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This article presents the development of a low power aerogenerator prototype implemented in a test bench. The objective is to design a system that allows to simulate faults usually encountered in high power wind turbines. A SCADA system is implemented that monitors vibration, temperature, speed, currents and voltages in the different parts of the wind turbine prototype. This SCADA system allows the application of condition monitoring techniques, fault detection and diagnosis of several wind turbine conditions. A fault tree methodology is applied to diagnose different faults. With the obtained results we can conclude that this test system allows validation of monitoring and diagnostic techniques to be applied in high power wind turbines.

Introduction: The surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture has become very popular in the last years, because of the good outcomes and the low re-rupture rate. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the results between open surgery and percutaneous ultrasound-assisted surgery. Methods: All patients who underwent an Achilles tendon surgical repair in the last 3 years were included, resulting in a total of 56 patients (40 M and 16 F) with an average age of 53 years. Of these patients, 36 were treated with an open suture, while 20 with a mini invasive ultrasound assisted suture. At a minimum follow-up of one year, patients were evaluated echografically, using both the Achilles Tendon Rupture Total score (ATRS) and the McComis score, and performing the ultrasounds bilaterally to assess both the structure and the diameter of tendons. Results: Both groups of patients showed an average ATRS score >80. The McComis score was 54.18 vs. 56.25 (p>0.05). Plantar flexion and dorsal flexion work were not similar (p>0.05). On average, the calf circumference of the operated side was decreased compared to the healthy side between the groups (p>0.05). The thickness of the operated tendons evaluated with ultrasound measurement compared to the average tendon, (p

Ionic circuits composed of nanopores functionalized with polyelectrolyte chains can operate in aqueous solutions, thus allowing the control of electrical signals and information processing in physiological environments. We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically that different orientations of single-pore membranes with the same and opposite surface charges can operate reliably in series, parallel, and mixed series-parallel arrangements of two, three, and four nanofluidic diodes using schemes similar to those of solid-state electronics. We consider also different experimental procedures to externally tune the fixed charges of the molecular chains functionalized on the pore surface, showing that single-pore membranes can be used efficiently in ionic circuitry with distinct ionic environments.

HYPOTHESIS Modiolar proximity of the cochlear implant electrodes and low impedance values have a positive effect on electrical pitch discrimination. BACKGROUND The proximity of the cochlear electrode to the modiolar wall can determine changes in tissue and fluid environment. With the onset of soft-surgery techniques, the trauma caused during surgery has been reduced, minimizing fibrous growth. METHODS Computed tomography-scan measurements of electrode-inner wall distance and psychoacoustic electrode discrimination tests were done. Neural Response Telemery and impedance data were used in the study. RESULTS It was found that patients fitted with perimodiolar arrays have lower impedance values and smaller electrode-inner wall distances than those fitted with straight arrays. These variables were significantly correlated to electrode discrimination. It was found that a closer distance to the modiolus also results in better electrode discrimination. CONCLUSION Perimodiolar electrodes could be a better solution in terms of pitch discrimination both because they are closer to the modiolus and because their impedance is lower.

We study how noise can assist the processing of an image in a resistance-single electron transistor (R-SET) model. The image is an 8-bit black and white picture. Every grey level is codified linearly into a sub-threshold input potential applied for a prescribed time window to an ensemble of R-SETs that transforms it into a spiking frequency. The addition of a background white noise potential of high amplitude permits the ensemble to process the image by means of the stochastic resonance phenomenon. Aside from the positive aspects, we analyse the negative impact of using noise and how we can minimize it using redundancy and a longer measuring time. The results are compared with the case of the addition of a constant potential to the codified potential to scale it up to the supra-threshold regime.

Introduction Distal femoral shaft fractures are characterized by increasing incidence and complexity and are still considered a challenging problem (high morbidity and mortality). No consensus on best surgical option has been achieved. Aim This study aims is to investigate radiographic, mineral bone densitometry and clinical outcomes of locking retrograde intramedullary (LRN) nailing and anatomical locking plate to surgically treat distal femoral shaft fractures in young adults based on the hypothesis that there is no statistical difference among the two surgical options in terms of results (radiographic, bone densitometry and outcomes assessment). Methods Retrospective study: 30 patients divided into 2 groups (Group 1 LRN, Group 2 Nailing). Average age was 42.67±18.32 for Group 1 and 42.84 ±18.32 for Group 2 (range of age 18-65 for both groups). Gender Ratio (male: female) was 2.75 (11:4) for both Group 1 and 2. AO Classification, NUSS and RUSH score, VAS, Dexa scans, plain radiographs were used. Evaluation endpoint: 12 months after surgery (mean follow up 16.24). Results No statistical difference in terms of surgery time, transfusions, wound healing. Similar results with regard to average time of bone healing, RUSH scores, VAS, regression between RUSH and VAS, average correlation clinical-radiographic results and patients outcomes. Only one patient of each group had reduction of mineral bone densitometry values. Conclusion No statistical difference about the use of LNR or Nailing for treatment of distal femur shaft fractures in terms of radiographic, bone densitometry and outcomes has been found accordingly to our results. Good subjective and objective results are provided by both techniques. The choice among the two techniques must be based on surgeons' experience, indications and subjective patients' aspects. The absence of relevant similar data in the published literature does not allow definitive validation (or rejection) of our hypothesis. A more powered study with bigger cohort is needed for definitive validation.

Introduction: Total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) are surgical procedures with proven benefits. Although the literature reports outcomes of fusion of the lumbar spine comparable to those of THA/TKA in general health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) questionnaires, functional assessment is nevertheless needed for these results to be of use in clinical practice and management. Aim of our study was to prove that lumbar spinal fusion has similar if not better outcomes than THA/TKA using intervention-specific HRQoL questionnaires and functional assessment questionnaires. Materials and methods: Observational, ambispective, multicentre study of three cohorts undergoing lumbar spinal fusion (n = 115), THA (n = 119) and TKA (n = 253). Patients were evaluated using the Short-Form-12 (SF-12), Harris–Hip-Score, Hospital for Special Surgery Scale (HSS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaires. A minimum follow-up of two years was conducted. Results: The SF-12 showed significant improvement in all groups. The SF-12 physical component summary score indicated a more severe pre-operative status (p = 0.031) in the THA cohort. The mental component summary score indicated a less severe pre-operative status in the TKA cohort (p = 0.008) and greater post-operative improvement in the TKA and THA cohorts across follow-up (six months p = 0.021; one year p = 0.012; two years p = 0.042). Functional assessment indicated greater pre-operative disability in the THA group. At two years of follow-up, functional improvement according to the Harris, HSS and Oswestry questionnaires were 152.01%, 50.07% and 41.14% respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lumbar spinal fusion and total knee and hip arthroplasty are comparable in terms of functional improvement when thoroughly studied with health, quality-of-life and functional assessment questionnaires.

[EN] We describe experimentally and theoretically voltage-controlled current loops obtained with nanofluidic diodes immersed in aqueous salt solutions. The coupling of these soft matter diodes with conventional electronic elements such as capacitors permits simple equivalent circuits which show electrical properties reminiscent of a resistor with memory. Different conductance levels can be reproducibly achieved under a wide range of experimental conditions (input voltage amplitudes and frequencies, load capacitances, electrolyte concentrations, and single pore and multipore membranes) by electrically coupling two types of passive components: the nanopores (ionics) and the capacitors (electronics). Remarkably, these electrical characteristics do not result from slow ionic redistributions within the nanopores, which should be difficult to control and would give only small conductance changes, but arise from the robust collective response of equivalent circuits. Coupling nanoscale diodes with conventional electronic elements allows interconverting ionic and electronic currents, which should be useful for electrochemical signal processing and energy conversion based on charge transport., Support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Competitiveness and FEDER (project MAT2015-65011-P), the Generalitat Valenciana (project Prometeo/GV/0069 for Groups of Excellence). M. A, S. N. and W. E acknowledge the funding from the Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts, Germany, in the frame of LOEWE project iNAPO. Z. S. acknowledges the funding from the National Science Foundation (CHE 1306058).

[EN] The design and experimental implementation of hybrid circuits is considered allowing charge transfer and energy conversion between nanofluidic diodes in aqueous ionic solutions and conventional electronic elements such as capacitors. The fundamental concepts involved are reviewed for the case of fluctuating zero-average external potentials acting on single pore and multipore membranes. This problem is relevant to electrochemical energy conversion and storage, the stimulus-response characteristics of nanosensors and actuators, and the estimation of the accumulative effects caused by external signals on biological ion channels. Half-wave and full-wave voltage doublers and quadruplers can scale up the transduction between ionic and electronic signals. The network designs discussed here should be useful to convert the weak signals characteristic of the micro and nanoscale into robust electronic responses by interconnecting iontronics and electronic elements., P.R., J.C., V.G., and S.M. acknowledge the financial support from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain, (Materials Program, project No. MAT2015-65011-P), and FEDER. M.A., S.N., and W.E. acknowledge the funding from the Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts, Germany, under the LOEWE project iNAPO.

In recent years, molecular-protected metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted a great deal of attention. Because of their reduced size, they behave like tiny capacitors so that there is an energy penalty when adding an electron to the NP which suppresses the electric current at a potential lower than a threshold value. This phenomenon is known as Coulomb blockade (CB) and allows the transport of electrons to be modulated through an external gate provided that the energy penalty is higher than the thermal energy. Together with the possibility of tailoring their properties, molecular protected NPs are potential candidates as future components of high density, low consumption electronics. However, they face a number of problems before they can be considered as a technological viable option. To be used at room temperatures, NPs radii need to be in the nanometer range, and then fabrication processes lead to significant variability in the NPs physical properties. We use here two systems, a XOR gate and a R-SET model which mimics some characteristics of neurons, to show strategies that may be used to cope with the variability problem so that a robust information processing can be achieved despite using nominally different components.

Resumen Introduccion Entre las anomalias del hueso temporal que pueden encontrarse en el estudio etiologico de la hipoacusia neurosensorial (HANS) infantil mediante pruebas de imagen, las relacionadas con el conducto auditivo interno (CAI) se hallan entre las menos frecuentes. De ellas, la mas prevalente y relacionada con HANS es el CAI estenotico por su asociacion a deficiencias del nervio coclear. Menos frecuente y menos concomitante con HANS es el hallazgo de un CAI agrandado (> 8 mm). Metodos Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de las asociaciones clinicas, estudios de imagen, patrones audiologicos y opciones de tratamiento de 9 ninos diagnosticados de hipoacusia en el periodo 1999-2012 con un CAI agrandado. Resultados Se describen 2 grupos de pacientes. El primero, sin asociacion con displasias cocleovestibulares: 2 pacientes con HANS sin otras alteraciones de hueso temporal o sistemicas, una hipoacusia mixta bilateral con cromosomopatia por delecion 18q, una hipoacusia genetica DFN 3 ligada a X, una hipoacusia unilateral en neurofibromatosis tipo 2 con neurinoma del acustico bilateral, y una hipoacusia unilateral con deficit de nervio coclear unilateral; y un segundo grupo con asociacion a displasias cocleovestibulares: una hipoacusia mixta bilateral moderada en sindrome branquio-oto-renal, una HANS profunda unilateral con meningitis recurrentes, y una HANS bilateral profunda con hipotiroidismo congenito. Conclusiones La presencia de un CAI agrandado en ninos puede encontrarse en diferentes contextos clinicos y audiologicos, con relevancias que pueden variar desde situaciones con riesgo vital como en meningitis recurrentes, hasta hipoacusias aisladas sin otras asociaciones.

Liquid state arrangements of two polymeric membranes with single conical nanopores constitute nanofluidic diodes that allow a rich electrical functionality based on the modulation of individual conductances in aqueous electrolyte solutions. In particular, the prescribed sequences of current-time traces can be obtained by preprogramed switching between series and parallel pore connection arrangements. Hybrid nanopore-solid-state circuits are also possible. The basic applied physics of the nanofluidic diode arrangements can be understood from simple circuit theory concepts and should be of widespread interest to sensing and actuating procedures, controlled release dispensers, and energy conversion modules based on electrochemical signals.Liquid state arrangements of two polymeric membranes with single conical nanopores constitute nanofluidic diodes that allow a rich electrical functionality based on the modulation of individual conductances in aqueous electrolyte solutions. In particular, the prescribed sequences of current-time traces can be obtained by preprogramed switching between series and parallel pore connection arrangements. Hybrid nanopore-solid-state circuits are also possible. The basic applied physics of the nanofluidic diode arrangements can be understood from simple circuit theory concepts and should be of widespread interest to sensing and actuating procedures, controlled release dispensers, and energy conversion modules based on electrochemical signals.

Objective Few studies exist on children with common cavity, fewer still on their long-term audiological development after having received a cochlear implant. Our goal was to observe and report the long-term audiological progress of children with common cavity who were implanted with a custom-made electrode. Methods In this longitudinal, multi-center study, 19 children were implanted with a MED-EL custom-made electrode via either single slit cochleostomy or double posterior labyrinthotomy. We observed their audiological development with a test battery consisting of Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR), and Ling 6-Sounds tests. We tested the children 1 month prior to the surgery; at first fitting; at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post first-fitting; at 2 years after first-fitting; and, whenever possible, at 3, 4, and 5 years after first-fitting. Results Children with common cavity tend to steadily and significantly improve their audiological skills over time. This development may, however, be highly individual; probably in part due to relatively high levels of additional needs. Parents should be counseled to establish realistic post-implantation expectations. Surgically, contrary to our expectations, we cannot confirm that double posterior labyrinthotomy reduces intracochlear electrode movement or that the MED-EL custom electrode leads to fewer incidences of intra- or post-implantation complications. Conclusions Cochlear implantation is a safe and effective treatment option in children with common cavity. The majority of children with CC derive significant audiological benefit from implantation. Intra- and post-surgical complications, while serious, and be dealt with effectively in most cases.

