A tale of two Bethe ans\"atze

We revisit the construction of the eigenvectors of the single and double-row transfer matrices associated with the Zamolodchikov-Fateev model, within the algebraic Bethe ansatz method. The left and right eigenvectors are constructed using two different methods: the fusion technique and Tarasov's construction. A simple explicit relation between the eigenvectors from the two Bethe ans\"atze is obtained. As a consequence, we obtain the Slavnov formula for the scalar product between on-shell and off-shell Tarasov-Bethe vectors.Comment: 28 pages; v2: 30 pages, added proof of (4.40) and (5.39), minor changes to match the published versio

ATP is released from nerve terminals and from activated muscle fibres on stimulation of the rat phrenic nerve

Nerve stimulation increases the concentration of ATP in the synaptic cleft, which can act as a neurotransmitter or as a presynaptic neuromodulator. Using the luciferin-luciferase assay, we observed that the extracellular concentration of ATP increased by 11-26 nM over a basal concentration of 6 nM, in a frequency dependent manner (1-5 Hz), in the adult rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation. This ATP release depends on nerve activity since it was abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 [mu]M) and is strictly dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. However, more than half of this nerve-evoked release of ATP is derived from activated muscle fibres since the selective post-synaptic nicotinic receptor antagonist, [alpha]-bungarotoxin (1 [mu]M), inhibited by over 60% the evoked release of ATP. The presently observed post-synaptic release of ATP together with the previously reported lack of post-synaptic effects of ATP and to the ability of ATP to act as a presynaptic modulator open the possibility that ATP may behave as a retrograde messenger at this neuromuscular junction.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T0G-47S6YPN-X/1/e09fe63a6ed4383fc2ed5996ece6ac4

Development of peach flower buds under low winter chilling conditions

Here, we reviewed both endogenous and exogenous factors involved in the processes of flower bud formation and flower development in peach, analyzing how they can be affected by climatic change in temperate zones, explored the expansion of peach to tropical or subtropical zones. The process of flower bud formation in peach differs between low winter chilling and temperate conditions. Although the main steps of flower development are maintained, the timing in which each one occurs is different, and some processes can be altered under low winter chilling conditions, with a great impact on fruit production and crop management. Further studies on flower bud induction and differentiation under warmer conditions are fundamental for addressing the alterations in flower bud development that negatively impact on next season’s harvest. In the future, horticulturalists and scientists will face several challenges, mainly how high temperatures affect the expression of the main genes regulating flower formation and how to improve crop management in these conditions

Assessment of Exercise Capacity in Post-COVID-19 Patients: How Is the Appropriate Test Chosen?

There is a wide range of sequelae affecting COVID-19 survivors, including impaired physical capacity. These sequelae can affect the quality of life and return to work of the active population. Therefore, one of the pillars of following-up is the evaluation of physical capacity, which can be assessed with field tests (such as the six-minute walk test, the one-minute standing test, the Chester step test, and the shuttle walking test) or laboratory tests (such as the cardiopulmonary exercise test). These tests can be performed in different contexts and have amply demonstrated their usefulness in the assessment of physical capacity both in post-COVID-19 patients and in other chronic respiratory, metabolic, cardiologic, or neurologic diseases. However, when traditional tests cannot be performed, physical function can be a good substitute, especially for assessing the effects of an intervention. For example, the Short Physical Performance Battery assessment and the Timed Up and Go assessment are widely accepted in older adults. Thus, the test should be chosen according to the characteristics of each subject

Ethnoarchaeology of hunter‐fisher‐gatherers societies in the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego): ethnographical sources and social simulation

