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Human–Structure Interaction (HSI) can significantly influence the dynamic characteristics of pedestrian footbridges, particularly those distinguished by their lightness and slenderness. This study examines the performance of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD) and Semi-Active Tuned Mass Dampers (STMD) on pedestrian footbridges when their modal parameters change due to the influence of HSI. For this purpose, a 30 m long simply-supported footbridge with linear mass values ranging from 200kg/m to 2000kg/m and a fundamental frequency varying from 1Hz to 5Hz has been considered. In addition, several pedestrian streams with different pedestrian densities have been used to assess the structural dynamic response. The analysis highlights that structural lightness and slenderness are critical factors in determining whether the incorporation of an HSI model is relevant to accurately predict the dynamic performance of the structure. The findings indicate that while TMDs can become ineffective due to shifts in natural frequencies caused by HSI, resulting in a degradation of vibration reduction from 70–75% to 40–45%, STMDs demonstrate a robust capability to adjust and cope with these frequency changes, maintaining a higher average vibration reduction of around 55–60%. Consequently, STMDs emerge as a necessary solution for very slender structures where HSI significantly alters the global frequency response. This study highlights the importance of considering HSI in the design and implementation of damping solutions to ensure optimal functionality and user comfort on lightweight pedestrian bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are aquatic microorganisms that are able to biomineralize membrane-enclosed magnetic nanoparticles called magnetosomes. Inside the MTB, magnetosomes are arranged in a chain that allows MTB to align and navigate along the Earth's magnetic field. When isolated from the MTB, magnetosomes display a number of potential applications for targeted cancer therapies, such as magnetic hyperthermia, localized drug delivery, or tumor monitoring. The characteristics and properties of magnetosomes for these applications exceed in several aspects those of synthetic magnetic nanoparticles. Likewise, the whole MTB can also be considered as promising agents for cancer treatment, taking advantage of their self-propulsion capability provided by their flagella and the guidance capabilities ensured by their magnetosome chain. Indeed, MTB are envisaged as nanobiots that can be guided and manipulated by external magnetic fields and are naturally attracted toward hypoxic areas, such as the tumor regions, while retaining the therapeutic and imaging capacities of the isolated magnetosomes. Moreover, unlike most of the bacteria currently tested in clinical trials for cancer therapy, MTB are not pathogenic but could be engineered to deliver and/or express specific cytotoxic molecules. In this article, we will review the progress and perspectives of this emerging research field and will discuss the main challenges to overcome before the use of MTB can be successfully applied in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of shift and ballistic photocurrents in non-centrosymmetric materials represents a promising alternative mechanism for light energy harvesting. Many studies have focused on finding the best suited materials by maximizing the photocurrent magnitude, but estimating the actual efficiency requires knowledge of the light-induced dc photoconductivity and is rarely considered. Using the recently proposed jerk current as photoconductivity, in this work we show that only ballistic photocurrents have finite efficiency in the limit of large relaxation times τ. Moreover, at zero temperature the only ballistic current which is finite for unpolarized light is the magnetic injection current, only present in magnetic materials. We present a band structure expression for the efficiency of such photocurrent, showing that it scales as (ħΩ – Eg)2 near the band edge, and we present its frequency dependence for a simple tight-binding model. Our work provides a new tool to guide the search for efficient energy harvesting based on the magnetic injection current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 microspheres is a clinically effective therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the available economic evaluations of TARE for the treatment of HCC.Methods: The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was followed by applying a search strategy across six databases. All studies identified as economic evaluations with TARE for HCC treatment in English or Spanish language were considered. Costs were adjusted using the 2020 US dollars based on purchasing-power-parity ($US PPP).Results: Among 423 records screened, 20 studies (6 cost-analyses, 3 budget-impact-analyses, 2 cost-effectiveness-analyses, 8 cost-utility-analyses, and 1 cost-minimization analysis) met the pre-defined criteria for inclusion. Thirteen studies were published from the European perspective, six from the United States, and one from the Canadian perspectives. The assessed