Heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation of atmospheric trace contaminants

The following subject areas are covered: (1) design and construction of continuous flow photoreactor for study of oxidation of trace atmospheric contaminants; (2) establishment of kinetics of acetone oxidation including adsorption equilibration, variation of oxidation rate with acetone concentration and water (inhibitor), and variation of rate and apparent quantum yield with light intensity; (3) exploration of kinetics of butanol oxidation, including rate variation with concentration of butanol, and lack of inhibition by water; and (4) exploration of kinetics of catalyst deactivation during oxidation of butanol, including deactivation rate, influence of dark conditions, and establishment of photocatalytic regeneration of activity in alcohol-free air

Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes pointing determination using the trajectories of the stars in the field of view

38th International Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC2023), 26 July - 3 August, 2023, Nagoya, Japan.Mykhailo Dalchenko and Matthieu Heller on behalf of the CTA-LST Project. Luis del Peral Gochicoa, Jose Julio Lozano Bahilo and Maria Dolores Rodriguez Frias belong to the CTA-LST Project.We present a new approach to the pointing determination of Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs). This method is universal and can be applied to any IACT with minor modifications. It uses the trajectories of the stars in the field of view of the IACT’s main camera and requires neither dedicated auxiliary hardware nor a specific data taking mode. The method consists of two parts: firstly, we reconstruct individual star positions as a function of time, taking into account the point spread function of the telescope; secondly, we perform a simultaneous fit of all reconstructed star trajectories using the orthogonal distance regression method. The method does not assume any particular star trajectories, does not require a long integration time, and can be applied to any IACT observation mode. The performance of the method is assessed with commissioning data of the Large-Sized Telescope prototype (LST-1), showing the method’s stability and remarkable pointing performance of the LST-1 telescope

Managing the Next Wave of Influenza and/or SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU—Practical Recommendations from an Expert Group for CAPA/IAPA Patients

The aim of this study was to establish practical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza-associated invasive aspergillosis (IAPA) based on the available evidence and experience acquired in the management of patients with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA/IAPA expert group defined 14 areas in which recommendations would be made. To search for evidence, the PICO strategy was used for both CAPA and IAPA in PubMed, using MeSH terms in combination with free text. Based on the results, each expert developed recommendations for two to three areas that they presented to the rest of the group in various meetings in order to reach consensus. As results, the practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients have been grouped into 12 sections. These recommendations are presented for both entities in the following situations: when to suspect fungal infection; what diagnostic methods are useful to diagnose these two entities; what treatment is recommended; what to do in case of resistance; drug interactions or determination of antifungal levels; how to monitor treatment effectiveness; what action to take in the event of treatment failure; the implications of concomitant corticosteroid administration; indications for the combined use of antifungals; when to withdraw treatment; what to do in case of positive cultures for Aspergillus spp. in a patient with severe viral pneumonia or Aspergillus colonization; and how to position antifungal prophylaxis in these patients. Available evidence to support the practical management of CAPA/IAPA patients is very scarce. Accumulated experience acquired in the management of CAPA patients can be very useful for the management of IAPA patients. The expert group presents eminently practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients

Therapeutic potential of topical administration of siRNAs against HIF-1α for corneal neovascularization.

