Cosmology and fundamental physics with the ELT-ANDES spectrograph.

State-of-the-art 19th century spectroscopy led to the discovery of quantum mechanics, and 20th century spectroscopy led to the confirmation of quantum electrodynamics. State-of-the-art 21st century astrophysical spectrographs, especially ANDES at ESO's ELT, have another opportunity to play a key role in the search for, and characterization of, the new physics which is known to be out there, waiting to be discovered. We rely on detailed simulations and forecast techniques to discuss four important examples of this point: big bang nucleosynthesis, the evolution of the cosmic microwave background temperature, tests of the universality of physical laws, and a real-time model-independent mapping of the expansion history of the universe (also known as the redshift drift).

Antioxidants into Nopal (), Important Inhibitors of Free Radicals' Formation.

Nopal () belonging to the Cactacea family has many nutritional benefits attributed to a wide variety of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Coumaric acid (COA), ferulic acid (FLA), protocatechuic acid (PRA), and gallic acid (GAA) are the phenolic acids (PhAs) present in nopal. In this study, the role of these PhAs in copper-induced oxidative stress was investigated using the density functional theory (DFT).

Maria Montessori: A complex and multifaceted historiographical subject.

The main goal of this essay is to outline the historiographical profile of Maria Montessori (1870 -1952), which has been subject to substantial investigation in recent years (Babini & Lama, 2000; De Giorgi, 2013; Foschi, 2012; Giovetti, 2009; Marazzi, 2000). These latest analyses have highlighted a previously unacknowledged complexity. The historiographical literature on Maria Montessori, her pedagogical method, and her experiences in different parts of the world is composed of numerous contributions characterized by different focuses and purposes.

Tailoring chiro-optical effects by helical nanowire arrangement.

In this work, we experimentally investigate the chiro-optical properties of 3D metallic helical systems at optical frequencies. Both single and triple-nanowire geometries have been studied. In particular, we found that in single-helical nanostructures, the enhancement of chiro-optical effects achievable by geometrical design is limited, especially with respect to the operation wavelength and the circular polarization conversion purity.

Cell dynamics in the correct control of bone metabolism using natural treatments.

The present study was undertaken in order to assess the efficacy of a commercial product containing calcium and silicon (Osteosil-Calcium) on cell metabolism. MG-63 osteblast-like cells were cultured in the presence of three different drug concentrations (10, 5 and 2.5 microg/mL).

Characterization of four tyrosine protein kinases from the particulate fraction of rat spleen.

Four distinct tyrosine protein kinases active on poly(Glu4,Tyr1) and angiotensin II, and operationally termed TPK-I, TPK-IIA, TPK-IIB and TPK-III have been resolved and partially purified from rat spleen particulate fraction by combining DEAE-Sepharose, heparin-Sepharose, phosphocellulose and polylysine-agarose chromatographies. Once partially purified all of them are free of Ser/Thr-specific protein kinase activity as judged using casein, histones, protamine and the peptide Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Val-Ala as substrates. TPK-I (apparent molecular mass 64 kDa, by gel filtration) and TPK-IIA (54 kDa) share several properties, including substrate specificity and stimulation by heparin; the latter however is much more responsive to polylysine then the former (10- and 3-fold maximum stimulation, respectively).