Stable p-branes in Chern-Simons AdS supergravities

We construct static codimension-two branes in any odd dimension D, with negative cosmological constant, and show that they are exact solutions of Chern-Simons (super)gravity theory for (super)AdS coupled to external sources. The stability of these solutions is analyzed by counting the number of preserved supersymmetries. It is shown that static massive (D-3)-branes are unstable unless some suitable gauge fields are added and the brane is extremal. In particular, in three dimensions, a 0-brane is recognized as the negative mass counterpart of the BTZ black hole. For these 0-branes, we write explicitly electromagnetically charged BPS states with various number of preserved supersymmetries within the OSp(p|2) x OSp(q|2) supergroups. In five dimensions, we prove that stable 2-branes with electromagnetic charge always exist for the generic supergroup SU(2,2|N), where N is different than 4. For the special case N=4, in which the CS supergravity requires the addition of a nontrivial gauge field configuration in order to preserve maximal number of degrees of freedom, we show for two different static 2-branes that they are BPS states (one of which is the ground state), and from the corresponding algebra of charges we show that the energy is bounded from below. In higher dimensions, our results admit a straightforward generalization, although there are presumably more solutions corresponding to different intersections of the elementary objects.Comment: 43 pages, revtex4.cls; v2: slight amendments and references added to match published versio

Vehicle routing for public transport with adapted simulated annealing

This paper presents an Adapted Simulated Annealing (ASA) algorithm to solve an instance of the vehicle routing problem (VRP): the intercity public transport problem (IPTP). This combinatorial optimization problem was effectively solved by means of a robust method. Its performance was achieved thanks to the incorporation of an auxiliary memory and a novel choice of the neighbours. The model is based on initial random solutions capable of generating appropriate bus routes and frequencies in a large solution space. We have established a search strategy that provides excellent responses at the process level. The intercity line linking Bahía Blanca and Punta Alta was chosen with the intention of evaluating ASA performance. The real traffic-behavior has been represented by means of the simulation software called SUMO. The computational results clearly indicate that the proposed approach constitutes an improvement in the ability to search for high quality solutions that facilitates the convergence.Fil: Rodriguez, D. A.. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (I). Grupo Vinculado al Plapiqui - Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Química; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ciencias e Ingeniería de la Computación. Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Computación Científica; ArgentinaFil: Olivera, Ana Carolina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ciencias e Ingeniería de la Computación. Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Computación Científica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Brignole, Nélida Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (I). Grupo Vinculado al Plapiqui - Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Química; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ciencias e Ingeniería de la Computación. Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Computación Científica; Argentin

Molecular Phylogeny, Classification and Evolution of Conopeptides

Conopeptides are toxins expressed in the venom duct of cone snails (Conoidea, Conus). These are mostly well-structured peptides and mini-proteins with high potency and selectivity for a broad range of cellular targets. In view of these properties, they are widely used as pharmacological tools and many are candidates for innovative drugs. The conopeptides are primarily classified into superfamilies according to their peptide signal sequence, a classification that is thought to reflect the evolution of the multigenic system. However, this hypothesis has never been thoroughly tested. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of 1,364 conopeptide signal sequences extracted from GenBank. The results validate the current conopeptide superfamily classification, but also reveal several important new features. The so-called "cysteine-poor” conopeptides are revealed to be closely related to "cysteine-rich” conopeptides; with some of them sharing very similar signal sequences, suggesting that a distinction based on cysteine content and configuration is not phylogenetically relevant and does not reflect the evolutionary history of conopeptides. A given cysteine pattern or pharmacological activity can be found across different superfamilies. Furthermore, a few conopeptides from GenBank do not cluster in any of the known superfamilies, and could represent yet-undefined superfamilies. A clear phylogenetically based classification should help to disentangle the diversity of conopeptides, and could also serve as a rationale to understand the evolution of the toxins in the numerous other species of conoideans and venomous animals at larg

