Identification of a tachykinin-related peptide with orexigenic properties in the German cockroach

A number of evidences suggest that tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) of insects can stimulate food consumption after being released from the midgut to the hemolymph. The idea of the present work has been to test this hypothesis in the anautogenous cockroach Blattella germanica. First, we have identified the peptide LemTRP-1 (APSGFLGVR-NH2) from brain extracts, by means of an ELISA developed with a polyclonal antibody against this peptide. ELISA studies have also shown that, whereas brain LemTRP-1 levels were fairly constant, midgut levels increase to a maximum on day 3 after adult emergence, falling thereafter until the end of the gonadotrophic cycle. Interestingly, maximum values of food consumption are concomitant with the decrease of LemTRP-1 immunoreactivity in the midgut. Furthermore, starvation decreases LemTRP-1 immunoreactivity in midgut, whereas in the hemolymph it increases. Finally, injection of synthetic LemTRP-1 to adult females significantly stimulates food consumption. The whole observations suggest that LemTRP-1 is released from the midgut to the hemolymph when sustained food consumption is required to maintain vitellogenesis at the highest levels, and that LemTRP-1 in the hemolymph stimulates food consumption in these days. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (projects AGL2002-01169 and AGL2005-00773 (X.B.) and BFU2006-01090 (J.L.M.)) and the Generalitat de Catalunya (2005 SGR 00053) are gratefully acknowledged.Peer Reviewe

Trebouxia lynnae sp. nov. (former Trebouxia sp. TR9): biology and biogeography of an epitome lichen symbiotic microalga

Two microalgal species, Trebouxia jamesii and Trebouxia sp. TR9, were detected as the main photobionts coexisting in the thalli of the lichen Ramalina farinacea. Trebouxia sp. TR9 emerged as anew taxon in lichen symbioses and was successfully isolated and propagated in in vitro culture andthoroughly investigated. Several years of research have confirmed the taxon Trebouxia sp. TR9 tobe a model/reference organism for studying mycobiont–photobiont association patterns in lichensymbioses. Trebouxia sp. TR9 is the first symbiotic, lichen-forming microalga for which an exhaustivecharacterization of cellular ultrastructure, physiological traits, genetic and genomic diversity is available.The cellular ultrastructure was studied by light, electron and confocal microscopy; physiologicaltraits were studied as responses to different abiotic stresses. The genetic diversity was previouslyanalyzed at both the nuclear and organelle levels by using chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nucleargenome data, and a multiplicity of phylogenetic analyses were carried out to study its intraspecificdiversity at a biogeographical level and its specificity association patterns with the mycobiont.Here, Trebouxia sp. TR9 is formally described by applying an integrative taxonomic approach and ispresented to science as Trebouxia lynnae, in honor of Lynn Margulis, who was the primary modernproponent for the significance of symbiosis in evolution. The complete set of analyses that werecarried out for its characterization is provided

Development of Conductivity Sensors for Multi-Phase Flow Local Measurements at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and University Jaume I of Castellon (UJI)

[EN] This paper describes all the procedures and methods currently used at UPV (Universitat Politécnica de Valencia) and UJI (University Jaume I) for the development and use of sensors for multi-phase flow analysis in vertical pipes. This paper also describes the methods that we use to obtain the values of the two-phase flow magnitudes from the sensor signals and the validation and cross-verification methods developed to check the consistency of the results obtained for these magnitudes with the sensors. First, we provide information about the procedures used to build the multi-sensor conductivity probes and some of the tests performed with different materials to avoid sensor degradation issues. In addition, we provide information about the characteristics of the electric circuits that feed the sensors. Then the data acquisition of the conductivity probe, the signal conditioning and the data processing including the device that have been designed to automatize all the measurement process of moving the sensors inside the channels by means of stepper electric motors controlled by computer are shown in operation. Then, we explain the methods used for bubble identification and categorization. Finally, we describe the methodology used to obtain the two-phase flow information from the sensor signals. This includes the following items: void fraction, gas velocity, Sauter mean diameter and interfacial area concentration. The last part of this paper is devoted to the conductance probes developed for the annular flow analysis, which includes the analysis of the interfacial waves produced in annular flow and that requires a different type of sensorThe authors are indebted to the support received from MINECO for the project MODEXFLAT ENE2013-48565-C2-1-P and ENE2013-48565-C2-2-P.Muñoz-Cobo, JL.; Chiva, S.; Mendez, S.; Monrós, G.; Escrivá, A.; Cuadros-Orón, JL. (2017). Development of Conductivity Sensors for Multi-Phase Flow Local Measurements at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and University Jaume I of Castellon (UJI). Sensors. 17(5):1-35. https://doi.org/10.3390/s17051077S13517

