Involutions of polynomially parametrized surfaces

We provide an algorithm for detecting the involutions leaving a surface defined by a polynomial parametrization invariant. As a consequence, the symmetry axes, symmetry planes and symmetry center of the surface, if any, can be determined directly from the parametrization, without computing or making use of the implicit representation. The algorithm is based on the fact, proven in the paper, that any involution of the surface comes from an involution of the parameter space (the real plane, in our case); therefore, by determining the latter, the former can be found. The algorithm has been implemented in the computer algebra system Maple 17. Evidence of its efficiency for moderate degrees, examples and a complexity analysis are also given

Polyoxometalates as potential next‐generation metallodrugs in the combat against cancer

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are an emerging class of inorganic metal oxides, which over the last decades demonstrated promising biological activities by the virtue of their great diversity in structures and properties. They possess high potential for the inhibition of various tumor types; however, their unspecific interactions with biomolecules and toxicity impede their clinical usage. The current focus of the field of biologically active POMs lies on organically functionalized and POM-based nanocomposite structures as these hybrids show enhanced anticancer activity and significantly reduced toxicity towards normal cells in comparison to unmodified POMs. Although the antitumor activity of POMs is well documented, their mechanisms of action are still not well understood. In this Review, an overview is given of the cytotoxic effects of POMs with a special focus on POM-based hybrid and nanocomposite structures. Furthermore, we aim to provide proposed mode of actions and to identify molecular targets. POMs are expected to develop into the next generation of anticancer drugs that selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.FCT - SFRH/BSAB/129821/2017info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Apoptotic microtubules delimit an active caspase free area in the cellular cortex during the execution phase of apoptosis

Apoptotic microtubule network (AMN) is organized during apoptosis, forming a cortical structure beneath plasma membrane, which has an important role in preserving cell morphology and plasma membrane permeability. The aim of this study was to examine the role of AMN in maintaining plasma membrane integrity during the execution phase of apoptosis. We demonstrated in camptothecin-induced apoptosis in H460 cells that AMN delimits an active caspase free area beneath plasma membrane that permits the preservation of cellular cortex and transmembrane proteins. AMN depolymerization in apoptotic cells by a short exposure to colchicine allowed active caspases to reach the cellular cortex and cleave many key proteins involved in plasma membrane structural support, cell adhesion and ionic homeostasis. Cleavage of cellular cortex and plasma membrane proteins, such as a-spectrin, paxilin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), E-cadherin and integrin subunit b4 was associated with cell collapse and cell detachment. Otherwise, cleavage-mediated inactivation of calcium ATPase pump (PMCA-4) and Naþ/Ca2þ exchanger (NCX) involved in cell calcium extrusion resulted in calcium overload. Furthermore, cleavage of Naþ/Kþ pump subunit b was associated with altered sodium homeostasis. Cleavage of cell cortex and plasma membrane proteins in apoptotic cells after AMN depolymerization increased plasma permeability, ionic imbalance and bioenergetic collapse, leading apoptotic cells to secondary necrosis. The essential role of caspase-mediated cleavage in this process was demonstrated because the concomitant addition of colchicine that induces AMN depolymerization and the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD avoided the cleavage of cortical and plasma membrane proteins and prevented apoptotic cells to undergo secondary necrosis. Furthermore, the presence of AMN was also critical for proper phosphatidylserine externalization and apoptotic cell clearance by macrophages. These results indicate that AMN is essential to preserve an active caspase free area in the cellular cortex of apoptotic cells that allows plasma membrane integrity during the execution phase of apoptosis

Economic drivers in the Amazon from the 19th century to the 1970s.

