On the emergence of the Λ{\bf\Lambda}CDM model from self-interacting Brans-Dicke theory in d=5{\bf d= 5}

We investigate whether a self-interacting Brans-Dicke theory in $d=5$ without matter and with a time-dependent metric can describe, after dimensional reduction to $d=4$, the FLRW model with accelerated expansion and non-relativistic matter. By rewriting the effective 4-dimensional theory as an autonomous three-dimensional dynamical system and studying its critical points, we show that the $\Lambda$CDM cosmology cannot emerge from such a model. This result suggests that a richer structure in $d=5$ may be needed to obtain the accelerated expansion as well as the matter content of the 4-dimensional universe.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

Characterization of the molecular and electrophysiological properties of the T-type calcium channel in human myometrium

Rises in intracellular calcium are essential for contraction of human myometrial smooth muscle (HMSM) and hence parturition. The T-type calcium channel may play a role in this process. The aim was to investigate the role of the T-Type calcium channel in HMSM by characterizing mRNA expression, protein localization, electrophysiological properties and function of the channel subunits Cav3.1(α1G), Cav3.2(α1H), and Cav3.3(α1I). QRT-PCR, immuno-histochemistry, electrophysiology and invitro contractility were performed on human myometrial samples from term, preterm, labour and not in labour. QRT-PCR analysis of Cav3.1, Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 demonstrated expression of Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 with no significant change (P>0.05) associated with gestation or labour status. Immuno-histochemistry localized Cav3.1 to myometrial and vascular smooth muscle cells whilst Cav3.2 localized to vascular endothelial cells and invading leukocytes. Voltage clamp studies demonstrated a T-type current in 55% of cells. Nickel block of T-type current was voltage sensitive (IC50 of 118.57±68.9 μM at - 30mV). Activation and inactivation curves of ICa currents in cells expressing T-type channels overlapped demonstrating steady state window currents at the resting membrane potential of myometrium at term. Current clamp analysis demonstrated that hyperpolarizing pulses to a membrane potential greater than -80mV elicited rebound calcium spikes that were blocked reversibly by 100μM nickel. Contractility studies demonstrated a reversible decrease in contraction frequency during application of 100μM nickel (P<0.05). We conclude that the primary T-type subunit expressed in some MSMCs is Cav3.1. We found that application of 100 μM nickel to spontaneously contracting human myometrium reversibly slows contraction frequency

3D printed hydrogel-based scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Tissue engineering is an emerging technology whose efforts are aimed towards repairing and regenerating injured tissues by developing bioactive scaffolds. Recently, scaffolds made of hydrogels have become interesting candidates for tissue engineering due to their tunable structures that allow to obtain constructs with a wide range of properties. However, incorporating cells into them and allowing cell proliferation and differentiation has been a challenge for tissue engineers in the past years. In this context, the aim of this project was to develop biocompatible bioinks capable of forming self-supportive 3D scaffold able to host cells. To achieve this challenge, different sets of bioinks were tested. Firstly, different general formulations based on alginate pluronic and gelatin were tested. In a second group of formulations, pluronic was removed to assess cell viability. The last group of formulations was based on a mixture of alginate, collagen and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, focusing on a putative application in bone tissue. All formulations were characterized in terms of morphology, degradation and cell viability. In conclusion, gelatin-containing bioinks tended to be weaker than collagen-hydroxyapatite ones. However, there was no significant difference in cell viability studies between all of the

"Señor, dadnos santos crucificados". El martirio en la cruz

La ejecución en la cruz es una de las formas más crueles de martirio. De esa manera fueron ejecutados o torturados numerosos santos y santas (incluso niños) que, según sus hagiografías, sublimaron su sufrimiento por el hecho de padecer de forma semejante a Cristo. Sus figuras han cautivado a los artistas desde la Edad Media hasta la actualidad, época que reivindica la imagen del crucificado y, especialmente, de la mujer crucificada como medio de protesta, crítica y/o provocación.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional. Andalucía Tec

Beyond the information technology agreement : harmonization of standards and trade in electronics

Product standards can have a dual impact on production and trade costs. Standards may impose additional costs on exporters as it may be necessary to adapt products for specific markets (cost-effect). In contrast, standards can reduce exporters'information costs if they convey information on industrial requirements or consumer tastes that would be costly to collect in the absence of standards (informational-effect). Using a new World Bank database of European standards for electronic products, the authors examine the impact of internationally-harmonized European standards on European Union imports. They find that European Union standards for electronic products that are harmonized to international standards have a positive and significant effect on trade. The results suggest that efforts to promote trade in electronic products could be complemented by steps to promote standards harmonization. This might include, for example, re-starting talks to extend the Information Technology Agreement to non-tariff measures and commitments to harmonize national standards in electronic products.Information Security&Privacy,Technology Industry,Scientific Research&Science Parks,Science Education,Labor Policies

“La gaditana piedad, ondas de lágrimas vierte”. Aspectos emblemáticos y simbólicos en las exequias por Felipe V en Cádiz

En 1746 moría el primer rey español de la dinastía borbónica y Cádiz, ciudad a la que había favorecido por el traslado desde Sevilla de la Casa de Contratación y del Consulado de Indias, le honró con solemnes funerales que tuvieron lugar en la catedral y en la iglesia del colegio de la Compañía de Jesús, organizados por el cabildo civil y la Real Audiencia de Contratación a Indias, respectivamente. En esta comunicación se tratará sobre la decoración simbólica de los túmulos que se dispusieron en ambos espacios religiosos haciendo especial hincapié en los jeroglíficos, que fueron estampados en una de las relaciones que describen las honras, aspecto nada habitual en los libros de fiestas andaluces .Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec