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This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Nasika, C. [et al.]. Discrete empirical interpolation for hyper-reduction of hydro-mechanical problems in groundwater flow through soil. "International journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics", 10 Abril 2023, vol. 47, núm. 5, p. 667-693, which has been published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nag.3487. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited. The recent surge in the availability of sensor data and computational resources has fostered the development of technologies for optimization, control, and monitoring of large infrastructures, integrating data and numerical modeling. The major bottleneck in this type of technologies is the model response time, since repetitive solutions are typically required. To reduce the computational time, reduced order models (ROMs) are used as surrogates for expensive finite element (FE) simulations enabling the use of complex models in this type of applications. In this work, ROMs are explored for the solution of the fully coupled hydro-mechanical system of equations that governs the water flow through partially saturated soil. The POD-based Reduced Basis Method and the Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (DEIM), as well as its localized version (LDEIM), are examined in solving a parametrized problem simulating the mechanical loading of an embankment dam. Hydraulic and mechanical soil properties are considered as parameters. It is shown that the combination of these methods results in simulations that require 1/10 to 1/100 of the FE response time. Moreover, the method is shown to yield scaling efficiency gains with increasing problem size.

LARC is managed by multimodal treatments whose intensity can be highly modulated. In this context, we need surrogate endpoints to help predict long-term outcomes and better personalize treatments. A previous study identified 2yDFS as a stronger predictor of OS than pCR in LARC patients undergoing neoadjuvant RT. The aim of this pooled analysis was to assess the role of pCR and 2yDFS as surrogate endpoints for OS in a larger cohort. The pooled and subgroup analyses were performed on large rectal cancer randomized trial cohorts who received long-course RT. Our analysis focused on the evaluation of OS in relation to the pCR and 2-year disease status. A total of 4600 patients were analyzed. Four groups were identified according to intermediate outcomes: 12% had both pCR and 2yDFS (the better); 67% achieved 2yDFS but not pCR (the good); 1% had pCR but not 2yDFS; and 20% had neither pCR nor 2yDFS (the bad). The pCR and 2yDFS were favorably associated with OS in the univariate analysis, and 2yDFS maintained a statistically significant association in the multivariate analysis independently of the pCR status. The combination of the pCR and 2yDFS results in a strong predictor of OS, whereas failure to achieve 2yDFS carries a poor prognosis regardless of the pCR status. This new stratification of LARC patients could help design predictive models where the combination of 2yDFS and pCR should be employed as the primary outcome.

Purpose:No biomarker to personalize treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is currently available. We assessed in LARC whether a diagnostic biopsy-adapted immunoscore (ISB) could predict response to neoadjuvant treatment (nT) and better define patients eligible to an organ preservation strategy (“Watch-and-Wait”).Experimental Design:Biopsies from two independent cohorts (n1 = 131, n2 = 118) of patients with LARC treated with nT followed by radical surgery were immunostained for CD3+ and CD8+ T cells and quantified by digital pathology to determine ISB. The expression of immune-related genes post-nT was investigated (n = 64 patients). Results were correlated with response to nT and disease-free survival (DFS). The ISB prognostic performance was further assessed in a multicentric cohort (n = 73 patients) treated by Watch-and-Wait.Results:ISB positively correlated with the degree of histologic response (P < 0.001) and gene expression levels for Th1 orientation and cytotoxic immune response, post-nT (P = 0.006). ISB high identified patients at lower risk of relapse or death compared with ISB low [HR, 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06–0.78; P = 0.009]. Prognostic performance of ISB for DFS was confirmed in a validation cohort. ISB was an independent parameter, more informative than pre- (P < 0.001) and post-nT (P < 0.05) imaging to predict DFS. ISB combined with imaging post-nT discriminated very good responders that could benefit from organ preservation strategy. In the “Watch-and-Wait” cohort (n = 73), no relapse was observed in patients with ISB high (23.3%).Conclusions:ISB predicts response to nT and survival in patients with LARC treated by surgery. Its usefulness in the selection of patients eligible for a Watch-and-Wait strategy is strongly suggested.

