Coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest as a possible consequence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report

Coxa vara is an abnormality of the proximal femur with a decreased neck-shaft angle and resulting leg-length discrepancy, has been associated with conditions such as congenital coxa vara, traumatic injury, sepsis, rickets, vascular damage, or metabolic disorders; however its possible relationship with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been recently reported

Randomized heuristics for the Capacitated Clustering Problem

In this paper, we investigate the adaptation of the Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) and Iterated Greedy methodologies to the Capacitated Clustering Problem (CCP). In particular, we focus on the effect of the balance between randomization and greediness on the performance of these multi-start heuristic search methods when solving this NP-hard problem. The former is a memory-less approach that constructs independent solutions, while the latter is a memory-based method that constructs linked solutions, obtained by partially rebuilding previous ones. Both are based on the combination of greediness and randomization in the constructive process, and coupled with a subsequent local search phase. We propose these two multi-start methods and their hybridization and compare their performance on the CCP. Additionally, we propose a heuristic based on the mathematical programming formulation of this problem, which constitutes a so-called matheuristic. We also implement a classical randomized method based on simulated annealing to complete the picture of randomized heuristics. Our extensive experimentation reveals that Iterated Greedy performs better than GRASP in this problem, and improved outcomes are obtained when both methods are hybridized and coupled with the matheuristic. In fact, the hybridization is able to outperform the best approaches previously published for the CCP. This study shows that memory-based construction is an effective mechanism within multi-start heuristic search techniques

Multi-start methods for the capacitated clustering problem

In this work, we investigate the adaptation of the Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) and Iterated Greedy methodologies to the Capacitated Clustering Problem (CCP). In particular, we focus on the effect of the balance between randomization and greediness on the performance of these multi-start heuristic search methods when solving this NP-hard problem. The former is a memory-less approach that constructs independent solutions, while the latter is a memory-based method that constructs linked solutions, obtained by partially rebuilding previous ones. Both are based on the combination of greediness and randomization in the constructive process, and coupled with a subsequent local search phase

An alternative route to obtain carbon quantum dots from photoluminescent materials in peat

Peat, an organic compound easily found in the soil (easy to acquire), has more than 50% elemental carbon in its composition and can be used as raw material to produce carbon quantum dots (CQDs, C-dots, Carbon Dots). In this work we describe two simple and low-cost routes for the acquisition of these photoluminescent materials based on peat. The final products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), absorption (UV-Vis) and emission (PL) spectra and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The produced CQDs have an average size of 3.5 nm and exhibit coloration between blue and green. In addition, it is possible to produce photoluminescence by means of the aromatic compounds also present in the composition of the peat, in turn exhibiting an intense green coloration. The results indicate great versatility of peat for the production of photoluminescent materials

Trust-based security for the OLSR routing protocol

International audienceThe trust is always present implicitly in the protocols based on cooperation, in particular, between the entities involved in routing operations in Ad hoc networks. Indeed, as the wireless range of such nodes is limited, the nodes mutually cooperate with their neighbors in order to extend the remote nodes and the entire network. In our work, we are interested by trust as security solution for OLSR protocol. This approach fits particularly with characteristics of ad hoc networks. Moreover, the explicit trust management allows entities to reason with and about trust, and to take decisions regarding other entities. In this paper, we detail the techniques and the contributions in trust-based security in OLSR. We present trust-based analysis of the OLSR protocol using trust specification language, and we show how trust-based reasoning can allow each node to evaluate the behavior of the other nodes. After the detection of misbehaving nodes, we propose solutions of prevention and countermeasures to resolve the situations of inconsistency, and counter the malicious nodes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution taking different simulated attacks scenarios. Our approach brings few modifications and is still compatible with the bare OLSR

Population Genetic Diversity of Quercus ilex subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. Reveals Divergence in Recent and Evolutionary Migration Rates in the Spanish Dehesas

