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The purpose of this work is to carry out a meshfree implementation for the numerical simulation of two-dimensional transient incompressible flows coupled with heat transfer where phase change is present. The Finite Pointset Method is applied in order to solve the involved partial differential equations where the corresponding classical or strong formulation is directly used instead of the corresponding weak form as needed for some other meshfree approaches. The incorporation of the boundary conditions is done in a direct and simple manner. The simplicity and efficiency of this numerical method are demonstrated on several two-dimensional benchmark problems where solidification and melting processes occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to carry out a meshfree implementation for the numerical simulation of two-dimensional transient incompressible free surface flows coupled with heat transfer. The Finite Pointset Method is applied in order to solve the involved partial differential equations where the corresponding classical or strong formulation is directly used instead of the corresponding weak form as needed for some other meshfree approaches. The incorporation of the boundary conditions is done in a direct and simple manner. The simplicity and efficiency of this numerical method are demonstrated on two complex two-dimensional mould filling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the use of the Finite Pointset Method (FPM) for the numerical simulation of heat transfer involving a moving source which are present in welding materials processing. The main ideas behind FPM as well as details of the computational implementation are presented. Numerical results of the simulation of the heat transfer process are reported and compared with those obtained by the finite element method which show that the method is promising for these applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: To compare the recovery characteristics of two widely used anesthetic techniques: remifentanyl-propofol and sevoflurane-fentanyl in a standardized ambulatory population.Design: Randomized, single-blinded study.Setting: University-affiliated medical center.Patients: 50 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing elective ambulatory otorhinolaryngeal surgery.Interventions: Patients were randomized two groups to receive total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA group) with remifentanil and propofol or sevoflurane-fentanyl (SF group). TIVA patients received induction with propofol 1.5 mg/kg intravenously (IV) and remifentanil 0.5 μ/kg IV. The anesthesia was continued with a continuous infusion of propofol 100 μg/kg/min and remifentanil 0.0625–0.25 μg/kg/min. The SF group received, at induction, fentanyl 2 μg/kg followed by propofol 1.5 mg/kg IV. Maintenance was obtained with 1 to 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane and bolus of fentanyl 1 μg/kg IV as needed.Measurements and Main Results: Early recovery times (eye opening, response to commands, extubation, orientation, operating room stay after surgery, and Aldrete score ≥9) and patient satisfaction were similar between the two groups. Postanesthetic discharge scoring system (PADSS) ≥ 9 was significantly shorter for the TIVA group (135.9 ± 51 vs. 103 ± 32 min) (p < 0.01) but this difference was not associated with a shorter postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay.Conclusion: Early recovery times are comparable between total intravenous anesthesia and sevoflurane-based anesthesia. Even though patients in the TIVA group achieved home readiness criteria in a significantly shorter time, this technique does not shorten PACU length of stay, which depends instead on multiple nonmedical and administrative issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Zeolites modified with Co2+, Ni2+ or Cu2+ and surfactant for adsorption of PPCPs. [•] Adsorption influenced by the type of modification and initial solution pH. [•] Combination of Cu2+ and surfactant resulted in larger salicylic acid uptakes. [•] Multi-component adsorption revealed remarkable selectivity toward salicylic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The spatial indexing of eventually all the available topographic information of Earth is a highly valuable tool for different geoscientific application domains. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) collected and made available to the public one of the world''s largest digital elevation models (DEMs). With the aim of providing on easier and faster access to these data by improving their further analysis and processing, we have indexed the SRTM DEM by means of a spatial index based on the kd-tree data structure, called the Q-tree. This paper is the second in a two-part series that includes a thorough performance analysis to validate the bulk-load algorithm efficiency of the Q-tree. We investigate performance measuring elapsed time in different contexts, analyzing disk space usage, testing response time with typical queries, and validating the final index structure balance. In addition, the paper includes performance comparisons with Oracle 11g that helps to understand the real cost of our proposal. Our tests prove that the proposed algorithm outperforms Oracle 11g using around a 9% of the elapsed time, taking six times less storage with more than 96% of page utilization, and getting faster response times to spatial queries issued on 4.5 million points. In addition to this, the behavior of the spatial index has been successfully tested on both an open GIS (VT Builder) and a visualizer tool derived from the previous one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Digital elevation models (DEMs) constitute a valuable source of data for a number of geoscience-related applications. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) collected and made available to the public the world''s largest DEM (composed of billions of points) until that date. The SRTM DEM is stored on the NASA repository as a well-organized collection of flat files. The retrieval of this stored topographic information about a region of interest involves one selection of a proper list of files, their downloading, data filtering in the desired region, and their processing according to user needs. With the aim to provide an easier and faster access to this data by improving its further analysis and processing, we have indexed the SRTM DEM by means of a spatial indexing based on the kd-tree data structure, called the Q-tree. This paper is the first in a two-part series that describes the method followed to build an index on such huge amounts of data, minimizing the number of insert operations. We demonstrate that our method can build a very efficient space-partitioning index, with good performance in both point and range queries on the spatial data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only successful spatial indexing proposal in the literature that deals with such a huge volume of data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The self-complementary oligonucleotide CGCATATATGCG was used as a model to establish the binding interactions of antitumor molybdenocene dichloride and DNA. The free dodecamer was first characterized using 1H, NOESY, and DQF-COSY NMR experiments, which enable to pinpoint the guanines and adenines as well as the cytosines and thymines signals in the aromatic region. Molybdenocene dichloride was characterized in saline and buffer solutions as function of pH by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In 10mM NaCl/D2O solution at pH of 6.5 and above, Cp2Mo(OD)(D2O)+ is in equilibrium with its dimeric species, [Cp2Mo(μ-OH)2MoCp2]2+. In 25mM Tris/4mM NaCl/D2O at physiological pH, a new stable species is formed, coordinated by the buffer, Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. The interactions of molybdenocene dichloride species with CGCATATATGCG were studied at different pH. At pH 6.5, in 4mM NaCl/D2O solution, 1H NMR spectra of CGCATATATGCG exhibit downfield shifts in the signals associated mainly to adenines and guanines, upon addition of molybdenocene dichloride. At pH 7.4, in 25mM Tris/4mM NaCl/D2O, molybdenocene species causes broadening and small downfield shifts to the purines and pyrimidine signals, suggesting that molybdenocene dichloride can get engaged in binding interactions with the oligonucleotide in a weak manner. 31P NMR spectra of these interactions at pH 7.4 showed no changes associated to Mo(IV)-OP coordination, indicating that molybdenocene–oligonucleotide binding interactions are centered, most likely, on the bases. Cyclic voltammetry titration showed a 4.9% of molybdenocene–oligonucleotide interaction. This implicates that possible binding interactions with DNA are weak. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work presents the preparation and characterization of a hierarchical porous carbon – M n + [FAU] or M n + -CFAU ( M n + = Ni 2+ or Cu 2+ ; FAU = Y zeolite) adsorbent as a potential platform to develop processes for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from water. The impetus for this contribution is the possibility of combining the hydrophobic nature of activated carbons with the unique adsorbent–adsorbate interactions provided by a transition metal based zeolite. A quasi-ordered (CFAU) composite was hydrothermally synthesized and subsequently decorated with extraframework transition metal centers (Ni 2+ or Cu 2+ ). The resulting CFAU variants were fully characterized using XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, TGA, zeta potential and nitrogen adsorption to determine chemical, structural and textural properties. Furthermore, these properties were used to assess the performance of the CFAU variants during salicylic acid (a CEC with high occurrence) equilibrium adsorption tests performed at 25 °C and pH in the 7–8 range. In terms of performance, the salicylic acid equilibrium overall adsorption capacities increased as follows: FAU < Activated Carbon < CFAU < Ni 2+ -CFAU << Cu 2+ -CFAU. Both transition metal-based composite adsorbents excelled at removing the acid even at concentrations near the 20 ppb levels. Cu 2+ -CFAU was capable of adsorbing one salicylic acid molecule per zeolite unit cell at the maximum equilibrium loading observed. Thermal treatment tests suggest that spent M n + -CFAU composites could be regenerated via elimination of the adsorbate in an inert environment without affecting the adsorbent structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several electric powers were defined during the last century with the intention of being useful in electrical power systems, sometimes without considering other physical properties. For this reason, a few of these powers may seem limited to specific purposes and distant from the general physical theory of power. This paper investigates which of these electrical powers satisfy the most important property of physical power, which is the property derived from the energy conservation law. The paper also shows the usefulness this property confers to the electric powers that possess it and how