Magnetization vector in the reversible region of a highly anisotropic cuprate superconductor: anisotropy factor and the role of 2D vortex fluctuations

By using a high quality Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 (Tl-2223) single crystal as an example, the magnetization vector was probed in the reversible region of highly anisotropic cuprate superconductors. For that, we have measured its components along and transverse to the applied magnetic field for different crystal orientations. The analysis shows that the angular dependence of the perpendicular component of the magnetization vector follows the one predicted by a London-like approach which includes a contribution associated with the thermal fluctuations of the 2D vortex positions. For the Tl-2223 crystal studied here, a lower bound for the anisotropy factor was estimated to be about 190.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Analysis of the physiological parameters of young spanish badminton players.

El objetivo de nuestro estudio es conocer las características fisiológicas de los jugadores juveniles de bádminton de alto nivel y comparar los parámetros fisiológicos obtenidos en el laboratorio y durante un partido. Se estudiaron 19 jugadores en edad juvenil, 12 varones y 7 mujeres. A todos se les realizó una prueba de esfuerzo máxima en el laboratorio y mediciones antropométricas. Durante la competición se les monitorizó la frecuencia cardiaca, se analizó la concentración de lactato y se valoró su percepción subjetiva al esfuerzo (RPE). El consumo máximo de oxigeno (VO2 máx.) medio se situaba en 56,07 +/- 6,5 ml/Kg/min. El pico de lactato en 3,18 +/- 1,78 mML-1 y la frecuencia cardiaca máxima media (FC máx.) era de 196,75 +/- 5,29 p. p. m., sin diferencias significativas en ninguno de los parámetros estudiados entre varones y hembras en el laboratorio y la competiciónThe aim of our study was to determine the physiological characteristics of young badminton high level players and to compare the physiological parameters obtained in the laboratory and during a match. Nineteen youth players were studied, 12 men and 7 women. A maximal exercise test in the laboratory was performed to the patients and anthropometrics parameters were taken. Their heart rate, lactate concentration and subjective ratings of perceived exertion were tested during competition. The maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) has averaged 56.07 + / - 6.5 ml/Kg/min. The peak lactate 3.18 + / - 1.78 MML-1 and the average maximum heart rate (HR max) was 196.75 + / - 5.29 ppm, no significant differences in any of the parameters studied between males and females or between the laboratory and the competitionEl presente trabajo ha sido realizado gracias a una beca de investigación del Centro de Medicina Deportiva de la Comunidad de Madrid (Orden 3025/2010

Feasibility of Using Unbound Mixed Recycled Aggregates from CDW over Expansive Clay Subgrade in Unpaved Rural Roads

Social awareness aims to increase practical skills, such as sustainable development, which seeks to increase the use of different types of waste in construction activities. Although insufficient attention is sometimes given to these actions, it is essential to spread information regarding new studies in the field of waste recycling, which encourages and promotes waste use. Reusing and recycling construction waste in the creation of buildings and infrastructure are fundamental strategies to achieving sustainability in the construction and engineering sectors. In this context, the concept of waste would no longer exist, as waste would become a material resource. Therefore, this study analyses the behaviours of two unbound mixed recycled aggregates (MRA) in the structural layers of an unpaved rural road with low traffic (category T43). The sections were built on inappropriate soil (A-7-6) with a high degree of free swelling. The experimental road consisted of three sections: the first was made with natural aggregates (NA) that were used as a control, the second was composed of MRA in the subbase and NA in the base, and the third section was completely composed of MRA. The materials were characterised in the laboratory. The behaviours of the structural layers in the experimental road were determined by controlling compaction (“in situ” density and moisture) and measuring the deflections and load capacity (deflectometer) during the 18 months after construction. The results show that the sections made with recycled aggregates meet the technical specifications required by General Technical Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (PG-3). Therefore, the water-soluble sulphate content and Los Angeles abrasion coefficient limits can be increased for recycled aggregates without compromising the quality of this type of road with low traffic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the use of unbound MRA made from construction and demolition waste (CDW) in the construction of an unpaved rural road with low traffic on an expansive clay subgrade

Towards discard quantification of Data Limited Stocks based in on-board observers data: the case of Spanish fresh trawlers targeting black hake in NW Africa

Quantification of discard per unit effort rates (DPUE) has been proposed by the European Commission as a measure to manage the discarding of commercially fished organisms. In the Spanish fresh trawling fleet operating in North West Africa, both target species of black hakes, Merluccius polli and Merluccius senegalensis are data limited stocks (DLS). Hence, discards of these fleets are even more unknown but not unimportant part of the total catch (retained and discarded). Onboard observer data from commercial surveys from 2016 to 2018 provide a detailed source of scientific information about catches, discards, effort and technical factors in this fleet. This is the first quantitative analysis to model DPUE through generalised linear mixed models (GLMM), based on the explicit distinction between abundance and technical factors coming from information of observer surveys. We describe the relationship between discards and environment, catches of target and other species, effort of the fleet, spatial and temporal variation in discard accessibility, vessel characteristics, strategy of the skippers and market decisions. Unlike hake catches, discards were higher and more dispersed in shallower than in deeper waters. We identified two separate métiers for the Spanish fresh trawling fleet determined by depth and treated total discards as a stock unit susceptible of being monitored, managed and assessed. The strategy of the skipper appears to have a more important effect on discards than vessel characteristics. This study shows the importance of observer data for this fishery and identifies recommendations for the improvement in the scientific usefulness of logbook information.En prens