The Spanish dehesas have been severely affected by human activities that date to the prehistoric period and have suffered accelerated decline since the 1980s. Holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.) is a key component of this system, and its acorns provide an important food source for wildlife and domesticated livestock. Our earlier work showed structured variation in acorn morphology and biochemistry. Here, we used chloroplast and nuclear microsatellites to detect genetic structure among populations of Q. ilex from the major biogeographic regions of Andalusia. We found high levels of spatial differentiation with chloroplast DNA indicating little seed dispersal among populations. Spatial differentiation was weaker for nuclear DNA, presumably as a result of more widespread pollen dispersal and its larger effective population size. The Baetic Cordillera (Cádiz) population consistently appeared well separated from populations of the northern Sierra Morena, suggesting that the Guadalquivir Valley has played an important role in determining population divergence. This may be, in part, evolutionary, as suggested by chloroplast DNA, and, in part, a result of human-induced population isolation, as Q. ilex has been removed from the Guadalquivir Valley. Evolutionary gene flow rates were greater than contemporary rates, which were limited to unidirectional gene flow from Córdoba to other populations in the Sierra Morena and, surprisingly, to the southern population at Almería. The inconsistency between evolutionary and recent migration rates suggests an effect of anthropogenic activity over the last few generations of Q. ilex

La montagne comme modèle d’enregistrement des mutations « culturelles » précoces : les cas de l’Azilien et du Sauveterrien en Pyrénées catalanes

Les Pyrénées ne comptent que quatre sites établis autour de 1 000 m qui peuvent témoigner de l’occupation de l’étage montagnard avant le Néolithique ancien. À partir des vallées d’Andorre et sur le flanc sud de la chaîne orientale, les abris de Guilanya et Margineda permettent d’analyser les mutations environnementales et les évolutions dans la culture matérielle et spirituelle des groupes de chasseurs-collecteurs de la fin du Tardiglaciaire à l’Holocène ancien. Au côté d’originalités culturelles (incursion d’Aziliens du versant nord pendant l’Alleröd, Sauveterriens sans microlithes cantonnés dans les Pyrénées sèches), les innovations techniques bien cernées en stratigraphie sont plus précocement attestées au cœur de la chaîne axiale qu’en bordure du littoral et dans les piémonts où certains décalages techno-typologiques, tel l’Épimagdalénien, ont été individualisés.In the Pyrenees, mountain settlements higher than 1000 m are scarce before the Early Neolithic. Balma Guilanyà and Balma Margineda, rock-shelters located in the south-eastern face of the Pyrenees, allow analyzing the ecological and the hunter-gatherer adaptations along the limit Late Glacial/Early Holocene. In this area, some cultural processes (like the sudden apparition of the Azilian from the north Pyrenees in the Allerød, or the development of a Sauveterrien stage without standardized microlithic artifacts in the south Pyrenees) suggest that these technical innovation are detected sooner in the core of the mountain chain than in peripheral areas as the piedmont or the coast, where some techno-typological endurances (Epimagdalenian) has been recognized

SWI/SNF Complex Alterations in Tumors with Rhabdoid Features: Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Opportunities for Adoptive Cell Therapy

The SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex is one of the most remarkably altered epigenetic regulators in cancer. Pathogenic mutations in genes encoding SWI/SNF-related proteins have been recently described in many solid tumors, including rare and aggressive malignancies with rhabdoid features with no standard therapies in advanced or metastatic settings. In recent years, clinical trials with targeted drugs aimed at restoring its function have shown discouraging results. However, preclinical data have found an association between these epigenetic alterations and response to immune therapy. Thus, the rationale for immunotherapy strategies in SWI/SNF complex alteration-related tumors is strong. Here, we review the SWI/SNF complex and how its dysfunction drives the oncogenesis of rhabdoid tumors and the proposed strategies to revert this alteration and promising novel therapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibition and adoptive cell therapy

