Polyphenol-rich foods in the Mediterranean diet are associated with better cognitive function in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk

Brain oxidative processes play a major role in age-related cognitive decline, thus consumption of antioxidant-rich foods might help preserve cognition. Our aim was to assess whether consumption of antioxidant-rich foods in the Mediterranean diet relates to cognitive function in the elderly. In asymptomatic subjects at high cardiovascular risk (n = 447; 52% women; age 5580 y) enrolled in the PREDIMED study, a primary prevention dietary-intervention trial, we assessed food intake and cardiovascular risk profile, determined apolipoprotein E genotype, and used neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive function.We also measured urinary polyphenols as an objective biomarker of intake. Associations between energy-adjusted food consumption, urinary polyphenols, and cognitive scores were assessed by multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Consumption of some foods was independently related to better cognitive function. The specific associations [regression coefficients (95% confidence intervals)] were: total olive oil with immediate verbal memory [0.755 (0.1511.358)]; virgin olive oil and coffee with delayed verbal memory [0.163 (0.0100.316) and 0.294 (0.0550.534), respectively];walnuts with working memory [1.191 (0.0612.322)]; and wine with Mini-Mental State Examination scores [0.252 (0.0060.496)]. Urinary polyphenols were associated with better scores in immediate verbal memory [1.208 (0.2362.180)]. Increased consumption of antioxidant-rich foods in general and of polyphenols in particular is associated with better cognitive performance in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk. The results reinforce the notion that Mediterranean diet components might counteract age-related cognitive decline.

Essential residues in the H-NS binding site of Hha, a co-regulator of horizontally acquired genes in Enterobacteria

Proteins of the Hha/YmoA family co-regulate with H-NS the expression of horizontally acquired genes in Enterobacteria. Systematic mutations of conserved acidic residues in Hha have allowed the identification of D48 as an essential residue for H-NS binding and the involvement of E25. Mutations of these residues resulted in deregulation of sensitive genes in vivo. D48 is only partially solvent accessible, yet it defines the functional binding interface between Hha and H-NS confirming that Hha has to undergo a conformational change to bind H-NS. Exposed acidic residues, such as E25, may electrostatically facilitate and direct the approach of Hha to the positively charged region of H-NS enabling the formation of the final complex when D48 becomes accessible by a conformational change of Hha.

Local model predictive control experiences with differential driven wheeled mobile robots

This work extends a previously developed research concerning about the use of local model predictive control in differential driven mobile robots. Hence, experimental results are presented as a way to improve the methodology by considering aspects as trajectory accuracy and time performance. In this sense, the cost function and the prediction horizon are important aspects to be considered. The aim of the present work is to test the control method by measuring trajectory tracking accuracy and time performance. Moreover, strategies for the integration with perception system and path planning are briefly introduced. In this sense, monocular image data can be used to plan safety trajectories by using goal attraction potential fields

Mobile Robot Local Predictive Control under Perception Constraints

This research extends a previously developed work concerning about the use of local model predictive control in mobile robots. Hence, experimental results are presented as a way to improve the methodology by considering aspects as trajectory accuracy and time performance. In this sense, the cost function and the prediction horizon are important aspects to be considered. The platformused is a differential driven robot with a free rotating wheel. The aim of the present work is to test the control method by measuring trajectory tracking accuracy and time performance. Moreover, strategies for the integration with perception system and path planning are also introduced. In this sense, monocular image data provide an occupancy grid where safety trajectories are computed by using goal attraction potential fields

Política criminal de la seguridad vial y garantías constitucionales

En este trabajo pretendo de poner de manifiesto las consecuencias de los cambios introducidos por LO 15/2007, de 30 de noviembre, en relación con la delincuencia en el tráfico viario, tanto respecto de los delitos contra la seguridad en el tráfico, como en relación con los homicidios y lesiones producidos en este ámbito. Desde una perspectiva formal, se modifica la denominación del Cap. IV del Título XVII, que pasa a denominarse delitos contra la Seguridad Vial, en lugar de delitos contra la Seguridad en el Tráfico.

