A construção em Macau

Baseada na actividade profissional exercida em construção em Portugal e em Macau, o trabalho que aqui se apresenta pretende ser de acordo com a experiência obtida nestas duas realidades distintas, uma síntese da evolução da construção em Macau, contextualizando a sua envolvente geográfica, social e económica e descrever o impacto na construção, as vantagens, desvantagens e condicionantes

Eficiencia de levaduras para la cría masiva de Anastrepha ludens, a. obliqua y Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

La levadura inactiva en polvo es el único ingrediente disponible como fuente de proteína, en las dietas larvarias para la cría masiva de todas las especies de moscas de la fruta, proporcionando una proteína de alto valor biológico, vitaminas del complejo B, carbohidratos y grasas esenciales. Además, es el ingrediente con mayor costo, por lo cual se buscan continuamente alternativas de bajo costo. Desde el establecimiento de la cría masiva de A. ludens en 1994 y de A. obliqua en 1997 en la Planta de Metapa (México), se ha utilizado levadura tipo torula de una sola marca comercial, lo cual genera una  dependencia. Las levaduras secas inactivas existentes en el mercado, de acuerdo con su composición tienen potencial para ser utilizadas en la preparación de dietas para la producción masiva de moscas de la fruta. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si los parámetros fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos que describen la composición de las levaduras permiten evaluar su eficiencia, mediante el establecimiento de un bioensayo a nivel experimental y semi-masivo para la preparación de dietas para la cría de larvas de moscas de la fruta. Se evaluaron seis levaduras comerciales para la cría y desarrollo de larvas de Anastrepha ludens, A. obliqua y Ceratitis capitata cepa Vienna 8 TSL sin inversión cromosómica, en las Plantas Moscafrut y Moscamed (SAGARPA-IICA) ubicadas en Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, México. Estas levaduras fueron seleccionadas con base en tres etapas: 1) Caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica de las levaduras. La caracterización fisicoquímica consistió en la determinación del contenido de humedad, pH, acidez, solubilidad, densidad y contenido de proteína, mientras que la caracterización microbiológica consistió en determinar el contenido total de hongos, levaduras y coliformes. 2) Bioensayo a nivel experimental: se realizó inicialmente con las seis marcas comerciales evaluando el rendimiento y calidad de moscas producidas; y 3) Evaluación a nivel semi-masivo: De acuerdo con los parámetros de rendimiento se redujeron a solo tres marcas para las pruebas a nivel semi-masivo; Lake States, Lallemand LBI2163b y Nutribio para A. ludens y A. obliqua, mientras que para C. capitata fueron utilizadas Lake States, Lallemand LBI2163b y extracto de levadura Nupro. Previo a esta evaluación, se determinó el contenido de vitaminas y de aminoácidos a las tres marcas finalistas. Los resultados indicaron que los parámetros microbiológicos y fisicoquímicos, incluyendo, la composición de aminoácidos, minerales y vitaminas de las levaduras, no permiten determinar la eficiencia de las levaduras para la cría masiva de Anastrepha ludens, A. obliqua y C. capitata. No obstante, las levaduras Nutribio y Lallemand LB12163b son una alternativa para la cría masiva de moscas de A. ludens y A. obliqua, respectivamente. Se sugiere que la evaluación de levaduras en la dieta larvaria requiere de un bioensayo a nivel experimental que incluya como variable respuesta la competencia sexual.  La levadura inactiva en polvo es el único ingrediente disponible como fuente de proteína, en las dietas larvarias para la cría masiva de todas las especies de moscas de la fruta, proporcionando una proteína de alto valor biológico, vitaminas del complejo B, carbohidratos y grasas esenciales. Además, es el ingrediente con mayor costo, por lo cual se buscan continuamente alternativas de bajo costo. Desde el establecimiento de la cría masiva de A. ludens en 1994 y de A. obliqua en 1997 en la Planta de Metapa (México), se ha utilizado levadura tipo torula de una sola marca comercial, lo cual genera una  dependencia. Las levaduras secas inactivas existentes en el mercado, de acuerdo con su composición tienen potencial para ser utilizadas en la preparación de dietas para la producción masiva de moscas de la fruta. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si los parámetros fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos que describen la composición de las levaduras permiten evaluar su eficiencia, mediante el establecimiento de un bioensayo a nivel experimental y semi-masivo para la preparación de dietas para la cría de larvas de moscas de la fruta. Se evaluaron seis levaduras comerciales para la cría y desarrollo de larvas de Anastrepha ludens, A. obliqua y Ceratitis capitata cepa Vienna 8 TSL sin inversión cromosómica, en las Plantas Moscafrut y Moscamed (SAGARPA-IICA) ubicadas en Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, México. Estas levaduras fueron seleccionadas con base en tres etapas: 1) Caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica de las levaduras. La caracterización fisicoquímica consistió en la determinación del contenido de humedad, pH, acidez, solubilidad, densidad y contenido de proteína, mientras que la caracterización microbiológica consistió en determinar el contenido total de hongos, levaduras y coliformes. 2) Bioensayo a nivel experimental: se realizó inicialmente con las seis marcas comerciales evaluando el rendimiento y calidad de moscas producidas; y 3) Evaluación a nivel semi-masivo: De acuerdo con los parámetros de rendimiento se redujeron a solo tres marcas para las pruebas a nivel semi-masivo; Lake States, Lallemand LBI2163b y Nutribio para A. ludens y A. obliqua, mientras que para C. capitata fueron utilizadas Lake States, Lallemand LBI2163b y extracto de levadura Nupro. Previo a esta evaluación, se determinó el contenido de vitaminas y de aminoácidos a las tres marcas finalistas. Los resultados indicaron que los parámetros microbiológicos y fisicoquímicos, incluyendo, la composición de aminoácidos, minerales y vitaminas de las levaduras, no permiten determinar la eficiencia de las levaduras para la cría masiva de Anastrepha ludens, A. obliqua y C. capitata. No obstante, las levaduras Nutribio y Lallemand LB12163b son una alternativa para la cría masiva de moscas de A. ludens y A. obliqua, respectivamente. Se sugiere que la evaluación de levaduras en la dieta larvaria requiere de un bioensayo a nivel experimental que incluya como variable respuesta la competencia sexual.

