The Milky Way like galaxy NGC 6384 and its nuclear star cluster at high NIR spatial resolution using LBT/ARGOS commissioning data

We analyse high spatial resolution near infra-red (NIR) imaging of NGC6384, a Milky Way like galaxy, using ARGOS commissioning data at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). ARGOS provides a stable PSF$_{\rm FWHM}\!=\!0.2"\!-\!0.3"$ AO correction of the ground layer across the LUCI2 NIR camera $4'\!\times4'$ field by using six laser guide stars (three per telescope) and a natural guide star for tip-tilt sensing and guiding. Enabled by this high spatial resolution we analyse the structure of the nuclear star cluster (NSC) and the central kiloparsec of NGC6384. We find via 2D modelling that the NSC ($r_{\rm eff}\!\simeq\!10$pc) is surrounded by a small ($r_{\rm eff}\!\simeq\!100$pc) and a larger Sersi\'c ($r_{\rm eff}\!\simeq\!400$pc), all embedded within the NGC\,6384 large-scale boxy/X-shaped bulge and disk. This proof-of-concept study shows that with the high spatial resolution achieved by ground-layer AO we can push such analysis to distances previously only accessible from space. SED-fitting to the NIR and optical HST photometry allowed to leverage the age-metallicity-extinction degeneracies and derive the effective NSC properties of an young to old population mass ratio of $8\%$ with ${\cal M}_{\rm\star,old}\!\simeq\!3.5\times10^7M_\odot$, Age$_{\rm old,\ young}\!=\!10.9\pm1.3$Gyr and 226\,Myr$\pm62\%$, metallicity [M/H]$=\!-0.11\pm0.16$and$0.33\pm39\%$dex, and$E(B\!-\!V)\!=\!0.63$ and 1.44mag.Comment: 12 pages (+9 appendix), 11 figures, Accepted in MNRA

Positive selection evidence in xylose-related genes suggests methylglyoxal reductase as a target for the improvement of yeasts' fermentation in industry

Xylose assimilation and fermentation are important traits for second generation ethanol production. However, some genomic features associated with this pentose sugar's metabolism remain unknown in yeasts. Comparative genomics studies have led to important insights in this field, but we are still far from completely understanding endogenous yeasts' xylose metabolism. In this work, we carried out a deep evolutionary analysis suited for comparative genomics of xylose-consuming yeasts, searching for of positive selection on genes associated with glucose and xylose metabolism in the xylose-fermenters' clade. Our investigation detected positive selection fingerprints at this clade not only among sequences of important genes for xylose metabolism, such as xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase, but also in genes expected to undergo neutral evolution, such as the glycolytic gene phosphoglycerate mutase. In addition, we present expansion, positive selection marks, and convergence as evidence supporting the hypothesis that natural selection is shaping the evolution of the little studied methylglyoxal reductases. We propose a metabolic model suggesting that selected codons among these proteins caused a putative change in cofactor preference from NADPH to NADH that alleviates cellular redox imbalance. These findings provide a wider look into pentose metabolism of yeasts and add this previously overlooked piece into the intricate puzzle of oxidative imbalance. Although being extensively discussed in evolutionary works the awareness of selection patterns is recent in biotechnology researches, rendering insights to surpass the reached status quo in many of its subareas11719231938COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPnão tem2013/08293-7; 2015/05578-6; 2017/07008-8; 2017/08519-

Diagnosis of complementary feeding practices for creating a matrix model for action in primary health care