Alcoholèmies i dret penal. Especial atenció a la pràctica policial

En la actualitat, la circulació de vehicles s'ha convertit en una activitat bàsica per al desenvolupament de l'economia mundial a la vegada que ha comportat una innumerable quantitat d'avantatges per als individus en àmbits tan dispars com són els laborals o els d'oci. Els progressos de la indústria automobilística han estat extraordinaris. No obstant això, ni el procés d'aprenentatge i adaptació per part dels conductors ni la millora del sistema d'infraestructures ha estat tan espectacular com l'augment del parc mòbil. A més, la informació subministrada pels mass media, en general, ha propiciat més que previngut la conducció irresponsable i perillosa. En conseqüència, el número de morts i ferits en accidents de trànsit es tan important que es pot considerar que estem davant un autèntic problema de salut pública mundial. Els poders públics han promogut campanyes publicitàries a favor d'una conducció responsable, han invertit en educació vial, han millorat la xarxa de carreteres i han creat un sistema sancionador administratiu i penal per castigar les infraccions a les normes de trànsit. Els resultats obtinguts han estat positius, reduint-se la mortalitat en Espanya en més d'un 50%. No obstant això, davant la persistència del número d'accidents mortals o amb greus lesions, el legislador ha optat per incrementar el sistema punitiu, limitant principis constitucionals tan bàsics com són els de presumpció d'innocència o de defensa.

Lipid binding by the unique and SH3 domains of c-Src suggests a new regulation mechanism

c-Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in numerous signal transduction pathways. The kinase,SH3 and SH2 domains of c-Src are attached to the membrane-anchoring SH4 domain through the flexible Unique domain. Here we show intra- and intermolecular interactions involving the Unique and SH3 domains suggesting the presence of a previously unrecognized additional regulation layer in c-Src. We have characterized lipid binding by the Unique and SH3 domains, their intramolecular interaction and its allosteric modulation by a SH3-binding peptide or by Calcium-loaded calmodulin binding to the Unique domain. We also show reduced lipid binding following phosphorylation at conserved sites of the Unique domain. Finally, we show that injection of full-length c-Src with mutations that abolish lipid binding by the Unique domain causes a strong in vivo phenotype distinct from that of wild-type c-Src in a Xenopus oocyte model system, confirming the functional role of the Unique domain in c-Src regulation.

Mobile robot experimental modeling and control strategies using sensor fusion

This research work deals with the problem of modeling and design of low level speed controller for the mobile robot PRIM. The main objective is to develop an effective educational, and research tool. On one hand, the interests in using the open mobile platform PRIM consist in integrating several highly related subjects to the automatic control theory in an educational context, by embracing the subjects of communications, signal processing, sensor fusion and hardware design, amongst others. On the other hand, the idea is to implement useful navigation strategies such that the robot can be served as a mobile multimedia information point. It is in this context, when navigation strategies are oriented to goal achievement, that a local model predictive control is attained. Hence, such studies are presented as a very interesting control strategy in order to develop the future capabilities of the system. In this context the research developed includes the visual information as a meaningful source that allows detecting the obstacle position coordinates as well as planning the free obstacle trajectory that should be reached by the robot

Polychlorinated trityl radicals for dynamic nuclear polarization: the role of chlorine nuclei

Polychlorinated trityl radicals bearing carboxylate substituents are water soluble persistent radicals that can be used for dynamic nuclear polarization. In contrast to other trityl radicals, the polarization mechanism differs from the classical solid effect. DFT calculations performed to rationalize this behaviour support the hypothesis that polarization is transferred from the unpaired electron to chlorine nuclei and from these to carbon by spin diffusion. The marked differences observed between neutral and anionic forms of the radical will be discussed.

Long-lived States in an intrinsically disordered protein domain

Long-lived states (LLS) are relaxation-favoured eigenstates of J-coupled magnetic nuclei. LLS were measured, along with classical 1H and 15 N relaxation rate constants, in aminoacids of the N-terminal Unique domain of the c-Src kinase (USrc), which is disordered in vitro under physiological conditions. The relaxation rates of LLS are a probe for motions and interactions in biomolecules. LLS of the aliphatic protons of glycines, with lifetimes ca. four times longer than their spin-lattice relaxation times, are reported for the first time in an intrinsically disordered protein domain (IDP). LLS relaxation experiments were integrated with 2D spectroscopy methods, further adapting them for studies on proteins.

El programa Biodiversitat Micològica de les terres de Ponent. Notícia i primers resultats.

