Association of Microsatellite Markers on Bovine Chromosomes 5 and 6 with Carcass Traits

The objective of this study was to identify chromosomal regions associated with phenotypic variation in carcass traits in three crossbred families. Three half-sib families were developed from crossbred sires. Families 1, 2, and 3 comprised 29, 25, and 77 offspring, respectively (n = 131). The genetic background of the sires, dams, and offspring was 1/3 Angus, 1/3 Hereford, 1/3 Simmental. Carcass traits collected were finished weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), marbling score, Quality Grade, Longissimus muscle area (LMA), rib fat, percent kidney pelvic, and heart fat (KPH), and Yield Grade. Microsatellite markers on chromosomes 5 and 6 were selected based on their relative position. Markers used on chromosome 5 were BM6026, RM103, BM321, RM084, BMS1216, BM315, and BM597. Markers used on chromosome 6 were ILSTS093, ILSTS090, BM1329, BMS518, ILSTS035, BM8124, and BMC4203. Individual marker analysis was conducted because homozygosity of the bulls for some markers hindered interval mapping. Family 1 exhibited allelic affects for finished weight, hot carcass weight, and marbling score on chromosome 5. Markers RM103 and BM321 were associated with finished (P \u3c 0.01) and carcass (P \u3c 0.05) weights. An association with marbling score was identified with BM6026 (P \u3c 0.05), RM103 (P \u3c 0.01), and BM321 (P \u3c 0.01). On chromosome 6, BMC4203 was associated with Longissimus muscle area in family 1 (P \u3c 0.05) and family 2 (P \u3c 0.001). No association was detected (P \u3e 0.05) on family 3

Preliminary Study and Proposal for Restoring a Jesuit College at Saragossa, Spain

A historical study and a construction pathology survey were conducted prior to proposing a solution for restoring the upper windows on the south side of Old San Carlos College at Saragossa (16th-17th centuries), wich had been forteited to add a third storey to the cloister. Althought initially designed to a simple large hall format, the church is a harmonius blend of Aragonese Gothic architecture and typical Jesuit scheme, consisting in a central nave flanket by chapel-confessional and raised galleries for the community. A subsequent enlargement of the roof, wich rests on the original framing over the central nave, reduced the mechanical strength of the principal rafters on the opposite side, prompting a concomitant imbalance of forces that has affected the entire structure. In view of the foregoing, in addition to restituting the upper window, the proposal solution envisages restoring the roof over the central nave to its original design, and with the interior lighting in the church

A modeling framework for predicting the effect of the operating conditions and component sizing on fuel cell degradation and performance for automotive applications

[EN] In this study, durability and performance prediction were integrated in the sizing process of the FC stack of a fuel cell range-extender (FCREx) vehicle together with the design of a dynamics-limited control strategy. For that purpose, a FCREx vehicle model integrating a FC stack, balance of plant, battery, H-2 tank and vehicle body (C-class SUV) validated in previous studies was used. To predict FC stack degradation rate, a novel semi-empirical multi-layered degradation modeling framework for automotive application is proposed and developed. Degradation rates are calculated based on reference degradation rates measured at reference and known conditions (1st layer) and scaled with the electrochemical phenomena (2nd layer) and the operating conditions (3rd layer) through scaling functions based on physical tendencies. Results show how increasing the FC stack power decreases H-2 consumption but increases durability, while increasing the dynamic limitations on the control strategy increases both H-2 consumption and durability. The isolated effect of sizing implied a decrease in H-2 consumption of-3% and an increase in FC stack durability of similar to 53% when comparing the 40 kW and 100 kW designs. In contrast, the effect of dynamic limitations was significantly perceived in the 40 kW design which implied an increase in H-2 consumption close to 8% and an increase in durability of 294% when comparing the infinite dynamics and the highest dynamically restricted cases. Nevertheless, the effect of sizing is neglected under high dynamic limitation and limiting the current density change rate to 0.001 A/cm(2) s may prevent the control strategy from fulfilling the charge sustaining mode in aggressive driving. Based on these results, a set of recommendations were elaborated for FC stack and FCV manufacturers aiming to apply FCREx architecture to passenger car vehicles.This research has been partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and University through the University Faculty Training (FPU) program (FPU19/00550) and FEDER and the Generalitat Valenciana, Consellera dInnovaci, Universitats, Ciencia i Societat Digital through project IDIFEDER/2021/039.Desantes J.M.; Novella Rosa, R.; Pla Moreno, B.; López-Juárez, M. (2022). A modeling framework for predicting the effect of the operating conditions and component sizing on fuel cell degradation and performance for automotive applications. Applied Energy. 317:1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.11913711731