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International audience; From a circular plastic economy perspective, a new configuration of Metal Acetylacetonate Bidentate Ligand Interaction (MABLI) mechanism adapted to the chemistry of the recyclable Elium® thermoplastic resins has been recently discovered to initiate the free radical polymerization of these resins under mild conditions (under air, at room temperature, non-purified monomers, absence of hazardous chemical substances). This initiating strategy is based on the synergy between the initial MABLI couple and a phosphine oxide (Type I photoinitiator). Despite the absence of irradiation, the mere presence of the phosphine oxide reduced significantly the curing time and the final conversion obtained is nearly 100%. In order to dismantle the role of each component and to predict new highperformance MABLI redox initiating systems based on a similar configuration, a mechanistic study was pursued. It has resulted in the identification of new hybrid complexes obtained by ligand exchange between the photoinitiator and the metallic complex. On the other hand, presence of the Type I photoinitiator can level up the initiating strategy by combining MABLI and photoactivation into a dual cure approach: thereby, the photolysis yield and the polymerization efficiency of the complexed form of the phosphine oxide was studied and compared to the free form of the photoinitiator.

Coastal erosion and accretion are short-term and long-term processes that may cause changes in shoreline and beach profiles. Monitoring beach profile is important to figure out the factors that are responsible for these changes so it helps the stakeholders in planning sustainable beach management that plays a vital role in achieving Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). For this reason, a beach survey was conducted at the study area to monitor and determine the factors that led to erosion and accretion on beach profile. DEM (Digital Elevation Model) helped on comparing between the elevations of ground control points through four seasons of the survey, which compensated: November 2020, December 2020, February 2021, April 2021 and July 2021. The used methodology of using GPS (Global Positioning System) depended on stop and go methodology within the two locations in the study area: site A (Jal El Bahr north of Tyre) and site B (Bahr Slaiyeb south of Tyre). GIS (Geographic Information System) is another tool that was used to have LC (land cover) map. Meteorological data was extracted from Saksakye weather station north of Tyre. Results of beach survey indicated that the two study areas were exposed to change on profile through the study period especially at Bahr Slaiyeb. These changes in the two study areas are a result of anthropogenic pressure (grooming and cleaning, grazing, human trampling, construction, etc..), vegetation cover and meteorological factors (wind speed, wind direction and precipitation). This database could be used to support in outlining the baseline of strategic beach monitoring and ICZM.

Background Little is known about the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and its recurrence at a population level. The aim of this study was to draw a picture of management, recurrence and survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Material and methods The 5-year probability of recurrences was estimated using the cumulative incidence function to consider competing risks of death. Net survival was estimated and a multivariate survival analysis was performed. The study was conducted using data of the Burgundy Digestive Cancer Registry. Overall, 273 squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal registered between 1998 and 2014 were considered. Results Overall, 80% of patients were treated with curative intent. Of these, 61% received chemoradiotherapy, 35% received radiotherapy and 4% received abdominoperineal resection alone. After these treatments, for cure the 5-year cumulative recurrence rate was 27% overall; it was 20% after chemoradiotherapy and 38% after radiotherapy. Five-year net survival was 71% overall; it was 81% after chemoradiotherapy and 55% after radiotherapy. Conclusions and relevance Chemoradiotherapy was highly effective in routine practice. We confirm that it is difficult to distinguish between persistent active disease and local inflammation due to radiotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal recurrences remains a substantial problem, highlighting the interest of prolonged surveillance. Aggressive management of recurrences may be beneficial.

Introduction Early rectal cancers are increasingly diagnosed through screening programmes and are often treated using local excision (LE). In the case of adverse pathological features completion total mesorectal excision surgery (TME) is the standard recommendation. The morbidity and mortality risks of TME have stimulated the use of adjunctive treatments following LE to achieve organ preservation. Material and methods Patients treated with adjuvant CXB following local excision between 2004 and 2017 in three centres were identified (Clatterbridge, Hull, Nice). All patients had adverse pathological features including: lymphovacular invasion, Sm2-3 Kikuchi level, tumour budding, pT2, positive resection margins (R1). CXB was performed with the Papillon50 tm machine to a dose of 40–60 Gy in 2 or 3 fractions over 2–4 weeks preceding/following external beam chemo/radiotherapy. Kaplan Meier survival estimates were used for outcomes measures. Results 194 patients were identified. Median age was 70 years. pT staging was: pT1:143, pT2:45, pT3:6. CXB alone was given in 24 pts and combined with EBRT in 170. Median follow-up time was 77 months (range 7–122 months). Local relapse rate was 8% and distant metastases 9%. Organ preservation was achieved in 95%. 6 year local recurrence free and overall survival was 91% and 81% respectively. Cancer specific survival was 97%. No treatment related mortality was seen. Conclusion This large multi-centre cohort study using adjuvant CXB following local excision suggests excellent oncological outcomes for these patients without completion TME. This treatment approach can be considered as an alternative for selective patients compliant with long term follow up.

Summary Background Watch and wait is a novel management strategy in patients with rectal cancer who have a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Surveillance of these patients is generally intensive, because local regrowth (with the potential for salvage) occurs in 25% of patients, and distant metastases occur in 10% of patients. It is unclear for how long these patients should be followed up. To address this issue, we did conditional survival modelling using the International Watch & Wait Database (IWWD), which is a large-scale registry of patients with a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy who have been managed by a watch-and-wait strategy. Methods We did a retrospective, multicentre registry study using a dataset from the IWWD, which includes data from 47 clinics across 15 countries. We selected patients (aged ≥18 years) with rectal cancer who had a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and who were subsequently managed by a watch-and-wait strategy between Nov 25, 1991, and Dec 31, 2015. Patients who had not achieved a clinical complete response or who had undergone any surgical procedure were excluded. The criteria used for defining a clinical complete response and the specific surveillance strategies were at the discretion of each participating centre. We used conditional survival modelling to estimate the probability of patients remaining free of local regrowth or distant metastasis for an additional 2 years after sustaining a clinical complete response or being distant metastasis-free for 1, 3, and 5 years from the date of the decision to commence watch and wait. The primary outcomes were conditional local regrowth-free survival at 3 years, and conditional distant metastasis-free survival at 5 years. Findings We identified 793 patients in the IWWD with clinical complete response who had been managed by a watch-and-wait strategy. Median follow-up was 55·2 months (IQR 36·0–75·6). The probability of remaining free from local regrowth for an additional 2 years if a patient had a sustained clinical complete response for 1 year was 88·1% (95% CI 85·8–90·9), for 3 years was 97·3% (95·2–98·6), and for 5 years was 98·6% (97·6–100·0). The probably of remaining free from distant metastasis for a further 2 years in patients who had a clinical complete response without distant metastasis for 1 year was 93·8% (92·3–95·9), for 3 years was 97·8% (96·6–99·3), and for 5 years was 96·6% (94·0–98·9). Interpretation These results suggest that the intensity of active surveillance in patients with rectal cancer managed by a watch-and-wait approach could be reduced if they achieve and maintain a clinical complete response within the first 3 years of starting this approach. Funding European Registration of Cancer Care, financed by the European Society of Surgical Oncology, the Champalimaud Foundation Lisbon, the Bas Mulder Award, granted by the Alpe d’HuZes Foundation and the Dutch Cancer Society, the European Research Council Advanced Grant, and the National Institute of Health and Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

Highlights • Treatment initiation of T2-T3 rectal cancers with Contact (CXB) provides a fast clinical complete response. • In T2N0< 3 cm tumors, CXB first with chemoradiotherapy can achieve local control in more than 85%. • The Phase III OPERA trial should bring robust data in favor of CXB as initial treatment of T2N0< 3 cm., Introduction A neoadjuvant treatment aimed at rectal preservation should achieve a clinical complete response. This study comparing neoadjuvant treatment initiated with Contact X-ray (CXB) or External Beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is evaluating the influence of the time/dose parameter on clinical response during the first six months. Materials and methods This retrospective consecutive series included T2-3 rectal adenocarcinoma staged using digital examination (DRE), endoscopy, magnetic radiation imaging and/or endorectal ultrasound. All patients were treated with organ preservation intent. Treatment protocol combined CXB (80–110 Gy/3–4 fractions) and EBRT ± concurrent capecitabine. In tumor exceeding 3.5 cm treatment was often initiated using EBRT. Clinical response was assessed (DRE, proctoscopy ± imaging) at very close interval between 2 weeks and 6 months after treatment initiation. Results Between 2002 and 2017, 61 patients (T2: 31; T3: 30) M0 (median age: 76 years) were treated. Treatment was initiated in 40 patients (T2: 28, T3: 12) with contact X-ray and in 21 (T2: 4, T3: 17) with EBRT. Using contact X-ray or EBRT first treatment, clinical complete (or near complete) response at week 14(±1) was respectively 88% [95CI:74–96] and 33% [95CI:15–57]. In multivariate analysis the treatment chronology was the most significant factor influencing cCR (OR: 7.53). At 6 months, with contact X-ray first all patients were in clinical complete response and five with EBRT remained in partial response. With 61 months median follow-up time, the local recurrence rate was 10% [95% CI: 6–16] at 5 years. T3 and fungating tumors were at higher risk of local recurrence. Organ preservation with good function was achieved in 95% of cases. Conclusion This non randomized study tends to show that in early T2-3 tumors, a strategy using upfront contact therapy, which is reducing the overall treatment time, is an option allowing a more favorable outcome than EBRT first.

Striking a balance between cancer treatment and patient-centred care is becoming ever more important in older patients with rectal cancer as the population is ageing. The treatment decision made by the modern multidisciplinary colorectal team will recommend pre-operative chemo-radiotherapy followed by surgery for advance rectal cancer and surgery alone for early rectal cancer, as the "standard of care" is surgery. However, an alternative non-surgical treatment option should be consider for older patients with rectal cancer as the surgical harm can far outweigh the potential benefits. There is published evidence that mortality is higher with increasing age. An alternative treatment option to surgery when patients are not suitable or refusing surgery is to offer them external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or chemo radiotherapy (EBCRT). A proportion of these patients can achieve a clinical complete response (cCR) which enable adoption of 'watch and wait' strategy to avoid surgery. However, a third of patients who achieved initial cCR can develop local regrowth within the first two years. This require salvage surgery which reduces their chance of organ preservation. Contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) or High Dose Rate Endo Brachy Therapy (HDREBT) boost following external beam radiotherapy can improve the initial cCR rate and reduce the risk of local regrowth. Those patients with persistent residual cancer or regrowth after brachytherapy boost following EBCRT or EBRT can have salvage surgery later without compromising their chance of cure. Therefore, patients should be fully aware of their treatment options and have 'a choice' when deciding and consenting their treatment.

Tubular composites are widely used in many industrial applications, and there is need to use new material and reliable manufacturing processes to improve the performance and process aspects. The current research presents a detailed study to understand the flexure response of rectangular tubular composites based on thin ply carbon fibres and Elium® resin. Another aim was to understand the failure mechanisms of novel tubular thermoplastic composite systems and carry out a baseline comparison with Epoxy-based tubular systems. In the current research, a bladder-assisted resin transfer moulding process was used to manufacture hollow thermoplastic composite tubes, and the bending behaviour of thin ply carbon (TPC) composite parts with novel Elium® (EL) and Epoxy (EP) resin as the matrix material was studied using a detailed experimental study. A testing method with optimized support span and a saddle was used to carry out three-point bending tests on the tubular composite structures. The TPC/EL composite tubes have shown 10% higher bending strength, with a noticeable increase in deformation due the presence of extended plasticity attributes for acrylic Elium resin. Failure mechanisms studied with the detailed microscopic investigation have shown severe catastrophic failure for epoxy-based composite tubes; however, acrylic Elium®-based composite tubes have shown different damage modes such as fibre splitting, resin infragmentation, and fibre resin-interfacial cracking.