La tardor de 1994 ha presentat unes condicions molt favorables de pluviositat, humitat i temperatura, que han permès un estudi intensiu (59 excursions, 64 localitats) de la part occidental, baixa i seca, de Catalunya, de la qual es tenien molt poques dades micològiques. E1 catàleg preliminar que oferim, amb tot i l'absència de moltes espècies pendents d'estudi o confirmació, i també de les més eurioiques, considerades poc característiques, conté 170 espècies, i permet fer-se una idea de la flora fúngica xero-termòfila mediterrània, especialment, la de les brolles, pinedes i espais oberts. Al costat d'algunes espècies poc citades, com Eutryblidiella hysterina, Helvella villosa, Agaricus pilatianus, Amanita boudieri, Calyptella capula, Ceriporia bresadolae, Coprinus vosoustii, Henningsomyces puber, Hygrophorus carneogriseus, Marasmius corbariensis, Phellinus punctatus, Ramicola iberica, Skeletocutis percandida, Tulostoma nanum, T. occidentale, T. xerophilum, Typhula setipes, Xerocomus ichnusanus, d'altres han mostrat una abundància inusitada, com Mycocalicium minutellum, Amanita ovoidea, Clitocybe alexandrí, C. umbilicata, Entoloma rusticoides, Hebeloma edurum, Inocybe roseipes, Lepista rickenii, Lopharia spadicea, Omphalotus olearius, Phaeotellus rickenii, Polyporus meridionalis, Suillus bellinii, S. collinitus, Volvariella speciosa, Mucilago crustacea. És previst continuar les prospeccions, per a completar aquesta primera visió.

Valoració dels estudiants de l"assignatura"Visió literària de l'evolució de les cures infermeres"

L"adaptació de les titulacions universitàries a l"EEES (Espai Europeu d"Educació Superior)implica l"adequació de metodologies didàctiques que fan de l"estudiant el protagonista del seu propi aprenentatge. L"assignatura"Visió literària de l"evolució de les cures infermeres" és una optativa de segon curs de la diplomatura d"Infermeria a la universitat de Barcelona que ha incorporat les últimes tendències pedagògiques per fer, de la literatura, un recurs didàctic per aprendre la Història de la Infermeria. L"objectiu d"aquest estudi és recollir les valoracions obtingudes a través dels estudiants respecte el desenvolupament general de l"assignatura. Els resultats obtinguts evidencien un alt grau de satisfacció per part dels estudiants en relació a la globalitat d"aquesta assignatura.

First genome size estimations for some eudicot families and genera

First genome size estimations for some eudicot families and genera.- Genome size diversity in angiosperms varies roughly 2400-fold, although approximately 45% of angiosperm families lack a single genome size estimation, and therefore, this range could be enlarged. To contribute completing family and genera representation, DNA C-Values are here provided for 19 species from 16 eudicot families, including first values for 6 families, 14 genera and 17 species. The sample of species studied is very diverse, including herbs, weeds, vines, shrubs and trees. Data are discussed regarding previous genome size estimates of closely related species or genera, if any, their chromosome number, growth form or invasive behaviour. The present research contributes approximately 1.5% new values for previously unreported angiosperm families, being the current coverage around 55% of angiosperm families, according to the Plant DNA C-Values Database.

El Patrimoni cultural entre els criteris de sostenibilitat turística : col·laboració a la Carta Europea de Turisme Sostenible al Montseny

El present projecte té el seu origen en la proposta facilitada per l’Oficina del Parc Natural del Montseny en relació a les accions a portar a terme dins els compromisos de la Carta Europea de Turisme Sostenible (CETS) al Parc durant els anys 2011 – 2015. La Carta Europea de Turisme Sostenible és una acreditació que atorga la Federació EUROPARC als espais naturals protegits que demostren el seu compromís pràctic amb el turisme sostenible, definint una estratègia i un pla d’acció adaptats a les particularitats del territori. El Parc Natural del Montseny es situa entre les demarcacions de Girona i Barcelona i s’estén per les comarques del Vallès Oriental, la Selva i Osona. El Montseny és un espai singular dotat d’alts valors culturals i naturals reconeguts mitjançant la declaració d’importants figures de protecció (Parc Natural Reserva de la Biosfera per la UNESCO i Espai de la Xarxa Natura 2000). El cas de la Carta Europea de Turisme Sostenible al Parc Natural del Montseny supera els límits del Parc i inclou altres municipis limítrofs que compten amb característiques d’identificació amb els valors del massís

Tráfico y trata de personas en España

El objetivo de esta presentación es profundizar en los conceptos de tráfico y trata de personas. Comenzando en los años noventa, este documento señala la inconsistencia existente en las definiciones antes de 2000 y en los acuerdos alcanzados posteriormente para el desarrollo de definiciones operativas a partir de las cuáles realizar diagnósticos, articular sistemas de datos y desarrollar políticas de intervención. La segunda parte de la intervención se dirige a caracterizar cada uno de estos fenómenos y a subrayar las diferencias existentes entre ambos.