Sistema de Alerta Temprana en zona de aluviones

En la cuenca media-alta del río Rímac en la región Lima Metropolitana se ha producido la ocupación irregular de quebradas aparentemente secas que se activan periódicamente por efectos de lluvias locales. La activación de estas quebradas genera flujos de lodos y detritos, conocidos como “huaycos” que son una forma de aluvión, lo que a su vez produce daños materiales y pérdidas a la salud y la vida, principalmente de la población del distrito de Chosica. El presente trabajo presenta una propuesta de mejora del Sistema de Monitoreo de Peligros existente, manejado por el Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología del Perú, organismo encargado de la emisión de avisos de peligros. La propuesta consiste en una mejora en el diseño de la red, incrementando el número de estaciones automáticas; una propuesta tecnológica que implicaría un cambio en las telecomunicaciones con un sistema GPRS y la adquisición de un radar meteorológico del tipo LAWR (Radar Meteorológico de Área Local, en inglés); así como un modelo de gestión del sistema, lo cual vendría a constituir un Sistema de Alerta Temprana para la zona de Chosica

Transient Ectopic Overexpression of Agouti-Signalling

While flatfish in the wild exhibit a pronounced countershading of the dorso-ventral pigment pattern, malpigmentation is commonly observed in reared animals. In fish, the dorso-ventral pigment polarity is achieved because a melanization inhibition factor (MIF) inhibits melanoblast differentiation and encourages iridophore proliferation in the ventrum. A previous work of our group suggested that asip1 is the uncharacterized MIF concerned. In order to further support this hypothesis, we have characterized asip1 mRNAs in both turbot and sole and used deduced peptide alignments to analyze the evolutionary history of the agouti-family of peptides. The putative asip precursors have the characteristics of a secreted protein, displaying a putative hydrophobic signal. Processing of the potential signal peptide produces mature proteins that include an N-terminal region, a basic central domain with a high proportion of lysine residues as well as a proline-rich region that immediately precedes the C-terminal poly-cysteine domain. The expression of asip1 mRNA in the ventral area was significantly higher than in the dorsal region. Similarly, the expression of asip1 within the unpigmented patches in the dorsal skin of pseudoalbino fish was higher than in the pigmented dorsal regions but similar to those levels observed in the ventral skin. In addition, the injection/electroporation of asip1 capped mRNA in both species induced long term dorsal skin paling, suggesting the inhibition of the melanogenic pathways. The data suggest that fish asip1 is involved in the dorsalventral pigment patterning in adult fish, where it induces the regulatory asymmetry involved in precursor differentiation into mature chromatophore. Adult dorsal pseudoalbinism seems to be the consequence of the expression of normal developmental pathways in an inaccurate position that results in unbalanced asip1 production levels. This, in turn, generates a ventral-like differentiation environment in dorsal regions.Publicado

Association of Leptin Gene Markers with Carcass Traits in Beef Cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate four genetic markers on the leptin gene for association with carcass traits in three crossbred families. Three half-sib families were developed from crossbred sires. Families 1, 2, and 3 comprised 26, 21, and 66 offspring, respectively (n = 113). The genetic background of the sires, dams, and offspring was 1/3 Angus, 1/3 Hereford, 1/3 Simmental. Carcass traits collected were finished weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), marbling score, Quality Grade, Longissimus muscle area (LMA), rib fat, Yield Grade, and percent kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH). The four markers analyzed were located on the exon 2, exon 3, and promoter region of the leptin gene. There was an association of marbling score with leptin exon 3 (P \u3c 0.05), and ability to grade choice with leptin exon 2 (P \u3c 0.05), exon 3 (P \u3c 0.001), and promoter (P \u3c 0.01) in family 2. Family 2 also displayed allelic effects for ability to grade choice (P \u3c 0.01) with leptin exon 3 and promoter. Family 3 showed an association between leptin exon 2 (P \u3c 0.05) and marbling score. No association was detected (P \u3e 0.05) on family 1

Pre-chamber ignition systems: A methodological proposal to reproduce a reference case in a simplified experimental facility for fundamental studies

