Fractoluminescence characterization of the energy dissipated during fast fracture of glass

Fractoluminescence experiments are performed on two kinds of silicate glasses. All the light spectra collected during dynamic fracture reveal a black body radiator behaviour, which is interpreted as a crack velocity-dependent temperature rise close to the crack tip. Crack velocities are estimated to be of the order of 1300 m.s$^{-1}$ and fracture process zones are shown to extend over a few nanometers.Comment: Accepted for publication in Europhysics Letters; 5 pages; 4 figure

Selective Lanthanide Sensing with Gold Nanoparticles and Hydroxypyridinone Chelators.

The octadentate hydroxypyridinone chelator 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) is a promising therapeutic agent because of its high affinity for f-block elements and noncytotoxicity at medical dosages. The interaction between 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) and other biomedically relevant metals such as gold, however, has not been explored. Gold nanoparticles functionalized with chelators have demonstrated great potential in theranostics, yet thus far, no protocol that combines 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) and colloidal gold has been developed. Here, we characterize the solution thermodynamic properties of the complexes formed between 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) and Au3+ ions and demonstrate how under specific pH conditions the chelator promotes the growth of gold nanoparticles, acting as both reducing and stabilizing agent. 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) ligands on the nanoparticle surface remain active and selective toward f-block elements, as evidenced by gold nanoparticle selective aggregation. Finally, a new colorimetric assay capable of reaching the detection levels necessary for the quantification of lanthanides in waste from industrial processes is developed based on the inhibition of particle growth by lanthanides

ENOBIO - First tests of a dry electrophysiology electrode using carbon nanotubes

We describe the development and first tests of Enobio, a dry electrode sensor concept for biopotential applications. In the proposed electrodes, the tip of the electrode is covered with a forest of multi-walled CNTs that can be coated with Ag/AgCl to provide ionic-electronic transduction. The CNT brush-like structure is to penetrate the outer layers of the skin improving electrical contact as well as increae the contact surface area. In this paper, we report the results of the first tests of this concept -- immersion on saline solution and pig skin signal detection. These indicate performance on a par with state of the art research-oriented wet electrodes.Comment: Submitted and accepted at the 28th IEEE EMBS International Conference, New York City, August 31st-September 3rd, 2006. Figures updated with proper filtering and averagin

Estructura y dinámica de población de Tigriopus californicus (Copé´´poda, harpacticoida)

From January 1976 to July 1979, samples of a population of the copepod Tigrlopus californicus were collected at monthly intervals on lower supralittoral level tide pools at Península Foca, ría Deseado (Santa Cruz). Density and samples composition in males, ovigerous and nonovigerous females, coupled individuals and juveniles were determined. Females usually were significantly more abundant than males. The seasonal density changes are considered with respect to the physical environment. Copepods were present throughout the year but abundance in summer is several orders of magnitude greater than in winter, through a rapid autumn decline. A large density increase in spring complete the annual cycle. The frequency of this maxima and mínima appeared to be periodic in time during the sampling years, in annualy cycles. Natural mortality and instantaneous rates of population increase were estimated,and the last compared with the species reproductive potential (computed "in vitro", previously published). The periodic density fluctuation is considered with respect to the seasonal changes in poblational structure through cyclical modifications of the instantaneous rates of population increase.From January 1976 to July 1979, samples of a population of the copepod Tigrlopus californicus were collected at monthly intervals on lower supralittoral level tide pools at Península Foca, ría Deseado (Santa Cruz). Density and samples composition in males, ovigerous and nonovigerous females, coupled individuals and juveniles were determined. Females usually were significantly more abundant than males. The seasonal density changes are considered with respect to the physical environment. Copepods were present throughout the year but abundance in summer is several orders of magnitude greater than in winter, through a rapid autumn decline. A large density increase in spring complete the annual cycle. The frequency of this maxima and mínima appeared to be periodic in time during the sampling years, in annualy cycles. Natural mortality and instantaneous rates of population increase were estimated,and the last compared with the species reproductive potential (computed "in vitro", previously published). The periodic density fluctuation is considered with respect to the seasonal changes in poblational structure through cyclical modifications of the instantaneous rates of population increase

A Measurement Study of Online Tracking and Advertising in Ibero-America

The ability of the online marketing industry to track and profile users’ Web-browsing activity is what enables effective, tailored-made advertising services. The intrusiveness of these practices and the increasing invasiveness of digital advertising, however, have raised serious concerns regarding user privacy. Although the level of ubiquity of tracking and advertising has been investigated in top-world sites based in North America and Western Europe, the extent to which those practices are carried out in territories with less or no legal coverage —in terms of data protection— has not been studied so far. In this work, we present the first detailed measurement of online tracking and advertising conducted to date in one of those regions, namely, Ibero-America, by analyzing local websites (e.g., education and government sites). In doing so, our measurement study aims to find out how user location as well as the type of publisher may impact on tracking and advertising and thus user privacy. Lastly, our thorough, extensive analysis also explores whether differences are appreciated between Latin America and the EU with regard to the third-party tracking conducted from and towards the corresponding countries

Industrial heritage, economic revitalization and urban compactness in Poblenou-22@barcelona. A new barcelona model?