Rectal adenocarcinoma is a quite radioresistant tumor. In order to achieve non-operative management (NOM) radiotherapy plays a major role. Targeted radiotherapy aiming at high precision 3D radiotherapy uses stereotactic image-guided external beam radiotherapy machines. To further safely increase the tumor dose, endocavitary brachytherapy (ECB) is an original approach. There are two different ways to perform such an ECB: contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) using a 50 kV X-ray generator with an X-ray tube positioned under eye guidance into the rectal cavity and high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRB) using iridium-192 sources positioned into the rectal cavity under image guidance. This study focused on CXB. CXB uses a small mobile generator that produces 50 kV X-rays with limited penetration. This technique is well adapted to accessible tumors of limited size and especially needs a high dose rate (≥15 Gy/minutes) for rectal tumors. It is performed on an ambulatory basis. A total dose between 80–110 Gy is delivered in 3–4 fractions over 3 to 6 weeks into a small volume (5 cm3). CXB was pioneered in the 1970s by Papillon using the Philips RT 50TM. Since 2009, the Papillon P50TM has been used in 11 institutions in Europe. The OPERA Phase III trial tested the hypothesis that a CXB boost (90 Gy/3 fr) compared to an EBRT boost (9 Gy/5 fr) for T2–T3 ab < 5 cm and N0–N1 < 8 mm will increase the 3-year organ preservation (OP) rate when combined with 45 Gy/5 weeks with concomitant capecitabine. Out of more than 300 patients with tumors < 3 cm (1962–1992), Papillon reported a long-term local control close to 85%. Similar results were published in Europe and USA at that time. The Lyon R96-2 Phase III trial (2004) demonstrated that, when combined with preoperative EBRT, a CXB boost (90 Gy/3 fr) significantly increased the rate of clinical complete response (cCR) and sphincter preservation, with some patients having OP at 10 years. With more than 2000 patients treated in Europe (2010–2020) using the Papillon 50TM, organ preservation appears possible in close to 80% of cases in selected early T2–T3. The OPERA trial closed after 141 inclusions (2015–2020) after an independent data monitoring committee recommendation because of promising results. At the 2-year follow-up (blinded data), the rate of cCR and OP were 77% and 72%, respectively, for the 141 tumors, and for T < 3 cm (61 pts), they were 86% and 85%, respectively, with good bowel function. The final results should be available in 2022. Organ preservation using NOM appears to be a promising approach for rectal cancer. A CXB boost with chemoradiotherapy in selected early T2–T3 could become an attractive option to achieve a planned OP. This approach should be proposed to well-informed patients after discussion in an MDT.

The impact of the tumour volume or size on achieving clinical complete response (cCR) after radio(chemo)therapy is poorly understood. A literature search was performed to gather data on the predictive value of baseline tumour volume or size in achieving cCR. In total, nine reports were identified. In two of three studies evaluating the baseline tumour volumetry, the tumour volume was the most powerful predictor for cCR. In four of six studies evaluating baseline tumour size without volumetry, tumour dimension was significantly associated with cCR, in one study reached borderline significance and in one report was insignificant. In three of four studies where a multivariable analysis was performed, the cT category did not show an independent predictive value for cCR. Because the tumour shape is often (semi)annular, its circumferential rectal extent along with the tumour length probably impact the tumour volume most, and thus, could be considered an acceptable alternative for time-consuming volumetry. Our review suggests that baseline tumour volume (or alternatively, tumour length along with its circumferential rectal extent) is the most relevant clinical predictor of cCR. Therefore, we postulate assessing and reporting these parameters in studies on the watch-and-wait strategy.