Timely and appropriate complementary feeding is essential for the healthy growth and development of children, and Primary Health Care, especially the Family Health Support Nuclei, are the ideal location for developing relevant actions during this period. A cross-sectional study that applied a questionnaire to mothers and anthropometric evaluation for 324 children sought to develop an index of complementary feeding inadequacies and to study its association with social, economic, clinical, epidemiological and nutritional variables. For quantification of feeding inadequacies, an index using the Delphi method was created. High frequencies were observed for all inadequacies, especially for late introduction of solids (80.2%), early introduction of sugar/thickeners (78.1%) and liquids (73.5%). The most significant results of these associations were early weaning of exclusive (p = 0.000) and total (p = 0.005) breastfeeding, absence of partner (p = 0.001) and the mother supporting the family financially (p = 0.025). The use of this index identifies higher-risk situations for developing a nutritional assistance action plan, especially when it comes to promoting matrix model work.A alimentação complementar adequada e oportuna é essencial para o crescimento e o desenvolvimento saudáveis da criança, sendo a Atenção Primária à Saúde, em especial os Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família, o lócus ideal para o desenvolvimento de ações pertinentes a esta prática. Estudo transversal com aplicação de questionário para mães e avaliação antropométrica de 324 crianças visou desenvolver um escore de inadequações na alimentação complementar e estudar suas relações com variáveis socioeconômicas, clínico-epidemiológicas e nutricionais. Para quantificação das inadequações alimentares foi criado um escore por meio do Método Delphi. Foram observadas altas frequências para todas as inadequações, especialmente na introdução tardia de sólidos (80,2%), precoce de açúcares/engrossantes (78,1%) e precoce de líquidos (73,5%). Entre as variáveis mais significantemente associadas com o escore estão desmame precoce do aleitamento materno exclusivo (p = 0,000) e total (p = 0,005), ausência de companheiro (p = 0,001) e a mãe ser chefe da família (p = 0,025). A utilização do escore identifica situações de maior risco para subsidiar as ações prioritárias da assistência nutricional, especialmente para promover o trabalho matricial.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de PediatriaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Instituto Saude e Sociedade Departamento de Politicas Publicas e Saude ColetivaUNIFESP, Depto. de PediatriaUNIFESP, Instituto Saude e Sociedade Depto. de Politicas Publicas e Saude ColetivaSciEL

Contribuição ao estudo do nó sinoatrial em mamiferos aquáticos. A. vascularização arterial do nó sinoatrial em baleia Minke

It was studied the arterial blood supply of the sinus node in 20 Minke whales - 12 males and 8 females; the hearts were dissecated after fixation in formalin. It was observed that 15 times (75.0% ± 9.7) the nourishment of the node depends only of the ramus proximalis atrii dextri and 5 times (25.0% ± 9.7) it depends exclusively of the ramus proximalis atrii sinistri. They were registered 2 cases of arterial anastomosis between the implied vessels in the blood supply of the sinus node.Estudou-se a vascularização arterial do nó sinoatrial em 20 corações de baleia Minke, 12 machos e 6 fêmeas, fixados em solução aquosa de formol a 151 e dissecados. Observou-se que a nutrição do nó sinoatrial, mais frequentemente - 15 vezes (75,0% ± 9,7), depende apenas do ramus proximalis atrii dextri e, nas restantes 5 vezes (25,0% ± 2,7), exclusivamente do ramus proximalis atrii sinistri. Registraram-se, 2 vezes, anastomoses arteriais entre vasos implicados na vascularização arterial do nó sinoatrial

European Atlas of Natural Radiation

Natural ionizing radiation is considered as the largest contributor to the collective effective dose received by the world population. The human population is continuously exposed to ionizing radiation from several natural sources that can be classified into two broad categories: high-energy cosmic rays incident on the Earth’s atmosphere and releasing secondary radiation (cosmic contribution); and radioactive nuclides generated during the formation of the Earth and still present in the Earth’s crust (terrestrial contribution). Terrestrial radioactivity is mostly produced by the uranium and thorium radioactive families together with potassium. In most circumstances, radon, a noble gas produced in the radioactive decay of uranium, is the most important contributor to the total dose. This Atlas aims to present the current state of knowledge of natural radioactivity, by giving general background information, and describing its various sources. This reference material is complemented by a collection of maps of Europe displaying the levels of natural radioactivity caused by different sources. It is a compilation of contributions and reviews received from more than 80 experts in their field: they come from universities, research centres, national and European authorities and international organizations. This Atlas provides reference material and makes harmonized datasets available to the scientific community and national competent authorities. In parallel, this Atlas may serve as a tool for the public to: • familiarize itself with natural radioactivity; • be informed about the levels of natural radioactivity caused by different sources; • have a more balanced view of the annual dose received by the world population, to which natural radioactivity is the largest contributor; • and make direct comparisons between doses from natural sources of ionizing radiation and those from man-made (artificial) ones, hence to better understand the latter.JRC.G.10-Knowledge for Nuclear Security and Safet

