Depolarizing metrics in the biomedical field:Vision enhancement and classification of biological tissues

Polarimetry encompasses a collection of optical techniques broadly used in a variety of fields.Nowadays,such techniques have provided their suitability in the biomedical field through the study of the polarimetric response of biological samples(retardance,dichroism and depolarization)by measuring certain polarimetric observables.One of these features,depolarization,is mainly produced by scattering on samples,which is a predominant efiect in turbid media as biological tissues.In turn,retardance and dichroic efiects are produced by tissue anisotropies and can lead to depolarization too.Since depolarization is a predominant efiect in tissue samples,we focus on studying difierent depolarization metrics for biomedical applications.We report the suitability of a set of depolarizing observables,the indices of polarimetric purity(IPPs),for biological tissue inspection.We review some results where we demonstrate that IPPs lead to better performance than the depolarization index,which is a well-established and commonly used depolarization observable in the literature.We also provide how IPPs are able to significantly enhance contrast between difierent tissue structures and even to reveal structures hidden by using standard intensity images.Finally,we also explore the classificatory potential of IPPs and other depolarizing observables for the discrimination of difierent tissues obtained from ex vivo chicken samples(muscle,tendon,myotendinous junction and bone),reaching accurate models for tissue classification.

The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the base of the Danian Stage （Paleocene, Paleogene,＂Tertiary＂, Cenozoic） at El Kef, Tunisia—Original definition and revision

The Cretaceous/Paleogene （K/Pg） Working Group, after many years of studies, voted to define the Global Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the base of the Danian Stage at the base of the boundary clay at a section near El Kef Tunisia. The GSSP was approved by the International Commission on Stratigraphy （ICS） and ratified by the International Union of Geological Sciences （IUGS） in 1991. Nevertheless, the GSSP was not officially published, although some papers dealing with geological aspects of the K/Pg boundary at El Kef have been published and this is quite well known. In April 2006, the GSSP was revisited, a marker was put in place and protection of the site was requested. Many correlation criteria are present at the GSSP of which the most useful are the meteorite impact evidence （iridium anomaly, Ni-rich spinel, etc.） and the mass extinction of planktic micro- and nannofossils. This event coincides with the GSSP, allowing us to propose that the K/Pg boundary is marked exactly by the moment of the meteorite impact, which implies that all the sediments generated by the impact belong to the Danian. This definition solves problems of correlation in the Yucatan peninsula （Mexico） and its surroundings.

Adsorption desalination:Advances in porous adsorbents

With the continuous growth of the world population,the demand for fresh water is ever increasing.Water desalination is a means of producing fresh water from saline water,and one of the proposed solutions in the scientific community for solving the current global freshwater shortage.Adsorption is foreseen as a promising technology for desalination due to its relatively low energy requirements,low environmental impact,low cost and high salt removal efficiency.More importantly,chemicals are not required in adsorption processes.Active carbons,zeolites,carbon nanostructures,graphene and coordination framework materials are amongst the most investigated adsorbents for adsorption desalination,which show different performances regarding adsorption rate,adsorption capacity,stability and recyclability.In this review,the latest adsorbent materials with their features are assessed(using metrics)and commented critically,and the current trend for their development is discussed.The adsorption mode is also reviewed,which can provide guidance for the design of adsorbents from the engineering application point of view.

Optimizing the oxide support composition in Pr-doped CeO_(2) towards highly active and selective Ni-based CO_(2) methanation catalysts

In this study,Ni catalysts supported on Pr-doped Ce O_(2) are studied for the CO_(2) methanation reaction and the effect of Pr doping on the physicochemical properties and the catalytic performance is thoroughly evaluated.It is shown,that Pr^(3+)ions can substitute Ce^(4+)ones in the support lattice,thereby introducing a high population of oxygen vacancies,which act as active sites for CO_(2) chemisorption.Pr doping can also act to reduce the crystallite size of metallic Ni,thus promoting the active metal dispersion.Catalytic performance evaluation evidences the promoting effect of low Pr loadings(5 at%and 10 at%)towards a higher catalytic activity and lower CO_(2) activation energy.On the other hand,higher Pr contents negate the positive effects on the catalytic activity by decreasing the oxygen vacancy population,thereby creating a volcano-type trend towards an optimum amount of aliovalent substitution.

