A comparative study between wmms and tls for the stability analysis of the San Pedro church barrel vault by means of the finite element method

Stability of masonry constructions is highly conditioned by the geometric disposition of its elements due to its low tensile strength and great compressive mechanical properties. Under this framework, this paper attempts to evaluate the suitability of a wearable mobile mapping solution, equipped in a backpack and based on the well-known simultaneous location and mapping paradigm, for the structural diagnosis of historical constructions. To evaluate the suitability of this device, the structural analysis obtained is compared with a high precision terrestrial laser scanner, which is considered as ground truth. The Romanesque church of San Pedro (Becerril del Carpio, Spain) was selected as a study case. This construction, initially conceived in the XIIIth century, has experimented in the past a soil settlement promoting the leaning of the north wall, several plastic hinges in its barrel vault and a visible geometrical deformation. The comparison of both techniques was carried out at different levels: i) an evaluation of the time needed to obtain the point cloud of the church; ii) an accuracy assessment based on the comparison of a terrestrial network using artificial spheres as checkpoints and; iii) an evaluation of the discrepancies, in terms of safety factor and collapse topology, found during the advance numerical evaluation of the barrel vault by means of the finite element method. This comparison places this wearable mobile mapping solution as an interesting tool for the creation of advanced numerical simulations to evaluate the structural stability of historical constructionsJunta de Castilla y León | Ref. SA075P17FEDER | Ref. SOE1/P5/P025

Whole genome sequencing and de novo assembly of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: a pangenome approach to unravelling pathogenesis of canine pyoderma

Background Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the main aetiological agent of canine pyoderma. Whole genome sequencing is the most comprehensive way of obtaining relevant genomic information about micro-organisms. Hypothesis/Objectives Oxford Nanopore technology enables quality sequencing and de novo assembly of the whole genome of S. pseudintermedius. Whole genome analysis of S. pseudintermedius may help to better understand the pathogenesis of canine pyodermas. Methods and materials Twenty-two strains of S. pseudintermedius isolated from the skin of five healthy dogs and 33 strains isolated from skin of 33 dogs with pyoderma were analysed. DNA was extracted and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore MinION, a new technology that delivers longer reads in a hand-held device. The pangenome was analysed and visualised with Anvi’o 6.1. Results Nanopore technology allowed the sequencing and de novo assembly of the genomes of 55 S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from healthy dogs and from dogs with pyoderma. The average genome size of S. pseudintermedius was 2.62 Mbp, with 48% being core genome. Pyoderma isolates contained a higher number of antimicrobial resistance genes, yet the total number of virulence factors genes did not change between isolates from healthy dogs and from dogs with pyoderma. Genomes of meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains were larger than those of meticillin-susceptible (MSSP) strains (2.80 Mbp versus 2.59 Mbp), as a consequence of a greater presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, phages and prophages. Conclusions and clinical importance This technique allows much more precise and easier characterisation of canine S. pseudintermedius populations and may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of canine pyodermas.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

N-Nervonoylsphingomyelin (C24:1) prevents lateral heterogeneity in cholesterol-containing membranes

This study was conducted to explore how the nature of the acyl chains of sphingomyelin (SM) influence its lateral distribution in the ternary lipid mixture SM/cholesterol/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), focusing on the importance of the hydrophobic part of the SM molecule for domain formation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements showed that the presence of a double bond in the 24:1 SM molecule in mixtures with cholesterol (CHO) or in pure bilayers led to a decrease in the molecular packing. Confocal microscopy and AFM showed, at the meso- and nanoscales respectively, that unlike 16:0 and 24:0 SM, 24:1 SM does not induce phase segregation in ternary lipid mixtures with DOPC and CHO. This ternary lipid mixture had a nanomechanical stability intermediate between those displayed by liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phases, as reported by AFM force spectroscopy measurements, demonstrating that 24:1 SM is able to accommodate both DOPC and CHO, forming a single phase. Confocal experiments on giant unilamellar vesicles made of human, sheep, and rabbit erythrocyte ghosts rich in 24:1 SM and CHO, showed no lateral domain segregation. This study provides insights into how the specific molecular structure of SM affects the lateral behavior and the physical properties of both model and natural membranes. Specifically, the data suggest that unsaturated SM may help to keep membrane lipids in a homogeneous mixture rather than in separate domains.Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La PlataFacultad de Ciencias Exacta

Influence of fly ash blending on hydration and physical behavior of Belite-Alite-Ye'elimite cements