Halo Properties and Mass Functions of Groups/Clusters from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys DR9

Based on a large group/cluster catalog recently constructed from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys DR9 using an extended halo-based group finder, we measure and model the group-galaxy weak lensing signals for groups/clusters in a few redshift bins within redshift range $0.1 \leqslant z<0.6$. Here, the background shear signals are obtained based on the DECaLS survey shape catalog derived with the \textsc{Fourier\_Quad} method. We divide the lens samples into 5 equispaced redshift bins and 7 mass bins, which allow us to probe the redshift and mass dependence of the lensing signals and hence the resulting halo properties. In addition to these sample selections, we have also checked the signals around different group centers, e.g., brightest central galaxy (BCG), luminosity weighted center and number weighted center. We use a lensing model that includes off-centering to describe the lensing signals we measure for all mass and redshift bins. The results demonstrate that our model predictions for the halo masses, bias and concentrations are stable and self-consistent among different samples for different group centers. Taking advantage of the very large and complete sample of groups/clusters, as well as the reliable estimation of their halo masses, we provide measurements of the cumulative halo mass functions up to redshift $z=0.6$, with a mass precision at $0.03\sim0.09$ dex.Comment: revised version submitted to Ap

Synthesis of 2D porous crystalline materials in simulated microgravity

Altres ajuts: the ICN2 is funded by the CERCA programme/Generalitat de Catalunya. The GIWAXS experiments were conducted on the NCD-SWEET beamline of the ALBA synchrotron, Spain. GIWAXS experiments of Ni(HITP) and COF-TAPB-BTCA were performed at the NCD-SWEET beamline at ALBA Synchrotron with the collaboration of ALBA staff.To date, crystallization studies conducted in space laboratories, which are prohibitively costly and unsuitable to most research laboratories, have shown the valuable effects of microgravity during crystal growth and morphogenesis. Herein, an easy and highly efficient method is shown to achieve space-like experimentation conditions on Earth employing custom-made microfluidic devices to fabricate 2D porous crystalline molecular frameworks. It is confirmed that experimentation under these simulated microgravity conditions has unprecedented effects on the orientation, compactness and crack-free generation of 2D porous crystalline molecular frameworks as well as in their integration and crystal morphogenesis. It is believed that this work will provide a new "playground" to chemists, physicists, and materials scientists that desire to process unprecedented 2D functional materials and devices