[EN] To further understand the processes and phenomena taking place in the pre-chamber (PC) ignition concept, many studies under simplified conditions have been carried out in different experimental facilities (e.g. constant volume chambers and rapid compression machines). However limited information is provided about how the volume, orifice diameter and number of orifices were defined, raising the question whether the results are representative of engine-like conditions or not. This novel study arises from the necessity to determine a methodology to reproduce a reference pre-chamber, preserving as much as possible its jet characteristics. A theoretical development based on the first law of thermodynamics has been performed, and a relationship between the effective flow area, pre-chamber volume and engine speed is proposed as the governing parameter of the mass exchange between chambers. Besides, relaying on the know-how of gas jets, a relationship between the orifice diameter, jet tip penetration and engine speed is suggested as the criterion to preserve the relative jet penetration (respect to the distance from the PC hole to the combustion chamber walls). A numerical validation of these assumptions was carried out using a one-dimensional flow calculator to estimate the thermodynamic properties and mass transfer between chambers, and a one-dimensional spray model to estimate the penetration of the PC combustion products jets. Finally, preserving the ratio between the total area of the PC holes and the product of the PC volume and the engine speed for two pre-chamber geometries, an identical pressure rise rate, in an angular basis, is achieved in both pre-chambers. Furthermore, the same relative jet penetration rate, in an angular basis, can be also achieved, even under different engine speeds, when the ratio between the orifice diameter and the product of the square of the jet free length and the engine speed is preserved.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research has been partially funded by FEDER and the Spanish Government through project RTI2018-102025-B-I00.Desantes J.M.; López, JJ.; Novella Rosa, R.; Beltrao De Vargas-Antolini, J. (2021). Pre-chamber ignition systems: A methodological proposal to reproduce a reference case in a simplified experimental facility for fundamental studies. International Journal of Engine Research. 22(11):3358-3371. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087420971115S33583371221

Application of an unsteady flamelet model in a RANS framework for spray A simulation

[EN] In the present investigation the Spray A reference configuration defined in the framework of the Engine Combustion Network (ECN) has been modeled by means of an Unsteady Flamelet Model (USFM) including detailed parametric studies to evaluate the impact of ambient temperature, oxygen concentration and density. The study focuses on the analysis of the spray ignition delay, the flame lift-off length and the internal structure of the spray and flame according to the experimental information nowadays available for validating the results provided by the model. Promising results are obtained for the nominal case and also for the parametric variations (temperature, oxygen...) in terms of liquid and vapor penetration, ignition delay (ID) and lift-off length (LOL). The model permits to predict the ID and the LOL which constitute two parameters of key importance for describing the characteristics of transient reacting sprays. Valuable insight on the details of the combustion process is obtained from the analysis of formaldehyde (CH2O), acetylene (C2H2) and hydroxide (OH) species in spatial coordinates and also in the so-called phi-T maps. Important differences arise in the inner structure of the flame in the quasi-steady regime, which is closely linked to soot formation, when varying the ambient boundary conditions. Additionally, the auto-ignition process is investigated in order to describe in detail the spatial onset and propagation of combustion. Results confirm the impact of the ambient conditions on the regions of the spray where start of combustion takes place, so the relation between the local scalar dissipation rate and mixture fraction variance is also discussed. This investigation provides an insight of the potential of the USFM combustion model to describe the physical and chemical processes involved in transient spray combustion.Authors acknowledge that this work was possible thanks to the Ayuda para la Formacion de Profesorado Universitario (FPU 14/03278) belonging to the Subprogramas de Formacion y de Movilidad del Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte from Spain. Also this study was partially funded by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad from Spain in the frame of the COMEFF (TRA2014-59483-R) national project.Desantes, J.; García-Oliver, JM.; Novella Rosa, R.; Pérez-Sánchez, EJ. (2017). Application of an unsteady flamelet model in a RANS framework for spray A simulation. Applied Thermal Engineering. 117:50-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.01.101S506411

Physiological response of post-veraison deficit irrigation strategies and growth patterns of table grapes (cv. Crimson Seedless)

To determine whether partial root-zone drying (PRD) offers physiological advantages compared with regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), a 3 year long-experiment was conducted on a commercial vineyard of ‘Crimson Seedless’ table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). Four different drip irrigation treatments were imposed: (i) a Control treatment irrigated at 110% of seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETc), (ii), a regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatment irrigated similar to Control before veraison and at 50% of the Control treatment post-veraison, (iii) a partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigated similar to RDI but alternating (every 10–14 days) the dry and wet side of the root-zone, and (iv) a null irrigation treatment (NI) which only received the natural precipitation and occasional supplementary irrigation when midday stem water potential (Ψs) dropped below −1.2 MPa. Post-veraison, PRD vines accumulated greater localized soil and plant water deficit at midday than RDI vines, but maintained similar pre-dawn water potential (Ψpd) values. Stomatal conductance (gs) of PRD vines remained high, likely because there was sufficient root water uptake from irrigated soil. Xylem ABA concentration ([ABA]xylem) did not change yet intrinsic WUE (WUEi) decreased compared to RDI vines, probably because PRD induced greater root density and root development at depth, allowing greater water uptake from roots in the wet part of the soil profile. Vegetative growth was only decreased by severe deficit irrigation (NI) although total leaf area index (LAI) was also affected by PRD in the 1st and 3rd year.. PRD can be considered a useful strategy in semiarid areas with limited water resources because sustained water use maintained assimilation rates despite greater stress than conventional RDI strategy, which may be related to root and morphological adjustment