Pre-multisymplectic constraint algorithm for field theories

We present a geometric algorithm for obtaining consistent solutions to systems of partial differential equations, mainly arising from singular covariant first-order classical field theories. This algorithm gives an intrinsic description of all the constraint submanifolds. The field equations are stated geometrically, either representing their solutions by integrable connections or, what is equivalent, by certain kinds of integrable m-vector fields. First, we consider the problem of finding connections or multivector fields solutions to the field equations in a general framework: a pre-multisymplectic fibre bundle (which will be identified with the first-order jet bundle and the multimomentum bundle when Lagrangian and Hamiltonian field theories are considered). Then, the problem is stated and solved in a linear context, and a pointwise application of the results leads to the algorithm for the general case. In a second step, the integrability of the solutions is also studied. Finally, the method is applied to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian field theories and, for the former, the problem of finding holonomic solutions is also analized.Comment: 30 pp. Presented in the International Workshop on Geometric Methods in Modern Physics (Firenze, April 2005

Peritoneal repairing cells: A type of bone marrow derived progenitor cells involved in mesothelial regeneration

The peritoneal mesothelium exhibits a high regenerative ability. Peritoneal regeneration is concomitant with the appearance, in the coelomic cavity, of a free-floating population of cells whose origin and functions are still under discussion. We have isolated and characterized this cell population and we have studied the process of mesothelial regeneration through flow cytometry and confocal microscopy in a murine model lethally irradiated and reconstituted with GFP-expressing bone marrow cells. In unoperated control mice, most free cells positive for mesothelin, a mesothelial marker, are green fluorescent protein (GFP). However, 24 hrs after peritoneal damage, free mesothelin+/ GFP+ cells appear in peritoneal lavages. Cultured lavage peritoneal cells show colocalization of GFP with mesothelial (mesothelin, cytokeratin) and fibroblastic markers. Immunohistochemical staining of the peritoneal wall also revealed colocalization of GFP with mesothelial markers and with procollagen-1 and smooth muscle α-actin. This was observed in the injured area as well as in the surrounding not-injured peritoneal surfaces. These cells, which we herein call peritoneal repairing cells (PRC), are very abundant 1 week after surgery covering both the damaged peritoneal wall and the surrounding uninjured area. However, they become very scarce 1 month later, when the mesothelium has completely healed. We suggest that PRC constitute a type of monocyte-derived cells, closely related with the tissue-repairing cells known as 'fibrocytes' and specifically involved in peritoneal reparation. Thus, our results constitute a synthesis of the different scenarios hitherto proposed about peritoneal regeneration, particularly recruitment of circulating progenitor cells and adhesion of free-floating coelomic cells. © 2011 The Authors Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine © 2011 Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine/Blackwell Publishing Ltd.(Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación), RD06/0010/0015 (TerCel network, ISCIII), P06-CTS-01614, P08-CTS-03618 (Junta de AndalucÌa) and LSHM-CT-2005–018630 (VI framework, UE)Peer Reviewe

Tailoring Organic-Organic Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) Microparticles and Fibers with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Reinforced Composites

Polymeric-based microparticles and fibers are tailorable for a wide range of common industrial and biomedical applications, while multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are among the most useful macromolecules based on their outstanding electronic, mechanical, and optical properties at the nanoscale. If one combines these nanostructures with various polymeric precursors, their range of potential applications becomes even greater. One of the simplest and most affordable methods for fabricating micro- and nanostructures is electrospinning. Herein we demonstrate how MWCNTs may be used to produce tailor-made organic-organic poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) microparticles and fibers via electrospinning by studying their structural, vibrational, rheological, and mechanical properties' dependence on their solvent (ethanol (EtOH) or dimethylformamide (DMF)) and resulting morphology. Specifically, we find clear differences in morphologies from perfectly spherical and isolated microparticles to fibers mats, or a combination of fibers with entangled beads, with solvent type and concentration. On the basis of our findings, we propose that the mechanism governing the shape and size of the particles is a competition between the solvent's surface tension, dielectric constant, and viscoelastic properties. We show, based on both our experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, that OH functionalization of the MWCNTs is essential for achieving high PVP coverages and promoting the stability of the resulting PVP/MWCNT nanocomposite. Finally, by fabricating PVP/MWCNT fiber mats, we demonstrate that low concentrations (0.01-0.1 wt %) of MWCNTs led to a qualitative improvement (â250%) in the resulting mechanical properties, i.e., a reinforced composite. These results show how by controlling the solvent's dielectric constant, surface tension, and polymer concentration, one may produce tailor-made polymeric nanomaterials in combination with other organic/inorganic nanoparticles, i.e., silver, gold, or carbon allotropes, for next-generation applications

