Given the growth in usage of online social networks, such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat, which rely on videos and images (such as photos) to relay information between connections, new ...intuitive languages, though not yet formally recognized, have emerged. We also herein give the example of a new language we have created – the Business Narrative Modelling Language (BNML) – which communicates business perspectives based on pictorial representations, supported by the narrative. Currently, the concept of language is linked to the use of words. We foresee that such a definition of language will have to change to include other structured forms of communication, resorting and relying on graphics, also. We give examples of BNML representations, with regards to two case studies we have performed, based on face-to-face interviews and company visits. At ExpressGlass technology plays an important role, while at Yazaki Saltano a remarkable team effort between Toyota suppliers is made evident, to create innovation.
The aim of this research work was to optimize the coating of tungsten wires with reactive multilayer thin films and promote an exothermic self-propagating reaction. The ultimate goal is to use this ...heat to liquify low melting temperature materials, and thus block crack propagation in metallic materials. Ni/Me (Me = Al, Ti) multilayers were deposited by a DC (direct current) magnetron sputtering onto tungsten wires with diameters of 0.05 and 0.20 mm. The depositions were carried out to obtain films with near equiatomic average chemical composition and a modulation period (bilayer thickness) between 20 and 50 nm. The cross-section of the films was analyzed using electron microscopy before and after electrical ignition. A new substrate holder was developed to improve the quality of the Al/Ni films, allowing a reduction in the defects previously observed. The Ni/Ti thin films showed no discernible defects, regardless of the substrate holder. However, after ignition, the Ni + Ti reaction occurred in a non-self-propagating mode. Passing an electric current through a wire (ϕ = 0.05 mm) coated with an Al/Ni thin film, promoted a flash of light that was associated with the start of a self-propagating reaction. The reaction product was a B2-AlNi intermetallic phase. W wires coated with reactive multilayers may contribute to crack filling, and have potential to be self-healing actuators.
Cell therapy has proven to be a promising treatment for a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson Disease, drug-resistant epilepsy, and stroke, by restoring function after brain damage. ...Nevertheless, evaluating the true effectiveness of these therapeutic interventions requires a deep understanding of the functional integration of grafted cells into existing neural networks. This review explores a powerful arsenal of molecular techniques revolutionizing our ability to unveil functional integration of grafted cells within the host brain. From precise manipulation of neuronal activity to pinpoint the functional contribution of transplanted cells by using opto- and chemo-genetics, to real-time monitoring of neuronal dynamics shedding light on functional connectivity within the reconstructed circuits by using genetically encoded (calcium) indicators
. Finally, structural reconstruction and mapping communication pathways between grafted and host neurons can be achieved by monosynaptic tracing with viral vectors. The cutting-edge toolbox presented here holds immense promise for elucidating the impact of cell therapy on neural circuitry and guiding the development of more effective treatments for neurological disorders.
Cellulose nitrate and acetate are materials at risk in heritage collections because it is not possible to predict the evolution of their conservation state over time. Knowing that the degree of ...substitution (DS) of these materials correlates with their state of conservation because the fundamental degradation mechanism is hydrolysis, in this work, DS was measured in historical objects and artworks. Infrared spectra were used to develop and optimize calibration curves for cellulose nitrate and acetate references that were next applied to calculate DS values of heritage objects. The extent of hydrolysis measured, with this tool, correlated well with the physical deterioration assessed through the sample hardness (Shore A) which was measured with a Durometer. Calibration curves were optimized in reference materials by Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR) and Micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR). The DS values of the AC reference materials was previously calculated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The calibration curves were obtained plotting DS as a function of the ratio between a reference peak (which does not suffer relevant changes during degradation) and selected peaks that monitor the degradation for cellulose acetate and nitrate polymers (avoiding the interference of plasticizers). The reference peak for both was the COC stretching mode (νCOC). The probe peak was, for cellulose nitrate, the NO
2
asymmetric stretching (ν
a
NO
2
) and, for cellulose acetate, the OH stretching mode (νOH). This ratio was then applied to calculate DS values of historical materials, in good and poor conservation condition; in situ by ATR, and in micro-samples collected from artworks by μFTIR. This selection comprises cinematographic and photographic films dated from the 1890s to the 1960s, and contemporary works of art made with cellulose acetate sheets by Portuguese artist José Escada dated from the 1960s. Finally, by comparison with the original estimated DS values, we show how this tool permits to define the state of degradation of these complex polymer matrixes. Thus, establishing the quantification of the DS as a novel tool to monitor the degradation of cellulose ester plastics, contributing in this way for a sustainable preservation of an irreplaceable heritage.
