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This research is a two-dimensional analysis of the interaction effect in a group of piles socketed in a rock mass when studying the end-bearing capacity of the group. This problem was extensively studied for deep foundations in soils, but very little is published about foundations in rock. The study was conducted in 2D to establish the basis and criteria to analyze the problem, as well as understand the main factors and failure mechanisms involved when several piles work together in a foundation. The factors included in the analysis are, among others: the parameters of the rock mass, the pile embedment, and the pile separation. The research highlights shaft resistance as one of the key factors in the interaction. It proves that neglecting shaft resistance changes the interaction influence and the failure mechanism which may not be on the safe side. The research includes an analysis of the failure modes of different pile configurations using the discontinuity layout optimization (DLO) method, by taking advantage of the method's ability to show the wedge configuration at the failure. The minimum and maximum efficiencies are characterized in terms of the pile separation values, thereby proposing a procedure to obtain the absolute minimum efficiency of the group. A second procedure is also presented for the approximate prediction of the bearing capacity of the pile tip, for a group with a particular number of piles and properties, by considering the contribution of the corner piles and the intermediate piles. Highlights: The main contributions of our article to the field of geotechnical engineering are briefly enumerated in the following list: First-time evidence of the critical importance of considering the pile shaft resistance to address the bearing capacity of the tip of a pile in rock. First-time presentation of a comprehensive analysis of the different parameters influencing the group interaction effect for piles in rock. In-deep analysis of the collapse failure mechanisms of an end-bearing pile group embedded in rock using DLO. First-time identification of some new failure modes between interacting piles. Two simplified equations are proposed to approach the pile-group bearing capacity, including interaction effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a numerical model for aramid composites is experimentally validated in terms of permanent deformation, energy absorption and damage mechanisms for ballistic applications. Novel experimental and numerical results of non-perforating ballistic impacts with blunt projectiles are presented. The resistance forces and absorption energy by the specimen are measured for different impact velocities. A postmortem analysis of the failure mechanisms is performed using computed tomography and a profilometer device. The numerical model is used to analyze the influence of impactor mass and impact velocity below the ballistic limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calculation of the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on rock masses is usually addressed either using empirical equations, analytical solutions, or numerical models. While the empirical laws are limited to the particular conditions and local geology of the data and the application of analytical solutions is complex and limited by its simplified assumptions, numerical models offer a reliable solution for the task but require more computational effort. This research presents an artificial neural network (ANN) solution to predict the bearing capacity due to general shear failure more simply and straightforwardly, obtained from FLAC numerical calculations based on the Hoek and Brown criterion, reproducing more realistic configurations than those offered by empirical or analytical solutions. The inputs included in the proposed ANN are rock type, uniaxial compressive strength, geological strength index, foundation width, dilatancy, bidimensional or axisymmetric problem, the roughness of the foundation-rock contact, and consideration or not of the self-weight of the rock mass. The predictions from the ANN model are in very good agreement with the numerical results, proving that it can be successfully employed to provide a very accurate assessment of the bearing capacity in a simpler and more accessible way than the existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exigent requirements for personal protections in terms of energy absorption and ergonomics have led to increasing interest in bioinspired protections. This work focuses on the numerical analysis of ballistic behavior of different bioinspired geometries under impact loadings. Ceramic armors based on ganoid fish scales (the type exhibited by gars, bichirs and reedfishes), placoid fish scales (characterizing sharks and rays) and armadillo natural protection have been considered. Different impact conditions are studied, including perpendicular and oblique impacts to surface protection, different yaw angle, and multiple impacts. Main conclusion is related to the improved efficiency of modular armors against multiple shots exhibiting more localized damage and crack arrest properties. Moreover, its potential ergonomic is a promising characteristic justifying a deeper study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve predictions of the future of ecosystems in a changing world, it is necessary to consider fine-scale processes. We propose that for the Mediterranean region (a hotspot of climate change and biodiversity), there are three local processes that have often been overlooked in predictive models and that are key to understanding vegetation changes: rural abandonment that increases wildlands, population changes that boost fire ignitions, and coastal degradation that enhances drought. These processes are not directly driven by global warming and act in different directions (greening and browning). The current balance is still toward greening, because land abandonment is buffering the browning drivers; however, it is likely to switch with increasing warming. The challenge is to mitigate the browning processes. Given that climatic warming is not directly driving these processes, local management can make a difference in reducing the overall impact on the landscape and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Stab resistance is a crucial material property in the case of fabrics used in personal protection equipment due to the extensive occurrence of this threat. Personal Protection Equipments (PPE) are commonly based on woven aramids, where the stacking sequence is critical to improve the ratio between protection and weight. PPE should combine optimal penetration resistance with ergonomic requirements. This paper focuses on experimental characterisation of the stab protective efficiency of different architectures of aramid laminates. The influence of different stacking sequences, based on the combination of not treated (N) and thermoplastic aramids (TP), is analysed showing a significant influence of this factor. In the range of the impact energies analysed in this work, it can be concluded that the TP-N-TP sequence is the best choice for stabbing protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aramid composites are increasingly used alone or combined