New multifunctional sulfonato-containing metal phosphonates proton conductors

Anchoring of acidic functional groups to organic linkers acting as ligands in metal phosphonates has been demonstrate to be a valid strategy to develop new proton conductor materials, which exhibit tunable properties and are potentially applicable to proton exchange membranes, such as those used in PEMFCs [1,2]. In this work, the structural and proton conductivity properties of several families of divalent and trivalent metal amino-sulfophosphonates are presented. The chosen ligand, (H2O3PCH2)2-N-(CH2)2-SO3H, was reacted with the appropriate metal salt using highthrough-put screening and/or microwave-assisted synthesis. Different crystal structures haven been solved displaying a variety of metal ligand coordination modes, in whose frameworks acidic groups contribute to create strong H-bond networks; together with lattice and bound water molecules. Proton conductivity values oscillate between 10-4 and 10-2 S.cm-1, at 80 ºC and 95 % relative humidity, most of them showing activation energies characteristic of a Grotthuss-type proton transport mechanism.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. MINECO: MAT2016-77648-R Junta de Andalucía: P-12-FQM-1656 y FQM-11

Proton conductivity of multifunctional metal phosphonate frameworks

Metal phosphonates exhibit attractive characteristics for proton conductivity, such as tunable functionality, chemical and thermal stability and the existence of H-bond networks with acidic protons within their structure.1 In the present work, we examine the relationship between crystal structure and proton conductivity for several metal (mono-, di- and tri-valent) phosphonates containing rigid: (5-(dihydroxyphosphoryl)isophthalic acid, PiPhtA and 2-hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid, HPAA) or flexible: (hexa- or octamethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid, H8HDTMP or H8ODTMP) multifunctional ligands. The crystalline hybrid derivatives prepared show a great structural diversity, from 1D to 3D open-frameworks possessing hydrogen-bonded water molecules and phosphonic and carboxylic acid groups. The rigid 3D framework of Ca-PiPhtA, that exhibits a proton conductivity of 5.7•10-4 S/cm as synthesized, transforms into a layered compound upon exposure to ammonia vapors2 with increased proton conductivity (6.6•10-3 S/cm). The flexible frameworks of magnesium or lanthanide phosphonates, with 1D channels, present conductivities higher than 10-3 S/cm. Their activation energies fall in the range corresponding to a Grotthuss mechanism.3,4 For M(I)-HPAA solids conductivities up to 5.6•10-3 S/cm were measured. References 1. P. Ramaswamy, N.E. Wong, G.K.H. Shimizu, Chem. Soc. Rev. 43 (2014) 5913. 2. M. Bazaga-García, R.M.P. Colodrero, M. Papadaki, P. Garczarek, J. Zoń, P. Olivera-Pastor, E.R. Losilla, L. León-Reina, M.A.G. Aranda, D. Choquesillo-Lazarte, K.D. Demadis, A. Cabeza, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 136 (2014) 5731. 3. R.M.P. Colodrero, P. Olivera-Pastor, E.R. Losilla, D. Hernández-Alonso, M.A.G. Aranda, L. Leon-Reina, J. Rius, K.D. Demadis, B. Moreau, D. Villemin, M. Palomino, F. Rey, A. Cabeza, Inorg. Chem. 51 (2012) 7689. 4. R.M.P. Colodrero, P. Olivera-Pastor, E.R. Losilla, M.A.G. Aranda, L. Leon-Reina, M. Papadaki, A.C. McKinlay, R.E. Morris, K.D. Demadis, A. Cabeza, Dalton Trans. 41 (2012) 4045.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Junta de Andalucía, Proyecto Excelencia FQM-1656. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, MAT2013-41836-

Proton conductivity and luminiscence properties of lanthanide aminotriphosphonates