Given the implications of the problem of neovascularization on ocular health, as well as the growth in the number of cases, the purpose of the present study has been testing the efficacy of siRNAs (small interfering RNA) designed to silence Hypoxia Inducible Factor -1α (HIF-1α) and to demonstrate that their use stops neovascularization in a model of corneal burn. Corneal wounds in the limbic zone were made in the eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. Topical applications of siRNAs were done the next day to the wound for four consecutive days and eyes were examined with a slit lamp. Evaluation of neovascularization progress was done by analyzing images by ImageJTM and to determine the neovascular area in Matlab ® was used. At the same time, a rabbit corneal cell line was used for in vitro study of hypoxia exposure and Western blot analysis of the cell's extracts were done. Under normal cell culture oxygenation, the expression of HIF-1α was lower than that observed under hypoxic conditions. After 2 h of hypoxia, there was a significant increase in the HIF-1α expression, effect that was maintained up to 6 h. The increased in HIF-1α was mimicked by a cell permeable prolyl-4-hydroxylase inhibitor. Cobalt chloride showed no capacity to increase HIF-1α in vitro. The effect of three different siRNA on HIF-1α was tested after 4 h of hypoxia. siRNA#1 was able to silence 80% of HIF-1α expression, siRNA#2 and siRNA#3 reduce the expression in 45% and 40% respectively. In addition, the three siRNA were tested in a corneal model of neovascularization. scrambledsiRNA#2 was the most effective inhibitor of blood vessel production, followed by siRNA#3 and siRNA#1. Compared to the scrambled siRNA (100% of blood vessel generation), siRNA#2 blocked the presence of blood vessels by 83 ± 2%, siRNA#3 inhibited 45 ± 7% and siRNA#1 only inhibited 18 ± 5%. The necessary time to observe the 50% of effect showed values of NV50 of 10.2 ± 2.4 days for the scrambled siRNA, 9.1 ± 1.4 for siRNA#1, 6.5 ± 1.85 for siRNA#2 and 4.8 ± 1.8 days for siRNA#3. In conclusion, the topical application of siRNA towards HIF-1α seems to be an effective and reliable method to stop neovascularization.This work was supported by a grant from Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (SAF2010-16024 and SAF2013-44416-R) and RETICS (RD12/0034/0003), and a grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III of Spain and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER, “Una manera de hacer Europa”) (FIS-FEDER PI07-1168 to J. Mateo)S

Managing the Next Wave of Influenza and/or SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU—Practical Recommendations from an Expert Group for CAPA/IAPA Patients

COVID-19; Critical patients; Intensive care unitCOVID-19; Pacientes críticos; Unidad de cuidados intensivosCOVID-19; Pacients crítics; Unitat de cures intensivesThe aim of this study was to establish practical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza-associated invasive aspergillosis (IAPA) based on the available evidence and experience acquired in the management of patients with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA/IAPA expert group defined 14 areas in which recommendations would be made. To search for evidence, the PICO strategy was used for both CAPA and IAPA in PubMed, using MeSH terms in combination with free text. Based on the results, each expert developed recommendations for two to three areas that they presented to the rest of the group in various meetings in order to reach consensus. As results, the practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients have been grouped into 12 sections. These recommendations are presented for both entities in the following situations: when to suspect fungal infection; what diagnostic methods are useful to diagnose these two entities; what treatment is recommended; what to do in case of resistance; drug interactions or determination of antifungal levels; how to monitor treatment effectiveness; what action to take in the event of treatment failure; the implications of concomitant corticosteroid administration; indications for the combined use of antifungals; when to withdraw treatment; what to do in case of positive cultures for Aspergillus spp. in a patient with severe viral pneumonia or Aspergillus colonization; and how to position antifungal prophylaxis in these patients. Available evidence to support the practical management of CAPA/IAPA patients is very scarce. Accumulated experience acquired in the management of CAPA patients can be very useful for the management of IAPA patients. The expert group presents eminently practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients

The North Tabarca Fault: The geologic limit between the Alicante and Santa Pola bays (SE Spain)

La Falla del Norte de Tabarca, de traza E-O, es el límite norte de la cresta anticlinal de Tabarca, separándola del sinclinal de Alicante. Es interpretada como de salto en dirección. Hunde el bloque norte y levanta el sur permitiendo aflorar el basamento, formado por la Zona Interna bética. No parece activa en la actualidad por estar fosilizada por una unidad litosísmica de edad comprendida entre el Younger Dryas y la actualidad. En los perfiles sísmicos estudiados se observan dos unidades litosísmicas interpretadas como Messiniense inferior y Messiniense superior separadas por la discontinuidad intramessiniense. El reflector doble que separa las unidades litosísmicas plegadas de las horizontales se ha interpretado como un cambio en la litificación.The North Tabarca Fault, W-E striking, is the northern limit of the Tabarca anticline crest, separating it from the Alicante syncline. It is interpreted as a strike-slip fault that downthrown the northern block and, to the south, upthrown the basement formed by the Betic Internal Zone. It does not seem active at present because is fossilized by a lithoseismic unit dated between the Younger Dryas and Today. Two lithoseismic units interpreted as lower Messinian and upper Messinian separated by the intramessinian discontinuity are observed in the studied seismic profiles. The double reflector that separates the folded lithoseismic units from the horizontal ones has been interpreted as a lithification change