Research from the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego) offers a rich ethnographic and historical record produced by the late inclusion of Tierra del Fuego in the industrial world (the Beagle Channel was discovered by R. Fitz- Roy in 1830). This is an interesting frame for using new techniques (social simulation by Agent Based Modelling (ABM)) to generate new hypotheses in archaeology. In this case, the hypothesis is focused on the role of social cooperation in Yámana hunter-fisher-gatherer societyEtnoarqueología de sociedades cazadoras-pescadoras-recolectoras en el canal Beagle (Tierra del Fuego): fuentes etnográficas y simulación social La investigación etnoarqueológica en el canal Beagle (Tierra del Fuego) ofrece un abundante registro documental etnográfico e histórico producto de su tardía incorporación al mundo industrial (el canal Beagle es descubierto por R. Fitz-Roy en 1830). Este marco posibilita la aplicación de técnicas novedosas (simulación social mediante “agent based modelling” (ABM)) para la generación de hipótesis a contrastar arqueológicamente. En el caso de nuestro proyecto esa hipótesis versa sobre el papel de la cooperación social en la sociedad cazadora-pescadora-recolectora YámanaEthnoarchéologie des sociétés de chasseurs-pêcheurs-cueilleurs dans le canal de Beagle (Tierra del Fuego): sources ethnographiques et simulation sociale La recherche ethnoarchéologique dans le Canal Beagle (Tierra del Fuego) offre un registre riche de documents historiques et ethnographiques come conséquence de son entrée tardive dans le monde industriel (le canal de Beagle est découvert par R. Fitz-Roy en 1830). Ce cadre permet l’application de nouvelles techniques (simulation sociale à l’aide de «modélisation de l’agent sur la base» (ABM)) pour générer des hypothèses à tester dans le registre archéologique. Pour notre projet cette hypothèse concerne le rôle de la coopération sociale dans les chasseur-pêcheur-cueilleurs YámanaMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad de España. Project: “Social and environmental transitions: Simulating the past to understand human behaviour (SimulPast) (CSD2010-00034)” and “Marcadores Arqueológicos de Relaciones Sociales: etnoarqueología de cazadores-recolectores en el Canal Beagle (HAR2009-06996)”. -Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la República Argentina. Project: “Procesos de agregación social entre las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras del canal Beagle: nuevas metodologías de análisis (PIP0706)”. -The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. Project: “Social aggregation: a Yamana Society’s short-term episode to Analyse Social Interaction.

The role of the CNR1 gene in schizophrenia: a systematic review including unpublished data

Objective: Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder. It is known that a combination of extensive multiple common alleles may be involved in its etiology, each contributing with a small to moderate effect, and, possibly, some rare alleles with a much larger effect size. We aimed to perform a systematic review of association studies between schizophrenia (and its subphenotypes) and polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene, which encodes cannabinoid receptors classically implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology, as well as to present unpublished results of an association study in a Brazilian population. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched for eligible studies and extracted outcome data using a structured form. Papers were retrieved from PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge using the search term schizophrenia in combination with CNR1 or CB1 or cannabinoid receptor. Twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria. We additionally present data from a study of our own comparing 182 patients with schizophrenia and 244 healthy controls. Results: No consistent evidence is demonstrated. Conclusion: Some seemingly positive association studies stress the need for further investigations of the possible role of endocannabinoid genetics in schizophrenia.Fundacao de Amparo e Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) [2010/08968-6, 2011/50740-5, 2011/00030-1]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)FAPESPCNPqCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Fundacao SafraFundacao ABADSUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Psiquiatria, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Lab Interdisciplinar Neurociencias Clin LiNC, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilIrmandade Santa Casa Misericordia Sao Paulo, Dept Psiquiatria, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Morfol & Genet, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Psiquiatria, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Lab Interdisciplinar Neurociencias Clin LiNC, Sao Paulo, SP, BraziWeb of Scienc

One-pot organocatalyzed synthesis of tricyclic indolizines

Indolizines and their saturated derivatives are important structural motifs present in several biologically active compounds of both natural and synthetic origin. We describe herein a one-pot approach for the synthesis of tricyclic indolizines catalyzed by a bicyclic imidazole-alcohol. The protocol is based on an aqueous Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction between pyridine-2-carboxaldehydes and six- or seven-membered cyclic enones, followed by sequential intramolecular cyclization and dehydration. So, in a single operational step two new bonds (C-C and C-N) are formed in an organocatalyzed process that takes place in simple conditions (stirring in water at 60 °C for 12 h) and with great atom economy (water as the sole byproduct), affording the purified compounds in yields ranging from 19 to 70%. The facility of the cyclization strongly depends on the size of the cycloalkenone ring: while MBH adducts derived from six-, seven- or eight-membered cycloenones are readily transformed into the corresponding indolizines, cyclopentenone-derived MBH adducts do not cyclize. A competition experiment revealed that cycloheptenone- derived MBH adducts cyclize faster than cyclohexenone-derived adducts. Model DFT calculations have been performed to rationalize these reactivity trends

