A Review of the EUSO-Balloon Pathfinder for the JEM-EUSO Program

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder for JEM-EUSO, the mission concept of a spaceborne observatory which is designed to observe Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR)-induced Extensive Air Showers (EAS) by detecting their UltraViolet (UV) light tracks "from above." On August 25, 2014, EUSO-Balloon was launched from Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base (Ontario, Canada) by the balloon division of the French Space Agency CNES. After reaching a floating altitude of 38 km, EUSO-Balloon imaged the UV light in the wavelength range ∼290-500 nm for more than 5 hours using the key technologies of JEM-EUSO. The flight allowed a good understanding of the performance of the detector to be developed, giving insights into possible improvements to be applied to future missions. A detailed measurement of the photoelectron counts in different atmospheric and ground conditions was achieved. By means of the simulation of the instrument response and by assuming atmospheric models, the absolute intensity of diffuse light was estimated. The instrument detected hundreds of laser tracks with similar characteristics to EASs shot by a helicopter flying underneath. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. The reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks was performed. In this work, a review of the main results obtained by EUSO-Balloon is presented as well as implications for future space-based observations of UHECRs.

Integrative and Complementary Health Practices Building a New Health Paradigm

This work arose from the need to broaden the therapeutic approach and offer a differentiated health intervention proposal based on the understanding that the illness process has repercussions on all integrated systems of Being. Since 2019, the Health Center for the Elderly in Blumenau (SC-Brasil), specialized multi-professional service, offering support for biopsychoenergetic transformation with the practice of Yoga and Meditation, through a holistic and comprehensive view of health. It begins with the Multidimensional Assessment of the Elderly, with a guideline in welcoming and qualified listening, which considers the subject and all subjectivity. From there, the expanded diagnosis and the Singular Therapeutic Project are built and the consultations with the team and the 'Re-Conhecer group' begin. The activity is weekly, aimed at the elderly and their family, takes place in an appropriate place and lasts two hours. Welcoming, pranayama, mantras, kriyas and meditation are made, as well as reflections on free themes. The professionals who conduct the practice are the dentist, trained in yoga, and the social worker, the welcoming process continues individually after the activity. Due to subjectivity, results are routinely collected in a qualitative way from the participants' report. There is a perception on the part of the participants, therapists and members of the multidisciplinary team that this work provides improvement in cognitive abilities, self-care, well-being, self-confidence, creativity, improved sleep, autonomy, balance, strengthening bonds, joy, vitality.

Key messages

This initiative builds new models of health care, transcending the traditional biomedical model, according to the operational guideline for comprehensiveness, universal access and equity. Provokes reflections and builds a new perspective of life with quality and participation of the elderly as subjects of their health.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome - Predictive Indicators of Severity

Introduction Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a public health issue, due to its increasing prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality, worsened by the underestimated diagnosis of this entity in clinical practice.

Objectives To correlate clinical, demographic and anthropometric indicators, and elaborate a predictive equation for OSAS severity and prevalence, in males and females.

Methodology In this cross-sectional study, all the included patients performed a type I Polysomnography in ULSM – HPH Neurophysiology Laboratory, between July 2011 and December 2017. Patient’s weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and neck circumference (NC) were assessed. Daytime excessive sleepiness was rated through the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The apnea-hypopnea index and the snoring presence were obtained through the polygraphic recording. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical variables and ESS punctuation were correlated with the presence of OSAS and its severity through a multivariable regression model.

Results The study included 472 patients (275 males and 197 females). OSAS prevalence was 65,7% (75,3% in males and 52,3% in females), being the males related to the most severe forms of OSAS (p < 0,001), the same happening with the age group 60-69 years. OSAS severity correlated directly with NC, WC, BMI and ESS increase. Snoring was present in 92,8% of the cases and did not correlate with OSAS severity. In females, severity correlated directly with age and BMI. Age and NC were identified as the strongest independent OSAS predictors (p-value=0,011 and p-value=0,006, respectively).

Conclusion In this study, OSAS severity predictors were gender, age, NC, WC, BMI, snoring and ESS result (NC and age were the strongest independent predictors). These findings should be confirmed in more robust studies, to identify patients at risk of severe OSAS, to allow earlier diagnostic evaluation and therefore preventing OSAS associated complications.

A Bridge to Wellness: Gains from a health fair among fishermen in the Port of New Bedford, USA

Background

Globally, it has been noted that fishermen have a higher mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and injury from work-related accidents when compared to the general population. A potential increase in unemployment in fishermen in New Bedford could result in a lower income level which relates to an increase in risk behaviors, less health screenings, and negative health behaviors. While there is a lack of health-related data among fishermen across the globe, there is little information regarding the health among fishermen, who are predominantly immigrants, in the US.

Objectives

The objectives include designing a health promotion fair to prepare nursing students with the skills to educate fishermen associated with nutrition, diabetes mellitus, cancer and hypertension as identified by key informants in the community.

Results

Students expressed gains in achieving nursing competencies related to collaboration, communication, and teaching/learning by designing a fair with stations related to the four health topics with posters and activities. Educational materials were available in both Portuguese and English to support this aggregate who expressed learning new knowledge. Networking among local fishing agencies, nursing students and the fishermen supported this project from start to finish.

Conclusions

Despite limited access to this vulnerable group, learning nursing competencies and increased fishermen’s knowledge were realized. Connecting students with vulnerable populations is an effective way to promote learning for both groups.

Key messages

Multiple gains are noted when nursing students are paired with vulnerable community aggregates. Learning to work in the community with local agencies and groups is an effective teaching/learning pedagogy.

Bridging Generations: Sharing stories from the past with the future

Background

As the immigration population continues to grow; little is known about this phenomenon from the immigrants’ perspective. In recent years, nurses have embraced narrative inquiry to better understand the human experience. When relaying their stories, vulnerable groups legitimize their behavior, share their emotional experiences, and amplify their voices that may have otherwise remained silent.

Objective

Eight elderly Portuguese women who immigrated to the United States (US) were interviewed about their experience of immigration by nursing students from Portugal and U.S., as part of a student exchange. The objective of this project was to better understand the impact of immigration through narrative inquiry.

Results

On average, the women lived in the US for approximately fifty years; immigrating in their early twenties. Most women arrived alone or accompanied by spouse and/or children. Their first memories were related to snow, and solitude of being in a new country. The participants attended classes to obtain documents or learn English. All worked in the textile industry; their greatest accomplishment was buying their own house. Challenges faced were related to language and difficult jobs. Overall, they had no regrets except in leaving family members behind. Their message to the students was that love and family are most important in the world. Students were able to realize emigration and immigration from their respective countries.

Conclusions

Rich descriptions provided an in-depth understanding of the details of the women’s experience. Student nurses gained valuable skills and knowledge to understand the impact of immigration among Portuguese women using narrative inquiry.

Key messages

The use of narrative inquiry proved to be a valuable method to interview Portuguese immigrant women. Every immigrant has a unique narrative to share that allowed for nursing student’s appreciation of the experience across generations.

Optimization of Injection Stretch Blow Molding: Part I – Defining Part Thickness Profile

This paper suggests a methodology based on a neuroevolutionary approach to optimize the use of material in blow molding applications. This approach aims at determining the optimal thickness distribution for a certain blow molded product as a function of its geometry. Multiobjective search is performed by neuroevolution to reflect the conflicting nature of the design problem and to capture some possible trade-offs. During the search, each design alternative is evaluated through a finite element analysis. The coordinates of the mesh elements are the inputs to an artificial neural network whose output determines the thickness for the corresponding location. The proposed approach is applied to the design of an industrial bottle. The results reveal the validity and usefulness of the proposed technique, which was able to distribute the material along the most critical regions to obtain adequate mechanical properties. The approach is general and can be applied to products with different geometries.

First record of Cynoscion regalis (Pisces, Sciaenidae) in Portuguese continental waters

The occurrence of Cynoscion regalis in Portuguese continental waters is reported for the first time, with six specimens collected in 2015 from three areas: Tagus Estuary, Sado Estuary and Praia da Vieira (central-west coast). Analyses of morphometric and meristic characteristics confirmed all six specimens as C. regalis; further validation was obtained by sequencing a 675 bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene. These records constitute a range extension of C. regalis into the southern north-east Atlantic Ocean.

High temperature Hall measurement setup for thin film characterization

Hall measurement using the van der Pauw technique is a common characterization approach that does not require patterning of contacts. Measurements of the Hall voltage and electrical resistivity lead to the product of carrier mobility and carrier concentration (Hall coefficient) which can be decoupled through transport models. Based on the van der Paw method, we have developed an automated setup for Hall measurements from room temperature to ∼500 °C of semiconducting thin films of a wide resistivity range. The resistivity of the film and Hall coefficient is obtained from multiple current-voltage (I-V) measurements performed using a semiconductor parameter analyzer under applied constant "up," zero, and "down" magnetic field generated with two neodymium permanent magnets. The use of slopes obtained from multiple I-Vs for the three magnetic field conditions offer improved accuracy. Samples are preferred in square shape geometry and can range from 2 mm to 25 mm side length. Example measurements of single-crystal silicon with known doping concentration show the accuracy and reliability of the measurement.

High temperature setup for measurements of Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity of thin films using inductive heating

We have developed an automated setup for simultaneous measurement of Seebeck coefficient S(T) and electrical resistivity ρ(T) of thin film samples from room temperature to ∼650 °C. S and ρ are extracted from current-voltage (I-V) measurements obtained using a semiconductor parameter analyzer and temperature measurements obtained using commercial thermocouples. The slope and the x-axis intercept of the I-V characteristics represent the sample conductance G and the Seebeck voltage, respectively. The measured G(T) can be scaled to ρ(T) by the geometry factor obtained from the room temperature resistivity measurement of the film. The setup uses resistive or inductive heating to control the temperature and temperature gradient on the sample. Inductive heating is achieved with steel plates that surround the test area and a water cooled copper pipe coil underneath that generates an AC magnetic field. The measurements can be performed using resistive heating only or inductive heating only, or a combination of both depending on the desired heating ranges. Inductive heating provides a more uniform heating of the test area, does not require contacts to the sample holder, can be used up to the Curie temperature of the particular magnetic material, and the temperature gradients can be adjusted by the relative positions of the coil and sample. Example results obtained for low doped single-crystal silicon with inductive heating only and with resistive heating only are presented.

Saliramophenol, an unprecedented natural t-butylphenol derivative from Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods

A unique skeleton-type compound with four t-butyl groups, named saliramophenol, was identified in Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods aerial parts.

Light-dark O2 dynamics in submerged leaves of C3 and C4 halophytes under increased dissolved CO2: clues for saltmarsh response to climate change

Waterlogging and submergence are the major constraints to which wetland plants are subjected, with inevitable impacts on their physiology and productivity. Global warming and climate change, as driving forces of sea level rise, tend to increase such submersion periods and also modify the carbonate chemistry of the water column due to the increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. In the present work, the underwater O2 fluxes in the leaves of two abundant Mediterranean halophytes were evaluated at different levels of dissolved CO2. Photosynthetic enhancement due to increased dissolved CO2 was confirmed for both Halimione portulacoides and Spartina maritima, probably due to high tissue porosity, formation of leaf gas films and reduction of the oxygenase activity of Rubisco. Enhancement of the photosynthetic rates in H. portulacoides and S. maritima was concomitant with an increase in energy trapping and transfer, mostly due to enhancement of the carboxylation reaction of Rubisco, leading to a reduction of the energy costs for carbon fixation. Transposing these findings to the ecosystem, and assuming increased dissolved CO2 concentration scenarios, the halophyte community displays a new ecosystem function, increasing the water column oxygenation and thus reinforcing their role as principal primary producers of the estuarine system.

Sequencing and de novo assembly of the red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis) transcriptome

The red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis) is an endemic fish species distributed along the coasts of the Eastern South Pacific. Biological studies on this fish are scarce, and genomic information for G. chilensis is practically non-existent. Thus, transcriptome information for this species is an essential resource that will greatly enrich molecular information and benefit future studies of red cusk-eel biology. In this work, we obtained transcriptome information of G. chilensis using the Illumina platform. The RNA sequencing generated 66,307,362 and 59,925,554 paired-end reads from skeletal muscle and liver tissues, respectively. De novo assembly using the CLC Genomic Workbench version 7.0.3 produced 48,480 contigs and created a reference transcriptome with a N50 of 846bp and average read coverage of 28.3×. By sequence similarity search for known proteins, a total of 21,272 (43.9%) contigs were annotated for their function. Out of these annotated contigs, 33.5% GO annotation results for biological processes, 32.6% GO annotation results for cellular components and 34.5% GO annotation results for molecular functions. This dataset represents the first transcriptomic resource for the red cusk-eel and for a member of the Ophidiimorpharia taxon.