Hepatitis C virus risk among young people who inject drugs

BackgroundInjection drug use (IDU) is the leading risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the U.S. While the general risk factors for HCV transmission are known, there is limited work on how these factors interact and impact young people who inject drugs (YPWID).MethodsProject data were drawn from a study of 539 New York City (NYC) residents ages 18-29 who were recruited via Respondent-Driven Sampling and, reported past-month non-medical use of prescription opioids and/or heroin. Analyses are based on a subsample of 337 (62%) who reported injecting any drug in the past 12 months. All variables were assessed via self-report, except HCV status, which was established via rapid antibody testing. Integrating the observed statistical associations with extant literature on HCV risk, we also developed a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model to use as a supplemental data visualization tool to explore plausible pathways and interactions among key risk and protective factors for HCV.ResultsResults showed a 31% HCV antibody prevalence with an overall incidence of 10 per 100 person-years. HCV status was independently correlated with having shared cookers with two or more people (AOR = 2.17); injected drugs 4–6 years (AOR = 2.49) and 7 or more years (AOR = 4.95); lifetime homelessness (AOR = 2.52); and having been incarcerated two or more times (AOR = 1.99). These outcomes along with the extant literature on HCV risk were used to develop the qualitative SD model, which describes a causal hypothesis around non-linearities and feedback loop structures underlying the spread of HCV among YPWID.ConclusionsDespite ongoing harm reduction efforts, close to a third of YPWID in the community sample have been exposed to HCV, have risks for injection drug use, and face challenges with structural factors that may be preventing adequate intervention. The qualitative SD model explores these issues and contributes to a better understanding of how these various risk factors interact and what policies could potentially be effective in reducing HCV infections

Circulating MicroRNAs in Young Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) hold great potential as novel diagnostic markers for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study sought to identify plasma miRNAs that are differentially expressed in young ACS patients (mean age of 38.5 ± 4.3 years) and evaluate their diagnostic potentials. Small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) was used to profile plasma miRNAs. Discriminatory power of the miRNAs was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Thirteen up-regulated and 16 down-regulated miRNAs were identified in young ACS patients. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation showed miR-183-5p was significantly up-regulated (8-fold) in ACS patients with non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) whereas miR-134-5p, miR-15a-5p, and let-7i-5p were significantly down-regulated (5-fold, 7-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively) in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), compared to the healthy controls. MiR-183-5p had a high discriminatory power to differentiate NSTEMI patients from healthy controls (area under the curve (AUC) of ROC = 0.917). The discriminatory power for STEMI patients was highest with let-7i-5p (AUC = 0.833) followed by miR-134-5p and miR-15a-5p and this further improved (AUC = 0.935) with the three miRNAs combination. Plasma miR-183-5p, miR-134-5p, miR-15a-5p and let-7i-5p are deregulated in STEMI and NSTEMI and could be potentially used to discriminate the two ACS forms

Transport Pathways and Enhancement Mechanisms within Localized and Non-Localized Transport Regions in Skin Treated with Low-Frequency Sonophoresis and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Recent advances in transdermal drug delivery utilizing low-frequency sonophoresis (LFS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) have revealed that skin permeability enhancement is not homogenous across the skin surface. Instead, highly perturbed skin regions, known as localized transport regions (LTRs), exist. Despite these findings, little research has been conducted to identify intrinsic properties and formation mechanisms of LTRs and the surrounding less-perturbed non-LTRs. By independently analyzing LTR, non-LTR, and total skin samples treated at multiple LFS frequencies, we found that the pore radii (r[subscript pore]) within non-LTRs are frequency-independent, ranging from 18.2 to 18.5 Å, but significantly larger than r[subscript pore] of native skin samples (13.6 Å). Conversely, r[subscript pore] within LTRs increase significantly with decreasing frequency from 161 to 276 Å and to ∞ (>300 Å) for LFS/SLS-treated skin at 60, 40, and 20 kHz, respectively. Our findings suggest that different mechanisms contribute to skin permeability enhancement within each skin region. We propose that the enhancement mechanism within LTRs is the frequency-dependent process of cavitation-induced microjet collapse at the skin surface, whereas the increased r[subscript pore] values in non-LTRs are likely due to SLS perturbation, with enhanced penetration of SLS into the skin resulting from the frequency-independent process of microstreaming

