0000000000027993
AUTHOR
L. González
Automated detection of protein unfolding events in atomic force microscopy force curves
Atomic force microscopy is not only a high-resolution imaging device but also a mechanical machine, which can be used either to indent or stretch (soft) biomaterials. Due to the statistical nature of such materials (i.e., hydrogels or polymers) hundreds of force-distance curves are required to describe their mechanical properties. In this manuscript, we present an automated system for polymer unfolding detection based on continuous wavelet analysis. We have tested the automated program on elastin, which is an important protein that provides elasticity to tissues and organs. Our results show that elastin changes its mechanical behavior in the presence of electrolytes. In particular, we show …
Screen media usage, sleep time and academic performance in adolescents: clustering a self-organizing maps analysis.
Screen media usage, sleep time and socio-demographic features are related to adolescents' academic performance, but interrelations are little explored. This paper describes these interrelations and behavioral profiles clustered in low and high academic performance. A nationally representative sample of 3,095 Spanish adolescents, aged 12 to 18, was surveyed on 15 variables linked to the purpose of the study. A Self-Organizing Maps analysis established non-linear interrelationships among these variables and identified behavior patterns in subsequent cluster analyses. Topological interrelationships established from the 15 emerging maps indicated that boys used more passive videogames and compu…
Dual removal and selective recovery of phosphate and an organophosphorus pesticide from water by a Zr-based metal-organic framework
The authors express their thanks for the financial support provided by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019-EF-ST-888972-PSustMOF, F.J.C.; H2020-MSCA-IF-2016-GF-749359-EnanSET, N.M.P.) within the European Union H2020 programme and EU FEDER. MINECO (CTQ2017-84692-R, PID2020-113608RB-I00, PEJ2018-004022-A), Universidad de Granada (Plan Propio de Investigacion and Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucia 2014-2020: B-FQM-364-UGR18), Junta de Andalucia (P18-RT-612) and 2020 Post-doctoral Junior Leadere-Retaining Fellowship, la Caixa Foundation (ID 100010434 and fellowship code LCF/BQ/PR20/11770014, N.M.P.) are also acknowledged for funding. Funding for open access cha…
Effect of Concurrent Visual Feedback Frequency on Postural Control Learning in Adolescents.
The purpose was to find better augmented visual feedback frequency (100% or 67%) for learning a balance task in adolescents. Thirty subjects were divided randomly into a control group, and 100% and 67% feedback groups. The three groups performed pretest (3 trials), practice (12 trials), posttest (3 trials) and retention (3 trials, 24 hours later). The reduced feedback group showed lower RMS in the posttest than in the pretest (p = 0.04). The control and reduced feedback groups showed significant lower median frequency in the posttest than in the pretest (p < 0.05). Both feedback groups showed lower values in retention than in the pretest (p < 0.05). Even when the effect of feedback frequenc…
Occurrence and daily intake of ochratoxin A of organic and non-organic rice and rice products
Abstract Ochratoxin A (OTA) was extracted from 84 rice samples and rice products by using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and analysed with liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection. Samples were collected from rice cultivars, local markets and supermarkets; 64 were of non-organic and 20 of organic production. 7.8% of non-organic samples had OTA levels from 4.3 to 27.3 μg/kg and in 30% of organic samples was detected the presence of this mycotoxin varying from 1.0 to 7.1 μg/kg. OTA presence was confirmed by methyl-ester derivatization. Rice and rice products labelled with denomination of origin (DO) were not detected OTA due to the fact that its production has implement…
Effects of a Short-Term Aquatic Resistance Program on Strength and Body Composition in Fit Young Men
This study was designed to analyze the effects of a short-term periodized aquatic resistance program (PARP) on upper-limb maximum strength, leg muscular power, and body composition (BC) in fit young men. Twenty subjects (21.2 +- 1.17 years) were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group; 12 subjects completed the study. The aquatic exercise group (AEG; n = 7) participated in an 8-week supervised program of 3 d.wk-1, and the control group (CG; n = 5) maintained their regular activities. The PARP consisted of a total-body resistance exercise workout using aquatic devices that increased drag force, with a cadence of movement controlled and adjusted individually for each exercise and su…
InAs/InP single quantum wire formation and emission at 1.5 microns
Isolated InAs/InP self-assembled quantum wires have been grown using in situ accumulated stress measurements to adjust the optimal InAs thickness. Atomic force microscopy imaging shows highly asymmetric nanostructures with average length exceeding more than ten times their width. High resolution optical investigation of as-grown samples reveals strong photoluminescence from individual quantum wires at 1.5 microns. Additional sharp features are related to monolayer fluctuations of the two dimensional InAs layer present during the early stages of the quantum wire self-assembling process.
Myoelectric Activation and Kinetics of Different Plyometric Push-Up Exercises
The kinetic and myoelectric differences between 3 types of plyometric push-ups were investigated. Twenty-seven healthy, physically active men served as subjects and completed both familiarization and testing sessions. During these sessions, subjects performed 2 series of 3 plyometric push-up variations in a counterbalanced order according to the following techniques: Countermovement push-ups (CPUs) were push-ups performed with the maximum speed of movement; jump push-ups (JPUs) were similar to clapping push-ups; and fall push-ups (FPUs) required kneeling subjects to drop and then attempt to return to their initial position. Vertical ground reaction forces were determined by using a force pl…
Mechanism of action of sphingolipids and their metabolites in the toxicity of fumonisin B1.
Fumonisins are a group of mycotoxins produced primarily by Fusarium moniliforme. Several fumonisins have been isolated through out the years but only fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 are the ones present in naturally contaminated foods, with B1 being the most toxic between them. The structural similarity between sphinganine and fumonisin B1 suggests that the mechanism of action of this mycotoxin is mainly via disruption of sphingolipid metabolism, this is an important step in the cascade of events leading to altered cell growth, differentiation and cell injury. Sphingolipids are a second type of lipid found in cell membranes, particularly nerve cells and brain tissues. Toxicity of fumonisin B1 is gi…