The biochemical machinery involved in matrix vesicles-mediated bone mineralization involves a specific set of lipids, enzymes, and proteins. Annexins, among their many functions, have been described ...as responsible for the formation and stabilization of the matrix vesicles′ nucleational core. However, the specific role of each member of the annexin family, especially in the presence of type-I collagen, remains to be clarified. To address this issue, in vitro mineralization was carried out using AnxA6 (in solution or associated to the proteoliposomes) in the presence or in the absence of type-I collagen, incubated with either amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) or a phosphatidylserine-calcium phosphate complex (PS–CPLX) as nucleators. Proteoliposomes were composed of 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine: 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine (DPPC:DPPS), and DPPC:Cholesterol:DPPS to mimic the outer and the inner leaflet of the matrix vesicles membrane as well as to investigate the effect of the membrane fluidity. Kinetic parameters of mineralization were calculated from time-dependent turbidity curves of free Annexin A6 (AnxA6) and AnxA6-containing proteoliposomes dispersed in synthetic cartilage lymph. The chemical composition of the minerals formed was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Free AnxA6 and AnxA6-proteoliposomes in the presence of ACP were not able to propagate mineralization; however, poorly crystalline calcium phosphates were formed in the presence of PS–CPLX, supporting the role of annexin-calcium-phosphatidylserine complex in the formation and stabilization of the matrix vesicles’ nucleational core. We found that AnxA6 lacks nucleation propagation capacity when incorporated into liposomes in the presence of PS–CPLX and type-I collagen. This suggests that AnxA6 may interact either with phospholipids, forming a nucleational core, or with type-I collagen, albeit less efficiently, to induce the nucleation process.
The PASCAL system is a novel device for transcatheter mitral valve repair based on the edge-to-edge concept. The unique features of this device might have a relevant impact on the repair outcomes. ...There are few data on clinical outcomes in real-life registries. The aim of this study was to report the early Iberian experience (Spain and Portugal) of the PASCAL system.
Procedural and 30-day outcomes were investigated in consecutive patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) treated with the PASCAL system at 10 centers. Primary efficacy endpoints were technical success and degree of residual MR at discharge. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of major adverse events (MAE) at 30 days.
We included 68 patients (age, 75 68-81 years; 38% women; EuroSCORE II 4.5%). MR etiology was degenerative in 25%, functional in 65%, and mixed in 10%. A total of 71% of patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class≥III. Technical success was achieved in 96% and independent capture was used in 73% of procedures. In the treated population, MR at discharge was≤2+ in 100%, with no in-hospital deaths. At 30 days, the MAE rate was 5.9%, the all-cause mortality rate was 1.6%, 98% were in NYHA functional class≤II, and 95% had MR≤2+ (P<.001).
Transcatheter mitral valve repair with the PASCAL system was safe and effective, with high procedural success and low rates of MAE. At 30 days, MR was significantly reduced, with a significant improvement in functional status.
PASCAL es un dispositivo novedoso de terapia mitral transcatéter basada en la reparación borde a borde. Algunas características únicas podrían tener un impacto relevante en sus resultados. Hay pocos datos sobre los resultados clínicos en registros de la vida real. El objetivo de este estudio es publicar la experiencia ibérica precoz (centros de España y Portugal) del sistema PASCAL.