populations included early- (n = 4), and intermediate-advanced-stages patients (n = 15). Included studies were evaluated from a payer perspective (n = 20) and included both payer and social perspective (n = 2). TARE was compared with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in nine studies or sorafenib (n = 11). The life-years gained (LYG) differed by comparator: TARE versus TACE (range: 1.3 to 3.1), and TARE versus sorafenib (range: 1.1 to 2.53). Of the 20 studies, TARE was associated with lower treatment costs in ten studies. The cost of TARE treatment varied widely according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system and ranged from 1311 $US PPP/month (BCLC-A) to 71,890 $US PPP/5-years time horizon (BCLC-C). The incremental cost-utility ratio for TARE versus TACE resulted in a 17,397 $US PPP/Quality-adjusted-Life-Years (QALY), and for TARE versus sorafenib ranged from dominant (more effectiveness and lower cost) to 3363 $US PPP/QALY.Conclusions: Economic evaluations of TARE for HCC treatment are heterogeneous. Overall, TARE is a cost-effective short- and long-term therapy for the treatment of intermediate-advanced HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeNi nanowires (NWs), 40 nm in diameter, were grown by electrodeposition. Compositional analysis showed Fe anomalous co-deposition, with different trends across the different potentials and electrolytes used. Those trends were explained within a modified Bocris-Drazic-Despic chemical reactions model, highlighting the importance of the electrochemical theory in understanding Fe-Ni electrodeposited systems. Structural characterization showed a change from a body-centred cubic structure for Fe-rich NWs to face-centred cubic at mid and low Fe content. Magnetic hysteresis measurements showed a range of coercivities from 20 mT for Fe-rich to 100 mT for Ni-rich NWs. Angular measurements allowed to determine that the magnetization reversal mechanism was dominated by transverse domain wall reversal. The analysis also hinted at the non-shape anisotropy acting as a demagnetizing force. First-order reversal curves (FORCs) showed that arrays with a high absolute value for the non-shape anisotropy had higher magnetic interactions, and vice versa. The non-shape anisotropy is dominated by the magnetostatic interactions between NWs, causing a weakening of the magnetic hardness. In combination with the coercivity angular measurements, the FORC analysis explained the shift in easy axis preference depending on NW chemical composition observed in the hysteresis loops of the samples. [Display omitted] • Electrochemical growth of Fe-Ni nanowires using different potentials and electrolytes. • Fe anomalous co-deposition explained within a modified Bocris-Drazic-Despic model. • Magnetization reversal process dominated by transverse domain wall. • FORC analysis showed increased magnetic interactions among nanowires for higher Fe content. • Magnetostatic interactions dominate the non-shape anisotropy and its demagnetizing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposal of an end-to-end pipeline for WMSDs risk assessment, including semi-automatized RULA report generation. • Developed using custom hardware and free and open software tools. • Compatible with a commercial solution throughout different assessment phases. • Validated using a commercial gold standard solution in an automotive industry workstation. • Useful in further free open-source research of complex body motions in the field of human-focused safety. An end-to-end hardware-software pipeline is introduced to automatize ergonomics assessment in industrial workplaces. The proposed modular solution can interoperate with commercial systems throughout the ergonomics assessment phases involved in the process. The pipeline includes custom-designed Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors, two real-time worker movement acquisition tools, inverse kinematics processing and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) report generation. It is based on free tools such as Unity3D and OpenSim to avoid the problems derived from using proprietary technologies, such as security decisions being made under "black box" conditions. Experiments were conducted in an automotive factory in a workplace with WMSDs risk among workers. The proposed solution obtained comparable results to a gold standard solution, reaching measured joint angles a 0.95 cross-correlation and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) lower than 10 for elbows and 12 for shoulders between both systems. In addition, the global RULA score difference is lower than 5 % between both systems. This work provides a low-cost solution for WMSDs risk assessment in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and associated sick leave in industry, impacting the health of workers in the long term. Our study can ease further research and popularize the use of wearable systems for ergonomics analysis allowing these workplace prevention systems to reach different industrial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have theoretically determined the absorption oscillator strengths and wavenumbers for rotationally resolved transitions of the c4′1ÎŁu+ (6)-X1ÎŁg+(0â€"9) bands of N2, which are relevant to analyze the spectra of planetary atmospheres. The Molecular Quantum Defect Orbital method has been used in our calculations. The interaction between the c4′1ÎŁu+ (6) Rydberg state and the b′1ÎŁu+ valence states has been considered using an adequate rovibronic energy matrix. In addition, we have calculated the lifetimes of the rotational levels of the c4′1ÎŁu+ (6) state. We hope that the reported data, most of them for the first time, can be useful in the interpretation of planetary atmospheres where N2 is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study of the magnetic properties and heating capacities of electrodeposited FeCo nanowires with varying lengths (2-40 μm) and diameters (100 and 300 nm) is reported. We find that specific absorption rate (SAR) increases rapidly with increasing wire length up to 10 μm, followed by a gradual increase for larger lengths. Magnetic and hyperthermia measurements have revealed the important effect of dipolar interactions between the nanowires on their magnetic and inductive heating responses. Both calorimetric and AC magnetometry methods consistently show that the physical movement contribution of the nanowires to the SAR is small, and that for applied fields exceeding the coercive field, the nanowires tend to align parallel to the field, thus enhancing the SAR. Maximum SAR values of ~1500 W/g have been achieved for the largest wires at H=300 Oe and f=310 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spherical and cubic exchange-coupled FeO/Fe3O4 nanoparticles, with different FeO:Fe3O4 ratios, have been prepared by a thermal decomposition method to probe anisotropy effects on their heating efficiency. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the nanoparticles are composed of FeO and Fe3O4 phases, with an average size of ~20 nm. Magnetometry and transverse susceptibility measurements show that the effective anisotropy field is 1.5 times larger for the cubes than for the spheres, while the saturation magnetization is 1.5 times larger for the spheres than for the cubes. Hyperthermia experiments evidence higher values of the specific absorption rate (SAR) for the cubes as compared to the spheres (200 vs. 135 W/g at 600 Oe and 310 kHz). These observations point to an important fact that the saturation magnetization is not a sole factor in determining the SAR and the heating efficiency of the magnetic nanoparticles can be improved by tuning their effective anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular or condensed matter systems are often well approximated by hybrid quantum-classical models: the electrons retain their quantum character, whereas the ions are considered to be classical particles. We discuss various alternative approaches for the computation of equilibrium (canonical) ensemble averages for observables of these hybrid quantum-classical systems through the use of molecular dynamics (MD)-i.e. by performing dynamics in the presence of a thermostat and computing time-averages over the trajectories. Often, in classical or ab initio MD, the temperature of the electrons is ignored and they are assumed to remain at the instantaneous ground state given by each ionic configuration during the evolution. Here, however, we discuss the general case that considers both classical and quantum subsystems at finite temperature canonical equilibrium. Inspired by a recent formal derivation for the canonical ensemble for quantum classical hybrids, we discuss previous approaches found in the literature, and provide some new formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perception of microbes by plants leads to dynamic reprogramming of the transcriptome, which is essential for plant health. The appropriate amplitude of this transcriptional response can be regulated at multiple levels, including chromatin. However, the mechanisms underlying the interplay between chromatin remodeling and transcription dynamics upon activation of plant immunity remain poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that activation of plant immunity by bacteria leads to nucleosome repositioning, which correlates with altered transcription. Nucleosome remodeling follows distinct patterns of nucleosome repositioning at different loci. Using a reverse genetic screen, we identify multiple chromatin remodeling ATPases with previously undescribed roles in immunity, including EMBRYO SAC DEVELOPMENT ARREST 16, EDA16. Functional characterization of the immune-inducible chromatin remodeling ATPase EDA16 revealed a mechanism to negatively regulate immunity activation and limit changes in redox homeostasis. Our transcriptomic data combined with MNase-seq data for EDA16 functional knock-out and over-expressor mutants show that EDA16 selectively regulates a defined subset of genes involved in redox signaling through nucleosome repositioning. Thus, collectively, chromatin remodeling ATPases fine-tune immune responses and provide a previously uncharacterized mechanism of immune regulation. Author summary: Immune signaling is tightly controlled to avoid inappropriate activation leading to severe developmental penalties. Following the perception of microbes, multiple signaling cascades are initiated leading to transcriptional activation of immunity. The amplitude of this response can be regulated at multiple levels, including chromatin. Here we show that activation of plant immunity affects nucleosome positioning over thousands of loci and is correlated with the transcription of immune-related genes. A reverse genetic screen of chromatin remodeling ATPases identified six genes with novel roles in plant immunity. We further characterize the role of EDA16 as a negative regulator of immune responses. EDA16 expression is induced upon activation of immunity and regulates a subset of genes involved in redox homeostasis through nucleosome repositioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No matter the nature of the response and/or explanatory variables in a regression model, some basic issues such as the existence of an effect of the predictor on the response, or the assessment of a common shape across groups of observations, must be solved prior to model fitting. This is also the case for regression models involving circular variables (supported on the unit circumference). In that context, using kernel regression methods, this paper provides a flexible alternative for constructing pilot estimators that allow to construct suitable statistics to perform no-effect tests and tests for equality and parallelism of regression curves. Finite sample performance of the proposed methods is analysed in a simulation study and illustrated with real data examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a high-power-density off-line light-emitting diode (LED) driver is proposed. The proposed ac–dc driver is the novel integrated buck and boost converter (IBBC). Besides the high-power-density, the converter shows a high power factor (PF), and a low total harmonic distortion (THD). The IBBC is a two-stage driver that features just one controlled switch, which leads to high PF and low THD operation ensuring high efficiency, and size and cost reduction. Moreover, the switch current is minimized as it conducts the higher of the buck or boost converter, but not the addition of both as in other integrated converters. Moreover, for a further increase of the power-density, a magnetic integration is made by integrating the two inductors of both the buck and boost converters in one core. Thus, the proposed converter has been named as fully integrated buck and boost converter (FIBBC). In this paper, the IBBC is analyzed, and a design methodology is proposed. Also, this article presents a magnetic analysis of the novel FIBBC. In addition, a comparison between two prototypes is presented, one for the IBBC and another for the FIBBC, both of them supplying an LED luminaire of 46 V/ 0.575 A. The FIBBC shows a high PF equal to 0.994, very small THD of 10%, output current ripple of 6%, and efficiency of 92.62%, which represents a landmark on the efficiency of integrated converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen-stoichiometric La0.5Sr0.5M0.5Ti0.5O3 (M = Mn, Fe) perovskites and the corresponding reduced specimens, of La0.5Sr0.5M0.5Ti0.5O3-δ composition, have been prepared and characterized by x-ray diffraction and neutron powder diffraction (NPD), in complement with thermal analysis, electrical conductivity, and thermal expansion measurements. NPD data show that these perovskites are all orthorhombic, space group Pbnm (No. 62). The total reduction of M3+ to M2+ in the reduced phases is accompanied with the occurrence of oxygen vacancies, which was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Above room-temperature, these phases undergo two structural phase transitions studied in situ from NPD data; the former to a tetragonal (I4/mcm) structure, and the second one to a cubic (Pm-3m) phase. All the oxides display a semiconductor-like behavior with a maximum conductivity value of 15 S·cm-1 for the oxidized La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.5Ti0.5O3 phase at 850 °C. The measured thermal expansion coefficients perfectly match with the values usually displayed by solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolytes. The obtained results present these perovskites as alternative electrodes for SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a new strategy for achieving regiocontrol over the endo versus exo modes of cycloisomerizations of epoxide‐containing alcohols, which leads to the formation of five‐ or six‐membered cyclic ethers. Unlike traditional methods relying on achiral reagents or enzymes, this approach utilizes chiral phosphoric acids to catalyze the regiodivergent selective formations of either tetrahydrofuran‐ or tetrahydropyran‐containing products. By using methyl ester of epoxide‐containing antibiotic mupirocin as the substrate, it is demonstrated that catalytic chiral phosphoric acids (R)‐TCYP and (S)‐TIPSY could be used to achieve the selective formation of either the six‐membered endo product (95:5 r.r.) or the five‐membered exo product (77:23 r.r.), correspondingly. This cyclization was found to be unselective under the standard conditions involving various achiral acids, bases, or buffers. The subsequent mechanistic studies using state‐of‐the‐art quantum chemical solutions provided the description of the potential energy surface, which is fully consistent with the experimental observations. Based on these results, highly detailed reaction paths are obtained and a concerted and highly synchronous mechanism is proposed for the formation of both exo and endo products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) is one of the most common causes of small intestinal strangulation in horses. Cribbing and previous episodes of colic are suggested as risk factors for its occurrence. The aim of this study was to correlate the height, weight, breed, gender and age to the epiploic foramen (EF) length. Forty‐three horses were submitted to post‐mortem measurement of epiploic foramen with abdominal and thoracic organs positioned in situ. After data collection, linear regression between EF length and the explanatory variables was performed. None of the post‐mortem physical variables was associated with EF length, supporting the hypothesis that there is no association between EF length and age, and that increased intra‐abdominal pressure is the most important factor predisposing to EFE recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the evolution of purity in mixed quantum/classical approaches to electronic nonadiabatic dynamics in the context of the Ehrenfest model. As it is impossible to exactly determine initial conditions for a realistic system, we choose to work in the statistical Ehrenfest formalism that we introduced in Alonso et al. [J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 44, 396004 (2011)]. From it, we develop a new framework to determine exactly the change in the purity of the quantum subsystem along with the evolution of a statistical Ehrenfest system. In a simple case, we verify how and to which extent Ehrenfest statistical dynamics makes a system with more than one classical trajectory, and an initial quantum pure state become a quantum mixed one. We prove this numerically showing how the evolution of purity depends on time, on the dimension of the quantum state space D, and on the number of classical trajectories N of the initial distribution. The results in this work open new perspectives for studying decoherence with Ehrenfest dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen-deficient Sr2CoMoO6-δ double perovskite has been proposed as an anode material in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The evolution of its crystal structure has been followed by 'in situ' temperature-dependent neutron powder diffraction from 23 °C (RT) to 867 °C in the heating and cooling runs in ultrahigh vacuum (PO2≈10-6 Torr) in order to simulate the reducing atmosphere corresponding to the working conditions of an anode in a SOFC. At RT the sample is described as tetragonal in the I4/m space group. When this oxide is heated above Tt=262 °C it undergoes a tetragonal I4/m to cubic Fm-3m phase transition. This phase transition takes place at a temperature around 25 °C lower than that previously described for the oxidized sample, and it is affected by a significant hysteresis (Tt=174 °C in the cooling run). The absence of tilting of the CoO6 and MoO6 octahedra in the high-temperature cubic phase favors the orbital overlap and the electronic conductivity; a high mobility of the oxygen atoms is derived from the elevated displacement parameters, for instance 3.2 Å2 at 867 °C. Both factors contribute to the excellent performance described for this mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) oxide as anode in single fuel cells. The dilatometric analysis shows a change of slope at around 270 °C that can be correlated with this tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition. The obtained thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) in the tetragonal region, between 50 and 270 °C is 14.5×10-6 K-1 whereas in the cubic region, between 270 and 850 °C, the TEC is 11.2×10-6 K-1. These figures are comparable to those obtained from the mentioned structural analysis; moreover the TEC for the cubic phase perfectly matches those of the usual electrolytes in a SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic and atomic structure of the family of hydrogenated Al clusters AlnHn+2 with n=4–11 has been studied using the density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for exchange and correlation. All these clusters have substantial gaps between the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO) and, consequently, they are chemically very stable. The largest gap of 2.81 eV occurs for Al6H8. Five clusters of the family, Al4H6, Al5H7, Al6H8, Al7H9, and Al10H12, fulfill the Wade–Mingos rule. That is, in AlnHn+2, the Al matrix forms a polyhedron of n vertices and n H atoms form strong H–Al terminal bonds; one pair of electrons is involved in each of those bonds. The remaining n+1 electron pairs form a delocalized cloud over the surface of the Al cage. The clusters fulfilling the Wade–Mingos rule have wider HOMO-LUMO gaps and are chemically more stable. The trends in the gap have some reflections in the form of the photoabsorption spectra, calculated in the framework of time-dependent density functional theory using the GGA single-particle energies and orbitals and a local density approximation exchange-correlation kernel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently Tsallis cosmology has been presented as a novel proposal for alleviating both H 0 and σ 8 tensions. Hence a universe filled with matter and radiation as perfect fluids and considering the Tsallis entropy is confronted using recent cosmological measurements coming from cosmic chronometers, type Ia supernovae, hydrogen II galaxies, quasars, and baryon acoustic oscillations. Following a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis and combining the samples, we constrain the main characteristic parameters α = 1. 031 - 0.051 + 0.054 and δ = 1. 005 - 0.001 + 0.001 where the uncertainties are 1 σ confidence level. Additionally, we estimate the current deceleration parameter q 0 = - 0. 530 - 0.017 + 0.018 , the deceleration-acceleration transition redshift z T = 0. 632 - 0.028 + 0.028 and the age of the universe τ U = 12. 637 - 0.066 + 0.067 Gyrs which are in agreement with the standard cosmology (Λ CDM) within 1.5 σ . Furthermore, we find that the dark energy equation of state is consistent with both phantom and quintessence behaviors within 1 σ in the past and converging to Λ CDM in the future. Additionally, we find agreement values of H 0 within 1 σ with the SH0ES values when the CMB distance priors are added to the analysis, suggesting that H 0 tension could be alleviated. Finally, Tsallis cosmology is preferred over Λ CDM by the combined data that motives further studies at the perturbation level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structures, thermal behavior, and fragmentation mechanisms of exohedral and substitutional silicon-doped C60 containing 1–12 Si atoms are investigated by extensive molecular-dynamics simulations. A nonorthogonal tight-binding model is used to mimic the interatomic interactions in the doped fullerenes. Beginning from the minimum-energy structures, the temperature of the doped fullerenes is slowly increased until fragmentation takes place. A correlation can be established between the exohedral and substitutional structures and the corresponding fragmentation mechanisms and fragmentation temperatures. Exohedral C60Sim fullerenes fragment into two homonuclear pieces, the Sim cluster and the C60 fullerene that remains intact. In contrast, the substitutional C60-mSim heterofullerenes undergo structural transformations, including the partial unraveling of the cage, prior to fragmentation. Then, ejection of atoms or small molecules takes place from the distorted structures. The slow heating rate used, combined with long simulation runs, allows us to determine the fragmentation temperature of exohedral and substitutional Si-doped fullerenes as a function of the number of silicon atoms. Substitutional Si-doped fullerenes exhibit much higher fragmentation temperatures (1000–1500 K higher) than the exohedral fullerenes. This can be understood from the different bonding of the Si atoms in both structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive Molecular Dynamics simulations have been performed to investigate the structural and thermal properties of Si-doped fullerenes containing one and two silicon atoms. Both, a many-body potential and ab initio Density Functional Theory (DFT) have been used to investigate the structural features of the heterofullerenes. The competition between the exohedral and the substitutional types of doping, as a function of fullerene size (both even and odd heterofullerenes have been considered) and Si concentration, is analyzed. The DFT calculations confirm the main structural trends obtained with the many-body potential. The thermal stability and the structural transformations of the heterofullerenes have been also studied as a function of temperature (T = 0 - 5000 K). The structural transformations include, local rearrangement of atoms, isomerization transitions, diffusion of atoms, eventual destruction of the cage, and sublimation of atoms. The isomerization transition between exohedral and substitutional isomers has been observed experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the use of ab initio total energy calculations to simulate the assembling of alkali-lead alloys from free clusters. Remarkable stability of tetrahedral lead units in some solid and liquid alloys; Evolution of cluster properties as the clusters are drawn together into the solid; Trends with the choice of alkali; Atomic size of alkali; Effect of pressure on the systems.

Investigates the hydrogen bonded heterodimer tetrahydrofuran, hydrogen chloride complex, using molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in combination with ab initio calculations. Rotational spectrum; Vibrational energy difference between doublet members; Potential energy surface for the interaction between tetrahydrofuran and hydrogen chloride.