Discrete coherent and squeezed states of many-qudit systems

We consider the phase space for a system of $n$ identical qudits (each one of dimension $d$, with $d$ a primer number) as a grid of $d^{n} \times d^{n}$ points and use the finite field $GF(d^{n})$ to label the corresponding axes. The associated displacement operators permit to define $s$-parametrized quasidistribution functions in this grid, with properties analogous to their continuous counterparts. These displacements allow also for the construction of finite coherent states, once a fiducial state is fixed. We take this reference as one eigenstate of the discrete Fourier transform and study the factorization properties of the resulting coherent states. We extend these ideas to include discrete squeezed states, and show their intriguing relation with entangled states between different qudits.Comment: 11 pages, 3 eps figures. Submitted for publicatio

Imaging the Kirkendall effect in pyrite (FeS2) thin films: cross-sectional microstructure and chemical features

This investigation provides novel data on the structure and chemical composition of pyrite thin films and new hints concerning their formation mechanism. From TEM-HAADF data, it has been found that the films are composed of two different layers: one is very compact and the other one is quite porous with many voids separating a few groups of grains. This porous layer is always in direct contact with the substrate, and its thickness is quite similar to that of the original Fe film. The average size of pyrite grains is equal in both layers, what suggests that the same process is responsible for their formation. Concentration profiles of sulfur, iron and some impurities (mainly sodium and oxygen from the glass substrate) through both layers are given in this work, and thus chemical inhomogeneities of the films are proved by the obtained stoichiometric ratios (S/Fe). Moreover, Na from sodalime glass substrates mainly accumulates at the pyrite grain boundaries and barely dopes them. The obtained results support the hypothesis that the iron sulfuration process essentially induces the diffusion of iron atoms, what leads to the porous layer formation as a manifestation of the Kirkendall Effect. Therefore, it seems that the same mechanisms that operate in the synthesis of surface hollow structures at the nanoscale are also active in the formation of pyrite thin films ranging from several tens to hundreds of nanometersMembers of MIRE Group acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish MICINN under project RTI2018-099794-B-I00. E. Flores acknowledges the intramural CSIC project 2D-MeSes funding and the service from the MiNa Laboratory at IMN, and funding from CM (project SpaceTec, S2013/ICE2822), MINECO (project CSIC13-4E1794) and EU (FEDER,FSE). Financial support through the project UMA18-FEDERJA-041 is gratefully acknowledge

Transformación vía Agrobacterium tumefaciens para inducir tolerancia a la podredumbre blanca del aguacate

Comunicación presentada en el VII World Avocado Congress, celebrado en Cairns (Australia) del 5 al 9 de septiembre de 2011.[EN] One of the most important limiting factors for avocado production in Spain is the disease caused by the fungus Rosellinia necatrix . Genetic manipulation could be useful for the introduction of fungal resistance traits into this crop. A n efficient Agrobacterium - mediated transformation protocol for avocado using AGL1 Agrobacterium strain and somatic embryos as the target material has been established by our group, although embryo conversion rate into plants needs to be improved. For that reason, we are using the strawberry, another Rosellinia necatrix ́s host, as model species to test the effect of several transgenes (two of fungal origin, chit 42 chitinase and β - 1,3 - glucanase from Trichoderma harzianum , and one of plant origin, At NPR1), on inducing tolerance to this fungus. Strawberry transformation with the β - 1,3 - glucanase gene has allowed the selection of two lines, β6 and β10, with enhanced tolerance to R. necatrix while no positive results were obtained following transformation with the chit - 42 gene. In relation to the At NPR1 gene more than 30 independent transgenic lines have been obtained whose tolerance to R. necatrix is currently under evaluation. Concerning avocado transformation, more than 10 independent transgenic lines (derive d from an embryogenic line of an immature Duke7 zygotic embryo) have been obtained with At NPR1 gene. Plants have been recovered from one line and efforts are underway to recover plants from other lines following micrografting of the transgenic sprouted sho ots onto in vitro germinated seedlings.[ES] Uno de los factores limitantes de la producción de aguacate en España es la enfermedad causada por el hongo R. necatrix. La manipulación genética podría ser de utilidad para introducir caracteres de resistencia en este cultivo. Se ha establecido un sistema eficiente de transformación en aguacate usando la cepa de Agrobacterium AGL1 y células embriogénicas como diana, sin embargo, la conversión en plantas de los embriones transgénicos necesita ser mejorada. Por esta razón, estamos utilizando la fresa, otro huésped de R. necatrix, como especie modelo para testar el efecto de varios transgenes (2 de origen fúngico, la quitinasa chit-42 y la β-1,3-glucanasa de Trichoderma harzianum, y uno derivado de plantas, AtNPR1), en la inducción de tolerancia a este patógeno tras la transformación de esta especie. La transformación de fresa con el gen de β -1,3-glucanasa ha permitido la selección de dos líneas, β6 y β10, con mayor tolerancia a R. necatrix, mientras que no se han obtenido resultados positivos con el gen chit-42. En relación con el gen AtNPR1, se han obtenido más de 30 líneas transgénicas independientes, cuya tolerancia frente a R. necatrix se está evaluando en la actualidad. En relación con la transformación de aguacate, más de 10 líneas transgénicas independientes (derivadas de una línea embriogénica obtenida a partir de un embrión zigótico inmaduro del cv. Duke 7) se han obtenido con el gen AtNPR1. Se han recuperado plantas de una línea y actualmente se está intentando recuperar plantas de otras líneas mediante microinjerto de los embriones transgénicos germinados.Este trabajo se ha realizado en el marco del proyecto AGL2008 - 05453 - C02 - 01/AGR.Peer Reviewe