Modelo de pérdida de paquetes para redes híbridas

El objetivo de este proyecto es la predicción de la pérdida de paquete. Para ello necesitaremos el modelado del canal. De esta manera, podremos determinar cuando una transmisión llega con éxito o no. En primer lugar, se han estudiado los algoritmos de adaptación de la tasa. Estos algoritmos mejoran el rendimiento de la comunicación. Por este motivo, el programa de simulación se basa en algunos de estos algoritmos. En paralelo, se han capturado medidas del canal terrestre para realizar el modelado. Finalmente, con un programa mucho más completo se ha simulado el comportamiento de una transmisión con el modelado del canal físico, y se han asumido algunas consideraciones, como las colisiones. Por lo tanto, se ha obtenido un resultado más realista, con el cual se ha analizado teóricamente las posibilidades de un enlace entre el canal terrestre y el canal satélite, para crear una red híbrida.L'objectiu d'aquest projecte és la predicció de la pèrdua de paquet. Per a això necessitarem el modelat del canal. D'aquesta manera, podrem determinar quan una transmissió arriba amb èxit o no. En primer lloc, s'han estudiat els algoritmes d'adaptació de la taxa. Aquests algoritmes milloren el rendiment de la comunicació. Per aquest motiu, el programa de simulació es basa en alguns d'aquests algoritmes. En paral·lel, s'han capturat mesures del canal terrestre per realitzar un modelat. Finalment, amb un programa molt més complet s'ha simulat el comportament d'una transmissió amb el modelat del canal físic, i s'ha assumit algunes consideracions, com les col·lisions. Per tant, s'ha obtingut un resultat més realista, amb el qual s'ha analitzat teòricament les possibilitats d'un enllaç entre el canal terrestre i el canal satèl·lit, per crear una xarxa híbrida.The objective of this project is the packet loss prediction. For that we need the channel modelling. Thus, we will be able to determine when the transmission arrives successfully or not. First, the rate adaptation algorithm has been studied. These algorithms improve the communication performance. For this motive, the simulation program is based in some of these algorithms. In parallel, measurements of the terrestrial channel have been captured to do the modelling. Finally, with a program far more complete has been simulated the behaviour of a transmission with physic channel modelling, some considerations has been assumed, such as the collisions. Therefore, a result more realistic has been obtained with which the possibilities of the link between the terrestrial channel and the satellite channel has been analysed theoretically, to create a hybrid network.Nota: Aquest document conté originàriament altre material i/o programari només consultable a la Biblioteca de Ciència i Tecnologia

Marine high resolution seismic facies in the Alicante and Santa Pola bays (SE Spain)

En la bahía de Alicante que corresponde a la parte sumergida de la Cuenca del Bajo Segura se han reconocido los materiales geológicos mediante perfiles sísmicos de alta resolución. El basamento acústico está formado por las calizas, dolomías y ofitas de la Zona Interna Bética, sobre ellas se disponen una unidad litosísmica interpretada como la caliza de las Ventanas de edad Tortoniense terminal. Sobre la anterior en la parte más distal aparece una unidad transparente en onlap que hacia techo cambia a una unidad de reflectores paralelos, ambas son asignadas a la formación Torremendo de edad Messiniense. Por último, en la parte más proximal se identifican unas facies sísmicas convexas que serían equivalentes al arrecife messiniense de Santa Pola.The rocks outcroping onshore the Bajo Segura Basin have been identified in offshore high-resolution seismic profiles of the Alicante Bay. The acoustic basement is formed by Betic Internal Zone limestones, dolostones and ofites, they are overlied by a lithoseismic unit interpreted as the las Ventanas limestone of late Tortonian age. Then on top in the deeper parts of the bay, onlapping the previous unit, a transparent unit that to the top changes to parallel-reflector unit, both assigned with the Messinian Torremendo formation. Finally, in the coast nearest part, a seismic convex facies is equivalent to the Messinian reef of Santa Pola