Phenotypic and genotypic background underlying variations in fatty acid composition and sensory parameters in European bovine breeds

Background： Consuming moderate amounts of lean red meat as part of a balanced diet valuably contributes to intakes of essential nutrients, in this study, we merged phenotypic and genotypic information to characterize the variation in lipid profile and sensory parameters and to represent the diversity among 15 cattle populations. Correlations between fat content, organoleptic characteristics and lipid profiles were also investigated. Methods： A sample of 436 largely unrelated purebred bulls belonging to 15 breeds and reared under comparable management conditions was analyzed. Phenotypic data -including fatness score, fat percentage, individual fatty acids （FA） profiles and sensory panel tests- and genotypic information from 11 polymorphisms was used. Results： The correlation coefficients between muscle total lipid measurements and absolute vs. relative amounts of polyunsaturated FA （PUFA） were in opposite directions. Increasing carcass fat leads to an increasing amount of FAs in triglycerides, but at the same time the relative amount of PUFAs is decreasing, which is in concordance with the negative correlation obtained here between the percentage of PUFA and fat measurements, as well as the weaker correlation between total phospholipids and total lipid muscle content compared with neutral lipids. Concerning organoleptic characteristics, a negative correlation between fiavour scores and the percentage of total PUFA, particularly to n-6 fraction, was found. The correlation between juiciness and texture is higher than with flavour scores. The distribution of SNPs plotted by principal components analysis （PCA） mainly reflects their known trait associations, although influenced by their specific breed allele frequencies. Conclusions： The results presented here help to understand the phenotypic and genotypic background underlying variations in FA composition and sensory parameters between breeds. The wide range of traits and breeds studied, along with the genotypic information on polymorphisms previously associated with different lipid traits, provide a broad characterization of beef meat, which allows giving a better response to the variety of consumers＇ preferences. Also, the development and implementation of low-density SNP panels with predictive value for economically important traits, such as those summarized here, may be used to improve production efficiency and meat quality in the beef industry.

Synthesis of (B-C-N) Nanomaterials by Arc Discharge Using Heterogeneous Anodes

In spite of the current prevalence of the CVD-based processes, the electric arc remains an interesting process for the synthesis of carbon nanoforms, thanks to its versatility, robustness and easiness. It also allows performing in-situ substitution of carbon atoms by hetero-elements in the graphene lattice. Our work aims to establish a correlation between the plasma properties, type and chemical composition （and the substitution rate） of the obtained single-wall carbon nan- otubes. The plasma was characterized by optical emission spectroscopy and the products were analyzed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and core level Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy （EELS）. Results show that a high boron content leads to a plasma temperature decrease and hinders the formation of nanotubes. This effect can be compensated by increasing the arc current and/or yttrium content. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of boron- and/or nitrogen-substituted nanotubes correspond to a high axial plasma temperature associated to a strong radial gradient. EELS analysis confirmed that the boron incorporates into the graphenic lattice.

The World Production and Trade of Rare Earth Elements： The Position of the Pacific Area

In this paper we analyze the characteristics of the so-called rare earth elements （REEs） and its industrial applications. We present the policy, or lack thereof, in the countries in the Pacific Rim for its mining and commerce, and the current and future weight that rare earth minerals will have in international trade. The technological revolution experienced over the last 25 years, has brought the REEs to the public＇s attention for being instrumental in obtaining catalysts, lasers and optical fiber, luminescent substances and LEDs, superconductors, permanent magnets, batteries and ultra-capacitors. China＇s leading position as the supplier of these minerals worldwide, and its recent export restriction policy for domestic industrial activities have driven up international prices. Price increase for REEs is leading to the need for both recycling and its replacement. It has also led other countries in the Asia Pacific Rim to prospect new potential sites on their own territories, or even to restart operations in deposits that had been previously abandoned. Those strategies will likely gain greater importance as environmental pollution problems associated with the exploitation, processing, and recovery of REEs increase.

Dual-targeted lung cancer therapy via inhalation delivery of UCNP-siRNA-AS1411 nanocages

Objective:Although great progress has been made in the field of siRNA gene therapy,safe,efficient,and targeted delivery of siRNA are still major challenges in siRNA therapeutics.Methods:We developed an up-conversion nanoparticle-based nanocage system.This system protected the siRNA from being degraded by nucleases in organisms and selectively delivered the siRNAs to the tumor sites,due to modifications of targeted molecules on the surfaces of nanocages and local inhalation.Results:The siRNAs delivered by the up-conversion nanoparticle nanocages were protected from degradation in transit to the tumor sites,where they accumulated.Compared with the passive target and control groups,the up-conversion nanoparticles based on the nanocage system showed a tumor suppressive effect after approximately 3 weeks of treatment.Conclusions:The up-conversion nanoparticle nanocages efficiently delivered vascular endothelial growth factor siRNAs to tumor sites.Mice with lung tumors treated with tumors targeting up-conversion nanoparticle nanocages showed steady body weight changes,high tumor inhibition ratios,and longer survival times.