Síntesis de kesterita Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 mediante métodos de hot-injection y solvotermal

En el presente trabajo se han sintetizado compuestos con estructura de kesterita Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 mediante métodos de síntesis “hot-injection” y solvotermal. Se ha analizado la efectividad de ambos procedimientos sobre las propiedades físico-químicas del material. Paralelamente, se ha estudiado la influencia de precursores y disolventes sobre la reactividad y la morfología del sistema. Los materiales desarrollados se han caracterizado estructural y microestructuralmente.Kesterite solid solution of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 have been synthesized by “hot-injection” and solvothermal methods. The procedure effectiveness that affect to the physical and chemical properties of the final material have been analyzed. The influence of different raw materials and solvents has been investigated in order to improve the preparation procedure. The materials have been characterized structurally and morphologically

Biological reactor retrofitting using CFD-ASM modelling

In recent years, the interest in modelling activated sludge (AS) systems by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques has significantly increased. This work shows a successful case study combining CFD hydrodynamics and biokinetic modelling. The hydrodynamics is analysed by using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation for incompressible non-Newtonian fluids and SST turbulence model. Biokinetics has been included in the CFD as transport equations with source and sink terms defined by the Activated Sludge Model n degrees 1 (ASM1). Furthermore, a strategy for reducing the computational cost while maintaining accuracy of the results of these calculations has been proposed. This strategy is based on a two-step solver configuration and the definition of a variable timestep scheme. The resulting CFD-ASM approach permits a proper evaluation of denitrification in the anoxic tanks as well as the reproduction of nitrate and readily biodegradable substrate distributions. To demonstrate the strength of the proposed CFD-ASM, it has been used to evaluate the operation of a full-scale AS system and optimize its performance through changes in the biological reactor anoxic zone. The original configuration has been retrofitted and modified after detecting intrinsic defects in the fluid behaviour within the tank. This study has been assessed by analysing hydrodynamics in detail and validating the simulation results with tracer tests and flow velocity measurements. Substantial variations on the Residence Time Distribution have been confirmed when modifying the internal elements of the tank configuration: the wall-bushing and the stirrer positioning. As a result of this work, an influential short circuiting was corrected improving hydrodynamics and increasing mean residence time, all favouring denitrification efficiency. Outcomes of this study show the benefit of CFD when applied to AS tanks

Easy and low-cost aqueous precipitation method to obtain Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 thin layers

An easy method to obtain kesterite Cu2ZnSn(Se1-x,Sx)4 (CZTSSe) solid solution as an absorber for thin film photovoltaic solar cells is discussed in this report. Particular emphasis is directed toward the procedure´s steps of the CZTSSe preparation, as well as its structure and properties. For the preparation of CZTSSe an easy, low-cost and sustainable aqueous precipitation method that included chemical transformations of metal selenite precipitate, its reduction to metal selenides and further crystallization of kesterite, is applied. This procedure is more viable as avoids the use of selenization treatment and thus generation of toxic vapors and employs water as a solvent instead of organic compounds. In addition, the proposed procedure is very attractive way of preparation for industrial large-scale fabrication of the most promising absorber candidates for photovoltaic thin film solar cells. Kesterite CZTSSe solid solution has been prepared and characterized in terms of chemical composition, structural and morphological transformations, as well as optical and electrical properties, confirming the viability and effectiveness of the applied process. The optimal electrical parameters obtained of the device are 21.5 mA/cm2, 532 mV, 42.8%., and 4.9% to short circuit current (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (Eff.) respectively. Detailed description of each procedure steps and full characterization of the products, starting from as-prepared, intermediate and final compound is also exposed that could be very useful for any experimental scientist.The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under the programs RETOS-COLABORACION (RTC-2014–2294-3) and RETOS-INVESTIGACIÓN (ENE2013-49136-C4-2-R). We also appreciate the characterization assistance of Central Service of Scientific Instrumentation (SCIC) at the University Jaume I and Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) for them help in the Raman measurements and solar cell asembly. R. Martí would like to acknowledge the economic support of the FPI-UJI grand (Formación del personal investigator-Universidad Jaume I)