it is possible to give those powers broader definitions. Particularly, the power definitions for single and three-phase systems can be extended to any multi-terminal network providing those powers satisfy the energy conservation law. On the contrary, this generalization is not possible for those powers that do not meet the conservation law, and, what is more, some general concepts become confusing when applied to these powers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the past two decades there has been a growing number of randomized clinical trials supporting the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders. Since evidence for its effectiveness in routine clinical practice is lagging behind, we aimed to examine adherence, outcome and predictors of MBCT in a well-characterized, heterogeneous outpatient population in routine clinical practice. Data were collected from a naturalistic uncontrolled cohort of 998 patients formally diagnosed with mainly depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, somatoform disorders and/or ADHD. Patients received protocolized MBCT and completed self-report questionnaires pre- and post-treatment on overall functioning (Outcome Questionnaire, primary outcome), depressive symptoms, worry, mindfulness skills and self-compassion. Pre-to post-treatment changes were analysed for the overall sample and each diagnostic category separately with paired sample t -tests, reliable change indices (only overall sample) and repeated measures ANOVA for groups with and without comorbidity. Multiple linear regression was carried out to assess possible predictors of adherence and change in overall functioning. Adherence was high (94%) but negatively affected by lower levels of education, more comorbidity and presence of ADHD. Outcome in terms of improvement in overall functioning was good in the overall sample (Cohen's d = 0.50, 30% showed reliable improvement vs. 3.5% reliable deterioration) and within each diagnostic category (Cohen's d range = 0.37–0.61). Worse overall functioning at baseline was the only predictor for a larger treatment effect. After MBCT, overall functioning improved in a large heterogeneous psychiatric outpatient population independent of diagnosis or comorbidity. • Overall functioning improved after MBCT in a large, heterogenous psychiatric outpatient population. • Medium to large improvements in overall functioning were found, notably with similar effects across diagnostic categories. • Specific diagnostic categories nor other investigated moderators, except baseline severity, influenced treatment efficiency. • Adherence to MBCT was satisfactory in general, although comorbidity, lower levels of education and ADHD decreased adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The instantaneous active and reactive powers p–q show differences with other powers. [•] Both powers transform one into the other: p into q, and q into p. [•] The expression “network branches” has no precise meaning for the p–q powers. [•] The p (or q) of parallel branches is the sum of the p (or q) of each basic branch. [•] The p (or q) of series branches is not the sum of the p (or q) of each basic branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patients' (pts) illness perception is based on dimensions of cognitive understanding and emotional representations of disease and its symptoms. Previous studies reported that illness perceptions influence quality of life (QoL) and mood. 212 pts with metastatic breast cancer, under treatment, were evaluated by Illness Perception Questionnaire Brief version (IPQ-B), EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-30) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). IPQ-B higher scores indicate a negative perception. EORTC QLQ-30 higher scores indicate better functioning/QoL or worse symptom severity. Higher HADS indicate higher anxiety/depression (AD) levels. Variables were studied using Pearls correlation (Sig 0.01) and T test. Primary endpoint was evaluation of illness perception. Secondary endpoints were assessment of pts characteristics, QoL, AD and its associations with illness perception. Median age was 64 years (y) and 99.5% (211 pts) were women. Median IPQ-B score was 18/32. All patients reported that their breast cancer is incurable. Perception of disease consequences was more negative in pts younger than 70y versus 70y or older (2.7 vs 2.3, p = 0.039). Preoccupation and perception of control with treatment were higher in younger pts (3.4 vs 2.9, p = 0.004; 3.6 vs 3.3, p = 0.03; respectively). Pts under chemotherapy and/or anti-HER2 therapy shown a greater impact of disease consequences, than pts under endocrine therapy and/or other target therapies (2.6 vs 2.3, p = 0.039). The mean overall QoL was 54.6/100 (± 23.0). Physical, cognitive, social and emotional functioning mean scores were respectively 60.3, 69.1, 69.3 and 60.3/100; all lower than EORTC ref. values (p < 0.01). Social functioning and IPQ-B shown a moderate negative correlation (r = - 0.507). The mean HADS score was 16.9/42 (± 7.8), reflecting the AD subscales (respectively, 9.1/21; 7.8/21). The overall illness perception and HADS shown a moderate positive association (r = 0.62). Anxiety and the emotional dimension of IPQ-B had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.598). Integrating in clinical practice the relation between illness perceptions, QoL and AD, may improve disease's coping mechanisms and functional capacity (physical, emotional, social). The authors. Has not received any funding. All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]