Isotopic and Petrographic Evidence as a Proxy in Paleoclimatic Reconstructions from Flowstones in Southern Spain

Changes in the morphology and mineralogy of speleothems (flowstones) clearly respond to climate-related phenomena, such as drip rate variability and temperature-modulated cave ventilation. Detailed petrographic observations have been coupled with δ18O and δ13C values. Fabrics may show changes related to variations in supersaturation, drip rate or input of detrital particles or organic compounds. Fabrics formed under relatively constant and regular drips (columnar compact, open and elongated) show similar δ18O and δ13C values, which are more negative than those of micrite and microsparite. The combination of internal microstratigraphy studies and isotopic data (δ18O and δ13C) from two flowstones collected from two caves in the north of Almeria province (SE Spain), suggest a spectrum of environmental conditions ranging from wetter to drier periods. Both records constitute a very useful tool for screening and interpreting high-resolution paleoclimate reconstructions.

Projections of Incidence, Prevalence and Mortality from Melanoma in Spain

Objective: The incidence and mortality rates for cutaneous melanoma (CM) have increased markedly in the last few years. As such, the aim of this study was to forecast their progression in Spain up until 2022. Design: A prospective epidemiological study using the Miamod technique. The primary data source was the mortality statistics released by the National Statistics Institute. Study selection: The MIAMOD method was used. Data extraction: Cases of death due to general and melanoma-related mortality in Spain between 1998 and 2007. Results: In men, the incidence is expected to increase from 11.85 (adjusted: 8.52) to 14.79 (adjusted: 9.43) per 100,000 inhabitants over the period 1998-2022. Similarly, the mortality is expected to increase slightly from 5.84 (adjusted: 4.12) to 7.19 (adjusted: 4.49) per 100,000 inhabitants, and the prevalence from 73.72 (adjusted: 52.31) to 95.46 (adjusted: 60.02) per 100,000 inhabitants over the same period. In women, the incidence is expected to increase from 3.79 (adjusted: 3.04) to 6.46 (adjusted: 4.21) per 100,000 inhabitants between 1998 and 2022, although this increase is not statistically significant. The mortality is expected to increase from 1.67 (adjusted: 1.24) to 2.98 (adjusted: 1.86) per 100,000 inhabitants, and the prevalence from 50.04 (adjusted: 44.54) to 84.81 per (adjusted: 56.18) 100,000 inhabitants over the same period. Conclusions: Primary and secondary prevention programs for this disease must be maintained.

Acceptance of living liver donation among medical students: A multicenter stratified study from Spain

AIM: To analyze the attitude of Spanish medical students toward living liver donation (LLD) and to establish which factors have an influence on this attitude.METHODS: Study type: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicenter and observational study. Study population: Medical students enrolled in Spain (n = 34000) in the university academic year 2010-2011. Sample size: A sample of 9598 students stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument used to measure attitude: A validated questionnaire (PCID-DVH RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. Data collection procedure: Randomly selected medical schools. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions. Statistical analysis: Student´s t test, χ2 test and logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: The completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9275). 89% (n = 8258) were in favor of related LLD, and 32% (n = 2937) supported unrelated LLD. The following variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude: (1) age (P = 0.008); (2) sex (P < 0.001); (3) academic year (P < 0.001); (4) geographical area (P = 0.013); (5) believing in the possibility of needing a transplant oneself in the future (P < 0.001); (6) attitude toward deceased donation (P < 0.001); (7) attitude toward living kidney donation (P < 0.001); (8) acceptance of a donated liver segment from a family member if one were needed (P < 0.001); (9) having discussed the subject with one’s family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); (10) a partner’s opinion about the subject (P < 0.001); (11) carrying out activities of an altruistic nature; and (12) fear of the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Spanish medical students have a favorable attitude toward LLD.