Because of the function and anatomical environment of the rectum, therapeutic strategies for local advanced rectal cancer (LARC) must deal with two challenging stressors that are a high-risk of local and distal recurrences and a high-risk of poor quality of life (QoL). Over the last three decades, advances in screening tests, therapies, and combined-modality treatment options and strategies have improved the prognosis of patients with LARC. However, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LARC and genetic status, the patient may not respond to a specific therapy and may be at increased risk of side-effects without the life-prolonging benefit. Indeed, each therapy can cause its own side-effects, which may worsen by a combination of treatments resulting in long-term poor QoL. In LARC, QoL has become even more essential with the increasing incidence of rectal cancer in young individuals. Herein, we analyzed the value of the Immunoscore-Biopsy (performed on tumor biopsy at diagnosis) in predicting outcomes, alone or in association with clinical and imaging data, for each therapy used in LARC.

The bladder molding process is primarily used in sporting applications but mostly with prepregs. Bladder-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (B-RTM) presents the tremendous potential to automate and mass produce the complex hollow-composite profiles. Thin-ply, non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) provide excellent mechanical, fracture toughness, and vibration damping properties on top of the weight saving it offers to a final product. However, these fiber architectures are difficult to inject due to the resistance they provide for the polymer flow using the liquid injection process. Therefore, it is mandatory to optimize the process parameters to reduce the time for injection and simultaneously achieve better consolidation. This work presents a first, detailed, experimental case study to successfully inject a low-permeability, thin-ply, complex, thermoplastic tubular structure, and the effect of process parameters, boundary conditions, the associated manufacturing challenges, and proposed solutions are deliberated in this paper.

Current research realize to develop a safer, lighter and higher energy absorbing fully thermoplastic (polypropylene fibres and acrylic Elium resin) and hybrid composite helmets (polypropylene/carbon hybrid and Elium resin) and perform the CPSC 1203 certification tests on different anvils. The failure and energy absorption mechanisms were studied and compared with widely used polycarbonate helmets (PC/EPS) and the composite shells manufactured with epoxy resin. The fully thermoplastic and hybrid composite shells have shown up to 65% of absorbed energy while the polycarbonate shells have absorbed a maximum of 13% of the absorbed energy. The usage of composite shells has lead to minimal energy transfer to the foam which is directly attached to the human head and provided improved safety. The high-speed camera has shown clear deformation of the thermoplastic composite shell owing to the ductile behaviour while the catastrophic failure with significant cracks was observed in the Epoxy-based composite shell. Considering the head injury criteria, the PC/EPS helmet showed the highest fatality rate (6%) when impacted on the flat anvil. The usage of fully thermoplastic and hybrid composite shell reduces the probability of critical and fatal injury by around 40% and 60% respectively when compared to PC/EPS configuration.

International audience; The development of new sustainable routes towards better environmental footprint of composites for marine boatbuilding is motivated by the absence of eco-friendly and economically viable recycling techniques to deal with growing end-of-life thermoset boats waste and increasing restrictive legislation. Thermoplastic composites may offer the possibility to recover raw materials from retired parts, which could have a substantial environmental and economic benefit. This study investigates the feasibility of recovery and reuse of both reinforcement and matrix from a carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic Elium composite. An original pyrolysis process allowed the depolymerisation of the acrylic matrix and recovery of clean carbon fibres and matrix monomer. Distillation was used to purify the monomer from impurities and a recycled Elium resin was synthesized and reused as matrix with long and aligned recycled carbon fibre reinforcement. The study of the morphological and composition differences at fibre scale resulted in concluding that sizing has been decomposed during depolymerisation process and only small traces of polymer were left on fibre surface. Virgin and recycled resin reinforced with carbon fibre laminates were produced by resin infusion. While tensile modulus, strength and strain at break were nearly unchanged, interlaminar shear strength results showed enhanced fibre-matrix interphase bonding. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed the good quality of recovered carbon fibres as well as similar virgin and re-polymerised resin properties. The new composite made from both recycled fibre and matrix could be used in the same application field.