Texto resumen

Variación estacional del contenido de lípidos en Tigriopus californicus (Backer) (Copépoda, harpacticoida)

Seasonal variations of the body weight, water content and lipid amount in adult individuals of Tigriopus californicus (Backer) from peninsula Foca, Puerto Deseado (Sta. Cruz) were studied. Correlations among them were found. Experiences were realized during 1978 and 1979, using 100 individuals as optimun number for each test, taking them at random. Maximun values for body weight and for water content are observed during the spring and minimun values at the end of the summer. In relation to the lipid percentage (based in the dry weight) it reaches its maximum values during the spring, existing an inverse correlation with the former parameters. It was also proved the influence of the ovigerous female on the lipid content of the adult population during 1978. Maximun values were obtained in summer and minimum ones in spring, according to the population movement of the species (Lombardo y Pallares, 1981). Complementary data of nitrogen and protein percentages (based in the dry weight) during 1979 were given. In addition to the lipid and protein percentage, the calorific contenta owing to them are expressed in Kcal/g of dry weight.Seasonal variations of the body weight, water content and lipid amount in adult individuals of Tigriopus californicus (Backer) from peninsula Foca, Puerto Deseado (Sta. Cruz) were studied. Correlations among them were found. Experiences were realized during 1978 and 1979, using 100 individuals as optimun number for each test, taking them at random. Maximun values for body weight and for water content are observed during the spring and minimun values at the end of the summer. In relation to the lipid percentage (based in the dry weight) it reaches its maximum values during the spring, existing an inverse correlation with the former parameters. It was also proved the influence of the ovigerous female on the lipid content of the adult population during 1978. Maximun values were obtained in summer and minimum ones in spring, according to the population movement of the species (Lombardo y Pallares, 1981). Complementary data of nitrogen and protein percentages (based in the dry weight) during 1979 were given. In addition to the lipid and protein percentage, the calorific contenta owing to them are expressed in Kcal/g of dry weight

Use of frontal flap for reconstruction of malar region following arteriovenous malformation resection: a case report

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital vascular anomalies characterized by abnormal artery-vein connections. These malformations often occur intracranially but can be found in extracranial regions, presenting unique clinical challenges. Diagnosis and staging, typically using the Schobinger clinical classification, are essential, and various imaging techniques aid in the process. Treatment of AVMs is a multidisciplinary effort, with minimally invasive endovascular procedures being preferred, and surgical resection considered for extensive cases. In this case report, a 52-year-old male with an AVM in the malar region underwent successful treatment. The procedure involved preoperative marking, anesthesia, flap division, AVM resection, and flap placement, followed by suturing and a second surgical stage. The successful utilization of a contralateral frontal flap for reconstruction following AVM resection is highlighted. This case underscores the importance of a multi-stage surgical approach and careful flap preservation in AVM treatment, emphasizing the skills of surgeons. Collaboration among various medical specialties is crucial for effectively managing AVMs, combining embolization, resection, and reconstruction for tailored treatment that improves both function and aesthetics

First human trials of a dry electrophysiology sensor using a carbon nanotube array interface

Fatigue, sleepiness and disturbed sleep are important factors in health and safety in modern society and there is considerable interest in developing technologies for routine monitoring of associated physiological indicators. Electrophysiology, the measurement of the electrical activity of biological origin, is a key technique for the measurement of physiological parameters in several applications, but it has been traditionally difficult to develop sensors for measurements outside the laboratory or clinic with the required quality and robustness. In this paper we report the results from first human experiments using a new electrophysiology sensor called ENOBIO, using carbon nanotube arrays for penetration of the outer layers of the skin and improved electrical contact. These tests, which have included traditional protocols for the analysis of the electrical activity of the brain--spontaneous EEG and ERP--indicate performance on a par with state of the art research-oriented wet electrodes, suggesting that the envisioned mechanism--skin penetration--is responsible. No ill side-effects have been observed six months after the tests, and the subject did not report any pain or special sensations on application of the electrode

Identification of candidate host serum and saliva biomarkers for a better diagnosis of active and latent tuberculosis infection

In our work, we aim to identify new candidate host biomarkers to discriminate between active TB patients (n = 28), latent infection (LTBI; n = 27) and uninfected (NoTBI; n = 42) individuals. For that, active TB patients and their contacts were recruited that donated serum and saliva samples. A multiplex assay was performed to study the concentration of different cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Proteins with significant differences between groups were selected and logistic regression and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy. The best marker combinations that discriminate active TB from NoTBI contacts were [IP-10 + IL-7] in serum and [Fractalkine + IP-10 + IL-1alpha + VEGF] in saliva. Best discrimination between active TB and LTBI was achieved using [IP-10 + BCA-1] in serum (AUC = 0.83) and IP-10 in saliva (p = 0.0007; AUC = 0.78). The levels of TNFalpha (p = 0.003; AUC = 0.73) in serum and the combination of [Fractalkine+IL-12p40] (AUC = 0.83) in saliva, were able to differentiate between NoTBI and LTBI contacts. In conclusion, different individual and combined protein markers could help to discriminate between active TB and both uninfected and latently-infected contacts. The most promising ones include [IP-10 + IL-7], [IP-10 + BCA-1] and TNFalpha in serum and [Fractalkine + IP-10 + IL-1alpha + VEGF], IP-10 and [Fractalkine+IL-12p40] in saliva