Large dinosaur egg accumulations and their significance for understanding nesting behaviour

The accurate identification of dinosaur egg accumulations as nests or clutches is crucial for understanding the reproductive behaviour of these extinct species.However,existing methods often rely on the presence of complete eggs and embryo remains,and sedimentological criteria that are only applicable to well-structured sediments.In this study,we introduce an innovative approach to characterize egg accumulations in structureless sediments,where traditional nest structures may not be preserved.Our methodology employs a unique combination of sedimentological,taphonomic,geochemical,and geophysical proxies for the study of egg accumulations.We applied this approach to the egg accumulation from Paimogo(Jurassic,Portugal),traditionally interpreted as a nest.Our findings reveal that the Paimogo egg assemblage is a secondary deposit,resulting from a flooding event in a fluvial plain that dismantled several allosauroid and crocodylomorph clutches.The eggshell vapor conductance results,coupled with sedimentological evidence,suggest that allosauroid dinosaurs buried their eggs in the dry terrain of overbank areas close to a main channel during the breeding season,likely during the dry season to prevent the embryos from drowning.This research underscores the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches in interpreting egg accumulations and offers a novel methodology for studying these accumulations in structureless sediments.Our findings provide new insights into the breeding behaviour and nesting preferences of these extinct organisms,contributing to our understanding of dinosaur ecology.

复杂网络：结构和动力学

耦合的生物化学系统、神经网络、相互作用的群居物种、互联网和万维网只是由大量高度相互连接的动态个体组成的系统的少数几个例子。获取这类系统的全局特征的首选方法是建立图模型——图中的点代表动态个体，边代表个体间的相互作用。一方面，科学家们需要处理结构问题如刻画一个复杂连线体系的拓扑结构、揭示建立在现实网络基础上的统一原理，以及完善模型从而模拟网络的增长和复制网络结构特性；另一方面，在研究复杂网络动力学时会产生许多相关问题，例如研究一个大的动态系统如何通过复杂连接的相互作用来表现集体行为的。我们回顾了近来在研究复杂网络的结构和动力学方面的主要概念以及取得的结果，总结了这些思想在许多不同学科包括从非线性科学到生物学、从统计力学到医药学以及工程学等领域的有关应用。

复杂网络:结构与动力学

(续本刊2006年第3期) 3 静态与动态鲁棒性 网络的鲁棒性是指当网络中的部分节点或边被破坏时,网络仍然能够继续维持其功能的能力.这是一个具有明显实际意义的论题,因为它直接影响着任何发生在网络上的过程的效率,而且它也是复杂网络文献中最早被探索的论题之一.……

Emerging concepts in liver graft preservation

The urgent need to expand the donor pool in order to attend to the growing demand for liver transplantation has obliged physicians to consider the use of suboptimal liver grafts and also to redefine the preservation strategies. This review examines the different methods of liver graft preservation, focusing on the latest advances in both static cold storage and machine perfusion(MP). The new strategies for static cold storage are mainly designed to increase the fatty liver graft preservation via the supplementation of commercial organ preservation solutions with additives. In this paper we stress the importance of carrying out effective graft washout after static cold preservation, and present a detailed discussion of the future perspectives for dynamic graft preservation using MP at different temperatures(hypothermia at 4 ℃, normothermia a t 3 7 ℃ and subnormothermia at 20 ℃- 2 5 ℃). Finally, we highlight some emerging applications of regenerative medicine in liver graft preservation. In conclusion, this review discusses the "state of the art" and future perspectives in static and dynamic liver graft preservation in order to improve graft viability.

Use of agents stimulating erythropoiesis in digestive diseases

Anemia is the most common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Control and inadequate treatment leads to a worse quality of life and increased morbidity and hospitalization. Blood loss, and to a lesser extent, malabsorption of iron are the main causes of iron def iciency in IBD. There is also a variable component of anemia related to chronic inflammation. The anemia of chronic renal failure has been treated for many years with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), which significantly improves quality of life and survival. Subsequently, rHuEPO has been used progressively in other conditions that occur with anemia of chronic processes such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or IBD, and anemia associated with the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Erythropoietic agents complete the range of available therapeutic options for treatment of anemia associated with IBD, which begins by treating the basis of the inflammatory disease, along with intravenous iron therapy as f irst choice. In cases of resistance to treatment with iron, combined therapy with erythropoietic agents aims to achieve near-normal levels of hemoglobin/hematocrit (11-12 g/dL). New formulations of intravenous iron (iron carboxymaltose) and the new generation of erythropoietic agents (darbepoetin and continuous erythropoietin receptor activator) will allow better dosing with the same eff icacy and safety.