Metal phosphonates are multifunctional solids with tunable properties, such as internal H-bond networks, and high chemical and thermal stability [1]. In the present work, we describe the synthesis, structural characterization, luminescent properties and proton conduction performance of a new family of isostructural cationic compounds with general formula [Ln(H4NMP)(H2O)2]Cl·2H2O [Ln = La3+, Pr3+, Sm3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, H6NMP = nitrilotris(methylphosphonic acid)]. These solids are formed by positively charge layers, which consist of isolated LnO8 polyhedra and bridge chelating NMP2- ligands, held apart by chloride ions and water molecules. This arrangement result in extended interlayer hydrogen networks with possible proton transfer pathways. The proton conductivity of Gd3+ sample, selected as prototype of the series, was measured. In the range between range 25º and 80 ºC, the conductivity increase with the temperature up to a maximum value of 3.10-4 S·cm-1, at relative humidity of 95 %. The activation energy obtained from the Arrhenius plot (Figure 1) is in the range corresponding to a Grotthuss transfer mechanism.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. FQM-1656; MAT2013-41836-R

The effect of subchronic supplementation with folic acid on homocysteine induced seizures

Influence of folic acid on the CNS is still unclear. Folate has a neuroprotective effect, while on the other hand excess folate can exacerbate seizures in epileptics. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of subchronic administration of folic acid on behavioural and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of DL homocysteine thiolactone induced seizures in adult rats. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase in different brain regions was investigated. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups: 1. Controls (C, 0.9% NaCl); 2. DL homocysteine-thiolactone 8.0 mmol/kg (H); 3. Subchronic supplementation with folic acid 5 mg/kg for 7 days (F) and 4. Subchronic supplementation with F + single dose of H (FH). Seizure behaviour was assessed by incidence, latency, number and intensity of seizure episodes. Seizure severity was described by a descriptive scale with grades 0–4. For EEG recordings, three gold-plated recording electrodes were implanted into the skull. Subchronic supplementation with folic acid did not affect seizure incidence, median number of seizure episodes and severity in FH, comparison with H (p > 0.05). The majority of seizure episodes in all groups were of grade 2. There were no significant differences in lethal outcomes at 24 h upon H injection in the FH vs. H group. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase was significantly increased in almost all examined structures in the FH vs. H group. Subchronic folic acid administration did not exacerbate H induced seizures and completely recovered the activity of ATPases

The nutritive value of poultry diets containing sunflower meal supplemented by enzymes

The international limitations imposed on the utilization of meat and bone meals in animal diets, together with the increasing demand for soybean meal, create a necessity to search for other protein sources to economically balance compound feeds. In this regard it is important to note that sunflower is the best adapted high-protein crop available in some European regions and that is useful to use it in poultry farming as the replacement of other protein sources. Protein and many other nutrients are “imprisoned” to variable degrees, inside sunflower meal fibrous structures, and remain less available for digestion by the poultry’s own proteases and other endogenous enzymes. Added exogenous enzymes (phytase, hemicellulase, cellulase, carbohydrase, protease, etc.) offer a number of creative possibilities for breakdown and “liberation” of these nutrients, their easier digestion and absorption, and thus development of new nutritional standards and new diets formulation. Supplementation of poultry diets containing sunflower meal by different enzymes increasingly contribute to sustainable poultry farming by enhancing production efficiency, increasing the effectiveness of nutrient utilization and upgrading in environmental protection. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III46012

Polymorphisms of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes in women of central Serbia: Absence of association with uterine myoma

Since glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes are involved in cellular protection, we aimed to determine the distribution of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes in women in central Serbia in order to assess the risk of development of uterine myoma. The study consisted of 34 clinically diagnosed uterine myoma patients and 35 healthy control women. Analyses of GST polymorphism were carried out by multiplex PCR. Our results showed no significant differences in the GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes between the patients and controls. Using the GSTT1 positive/GSTM1 positive combination as reference, there was no statistically significant risk of uterine myoma with the combination of GSTT1 null and GSTM1 null genotypes. We conclude that polymorphism of both GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes, alone or in combination, did not present the main risk for uterine myoma in women from central Serbia.[Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III41010 i br. ON 175103