Evaluation of COX-2, EGFR, and p53 as biomarkers of non-dysplastic oral leukoplakias

[Abstract] Objective. Identify candidate SEBs (surrogate endpoint biomarkers) for premalignant trends in head and neck mucosa. Study design. Study, by qPCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), the expression of COX-2, EGFR and p53 in 24 biopsies of non-dysplastic oral leukoplakia and contra-lateral normal-appearing mucosa. Results. COX-2 was up-regulated in leukoplakia (79.2%); whereas EGFR and p53 were up-regulated (p > 0.05) in oral contra-lateral normal-appearing mucosa (60% and 46% respectively). Also, p53 expression was correlated with tobacco smoke habits and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed a positive linear correlation between p53 and EGFR mRNA expression levels. Conclusions. COX-2 would serve as SEB of oral leukoplakia. The results suggest that p53 appears to be one of the molecular targets of tobacco-related carcinogens in leukoplakia and that the co-expression of p53 and EGFR may play a role in this kind of oral pre-cancerous lesion. More detailed studies of EGFR and p53 should be continued in the future

Analysis of mechanical behavior variation in the proximal femur using X-FEM (Extended Finite Element Method)

Introducción: El fémur humano ha sido ampliamente estudiado desde hace muchos años de manera experimental con análisis in vitro, y ahora, gracias a los avances de la informática, también se puede analizar de manera numérica. Algunos autores han demostrado la capacidad del método de los elementos finitos para predecir el comportamiento mecánico de este hueso, pero todavía son muchas las posibilidades recurriendo a la sinergia entre el método de los elementos finitos y ensayos experimentales. En este trabajo, por ejemplo, se estudia cómo afectan distintas simulaciones de osteoporosis a las cargas de fractura del fémur. El objetivo de este estudio es predecir la fractura de cadera, tanto la carga a la que se produce ésta como la propagación de la fisura sobre el hueso. Aplicando el método de los elementos finitos al campo de la biomecánica se puede realizar una simulación que muestre el comportamiento del hueso bajo diferentes condiciones de carga. Material y métodos: A partir de imágenes DICOM de tomografía computarizada de la extremidad proximal del fémur derecha de un varón se ha obtenido la geometría del hueso. Mediante un programa informático se han generado las propiedades mecánicas dependientes de la densidad mineral ósea de cada vóxel, y posteriormente se ha utilizado un código de elementos finitos para aplicar diferentes configuraciones de carga y estudiar los valores de fractura del hueso. El modelo numérico ha sido validado a través de un artículo de la literatura científica. Resultados: La carga de fractura en configuración de caída lateral es aproximadamente la mitad que la carga en el caso de la posición normal, lo cual concuerda con diferentes estudios experimentales presentes en la literatura científica. Además se han estudiado diferentes condiciones de carga en situaciones cotidianas, en las que se ha observado que la carga de fractura es mínima en la posición monopodal. También se han simulado condiciones de osteoporosis en las que se ha comprobado cómo desciende la carga de fractura al disminuir las propiedades mecánicas óseas. Conclusiones: Mediante el método de los elementos finitos en conjunto con una imagen médica DICOM es posible el estudio de la biomecánica de la cadera y obtener una estimación del fallo del hueso. Además se pueden aplicar diferentes configuraciones de carga y variar las propiedades mecánicas del hueso para simular el comportamiento mecánico de éste bajo condiciones osteoporóticas.Introduction: For years, the human femur has been extensively studied experimentally with in vitro analysis. Nowadays, with computer advances, it can also be analyzed numerically. Some authors report the usefulness of finite method in predicting the mechanical behavior of this bone. There are many possibilities using the synergy between the method finite element and experimental trials. In this paper, for example, we study how they affect different osteoporotic simulations involving femur fracture loads. The aim of this study is to predict hip fracture, both the load to which this occurs as the propagation of the crack in the bone. By applying the finite element method to the field of bio-mechanics, simulation can be carried out to show the behavior under different bone load conditions. Material and methods: Using DICOM images, CT scan of the proximal end of the right femur of a male has been obtained bone geometry. By a computer program they have been generated dependent mechanical properties of the BMD each voxel, and then used a finite code to apply different load configurations and study values bone fracture elements. The numerical model has been validated in the literature. Results: Load breaking in lateral fall configuration is approximately half the load in the case of the normal position, which agrees with different experimental studies published. In addition, we have studied various load conditions in everyday situations, where it was observed that the load fracture is minimal in mono-podal position. Osteoporotic conditions have also been simulated which confirmed that the load fracture has been reduced by decreasing mechanical properties. Conclusions: By using the finite element method in conjunction with DICOM medical imaging, it is possible to study the biomechanics of the hip and obtain an estimate of bone failure. In addition, different load configurations can be applied and vary the mechanical properties of bone to simulate the mechanical behavior of low osteoporotic conditions.S