METHOD FOR ANALYSING THE COMPOSITION OF THE ELECTRICITY COST GENERATED IN GAS-FIRED COMBINED CYCLE PLANTS

A proposta do método de análise da composição do custo da eletricidade gerada é baseada nos processos de utilização de energia e destruição da exergia contida no combustível através dos diversos processos termodinâmicos que compõe uma usina termelétrica de ciclo combinado. O método utiliza a termoeconomia para valorar e alocar o custo da degradação da exergia ao longo dos processos, considerando os custos referentes aos insumos e equipamentos utilizados. Embora o conceito possa ser aplicado a qualquer tipo de usina termelétrica em ciclo combinado ou cogeração, é desenvolvida neste trabalho a modelagem matemática para o caso de configurações com três níveis de pressão na caldeira de recuperação e condensação total do vapor produzido. É possível estudar qualquer configuração da forma n x 1 (n conjuntos de turbinas a gás e caldeiras de recuperação, com uma turbina a vapor e condensador) com a modelagem apresentada, desde que todos os conjuntos operem de forma idêntica e em regime permanente. A modelagem apresentada neste trabalho foi concebida a partir de um modelo complexo de usina, sobre o qual podem ser feitas variações para adaptá-lo a uma determinada configuração que se deseja estudar. As variação e adaptações incluem, por exemplo, uso de reaquecimento, queima suplementar e operação em cargas parciais, além de análises de sensibilidade quanto a parâmetros geométricos dos equipamentos. São apresentados e estudados do ponto de vista da termoeconomia, os resultados obtidos para uma termelétrica 2x1 em ciclo combinado operando com gás natural.The proposal of the method for analyzing the composition of the electricity cost is based on the energy conversion processes and destruction of the exergy contained in the fuel through the several thermodynamic processes that comprise a combined cycle power plant. The method uses thermoeconomics to evaluate and allocate the cost of exergy degradation throughout the processes, considering the costs related to the used inputs and equipment. Although the concept may be applied to any combined cycle power plant or cogeneration one, this work develops only the mathematical modeling for three-pressure heat recovery steam generator configurations and total condensation of the produced steam. It is possible to study any n x 1 plant configuration (n trains of gas turbine and heat recovery steam generators associated to one steam turbine generator and condenser) with the presented model, since every train operates identically and in steady state. The presented model was conceived from a complex configuration of power plant, over which variations may be applied in order to adapt it to a defined configuration under study. The variations and adaptations include, for instance, use of reheat, supplementary firing and partial load operation, besides sensibility analysis of geometrical equipment parameters. The results obtained for a 2x1-combined cycle power plant using natural gas are presented and analyzed from the thermoeconomic point of view

Exergy-based method for analyzing the composition of the electricity cost generated in gas-fired combined cycle plants

The proposed method to analyze the composition of the cost of electricity is based on the energy conversion processes and the destruction of the exergy through the several thermodynamic processes that comprise a combined cycle power plant. The method uses thermoeconomics to evaluate and allocate the cost of exergy throughout the processes, considering costs related to inputs and investment in equipment. Although the concept may be applied to any combined cycle or cogeneration plant, this work develops only the mathematical modeling for three-pressure heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) configurations and total condensation of the produced steam. It is possible to study any n x 1 plant configuration (n sets of gas turbine and HRSGs associated to one steam turbine generator and condenser) with the developed model, assuming that every train operates identically and in steady state. The presented model was conceived from a complex configuration of a real power plant, over which variations may be applied in order to adapt it to a defined configuration under study [Borelli SJS. Method for the analysis of the composition of electricity costs in combined cycle thermoelectric power plants. Master in Energy Dissertation, Interdisciplinary Program of Energy, Institute of Eletro-technical and Energy, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2005 (in Portuguese)]. The variations and adaptations include, for instance, use of reheat, supplementary firing and partial load operation. It is also possible to undertake sensitivity analysis on geometrical equipment parameters. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Islet adaptive changes to fructose-induced insulin resistance: β-cell mass, glucokinase, glucose metabolism, and insulin secretion