[EN] In a context of global warming concern and global energy policies, in which heating and cooling systems in buildings account for a significant amount of the global energy consumption, ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are widely considered as being among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling renewable technologies currently available.Nevertheless, both an optimal design of components and an optimal operation of the system as a whole become crucial so that these systems can have a significant contribution to the attenuation of the global energy problem.The overall objective of this PhD dissertation is to perform the control and energy optimization of an experimental GSHP system installed at the Universitat Politècnica de València, making the control system adaptive to the thermal demand of the building and to the climate conditions.For that purpose, different control strategies are proposed, described, developed, implemented and tested in the system.The optimization of any system requires a comprehensive study of its behaviour, by means of a thorough analysis of all the variables and parameters implied on its performance.Therefore, the first step is to analyse the short-term performance of the system, but also the long-term performance based on the experimental data collected at the installation.Second and prior to developing any optimization strategies, it is important to analyse the optimal configuration of the system according to the objectives targeted.This objective includes the study of the best location for the temperature control sensor and the buffer tank, as well as an adequate size for this buffer tank.Finally, once the behaviour of the system has been fully understood, the components of the system are the most efficient according to the possibilities of the research work and they have been connected adequately, the final objective is to develop control and optimization strategies which optimize the operation of the experimental GSHP system.These strategies target the control of the heat pump compressor, but also and more importantly, the energy optimization of the complete system.The focus is not in optimizing the performance of each individual component, but in optimizing the energy performance of the system working as a whole.In this direction, a first approach which combined a temperature compensation strategy and the variation of the frequency of the water circulation pumps, and hence the flow rate, as a function of the thermal load of the building, was first attempted.The application of this first approach resulted in significant energy savings, but also in a lack of user comfort in some of the offices under extreme weather conditions during summer.Consequently, the control and optimization methodology has been upgraded in a global algorithm (which is the final result of this PhD thesis) which couples both strategies in order to ensure the user comfort while keeping significant energy savings.In brief, this PhD work provides a comprehensive experimental study for the energy optimization of a GSHP system for both cooling and heating operation.Experimental results for a one-year operation period demonstrate important energy savings when compared to the standard control operation, up to 35% in the summer season and 53% in the winter season, while keeping the user comfort., [ES] En un contexto de creciente preocupación por el calentamiento global y de políticas energéticas internacionales, en el cual los sistemas de climatización en edificios representan una parte importante del consumo energético global, los sistemas de bomba de calor geotérmica están ampliamente considerados como una de las tecnologias de climatización de espacios más eficientes disponibles en la actualidad.Sin embargo, tanto un buen diseño de los componentes como una óptima operación del sistema son de vital importancia para que estos sistemas puedan contribuir de manera significativa a atenuar el problema energético global.El objetivo general de esta tesis doctoral es el control y la optimización energética de una instalación experimental de bomba de calor geotérmica construida en la Universitat Politècnica de València, haciendo que el sistema de control se adapte a la demanda térmica del edificio y a las condiciones climatológicas.Para ello, se proponen diferentes estrategias de control, las cuáles son descritas, desarrolladas, implementadas y evaluadas a lo largo de este trabajo de investigación.La optimización de cualquier sistema requiere un amplio estudio de su comportamiento, analizando concienzudamente todas las variables y parámetros implicados en su funcionamiento.Por tanto, el primer paso llevado a cabo es el análisis de los días típicos de funcionamiento de la instalación, pero también su comportamiento a más largo plazo, a partir de los datos experimentales recogidos.En segundo lugar, y como paso previo al desarrollo de las estrategias de optimización, es importante analizar la configuración óptima del sistema de acuerdo con los objetivos perseguidos.Este objetivo incluye el estudio de la posición del sensor de temperatura empleado para el control y del depósito de inercia, así como el dimensionamiento adecuado de este depósito.Finalmente, una vez se ha analizado en profundidad el funcionamiento del sistema, los componentes del mismo son lo más eficientes posible, y éstos han sido conectados de manera adecuada, el objetivo final es el desarrollo de estrategias de control y optimización energética que optimicen la operación de la instalación experimental de bomba de calor geotérmica.Estas estrategias se dirigen principalmente a