On the One-Dimensional Modeling of Vertical Upward Bubbly Flow

[EN] The one-dimensional two-fluid model approach has been traditionally used in thermal-hydraulics codes for the analysis of transients and accidents in water¿cooled nuclear power plants. This paper investigates the performance of RELAP5/MOD3 predicting vertical upward bubbly flow at low velocity conditions. For bubbly flow and vertical pipes, this code applies the drift- velocity approach, showing important discrepancies with the experiments compared. Then, we use a classical formulation of the drag coefficient approach to evaluate the performance of both approaches. This is based on the critical Weber criteria and includes several assumptions for the calculation of the interfacial area and bubble size that are evaluated in this work. A more accurate drag coefficient approach is proposed and implemented in RELAP5/MOD3. Instead of using the Weber criteria, the bubble size distribution is directly considered. This allows the calculation of the interfacial area directly from the definition of Sauter mean diameter of a distribution. The results show that only the proposed approach was able to predict all the flow characteristics, in particular the bubble size and interfacial area concentration. Finally, the computational results are analyzed and validated with cross-section area average measurements of void fraction, dispersed phase velocity, bubble size, and interfacial area concentration.The authors sincerely thank the Plan Nacional de I+D+i for funding the Projects MODEXFLAT ENE2013-48565-C2-1- P, ENE2013-48565-C2-2-P, and NUC-MULTPHYS ENE2012- 34585.Peña-Monferrer, C.; Gómez-Zarzuela, C.; Chiva, S.; Miró Herrero, R.; Verdú Martín, GJ.; Muñoz-Cobo, JL. (2018). On the One-Dimensional Modeling of Vertical Upward Bubbly Flow. Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations. 2018:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2153019S110201

Characterization of the gas-liquid interfacial waves in vertical upward co-current annular flows

[EN] For more than fifty years, hundreds of research works have focused on the study of annular flow because of its huge importance in many industrial processes, for instance, chemical, petroleum, etc., being of particular interest in nuclear industry. Specifically, interfacial waves play a vital role in the mass, momentum and energy transference processes between gas and liquid phases. This paper describes the new experimental measurements of vertical upward co-current two-phase gas-liquid flow carried out in a tube with an inner diameter of 44 mm. The liquid film thickness and the major characteristics of the interfacial waves have been measured using a non-intrusive instrument, a conductance probe. The physical phenomenon in which this device is based is the change in the electrical conductivity between air and water, i.e., the electrical signal collected in the sensor receiver depends on the thickness of the liquid film layer. The experimental measurements range from 2000 to 3500 l/min for the gas volumetric flow rate, and from 4 to 10 l/min for the liquid volumetric flow rate. Correlation of the experimental measurements of liquid film thickness and the major properties of the interfacial waves have been analyzed using non-dimensional numbers. An important part of the document focuses on the comparison of the experimental data and the fitting correlations against several of the most widely used expressions. Throughout this paper, in addition to present all the available correlations, the existing scattering found when comparing against other expressions have been also confirmed, underlining the existence of gaps of knowledge even today. Emphasize that the proposed correlations are the ones that better fit the data of all experimental series carried out under the present study for the analyzed variables, with almost all the experimental points covered by the +/- 10% error bands of the new correlations.The authors are indebted to the plan of I+D support of the EXMOTRANSIN project ENE2016-79489-C2-1-P.Cuadros-Orón, JL.; Rivera-Durán, Y.; Berna, C.; Escrivá, A.; Muñoz-Cobo, JL.; Monrós-Andreu, G.; Chiva, S. (2019). Characterization of the gas-liquid interfacial waves in vertical upward co-current annular flows. Nuclear Engineering and Design. 346:112-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2019.03.008S11213034

Study of idfferential protein expression in healthy human skeletal muscles using electrophoresis bidimentional

Comunicaciones a congreso

SUCCOR Nodes: May Sentinel Node Biopsy Determine the Need for Adjuvant Treatment?

Background The SUCCOR cohort was developed to analyse the overall and disease-free survival at 5 years in women with FIGO 2009 stage IB1 cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the use of adjuvant therapy in these women, depending on the method used to diagnose lymphatic node metastasis. Patients and Methods We used data from the SUCCOR cohort, which collected information from 1049 women with FIGO 2009 stage IB1 cervical cancer who were operated on between January 2013 and December 2014 in Europe. We calculated the adjusted proportion of women who received adjuvant therapy depending on the lymph node diagnosis method and compared disease free and overall survival using Cox proportional-hazards regression models. Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for baseline potential confounders. Results The adjusted proportion of women who received adjuvant therapy was 33.8% in the sentinel node biopsy + lymphadenectomy (SNB+LA) group and 44.7% in the LA group (p = 0.02), although the proportion of positive nodal status was similar (p = 0.30). That difference was greater in women with negative nodal status and positive Sedlis criteria (difference 31.2%, p = 0.01). Here, those who underwent a SNB+LA had an increased risk of relapse [hazard ratio (HR) 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–6.33, p = 0.056] and risk of death (HR 3.49, 95% CI 1.04–11.7, p = 0.042) compared with those who underwent LA. Conclusions Women in this study were less likely to receive adjuvant therapy if their nodal invasion was determined using SNB+LA compared with LA. These results suggest a lack of therapeutic measures available when a negative result is obtained by SNB+LA, which may have an impact on the risk of recurrence and survival