511 research outputs found
M. Bernal, Black Athena. The afroasiatic roots of classical civilization. Volume 1: The Fabrication of Ancient Greece 1785-1985. London, Free Association Books, 1987. 575 pp,. figs.
Sin resume
Performance evaluation for 68Ga and 18F of the ARGUS small-animal PET scanner based on the NEMA NU-4 standard
Proceeding of: 2010 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference and 17th Room Temperature Semiconductor Detector Workshop (IEEE), Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, October 30 - November 6, 201068Ga is one of the non-conventional nuclides that are
being used in preclinical imaging. One disadvantage of 68Ga
versus 18F is its larger positron range, which deteriorates the
effective spatial resolution and the overall image quality. In this
work we present a performance evaluation of the ARGUS smallanimal
positron emission tomography (PET) scanner for two
positron emitters, 68Ga and 18F. These experiments followed the
procedure based on the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA) NU 4-2008 standard. We show how the use
of 68Ga may affect the NEMA performance of the system in terms
of image quality and spatial resolution. The recovery coefficients
(RC) measured in the image-quality phantom ranged from 0.17 to
0.72 for 68Ga and from 0.28 to 0.92 for 18F, using iterative image
reconstruction methods and applying all corrections. Under the
same conditions the image noise (%STD) in a uniform region was
17.0% for 68Ga and 15.1% for 18F. The respective spillover ratios
(SOR) were 0.13 and 0.09 in air, and 0.21 and 0.12 in water.
Attenuation correction yielded an improvement of the SOR close
to 50% for both radionuclides in the air-filled region. This work
evaluates the image reconstruction methods and corrections
available in the ARGUS PET for 68Ga and 18F to assess the
influence of their physical properties on the NEMA parameters.Publicad
Assessing the responses of exploited marine populations in a context of rapid climate change: the case of blackspot seabream from Strait of Gibraltar.
Assessing the response of exploited marine populations in a context of rapid climate change: the case of
blackspot seabream from the Strait of Gibraltar.—
There is a growing concern over the decline of fisheries and
the possibility of the decline becoming worse due to climate change. Studies on
small–scale fisheries
could help
to improve our understanding of the effect of climate on the ecology of exploited stocks. The Strait of Gibraltar
is an important fishery ground for artisanal fleets.
In this area, b
lackspot seabream (
Pagellus bogaraveo
) is
the main species targeted by artisanal fisheries
in view of its relevance in landed weight.
The aims of this
study were to explore the possible effects of two atmospheric oscillations, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)
and the Arctic Oscillation (AO), on the capture of blackspot seabream in the Strait of Gibraltar, to determine
their association with oceanographic conditions, and to improve our knowledge about the possible effects of
climate change on fisheries ecology so that fishery management can be improved. We used two types of data
from different sources: (i) landings per unit of effort reported from a second working group between Morocco
and Spain on
Pagellus bogaraveo
in the Gibraltar Strait area,
for the period 1983–2011
, and (ii) the recorded
blackspot seabream landings obtained from the annual fisheries statistics published by the
Junta de Andalucía
(Andalusian Regional Government). Our results indicate that the long–term landing of blackspot seabream in
the Strait of Gibraltar is closely associated with atmospheric oscillations. Thus, prolonged periods of positive
trends in the NAO and AO could favour high fishery yields. In contrast, negative trends in NAO and AO could
drastically reduce yield.Postprint0,000
Analysis of the effect of atmospheric oscillations on physical condition of pre–reproductive bluefin tuna from the Strait of Gibraltar
Analysis of the effect of atmospheric oscillations on physical condition of pre–reproductive bluefin tuna from
the Strait of Gibraltar
.— The aim of this study was to explore the possible effects of atmospheric oscillations:
North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO), on the physical condition of bluefin tuna (
Thunnus
thynnus
). We estimated a fitness ratio from 3,501 pairs of length–weight data based on bluefin tuna caught in
bait–boat fisheries before the spawning season (January, February and March), for each length class and year.
In order to obtain a single fitness ratio (K–mean) per year we determined the average for all length classes.
We also evaluated
Le Cren’s condition index (K
LC
).
We observed significant positive correlations between the
atmospheric oscillations and both physical condition indexes. In the case of K–mean, the AO explained 75%
of the observed variability. Regarding K
LC
, the NAO explained approximately 73% of the observed variability,
while the AO explained 70% of the observed variability. The increase in physical conditions of bluefin tuna
in association with positive atmospheric oscillations could be mediated by the increase in the prevalence of
strong trade winds. We concluded that the increase in the prevalence of strong westerly winds, mediated by
a positive AO or NAO, favours the trip from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by reducing energy costs due
to migration and by increasing the supply of nutrients at the surface by the mixing of deep water and surface
water in local areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar.Postprin
Effectiveness of sacubitril–valsartan in cancer patients with heart failure
Aims Current guidelines recommend sacubitril/valsartan for patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection
fraction (LVEF), but there is lack of evidence of its efficacy and safety in cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD).
Our aim was to analyse the potential benefit of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with CTRCD.