la optimización del sistema completo.El objetivo no es optimizar el funcionamiento de cada componente de manera individual, sino optimizar el comportamiento energético del sistema trabajando como un todo.En este sentido, se desarrolló una primera metodología que combinaba la compensación de la temperatura de consigna de la bomba de calor en función de la temperatura ambiente exterior, y la variación de la frecuencia de las bombas de circulación (y por tanto el caudal de agua) en función de la carga térmica del edificio.La aplicación de esta primera estrategia resultó en una importante mejora del rendimiento energético, pero también en la pérdida de confort en algunas de las oficinas climatizadas cuando las condiciones climatológicas eran extremas durante el verano.En consecuencia, la metodología de control y optimización desarrollada fue mejorada dando como resultado un algoritmo global de optimización energética (que es el resultado final de esta tesis), el cual acopla ambas estrategias anteriores de manera que se cumpla el confort del usuario y se mantenga un ahorro de energía significativo.En resumen, esta tesis doctoral proporciona un estudio experimental exhaustivo de la optimización energética de un sistema de bomba de calor geotérmica para la climatización de un edificio de oficinas.Los resultados experimentales para un año completo de funcionamiento del sistema muestran un ahorro de energía significativo en comparación con el modo de control de referencia, hasta un 35% en modo refrigeración y un 53% en modo calefacción, a la vez que se mantiene el confort de los usuarios., [CAT] En un context de creixent preocupació per l'escalfament global i de polítiques energètiques internacionals, en el qual els sistemes de climatització en edificis representen una part important del consum energètic global, els sistemes de bomba de calor geotèrmica estan amplament considerats com una de les tecnologies de climatització més eficients disponibles en la actualitat pel que fa a la climatització d'espais.No obstant això, tant un bon disseny dels components com una operació òptima del sistema són de vital importància per tal que aquests sistemes puguen contribuir de manera significativa a atenuar el problema energètic global.L'objectiu general d'aquesta tesi doctoral és el control i l'optimització energètica d'una instal·lació experimental de bomba de calor geotèrmica construïda a la Universitat Politècnica de València, fent que el sistema de control s'adapte a la demanda tèrmica de l'edifici i a les condicions climatològiques.Amb aquest objectiu, es proposen diferents estratègies de control, les quals són descrites, desenvolupades, implementades i avaluades al llarg d'aquest treball d'investigació.L'optimització de qualsevol sistema requereix un ampli estudi del seu comportament, analitzant conscienciosament totes les variables i paràmetres implicats en el seu funcionament.Per tant, el primer pas duit a terme és l'anàlisi dels dies típics de funcionament de la instal·lació, però també el seu comportament a més llarg termini, a partir de les dades experimentals recollides.En segon lloc, i com pas previ al desenvolupament de les estratègies d'optimització, és important analitzar la configuració òptima del sistema d'acord als objectius perseguits.Aquest objectiu inclou l'estudi de la posició del sensor de temperatura emprat pel control i del dipòsit d'inèrcia, així com el correcte dimensionament d'aquest dipòsit.Finalment, una vegada s'ha analitzat en profunditat el funcionament del sistema, els components d'aquest són el més eficients possible, i han sigut connectats de manera adequada, l'objectiu final és el desenvolupament d'estratègies de control i optimització energètica les quals optimitzen l'operació de la instal·lació experimental de bomba de calor geotèrmica.Aquestes estratègies es dirigeixen principalment a l'optimització del sistema complet.L'objectiu no és optimitzar el funcionament de cada component de manera aïllada, sinó més bé optimitzar el comportament energètic del sistema treballant com un tot.En aquest sentit, es va desenvolupar una primera metodologia que combinava la compensació de la temperatura de consigna de la bomba de calor en funció de la temperatura ambient exterior, i la variació de la freqüència de les bombes de circulació (i per tant del cabdal d'aigua) en funció de la càrrega tèrmica de l'edifici.L'aplicació d'aquest primer apropament va resultar en una important millora del rendiment energètic, però també en la pèrdua de confort en algunes de les oficines climatitzades quan les condicions climatològiques eren extremes durant l'estiu.En conseqüència, la metodologia de control i optimització desenvolupada va ser millorada resultant en un algoritme global d'optimització energètica (resultat principal d'aquesta tesi), el qual acobla ambdues estratègies anteriors de manera que es complisca el confort de l'usuari i es mantinga un important estalvi d'energia.En resum, aquesta tesi doctoral proporciona un estudi experimental exhaustiu de l'optimit\-zació energètica d'un sistema de bomba de calor geotèrmica per la climatització d'un edifici d'oficines.Els resultats experimentals per un any complet de funcionament del sistema mostren un estalvi d'energia significatiu en comparació amb el mode de control de referencia, fins un 35% en mode refrigeració i un 53% en mode calefacció, a la vegada que es manté el confort dels usuaris., Cervera Vázquez, J. (2016). Control and energy optimization of ground source heat pump systems for heating and cooling in buildings [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. doi:10.4995/Thesis/10251/66748., TESIS