Solar decathlon latino América y Caribe. Cali 2015 (Colombia), Proyecto AURA

Solar Decathlon Latin America and the Caribbean 2015 will take place in the city of Cali, Colombia. Coming from North America and after the European and Asian editions, now the competition for sustainable housing arrives Latin America. ‘Solar Decathlon’ is an international competition inviting students around the world from universities specialized in Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Renewable Energies and related careers to participate on creating, building and operating Self-sustaining social solutions, run by solar power. In addition to the founding principles of the original Solar Decathlon, the SD LAC2015 Organization has decided to focus on the following four components, which will be fundamental to the proposals in order to adapt them to tropical climate and cultural conditions. The components are: 1. Social Housing: As social inequality is one of the most pressing issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Solar Decathlon should strive to prove that sustainable housing based on alternative energy sources can be accessible to the population at large, prioritizing dense urban areas where most of the population is living. 2. Density: Nowadays, most of the population lives in cities where building areas are increasingly scarce and expensive. Moreover, denser housing solutions can help minimize the environmental impact. Consequently, the SD LAC2015 will favour projects that optimize the architectural and urban footprint. 3. Rational Use of Environmental Resources: The vast majority of the Latin American population lives in the tropics, enjoying high solar radiation all year long and exceptional availability of water sources. 4. Regional Relevance: The SD LAC2015 embraces the goal of developing and promoting ideas, capacities and technologies that can be implemented for the benefit of the inhabitants of the LAC region. The actual construction of prototypes will take place in the ‘Universidad del Valle’ campus. The competition combines both theoretical and practical knowledge considering projects must be built on real scale and be tested on 10 different contests. The hisCali team, from the Sevilla University, will take part in competition together with the ‘University of Santiago de Cali’, and with the support of the IUACC and the official masters of Innovation and Sustainability, both from the Sevilla University.El Decatlón Solar para América Latina y el Caribe - SD LAC2015 – se llevará a cabo en la ciudad de Cali, Colombia, convirtiéndose en la primera sede de esta versión del concurso, tras la primigenia norteamericana y las sucesivas versiones europeas y asiáticas. "Solar Decathlon" es un concurso internacional que invita a los estudiantes de las universidades especializadas en arquitectura, diseño urbano, energías renovables y carreras afines a que participen en el diseño, la construcción y la operación de soluciones de vivienda auto-sostenibles y energéticamente eficientes para contribuir a la mitigación del cambio climático a través de la implantación de tecnologías limpias. Los proyectos que se presentan a este concurso deben seguir un esquema reglamentario específico que se adapta a las condiciones climáticas y culturales de la región presentando propuestas de viviendas sociales como soluciones de impacto positivo para la región. 1. Vivienda Social: Debido a las circunstancias de desigualdad social y económica que enfrenta la región de América Latina y del Caribe, SDLAC2015 se presenta como un espacio dinámico de elaboración de propuestas y construcción de soluciones reales que impacten de manera positiva a la comunidad. 2. Densidad: Como consecuencia del desplazamiento masivo de la población hacia la zona urbana, una de las características de diseño y distribución que debe tenerse en cuenta para las construcciones del futuro es la densidad. 3. Uso Racional de Recursos del Medio Ambiente: La mayoría de la población de América Latina y del Caribe vive en la zona tropical, enfrentando emisiones de radiación solar a lo largo del año y una disponibilidad excepcional de las fuentes de agua. 4. Relevancia Regional: La meta será desarrollar ideas y tecnologías que beneficien a los habitantes de la región. El campus de la Universidad del Valle, en la ciudad de Cali, Colombia, es el escenario escogido para llevar a cabo la construcción real de los prototipos diseñados por cada equipo participante que serán evaluados en 10 pruebas diferentes a lo largo de la competencia. A esta convocatoria de Solar Decathlon Latino América y Caribe 2015, se presenta el equipo hísCali, con profesores de áreas de conocimiento de la Universidad de Sevilla tales como Construcción, Urbanismo, Proyectos, Estructuras, Derecho, Economía, Matemática Aplicada y Bellas Artes, junto con la Universidad de Santiago de Cali y con el apoyo del IUACC y los másteres de Innovación y de Sostenibilidad, ambos asimismo de la Universidad de Sevilla

Quaternary structure of a G-protein coupled receptor heterotetramer in complex with Gi and Gs

Background: G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), in the form of monomers or homodimers that bind heterotrimeric G proteins, are fundamental in the transfer of extracellular stimuli to intracellular signaling pathways. Different GPCRs may also interact to form heteromers that are novel signaling units. Despite the exponential growth in the number of solved GPCR crystal structures, the structural properties of heteromers remain unknown. Results: We used single-particle tracking experiments in cells expressing functional adenosine A1-A2A receptors fused to fluorescent proteins to show the loss of Brownian movement of the A1 receptor in the presence of the A2A receptor, and a preponderance of cell surface 2:2 receptor heteromers (dimer of dimers). Using computer modeling, aided by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays to monitor receptor homomerization and heteromerization and G-protein coupling, we predict the interacting interfaces and propose a quaternary structure of the GPCR tetramer in complex with two G proteins. Conclusions: The combination of results points to a molecular architecture formed by a rhombus-shaped heterotetramer, which is bound to two different interacting heterotrimeric G proteins (Gi and Gs). These novel results constitute an important advance in understanding the molecular intricacies involved in GPCR function