with other composites in structural and personal protections due to the current demand of these applications against ballistic or fragment hazards. Drilling is a common operation required prior to mechanical joining of components, however this operation has been poorly analyzed in the case of aramid composites. Drilling induced damage of this family of composites is analyzed in the present work considering the effect of the drill geometry and cutting parameters. Fuzzing was the dominant damage mechanism both at hole entry and exit being also found delamination in most cases. Drill geometry and feed were influential parameters on resultant composite damage. Main contribution of this work is the obtainment of phenomenological expressions derived from experimental data, allowing the prediction of damage extension as a function of cutting parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pylephlebitis or suppurative thrombophlebitis of the portal mesenteric venous system is a rare but deadly complication of abdominal infections drained by the portal venous system. Usually, it is seen in the setting of appendicitis and diverticulitis. The incidence have been increased in the last years because of the use of modern diagnosis imaging such as ultrasonography and computed tomography scans. The more sensitive imaging techniques and the availability of antibiotics have improve the prognosis, although there is not consensus about the empiric antibiotic regimens and the anticoagulation therapy is a controversial topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on helmet design for head protection under blast threats. It is presented a numerical investigation of the head response accruing to blast loads on helmet protective systems. Various combinations of the helmet, visor and mandible guard were numerically analyzed for a given mass of TNT at a distance to the target representing an anti-vehicle buried mine threat. Limited published articles on the subject are available in the scientific literature. In this paper, a 3D head–helmet numerical model for blast analyses is developed in the finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit. The results showed that individual protective systems are not effective enough to mitigate the damage caused by blast loading. The complete protective equipment reduces the pressures on the brain by up to 5 times and ensures that no fracture in the skull appears. This numerical study aims to provide helmet manufacturers and users with some insight in what possible brain injuries are to be expected in various blast scenarios so as to help in better diagnosis of unsuspected brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical characterization of an intraocular lens (IOL) provides objective and quantitative information that is essential to fully understand its performance as an implant that replaces the crystalline lens in the human visual system. Additionally, it can be used to predict the performance of the new IOL designs. This characterization has to be carried out using in vivo tests in implanted patients and in vitro, by means of an optical bench or theoretical simulations. This thesis begins with an analysis of the main sources of uncertainty in the calculation of the IOL power and explores the compensation of the residual refractive errors by using some unconventional degrees of freedom. The thesis focuses on the in vitro characterization of a variety of commercially available IOLs (monofocal, multifocal, spherical, aspherical, apodized, full-aperture, and of different materials, powers and additions) in optical bench. To this end, we have designed and implemented the necessary methods of measurement and an experimental setup that, according to the international standard regulation, reproduces the conditions of such implants in the human eye. We have developed a method to measure the energy efficiency of IOLs. This method has allowed us to explain the clinical results obtained in the evaluation of the stereoscopic acuity when using two tests based on different principles. The optical imaging quality of IOLs has been basically quantified through the experimental measurement of the modulation transfer function. We have developed and implemented a method to characterize some artefact, named halo, which can be perceived by those patients implanted with multifocal IOLs. Finally, all the experimental results have been used as a basis for the inter-class comparison of the IOL performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern designing process of combat helmets requires both numerical modeling and experimental validation in order to achieve exigent requirements combining impact resistance and reasonable weight. In this work a finite element model of a combat helmet is presented. Mechanical behaviour of the shell aramid composite under impact conditions was analyzed from experimental Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) and Full-Metal Jacketed (FMJ) impact tests on aramid flat plates. Numerical modeling based on finite elements method was used to simulate both impacts in simple plates of the composite and also the simulation of ballistic impact involving real ammunition and the complex geometry of the helmet including inner foam. Experimental work involving impact tests on composite plates and also ballistic test on the helmet with a dummy provided real data for comparison with models predictions and proved the accuracy of the numerical models developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid structures composed of multi-layer sheets of polymers and metals offer a great potential for impact protection systems in automotive and aeronautics industries. This work presents an experimental and numerical investigation on the perforation behaviour of layered polymer/metal composites. Penetration tests have been conducted on sandwich panels of aluminium 2024-T3 skins and polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cores, using spherical projectiles. The perforation experiment covered impact velocities in the range 250–500 m/s. The initial and residual velocities of the projectile were measured, and the ballistic limit velocity was obtained. The impact mechanical behaviour of PEEK core is compared with Ti6Al4V titanium core, for the same areal density of protection. It has been shown high perforation efficiency of PEEK polymer and a promised application for aeronautical protections. A numerical modelling is presented and validated with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Field meteorological data collected in several European Commission projects (from 1974 to 2011) were re-analysed in the context of a perceived reduction in summer storms around the Western Mediterranean Basin (WMB). The findings reveal some hitherto overlooked processes that raise questions about direct impacts on European hydrological cycles, e.g., extreme hydrometeorological events, and about the role of feedbacks on climate models and climate predictions. For instance, the summer storms are affected by land-use changes along the coasts and mountain slopes. Their loss triggers a chain of events that leads to an Accumulation Mode (AM) where water vapour and air pollutants (ozone) become stacked in layers, up to 4000(+) m, over the WMB. The AM cycle