A cement powder, composed of belite, alite and ye’elimite, was blended with 0, 15 and 30 wt% of fly ash and the resulting lended cements were further characterized. During hydration, the presence of fly ash caused the partial inhibition of both AFt degradation and belite reactivity, even after 180 days. The compressive strength of the corresponding mortars increased by increasing the fly ash content (68, 73 and 82 MPa for mortars with 0, 15 and 30 wt% of fly ash, respectively, at 180 curing days), mainly due to the diminishing porosity and pore size values. Although pozzolanic reaction has not been directly proved there are indirect evidences.This work is part of the Ph.D. of D. Londono-Zuluaga funded by Beca Colciencias 646—Doctorado en el exterior and Enlaza Mundos 2013 program grant. Cement and Building materials group (CEMATCO) from National University of Colombia is acknowledged for providing the calorimetric measurements. Funding from Spanish MINECO BIA2017-82391-R and I3 (IEDI-2016-0079) grants, co-funded by FEDER, are acknowledged

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Switching from blue to yellow: Altering the spectral properties of a high redox potential laccase by directed evolution

40 páginas, 6 figuras y 4 tablasDuring directed evolution to functionally express the high redox potential laccase from the PM1 basidiomycete in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Mate et al. 2010), the characteristic maximum absorption at the T1 copper site (Abs610T1Cu) was quenched, switching the typical blue colour of the enzyme to yellow. To determine the molecular basis of this colour change, we characterized the original wild-type laccase and its evolved mutant. Peptide printing and Maldi-TOF analysis confirmed the absence of contaminating protein traces that could mask the Abs610T1Cu, while conservation of the redox potential at the T1 site was demonstrated by spectroelectrochemical redox titrations. Both wild-type and evolved laccases were capable of oxidizing a broad range of substrates (ABTS, guaiacol, DMP, synapic acid) and they displayed similar catalytic efficiencies. The laccase mutant could only oxidize high redox potential dyes (Poly R478, Reactive Black 5, Azure B) in the presence of exogenous mediators, indicating that the yellow enzyme behaves like a blue laccase. The main consequence of over-expressing the mutant laccase was the generation of a six-residue N-terminal acidic extension, which was associated with the failure of the STE13 protease in the Golgi compartment giving rise to alternative processing. Removal of the N-terminal tail had a negative effect on laccase stability, secretion and its kinetics, although the truncated mutant remained yellow. The results of CD spectra analysis suggested that polyproline helixes were formed during the directed evolution altering spectral properties. Moreover, introducing the A461T and S426N mutations in the T1 environment during the first cycles of laboratory evolution appeared to mediate the alterations to Abs610T1Cu by affecting its coordinating sphere. This laccase mutant is a valuable departure point for further protein engineering towards different fates.We thank Dr Francisco J. Plou from the Institute of Catalysis (CSIC, Spain) for assistance with the HPLC purification. This study was based on work funded by EU Project FP7 (3D-Nanobiodevice, NMP4-SL-2009-229255), COST Action CM0701, Swedish Research Council (2009-3266) and the Spanish National project (Evofacel, BIO2010-19697). D.M.M. was supported by a JAE fellowship (CSIC) and E.G.R by a 3D-Nanobiodevices contract.Peer reviewe

Laboratory Evolution of High-Redox Potential Laccases

12 páginas, 5 figuras, 2 tablas -- PAGS nros. 1030-1041Thermostable laccases with a high-redox potential have been engineered through a strategy that combines directed evolution with rational approaches. The original laccase signal sequence was replaced by the α-factor prepro-leader, and the corresponding fusion gene was targeted for joint laboratory evolution with the aim of improving kinetics and secretion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while retaining high thermostability. After eight rounds of molecular evolution, the total laccase activity was enhanced 34,000-fold culminating in the OB-1 mutant as the last variant of the evolution process, a highly active and stable enzyme in terms of temperature, pH range, and organic cosolvents. Mutations in the hydrophobic core of the evolved α-factor prepro-leader enhanced functional expression, whereas some mutations in the mature protein improved its catalytic capacities by altering the interactions with the surrounding residuesEU Projects (NMP4-SL-2009-229255, NMP2-CT-2006-026456, COST Action CM0701) and National projects (CTQ2005-08925-CO2-02, BIO2010-19697 and CCG08-CSIC/PPQ-3706). NeuronBiopharma for financial support through Research Contracts 020401070029 (Profit Program) and 020401070004 (Idea Program).Peer reviewe

Laboratory Evolution of High-Redox Potential Laccases

12 páginas, 5 figuras, 2 tablas -- PAGS nros. 1030-1041Thermostable laccases with a high-redox potential have been engineered through a strategy that combines directed evolution with rational approaches. The original laccase signal sequence was replaced by the α-factor prepro-leader, and the corresponding fusion gene was targeted for joint laboratory evolution with the aim of improving kinetics and secretion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while retaining high thermostability. After eight rounds of molecular evolution, the total laccase activity was enhanced 34,000-fold culminating in the OB-1 mutant as the last variant of the evolution process, a highly active and stable enzyme in terms of temperature, pH range, and organic cosolvents. Mutations in the hydrophobic core of the evolved α-factor prepro-leader enhanced functional expression, whereas some mutations in the mature protein improved its catalytic capacities by altering the interactions with the surrounding residuesEU Projects (NMP4-SL-2009-229255, NMP2-CT-2006-026456, COST Action CM0701) and National projects (CTQ2005-08925-CO2-02, BIO2010-19697 and CCG08-CSIC/PPQ-3706). NeuronBiopharma for financial support through Research Contracts 020401070029 (Profit Program) and 020401070004 (Idea Program).Peer reviewe