Mechanical strength of metal-polymer hybrid joints (Steel AISI304 – Glass fiber reinforced acrylic composite) by laser joining has been analyzed, considering the effect of different input parameters: geometry of the metal textured surface, processing temperature or laser irradiation times. Likewise, temperature in the metal-composite interface was measured and related with mechanical properties. Fracture analysis has shown the predominance of cohesive failure in the fracture for this joining configuration. Lap shear strength was strongly dependent on surface texturing, temperature and irradiation time. Optimization of the process allowed to obtain fully cohesive failure with shear strength over 20MPa, comparable to structural adhesive joints.

Evaporation rates can be successfully modelled for soil–atmosphere interaction problems by means of a convective vapour flux at the soil surface equal to the product of a driving force (difference between the vapour density at the soil surface and that of the surroundings) and a mass transfer coefficient characterising the resistance of a boundary layer where the transfers take place. While the vapour density at the soil surface can be deduced from solving the coupled heat and moisture transfer equations for the soil below the surface, the determination of the mass transfer coefficients under varying weather conditions is rarely investigated. Laboratory-scale drying tests are performed on a compacted silt specimen, focusing on the influence of atmospheric conditions (relative humidity and wind speed) on the evaporation kinetics and the mass transfer coefficient. Two experimental techniques are used and compared: a drying chamber with relative humidity controlled through saline solutions and a convective microdryer. New insights are given into the prediction of mass transfer coefficients from mass transfer theories. Finally, the results highlight the necessity of testing specimens that are large enough to define relevant mass transfer coefficients for geotechnical applications.

International audience; We examined whether 66 germline single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 10 candidate genes would predict clinical outcome in 316 patients with resectable locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) enrolled in the ACCORD-12 phase III trial who were randomly treated with preoperative radiotherapy plus capecitabine (CAP45; n = 155) or dose-intensified radiotherapy plus capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX50; n = 161). The primary endpoint was tumor response according to the Dworak score. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted on treatment arm and T stage determined the SNPs prognostic and predictive values for tumor response. In univariate analysis, five SNPs in ERCC2, XPA, MTHFR and ERCC1 were associated with the Dworak score in the CAPOX50 arm. In the overall population, interaction with treatment arm was significant for ERCC2 rs1799787 (pinteraction = 0.05) and XPA rs3176683 (pinteraction = 0.008), suggesting a predictive effect for response to oxaliplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT). All but XPA rs3176683 had a prognostic effect on tumor response. In a multivariate model, interaction remained significant for XPA rs3176683 ([OR 7.33, 95% CI 1.40-38.23], pinteraction = 0.018) and the prognostic effect significant for ERCC2 rs1799787 ([OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.32-0.93], p = 0.027) and ERCC1 rs10412761 ([OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.34-0.98], p = 0.042). Patients with the T/G haplotype of rs1799787 and rs10412761 had a 60% decrease in odds of response (p

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and watch-and-wait policy as reported by Habr-Gama are references for organ preservation in rectal cancer. To increase the clinical complete response (cCR) and reduce the local recurrence rates, we report a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of selected T2-3 tumours treated in three French institutions using contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) with nCRT.Tumour selection was based on digital rectal examination (DRE), rigid rectoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or endorectal ultrasound. Adenocarcinoma T2-35 cm largest diameter, M0 were treated, all with organ preservation intent. CXB delivering 90 Gy/3 fractions/4 weeks was combined with CRT (capecitabine 50). Strict evaluation of tumour response using DRE and rectoscopy ± MRI was performed at regular interval with prolonged surveillance.Between 2002 and 2016, 74 consecutive patients were treated (median age: 74 years. T2: 45 and T3: 29). A cCR or near-cCR (mainly rectal wall ulceration) was noted at week 14 in 71 patients (95%). A local excision was performed in 13 patients. Of three partial responses (PRs), one salvage anterior resection was performed. With a median follow-up of 3 years, local recurrence (mainly in the rectal wall) was seen in seven patients. The 3-year local recurrence rate was 10%, and the cancer-specific survival, 88%. Two patients underwent radical proctectomy for PR or local recurrence and 96% preserved their rectum. Grade III acute toxicity was recorded in five patients. Rectal bleeding was the main late toxicity (grade III in 12%). Bowel function was scored as good or excellent in 85% of patients.Combining CXB and nCRT in selected early T2-T3 rectal cancers may safely provide a high rate of cCR, organ preservation, and good bowel function with a risk of local recurrence below 15%. Such an approach could be offered to operable patients as a planned option for organ preservation.