Influence of breathing movements and Valsalva maneuver on vena caval dynamics

AIM: To study changes produced within the inferior vena cava(IVC) during respiratory movements and identify their possible clinical implications.METHODS: This study included 100 patients(46 women; 54 men) over 18 years of age who required an abdominal computed tomography(CT) and central venous access. IVC cross-sectional areas were measured on CT scans at three levels, suprarenal(SR), juxtarenal(JR) and infrarenal(IR), during neutral breathing and again during the Valsalva maneuver. All patientswere instructed on how to perform a correct Valsalva maneuver. In order to reduce the total radiation dose in our patients, low-dose CT protocols were used in all patients. The venous blood pressure(systolic, diastolic and mean) was invasively measured at the same three levels with neutral breathing and the Valsalva maneuver during venous port implantation. From CT scans, threedimensional models of the IVC were constructed and a collapsibility index was calculated for each patient. These data were then correlated with venous pressures and cross-sectional areas.RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51.64 ± 12.01 years. The areas of the ellipse in neutral breathing were 394.49 ± 85.83(SR), 380.10 ± 74.55(JR), and 342.72 ± 49.77 mm2(IR), and 87.46 ± 18.35(SR), 92.64 ± 15.36(JR) and 70.05 ± 9.64 mm2(IR) during the Valsalva(P s < 0.001). There was a correlation between areas in neutral breathing and in the Valsalva maneuver(P < 0.05 in all areas). Large areas decreased more than smaller areas. The collapsibility indices were 0.49 ± 0.06(SR), 0.50 ± 0.04(JR) and 0.50 ± 0.04(IR), with no significant differences in any region. Reconstructed three-dimensional models showed a flattening of the IVC during Valsalva, adopting an ellipsoid cross-sectional shape. The mean pressures with neutral breathing were 9.44 ± 1.78(SR), 9.40 ± 1.44(JR) and 8.84 ± 1.03 mmHg(IR), and 81.08 ± 21.82(SR), 79.88 ± 19.01(JR) and 74.04 ± 16.56 mmHg(IR) during Valsalva(P s < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between cross-sectional caval area and venous blood pressure, but this was not statistically significant in any of the cases. There was a significant correlation between diastolic and mean pressures measured during neutral breathing and in Valsalva.CONCLUSION: Respiratory movements have a major influence on IVC dynamics. The increase in intracaval pressure during Valsalva results in a significant de-crease in the IVC cross-sectional area.

The influence of elevation on soil properties and forest litter in the Siliceous Moncayo Massif,SW Europe

Understanding the effects of elevation and related factors(climate,vegetation) on the physical and chemical soil properties can help to predict changes in response to future climate or afforestation forcings.This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of soil evolution and the classification of forest soils in relation to elevation in the montane stage,with special attention to podzolization and humus forms.The northern flank of the Moncayo Massif(Iberian Range,SW Europe) provides a unique opportunity to study a forest soils catena within a consistent quartzitic parent material over a relatively steep elevation gradient.With increasing elevation,pH,base saturation,exchangeable potassium,and fine silt-sized particles decrease significantly,while organic matter,the C/N ratio,soil aggregate stability,water repellency and coarse sand-sized particles increase significantly.The soil profiles shared a set of properties in all horizons:loamy-skeletal particle-size,extreme acidity(pH-H_2O<5.6) and low base saturation(<50%).The most prevalent soil forming processes in the catena include topsoil organic matter accumulation and even podzolization,which increases with elevation.From the upper to lower landscape positions of wooded montane stage of the Moncayo Massif,mull-moder-mor humus and an UmbrisolCambisol-Podzol soil unit sequences were found.

Catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline medium:Configuring a cooperative mechanism at the Ag-Ag_(2)S-MoS_(2) interface

Designing electrocatalysts for HER in alkaline conditions to overcome the sluggish kinetics associated with the additional water dissociation step is a recognized challenge in promoting the hydrogen economy.To this end,delicately tuning the atomic-scale structure and surface composition of nanoparticles is a common strategy and,specifically,making use of hybrid structures,can produce synergistic effects that lead to highly active catalysts.Here,we present a core-shell catalyst of Ag@MoS_(2)that shows promising results towards the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in both 0.5 M H_(2)SO_(4)and 0.5 M KOH.In this hybrid structure,the MoS_(2)shell is strained and defective,and charge transfer occurs between the conductive core and the shell,contributing to the electrocatalytic activity.The shelling process results in a large fraction of Ag_(2)S in the cores,and adjusting the relative fractions of Ag,Ag_(2)S,and MoS_(2)leads to improved catalytic activity and fast charge-transfer kinetics.We suggest that the enhancement of alkaline HER is associated with a cooperative effect of the interfaces,where the Ag(Ⅰ)sites in Ag_(2)S drive the water dissociation step,and the formed hydrogen subsequently recombines on the defective MoS_(2)shell.This study demonstrates the benefits of hybrid structures as functional nanomaterials and provides a scheme to activate MoS_(2)for HER in alkaline conditions.