Cardiorrespiratory responses at threshold intensity. Comparative between half squat vs cycle ergometer

Objetivo: Comparar las respuestas respiratorias, de frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y lactato a intensidad de umbral láctico (UL) en media sentadilla (MS) vs cicloergómetro. Métodos: 24 hombres (21,5±1,8 años, 180,1±5,2 cm, 81,9±8,7 kg) con experiencia en el entrenamiento de fuerza realizaron un test incremental progresivo en MS y cicloergómetro para determinar el UL. Durante los test se midieron las concentraciones de lactato, FC, consumo de oxígeno (VO2), producción de dióxido de carbono (VCO2), ventilación pulmonar (VE), equivalente ventilatorio del oxígeno (VE·VO2-1) y del dióxido de carbono (VE·VCO2-1). Una t student valoró las diferencias entre las dos modalidades de ejercicio. Resultados: las concentraciones de lactato, FC, VE, VE·VCO2-1 y VE·VO2-1 fueron superiores en MS vs cicloergómetro (p<0,05). Conclusiones: el UL puede ser detectado en el ejercicio de MS. Además, la realización de sesiones de entrenamiento contrarresistencias, a intensidad de UL, podrían ser utilizadas para mejorar la resistencia cardiovascular y la fuerza muscular.Objective: To compare respiratory responses, heart rate (HR) and lactate at the intensity of the lactate threshold (LT) between half squat (HS) and cycloergometer. Methods: 24 men (21.5±1.8 years, 180.1 ± 5.2 cm, 81.9±8.7 kg) with experience in resitance performed a progressive incremental test in HS and cycloergometer to determine LT. During such test, the following parameters were measured: blood lactate concentrations, HR, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), pulmonary ventilation (PV), ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (PV·VO2-1) and ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (PV·VCO2-1). A t student evaluated the variables analysed among the two exercise modalities. Results: blood lactate concentrations, HR, PV, and PV·VO2-1 and PV·VCO2-1 were higher in HS than in cycloergometer (p <0.05). Conclusions: LT can be detected in HS exercise. Furthermore, the resistance training sessions to the intensity of LT might be used in training sessions which seek to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength.Sin financiación1.031 JCR (2018) Q4, 71/83 Sport Sciences0.400 SJR (2018) Q3, 96/209 Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, 89/125 Sports Science1.243 IDR (2018) C1, 5/43 DeporteUE

N-Nervonoylsphingomyelin (C24:1) Prevents Lateral Heterogeneity in Cholesterol-Containing Membranes

This study was conducted to explore how the nature of the acyl chains of sphingomyelin (SM) influence its lateral distribution in the ternary lipid mixture SM/cholesterol/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), focusing on the importance of the hydrophobic part of the SM molecule for domain formation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements showed that the presence of a double bond in the 24:1 SM molecule in mixtures with cholesterol (CHO) or in pure bilayers led to a decrease in the molecular packing. Confocal microscopy and AFM showed, at the meso- and nanoscales respectively, that unlike 16:0 and 24:0 SM, 24:1 SM does not induce phase segregation in ternary lipid mixtures with DOPC and CHO. This ternary lipid mixture had a nanomechanical stability intermediate between those displayed by liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phases, as reported by AFM force spectroscopy measurements, demonstrating that 24:1 SM is able to accommodate both DOPC and CHO, forming a single phase. Confocal experiments on giant unilamellar vesicles made of human, sheep, and rabbit erythrocyte ghosts rich in 24:1 SM and CHO, showed no lateral domain segregation. This study provides insights into how the specific molecular structure of SM affects the lateral behavior and the physical properties of both model and natural membranes. Specifically, the data suggest that unsaturated SM may help to keep membrane lipids in a homogeneous mixture rather than in separate domains.Fil: Maté, Sabina María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Busto, Jon V.. Universidad del País Vasco; España. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: García Arribas, Aritz B.. Universidad del País Vasco; España. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Sot, Jesús. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad del País Vasco; EspañaFil: Vazquez, Romina Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Herlax, Vanesa Silvana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Wolf, Claude. Universite Pierre et Marie Curie; FranciaFil: Bakas, Laura Susana. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Goñi, Felix M. Universidad del País Vasco; España. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Españ