can last 3–5 consecutive days, and recur several times each month from mid May to late August. At the end of each cycle the accumulated water vapour can feed V b track events and generate intense rainfall and summer floods in Central Europe. Venting out of the water vapour that should have precipitated within the WMB increases the salinity of the sea and affects the Atlantic-Mediterranean Salinity valve at Gibraltar. This, in turn, can alter the tracks of Atlantic Depressions and their frontal systems over Atlantic Europe. Another effect is the greenhouse heating by water vapour and photo-oxidants (e.g., O 3 ) when layered over the Basin during the AM cycle. This increases the Sea Surface Temperature (SST), and the higher SST intensifies torrential rain events over the Mediterranean coasts in autumn. All these processes raise research questions that must be addressed to improve the meteorological forecasting of extreme events, as well as climate model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutting operations in bone are involved in surgical treatments in orthopaedics and traumatology. The importance of guaranteeing the absence of damage in the living workpiece is equivalent in this case to ensuring surface quality. The knowledge in this field is really far from the expertise in industrial cutting of mechanical components. Modeling of bone cutting is a challenge strongly dependent on the accurate modeling of mechanical behaviour of the bone. This paper focuses on modeling of orthogonal cutting of cortical bone. The intrinsic anisotropic nature of the cortical bone that makes it comparable to a composite material is taken into account. The influence of anisotropy is analysed comparing this behaviour with an isotropic approach. It is shown that both chip morphology and temperature are affected by the anisotropy of the cortical bone that acts as a workpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the perforation behaviour of 5754-H111 and 6082-T6 aluminium alloys. The mechanical response of these materials has been characterized in compression with strain rates in the range of $10^{-3}~s^{-1} < \dot {\varepsilon } < 5 \cdot 10^{3}~s^{-1}$. Moreover, penetration tests have been conducted on 5754-H111 and 6082-T6 plates of $4~mm$ thickness using conical, hemispherical and blunt projectiles. The perforation experiments covered impact velocities in the range of $50~m/s < V_{0} < 200~m/s$. The initial and residual velocities of the projectile were measured and the ballistic limit velocity obtained for the two aluminium alloys for the different nose shapes. Failure mode and post-mortem deflection of the plates have been examined and the perforation mechanisms associated to each projectile/target configuration investigated. It has been shown that the energy absorption capacity of the impacted plates is the result of the collective role played by target material behaviour, projectile nose shape and impact velocity in the penetration mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, treatment options for patients with strokes with unknown time of onset (UKO) remain limited. With the advance of neuroimaging and endovascular treatment (EVT), selected patients might have a chance of a therapeutic option. We sought to compare clinical outcome after EVT in patients with known time of stroke onset (KO) and in those with UKO. Methods: We prospectively registered consecutive patients with acute large artery occlusion of the anterior territory who underwent EVT. Multimodal MR or Alberta Stroke Program early CT score (ASPECTS) and transcranial color-coded Duplex sonography were used to select patients for EVT. Recanalization, periprocedural complications, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and outcome were recorded. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) was defined as a worsening of ≥4 points in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score within 36 h in any bleeding. Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin score ≤2 at 3 months. Results: A total of 141 patients were studied, 109 with KO and 32 with UKO. Mean age was 66.5 versus 64.7 years (p = 0.005) and median baseline NIHSS was 18 versus 17 (p = 0.095), respectively. Prior IV tPA was more frequently administered to KO patients (62.4 vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001), whereas patient selection using multimodal MR was more frequent in patients with UKO (78.1 vs. 45.4%, p < 0.001). Median time from stroke onset or from the last time the patient was seen well to groin puncture and to recanalization was significantly longer in patients with UKO, but no differences were found in the duration of the procedure. For KO/UKO patients recanalization was seen in 77.1 vs. 65.7% (p = 0.084), sICH occurred in 10 versus 0% (p = 0.061) and favorable outcome at 3 months was achieved in 41.3 versus 50% (p = 0.382), respectively. Conclusions: Clinical outcomes in this series of EVT in ischemic stroke patients due to large anterior arterial occlusion with salvageable brain are similar for patients treated with KO and UKO. These data support a randomized study of EVT in extended or uncertain time windows. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competition between adult males for limited resources such as food and receptive females is shaped by the male pattern of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion that determines body size and the production of urinary pheromones involved in male-to-male aggression. In the brain, dopamine (DA) provides incentive salience to stimuli that predict the availability of food and sexual partners. Although the importance of the GH axis and central DA neurotransmission in social dominance and fitness is clearly appreciated, the two systems have always been studied unconnectedly. Here we conducted a cell-specific genetic dissection study in conditional mutant mice that selectively lack DA D2 receptors (D2R) from pituitary lactotropes (lacDrd2KO) or neurons (neuroDrd2KO). Whereas lacDrd2KO mice developed a normal GH axis, neuroDrd2KOmice displayed fewer somatotropes; reduced hypothalamic Ghrh expression, pituitary GH content, and serum IGF-I levels; and exhibited reduced body size and weight. As a consequence of a GH axis deficit, neuroDrd2KO adult males excreted low levels of major urinary proteins and their urine failed to promote aggression and territorial behavior in control male challengers, in contrast to the urine taken from control adult males. These findings reveal that central D2Rs mediate a neuroendocrine-exocrine cascade that controls the maturation of the GH axis and downstream signals that are critical for fitness, social dominance, and competition between adult males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose To test whether time to recanalization is associated with a progressive risk of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage ( SICH) after intravenous alteplase ( IVT), we conducted a serial transcranial duplex monitoring study up to 24 h after IVT in a cohort of 140 patients with acute ischaemic stroke attributed to large artery occlusion in the anterior circulation. Methods Patients were classified in four groups according to the time to complete recanalization (Thrombolysis in Brain Ischaemia, TIBI