Stem Cell Mediation of Functional Recovery after Stroke in the Rat

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.[Background]: Regenerative strategies of stem cell grafting have been demonstrated to be effective in animal models of stroke. In those studies, the effectiveness of stem cells promoting functional recovery was assessed by behavioral testing. These behavioral studies do, however, not provide access to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the observed functional outcome improvement. [Methodology/Principal Findings]: In order to address the underlying mechanisms of stem cell mediated functional improvement, this functional improvement after stroke in the rat was investigated for six months after stroke by use of fMRI, somatosensory evoked potentials by electrophysiology, and sensorimotor behavior testing. Stem cells were grafted ipsilateral to the ischemic lesion. Rigorous exclusion of spontaneous recovery as confounding factor permitted to observe graft-related functional improvement beginning after 7 weeks and continuously increasing during the 6-month observation period. The major findings were i) functional improvement causally related to the stem cells grafting; ii) tissue replacement can be excluded as dominant factor for stem cell mediated functional improvement; iii) functional improvement occurs by exclusive restitution of the function in the original representation field, without clear contributions from reorganization processes, and iv) stem cells were not detectable any longer after six months. [Conclusions/Significance]: A delayed functional improvement due to stem cell implantation has been documented by electrophysiology, fMRI and behavioral testing. This functional improvement occurred without cells acting as a tissue replacement for the necrotic tissue after the ischemic event. Combination of disappearance of grafted cells after six months on histological sections with persistent functional recovery was interpreted as paracrine effects by the grafted stem cells being the dominant mechanism of cell activity underlying the observed functional restitution of the original activation sites. Future studies will have to investigate whether the stem cell mediated improvement reactivates the original representation target field by using original connectivity pathways or by generating/activating new ones for the stimulus.Financial support from the Hertie Foundation (Germany), and EU grants of the FP-6: DiMI (LSHB-CT-2005-512146), EMIL (LSHC-CT-2004-503569) and Stem Stroke (LSHB-CT-2006-037526) are gratefully acknowledged.Peer Reviewe

The performance of deterministic and stochastic interest rate risk measures : Another Question of Dimensions?

The efficiency of traditional and stochastic interest rate risk measures is compared under one-, two-, and three-factor no-arbitrage Gauss-Markov term structure models, and for different immunization periods. The empirical analysis, run on the German Treasury bond market from January 2000 to December 2010, suggests that: i) Stochastic interest rate risk measures provide better portfolio immunization than the Fisher-Weil duration; and ii) The superiority of the stochastic risk measures is more evident for multi-factor models and for longer investment horizons. These findings are supported by a first-order stochastic dominance analysis, and are robust against yield curve estimation errors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fundamental research questions in subterranean biology

Five decades ago, a landmark paper inSciencetitledThe Cave Environmentheralded caves as ideal natural experimental laboratories in which to develop and address general questions in geology, ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. Although the 'caves as laboratory' paradigm has since been advocated by subterranean biologists, there are few examples of studies that successfully translated their results into general principles. The contemporary era of big data, modelling tools, and revolutionary advances in genetics and (meta)genomics provides an opportunity to revisit unresolved questions and challenges, as well as examine promising new avenues of research in subterranean biology. Accordingly, we have developed a roadmap to guide future research endeavours in subterranean biology by adapting a well-established methodology of 'horizon scanning' to identify the highest priority research questions across six subject areas. Based on the expert opinion of 30 scientists from around the globe with complementary expertise and of different academic ages, we assembled an initial list of 258 fundamental questions concentrating on macroecology and microbial ecology, adaptation, evolution, and conservation. Subsequently, through online surveys, 130 subterranean biologists with various backgrounds assisted us in reducing our list to 50 top-priority questions. These research questions are broad in scope and ready to be addressed in the next decade. We believe this exercise will stimulate research towards a deeper understanding of subterranean biology and foster hypothesis-driven studies likely to resonate broadly from the traditional boundaries of this field.Peer reviewe