The objective of this chapter is to identify the main economic processes that occurred in the Brazilian, Andean, and Guyanese Amazon during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries until the 1970s. Specifically, the chapter describes the history of extractivism and the effects of geopolitical reconfiguration in the Amazon after the processes of emancipation or decolonization. It analyses the extractive history based on quina barks (species of the genus Chinchona, Rubiaceae) and rubber (Hevea brasiliensis, Euphorbiacae), as well as the characteristics and practices developed by social actors related to the local and regional economy that arose from these exploitations. It also includes a synthesis of the history of the emergence of the extractive economy based on the exploitation of oil, minerals (mainly gold), and the beginning of wildlife trafficking and the basis for the emergence of mechanized agriculture, intensive livestock herding, and mega-infrastructure, among others. Finally, it identifies the main lessons learned and key messages from the use of "historical commodities" in the Amazon and their implications in contemporary patterns of use of other resources in the Amazon, such as the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, Lecythidaceae)

Renewable generation and demand response integration in micro-grids: development of a new energy management and control system

The aim of this research resides in the development of an energy management and control system (EMCS) to control a micro-grid based on the use of renewable generation and demand resources to introduce the application of demand response concepts to the management of micro-grids in order to effectively integrate the demand side as an operation resource for the grid and improve energy efficiency of the elements. As an additional result, the evaluation of reductions in the total amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere due to the improvement of the energy efficiency of the system is assessed.Álvarez, C.; Escrivá-Escrivá, G.; Alcázar-Ortega, M. (2013). Renewable generation and demand response integration in micro-grids: development of a new energy management and control system. Energy Efficiency. 6(2):695-706. doi:10.1007/s12053-013-9207-9S69570662Alcázar-Ortega, M. (2011). “Evaluation and assessment of new demand response programs based on the use of flexibility in industrial processes: Application to the food industry”. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of South Florida and Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. FebruaryAlcázar-Ortega, M., Álvarez-Bel, C., Escrivá-Escrivá, G., & Domijan, A. (2012). Evaluation and assessment of demand response potential applied to the meat industry. Applied Energy, 92, 84–91.Álvarez Bel, C., Alcázar Ortega, M., Escrivá Escrivá, G., & Gabaldón Marín, A. (2009). Technical and economical tools to assess customer demand response in the commercial sector. Energy Conversion and Management, 50(10), 2605–2612.Álvarez, C., Gabaldón, A., & Molina, A. (2004). Assessment and simulation of the responsive demand potential in end-user facilities: application to a university customer. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions on Power Systems, 19, 1223–1231.Amorim, A., Cardoso, A.L., Oyarzabal, J. and Melo, N. (2005). “Analysis of the Connection of a Microturbine to a Low Voltage Grid”. Future Power Systems, International Conference on 16–18 Nov. 2005 Page(s):1–5Chiu A., Ipakchi A., Chuang A., Qiu B., Brooks D., Koch E., et al. (2009), Framework for integrated demand response (DR) and distributed energy resources (DER) models. NAESB & UCAIug. September; 2009. .Cowart, R. (2001). “Efficient reliability, the critical role of demand-side resources in power systems and markets”. The national association of regulatory utility commissioners, junioDimeas, A. L., & Hatziargyriou, N. D. (2005). Operation of a multiagent system for microgrid control. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions on Power Systems, 20(3), 1447–1455.Elgerd, O. (1982). Electric energy systems: theory and introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill.Escrivá, G., Alcázar,M., Alvarez,C. (2009). “Integral management system for the energy efficiency improvement in commercial facilities: Application to the Polytechnic University of Valencia”. International conference on renewable energy and power quality (ICREPQ’09), AprilEscrivá-Escrivá, G., Segura-Heras, I., & Alcázar-Ortega, M. (2010). Application of an energy management and control system to assess the potential of different control strategies in HVAC systems. Energy and Buildings, 42(11), 2258–2267.European Commission (2003), “New ERA for electricity in Europe”. Directorate General for Research.Ghiani, E. Mocci, S. and Pilo, F. (2005). “Optimal reconfiguration of distribution networks according to the microgrid paradigm”. Future Power Systems, International Conference on16-18 Nov. 2005 Page(s):6 ppGlover, J., Sarma, M., & Overbye, T. (2008). Power systems: analysis and design. Toronto: Thompson.Hatziargyriou, N.D., Dimeas, A., Tsikalakis, A.G., Pecas Lopes, J.A., Kariniotakis, G.G, and Oyarzabal, J. (2005). “Management of Microgrids in Market Environment”. Future Power Systems, International Conference on 16–18 Nov. Page(s):1 – 7.ICF Consulting. (2002). “Economic assessment of RTO policy Report”. FERC, mayo 2002.Jayawarna, N., Wu, S., Zhang, Y., Jenkins N. and Barnes, M. (2006). “Stability of a Microgrids”. Power Electronics, Machines and Drives. The 3rd IET International Conference on Mar. 2006 Page(s):316 – 320Kennedy, J., Fox, B., & Morrow, D. J. (2007). Distributed generation as a balancing resource for wind generation. IET Renewable Power Generation, 1(3), 167–174.Kirschen, D. S. (2003). Demand-side view of electricity markets. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions, 18, 520–527.Kojima, Y., Koshio, M., Nakamura, S., Maejima, H., Fujioka, Y. and Goda, T. (2007). “A Demonstration Project in Hachinohe: Microgrids with Private Distribution Line”. System of Systems Engineering. SoSE ‘07. IEEE International Conference on 16–18 April 2007 Page(s):1 – 6Lasseter, R.H. and Piagi, P. (2007). “Extended Microgrids Using (DER) Distributed Energy Resources”. Power Engineering Society General Meeting. IEEE24- 28 June 2007 Page(s):1–5Lopes, J. A. P., Moreira, C. L., & Madureira, A. G. (2006). Defining control strategies for microgrids islanded operation. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions on Power Systems, 21(2), 916–924.Marnay, C., Venkataramanan, G., Stadler, M., Siddiqui, M. A., Firestone, R. and Chandran, B. (2007). “Optimal Technology Selection and Operation of Microgrids in Commercial Buildings”. 67 Power Engineering Society General Meeting. IEEE 24–28 June 2007 Page(s):1 – 7Nikkhajoei, H. and Lasseter R.H. (2007). “Microgrids Protection”. Power Engineering Society General Meeting, 2007. IEEE 24–28 June Page(s):1 – 6Rassanti, S., Smith, V. and Wilson, B. (2001). “Controlling market power and price spikes in electricity networks: Demand-side bidding”. Interdisciplinary centre for economic science, George Mason University, JulyThe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Staff: Draft for Comment of the National Action Plan on Demand Response. March; 2010. .Yunwei, L., Vilathgamuwa, D. M., & Poh Chiang, L. (2004). Design, analysis, and realtime testing of a controller for multibus microgrid system”. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Transactions on Power Electronics, 19(5), 1195–1204