Effect of pulmonary hypertension on exercise tolerance in patients with COPD: a prognostic systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent complication in patients with COPD. Objective: To determine if, in patients with COPD, the presence of PH decreases exercise tolerance. Methods: We included studies that analysed exercise tolerance using a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in patients with COPD with PH (COPD-PH) and without PH (COPD-nonPH). Two independent reviewers analysed the studies, extracted the data and assessed the quality of the evidence. Results: Of the 4915 articles initially identified, seven reported 257 patients with COPD-PH and 404 patients with COPD-nonPH. The COPD-PH group showed differences in peak oxygen consumption (V'O2peak ), -3.09 mL·kg-1·min-1 (95% CI -4.74 to -1.43, p=0.0003); maximum workload (Wmax), -20.5 W (95% CI -34.4 to -6.5, p=0.004); and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse), -1.24 mL·beat-1 (95% CI -2.40 to -0.09, p=0.03), in comparison to the group with COPD-nonPH. If we excluded studies with lung transplant candidates, the sensitivity analyses showed even bigger differences: V'O2 , -4.26 mL·min-1·kg-1 (95% CI -5.50 to -3.02 mL·kg-1·min-1, p<0.00001); Wmax, -26.6 W (95% CI -32.1 to -21.1 W, p<0.00001); and O2 pulse, -2.04 mL·beat-1 (95% CI -2.92 to -1.15 mL·beat-1, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Exercise tolerance was significantly lower in patients with COPD-PH than in patients with COPD-nonPH, particularly in nontransplant candidates

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Genetic association study in a cohort of spanish children

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a strong genetic component. The study is aimed to test the association of 34 polymorphisms with ADHD symptomatology considering the role of clinical subtypes and sex in a Spanish population. Methods: A cohort of ADHD 290 patients and 340 controls aged 6–18 years were included in a case–control study, stratified by sex and ADHD subtype. Multivariate logistic regression was used to detect the combined effects of multiple variants. Results: After correcting for multiple testing, we found several significant associations between the polymorphisms and ADHD (p value corrected ≤0.05): (1) SLC6A4 and LPHN3 were associated in the total population; (2) SLC6A2, SLC6A3, SLC6A4 and LPHN3 were associated in the combined subtype; and (3) LPHN3 was associated in the male sample. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the influence of these variables for the total sample, combined and inattentive subtype, female and male sample, revealing that these factors contributed to 8.5, 14.6, 2.6, 16.5 and 8.5 % of the variance respectively. Conclusions: We report evidence of the genetic contribution of common variants to the ADHD phenotype in four genes, with the LPHN3 gene playing a particularly important role. Future studies should investigate the contribution of genetic variants to the risk of ADHD considering their role in specific sex or subtype, as doing so may produce more predictable and robust modelsThis study was supported by the following research grants: Fundacion Alicia Koplowitz (4019-004), Biobank of Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Hospital (RD09/0076/00101, Instituto de Salud Carlos III) and the Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases -CIBERER (06/07/0036). The work of CG-S is supported by a Fundacion Conchita Rabago Gran

Ebolavirus species-specific interferon antagonism mediated by VP24

Members of the Ebolavirus genus demonstrate a marked differences in pathogenicity in humans with Ebola (EBOV) being the most pathogenic, Bundibugyo (BDBV) less pathogenic, and Reston (RESTV) is not known to cause a disease in humans. The VP24 protein encoded by members of the Ebolavirus genus blocks type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling through interaction with host karyopherin alpha nuclear transporters, potentially contributing to virulence. Previously, we demonstrated that BDBV VP24 (bVP24) binds with lower affinities to karyopherin alpha proteins relative to EBOV VP24 (eVP24), and this correlated with a reduced inhibition in IFN-I signaling. We hypothesized that modification of eVP24-karyopherin alpha interface to make it similar to bVP24 would attenuate the ability to antagonize IFN-I response. We generated a panel of recombinant EBOVs containing single or combinations of point mutations in the eVP24-karyopherin alpha interface. Most of the viruses appeared to be attenuated in both IFN-I-competent 769-P and IFN-I-deficient Vero-E6 cells in the presence of IFNs. However, the R140A mutant grew at reduced levels even in the absence of IFNs in both cell lines, as well as in U3A STAT1 knockout cells. Both the R140A mutation and its combination with the N135A mutation greatly reduced the amounts of viral genomic RNA and mRNA suggesting that these mutations attenuate the virus in an IFN-I-independent attenuation. Additionally, we found that unlike eVP24, bVP24 does not inhibit interferon lambda 1 (IFN-λ1), interferon beta (IFN-β), and ISG15, which potentially explains the lower pathogenicity of BDBV relative to EBOV. Thus, the VP24 residues binding karyopherin alpha attenuates the virus by IFN-I-dependent and independent mechanisms