In the current research, the delamination behavior under Mode I and Mode II loading for the hybrid carbon-thermoplastic fabrics in conjunction with novel liquid thermoplastic acrylic Elium® resin processable at ambient conditions was studied. The experimentation by incorporating doublers methodology, studying the performance under Mode I and Mode II loading, and understanding failure mechanisms using surface morphological fractography is deliberated. Hybrid Carbon-Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPP)/Elium® composite has shown a 22.81% higher GIC and a 22.2% higher GIIC than Carbon-UHMWPP/Epoxy composite. On the contrary, the Carbon_Ultra-high molecular weight polypropylene (UHMWPE)/Elium® has shown an 11.11% higher Mode I critical energy release rate (GIC) and a 7.58% higher Mode II critical energy release rate (GIIC) than Carbon_UHMWPE/Epoxy composite. Hybrid fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites have shown severe plastic deformation of the matrix, rough fracture surface, and micro-cracks on the de-bonding surface, extensive fiber bridging, and crack branching which contributed to the improvement in the delamination behavior. Hybrid fiber architecture is also found to be detrimental by inducing crack arresting mechanisms including the tortuous crack path and the resin-rich pockets path due to the mismatch of the size of the fiber yarns.

International audience; Impact resistance is one of the most critical features of composite structures, and therefore, its examination for a new material has a fundamental importance. This paper is devoted to the characterization of the fully recyclable thermoplastic ELIUM acrylic resin reinforced by glass fabric woven, which belongs to a new category of materials requiring advanced testing before their application in responsible elements of engineering structures. Its high strength, low weight as well as low production cost give excellent opportunities for its wide application in the automotive industry as a replacement of the thermoset-based laminates. The study presents an experimental work concerning the effect of damage due to low and high cyclic fatigue aging of two groups of specimens, first with the woven fabric orientations of [0°/90°]4 and secondly with [45°/45°]4, on the low impact velocity properties. The impact resistance was measured in terms of load peak, absorbed energy, penetration threshold and damage analysis. The low velocity impact results indicate that the uniaxial cyclic loading (fatigue aging) of the material leads to the reduction of impact resistance, especially at the high impact energy levels. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan observations reveal that the damage area grows with the increase of both strain amplitude and impact energy.

Pelvic fixation in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis is difficult, due to their fragile general condition and poor bone quality. Many techniques have been described, associated with high rates of mechanical complications. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical complications and long-term radiological results of ilio-sacral screw pelvic fixation.167 consecutive patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent minimally invasive bipolar fixation with ilio-sacral screw pelvic fixation were retrospectively reviewed. The instrumentation consisted in a bilateral sliding rods construct extended from T1 to the sacrum, anchored proximally by double-hook claws and distally by ilio-sacral screws through a minimally invasive approach. Mechanical complications and radiographic measurements (angle of the major coronal curve, pelvic obliquity, lumbar lordosis) were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up.Mean operative age was 12 ± 3 years, and follow-up 6.4 years (3.0-10.4 years). Pelvic obliquity decreased from 20° preoperatively to 5° (77% correction) at last follow-up, Angle of the major coronal curve from 75° to 36° (52% correction), and lumbar lordosis from 28° to 38°. 16 mechanical complications in nine patients occurred: screw prominence (n = 1), connector failure (n = 4), screw malposition (n = 11). Unplanned surgery was required in seven cases, two were managed during rod lengthening, seven did not require treatment.In this series of neuromuscular patients operated by ilio-sacral screws as pelvic fixation, the results were stable with a mean follow-up of more than 6 years and the complication rate was reduced comparatively to the literature.4.