UMA Racing Team: Una experiencia en participación en competiciones universitarias.

En este trabajo se presenta la experiencia del equipo UMA Racing Team de la Universidad de Málaga en la competición Motostudent. Esta competición consiste en el diseño de una motocicleta de competición por parte de estudiantes universitarios. No sólo se diseña y fabrica la motocicleta, sino que también se debe desarrollar un proyecto industrial para la comercialización de la misma. El proyecto desarrollado es evaluado bajo el punto de vista técnico, económico y también estético por un tribunal externo conformado por expertos del sector. Además, los prototipos son también evaluados en pruebas dinámicas y en una carrera. El equipo UMA Racing Team ha participado en cinco ediciones de esta competición con resultados destacables. Para los alumnos representa una oportunidad de trabajar en un proyecto real con plazos y presupuesto limitado y de exponer el resultado de su trabajo a profesionales que poseen un amplio conocimiento del sector. La interacción entre los estudiantes, las empresas y los profesionales contribuyen a que los participantes alcancen nuevas capacidades y habilidades muy valoradas por las empresas. La experiencia confirma que la incorporación al mercado laboral de los integrantes ha sido muy satisfactoria

The BLAST Survey of the Vela Molecular Cloud: Physical Properties of the Dense Cores in Vela-D

The Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (BLAST) carried out a 250, 350 and 500 micron survey of the galactic plane encompassing the Vela Molecular Ridge, with the primary goal of identifying the coldest dense cores possibly associated with the earliest stages of star formation. Here we present the results from observations of the Vela-D region, covering about 4 square degrees, in which we find 141 BLAST cores. We exploit existing data taken with the Spitzer MIPS, IRAC and SEST-SIMBA instruments to constrain their (single-temperature) spectral energy distributions, assuming a dust emissivity index beta = 2.0. This combination of data allows us to determine the temperature, luminosity and mass of each BLAST core, and also enables us to separate starless from proto-stellar sources. We also analyze the effects that the uncertainties on the derived physical parameters of the individual sources have on the overall physical properties of starless and proto-stellar cores, and we find that there appear to be a smooth transition from the pre- to the proto-stellar phase. In particular, for proto-stellar cores we find a correlation between the MIPS24 flux, associated with the central protostar, and the temperature of the dust envelope. We also find that the core mass function of the Vela-D cores has a slope consistent with other similar (sub)millimeter surveys.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. Data and maps are available at http://blastexperiment.info

Effectiveness and safety of guselkumab for the treatment of psoriasis in real-world settings at 24 weeks : A retrospective, observational, multicentre study by the Spanish Psoriasis Group

Altres ajuts: Acord transformatiu CRUE-CSICData on the effectiveness and safety of a drug in real-world clinical practice complement the evidence from clinical trials, which are carried out in a different setting. Little has been published on the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in the treatment of psoriasis in clinical practice. The ojective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab at 24 weeks in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in routine clinical practice. A retrospective, multicentre study of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis treated with guselkumab for at least 24 weeks was carried out in Spain. We studied 343 patients, 249 of whom were followed for 24 weeks. By week 24, the mean (SD) psoriasis area severity index (PASI) had decreased from 11.1 (7.3) to 1.7 (2.8) (−9.3; [−10.2;-8.4]), 85.9% of the patients had achieved PASI score of 4 or less and 77.9% a PASI score of 2 or less. In terms of relative PASI response, 59.4% of the patients achieved a PASI-90 response and 49.0% a PASI-100 response. On multivariate analysis, two factors reduced the probability of a PASI of 2 or less at 24 weeks: a BMI ≥30 (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.88) and a greater previous exposure to biologic therapy (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, [0.56-0.84]). Adverse events were rare (9.9%) and led to withdrawal from treatment in only nine patients (2.6%) by the end of the follow-up period. The results of this study confirm the high efficacy and safety of guselkumab indicated by the clinical trial data. In clinical practice, the absolute PASI score appears to be a better marker of response to treatment than the relative value

Measurement of the Bottom-Strange Meson Mixing Phase in the Full CDF Data Set

We report a measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase \beta_s using the time evolution of B0_s -> J/\psi (->\mu+\mu-) \phi (-> K+ K-) decays in which the quark-flavor content of the bottom-strange meson is identified at production. This measurement uses the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt(s)= 1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron, corresponding to 9.6 fb-1 of integrated luminosity. We report confidence regions in the two-dimensional space of \beta_s and the B0_s decay-width difference \Delta\Gamma_s, and measure \beta_s in [-\pi/2, -1.51] U [-0.06, 0.30] U [1.26, \pi/2] at the 68% confidence level, in agreement with the standard model expectation. Assuming the standard model value of \beta_s, we also determine \Delta\Gamma_s = 0.068 +- 0.026 (stat) +- 0.009 (syst) ps-1 and the mean B0_s lifetime, \tau_s = 1.528 +- 0.019 (stat) +- 0.009 (syst) ps, which are consistent and competitive with determinations by other experiments.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, Phys. Rev. Lett 109, 171802 (2012