grades 4 or 5) after alteplase bolus: <2 h ( n = 53), 2-6 h ( n = 9), 6-24 h ( n = 32) and no recanalization ( NR) at 24 h ( n = 46). SICH was defined as any haemorrhagic transformation with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale ( NIHSS) score worsening ≥4 points (European Australian Acute Stroke Study II, ECASS II criteria) or parenchymal haematoma type 2 with neurological worsening ( SITS- MOST criteria) in the 24-36 h CT. Favourable outcome was defined as modified Rankin score ≤2 at 3 months. Results There were no differences between the groups of patients who recanalized at each time frame regarding localization of the occlusion ( P = 0.29), stroke severity at baseline ( P = 0.22) and age ( P = 0.06). SICH ( ECASS/ SITS- MOST) was observed in 5.7%/5.7% of the patients who recanalized in <2 h, in 0%/0% of the patients who recanalized between 2-6 h, in 3.1%/3.1% of the patients who recanalized within 6-24 h and in 2.2%/0% of those patients who did not recanalize at 24 h. The rate of favourable outcome according to the time of recanalization was 79.2%, 50%, 46.9% and 34.1% ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings are in line with the literature showing a relationship between time to recanalization and functional outcome after IVT in acute stroke, but they do not confirm a progressive increase in the rate of SICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The long-term recurrence rate of fibrin glue treatment was analysed in patients with trans-sphincteric cryptoglandular fistula operated by a two-phase procedure: (i) fistulectomy with seton placement; (ii) fibrin sealant (Tissucol Duo®, Baxter) insertion in the track. Method Clinical data were collected prospectively for all patients operated between 2004 and 2010. The statistical association of clinical variables and recurrence was analysed and a disease-free curve was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Twenty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 48.3 ± 13.3 years; 22 men) were enrolled in the study. Middle and high trans-sphincteric fistulae were diagnosed in 20 (71.4%) and eight (28.6%) patients. Seven (25%) had secondary track formation. The mean interval between the first operation and the fibrin sealant treatment was 12.5 ± 7.6 months. There were no complications related to the procedure. Nine (32.1%, 95% CI 17.9-50.7%) patients developed recurrence between 3 and 27 months after fibrin sealant treatment. Disease-free curves showed that the highest probability of recurrence occurred in the first 2 years. No incontinence was found at a mean follow-up of 20.6 (3-60) months among the 67.8% patients with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion Fibrin sealant is safe and simple. The healing rate is satisfactory without the risk of incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work a dislocation-based constitutive description for modeling the thermo-viscoplastic behavior of FCC metals has been developed. The constitutive description, which is founded on the concepts of thermal activation analysis and dislocation dynamics, assumes the plastic flow additively decomposed into internal stress and effective stress. The internal stress represents the applied stress required for the transmission of plastic flow between the polycrystal grains and it is defined by the Hall–Petch relationship. The effective stress formulation, which is the main innovative feature of this work, represents the thermally activated deformation behavior. This is defined taking into account the interrelationship between strain rate and temperature, and gathers structural evolution dependence. This structural evolution is described as a function of dislocations density, which acts as internal state variable in the material deformation behavior. A systematic procedure for identification of the material parameters is developed and the model is applied to define the behavior of annealed OFHC copper. The analytical predictions of the constitutive description are compared with the experimental data reported by Nemat-Nasser and Li (Nemat-Nasser, S., Li, Y., (1998). Flow stress of FCC polycrystals with application to OFHC Copper. Acta Mater. 46, 565–577). Good correlation between experiments and analytical predictions is found within wide ranges of strain rate and temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Instantaneous growth approximation is based on the fact that the time required by a new nucleus to reach its saturation size is negligible in comparison with the time required for the whole crystallization process. This approximation has been applied to analyze the kinetics of the nanocrystallization process of Co60Fe18−x Mn x Nb6B16 (x =0 and 4) alloys. Direct application of JMAK theory leads to divergences at very high transformed fractions. Although this divergence could be due to some artifacts, it can also be solved after a reinterpretation of the geometrical impingement effect on nanocrystalline systems. A modified Arrhenius relationship can be used for a general description of the double dependency of nucleation rate on the transformed fraction (only through the local activation energy) and the temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pre-treatment with antiplatelet agents (AP) is present amongst 30% of acute stroke patients. Previous studies have shown conflicting results on the effect of these drugs regarding haemorrhagic transformation after thrombolytic therapy. The hypothesis that pre-treatment with AP may increase the risk of cerebral haemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was assessed. Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive prospectively registered patients with acute ischaemic stroke treated with iv tPA ( n = 235) in the last 5 years. Baseline characteristics and prior AP therapy were registered on admission. Computed tomography (CT) scan was performed on admission and 24–36 h after tPA. ICH was classified according to the ECASS II criteria into haemorrhagic infarction and parenchymal haematoma (PH). Symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) was defined as a worsening of ≥ 4 points in the NIHSS score during the first 36 h in any haemorrhage subtype. Results: Seventy-two (30.6%) patients were pre-treated with AP (55 aspirin, 14 clopidogrel, 2 aspirin + clopidogrel, 1 triflusal). PH was observed in 33 (14.1%) patients (PH1 13, PH2 12, PHr 8) of whom 16 were symptomatic. Male gender (78.8% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.036), prior AP therapy (54.5% vs. 26.9%, P = 0.001), stroke severity (median NIHSS, 17 vs. 12, P = 0.005) and early CT signs of infarction (12.5% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.004) were associated with PH. The adjusted odds ratios of PH for patients pre-treated with AP therapy was 3.5 (1.5–7.8, P = 0.002) and for SICH 1.9 (0.6–5.9, P = 0.2). Conclusions: Pre-treatment with AP is associated with an increased risk of PH after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Influence of Mn addition on the microstructure and hyperfine parameters of amorphous and nanocrystalline Co60(FeMn)18Nb6B16 alloys has been studied. Although Mn addition does not yield significant differences in crystallization kinetics and in the phases formed after each transformation, it seriously affects the partitioning of Co during nanocrystallization. Whereas for Mn free alloy Co is homogeneously distributed throughout the amorphous matrix and the nanocrystals, in Mn containing alloy Co is enriched in the α-FeCo nanocrystals. This fact prevents the exhaustion in Fe of the amorphous matrix and the crystalline volume fraction achieved at the end of nanocrystallization in the case of Mn containing alloy is ∼20% higher than in the Mn free alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the relationship between body temperature (BT), arterial recanalization, functional outcome, and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of cerebral infarction in patients treated with i.v. tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Methods: We studied 254 patients treated with tPA within 3 h from stroke onset. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, BT, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound ( n = 99) on admission and at 24 h were recorded. Hypodensity volume and HT were evaluated on CT at 24–36 h. Poor outcome (Rankin Scale > 2) was evaluated at 3 months. Results: Arterial recanalization at 24 h was found in 70.7% of patients, HT in 24.8% (symptomatic in 4.7%) and poor outcome in 44.1%. Baseline BT was not associated with greater stroke severity at admission or at 24 h, HT or poor outcome. However, BT at 24 h correlated to stroke severity ( P < 0.001) and hypodensity volume ( P < 0.001) at 24 h, and was higher in patients who did not recanalize ( P = 0.001), had symptomatic HT ( P = 0.063) and poor outcome ( P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio of poor outcome for patients with BT at 24 h ≥ 37°C was 2.56 (1.19–5.50, P = 0.016). Conclusion: Body temperature ≥37°C at 24 h, but not at baseline, is associated with a lack of recanalization, greater hypodensity volume and worse outcome in stroke patients treated with tPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By simulating the evolution of the actual power input observed in shake flasks it was possible to produce, in a fermentor, alginates having a very similar mean molecular mass (1700kDa) to that obtained in the cultures developed in shake flasks (1800kDa). Similar profiles of dissolved oxygen tension and oxygen transfer rate could be the reason. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A procedure to optimize the isothermal calorimetric data of very slow transformation processes of metastable systems is proposed. The method uses an experimental baseline to identify the transitory effects due to the equipment. Moreover, the combined use of isothermal and non-isothermal results is shown to be effective in overcoming the intrinsic problems of low signal and signal drift for such processes. The procedure has been applied to the analysis of the nanocrystallization kinetics of the Fe60Co18Nb6B16 alloy at different devitrification stages. Based on microstructural observations, an instantaneous growth approach was assumed and a phenomenological expression of the dependence of the nucleation frequency with both the transformed fraction and the temperature was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the theoretical response of YBaCuO in presence of microwave radiation is studied, by means the microwave absorption model in a swept magnetic field. The obtained results from the model fitted with those experimental results found in the literature for the YBaCuO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last half of the twentieth century, the precipitation regime on the Spanish east coast showed an overall pattern of reduction in precipitation totals. This work presents the results from a novel procedure to disaggregate the precipitation series in the Valencia region on the basis of their meteorological origin. Important differences are found between specific trends and changes in the contributions from 1) Atlantic frontal systems, 2) convective–orographic storms, and 3) easterly advections over the Mediterranean Sea (backdoor cold fronts). The series for the three components are then used to analyze the evolution, variability, and spatial distribution of the region’s rainfall and to determine the correlations with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. The results establish significant differences between inland areas, with a trend toward decreasing precipitation and thus increasing aridity, and coastal areas, with increasing precipitation that tends to be progressively more torrential in nature. Likewise, the correlations with the NAO index also change and show opposite signs for the different components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesometeorological information obtained in several research projects in southern Europe has been used to analyze perceived changes in the western Mediterranean summer storm regime. A procedure was developed to disaggregate daily precipitation data into three main components: frontal precipitation, summer storms, and Mediterranean cyclogenesis. Working hypotheses were derived on the likely processes involved. The results indicate that the precipitation regime in this Mediterranean region is very sensitive to variations in surface airmass temperature and moisture. Land-use perturbations that accumulated over historical time and greatly accelerated in the last 30 yr may have induced changes from an open, monsoon-type regime with frequent summer storms over the mountains inland to one dominated by closed vertical recirculations where feedback mechanisms favor the loss of storms over the coastal mountains and additional heating of the sea surface temperature during summer. This, in turn, favors Mediterranean cyclogenesis and torrential rains in autumn–winter. Because these intense rains and floods can occur anywhere in the basin, perturbations to the hydrological cycle in any part of the basin can propagate to the whole basin and adjacent regions. Furthermore, present levels of air pollutants can produce greenhouse heating, amplifying the perturbations and pushing the system over critical threshold levels. The questions raised are relevant for the new European Union (EU) water policies in southern Europe and for other regions dominated by monsoon-type weather systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and mortality of the snail Astraea undosa were estimated based on the age determination of 1034 opercula obtained from 34,969 organisms sampled in five fishing areas off the west coast of Baja California Sur (Mexico), during 1997 and 1998. No significant differences were detected in the sizes of each sex and age groups of 0 to 12 yearswere determined. To describe the growth pattern, the von Bertalanffygrowth model was fitted to size-age data per fishing area and the following growth parameters were obtained: Linfinity = 167.8to 175.1 mm basal diameter, K = 0.08 to 0.10 mm/year and to = -l.7 to -l.2 years. The growth pattern was similar among areas in agreement with the performance index, Theta'. However, a north-south size-age latitudinal gradient was observed; the largest sizes per age were observed at Isla Natividad. The natural mortality was 0.29 per year. The total mortality rate per area varied from 0.43 to 0.90 per year and the exploitation rate from 0.11 to 0.40 per year. The results indicate