2D kinematics of the edge-on spiral galaxy ESO 379-G006

We present a kinematical study of the nearly edge-on galaxy ESO 379-G006 that shows the existence of extraplanar ionized gas. With Fabry-Perot spectroscopy at H-alpha, we study the kinematics of ESO 379-G006 using velocity maps and position-velocity diagrams parallel to the major and to the minor axis of the galaxy. We build the rotation curve of the disk and discuss the role of projection effects due to the fact of viewing this galaxy nearly edge-on. The twisting of the isovelocities in the radial velocity field of the disk of ESO 379-G006 as well as the kinematic asymmetries found in some position-velocity diagrams parallel to the minor axis of the galaxy suggest the existence of deviations to circular motions in the disk that can be modeled and explained with the inclusion of a radial inflow probably generated by a bar or by spiral arms. We succeeded in detecting extraplanar Diffuse Ionized Gas in this galaxy. At the same time, from the analysis of position-velocity diagrams, we found some evidence that the extraplanar gas could lag in rotation velocity with respect to the midplane rotation.Comment: 61 pages, 15 figures. Accepted for publication in A

New Burnout Evaluation Model Based on the Brief Burnout Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties for Nursing

Health care personnel are considered one of the worker sectors most exposed to heavier workloads and work stress. One of the consequences associated with the exposure to chronic stress is the development of burnout syndrome. Given that evaluating this syndrome requires addressing the context in which they are to be used, the purpose of this work was to analyze the psychometric properties and structure of the Burnout Brief Questionnaire (CBB), and to propose a more suitable version for its application to health professionals, and more specifically nurses. The final study sample was made up of 1236 working nursing professionals. An exploratory factorial analysis was carried out and a new model was proposed through a confirmatory factorial analysis. Thus, validation of the CBB questionnaire for nursing health care personnel showed an adequate discrimination of the items and a high internal consistency of the scale. With respect to the factorial analysis, four factors were extracted from the revised model. Specifically, these new factors, called job dissatisfaction, social climate, personal impact, and motivational abandonment, showed an adequate index of adjustment. Thus, the Brief Burnout Questionnaire Revised for nursing staff has favorable psychometric properties, and this model can be applied to all health care professionals

Genotyping, phenotyping and transcriptomic analysis of accessions of Vicia faba, Pisum sativum and Vigna unguiculata