[EN] We consider a nanopore network with simple connectivity, demonstrating a two-dimensional circuit (full-wave rectifier) with ensembles of conical pores acting as nanofluidic diodes. When the bridge nanopore network is fed with an input potential signal of fluctuating polarity, a fixed output polarity is obtained. The full-wave rectification characteristics are demonstrated with square, sinusoidal, and white noise input waveforms. The charging of a load capacitor located between the two legs of the bridge demonstrates that the nanofluidic network is effectively coupled to this electronic element. These results can be relevant for energy transduction and storage procedures with nanopores immersed in electrolyte solutions. Because the individual nanofluidic resistances can be modulated by chemical, electrical, and optical signals, the balanced bridge circuit can also be useful to miniaturize nanopore-based sensing devices. (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., We acknowledge the support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Competitiveness and FEDER (project MAT2015-65011-P) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project Prometeo/GV/0069 for Groups of Excellence). M.A., S.N. and W.E. acknowledge the funding from the Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts, Germany, under the frame of LOEWE project iNAPO.

Introduction The SNAC wrist (Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse) is one of the complications following scaphoid fractures treated conservatively and one of the causes of wrist arthritis that the hand surgeon has to face most frequently. In these cases surgical management is usually warranted. Materials and methods In the set time frame of 6 years we treated 15 SNAC wrist cases. On average patients underwent surgery five years after the trauma. All patients were treated via dorsal incision with partial carpal arthrodesis and total scaphoidectomy, associated with denervation of the posterior interosseous nerves. A plaster cast was applied to all patients for 3 weeks postoperatively. In the preoperative stage, X-rays of the healthy contralateral limb were taken for the measurement of the normal radiocarpal joint space. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1,3, 6 and 12 months from the trauma; then every 12 months. Criteria for the evaluation of patients: visual analog pain scale (VAS), average time of radiographic fusion of wrist bones, Active Range of Wrist Motion (WAROM), subjective Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) and The Short Form ( 36) Health Survey (SF-36), return to the main tasks and complications. The evaluation endpoint was set at 60 months. Average time of surgery: 48.3 minutes. Average time of arthrodesis consolidation: 67.8 days. The VAS and WAROM showed a gradual improvement in seriated controls, returning to values almost identical to pre-trauma at a 5-year follow-up. By this time, the MWS and SF-36 scores were similar to pre-trauma. On average, the return to pre-injury daily activities occurred in 12.5 months after surgery. There were no complications. Conclusions The partial carpal arthrodesis is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of SNAC wrist cases. Our results show a progressive and significant improvement in ROM, VAS and great satisfaction from the patient.

We propose a logic gates scheme based on the electron transfer through metallic nanoclusters linked to organic ligands and discuss theoretically the characteristics needed for practical implementation. As a proof-of-the-concept, we demonstrate the OR, AND and NOT gates and study the performance in terms of temperature, applied voltage, and noise.

Tumarkin attacks are a feature of Ménière’s disease that generate a significant degree of disability. The surprising nature of these events is the main reason behind their associated morbidity. In this study we set out to evaluate auditory and vestibular function, as well as disability, in a population of patients who suffer Tumarkin attacks. We found that patients who suffer Tumarkin attacks are more disabled and experience severer and more frequent autonomic symptoms and that their hearing level is significantly worse in the asymptomatic ear, especially at low frequencies. Accordingly, we consider that treatment must be carefully planned to be as conservative as possible in terms of hearing and that psychiatric and/or psychological treatment must always be considered as an adjuvant therapy.

We explore the characteristics of a new signal processing scheme based on the high-frequency electromechanical oscillations of a nanostructure formed by an oscillating metallic nanoparticle connected to the left and right electrodes by soft links. Because this system shows resonant behavior when the frequency of the applied electric potential is close to the characteristic natural frequency of the oscillating nanoparticle, a parallel arrangement of nanostructures with different frequencies can be excited selectively by an external time-dependent electrical signal with the appropriate resonant frequencies. The highly nonlinear system response makes it possible to devise a signal processing scheme, because those oscillators excited at resonance deliver a higher net current than those that are out of resonance. This property can be used to identify an input pattern codified in the external electrical signal. We discuss briefly the dynamics of the oscillating nanoparticle, paying special attention to the tunneling transitions to and from the electrodes at non-zero temperatures. We consider a device composed of N oscillators (one per bit of information) with different natural frequencies that are excited individually by the external electrical signal. As a proof-of-the-concept, we calculate the net charge delivered by each of the oscillators during a reference time and discuss theoretically the performance of the device in terms of the temperature, reference time, applied voltage, tunnel resistance asymmetry, noise, and damping parameter. In addition, we consider the case of an induced natural frequency by using a ligand whose conductance can be modulated externally. By imposing a periodic modulation of this conductance, a resonance of the charge delivered is observed, which can also be exploited to implement the signal processing device.

Electrical transduction from fluctuating external signals is central to energy conversion based on nanoscale electrochemical devices and bioelectronics interfaces. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally a significant energy transduction from white noise signals using the electrical rectification of asymmetric nanopores in polymeric membranes immersed in aqueous electrolyte solutions. Load capacitor voltages of the order of 1 V are obtained within times of the order of 1 min by means of nanofluidic diodes which convert zero time-average potentials of amplitudes of the order of 1 V into average net currents. We consider single-nanopore and multipore membranes to show that the conversion processes can be significantly increased by scaling. The results concern a wide range of operating electrolyte concentrations. Because these concentrations dictate the pore resistance, the tuning of the load capacitance to optimize the system response at each concentration is also addressed. Finally, the experimental results are described theoretically by using simple equivalent circuits with a voltage-dependent resistance in series with a load capacitance. & 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., We acknowledge the support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Competitiveness and FEDER (Project MAT2012-32084) and the Generalitat Valenciana (Project Prometeo/GV/0069).