Methods and results We performed a retrospective multicentre registry (HF-COH) in six Spanish hospitals with cardiooncology
clinics including all patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan. Demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory
and echocardiographic data were collected. Median follow-up was 4.6 [1; 11] months. Sixty-seven patients were included (median
age was 63 ± 14 years; 64% were female, 87% had at least one cardiovascular risk factor). Median time from anti-cancer
therapy to CTRD was 41 [10; 141] months. Breast cancer (45%) and lymphoma (39%) were the most frequent neoplasm, 31%
had metastatic disease, and all patients were treated with combination antitumor therapy (70% with anthracyclines). Thirtynine
per cent of patients had received thoracic radiotherapy. Baseline median LVEF was 33 [27; 37], and 21% had atrial fibrillation.
Eighty-five per cent were on beta-blocker therapy and 76% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; 90% of the
patients were symptomatic NYHA functional class ≥II. Maximal sacubitril/valsartan titration dose was achieved in 8% of patients
(50 mg b.i.d.: 60%; 100 mg b.i.d.: 32%). Sacubitril/valsartan was discontinued in four patients (6%). Baseline Nterminal
pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels (1552 pg/mL [692; 3624] vs. 776 [339; 1458]), functional class (2.2 ± 0.6 vs.
1.6 ± 0.6), and LVEF (33% [27; 37] vs. 42 [35; 50]) improved at the end of follow-up (all P values ≤0.01). No significant statistical
differences were found in creatinine (0.9 mg/dL [0.7; 1.1] vs. 0.9 [0.7; 1.1]; P = 0.055) or potassium serum levels (4.5 mg/dL
[4.1; 4.8] vs. 4.5 [4.2; 4.8]; P = 0.5). Clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical improvements were found regardless of the
achieved sacubitril–valsartan dose (low or medium/high doses).
Conclusions Our experience suggests that sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated and improves echocardiographic functional
and structural parameters, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and symptomatic status in patients with CTRCD.This study was funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III,
Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain,
and the EU—European Regional Development Fund, by
means of a competitive call for excellence in research projects
(PIE14/00066) as well as by the Spanish Cardiovascular
Network (CIBERCV)
IAA : Información y actualidad astronómica (22)
Sumario : Estrellas binarias: un matrimonio muy ventajoso.--
Mujeres y ciencia: rompiendo techos.--
La estrella más masiva.--
DECONSTRUCCIÓN Y otros ENSAYOS :
Criterios termodinámicos en la evolución de agujeros negros.--
ACTUALIDAD.--
ENTRE BASTIDORES.--
CIENCIA: PILARES E INCERTIDUMBRES. Núcleos de galaxias activas .--
HISTORIAS DE ASTRONOMÍA: “Serendipia” cósmica.--
El increíble y asombroso viaje de Fotón. II Parte.--
ACTIVIDADES IAA.Esta revista se publica con la ayuda de la Acción Complementaria CCT005-06-00178 del Programa Nacional de Fomento de la Cultura Científica y Tecnológica.N
The Maser-emitting Structure and Time Variability of the SiS Lines J =14-13 and 15-14 in IRC+10216
2 pags., 1 tab. -- Why Galaxies Care About AGB Stars: A Continuing Challenge through Cosmic Time Proceedings IAU Symposium No. 343, 2019
F. Kerschbaum, M. Groenewegen & H. Olofsson, eds.AGB stars are important contributors of processed matter to the ISM. However, the physical and chemical mechanisms involved in its ejection are still poorly known. This process is expected to have remarkable effects in the innermost envelope, where the dust grains are formed, the gas is accelerated, the chemistry is active, and the radiative excitation becomes important. A good tracer of this region in C-rich stars is SiS, an abundant refractory molecule that can display maser lines, very sensitive to changes in the physical conditions. We present high angular resolution interferometer observations (HPBW â‰30.″.25) of the v = 0 J = 14-13 and 15-14 SiS maser lines towards the archetypal AGB star IRC+10216, carried out with CARMA and ALMA to explore the inner 1> region around the central star. We also present an ambitious monitoring of these lines along one single pulsation period carried out with the IRAM 30 m telescope.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research
Council under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/
ERC grant agreement n◦ 610256: NANOCOSMO
Barley-ß-glucans reduce systemic inflammation, renal injury and aortic calcification through ADAM17 and neutral-sphingomyelinase2 inhibition
In chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperphosphatemia-induced inflammation aggravates vascular calcification (VC) by increasing vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteogenic differentiation, ADAM17-induced renal and vascular injury, and TNFα-induction of neutral-sphingomyelinase2 (nSMase2) to release pro-calcifying exosomes. This study examined anti-inflammatory β-glucans efficacy at attenuating systemic inflammation in health, and renal and vascular injury favoring VC in hyperphosphatemic CKD. In healthy adults, dietary barley β-glucans (Bβglucans) reduced leukocyte superoxide production, inflammatory ADAM17, TNFα, nSMase2, and pro-aging/pro-inflammatory STING (Stimulator of interferon genes) gene expression without decreasing circulating inflammatory cytokines, except for γ-interferon. In hyperphosphatemic rat CKD, dietary Bβglucans reduced renal and aortic ADAM17-driven inflammation attenuating CKD-progression (higher GFR and lower serum creatinine, proteinuria, kidney inflammatory infiltration and nSMase2), and TNFα-driven increases in aortic nSMase2 and calcium deposition without improving mineral homeostasis. In VSMC, Bβglucans prevented LPS- or uremic serum-induced rapid increases in ADAM17, TNFα and nSMase2, and reduced the 13-fold higher calcium deposition induced by prolonged calcifying conditions by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation and increases in nSMase2 through Dectin1-independent actions involving Bβglucans internalization. Thus, dietary Bβglucans inhibit leukocyte superoxide production and leukocyte, renal and aortic ADAM17- and nSMase2 gene expression attenuating systemic inflammation in health, and renal injury and aortic calcification despite hyperphosphatemia in CKD.A grant to A.S.D. and M.J.M. from IRBLleida and Agrotecnio Research collaborative projects from the Consell Social at Lleida University supported initial work, Instituto de Salud Carlos III and co-funded by European Union (ERDF/FEDER) (FIS PI11/00259, PI14/01452, PI17/02181), Plan de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación 2013–2017 y 2018–2022 del Principado de Asturias (GRUPIN14-028, IDI-2018-000152), RedInRen from ISCIII (ISCIII-RETIC REDINREN RD16/0009). Investigator support included: NC-L by GRUPIN14-028 and IDI-2018-000152, LM-A by GRUPIN14-028, SP by FICYT; MVA and PV by Educational Grant 2 A/2015 from ERA-EDTA CKD-MBD Working Group; PV and AC by ERA-EDTA fellowships 2011 and 2012; JR-C by MINECO (“Juan de la Cierva” program, FJCI-2015-23849); A.S.D. by Asociación Investigación de Fisiología Aplicada. A.S.D. and M.J.M. are members of the Campus Iberus (Ebro Valley Campus of International Excellence)
Cross‐sectional study about impact of parental smoking on rhinitis symptoms in children
[Abstract]
Objective. Assess the prevalence of rhinitis and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) of children in our community and its relationship with symptoms of rhinitis
Methods (design, setting, participants, main outcome measures). Cross‐sectional study using questionnaire on rhinitis of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, in children (6‐7 years) and adolescents (13‐14 years). Categories: “rhinitis ever”, “recent rhinitis”, “recent rhinoconjunctivitis”, “severe rhinoconjunctivitis”. Parental smoking: (i) neither parent smokes; (ii) only the mother smokes; (iii) only the father smokes; and (iv) both parents smoke. Odds ratio of the prevalence of symptoms of rhinitis according to ETS exposure was calculated using logistic regression.
Results. 10 690 children and 10 730 adolescents. The prevalence of “rhinitis ever” in children: 29.4%, “recent rhinitis” 24%, “recent rhinoconjunctivitis” 11.5% and “severe rhinoconjunctivitis” 0.1%. In adolescents: 46.2%, 34.5%, 16.2% and 0.2%, respectively. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure in the home occurred in 51% of cases. Parental smoking was associated with a higher prevalence of forms of rhinitis in adolescents when only the mother was a smoker. In children when both parents were smokers.
Conclusion. Rhinitis is highly prevalent in our community. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure is still very common. The relationship between ETS and rhinitis symptoms in children of this community is not as robust as that found for asthma
Iron deficiency anemia effect of nutrition on the content in bone, Ca, P and Fe
La anemia ferropénica nutricional provoca una alteración de gran importancia en el metabolismo
fosfocálcico. Con este estudio pretendemos comprobar cómo la anemia ferropénica nutricional afecta
el depósito de Ca y P en fémur y el contenido de Fe en esternón, para ello determinamos Fe y Ca por
espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y de P por espectrofotometría ultravioleta visible en ratas
macho raza Wistar albina ferrodeficientes. El depósito de Ca y P en el fémur es significativamente (P <
0.001) más bajo para el grupo anémico. Esto puede deberse al incremento de los niveles séricos de
PTH y cortisol, inducidos por la ferrodeficiencia severa (Campos y col., 2007). Además se produce
una drástica disminución (P < 0.001) en el contenido de Fe en esternón, hecho que incide de manera
muy negativa en el proceso hematopoyético.Nutritional iron-deficiency anemia provokes a noteworthy alteration in the phosphorus and calcium
metabolism. With the current study we tried to check how the nutritional iron deficiency anemia
affects Ca and P deposit in femur and the Fe content in sternum. We determined Fe and Ca by atomic
absorption spectrophotometry and P by ultraviolet /visibly spectrophotometry in Fe-deficient male
wistar albino rats. Ca and P deposit in femur is significantly lower in the anaemic group. This can be
due to the increase of the serum levels of PTH and cortisol, induced by the severe Fe-deficiency. In
addition, a drastic decrease in the Fe content in sternum was recorded, fact that affects in a very
negative way in the haematopoietic process
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