtain a nanoporous layer by anodizing on AISI 316L, aiming to improve its corrosion resistance for use as a biomaterial. AISI 316L were anodized in 10M NaOH, 0.6mA/cm2 for 5 and 10min. Transients of current density and potential and oxide color were evaluated. Anodized layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and electrochemical assays. Nanoporous anodized layers with nanoplate arrangement were obtained. The 5min anodized sample showed better corrosion resistance than the original steel, being considered promising for use as a biomaterial

Mutations in DVL1 cause an osteosclerotic form of Robinow syndrome

Item does not contain fulltextRobinow syndrome (RS) is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous condition that can be caused by mutations in genes encoding components of the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway. In contrast, germline mutations that act to increase canonical Wnt signaling lead to distinctive osteosclerotic phenotypes. Here, we identified de novo frameshift mutations in DVL1, a mediator of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling, as the cause of RS-OS, an RS subtype involving osteosclerosis, in three unrelated individuals. The mutations all delete the DVL1 C terminus and replace it, in each instance, with a novel, highly basic sequence. We showed the presence of mutant transcript in fibroblasts from one individual with RS-OS and demonstrated unimpaired protein stability with transfected GFP-tagged constructs bearing a frameshift mutation. In vitro TOPFlash assays, in apparent contradiction to the osteosclerotic phenotype, revealed that the mutant allele was less active than the wild-type allele in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. However, when the mutant and wild-type alleles were co-expressed, canonical Wnt activity was 2-fold higher than that in the wild-type construct alone. This work establishes that DVL1 mutations cause a specific RS subtype, RS-OS, and that the osteosclerosis associated with this subtype might be the result of an interaction between the wild-type and mutant alleles and thus lead to elevated canonical Wnt signaling

A closer look at the paralyzed face; a narrative review of the neurobiological basis for functional and aesthetic appreciation between patients with a left and a right peripheral facial palsy

BACKGROUND: The facial nerve or n. facialis (NVII) is the seventh cranial nerve and it is responsible for the innervation of the mimic muscles, the gustatory organ, and the secretomotor function to the salivary, lacrimal, nasal and palatine glands. Clinical presentation of Facial Palsy (FP) is characterized by unilateral facial asymmetry and may present with a change in taste, decreased saliva production, and dysarthria. A facial palsy has a notable effect on the facial appreciation by both the patient and the environment and also affects quality of life and emotional processing. There appear to be differences in the appreciation of people with a left and right facial palsy. PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: The purpose of the review is to give an overview of the anatomy of the facial nerve, neuro-anatomy of face processing, and hemispheric specialization and lateralization. Further,an overview is given of the clinical studies that translated the neuro-anatomical and neurobiological basis of these concepts into clinical studies. What this review adds: This review emphasizes the neurobiological evidence of differences in face processing between the left and right cerebral hemisphere, wherein it seems that the right hemisphere is superior in emotional processing. Several theories are proposed; 1) a familiarity hypothesis and 2) a left-right hemispheric specialization hypothesis. In clinical studies, promising evidence might indicate that, in patients with FP, there is indeed a difference in how left and right FP are perceived. This might give differences in decreased quality of life and finally in occurrence of depression. Further research must aim to substantiate these findings and determine the need for altering the standard therapeutic advice given to patients