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Granular flows are frequently observed in nature and appear in many industrial processes as well. In this numerical work the focus is mainly directed at the understanding of how the change of different grain properties, such as shape, friction and stiffness, influences the flow out of a silo. However, the heating dynamics of a granular gas of rods is also analyzed. In all these scenarios, the simulations are paired with experiments to calibrate and validate the results. The numerical analysis indicated that the discharge of soft, low-friction grains from a container exhibits a height-dependent flow rate, which is not usual for granular media. The systematic study mapped the parameter space of particle friction and stiffness, exploring the system’s macroscopic response in detail. Moreover, the examination of the coarse-graining fields helped us to explain when and why the flow rate depends on the column height. The answers include the material response to pressure gradients, but also the way stress is transmitted in the system. The outcomes allowed us to propose simple theoretical arguments, connecting the macroscopic flow rate with the pressure gradient at the orifice. As a result, we have come up with a well-reasoned explanation for the height-dependent discharge flow rate, shown experimentally and numerically by soft low-frictional grains. Our numerical investigation of a 2D silo flow of mixtures of soft and hard grains reproduced the high impact that even 5% of hard frictional grains have on the flow of an ensemble of low-friction, soft particles. Numerical results signaled the importance of the friction between the two types of grains. When the frictional hard grains are added to the soft grains, the flow gets slower, clogging becomes more frequent, and the force measured on the bottom plate decreases. Moreover, we obtained that these effects are enhanced when the interspecies friction is increased. The introduction of a rotational shear through the rotation of the flat silo bottom leads to a surprising effect on the discharge of rods: the flow rate is reduced significantly, by up to 70%. Our simulations and the application of the coarse-graining methods reveal the underlying reasons for this observation. The exit velocity of particles is the main contributing factor to this drop, which is in correlation with the vertical orientation of the grains. Our numerical tool allowed the exploration of the dependence of flow rate 𝑄 on the orifice size 𝐷. In the limit of large orifices, the classical power-law correlation 𝑄 ∼ 𝐷5/2 was reproduced. For small apertures, however, we obtained a power-law relation but with a notably larger exponent. Furthermore, the size of the so-called free fall arch region is also found to decrease due to the rotation. Finally, granular gas made up of rods and heated by the walls has been studied numerically. Our study provides additional insight into the process for instance by describing the system behavior in the non-symmetrically heated direction, which was not accessible experimentally. The velocity distributions of the particles are examined and found to be well-fitted by stretched exponential distributions, in agreement with previous experiments. Moreover, in the experimentally not accessible direction, we obtained asymmetrical distribution tails. Additionally, the collapsing of the velocity distributions lead us to conclude that the energy scales with the square of the characteristic velocity of the wall. Los flujos granulares se observan con frecuencia en procesos naturales e industriales. El enfoque de este trabajo se dirige a la comprensión de cómo el cambio de las diferentes propiedades de los granos (forma, fricción y rigidez) influye en el caudal de los silos. Complementariamente, se analiza la dinámica del calentamiento de un gas granular de partículas alargadas. En todos estos escenarios, las simulaciones se combinan con experimentos para calibrar y validar las herramientas numéricas empleadas. En primer lugar, el análisis numérico de la descarga de granos blandos-lisos de un contenedor indicó el desarrollo de un caudal másico dependiente de la altura, lo cual no es habitual en los medios granulares. Nuestro estudio sistemático examinó el espacio de parámetros de fricción y rigidez de las partículas, explorando detalladamente la respuesta macroscópica de este sistema. Complementariamente, el análisis de los campos medios nos ayudó a explicar cuándo y por qué el caudal depende de la altura de la columna. La explicación general incluye: la respuesta del material a los gradientes de presión en el orificio de salida, pero también la forma en que se transmiten los esfuerzos en el sistema. Los resultados nos permitieron proponer argumentos teóricos simples, conectando el caudal macroscópico con el gradiente de presión en el orificio. Como resultado, hemos encontrado una explicación bien razonada de los valores de caudal dependiente de la altura, lo cual ha sido encontrado, experimental y numéricamente, para granos blandos de baja fricción. En segundo lugar, realizamos una investigación numérica del flujo en un silo bidimensional, usando una de mezclas de granos blandos-lisos y duros-rugosos. Partiendo de un sistema homogéneo de granos blandos-lisos, nuestros resultados numéricos reproducen el alto impacto que produce la inclusión de solo un 5% de los granos duros, en el flujo del conjunto de partículas. Además, resaltaron la importancia de la fricción entre granos de diferente tipo, en le desarrollo de este proceso. Cuando los granos durosrugosos son agregados al sistema, el flujo se vuelve más lento, los atascos resultan más frecuentes y la fuerza medida sobre el fondo disminuye. Además, resulta que estos efectos se potencian cuando aumenta la fricción entre especies. También estudiamos, sistemáticamente, la introducción de esfuerzos cortantes, imponiendo la rotación del fondo de un silo plano. Estas condiciones de contorno producen un efecto sorprendente en la descarga de partículas alargadas: el caudal se reduce significativamente, hasta en un 70%. Nuestras simulaciones y la aplicación de los métodos de promediación espacio-temporales revelan las razones subyacentes de esta observación. La velocidad de salida de las partículas es el principal factor que contribuye a esta caída, lo cual correlaciona con la orientación vertical de los granos. Nuestra herramienta numérica permitió explorar la dependencia del caudal 𝑄 del tamaño del orificio 𝐷. En el límite de los orificios grandes, se reprodujo la clásica correlación de ley de potencia 𝑄 ∼ 𝐷5/2. Sin embargo, para aberturas pequeñas obtuvimos una ley de potencia pero con un exponente notablemente mayor. Además, también se encontró que el tamaño de la región denominada ”arco de caída libre” disminuye debido a la rotación. Finalmente, se ha estudiado numéricamente un gas granular agitado formado por partículas alargadas. Este sistema fue estudiado experimentalmente con anterioridad, y nuestro estudio proporciona información adicional sobre el proceso. Por ejemplo, describiendo el comportamiento del sistema en la dirección de calentamiento asimétrico, al que no se accedió experimentalmente. Se estudiaron las distribuciones de velocidad de las partículas, encontrando que ajustan muy bien con distribuciones exponenciales con colas largas, lo cual está en acuerdo con experimentos previos. Además, en la dirección no accesible experimentalmente, obtuvimos colas asimétricas. El colapso de las distribuciones de velocidad nos lleva a concluir que la energía media del sistema escala con el cuadrado de la velocidad característica de la pared.

Mario Carranza-Casas, Jorge E Aceves-Velazquez, René Cano-Hidalgo, Federico Graue-Wiechers Instituto de Oftalmología Conde de Valenciana IAP, Mexico City, MexicoCorrespondence: Mario Carranza-Casas Email mcc.9105@gmail.comBackground: The objective of this publication is to report a case of an atypical partial central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with substantial visual recovery without treatment.Case Presentation: An 83-year-old woman without significant medical history with sudden unilateral visual loss presented with no known significant ophthalmological or medical history besides systemic arterial hypertension. Examination showed multiple cotton-wool spots in a peripapillary distribution, as well as a heterogenous pattern of grey translucency in the macula resulting in an indistinct cherry-red spot. Fluorescein angiography showed normal choroidal filling and an important delay of dye transit through the retinal circulation. Carotid Doppler echography showed a small endothelial atherosclerotic plaque without hemodynamic repercussion. A detailed history and further examination revealed no other systemic diseases except for moderate hypercholesterolemia. The patient was referred for management of her hypertension but otherwise did not undergo specific therapy for CRAO because of the delayed presentation. Four weeks after the initial visual loss, the patient showed resolution of the retinal findings and a surprising improvement to 20/50 visual acuity.Conclusion: This case highlights a rare subtype of central retinal artery occlusion. In this disease, partial occlusion reveals atypical signs including large cotton-wool spots as the predominant finding, making the initial diagnosis difficult. Visual recovery may be significant in partial CRAO, even without treatment.Keywords: arterial occlusion, central retinal artery occlusion, partial central retinal artery occlusion, cotton-wool spots, occlusive disease, Purtscher-like retinopathy, Purtscher retinopathy, vascular disease, partial occlusion

Resumen: Las pruebas de función respiratoria pulmonar son imprescindibles en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de las patologías respiratorias. Son necesarias para una correcta valoración y seguimiento de los pacientes con enfermedades respirato- rias. Proporcionan información sobre el estado del paciente de forma objetiva y reproducible. Si se hacen e interpretan de forma correcta nos dan una visión muy fiable del estado y evolución del paciente Los médicos durante su residencia en neumología deben alcanzar los niveles de competencia necesarios para el ejerci- cio de su especialidad. Lo que pretendemos con esta guía es poner en valor la formación en pruebas funcionales y adap- tarla a nuestro medio para alcanzar el máximo grado de calidad

In the present work, we investigate experimentally and numerically the motion of solid macroscopic spheres (Brownian and colloidal effects are negligible) when settling from rest in a quiescent fluid toward a solid wall under confined and unconfined configurations. Particle trajectories for spheres of two types of materials are measured using a high-speed digital camera. For unconfined configurations, our experimental findings are in excellent agreement with well-established analytical frameworks, used to describe the forces acting on the sphere. Besides, the experimental values of the terminal velocity obtained for different confinements are also in very good agreement with previous theoretical formulations. Similar conditions are simulated using a resolved CFD-DEM approach. After adjusting the parameters of the numerical model, we analyze the particle dynamic under several confinement conditions. The simulations results are contrasted with the experimental findings, obtaining a good agreement. We analyze several systems varying the radius of the bead and show the excellent agreement of our results with previous analytical approaches. However, the results indicate that confined particles have a distinct dynamics response when approaching the wall. Consequently, their motion cannot be described by the analytical framework introduced for the infinite system. Indeed, the confinement strongly affects the spatial scale where the particle is affected by the bottom wall and, accordingly, the dimensionless results can not be collapsed in a single master curve, using the particle size as a characteristic length. Alternatively, we rationalize our findings using a kinematic approximation to highlight the relevant scale of the problem. Our outcomes suggest it is possible to determine a new spatial scale to describe the collisional process, depending on the specific confining conditions.

Despite extensive studies on [NiFe]-hydrogenases, the mechanism by which these enzymes produce and activate H2so efficiently remains unclear. A well-known EPR-active state produced under H2and known as Ni-C is assigned as a NiIII–FeIIspecies with a hydrido ligand in the bridging position between the two metals. It has long been known that low-temperature photolysis of Ni-C yields distinctive EPR-active states, collectively termed Ni-L, that are attributed to migration of the bridging-H species as a proton; however, Ni-L has mainly been regarded as an artifact with no mechanistic relevance. It is now demonstrated, based on EPR and infrared spectroscopic studies, that the Ni-C to Ni-L interconversion in Hydrogenase-1 (Hyd-1) fromEscherichia coliis a pH-dependent process that proceeds readily in the dark—proton migration from Ni-C being favored as the pH is increased. The persistence of Ni-L in Hyd-1 must relate to unassigned differences in proton affinities of metal and adjacent amino acid sites, although the unusually high reduction potentials of the adjacent Fe–S centers in this O2-tolerant hydrogenase might also be a contributory factor, impeding elementary electron transfer off the [NiFe] site after proton departure. The results provide compelling evidence that Ni-L is a true, albeit elusive, catalytic intermediate of [NiFe]-hydrogenases.

AIMS: To ascertain the formalities and procedures required for the prescription of PCSK9 inhibitors in the cardiology departments of Spanish hospitals, making proposals for improvement to optimize the prescription process. METHODS: A first phase of collecting information about the variables and administrative procedures required for the prescription of PCK9 inhibitors and the elaboration of a specific questionnaire and a second phase of collecting data with an online self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 88 hospitals participated in the study (mean number of beds 625; mean number of cardiologists 18 ± 10; 78% university hospitals). There was underuse of PCSK9 inhibitors (real prescription of 30 treatments/year; potential prescription of 80), mainly because of not fulfilling the therapeutic positioning report (52%) and application refusal (31%). Beyond the requirements of the therapeutic positioning report, 1.2 ± 0.4 applications are required with 8.5 ± 4.2 variables. Only 21% of hospitals did not require a previous authorization process and in the remaining hospitals, approval from a committee was necessary. The accumulated time of the prescription process was 6 weeks. Discontinuation rates during follow-up were 9% ± 12%. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors is clearly underused in Spain. This is mainly due to both inappropriate identification of patients, and complex administrative procedures that could inhibit/discourage prescription by cardiologists and consequently, limit their use. In addition, there is a substantial delay from drug approval tadministration.

We present a critical comparative analysis between numerical and experimental results of quasi-two-dimensional silo and hopper flows. In our approach, the Discrete Element Method was employed to describe a single-layer mono-disperse sphere confined by two parallel walls with an orifice at the bottom. As a first step, we examined the discharge process, varying the size of the outlet and the hopper angle. Next, we set the simulation parameters fitting the experimental flow rate values obtained experimentally. Remarkably, the numerical model captured the slight non-monotonic dependence of the flow rate with the hopper angle, which was detected experimentally. Additionally, we analyzed the vertical velocity and solid fractions profiles at the outlet numerically and experimentally. Although numerical results also agreed with the experimental observations, a slight deviation appeared systematically between both approaches. Finally, we explored the impact of the system’s confinement on this process, examining the consequences of particle-particle and particle-wall friction on the system macroscopic response. We mainly found that the degree of confinement and particle-wall friction have a relevant impact on the outflow dynamics. Our analysis demonstrated that the naive 2D approximation of this 3D flow process fails to describe it accurately.

Este proyecto consiste en el análisis de la dinámica de un proyectil en un medio granular denso para su puesta en práctica en un contexto de Bachillerato Internacional (BI). El punto de partida del proyecto son unos datos que se obtienen mediante simulación software facilitados por el Departamento de Física y Matemática Aplicada de la Universidad de Navarra y que otorgan información sobre el movimiento de un cuerpo esférico en un medio granular denso a lo largo de la dirección de la gravedad. En este Trabajo Final de Máster se analizan estos datos para el caso de gravedad cero y se lleva a cabo un estudio crítico apoyándonos en la ecuación de movimiento que define la dinámica del proyectil en el medio dado. También se desarrolla el código que mejor defina el comportamiento de un proyectil a lo largo del medio granular, el cual se valida con los datos proporcionados. Al mismo tiempo, se va a desarrollar una propuesta didáctica a través del Proyecto del Grupo 4 enfocándonos exclusivamente en la disciplina de la Física, en donde el alumnado es capaz de analizar esos datos haciendo uso del código para llegar a unas conclusiones pertinentes. Este tipo de proyectos es idóneo para que los alumnos tomen conciencia de la forma en que los científicos profesionales trabajan y se comunican entre ellos a nivel internacional. This project consists of the analysis of the dynamics of a projectile in a dense granular medium for its implementation in an International Baccalaureate (IB) context. The starting point of the project is data obtained through software simulation, which gives information about the movement of a spherical body in a dense granular medium along the direction of gravity. It is provided by the Department of Physics and Applied Mathematics of the University of Navarra. In this master’s thesis, these data are analysed for the case of zero gravity and a critical study is conducted, which is based on the equation of motion that defines the dynamics of the projectile in the given medium. We develop the code that best defines the behaviour of a projectile along the granular medium, which is validated by the data provided. In parallel with that, a didactic proposal is developed through the Group 4 Project focusing exclusively on the discipline of Physics, where students can analyse these data using the code to reach pertinent conclusions. This type of project is ideal for students to become aware of the way in which professional scientists work and communicate with each other on an international level.

Very recently, To et al. have experimentally explored granular flow in a cylindrical silo, with a bottom wall that rotates horizontally with respect to the lateral wall [Phys. Rev. E 100, 012906 (2019)]. Here we numerically reproduce their experimental findings, in particular, the peculiar behavior of the mass flow rate Q as a function of the frequency of rotation f . Namely, we find that for small outlet diameters D the flow rate increased with f , while for larger D a nonmonotonic behavior is confirmed. Furthermore, using a coarse-graining technique, we compute the macroscopic density, momentum, and the stress tensor fields. These results show conclusively that changes in the discharge process are directly related to changes in the flow pattern from funnel flow to mass flow. Moreover, by decomposing the mass flux (linear momentum field) at the orifice into two main factors, macroscopic velocity and density fields, we obtain that the nonmonotonic behavior of the linear momentum is caused by density changes rather than by changes in the macroscopic velocity. In addition, by analyzing the spatial distribution of the kinetic stress, we find that for small orifices increasing rotational shear enhances the mean kinetic pressure (pk) and the system dilatancy. This reduces the stability of the arches, and, consequently, the volumetric flow rate increases monotonically. For large orifices, however, we detected that (pk) changes nonmonotonically, which might explain the nonmonotonic behavior of Q when varying the rotational shear.

The present paper establishes numerical simulations with CFD packages for analyze the velocity variation as a function of roughness in a chute, and to determine the use of OpenFOAM® CFD package for this phenomenon. Experimental data was obtained from a physical hydraulic model with a smooth bottom and was compared with the results of numerical simulations from the CFD packages: ANSYS®, FLOW-3D® and OpenFOAM®. Subsequently, the roughness at the channel bottom was increased and new simulations were carried out for define the new velocity values. Increases in the resistance coefficient resulted in a significant reduction in velocity and the results of free open source OpenFOAM® are similar to those obtained in physical modeling as well as commercial software.

Almost two decades ago Zapponi introduced a notion of orientability of a clean dessin d'enfant, based on an orientation of the embedded bipartite graph. We extend this concept, which we call Z-orientability to distinguish it from the traditional topological definition, to the wider context of all dessins, and we use it to define a concept of twist orientability, which also takes account of the Z-orientability properties of those dessins obtained by permuting the roles of white and black vertices and face-centres. We observe that these properties are Galois-invariant, and we study the extent to which they are determined by the standard invariants such as the passport and the monodromy and automorphism groups. We find that in general they are independent of these invariants, but in the case of regular dessins they are determined by the monodromy group.

Striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) modulates key signaling molecules involved in synaptic plasticity and neuronal function. It is postulated that STEP opposes the development of long-term potentiation (LTP) and that it exerts a restraint on long-term memory (LTM). Here, we examined whether STEP61 levels are regulated during hippocampal LTP and after training in hippocampal-dependent tasks. We found that after inducing LTP by high frequency stimulation or theta-burst stimulation STEP61 levels were significantly reduced, with a concomitant increase of STEP33 levels, a product of calpain cleavage. Importantly, inhibition of STEP with TC-2153 improved LTP in hippocampal slices. Moreover, we observed that after training in the passive avoidance and the T-maze spontaneous alternation task, hippocampal STEP61 levels were significantly reduced, but STEP33 levels were unchanged. Yet, hippocampal BDNF content and TrkB levels were increased in trained mice, and it is known that BDNF promotes STEP degradation through the proteasome. Accordingly, hippocampal pTrkB(Tyr816), pPLC(Tyr783), and protein ubiquitination levels were increased in T-SAT trained mice. Remarkably, injection of the TrkB antagonist ANA-12 (2mg/Kg, but not 0.5mg/Kg) elicited LTM deficits and promoted STEP61 accumulation in the hippocampus. Also, STEP knockout mice outperformed wild-type animals in an age- and test-dependent manner. Summarizing, STEP61 undergoes proteolytic degradation in conditions leading to synaptic strengthening and memory formation, thus highlighting its role as a molecular constrain, which is removed to enable the activation of pathways important for plasticity processes.

We report extensive numerical simulations of the fow of anisotropic self-propelled particles through a constriction. In particular, we explore the role of the particles’ desired orientation with respect to the moving direction on the system fowability. We observe that when particles propel along the direction of their long axis (longitudinal orientation) the fow-rate notably reduces compared with the case of propulsion along the short axis (transversal orientation). And this is so even when the efective section (measured as the number of particles that are necessary to span the whole outlet) is larger for the case of longitudinal propulsion. This counterintuitive result is explained in terms of the formation of clogging structures at the outlet, which are revealed to have higher stability when the particles align along the long axis. This generic result might be applied to many diferent systems fowing through bottlenecks such as microbial populations or diferent kind of cells. Indeed, it has already a straightforward connection with recent results of pedestrian (which self-propel transversally oriented) and mice or sheep (which self-propel longitudinally oriented).

Understanding the chemistry of redox proteins demands methods that provide precise control over redox centers within the protein. The technique of protein film electrochemistry, in which a protein is immobilized on an electrode surface such that the electrode replaces physiological electron donors or acceptors, has provided functional insight into the redox reactions of a range of different proteins. Full chemical understanding requires electrochemical control to be combined with other techniques that can add additional structural and mechanistic insight. Here we demonstrate a technique, protein film infrared electrochemistry, which combines protein film electrochemistry with infrared spectroscopic sampling of redox proteins. The technique uses a multiple-reflection attenuated total reflectance geometry to probe a redox protein immobilized on a high surface area carbon black electrode. Incorporation of this electrode into a flow cell allows solution pH or solute concentrations to be changed during measurements. This is particularly powerful in addressing redox enzymes, where rapid catalytic turnover can be sustained and controlled at the electrode allowing spectroscopic observation of long-lived intermediate species in the catalytic mechanism. We demonstrate the technique with experiments on E. coli hydrogenase 1 under turnover (H2 oxidation) and non-turnover conditions.

El método de Demirjian (MD) es el más ampliamente difundido para estimar la edad dental (ED). Con este método se han realizado numerosos estudios en diferentes grupos étnicos, analizándose niños europeos, asiáticos y norteamericanos entre otros. Estos resultados sugieren posibles diferencias en los patrones de maduración dental entre las diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la edad dentaria aplicando el MD en una muestra de 363 ortopantomografías de pacientes entre 5 y 15 años, obtenidas de un centro radiológico maxilofacial privado en Curicó, VII región, Chile. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación inter-clase (CCI), como medida de correlación entre edad dental y cronológica, de 0,974 (CCI 95% 0,968­0,979). El CCI para niños fue de 0,972 (CCI 95% 0,963- 0,979) y en el caso de las niñas fue de 0,977 (CCI 95% 0,969­0,983). En general, el método de Demirjian tendió a sobreestimar la edad en los niños y niñas. La ED observada fue mayor que la edad cronológica (EC) en 130 niños y en 138 niñas, resultó igual a la EC en 13 niños y 8 niñas, y fue menor que la EC en 38 niños y 33 niñas. En conclusión, nuestros resultados coinciden con hallazgos en numerosos lugares del mundo, es decir, la ED en este grupo se fue levemente mayor que la muestra original franco-canadiense. Sin embargo, el rango obtenido de la ED es similar al de la EC y el grado de correlación entre ambas es casi perfecto al aplicar el CCI. El grado de correlación entre ambas edades para cada sexo también es muy bueno. Por lo tanto, consideramos que el MD es aplicable a esta muestra de niños.

Catalysis of H2 production and oxidation reactions is critical in renewable energy systems based around H2 as a clean fuel, but the present reliance on platinum-based catalysts is not sustainable. In nature, H2 is oxidized at minimal overpotential and high turnover frequencies at [NiFe] catalytic sites in hydrogenase enzymes. Although an outline mechanism has been established for the [NiFe] hydrogenases involving heterolytic cleavage of H2 followed by a first and then second transfer of a proton and electron away from the active site, details remain vague concerning how the proton transfers are facilitated by the protein environment close to the active site. Furthermore, although [NiFe] hydrogenases from different organisms or cellular environments share a common active site, they exhibit a broad range of catalytic characteristics indicating the importance of subtle changes in the surrounding protein in controlling their behavior. Here we review recent time-resolved infrared (IR) spectroscopic studies and IR spectroelectrochemical studies carried out in situ during electrocatalytic turnover, as well as re-evaluating the significant body of IR spectroscopic data on hydrogenase active site states determined through more conventional solution studies, in order to highlight mechanistic steps that seem to apply generally across the [NiFe] hydrogenases, as well as steps which so far seem limited to specific groups of these enzymes. This analysis is intended to help focus attention on the key open questions where further work is needed to assess important aspects of proton and electron transfer in the mechanism of [NiFe] hydrogenases.

We present a numerical framework to simulate pedestrian dynamics in highly competitive conditions by means of a force-based model implemented with spherocylindrical particles instead of the traditional, symmetric disks. This modification of the individuals' shape allows one to naturally reproduce recent experimental findings of room evacuations through narrow doors in situations where the contact pressure among the pedestrians was rather large. In particular, we obtain a power-law tail distribution of the time lapses between the passage of consecutive individuals. In addition, we show that this improvement leads to new features where the particles' rotation acquires great significance.

In this work, we numerically examine the steady-state granular flow of 3D non-spherical particles down an inclined plane. We use a hybrid CPU/GPU implementation of the discrete element method of nonspherical elongated particles. Thus, a systematic study of the system response is performed varying the particle aspect ratio and the plane inclination. Similarly to the case of spheres, we observe three well-defined regimes: arresting flows, steady uniform flows and accelerating flows. Both steady and dynamic macroscopic fields are derived from microscopic data, by time-averaging and spatial smoothing (coarse-graining), including density, velocity, as well as the kinetic and contact stress tensors. The internal morphology of the flow was quantified exploring the solid fraction profiles and the particle orientation distribution. Furthermore, the system¿s characteristic time and length scales are investigated in detail. Our aim is to achieve a continuum mechanical description of granular flows composed of non-spherical particles based on the micromechanical details. Thus, to evaluate the influence of particle shape on the constitutive response in granular of those systems. However, to meet the proceeding¿s page restrictions here we will only discuss the dependence of some terms of the continuum averaged equations on the coarse-graining scale, specifically the case of the kinetic part of the stress tensor.

Contains fulltext : 173265.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) The work presented in this thesis shows that mutations arise constantly, between one generation and the next but also throughout life. This continuous occurrence of mutations leads to extraordinary genetic diversity between individuals but is also at the origin of the existence of genetically different populations of cells within a single human being. While the occurrence of novel mutations represents an important biological phenomenon in humans with a role on prenatal development, physiology and evolution, novel mutations also contribute to different forms of human disease ranging from rare and severe developmental disorders to adult-onset diseases such as cancer. The work in this thesis supports that in addition to the detection of mutations, NGS can be used as a tool to identify the timing of mutations in order to include the dimension of time in the interpretation of mutations and their possible consequences. De novo mutations have different recurrence risks depending on the exact timing at which they occurred, which can be determined by meticulous analysis with NGS methods. Indeed, genetic mosaicism resulting from mutations occurring during embryogenesis is common and, depending on their timing, postzygotic mutations can be transmitted to the next generation. Additionally, somatic mutations arise in stem cells throughout life and can be detected using highly sensitive sequencing methods. Furthermore, the timing of a mutation can also shape the resulting phenotype, as the same mutation can be involved in different disorders depending on its timing. For instance, overlapping germline and somatic mutations in SETBP1, leading to Schinzel-Giedion syndrome and to myeloid leukemia, respectively. Future work focusing on the role of timing of somatic and germline mutations will provide us with a better understanding of the effect of the expression of a mutation in the dynamic context of a cell, a tissue and a whole organism. Radboud University, 08 juni 2017 Promotor : Veltman, J.A. Co-promotores : Hoischen, A., Gilissen, C.F.H.A.

Universities in Ecuador face revolutionary change. The government has established sanctions and certain groupings in higher education. Fourteen universities were closed in 2012, and the rest were categorized A, B, C and D, with those in category A being the top universities and those in D being universities that do not meet all the requirements established by the Board of Evaluation, Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (CEAACES). Within this framework, the research proposes to analyze the management of institutional social networks of category A, which includes Polytechnic National, EPN, Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral, ESPOL, and Universidad San Francisco de Quito, USFQ. Statistical analysis will review interaction and user engagement with the published content to demonstrate its reach and presence. USFQ is the university with greater presence and engagement on Facebook and Twitter and is making inroads into other networks frequently used by millennials.

El género Arcobacter pertenece a la familia Campylobacteraceae y actualmente incluye 18 especies que se caracterizan por ser bacilos curvos gram-negativos, móviles por un flagelo polar, aerotolerantes, capaces de crecer a bajas temperaturas. En un estudio realizado en el año 2012 donde se investigó la presencia, distribución y persistencia de Arcobacter butzleri en una planta de productos lácteos artesanales, se aisló a partir de leche cruda de búfala la cepa 206 [1]. Esta cepa se identificó en primer lugar por la mPCR diseñada por Douidah et al. [2], dando una banda cercana a la esperada para A. butzleri, sin embargo con la mPCR de Houf et al. [3] no amplificó ninguna banda. El análisis de la secuencia del gen 16S rRNA presentó una similitud del 99.8% con la cepa tipo de Arcobacter suis. Esta especie fue descrita por nuestro grupo en el año 2013 a partir de una única cepa aislada de carne de cerdo [4] y hasta la fecha no se ha descrito ningún otro aislamiento. El objetivo de este estudio es la comparación de las características fenotípicas, virulentas y moleculares de esta cepa con las de la cepa tipo de A. suis. Se re-evaluaron en la cepa 206 los dos métodos de mPCR [2,3] y los patrones obtenidos fueron iguales a los de la cepa tipo de A. suis. Sin embargo estos patrones son idénticos a los esperados para las especies A. butzleri [2] y A. cryarophilus [3] tal y como se había descrito en un anterior estudio [5]. No obstante la cepa 206 dio el patrón esperado para A. suis con el 16S rRNA RFLP descrito por nuestro grupo [5]. El análisis filogenético multi-génico utilizando los 5 genes “housekeeping” rpoB, gyrA, gyrB, atpA y hsp60, agrupó la cepa 206 con la cepa tipo de A. suis. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la cepa 206 pertenece a la especie A. suis, representando éste el segundo reporte a nivel mundial de esta especie. Su aislamiento, en la carne y en la leche cruda de búfala puede tener importancia en salud pública.

El objetivo de esta tesis doctoral se basa en describir numéricamente el comportamiento de sistemas granulares compuestos por partículas de diferente geometría, desde el caso esférico hasta otras formas m´as complejas. Se ha llevado a cabo la implementación de un algoritmo híbrido CPU-GPU del método de elementos discretos para el caso de medios granulares. Se han tenido en cuenta todos los grados de libertad presentes en el problema, incluyendo la implementación de un formalismo de quaterniones que permite modelar de forma eficiente las rotaciones en 3D. La interacción entre partículas se ha definido a partir de fuerzas de contacto constituidas por un término elástico y otro disipativo. La forma geométrica de las partículas juega un papel fundamental en la definición de la fuerza interacción entre dos granos. La implementación CPU-GPU incluye el modelado de partículas esféricas y no esféricas, tales como granos alargados o elipsoidales. Entre otras aplicaciones, este algoritmo ha permitido examinar flujos granulares de partículas esféricas, y se ha podido establecer la existencia de un estado de enfriamiento homogéneo para gases granulares constituidos por partículas no esféricas sin fricción. Por otro lado, observando muestras granulares fluyendo, se ha podido examinar tanto experimental como numéricamente las propiedades micro-mecánicas de ese flujo de partículas a través del orificio situado en la base de un silo. Este estudio ha permitido clarificar por qué, pese a las inconsistencias que supone, el tradicional concepto de arco de caída libre permite describir la forma funcional de la velocidad media de las partículas en las proximidades del orificio de salida.

Fil: Hidalgo, Ramón Jesús. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Fil: Pozzolo, Oscar R. Estación Experimental INTA Concepción del Uruguay; Argentina. Fil: Serafini, oscar. Especialista de Productos de Cosecha de Industrias John Deere Argentina S.A.; Argentina. Fil: Domínguez, Fabio. Universidad Nacional de Luján; Argentina. Fil: Beltramino, Julio. Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Fil: Botta, Guido F. Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. En un establecimiento arrocero de la provincia de Corrientes se evaluó el desempeño de una cosechadora axial equipada con un cabezal de 25 pies con sistema draper. Se realizó cuatro tratamientos: cosechadora con cabezal 625D a velocidad 3 km/h (T1); 3,5 km/h (T2); 4 km/h (T3); 4,5 km/h (T4). Las variables en estudios (variables respuestas) fueron: pérdidas por cola, daño mecánico al grano, ruido. Las determinaciones de daño mecánico se realizó en cuatro lugares: draper, sinfines alimentadores del cilindro axial, extremo inferior de noria y tolva de almacenamiento. Para las determinaciones de ruido se realizó mediciones de acuerdo con las normas sugeridas por el Instituto de Ingeniería Rural del INTA Castelar. Conclusiones: 1) Los daños ocasionados a los granos, medidos como grano quebrado, tienen como principal responsable al mecanismo alimentador de sinfines. 2) El sistema draper se comportó en forma eficiente produciendo el conjunto draper, molinete y cuchillas de corte daños mínimos. 3) Los sistemas de alimentación (cabezal) y el sistema de trilla axial no mostraron saturación aún a las velocidades más altas de 4,5 km/h comportándose eficientemente. 4) A partir de los 3,2 km/h el sistema de separación y el de limpieza comenzaron a mostrar saturación elevándose las pérdidas en forma no proporcional. 5) El ruido para el operador dentro de la cabina satisface las normativas para realizar jornadas completas de labor demostrando un alto nivel de insonorización respecto del ruido exterior de la máquina. In a rice establishment of the province of Corrientes was evaluated an axial combine equipped with a head of 25 feet draper system. Four treatments were carried on: head 625D Combine at 3 km/h (T1), at 3.5 km/h (T2), 4 km/h (T3) and 4.5 km/h (T4). The variables under study were grain losses, grain mechanical damage and noise. Mechanical damage was determinated in four locations: draper, auger feeders axial cylinder, grain wheel and grain tank. The determination of noise was with standards suggested by the Institute of Rural Engineering INTA Castelar. Conclusions: 1) Damage to the grain is primarily responsible auger feeder mechanism. 2) The draper was working efficiently with minimal damage. 3) Feeding systems (head) and the axial threshing showed no saturation even at the highest speeds of 4.5 km/h. 4) From the 3.2 km/h the system of separation and cleaning began to show saturation. 5) The sound inside the cabin was not over the standards.

La literatura tradicional odontológica describe la ubicación radiográfica del foramen lingual en la cara lingual de la mandíbula, de ubicación media entre las espinas mentonianas (apófisis geni) en radiografías periapicales y panorámicas. Tradicionalmente se señala que las espinas mentonianas son las responsables del área radiopaca que rodea al foramen lingual. La ubicación radiográfica en posición mediana del foramen lingual con respecto a las espinas mentonianas es objeto de controversia. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la relación del foramen lingual con las espinas mentonianas en observación directa de mandíbulas secas, y mediante radiografías periapicales y panorámicas de las mismas, determinar la trayectoria del conducto lingual en tomografías lineales de la zona, y describir su representación radiográfica desde la perspectiva absorso-proyeccional. Esta investigación demostró la no concordancia radiográfica entre las espinas mentonianas y el área radiopaca que rodea al foramen lingual.

In the era of digital convergence, organizations achieving a model that relates management interests and public symmetries require the construction of an image and reputation through strategic communication planning. However, this systemic approach-in which communication traverses all processes in the organization-is not a constant in Ecuadorian companies, as found an analysis of communications professionals in various companies. This article is the result of research conducted by the Observatory of Strategic Communication of Ecuador in the Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja-Ecuador, formed in 2013 to study the professional profile of journalists in the field of internal, corporate, digital media and business as well as overall corporate social responsibility. The first year of the study has focused on identifying the current status of strategic communication in terms of professionals trained for this role, organization, functions of strategic communication in business, strategies and actions performed, and trends. The results reported in this paper have been compared with some of the results found in the European Communication Monitor 2014. Both in Europe and in Ecuador, the trend of using technologies for the various tasks and activities in the area of communication increases. It is then necessary to find a common platform for dialogue and contributions toward the same goal: to reach an approach that is balanced in a symmetric relationship with people.