Ice-rafted dropstones at midlatitudes in the Cretaceous of continental Iberia

The Cretaceous is widely considered to have been a period subjected to super-greenhouse conditions. Here, we provide multiscale sedimentologic evidence of glaciers developing at mid-paleolatitudes (∼45°N) in continental Iberia during the Hauterivian cold snap. Striated and faceted ice-rafted glacial dropstones (cobble to boulder size) and striated and grooved silt- to sand-sized grains (ice-rafted debris [IRD]) occur in a lacustrine sequence of the Enciso Group in the eastern Cameros Basin, Spain. The ice-rafted materials constitute the first evidence reported for a Cretaceous continental cryospheric record in Europe, and they are attributed to calving of glacier snouts, releasing icebergs into an ice-contact lake. The sedimentary succession resembles glacial-deglacial records in lakes overridden by the late Pleistocene Laurentide Ice Sheet in eastern Arctic Canada. The Iberian glacial succession was coeval with plateau permafrost in Asia and IRD records in the Arctic and Australia, revealing a stronger than previously thought cryosphere during the global Hauterivian cold snap

Bisphenol A induces coronary endothelial cell necroptosis by activating RIP3/CamKII dependent pathway.

Epidemiological studies link long term exposure to xenoestrogen Bisphenol-A to adverse cardiovascular effects. Our previous results show that BPA induces hypertension by a mechanism involving CamKII activation and increased redox stress caused by eNOS uncoupling. Recently, CamKII sustained activation has been recognized as a central mediator of programmed cell death in cardiovascular diseases, including necroptosis. However, the role of necroptosis in cardiac response to BPA had not yet been explored. Mice exposed to BPA for 16 weeks showed altered heart function, electrical conduction, and increased blood pressure. Besides, a stress test showed ST-segment depression, indicative of cardiac ischemia. The hearts exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and reduced vascularization, interstitial edema, and large hemorrhagic foci accompanied by fibrinogen deposits. BPA initiated a cardiac inflammatory response, up-regulation of M1 macrophage polarization, and increased oxidative stress, coinciding with the increased expression of CamKII and the necroptotic effector RIP3. In addition, cell death was especially evident in coronary endothelial cells within hemorrhagic areas, and Evans blue extravasation indicated a vascular leak in response to Bisphenol-A. Consistent with the in vivo findings, BPA increased the necroptosis/apoptosis ratio, the expression of RIP3, and CamKII activation in endothelial cells. Necrostatin-1, an inhibitor of necroptosis, alleviated BPA induced cardiac dysfunction and prevented the inflammatory and hemorrhagic response in mice. Mechanistically, silencing of RIP3 reversed BPA-induced necroptosis and CamKII activation in endothelial cells, while inhibition of CamKII activation by KN-93 had no effect on RIP3 expression but decreased necroptotic cell death suggesting that BPA induced necroptosis is mediated by a RIP 3/CamKII dependent pathway. Our results reveal a novel pathogenic role of BPA on the coronary circulation. BPA induces endothelial cell necroptosis, promotes the weakening of coronary vascular wall, which caused internal ventricular hemorrhages, delaying the reparative process and ultimately leading to cardiac dysfunction.post-print4043 K