We explore the electrical rectification of large amplitude fluctuating signals by an asymmetric nanostructure operating in aqueous solution. We show experimentally and theoretically that a load capacitor can be charged to voltages close to 1 V within a few minutes by converting zero time-average potentials of amplitudes in the range 0.5–3 V into average net currents using a single conical nanopore. This process suggests that significant energy conversion and storage from an electrically fluctuating environment is feasible with a nanoscale pore immersed in a liquid electrolyte solution, a system characteristic of bioelectronics interfaces, electrochemical cells, and nanoporous membranes., We acknowledge the support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Competitiveness and FEDER (project MAT2012-32084) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project Prometeo/GV/0069).

Objective To examine the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes in Europe. Methods Themes for comparison of screening programmes derived from literature were used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing, and public health screening. Tests used, professions involved, age, and frequency of testing seem to influence sensitivity, specificity, and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, otolaryngologists, and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU full-member, candidate, and associate states. Answers were cross-checked. Results Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35 countries, in 71% of these more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years of age, but is usually before age five. At age three and four, picture charts, including Lea Hyvarinen, are used most; in children over four, Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing screening test, otoacoustic emission is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory brainstem response in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing programmes are staged; children are referred after 1–4 abnormal tests. Vision screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists, or nurses. Funding is mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but reporting was often not first-hand. Conclusion Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1–4), and funding sources (8).

Resumen Objetivos Evaluar los resultados auditivos de una muestra de pacientes diagnosticados de atresia auris intervenidos de cirugia otologica. Estudiamos la correlacion de los resultados auditivos con la clasificacion pronostica de Jahrsdoerfer. Con nuestros resultados y los de otros autores, proponemos un algoritmo terapeutico en la atresia auris unilateral y bilateral Metodos Realizamos una revision retrospectiva de 12 oidos que hemos intervenido por atresia auris entre 1989 a 2002. Mediante estudio de la TC, valoramos los criterios pronosticos de Jahrsdoerfer correlacionandolos con los resultados obtenidos en el estudio audiometrico antes y despues de la cirugia Resultados Existen diferencias estadisticamente significativas (p=0,003) en el cierre del umbral tonal diferencial (UTD) antes y despues de la cirugia y una correlacion lineal significativa (p=0,016) entre la puntuacion obtenida en la clasificacion de Jahrsdoerfer y el cierre del UTD Conclusiones La cirugia de la atresia auris proporciona buenos resultados auditivos en casos seleccionados

Se analiza la posición de la opinión pública francesa ante la causa de los exiliados españoles, numerosos en Francia. Muchos colaboraron en la lucha contra los nazis y ello les granjeó simpatía. Analizamos cómo evolucionó esa opinión los años de teórico aislamiento del Franquismo, hasta 1953. Examinamos las referencias a ese exilio en los seis principales periódicos franceses de estos años. Se concluye que la realidad interna francesa, el contexto internacional y/o el perfil ideológico de cada periódico mediatizan la postura ante ese exilio y el apoyo real de la opinión pública francesa esos años. This article analyses the stance of French public opinion to the cause of the Spanish exiles present in great numbers in France. Many of them fought alongside the French in the struggle against the Nazis, which earned them considerable goodwill. We analyse the evolution of this opinion throughout the years of theoretical isolation produced by the Franco regime, through to 1953. We examine the references to the Spanish exile in the six leading French newspapers during those years. The conclusions are that the internal French situation, international events and/or the ideological bias of each newspaper all influence attitudes towards the Spanish exile and the real support of French public opinion at that time.

Hemangiomas in infancy are the most frequent benign tumors of the head and neck in children. However, intranasal location is very rare. By obstructing the entire nasal fossa, it produces a problem of breathing difficulty in the neonatal period, which leads to therapeutic measures being taken in the first months of life. We present a patient who was born with intranasal hemangioma, we study the various therapeutic options and we expose the final resolution of the case, which was vaporization using CO2 laser.

El hematoma septal tras traumatismo nasal es una complicacion que de no ser diagnosticada y tratada precozmente puede evolucionar a un absceso septal. Presentamos el caso de un varon de 10 anos que sufrio traumatismo nasal con fractura de huesos propios y un hematoma septal que no fue diagnosticado, y cuya evolucion fue un absceso septal. Durante el drenaje de este absceso se evidencio una necrosis del cartilago cuadrangular. Posteriormente el paciente presento un hundimiento del dorso nasal y una desviacion del tabique nasal. Esta secuela se corrigio mediante la utilizacion de un injerto osteocondral costal. Ante cualquier traumatismo nasal es importante explorar correctamente el tabique nasal para descartar un hematoma, que si no se drena de forma precoz, puede evolucionar a un absceso por compresion del cartilago cuadrangular, cuyas consecuencias son su necrosis en pocos dias y posterior hundimiento del dorso nasal en el curso del desarrollo del nino.