The phenomenon of social networking is changing the way we interact and spending our free time. In social networks we are constantly seeking contact with people and institutions to be dealing, maintain old friends, catch up with others, meet new people or even find work. In our particular we analyze the evolution of social networks in a private university in Ecuador, the Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja. The results have been continued increases in followers on Facebook and Twitter accounts UTPL. © 2015 AISTI.

Los cambios en las audiencias y en los usos y consumos de medios de comunicación de los jóvenes, debido al contexto mediático, hacen que las organizaciones repiensen y redistribuyan sus estrategias de comunicación. La modificación de dichas estrategias requiere comprender la evolución de los medios y como las audiencias han migrado a los entornos digitales. El consumidor ahora es Prosumidor, es decir genera contenidos como resultado de la interacción con los medios; este aspecto es fundamental al replantear la manera de educar, comunicar, vivir, etc. El presente trabajo describe una investigación realizada a jóvenes universitarios de la modalidad abierta y a distancia de la Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja-Ecuador respecto a su forma de aceptar la publicidad emitida por la institución en medios tradicionales y en medios digitales, además describe y analiza el consumo de medios de estos jóvenes y como Internet a cambiado sustancialmente las estrategias de comunicación planteadas desde un área específica.

Background & AimsThe current definition of the pattern of liver injury in hepatotoxicity (DILI) is given by the R (ratio) value, dividing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in upper limits of normal at DILI onset. We aimed to explore the validity of using aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) as biomarkers of hepatocelullar and cholestatic damage, respectively, when calculating the R value. MethodsClinical, laboratory and histological data from 588 DILI episodes included in the Spanish DILI Registry were analyzed. Linear regression analysis was performed to establish the most appropriate cut-off points for hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns when calculating R with AST and GGT. ResultsThe overall agreement between ALT/ALP and AST/ALP was 76%, with 96%, 61% and 41% agreement in the hepatocellular (R5), cholestatic (R2) and mixed groups respectively (P

Background & AimsThe current definition of the pattern of liver injury in hepatotoxicity (DILI) is given by the R (ratio) value, dividing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in upper limits of normal at DILI onset. We aimed to explore the validity of using aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) as biomarkers of hepatocelullar and cholestatic damage, respectively, when calculating the R value. MethodsClinical, laboratory and histological data from 588 DILI episodes included in the Spanish DILI Registry were analyzed. Linear regression analysis was performed to establish the most appropriate cut-off points for hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns when calculating R with AST and GGT. ResultsThe overall agreement between ALT/ALP and AST/ALP was 76%, with 96%, 61% and 41% agreement in the hepatocellular (R5), cholestatic (R2) and mixed groups respectively (P

Several theoretical predictions of the mass flow rate of granular flows through outlets are based on the existence of a free fall arch region covering the silo outlet. Early in the nineteenth century, it was suggested that the particles crossing this region lose their kinetic energy and start to fall freely under their own weight. However, there is not conclusive evidence of this hypothetical region. We examined experimentally and numerically the micro-mechanical details of the particle flow through an orifice placed at the bottom of a silo. Remarkably, the contact stress monotonously decreases when the particles approach to the exit and it only vanishes just at the outlet. The behavior of this magnitude was practically independent of the size of orifice indicating that particle deformation, is insensible to the size of the aperture. Contrary, the behavior of the kinetic stress puts on evidence that the outlet size controls the propagation of the velocity fluctuations inside the silo. Examining this magnitude, we conclusively argue that indeed there is a well-defined transition region where the particle flow changes its nature. Above this region, the particle motion is completely correlated with the macroscopic flow. Our outcomes clarifies why the free fall arch picture has served as an approximation to describe the flow rate in the discharge of silos.

El método de Demirjian (MD) es el más ampliamente difundido para estimar la edad dental (ED). Con este método se han realizado numerosos estudios en diferentes grupos étnicos, analizándose niños europeos, asiáticos y norteamericanos entre otros. Estos resultados sugieren posibles diferencias en los patrones de maduración dental entre las diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la edad dentaria aplicando el MD en una muestra de 363 ortopantomografías de pacientes entre 5 y 15 años, obtenidas de un centro radiológico maxilofacial privado en Curicó, VII región, Chile. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación inter-clase (CCI), como medida de correlación entre edad dental y cronológica, de 0,974 (CCI 95% 0,9680,979). El CCI para niños fue de 0,972 (CCI 95% 0,963- 0,979) y en el caso de las niñas fue de 0,977 (CCI 95% 0,9690,983). En general, el método de Demirjian tendió a sobreestimar la edad en los niños y niñas. La ED observada fue mayor que la edad cronológica (EC) en 130 niños y en 138 niñas, resultó igual a la EC en 13 niños y 8 niñas, y fue menor que la EC en 38 niños y 33 niñas. En conclusión, nuestros resultados coinciden con hallazgos en numerosos lugares del mundo, es decir, la ED en este grupo se fue levemente mayor que la muestra original franco-canadiense. Sin embargo, el rango obtenido de la ED es similar al de la EC y el grado de correlación entre ambas es casi perfecto al aplicar el CCI. El grado de correlación entre ambas edades para cada sexo también es muy bueno. Por lo tanto, consideramos que el MD es aplicable a esta muestra de niños. The Demirjian's method (DM) is the most widely used method for estimating dental age. A number of studies with this method have been performed in different ethnic groups, with European, Asian y North American children being analyzed among others. Possible differences in patterns of dental maturation among different population have been suggested. The aim of this study was to determine dental age with the DM in a sample of 363 panoramic radiographs from children 5-15 years old, obtained from a private radiological maxillofacial center in Curicó, Chile. An inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was obtained as a measure of correlation between dental and chronological age of 0.974 (ICC 95% 0.968-0.979). The ICC for boys was 0.972 (ICC 95% 0.963- 0.979) and 0.977 for girls (CCI 95% 0.969-0.983). In general, DM overestimated the age in girls and boys. Dental age (DA) was observed to be higher than chronological age (CA) in 130 boys and 138 girls; DA was equal to CA in 13 boys y 8 girls and lower than CE in 38 boys and 33 girls. In conclusion, our study concurs with several other studies in other places of the world, indeed the DA was found to be higher when compared to the original French-Canadian sample. However, the range obtained for DA is similar to CA and the degree of correlation between both is almost perfect when applying ICC. The degree of correlation between both ages for each sex was found as very good. Furthermore, we consider that DM can be applied to this sample of children.