Long-term cardiac rehabilitation program favorably influences fibrinolysis and lipid concentrations in acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The control of well-known atherosclerotic risk factors represents the optimal strategy in the prevention of acute coronary syndromes. It was the aim of this work to analyze the effects of a long-term cardiac rehabilitation program on the changes of fibrinolysis parameters and plasma lipid profile in coronary patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 30 (M/F:22/8, mean age 47 years) survivors of a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and in 30 healthy controls who underwent a cardiac rehabilitation program (9 months duration). Samples were taken before, at 3 and 9 months after the beginning of the program to measure: tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) activity and antigen. A lipid profile including cholesterol (both HDL and LDL) and lipoprotein(a) was also assessed. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: There was a marked decrease of functional PAI-1 after 3 and 9 months as compared with baseline in AMI patients (p < 0.01). Results showed a significant increase of HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.01) and decrease of lipoprotein(a) levels after the exercise program (p < 0.01). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The cardiac rehabilitation program improved fibrinolysis, by reducing the functional levels of PAI-1, and ameliorated the lipid profile by decreasing lipoprotein(a) and increasing HDL-cholesterol in patients with AMI. A long-term cardiac rehabilitation has positive effects on some risk factors for coronary disease

Comparación de los perfiles farmacodinámicos de tres moléculas de remifentanilo en cuanto a su respuesta hemodinámica a las maniobras de laringoscopia e intubación traqueal

ResumenIntroducciónEn Colombia se comercializan diferentes moléculas de remifentanilo que nunca han sido comparadas en un entorno clínico.ObjetivoEl objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el perfil farmacodinámico de la molécula innovadora de remifentanilo (grupo O: Glaxo SmithKline Manufacturing S.P.A.) y 2 moléculas genéricas (grupo A: Laboratorios Chalver de Colombia S.A. y grupo B: Instituto Biológico Contemporáneo, Argentina) registradas en Colombia.MétodosSe llevó a cabo un experimento clínico doble ciego, aleatorizado, controlado. Se comparó la molécula original de remifentanilo (grupo O, n=29) frente a las 2 moléculas genéricas (grupo A, n=29; grupo B, n=32) durante la inducción anestésica e intubación orotraqueal de pacientes adultos ASAI sin predictores de vía aérea difícil. Se evaluaron las dosis 6, 8 y 10ng/ml (TCI, Target Controlled Infusion) con el modelo de Minto. La inducción se complementó con propofol 5μg/ml (TCI) con modelo de Schneider y rocuronio 0,6mg/kg. El desenlace primario se evaluó como las diferencias en la presión arterial media y en la frecuencia cardiaca preintubación (momento en que se alcanza la concentración objetivo en sitio efecto) y postintubación (máximo valor alcanzado en 5min).ResultadosSe observó similitud en el perfil farmacodinámico de las moléculas de remifentanilo estudiadas. Las diferencias en el cambio de frecuencia cardiaca fue de 1,27 (IC95%: –3,11;5,67) con la molécula A y 1,40 (IC95%: –2,65;5,46) con la molécula B frente a la molécula O (latidos/min). Las diferencias en el cambio de presión arterial media fueron de 1 (IC95%: –4,81;6,81) para la molécula A y de 1,82 (IC95%: –4,08;7,74) para la molécula B frente a la molécula O (mmHg). Hubo un caso de hipotensión arterial en cada grupo.ConclusiónLos resultados sugieren que desde un punto de vista farmacodinámico las moléculas innovadora y genéricas de remifentanilo son similares para la laringoscopia/intubación con dosis TCI de 6, 8 y 10ng/ml.AbstractIntroductionSeveral remifentanil products are commercialized in Colombia while these have never been compared in a clinical setting.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacodynamic profile of the branded molecule of remifentanil (group O: Glaxo SmithKline Manufacturing S.P.A.) and two unbranded molecules (group A: Laboratorios Chalver de Colombia S.A. and group B: Instituto Biológico Contemporaneo, Argentina) registered in Colombia.MethodsWe carried out a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The branded molecule of remifentanil (group O, n=29) was compared with the two unbranded molecules (group A, n=29; group B, n=32) during anesthetic induction and tracheal intubation in adult patients ASAI without predictors for difficult airway. The target controlled infusion (TCI) doses evaluated were 6, 8 and 10ng/ml with the Minto model. Induction was complemented with propofol 5mcg/ml (TCI) with the Schneider model and rocuronium 0.6mg/kg. The primary outcome was defined as the difference in mean arterial pressure and heart rate pre-intubation (TCI equilibrium) and post-intubation (maximum measurement within 5minutes).ResultsA similar pharmacodinamic profile was observed between the studied remifentanil molecules. The differences in the change in heart rate were 1.27 (95% CI: –3.11;5.67) with molecule A and 1.40 (95%CI: –2.65;5.46) with molecule B against molecule O (beats/minute). The differences in the change in mean arterial pressure were 1 (95%CI: –4.81;6.81) for molecule A and 1.82 (95%CI: –4.08;7.74) for molecule B against molecule O (mmHg). There was a case of arterial hypotension in each group.ConclusionThe results suggest that from a pharmacodynamic point of view branded and unbranded remifentanil molecules are similar for laryngoscopy/intubation with TCI doses 6, 8 and 10ng/ml