that the fishery sustains appropriate exploitation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powering electrochemical technologies with renewable energies is a promising way to get more sustainable environmental remediation techniques. However, the operational conditions of those processes must be optimized to undergo fast and efficient treatments. In this work, the influence of electrical and hydraulic connections in the performance of a set of two electrolyzers directly powered by photovoltaic panels was evaluated. Despite both electrolyzers were assembled using the same electrode material, they showed different performances. Results indicate that the electrolyzer with higher ohmic resistance and higher overpotential attained a greater production of oxidant species, being produced under the most efficient strategy around 4.8 and 15.1 mmol of oxidants per Ah by electrolyzer 1 and 2, respectively. Nevertheless, an excess of oxidant production because of an inefficient energy management, led to low removal efficiencies as a consequence of a waste of energy into undesirable reactions. Regarding the hydraulic distribution of wastewater between the cells, it was found to influence on the total remediation attained, being the serial connection 2.5 and 1.8 more efficient than a parallel wastewater distribution under series and parallel electrical strategies, respectively. Regarding electrical strategies, parallel connections maximize the use of power produced by the photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, this allows the system to work under lower current densities, reducing the mass transfer limitations. Considering both advantages, a hydraulic connection of the cells in series and an electrical connection in parallel was found to reach the highest specific removal of pollutant, 2.52 mg clopyralid (Wh)-1. Conversely, the opposite strategy (parallel hydraulic connection-series electrical connection) showed the lowest remediation ratio, 0.48 mg clopyralid (Wh)-1. These results are important to be considered in the design of electrolytic treatments of waste directly powered by photovoltaic panels, because they show the way to optimize the cells stack layout in full-scale applications, exhibiting significant impact on the sustainability of the electrochemical application. • The higher is the ohmic resistance, the higher is production of oxidant species. • Series hydraulic strategy attains higher hydraulic retention times and efficiencies. • Electrical parallel connection strategy attains the highest efficiencies. • More than 4 times improvement in the specific removal of pollutants attainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the meteorological processes relevant to forest fire dynamics on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Background on the geographical and meteorological settings in the Mediterranean basin; Indications from data and modeling results obtained within European Commission projects in southern Europe.

Abstract: Specific heat at constant pressure, C P , was measured on amorphous and nanocrystalline Al88Y5Ni5Co2 alloys from differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Linear behavior of C P versus temperature from 323 to 423K is explained by conduction electrons contribution and dilatation correction factor. Results indicate that the Fermi energy increases as nanocrystallization progresses, although the estimated values are clearly lower than those found for crystalline Al. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Specific heat at constant pressure, CP , was measured on amorphous, nanocrystalline and fully crystalline samples of Fe60Co18Nb6B16 alloy. Magnetic and calorimetric measurements agree, describing a continuously decreasing Curie temperature of the amorphous phase. A clear enhancement of CP over the Dulong–Pettit limit has been observed (from 14% to 25 %). Part of the enhancement is due to magnetic (mainly amorphous phase) and electronic contributions, although an excess volume can be inferred from the high value of the slope of CP versus temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The electro-kinetic remediation of soils using different powering strategies has been studied, in order to clarify which is the best strategy to couple solar powering with this remediation technology, in a context of developing more sustainable electrochemical remediation technologies. Direct powering from photovoltaic panels (Case a), application of constant electric fields with the same average value of Case a (Case b) and application of constant specific power with the same average value of Case a (Case c) have been compared. Results show an outstanding influence of the powering strategy on the removal efficiency of clopyralid (model of herbicide used in this work). The direct use of solar power profiles obtained the lowest removal efficiencies, which contrasts with the higher expected sustainability of this powering strategy. Reversion of pollutant transport overnight and extreme electric field values at noon help to explain the lower efficiency of this strategy. Evaporation mechanisms are promoted by operating at extreme large electric fields. In addition, harsher conditions lead to a higher negative soil affectation in terms of regions affected by extreme pHs, water contents and/or conductivities and to lower specific pollutant removals. Therefore, maximum efficiencies were found for Case b (constant electric potential gradient) with a total removal over 110 g kWh−1 and only a slight affectation into the final soil properties. Image 1 • Three different strategies for powering EK soil remediation were tested. • Reversion of pollutant transport overnight makes direct PV powering not efficient. • The higher is the electric field applied, the higher is the volatilization of pollutants. • Maximum efficiencies are attained at mild constant electric potential gradients. • The higher is the electric field, the higher is the negative affectation of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have been studied in recent years because of their potential application in the fabrication of high efficiency solar cells. One of the disadvantages of these compounds is the chemical instability to environmental conditions. In the present work, thin films of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 were obtained from a single-step deposition of a 1 M solution of the precursors in N–N dimethylformamide; the substrate was chemically treated glass. Tetragonal symmetry was determined by X-ray diffraction, this technique allowed us to monitoring the stability of the compound. Thin films were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy, showing a morphology based on needles formed of grains with approximately 150 nm, which are covering about 90% of the substrate surface. Finally, by means of absorbance measurements in the UV–Vis region, a direct gap of 1.54 eV was obtained. This value is considered ideal for hybrid perovskites. • Hybrid perovskite obtained through a one-step deposition. • Tetragonal symmetry determined by XRD on thin films of hybrid perovskite. • Direct bandgap of 1.56 eV, calculated from UV-Vis measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly versatile software tool able to predict and manage the solar power coming from photovoltaic panels and to assess the environmental remediation of wastewater effluents has been developed. The prediction software tool is made up of four modules. The first one predicts the solar radiation by a phenomenological model. Secondly, an energy optimization algorithm manages the solar power towards the third and fourth modules, an environmental remediation treatment (electrooxidation) and an energy storage system (redox flow battery), respectively. The software tool is aimed to the best solar power management to obtain the highest remediation treatment. Results shows a daily solar radiation prediction with a high accuracy, attaining correlation coefficients of 0.89. Furthermore, the prediction of the removal of an organochlorinated compound from a wastewater effluent at different time of the year was studied. Different percentages of the total solar power are sent directly to the electrooxidation reactor and to the redox flow battery. At non-solar production hours, the electrooxidation reactor is powered by the redox flow battery in order to exploit the total solar power produced. The results show that, the higher the solar radiation, the higher the power percentage that must be directly sent to the electrooxidation treatment in order to attain the best energy management and the higher remediation. Thus, an 82.5% of the total solar power must be sent to the electrooxidation treatment in summer days in contrast to the 25% that have to be powered in winter days to attain the highest removal of pollutant. Consequently, it is important to evaluate the connection between devices to get the best green energy management and the lower energy losses. • Novel and versatile model to predict environmental remediations has been developed. • Prediction of organochlorinated compound removal by solar powered electrolysis. • An easy and versatile renewable energy management tool (REMT) has been developed. • The REMT indicates that is better supply energy to battery in winter than in summer. • Software tool is aim to the best solar power management to attain the highest remediation treatment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the ballistic performance of aramid composite combat helmet commonly worn by military and security corps, against small projectiles threat. We propose a numerical finite element model for aramid composite protections, considering a multi-layer architecture, able to predict its ballistic behaviour and damage extension. The aim is determining the minimum number of layers required for a correct protection against a given ballistic thread. The constitutive aramid behaviour has been calibrated by means of experimental tests with FSP (Fragment Simulate Projectiles) projectiles and steel spheres on aramid flat plates. Once calibrated, a predictive numerical model of the helmet against different small projectiles and impacted localisations was developed and compared with experimental tests performed in the real head protection. The results calculated for the absorbed impact energy by the helmet and the induced damage due to small projectiles at different impact location, are in good agreement with experimental results and postmortem helmet analysis, validating the proposed numerical model. The numerical model is thus validated for the design of optimized head protections based on aramid composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the college classroom, student state motivation can be influenced by many factors, being one of them students' perceptions of teachers' behaviors. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the State Motivation Scale (Christophel, 1990) in a sample of university students. The participants were 344 students from the University of Seville. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the unifactorial structure proposed in the original model. Invariance across gender was found and evidence of concurrent validity with teacher credibility. It is concluded that the State Motivation Scale has appropriate psychometric properties to measure state motivation in Spanish-speaking university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Incisional hernia (IH) continues to be one of the most common complications of laparotomy. The short-term protective effect of the use of mesh has been demonstrated in several studies. At present, there is little evidence on the long-term results of the prophylactic use of mesh. The aim of the present study is to analyze the long-term prevention of IH 5 years after a midline laparotomy during elective surgery.Methods: A prospective study was performed including all of the 160 patients that had been previously included in the prospective, randomized, controlled trial performed between May 2009 and November 2012. The protocol and results at 1 year have been previously published in 2014. The patients in group A (mesh) were fitted with a polypropylene mesh to reinforce the standard abdominal wall closure. The patients in group B (non-mesh) underwent a standard abdominal wall closure and were not fitted with the mesh. All patients were followed for 5 years or until the diagnosis of incisional hernia was made, further surgery was performed, or the patient died. Cases lost to follow-up were also registered.Results: Five years after surgery, in group A (mesh) we have found 4/80 (5.1%) incisional hernias, while in group B (no mesh) 37/80 patients were diagnosed with an incisional hernia (46.8%). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves for these results show statistically significant differences (p > 0.001).Conclusion: The protective effect of the use of an onlay mesh in abdominal wall closure is significantly maintained in the long-term, up to 5 years after surgery. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial number: ISRCTN98336745. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HER2DX genomic test predicts pathological complete response (pCR) and survival outcome in early-stage HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. Here, we evaluated the association of HER2DX scores with (i) pCR according to hormone receptor status and various treatment regimens, and (ii) survival outcome according to pCR status. Seven neoadjuvant cohorts with HER2DX and clinical individual patient data were evaluated (DAPHNe, GOM-HGUGM-2018-05, CALGB-40601, ISPY-2, BiOnHER, NEOHER and PAMELA). All patients were treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab (n = 765) in combination with pertuzumab (n = 328), lapatinib (n = 187) or without a second anti-HER2 drug (n = 250). Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes were available in a combined series of 268 patients (i.e. NEOHER and PAMELA) with a pCR (n = 118) and without a pCR (n = 150). Cox models were adjusted to evaluate whether HER2DX can identify patients with low or high risk beyond pCR status. HER2DX pCR score was significantly associated with pCR in all patients [odds ratio (OR) per 10-unit increase = 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.43-1.77; area under the ROC curve = 0.75], with or without dual HER2 blockade. A statistically significant increase in pCR rate due to dual HER2 blockade over trastuzumab-only was observed in HER2DX pCR-high tumors treated with chemotherapy (OR = 2.36 (1.09-5.42). A statistically significant increase in pCR rate due to multi-agent chemotherapy over a single taxane was observed in HER2DX pCR-medium tumors treated with dual HER2 blockade (OR = 3.11, 1.54-6.49). The pCR rates in HER2DX pCR-low tumors were ≤30.0% regardless of treatment administered. After adjusting by pCR status, patients identified as HER2DX low-risk had better EFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.006) compared with patients with HER2DX high-risk. HER2DX pCR score and risk score might help identify ideal candidates to receive neoadjuvant dual HER2 blockade in combination with a single taxane in early-stage HER2+ breast cancer. • Seven neoadjuvant cohorts with HER2DX and clinical individual patient data were evaluated (n = 765). • HER2DX pCR score was found to be significantly associated with pCR in all patients. • HER2DX identify patients who benefit more from dual HER2 blockade. • HER2DX identify patients who benefit more from multi-agent chemotherapy over single taxane. • HER2DX risk score identify patients with lower risk of recurrence irrespective of pCR status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different compositional modifications on the magnetic entropy change and refrigerant capacity of Finemet, Nanoperm, HiTperm, and bulk amorphous alloys is presented. For all the studied alloys, the field dependence of the magnetic entropy change exhibits a quadratic dependence in the paramagnetic regime, a linear dependence in the ferromagnetic temperature range, and a potential law with a field exponent ∼0.75 at the Curie temperature. This exponent can be explained using the critical exponents of the Curie transition. It is shown that for alloys of similar compositional series, the magnetic entropy change follows a master curve behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the natural frequency of vibration and Bulk modulus under hydrostatic pressure conditions of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes are investigated. For this purpose, three-dimensional finite element modelling is used in order to evaluate the vibration characteristics and radial stiffness for different nanotube and fullerene sizes. The atomistic method implemented in this work is based on the notion that nanotubes, or fullerenes, are geometrical frame-like structures where the primary bonds between two neighbouring atoms act like load-bearing beam members, whereas an individual atom acts as the joint of the related load-bearing system. The current numerical simulations results are compared with data reported by other authors, highlighting the greater simplicity and the lower computational cost of the model implemented in this work compared to other molecular dynamics models, maintaining accuracy in the results provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal fundus cameras suffer from dust particles attaching to the sensor and lens, which manifest as small artifacts on the images. We propose a new strategy for the detection and removal of dust particle artifacts in retinal images. We consider as input two or more color fundus images acquired within the same session, in which we assume the artifacts remain in the same position. Our method consists in detecting candidate artifacts via normalized cross correlation with an artifact template, performing segmentation via region growing, and comparing the segmentations in all images. This guarantees that all detections are consistent for all images. The removal stage consists in an inpainting procedure so that the new region does not stand out from the neighboring regions. Encouraging experimental results show the localization of artifacts is effective and the artifacts are successfully removed, while not introducing new artifacts in the color retinal images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the response of bovine embryos fertilized in vitroto a tumor dog cell- conditioned TCM-199 culture medium used in the development stage. Two hundred ninety-five oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries were cultured in groups of 20 cells at 39°C in TCM-199 medium droplets with 20% estrous cow serum (ECS) for 24h in a humid atmosphere containing 5% CO2. After incubation, these oocytes were fertilized with a 1 × 106sperm cell dose, previously capacitated by a 1-h incubation in SP-TALP medium under usual conditions, by incubation in small petri dishes with 1 mL of Fert-TALP medium for 24 h under the conditions described previously. Alleged fertilized oocytes were randomly separated into 2 groups. A control group (n= 144) was cultured in TCM-199 medium with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and the other (n= 151) was cultured in TCM-199 medium previously conditioned by incubation for 72 h with 1 × 106cells of a complex adenocarcinoma grade 1 obtained from a 6-year-old boxer dog and sterilized by filtration with 0.2-(im membrane. After 72 h of culture, the zygotes were harvested and prepared for a quick microscope observation. Alleged zygotes were classified as “not fertilized,” “divided,” or “degenerated.” Statistical differences (P< 0.01) were found among both groups with a greater number of normal divided embryos (65.2%) in the conditioned medium group and a lower number (30.4%) in the control group. The number of normal divided embryos in the conditioned medium after 72 h of incubation was similar to that achieved by current methods. These preliminary results are consistent with results obtained by other researchers in which growth factors derived from established cell lines can be used to condition culture medium for in vitrobovine embryo development. Further studies will be necessary to clarify how these factors contribute to in vitroembryo development. Spanish Retinta Breed Asociation, Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proteomic and exometabolomic study was conducted on Saccharomyces cerevisiae flor yeast strain growing under biofilm formation condition (BFC) with ethanol and glycerol as carbon sources and results were compared with those obtained under no biofilm formation condition (NBFC) containing glucose as carbon source. By using modern techniques, OFFGEL fractionator and LTQ-Orbitrap for proteome and SBSE-TD-GC-MS for metabolite analysis, we quantified 84 proteins including 33 directly involved in the metabolism of glycerol, ethanol and 17 aroma compounds. Contents in acetaldehyde, acetic acid, decanoic acid, 1,1-diethoxyethane, benzaldehyde and 2-phenethyl acetate, changed above their odor thresholds under BFC, and those of decanoic acid, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate and isoamyl acetate under NBFC. Of the twenty proteins involved in the metabolism of ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, 1,1-diethoxyethane, benzaldehyde, organic acids and ethyl esters, only Adh2p, Ald4p, Cys4p, Fas3p, Met2p and Plb1p were detected under BFC and as many Acs2p, Ald3p, Cem1p, Ilv2p, Ilv6p and Pox1p, only under NBFC. Of the eight proteins involved in glycerol metabolism, Gut2p was detected only under BFC while Pgs1p and Rhr2p were under NBFC. Finally, of the five proteins involved in the metabolism of higher alcohols, Thi3p was present under BFC, and Aro8p and Bat2p were under NBFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]