Se incluyó prospectivamente a los pacientes tratados consecutivamente de insuficiencia mitral (IM) grave sintomática en 10 centros. El objetivo primario de eficacia fue el éxito técnico y el grado de regurgitación al alta. El objetivo primario de seguridad fueron los eventos adversos mayores (MAE) a 30 días.
Se incluyó a 68 pacientes (75 68-81 años, 38% mujeres, EuroSCORE II 4,5%). La IM fue degenerativa en el 25% de los casos, funcional en el 65%, y mixta en el 10%. El 71% de pacientes estaban en clase funcional New York Heart Association (NYHA)≥III. El éxito técnico fue del 96% y la captura independiente se usó en el 73% de los procedimientos. Toda la población tratada obtuvo una IM al alta≤2+ (100%) y no hubo muertes intrahospitalarias. A los 30 días, los MAE fueron del 5,9%, la mortalidad global del 1,6%, el 98% estuvieron en clase NYHA≤II y el 95% tuvieron IM≤2+ (p <0,001).
El sistema PASCAL de terapia transcatéter mitral fue efectivo y seguro, con elevado éxito técnico y baja tasa de MAE. A los 30 días la IM se redujo significativamente, y hubo una mejoría en la clase funcional.
The main aim of this study was the identification of possible routes for reaction mechanism for the pyrolysis of polyethylene. In this paper, a kinetic study of the pyrolysis of polyethylene is ...presented. The pyrolysis reactions were carried out in a six autoclave system using different temperatures and reaction times. It was analyzed if the direct conversion of plastic wastes into gaseous, liquid, and solid products was favored or if parallel reactions and/or reversible elementary steps should be considered. A theoretical model has been ajusted to experimental data. The kinetic parameters of polyethylene pyrolysis were estimated.
Rare anatomical variation related to the nasopalatine canal Neves, Frederico Sampaio; Oliveira, Luciana Koser; Ramos Mariz, Ana Carolina ...
Surgical and radiologic anatomy (English ed.),
11/2013, Letnik:
35, Številka:
9
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The nasopalatine canal is a relatively long narrow structure located in the midline of the maxilla that contains the nasopalatine nerve and terminal branch of the descending palatine artery. ...Anatomical variations related to this structure have been reported. This article aimed to report a case of a complete additional nasopalatine canal on a 53-year-old female patient who underwent an examination by cone beam computed tomography. On sagittal slices, it was possible to observe the presence of an additional canal anterior and superior to the nasopalatine canal, separated by a bony septum. Each canal extended from independent superior openings (located in the nasal cavity) to independent openings located in the remaining alveolar process of the anterior maxilla. Identification of individual anatomical variations, especially involving neurovascular structures, plays an important role in the successful outcomes of surgical procedures involving the anterior maxilla.
Genetic variation (mtDNA) of the European conger eel,
Conger conger
, was compared across five locations in the north-eastern Atlantic (Madeira, Azores, South Portugal, North Portugal and Ireland) ...and one location in the western Mediterranean (Mallorca). Genetic diversity of conger eel was high, and differentiation among regions was not significant. Additionally, comparisons of element:Ca ratios (Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, Mn:Ca and Mg:Ca) in otolith cores (larval phase) and edges (3 months prior to capture) among the Azores, North Portugal, Madeira and Mallorca regions for 2 years indicated that variation among regions were greater for edges than cores. Therefore, while benthic conger may display residency at regional scales, recruitment may not necessarily be derived from local spawning and larval retention. Furthermore, data from otoliths suggest a separated replenishment source for western Mediterranean and NE Atlantic stocks. The combination of genetics and otolith chemistry suggests a population model for conger eel involving a broad-scale dispersal of larvae, with limited connectivity for benthic juvenile life stages at large spatial scales, although the existence of one or multiple spawning grounds for the species remains uncertain.
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