Intraarterial route increases the risk of cerebral lesions after mesenchymal cell administration in animal model of ischemia

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising clinical therapy for ischemic stroke. However, critical parameters, such as the most effective administration route, remain unclear. Intravenous (i.v.) and intraarterial (i.a.) delivery routes have yielded varied outcomes across studies, potentially due to the unknown MSCs distribution. We investigated whether MSCs reached the brain following i.a. or i.v. administration after transient cerebral ischemia in rats, and evaluated the therapeutic effects of both routes. MSCs were labeled with dextran-coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cell tracking, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistological analysis. MSCs were found in the brain following i.a. but not i.v. administration. However, the i.a. route increased the risk of cerebral lesions and did not improve functional recovery. The i.v. delivery is safe but MCS do not reach the brain tissue, implying that treatment benefits observed for this route are not attributable to brain MCS engrafting after stroke.This study has been partially supported by grants from Axencia Galega de Innovación (Xunta de Galicia), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI13/00292; PI14/01879), the Spanish Research Network on Cerebrovascular Diseases RETICS-INVICTUS (RD12/0014), Xunta de Galicia (Consellería Educación GRC2014/027), the European Commission program FEDER and Promoting Active Ageing program: Functional Nanostructures For Alzheimer’s Disease At Ultra-Early Stages” (Pana_686009), a Research and Innovation Project, funded within the EU Horizon 2020 Programme”. Furthermore, this study was also co-funded within the POCTEP (Operational Programme for Cross-border Cooperation Spain-Portugal) program (0681_INVENNTA_1_E), co-financed by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund). T. Sobrino (CP12/03121) and F. Campos (CP14/00154) are recipients of a research contract from Miguel Servet Program of Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Finally, P. Taboada thanks Mineco and Xunta de Galicia for funding through projects MAT2013-40971-R and EM2013-046, respectively. J Trekker is the recipient of an innovation grant from the IWT-VlaanderenS

Beyond species loss: The extinction of ecological interactions in a changing world

© 2014 The Authors. The effects of the present biodiversity crisis have been largely focused on the loss of species. However, a missed component of biodiversity loss that often accompanies or even precedes species disappearance is the extinction of ecological interactions. Here, we propose a novel model that (i) relates the diversity of both species and interactions along a gradient of environmental deterioration and (ii) explores how the rate of loss of ecological functions, and consequently of ecosystem services, can be accelerated or restrained depending on how the rate of species loss covaries with the rate of interactions loss. We find that the loss of species and interactions are decoupled, such that ecological interactions are often lost at a higher rate. This implies that the loss of ecological interactions may occur well before species disappearance, affecting species functionality and ecosystems services at a faster rate than species extinctions. We provide a number of empirical case studies illustrating these points. Our approach emphasizes the importance of focusing on species interactions as the major biodiversity component from which the 'health' of ecosystems depends.Peer Reviewe

Relationship among Streptococcus gallolyticus Subsp. gallolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis and Colorectal Neoplasms in Recurrent Endocarditis: A Historical Case Series.

Objectives: The role of colorectal neoplasms (CRN) as a common potential source of recurrent Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG) and Enterococcus faecalis (EF) endocarditis remains unstudied. We aimed to investigate what proportion of episodes of recurrent endocarditis are caused by a succession of SGG and EF, or vice versa, and to assess the role of a colonic source in such recurrent episodes. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of two prospective endocarditis cohorts (1979-2019) from two Spanish hospitals, providing descriptive analyses of the major features of the endocarditis episodes, colonoscopy findings, and histologic results. Results: among 1552 IE episodes, 204 (13.1%) were caused by EF and 197 (12.7%) by SGG, respectively. There were 155 episodes (10%) of recurrent IE, 20 of which (12.9%) were due to a succession of SGG/EF IE in 10 patients (the first episode caused by SGG in eight cases, and by EF in two cases). The median follow-up was 86 (interquartile range 34-156) months. In 8/10 initial episodes, the causative microorganism was SGG, and all patients were diagnosed with CRN either during the initial episode or during follow-up. During the second episode of IE or follow-up, colonoscopies revealed CRN in six patients. Conclusions: There seems to be an association between SGG and EF in recurrent endocarditis that warrants further investigation. Our findings reinforce the need for systematically performing colonoscopy in the event of endocarditis caused by both microorganisms