A loosely packed bed of sand sits precariously on the fence between mechanically stable and flowing states. This has especially strong implications for animals or vehicles needing to navigate sandy environments, which can sink and become stuck in a "dry quicksand" if their weight exceeds the yield stress of this fragile matter. While it is known that the contact stresses in these systems are loaded by gravity, very little is known about the sinking dynamics of objects into loose granular systems under gravitational accelerations different from the Earth's (g). A fundamental understanding of how objects sink in different gravitational environments is not only necessary for successful planetary navigation and engineering, but it can also improve our understanding of celestial impact dynamics and crater geomorphology. Here we perform and explain the first systematic experiments of the sink dynamics of objects into granular media in different gravitational accelerations. By using an accelerating experimental apparatus, we explore gravitational conditions ranging from 0.4g to 1.2g. With the aid of discrete element modeling simulations, we reproduce these results and extend this range to include objects as small as asteroids and as large as Jupiter. Surprisingly, we find that the final sink depth is independent of the gravitational acceleration, an observation with immediate relevance to the design of future extraterrestrial structures land-roving spacecraft. Using a phenomenological equation of motion that includes a gravity-loaded frictional term, we are able to quantitatively explain the experimental and simulation results.

doi:10.1111/jfd.12025

In a previous paper [Hidalgo et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 118001 (2009)] it was shown that square particles deposited in a silo tend to align with a diagonal parallel to the gravity, giving rise to a deposit with very particular properties. Here we explore, both experimentally and numerically, the effect on these properties of the filling mechanism. In particular, we modify the volume fraction of the initial configuration from which the grains are deposited. Starting from a very dilute case, increasing the volume fraction results in an enhancement of the disorder in the final deposit characterized by a decrease of the final packing fraction and a reduction of the number of particles oriented with their diagonal in the direction of gravity. However, for very high initial volume fractions, the final packing fraction increases again. This result implies that two deposits with the same final packing fraction can be obtained from very different initial conditions. The structural properties of such deposits are analyzed, revealing that, although the final volume fraction is the same, their micromechanical properties notably differ.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multidimensional infection control strategy for the reduction of the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in patients hospitalized in adult intensive care units (AICUs) of hospitals which are members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 40 cities of 15 developing countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Philippines, and Turkey. We conducted a prospective before-after surveillance study of CAUTI rates on 56,429 patients hospitalized in 57 AICUs, during 360,667 bed-days. The study was divided into the baseline period (Phase 1) and the intervention period (Phase 2). In Phase 1, active surveillance was performed. In Phase 2, we implemented a multidimensional infection control approach that included: (1) a bundle of preventive measures, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback of CAUTI rates, and (6) feedback of performance. The rates of CAUTI obtained in Phase 1 were compared with the rates obtained in Phase 2, after interventions were implemented. We recorded 253,122 urinary catheter (UC)-days: 30,390 in Phase 1 and 222,732 in Phase 2. In Phase 1, before the intervention, the CAUTI rate was 7.86 per 1,000 UC-days, and in Phase 2, after intervention, the rate of CAUTI decreased to 4.95 per 1,000 UC-days [relative risk (RR) 0.63 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.72)], showing a 37 % rate reduction. Our study showed that the implementation of a multidimensional infection control strategy is associated with a significant reduction in the CAUTI rate in AICUs from developing countries.

Purpose We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multidimensional infection control strategy for the reduction of the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in patients hospitalized in adult intensive care units (AICUs) of hospitals which are members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 40 cities of 15 developing countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Philippines, and Turkey. Methods We conducted a prospective before-after surveillance study of CAUTI rates on 56,429 patients hospitalized in 57 AICUs, during 360,667 bed-days. The study was divided into the baseline period (Phase 1) and the intervention period (Phase 2). In Phase 1, active surveillance was performed. In Phase 2, we implemented a multidimensional infection control approach that included: (1) a bundle of preventive measures, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback of CAUTI rates, and (6) feedback of performance. The rates of CAUTI obtained in Phase 1 were compared with the rates obtained in Phase 2, after interventions were implemented. Results We recorded 253,122 urinary catheter (UC)-days: 30,390 in Phase 1 and 222,732 in Phase 2. In Phase 1, before the intervention, the CAUTI rate was 7.86 per 1,000 UC-days, and in Phase 2, after intervention, the rate of CAUTI decreased to 4.95 per 1,000 UC-days [relative risk (RR) 0.63 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.72)], showing a 37 % rate reduction. Conclusions Our study showed that the implementation of a multidimensional infection control strategy is associated with a significant reduction in the CAUTI rate in AICUs from developing countries. © Springer-Verlag 2012.

Facultatively anaerobic marine bacteria isolated from cultured clams, Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum, were previously investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. The isolates formed two AFLP clusters and belonged to the genus Vibrio, more precisely to the Splendidus clade. In this study, phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the housekeeping genes rpoA, rpoD, pyrH, atpA and recA supported their inclusion in that clade forming two well differentiated groups with respect to the rest of the species within the clade, and confirmed that they formed two groups, separated from the rest of the species of the clade. DNA–DNA hybridization demonstrated that the isolates constitute two novel species of the genus Vibrio, which can be phenotypically differentiated from their closest relatives. The names Vibrio atlanticus sp. nov. and Vibrio artabrorum sp. nov. are proposed, with Vb 11.11T (?=?CECT 7223T ?=?LMG 24300T) and Vb 11.8T (?=?CECT 7226T ?=?LMG 23865T) as the type strains, respectively.

La literatura tradicional odontológica describe la ubicación radiográfica del foramen lingual en la cara lingual de la mandíbula, de ubicación media entre las espinas mentonianas (apófisis geni) en radiografías periapicales y panorámicas. Tradicionalmente se señala que las espinas mentonianas son las responsables del área radiopaca que rodea al foramen lingual. La ubicación radiográfica en posición mediana del foramen lingual con respecto a las espinas mentonianas es objeto de controversia. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la relación del foramen lingual con las espinas mentonianas en observación directa de mandíbulas secas, y mediante radiografías periapicales y panorámicas de las mismas, determinar la trayectoria del conducto lingual en tomografías lineales de la zona, y describir su representación radiográfica desde la perspectiva absorso-proyeccional. Esta investigación demostró la no concordancia radiográfica entre las espinas mentonianas y el área radiopaca que rodea al foramen lingual. Radiological location of lingual foramen is described by traditional dental literature in the median line in the lingual aspect of the mandible, between mental spines, both in periapical and panoramic radiographs. Traditionally the radiopaque area surrounding the lingual foramen is described as produced by mental spines. This interpretation currently is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of lingual foramen with mental spines by looking directly at the dry mandibles, and by looking at periapical and panoramic radiographs; to determine trajectory of lingual canal by using linear tomographies of the area of interest, and describe radiographic representation from the absorption projectional point of view. This investigation demonstrated that the radiopaque area surrounding the lingual foramen is not produced by mental spines.

We report experimental and theoretical results of the effect that particle shape has on the packing properties of granular materials. We have systematically measured the particle angular distribution, the cluster size distribution and the stress profiles of ensembles of faceted elongated particles deposited in a bidimensional box. Stress transmission through this granular system has been numerically simulated using a two-dimensional model of irregular particles. For grains of maximum symmetry (squares), the stress propagation localizes and forms chain-like forces analogous to those observed for granular materials composed of spheres. For thick layers of grains, a pressure saturation is observed for deposit depths beyond a characteristic length. This scenario correlates with packing morphology and can be understood in terms of stochastic models of aggregation and random multiplicative processes. As grains elongate and lose their symmetry, stress propagation is strongly affected. Lateral force transmission becomes less favored than vertical transfer, and hence, an increase in the pressure develops with depth, hindering force saturation.