[SPA] Las legumbres son el segundo cultivo con mayor producción mundial después de los cereales, por lo que su importancia para consumo animal y humano es crucial. El haba (Vicia faba), el guisante (Pisum sativum) y el caupí (Vigna unguiculata) son especies de leguminosas con interés agronómico en la Unión Europea. El objetivo de esta tesis fue la selección de variedades de estas especies, mediante técnicas de fenotipado, genotipado y análisis transcriptómico, que permitirá la obtención de líneas de mejora con cualidades nutricionales y agronómicas óptimas para una producción sostenible y competitiva de proteínas en Europa. Dentro de las cualidades nutricionales nos centramos sobre todo en la cantidad de proteína en semilla. Y en cuanto a las características agronómicas nos centramos en la resistencia a estrés hídrico y en la productividad. Dentro de los estudios realizados con el caupí, en el primero de ellos se evaluaron 12 genotipos en tres localizaciones distintas de la Península Ibérica para determinar los componentes de la varianza y su estabilidad genética y ambiental. Los resultados mostraron variaciones interesantes entre las accesiones estudiadas las cuales podrían incorporarse en un programa de mejora. En cuanto al haba y el guisante, se hizo un análisis de genotipado de diferentes accesiones europeas. En este estudio se usó un protocolo simple codificando las muestras permitiendo el genotipado de material vegetal basado en un número mínimo de lecturas de secuencias mediante Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Los resultados demostraron la viabilidad de NGS para genotipar múltiples muestras usando la codificación de estas. Adicionalmente se estudió en caupí si la síntesis de proteínas de esta leguminosa está controlada por el reloj circadiano de la planta, donde se usó una línea de referencia. Para ello se analizaron la expresión de genes de referencia (como ELONGATION FACTOR 1-A), de ritmo circadiano (VuLHY, VuTOC1, VuGI y VuELF3,) y de almacenamiento de proteínas (VuLEG, VuLEGJ, y VuCVC) en distintos tejidos de la planta (hojas, vainas y semillas) con diferentes estadios de desarrollo. Con este estudio se confirmó que la síntesis de proteínas de almacenamiento puede estar regulada por el ritmo circadiano de la planta. Hay que tener en cuenta los cambios en la expresión génica afectados por el ritmo circadiano, para poder analizar los patrones de la expresión de estos genes, por ejemplo para analizar las accesiones que difieren en el contenido de proteínas. [ENG] Legumes are the second crop with the highest world production after cereals, so its importance for animal and human nutrition is crucial. Faba bean (Vicia faba), pea (Pisum sativum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) are legume species with agronomic interest in the European Union. The main objective of this project was the selection of varieties of the above mentioned species, using techniques of phenotyping, genotyping and transcriptomic analysis. This techniques allow us the improvement of varieties with optimum nutritional and agronomic qualities, for a sustainable and competitive production of proteins in Europe. Within the nutritional qualities we focus mainly on the amount of seed protein. And as for the agronomic characteristics, we focus on resistance to drought. Among the studies carried out with cowpea, 12 genotypes were evaluated at three different locations in the Iberian Peninsula. Components of variance and their genetic and environmental stability were determined for these genotypes. The results demonstrate interesting variations among the studied accessions with which a breeding program could be performed. As for bean and pea, a genotyping analysis of different European accessions was perfomed with the aim to analyse the genetic relation among these accessions. Genotyping of accessions is a prerequisite for the exploitation of natural genetic variation. In this study we developed a simple protocol based on sample barcoding allowing the genotyping of plant material based on a minimum number of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) reads. The results demonstrated the feasibility of NGS-based genotyping using multiple barcoded samples. A further study was conducted on cowpea with the aim to investigate whether the protein synthesis is controlled by the circadian clock of the plant. A reference line of cowpea was used for this experiment. The expression of reference genes (such as ELONGATION FACTOR 1-A), circadian rhythm genes (VuLHY, VuTOC1, VuGI and VuELF3) and protein storage genes (VuLEG, VuLEGJ, and VuCVC) was measured in different tissues (leaves, pods and seeds) at different stages of development. This study confirmed that storage protein deposition may be circadian regulated by the circadian XIV clock. Diel changes in expression need to be taken into account when analysing expression patterns of these genes i.e. in accessions differing in protein content.[ENG] Legumes are the second crop with the highest world production after cereals, so its importance for animal and human nutrition is crucial. Faba bean (Vicia faba), pea (Pisum sativum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) are legume species with agronomic interest in the European Union. The main objective of this project was the selection of varieties of the above mentioned species, using techniques of phenotyping, genotyping and transcriptomic analysis. This techniques allow us the improvement of varieties with optimum nutritional and agronomic qualities, for a sustainable and competitive production of proteins in Europe. Within the nutritional qualities we focus mainly on the amount of seed protein. And as for the agronomic characteristics, we focus on resistance to drought. Among the studies carried out with cowpea, 12 genotypes were evaluated at three different locations in the Iberian Peninsula. Components of variance and their genetic and environmental stability were determined for these genotypes. The results demonstrate interesting variations among the studied accessions with which a breeding program could be performed. As for bean and pea, a genotyping analysis of different European accessions was perfomed with the aim to analyse the genetic relation among these accessions. Genotyping of accessions is a prerequisite for the exploitation of natural genetic variation. In this study we developed a simple protocol based on sample barcoding allowing the genotyping of plant material based on a minimum number of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) reads. The results demonstrated the feasibility of NGS-based genotyping using multiple barcoded samples. A further study was conducted on cowpea with the aim to investigate whether the protein synthesis is controlled by the circadian clock of the plant. A reference line of cowpea was used for this experiment. The expression of reference genes (such as ELONGATION FACTOR 1-A), circadian rhythm genes (VuLHY, VuTOC1, VuGI and VuELF3) and protein storage genes (VuLEG, VuLEGJ, and VuCVC) was measured in different tissues (leaves, pods and seeds) at different stages of development. This study confirmed that storage protein deposition may be circadian regulated by the circadian XIV clock. Diel changes in expression need to be taken into account when analysing expression patterns of these genes i.e. in accessions differing in protein content.Escuela Internacional de DoctoradoUniversidad Politécnica de CartagenaPrograma Doctorado en Técnicas Avanzadas en Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentari

Analysis of the Risk and Protective Roles of Work-Related and Individual Variables in Burnout Syndrome in Nurses

Aims: Burnout syndrome is a phenomenon that is becoming ever more widespread, especially in workers such as nurses who have heavy workloads and time pressures. The progression of burnout syndrome has been shown to be related to both individual and work-related variables. The objective of this study is to examine the risk and protective roles played by work-related and personal variables, both sociodemographic and psychological, in the development of burnout in nurses. Method: The sample was composed of 1236 nurses aged between 21 and 57 years, with a mean age of 31.50 years (SD = 6.18). Women accounted for 84.5% (n = 1044), and the remaining 15.5% (n = 192) were men. Exploratory tests were performed to understand the relationships between burnout and other variables, and a binary logistic regression was conducted to understand the roles of these variables in the incidence of this syndrome. Lastly, a regression tree was constructed. Results: The results show that the sociodemographic variables examined are not related to the level of burnout in nurses. However, certain work-related variables, such as spending more time with colleagues and patients and reporting good-quality relationships, exhibit a negative relationship with the occurrence of burnout. Of the psychological variables, the stress factors conflict-social acceptance and irritability-tension-fatigue, as well as informative communication, are shown to be risk factors for the appearance of burnout in nurses. In contrast, the communication skills factor, empathy, and energy-joy exert a protective function. Conclusion: Identifying the variables that influence the occurrence of burnout syndrome and understanding the manner in which they exert their influence are key elements in the development of effective prevention and intervention of burnout in nursing

Ceramic dies selection for electrical resistance sintering of metallic materials

Processing metallic powders by electrical resistance sintering requires the use of insulating ceramics dies. Selecting the appropriate ceramic material according to the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties is a need. Dies produced with several ceramic materials have been tested during the production of cemented carbide in order to check their behaviour in the process and final product properties. Tialite/mullite, zircon/mullite, zirconium phosphate based ceramic, yttria-stabilized zirconia and sialon, in most cases with modified compositions and shaping processes in order to achieve a high density, have been tested. Dry powder processing by cold isostatic pressing and furnace sintering resulted to be the better process for dies production. The effect of die properties on the produced cemented carbide, and the behaviour and life of the die during the production have been analysed. Very smooth die surface increases the number of cycles withstood during metallic parts production, because of lower extraction stresses, as checked for sialon dies. Zirconium phosphate based dies, with low thermal conductivity, show the most densified hard metal parts surface.Pproject EFFIPRO (EU) FP7-2013-NMP-ICT-FoF GRANT AGREEMENT N° 6087

Diel pattern of circadian clock and storage protein gene expression in leaves and during seed filling in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Background Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important source of protein supply for animal and human nutrition. The major storage globulins VICILIN and LEGUMIN (LEG) are synthesized from several genes including LEGA, LEGB, LEGJ and CVC (CONVICILIN). The current hypothesis is that the plant circadian core clock genes are conserved in a wide array of species and that primary metabolism is to a large extent controlled by the plant circadian clock. Our aim was to investigate a possible link between gene expression of storage proteins and the circadian clock. Results We identified cowpea orthologues of the core clock genes VunLHY, VunTOC1, VunGI and VunELF3, the protein storage genes VunLEG, VunLEGJ, and VunCVC as well as nine candidate reference genes used in RT-PCR. ELONGATION FACTOR 1-A (ELF1A) resulted the most suitable reference gene. The clock genes VunELF3, VunGI, VunTOC1 and VunLHY showed a rhythmic expression profile in leaves with a typical evening/night and morning/midday phased expression. The diel patterns were not completely robust and only VungGI and VungELF3 retained a rhythmic pattern under free running conditions of darkness. Under field conditions, rhythmicity and phasing apparently faded during early pod and seed development and was regained in ripening pods for VunTOC1 and VunLHY. Mature seeds showed a rhythmic expression of VunGI resembling leaf tissue under controlled growth chamber conditions. Comparing time windows during developmental stages we found that VunCVC and VunLEG were significantly down regulated during the night in mature pods as compared to intermediate ripe pods, while changes in seeds were non-significant due to high variance. The rhythmic expression under field conditions was lost under growth chamber conditions. Conclusions The core clock gene network is conserved in cowpea leaves showing a robust diel expression pattern except VunELF3 under growth chamber conditions. There appears to be a clock transcriptional reprogramming in pods and seeds compared to leaves. Storage protein deposition may be circadian regulated under field conditions but the strong environmental signals are not met under artificial growth conditions. Diel expression pattern in field conditions may result in better usage of energy for protein storage.This work was supported by the 7th Research Framework Programme of the European Union “Eurolegume (Enhancing of Legumes Growing in Europe through Sustainable Cropping for Protein Supply for Food and Feed)” FP7– 613781. The funding body had no role in the experimental design, analysis or results shown in the manuscript

Multivalent Lactose–Ferrocene Conjugates Based on Poly (Amido Amine) Dendrimers and Gold Nanoparticles as Electrochemical Probes for Sensing Galectin-3

Galectin-3 is considered a cancer biomarker and bioindicator of fibrosis and cardiac remodeling and, therefore, it is desirable to develop convenient methods for its detection. Herein, an approach based on the development of multivalent electrochemical probes with high galectin-3 sensing abilities is reported. The probes consist of multivalent presentations of lactose–ferrocene conjugates scaffolded on poly (amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and gold nanoparticles. Such multivalent lactose–ferrocene conjugates are synthesized by coupling of azidomethyl ferrocene–lactose building blocks on alkyne-functionalized PAMAM, for the case of the glycodendrimers, and to disulfide-functionalized linkers that are then used for the surface modification of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles. The binding and sensing abilities toward galectin-3 of both ferrocene-containing lactose dendrimers and gold nanoparticles have been evaluated by means of isothermal titration calorimetry, UV–vis spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. The highest sensitivity by electrochemical methods to galectin-3 was shown by lactosylferrocenylated gold nanoparticles, which are able to detect the lectin in nanomolar concentrations

Vasotocin and isotocin regulate aquaporin 1 function in the sea bream

Aquaporins (AQPs) are specific transmembrane water channels with an important function in water homeostasis. In terrestrial vertebrates, AQP2 function is regulated by vasopressin (AVP) to accomplish key functions in osmoregulation. The endocrine control of aquaporin function in teleosts remains little studied. Therefore, in this study we investigated the regulatory role of vasotocin (AVTR) and isotocin (ITR) receptors in Aqp1 paralog gene function in the teleost gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). The complete coding regions of Aqp1a, Aqp1b, AVTR V1a2-type, AVTR V2-type and ITR from sea bream were isolated. A Xenopus oocyte-swelling assay was used to functionally characterize AQP1 function and regulation by AVT and IT through their cognate receptors. Microinjection of oocytes with Aqp1b mRNA revealed regulation of water transport via PKA (IBMX+forskolin sensitive), whereas Aqp1a mRNA injection had the same effect via PKC signaling (PDBU sensitive). In the absence of expressed receptors, AVT and IT (10(-8) mol l(-1)) were unable to modify AQP1 function. AVT regulated AQP1a and AQP1b function only when the AVTR V2-type was co-expressed. IT regulated AQP1a function, but not AQP1b, only when ITR was present. Considering that Aqp1a and Aqp1b gene expression in the sea bream intestine is highly salinity dependent in vivo, our results in ovo demonstrate a regulatory role for AVT and IT in AQP1 function in the sea bream in the processing of intestinal fluid to achieve osmoregulation.Ministry of Education (Spain) [FPU AP2008-01194]; Portuguese National Science Foundation [SFRH/BPD/66808/2009]; Ministry of Science and Education, Spain [AGL2010-14876]; National Science Foundation (FCT, Portugal) [PTDC/MAR-BIO/3811/2012

Polvos de Al-Al 3Ti obtenidos mediante aleado mecánico y tratamiento térmico

Polvos mezclados de aluminio y titanio ( 10 % en peso) han sido aleados mecánicamente en un molino Attritor, obteniéndose una solución metaestable de titanio en la matriz de aluminio. Se han estudiado los cambios producidos en la forma y tamaño de las partículas, estructura y microestructura, al variar el tiempo de molienda entre 2 y 10 h. El procesado final se realiza para un tiempo de 10 h, habiéndose disuelto aproximadamente un 9 % en peso de titanio. Finalmente, se realiza un tratamiento térmico a diversas temperaturas, hasta un máximo de 625 °C, lo que produce la precipitación de diversas fases, como distintas estructuras de AI3TÍ y AI4C3. La aparición de estas segundas fases es caracterizada en función de la temperatura de tratamiento utilizada