β-Cell mass, hexokinase/glucokinase (HK/GK) activity, glucose metabolism and insulin secretion were studied in the islets of rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance (IR). Normal male Wistar rats were fed a standard commercial diet and water without (control, C) or with 10% fructose-rich diet (FRD) for 3 weeks. Blood glucose (strips), triglyceride (commercial kit), and insulin (RIA) levels were measured at the time of death. Glucose-induced insulin release, glucose metabolism (14CO2 and 3H2O production from d-[U-14C]- and d-[5-3H]-glucose) and HK/GK activity (G-6-P production), transcription (RT-PCR), protein expression (Western blot), and cellular compartmentalization were measured in isolated islets (collagenase digestion). FRD rats presented normoglycemia but impaired glucose tolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, and increased HOMA-IR index. In these rats, β-cell mass decreased significantly by 33%, with a 44% increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells. Glucose-induced insulin release and islet glucose metabolism were higher in FRD rats. While GK activity (total and cytosolic fraction) and protein expression were significantly higher in FRD islets, HK showed no change in any of these parameters. Our results demonstrate that the changes induced by dietary-induced IR upon β-cell function and mass are strongly conditional on the nutrient model used. In our model (intact animals with impaired glucose tolerance), GK activity increases through mechanisms previously shown only in vitro or under highly hyperglycemic conditions. Such an increase plays a pivotal role in the adaptive increased release of insulin in response to IR, even in the presence of marked β-cell mass reduction.Fil: Maiztegui, Barbara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Borelli, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Raschia, Maria Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: del Zotto, Hector Herminio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Gagliardino, Juan Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Endocrinología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentin

Islet neogenesis-associated protein (INGAP)-positive cell mass, β-cell mass, and insulin secretion: their relationship during the fetal and neonatal periods

Objectives: To study the chronological appearance of pancreatic islet neogenesis–associated protein (INGAP)-positive cells and its correlation with the increase in β-cell mass and function in fetal and neonatal rats. Methods: Normal Wistar rat embryos (E) at gestational days 15, 17, and 19 (E15, E17, E19) and 7-day-old postnatal rats (P7) were humanely killed to determine body and pancreas weight; blood glucose; glucose and arginine-induced insulin secretion; real-time polymerase chain reaction of Pdx1 and Ngn3; quantitative immunomorphometric analysis of β-cell replication and apoptosis rate, cytokeratin and INGAP cell mass, and Pdx-1– and Ngn3-positive cells. Results: Body and pancreas weight increased with age (P7 > E19 > E17 > E15; P < 0.05). Neonates had higher blood glucose concentrations than embryos (P < 0.05). We recorded a simultaneous and significant age-dependent trend of increase in the number of β- and Pdx-1-positive cells, β- and cytokeratin-positive cell mass and β-cell capacity to release insulin in response to glucose and arginine, and decreased β-cell apoptotic rate. These changes closely paralleled the increase in INGAP-positive cell mass. Conclusions: These findings suggest that INGAP exerts a positive modulatory effect on β-cell mass and its secretory function in fetal and neonatal rats, thus becoming a new component in the multifactorial regulation of such processes.Fil: Madrid, Viviana Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: Borelli, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: Maiztegui, Barbara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: Flores, Luis Emilio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: Gagliardino, Juan Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: del Zotto, Hector Herminio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); Argentin

Calcium channel blocker and renal mitochondrial function in warm renal ischemia

OBJECTIVE: Ions, particularly calcium ions, play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion cell injury. In this study, we investigated the action of verapamil on the mitochondrial function of kidneys submitted to ischemia without blood reperfusion in order to study isolated early and late ischemic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 44 rats were submitted to bilateral warm renal ischemia for 30 minutes. The kidneys were then immediately reperfused with saline or Euro-Collins (EC) solution, with and without previous administration of 0.35 mg/kg of verapamil. Mitochondrial function was assessed at the end of renal perfusion and after 24 hours of cold preservation. RESULTS: In kidneys perfused with saline, verapamil allowed a significant early preservation of state III mitochondrial respiration, a result that was no longer evident after 24 hours. In kidneys perfused with EC solution, verapamil did not change state III for either early or late evaluations. Comparison of the groups showed that the results obtained for kidneys perfused with EC were always superior to those obtained for the saline group, except for the initial analysis of kidneys treated with saline and verapamil, which showed results similar to those obtained with EC perfusion alone. CONCLUSION: Administration of verapamil before warm ischemia provides partial and short-lasting functional protection of the mitochondrial function in kidneys perfused with sodium rich saline. With Euro-Collins solution, verapamil did not show any additional beneficial effect. This fact permits us to conclude that protective action is effective only under conditions that facilitate increased sodium uptake and/or potassium loss