Seismic stratigraphy of the Alicante continental shelf (north segment)

Con base en perfiles de sísmica multicanal y sondeos, en la plataforma continental de Alicante se han diferenciado tres unidades litosísmicas: Tortoniense-Messiniense (T-M), horizonte M (M) y Plioceno-Cuaternario (P-Q). La Unidad T-M (etapa pre-evaporítica) está formada por sedimentos ricos en organismos planctónicos. En esta unidad los reflectores sísmicos exhiben evidencias de una tectónica sinsedimentaria (secuencias de crecimiento) que genera altos estructurales e individualiza cuencas colgadas. El horizonte M (etapa evaporítica del Messiniense) está constituido por pares litológicos de yeso y marga depositados en el seno de cuencas colgadas a diferente batimetría. La Unidad P-Q (etapa post-evaporítica) forma un prisma sedimentario progradante donde los brinkpoints de las clinoformas son ascendentes a través del tiempo. Esta unidad se inicia en el Plioceno basal con sedimentos ricos en organismos planctónicos y refleja la reinundación y ascenso del nivel del mar del Mediterráneo tras la Crisis de Salinidad del Messiniense.Through multichannel seismic lines and boreholes, in the Alicante continental shelf three lithoseismic units have been differentiated: Tortonian-Messinian (T-M), M horizon (M) and Pliocene-Quaternary (P-Q). The T-M Unit (pre-evaporitic stage) is formed by planktonics rich sediments. In this unit the seismic reflectors exhibit evidence of a sinsedimentary tectonic activity (growth strata) that generates structural highs and individualizes perched basins. The M horizon (evaporitic stage of the Messinian) is constituted by lithological pairs of gypsum and marl deposited in the perched basins at different bathymetry. The P-Q Unit (post-evaporitic stage) forms a prograding sedimentary prism where the brinkpoints of the clinoforms are ascending over time. This unit starts in the basal Pliocene with planktonics rich sediments and reflects the reflooding and sea level rise of the Mediterranean after the Messinian Salinity Crisis

MiRNA Expression Profile of Human Subcutaneous Adipose and during Adipocyte Differentiation

BACKGROUND: Potential regulators of adipogenesis include microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that have been recently shown related to adiposity and differentially expressed in fat depots. However, to date no study is available, to our knowledge, regarding miRNAs expression profile during human adipogenesis. Thereby, the aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNA pattern in human fat cells and subcutaneous adipose tissue is associated to obesity and co-morbidities and whether miRNA expression profile in adipocytes is linked to adipogenesis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed a global miRNA expression microarray of 723 human and 76 viral mature miRNAs in human adipocytes during differentiation and in subcutaneous fat samples from non-obese (n = 6) and obese with (n = 9) and without (n = 13) Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM-2) women. Changes in adipogenesis-related miRNAs were then validated by RT-PCR. Fifty of 799 miRNAs (6.2%) significantly differed between fat cells from lean and obese subjects. Seventy miRNAs (8.8%) were highly and significantly up or down-regulated in mature adipocytes as compared to pre-adipocytes. Otherwise, 17 of these 799 miRNAs (2.1%) were correlated with anthropometrical (BMI) and/or metabolic (fasting glucose and/or triglycerides) parameters. We identified 11 miRNAs (1.4%) significantly deregulated in subcutaneous fat from obese subjects with and without DM-2. Interestingly, most of these changes were associated with miRNAs also significantly deregulated during adipocyte differentiation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The remarkable inverse miRNA profile revealed for human pre-adipocytes and mature adipocytes hints at a closely crosstalk between miRNAs and adipogenesis. Such candidates may represent biomarkers and therapeutic targets for obesity and obesity-related complications