Photochemical and biophysical feedbacks of C₃ and C₄ Mediterranean halophytes to atmospheric CO₂ enrichment confirmed by their stable isotope signatures

According the latest predictions, an increase of about two times in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, is expected to occur by the end of this century. In order to understand the effects of this atmospheric composition changes on two abundant Mediterranean halophytes (Halimione portulacoides and Spartina maritima), mesocosmos trials were performed simulating two atmospheric CO2 environments (380 ppm and 760 ppm of CO2 respectively). The two chosen halophyte species present different metabolic characteristics: H. portulacoides, is a C3 specie while S. maritima is a C4 species. Distinct feedbacks were obtained for each of the studied species. Stable Isotope discrimination showed that both species showed an enhancement of the Rubisco carboxylation capacity and photosynthetic efficiency mostly due to an increase in intracellular [CO2]. In H. portulacoides CO2 fertilization induced an enhancement of ETR and a decrease in non-photochemical quenching and in dissipated energy fluxes. On the other hand the C4 grass S. maritima, already at full capacity, showed no photosynthetic enhancement. In fact this highly productive grass presented lower photosynthetic efficiencies accompanied by increases in dissipated energy fluxes mostly due to reductions in energy flux associated with the transport of reducing power throughout the quinone pool. The accumulation of reducing power led to oxidative stress, and thus the photosynthetic ability of this grass was greatly reduced. Both these feedbacks to realistic future CO2 concentrations are important consideration for in future primary productivity models, indicating a possible reduced abundance of the pioneer S. maritima and an increased biomass spreading of the sediment stabilizer H. portulacoides, inevitably affecting the morphology and function of the salt marshes imposed by these atmospheric changes, both in terms of ecosystem functioning and loss of biodiversity.

BDNF and schizophrenia: from neurodevelopment to neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that has been related not only to neurodevelopment and neuroprotection, but also to synapse regulation, learning, and memory. Research focused on the neurobiology of schizophrenia has emphasized the relevance of neurodevelopmental and neurotoxicity-related elements in the pathogenesis of this disease. Research focused on the clinical features of schizophrenia in the past decades has emphasized the relevance of cognitive deficits of this illness, considered a core manifestation and an important predictor for functional outcome. Variations in neurotrophins such as BDNF may have a role as part of the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, from the neurodevelopmental alterations to the molecular mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients.

Trans-septal suturing technique in septoplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Trans-septal suturing techniques are routinely used to obviate the need for packing after septoplasty surgery. This study aimed to systematically assess the evidence for the efficacy and safety of suturing techniques after septoplasty.

METHODS

A MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Database search, followed by extensive hand-searching for the identification of relevant studies. No time and language limitations were applied. Only prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing trans-septal suturing techniques following septoplasty with conventional packing were included. For each outcome, risk difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Tests for heterogeneity and tests for publication bias were applied.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs with 869 patients were included in the review. Postoperative pain and headache were significantly lower in the non-packing group. Conventional packing and trans-septal suturing technique appear to be equivalent with regard to postoperative haemorrhage risk, mucosal adhesions, septal perforation, septal haematoma and local infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for the advantage of suturing techniques over conventional packing in septoplasty is now robust, and the use of suturing techniques as a first line intervention is becoming advisable.

Broth medium for the successful culture of the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis

Piscirickettsiosis or salmonid rickettsial septicaemia (SRS) caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis constitutes one of the main problems in farmed salmonid and marine fishes. Since the first reports of the disease, it has been successfully isolated and maintained in eukaryotic cell--culture systems, but these systems are time-consuming, the media are costly, and eliminating heavily contaminated host cell debris is difficult. In this report, we describe a marine-based broth supplemented with L-cysteine, named AUSTRAL-SRS broth, that facilitates superior growth of P. salmonis strains. Strains reached an optical density of approximately 1.8 when absorbance was measured at 600 nm after 6 d incubation at 18°C. Several passages (n = 6) did not alter the culture kinetics. We report for the first time the purification of DNA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and whole membrane protein obtained from P. salmonis grown in this liquid medium, and thus provide a suitable platform to simplify the preparation of P. salmonis cells for genetic and serological studies. Moreover, the results of the cytopathic effect test showed that P. salmonis grown in AUSTRAL-SRS broth maintained their virulence properties, inducing apoptosis after 3 d. This makes the medium a good candidate for the successful growth of P. salmonis and an excellent basis for the development of low cost vaccines.

Development of a new ionisation chamber, for HP(10) measurement, using Monte-Carlo simulation and experimental methods

An ionisation chamber that directly measures the quantity personal dose equivalent, H(p)(10), is used as a secondary standard in some metrology laboratories. An ionisation chamber of this type was first developed by Ankerhold. Using the Monte-Carlo simulation, the dose in the sensitive volume as a function of the IC dimensions and the effects of the several components of the ionising chamber have been investigated. Based on these results, a new ionising chamber, lighter than the previous ones, is constructed and experimentally tested.