INTRODUCCIÓN.- Nuestro objetivo ha sido valorar el conocimiento que tiene el paciente del tratamiento prescrito por primera vez, en función de la información recibida en la consulta médica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS.- Estudio observacional transversal, realizado en 10 oficinas de farmacia de las provincias de Albacete y Jaén del 1 de abril al 31 de mayo del 2009 entre pacientes o cuidadores que acudieron con un inicio de tratamiento. A dichos sujetos se les realizó una encuesta para cada uno de los medicamentos prescritos y los datos se analizaron con SPSS. RESULTADOS.- Tuvieron validez un total de 318 encuestas y, de éstas, sólo un 44% de los casos demostraron tener un total conocimiento del tratamiento. La intervención del farmacéutico fue requerida principalmente para aclarar posología (35,4%) y duración del tratamiento (33,9%). El grado de conocimiento aumentó cuando la información era escrita, apreciándose un aumento significativo si se acompañaba de oral, y cuando se la proporcionaba el especialista. Disminuyó a mayor edad del paciente y menor nivel de estudios. DISCUSIÓN.- El moderado conocimiento del tratamiento podría ser debido a la presión ejercida por la masificación de las consultas, que provocaría que el médico general no pueda atender al paciente el tiempo suficiente. Además, el paciente acude al especialista para ser tratado de patologías más graves y lo hace con menor frecuencia, lo que podría suponer que ponga mayor interés en conocer el tratamiento. El menor conocimiento de los ancianos se explicaría porque se trata de pacientes habitualmente polimedicados y con problemas cognitivos., INTRODUCTION.- Our aim has been to evaluate the knowledge that a patient has regarding a treatment newly prescribed, according to the information given in the medical consultation. METHODOLOGY.- Cross-sectional study, carried out in 10 community pharmacies of Albacete and Jaén, from 1st of April to 31st of May 2009. Data was obtained from a survey completed by the patients or their carers for each one of the new treatments started. Information obtained was analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS.- 318 valid surveys, only 44% of these cases proved a total knowledge of the treatment. Pharmacist intervention was mainly needed to clarify the dosage (35,4%) and the duration of the treatment (33,9%). The degree of knowledge increased when the information was given by a consultant and also when was written information. Moreover it was seen a significant increase of knowledge when written information was accompanied by verbal. In the other hand, it decreased in elderly patients and in them with lower level of education. DISCUSION.- The moderate knowledge of the treatment could be due to the limited time GP have for each patient. Also, patients normally attend to the consultant for more serious illness and less often, probably paying more attention to the information about the treatment prescribed. The lower level of knowledge in the elderly could be explained for the high number of medicines they take and the cognitive problems.

INTRODUCCIÓN.- Nuestro objetivo ha sido determinar el perfil del tratamiento con levotiroxina, incidiendo en las posibles interacciones que se pueden producir en pacientes polimedicados. METODOLOGÍA.- Estudio observacional transversal a partir de los datos obtenidos en 10 farmacias comunitarias de Albacete y provincia, durante los meses de enero a marzo de 2008. Se incluyeron un total de 184 pacientes (33 varones y 151 mujeres) que acudieron a la oficina de farmacia con una prescripción de levotiroxina. Se diseñó una hoja registro que contenía diversos datos acerca del paciente y del tratamiento. RESULTADOS.- El perfil más frecuente del paciente fue el siguiente: mujer de más de 60 años que hace más de un año que comenzó el tratamiento con levotiroxina y la posología más habitual la siguiente: 50-100 mcg/día tomados en ayunas antes del desayuno. Un 58,7% de los encuestados tomaban levotiroxina y algún otro fármaco y de éstos más de la mitad lo hacían en la misma toma, detectando una posible interacción en prácticamente un tercio de los mismos, siendo la principal consecuencia el aumento de los niveles de levotiroxina. DISCUSIÓN.- La elevada probabilidad de interacción obliga a que se recomiende analizar los tratamientos concomitantes con levotiroxina, especialmente en pacientes ancianos habitualmente polimedicados. Llama la atención que el farmacéutico tuvo que intervenir en prácticamente la mitad de las dispensaciones, principalmente para indicar que el medicamento se debe tomar en ayunas y a la hora indicada, hecho que refuerza que se trata de un profesional clave en la adherencia al tratamiento., INTRODUCTION.- Our aim has been to determine the treatment profile with levothyroxine, focusing on the possible interactions that can occur in polymedicated patients. METHODOLOGY.- Cross-sectional study, with data obtained from 10 community pharmacies of Albacete and its county from January to March 2008. 184 patients (33 men and 151 women) were included in the study. These patients obtained the levothyroxine from one of the 10 pharmacies collaborating in the study. Data log sheet contained a variety of information about the patient and the treatment. RESULTS.- The most frequent profile of the patients was: women over sixty years age, who had been taking levothyroxine for over a year, with the most common dosage being 50-100 mcg/day before breakfast. A 58,7% of the patients were taking levothyroxine and another drug. More than half of these patients, were taking levothyroxine at the same time of other medicines. We detected a possible interaction in one third of the cases, resulting in an increase of levothyroxine blood levels. DISCUSION.- Due to the high probability of drug interactions, concomitant treatments with levothyroxine need to be analyzed, specially in elderly patients very often polymedicated. It was surprising the fact that the pharmacist had to intervene in practically half of the cases, mainly to indicate that levothyroxine has to be taking on an empty stomach. This reinforces the important role that pharmacists play to ensure adherence to the treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN.- El objetivo ha sido reflejar el grado de satisfacción del paciente con la información recibida cuando se le prescribe un medicamento por primera vez, en función del tipo de información y del grado de capacitación del que se la proporciona. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS.- Estudio observacional transversal, realizado en 10 oficinas de farmacia de las provincias de Albacete y Jaén del 1 de abril al 31 de mayo del 2009 entre pacientes o cuidadores que acudieron con un inicio de tratamiento. A dichos sujetos se les realizó una encuesta de satisfacción para cada uno de los medicamentos prescritos y los datos se analizaron con SPSS. RESULTADOS.- Se recogieron un total de 318 encuestas válidas. En el 76,7% de los casos, los pacientes manifestaron estar satisfechos con la información recibida. Cuando la información que se da al paciente es únicamente escrita a mano, el grado de satisfacción es superior al manifestado cuando se da oral o escrita informatizada, destacando el aumento significativo de este grado de satisfacción cuando la información escrita se acompaña de la oral. La satisfacción es mayor en el caso de tratamientos puntuales frente a crónicos y cuando la información la da el médico especialista, aunque la diferencia no es estadísticamente significativa. DISCUSIÓN.- Cuando la información es únicamente escrita informatizada, casi en la mitad de los casos los encuestados no están satisfechos y sólo un tercio comprende todo el tratamiento, cobrando especial relevancia este tema si consideramos que la prescripción informatizada es la que prevalece en nuestro medio., INTRODUCTION.- The objective has been to reflect the degree of satisfaction shown by the patient with the information received when starting a new treatment. It was based on the type of information and the level of training of the person who provides the information. METHODOLOGY.- Cross-sectional study, carried out in 10 community pharmacies of Albacete and Jaén from the 1st of April to the 31st of May 2009. Patients or their carers completed a survey about satisfaction for each one of the new medicines prescribed. Data obtained was analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS.- 318 valid surveys were collected. In 76,7 % of the cases, patients stated to be satisfied with the information received. The level of satisfaction was higher when information was given handwritten to the patient in comparison with verbal or computerized written. Moreover a significant increase of satisfaction was seen when written information was accompanied by verbal one. Satisfaction was greater in acute treatments than in chronic treatments and also when information was given by a consultant. However this difference was found not to be statiscally significant. DISCUSION.- When only computerized written information is supplied, nearly half of the patients are not satisfied and only one third of them understand everything about the new treatment. These findings are very significant for us due to the high number of computerized prescriptions we have to deal with in our pharmacies.