Introduction Among the temporal bone abnormalities that can be found in the etiological study of paediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by imaging techniques, those related to the internal auditory canal (IAC) are the least frequent. The most prevalent of these abnormalities that is associated with SNHL is stenotic IAC due to its association with cochlear nerve deficiencies. Less frequent and less concomitant with SNHL is the finding of an enlarged IAC (>8 mm). Methods Retrospective and descriptive review of clinical associations, imaging, audiological patterns and treatment of 9 children with hearing loss and enlarged IAC in the period 1999–2012. Results Two groups of patients are described. The first, without association with vestibulocochlear dysplasias, consisted of: 2 patients with SNHL without other temporal bone or systemic abnormalities, one with bilateral mixed HL from chromosome 18q deletion, one with a genetic X-linked DFN3 hearing loss, one with unilateral hearing loss in neurofibromatosis type 2 with bilateral acoustic neuroma, and one with unilateral hearing loss with cochlear nerve deficiency. The second group, with association with vestibulocochlear dysplasias, was comprised of: one patient with moderate bilateral mixed hearing loss in branchio-oto-renal syndrome, one with profound unilateral SNHL with recurrent meningitis, and another with profound bilateral SNHL with congenital hypothyroidism. Conclusions The presence of an enlarged IAC in children can be found in different clinical and audiological settings with relevancies that can range from life-threatening situations, such as recurrent meningitis, to isolated hearing loss with no other associations.

Single-track, asymmetric nanopores can currently be functionalised with a spatially inhomogeneous distribution of fixed charges and a variety of pore tip shapes. Optimising the asymmetric nanopore characteristics is crucial for practical applications in nanofluidics. We have addressed here this question for three cases based on different input/output chemical and electrical signals: (i) ion pumping up a concentration gradient by means of a periodic, time-dependent bias potential, (ii) information processing with a single nanopore acting as the nanofluidic diode of a logic gate, and (iii) electrical energy harvesting using a nanopore that separates two solutions of different salt concentrations. The results show the nanopore characteristics (size, shape, and charge distribution) that should be optimised for each application. In particular, the control of the pore tip size and charge appears to be crucial in all cases because it is in this narrow region where the interaction of the ions and the pore surface occurs, and this will eventually determine the nanodevice performance. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., We acknowledge the financial support from the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain and FEDER, Programme of Materials (project No. MAT2009-07747).

Hemangiomas in infancy are the most frequent benign tumors of the head and neck in children. However, intranasal location is very rare. By obstructing the entire nasal fossa, it produces a problem of breathing difficulty in the neonatal period, which leads to therapeutic measures being taken in the first months of life. We present a patient who was born with intranasal hemangioma, we study the various therapeutic options and we expose the final resolution of the case, which was vaporization using CO(2) laser.

■ In more than 75% of bilateral choanal atresia cases, further associated anomalies have to be considered.

Septal haematoma following nasal trauma is a complication that, if not diagnosed and treated early, may evolve into a nasal septal abscess. We present the case of a 10-year-old male who suffered nasal trauma with fracture and an undiagnosed septal haematoma that evolved into a septal abscess. During drainage of the abscess, necrosis of the quadrangular cartilage was noted. The patient later presented collapse of the nasal dorsum and deviation of the nasal septum. This sequela was corrected by means of an osteochondral costal graft. In the presence of any nasal trauma, it is important to explore the nasal septum correctly to discard the presence of a haematoma which, if not drained early, may evolve into an abscess due to compression of the quadrangular cartilage, leading to its necrosis in a few days, and later collapse of the nasal dorsum as the child grows.

Auditory deprivation in children causes important adverse effects in speech development, acquisition of knowledge, and the affective area. The use of multichannel cochlear implants permits to restore the auditory capacity and therefore affects directly the children’s language and speech development. The aim of this study is to evaluate the speech development in a group of children treated with early cochlear implantation.

Signal processing based on molecular switches whose conductance can be tuned by an external stimulus between two (on and off) states has been proposed recently (Cervera et al 2008 J. Appl. Phys. 104 084317). The basic building block is a metal nanoparticle linked to two electrodes by an organic ligand and a nanoswitch. The net charge delivered by this nanostructure exhibits a sharp resonance when the alternating potential applied between the electrodes has the same frequency as the periodic variation between the on and off conductance states induced on the nanoswitch. This resonance can be used to process an external signal by selectively extracting the weight of the different harmonics. However, because of the fabrication process at the nanoscale, the nanostructures will show a significant variability in the physical characteristics. By using a phenomenological model that includes this variability, the stochastic nature of electron transference, and the thermal noise, we demonstrate that reliable signal processing can still be achieved by adapting the number of nanoswitches per bit of information (circuit redundancy) to the nanostructure tolerance (device variability). Extensive kinetic Monte Carlo simulations show that a moderate level of redundancy can compensate for significant nanostructure variability. This result gives support to the concept of ensembles of redundant switches as reliable components for signal processing at the nanoscale.