Use of grape stalk, a waste of the viticulture industry, to obtain activated carbon

Grape stalk is an organic waste produced in great amounts in the industrialization processes of grape. This work presents the results of studies carried out to use this waste as raw material to prepare activated carbon through the physical and chemical route. The physicochemical characterization of this material suggests the presence of unusually high levels of ashes. Metal content was determined and high levels of potassium, sodium, iron, calcium and magnesium in carbonized and raw grape stalk were exhibited. This characteristic made difficult physical activation at high temperatures. A leaching step was included before the activation with steam, and adsorbents with surface areas between 700 and 900 m(2)/g were obtained. Physical activation was also performed at lower temperatures using carbonized grape stalk without leaching, leading to the development of some grade of porosity, with an area of 412 m(2)/g. These results would indicate the catalytic effect of the minerals present in this raw material. Chemical activation using phosphoric acid as activating agent seemed to be a very efficient method as final products with BET areas between 1000 and 1500 m(2)/g were obtained.

Endophenotypes and Diagnostic Categories: Event-related Potentials and the Schizophrenia-bipolar Dichotomy

After decades of neuroscientific research and taxonomic endeavour in psychiatry the quest for biologic markers specific enough to accommodate nosologic categories has not succeeded. Yet, neurophysiology and neuroimaging have developed pwoerful tools to investigate brain function. an immense amount of data has been accumulated regarding normal and pathologic information processing, cognition, emotion and other domains. Some have been correlated with genes underpinning diseases and are candidate endophenotypes. These stand at an intermediate level between genes and phenotype. They encompass several kinds of dysfunctions or abnormalities in brain structure. Rather than matching to singular diagnostic categories, as we devise them today, the same endophenotype is usually shared by distinct pathologic entities. Assuming tha they reflect specif dysfunctions this raises critical questions regarding the DSM way of classifying mental disorders and to the understanding of the neurobiologic phenomena underlying them. It is the purpose of this presentation to discuss these questions and review some of the data, including our own, concerning event-related potentials endophenotypes of psychosis with special focus on the schizophrenia-bipolar dichotomy and present.

Low energy elastic differential electron scattering from H2O

Normalized differential cross sections for elastic (rotationally averaged) electron scattering from gaseous water (H2O) are obtained using the relative flow method against helium with a thin aperture collimating source of gas instead of a tube. This method obviates the use of gas kinetic molecular diameters for helium or water. Our measurements are found to be largely in quantitative disagreement with past differential elastic electron scattering measurements and suggest that present recommended electron scattering total cross sections for water be revised.

[Gender-related differences in functional assessment of serotonergic system in healthy young subjects]

INTRODUCTION

Prolactin stimulation test with serotonergic stimulants has been widely used in the study of diverse psychiatric disorders. However, the characterization of this response in normal subjects is still incomplete.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the response to serotonin stimulation using dexfenfluramine, a specific serotonergic agent, in young healthy men and women, controlling the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

A total of 10 women and 9 men, who were given 30 mg of dexfenfluramine orally, were studied and their levels of prolactin were measured on an hourly basis for a five-hour period. Baseline, maximum and delta values of prolactin were compared for both groups.

RESULTS

According to the age groups studied (mean age for men: 19.9 +/- 2.5 years old; mean age for women: 20 +/- 1.5 years old), the prolactin maximum level and the response to prolactin (DPRL) were significantly higher in women (p-values: 0.02 and 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Young healthy women show a greater response to stimulation with dexfenfluramine than young healthy men. Clinical and biological implications of this observation are discussed in the context of the currently available research papers.

Serotonin transporter polymorphism and fluoxetine effect on impulsiveness and aggression in borderline personality disorder

INTRODUCTION

Impulsiveness and aggressiveness are characteristics of borderline personality disorder and are associated to a serotoninergic system dysfunction. Serotonin transporter polymorphisms have been linked to aggressive and impulsive behaviors. The short allele (S) in depression is associated to a worse response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). This study aims to study these polymorphisms to predict the response of aggressive and impulsive behaviors to SSRIs in borderline personality disorder.

METHOD

Fifty-nine patients with DSM-IV borderline personality disorder in accordance with the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE) and without axis 1 disease were treated with flexible doses of fluoxetine for 12 weeks. The patients were evaluated with the Overt Aggression Scale Modified (OAS-M) at the beginning and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Polymorphisms L and S of the serotonin transporter promoter region were determined. Response to fluoxetine of the LL carriers versus the S carriers (LS+SS) was compared.

RESULTS

LL carriers had a better response than S carriers in the reduction of total OAS-M scores and on the aggressiveness and irritability components of the OAS-M.

CONCLUSIONS

L-allele carriers responded better to fluoxetine than S carriers, in a similar way as in depression. The S allele may represent a common factor of bad response to SSRI in diseases associated to serotoninergic system dysfunction.