• Energy applied to a glass plate upon impact is 80% more than expected by drop height. • Dynamic tests and 2DoF models used to predict impact energy dissipation with a difference of 4%. • Impulse used to characterise the impact as in blast loads. • An accelerometer necessary to measure the impact by impulse rather than drop height. The study of the behaviour of glass plates under dynamic loads presents difficulties due to the uncertainty of the definition of load level, particularly in the case of human impact. The main differences from other impact tests are the dimensions of the specimens and the support structures for the various configurations, especially when tests are performed on a specific part of the building, for example, the facade. Even in tests performed under controlled conditions, in accordance with the standards, it can be observed that the level of excitation of the glass plate is clearly lower than expected if the initial height of the impactor is used. This has been observed in a test campaign involving 240 impacts, undertaken in accordance with EN 12,600. The analysis of the data shows that a percentage of energy (20%) does not deform the glass and is distributed among the remaining parts of the configuration. An experimental model has been developed in regard to the energy dissipation in order to obtain a more realistic level of excitation of the plate, using the effective impulse obtained from an accelerometer located on the pendulum head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a high power factor (PF), low total harmonic distortion (THD) light-emitting diode (LED) driver with dimming capability. In addition, the proposed technique ensures a high PF and low THD at any dimming level. The driver is implemented by using an interleaved capacitor, which is placed between the rectifier and the integrated buck flyback converter (IBFC). In this way, the line current conduction angle is increased, which in return increases the PF and decreases the THD. The operation of the proposed converter ensures that one diode of the conventional IBFC will not conduct, so that it can be removed. Moreover, owing to the continuous power flow, the proposed technique makes a significant reduction of the converter output ripple. The paper presents a prototype of the proposed converter supplying an LED luminaire of 37 V/ 0.67 A. The prototype shows a high PF of 0.997, small THD of 2.5%, output current ripple of 6%, and an efficiency of 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth performance and tibia measurements in broilers from 8 to 21 d of age fed diets with increasing levels of aP at adjusted or variable levels of Ca. A total of 168 chicks from 8 to 19 d of age were allocated in pairs per cage and randomly assigned to 6 dietary levels of aP (0.13%, 0.23%, 0.33%, 0.43%, 0.53%, and 0.63%) and 2 Ca:aP ratios, adjusted (adjCa:aP) or variable (varCa:aP). In the AdjCa diets, the Ca:aP ratio was kept at 2:1; in the varCa diets the Ca:aP ratio varied from 7.69 to 1.59. Chicks were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. At the last day of the trial, all chicks were killed to determine the tibia ash and Ca and P content in the ash. Data was subjected to ANOVA and linear regression analysis. In broilers fed the adjCa:aP diets, the maximum WG, weight of tibia ash, and weight of P in tibia ash (P < 0.01) were observed at aP levels of 0.40%, 0.52%, and 0.53% aP, and at aP levels of 0.63%, 0.62%, and 0.59% in broilers fed the varCa:aP diets. Broilers fed the adjCa:aP ratio diets had higher (P < 0.01) aP intake, aP intake per g of WG, tibia ash percentage, weight of Ca, and percentage P in tibia ash, but lower feed conversion ratio compared to broilers fed the varCa:aP ratio diets. Regardless of the dietary Ca:aP ratios, the maximum tibia ash percentage (P < 0.01), weight of Ca in tibia (P < 0.01) and percentage of P in tibia (P < 0.05) were estimated at 0.59%, 0.62%, and 0.57% aP. The maximum WG, weight of ash, and Ca and P on tibia ash were reached in broilers fed diets with an aP level of 0.53% and Ca:aP ratio of 2:1 and in those fed diets with an aP level of 0.63% and Ca:aP ratio of 1.59. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcones (α,β-unsaturated ketones) containing aromatic or heterocyclic radicals are highly reactive, allowing the synthesis of novel organic compounds. In this study, the dissociation constants (pKa) of seven chalcones derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline were determined and the influence on dissociation of substituents in the phenyl group (-CH3, -OCH3, -N(CH3)2, -Cl, -Br, and -NO2) was analysed. pKa values are important because they determine the pH at which ligands are fully deprotonated -when they show their maximum chelating properties- and determine the ligands interactions at different pH values. The chalcones' pKa's were calculated by visible ultraviolet spectroscopy in a water-ethanol (1:1) mixture using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. It was shown that the 8-hydroxyquinolinic fragment has a large electron donor effect on the π system of the chalcones. The introduction of substituents (R) in the phenyl fragment of the chalcones slightly affected the dissociation of the hydroxyl group and the protonation of the nitrogen in the hydroxyquinoline fragment. The acceptor substituents (Cl, Br, NO2) increased the polarity of OH- and its acidity. Nitrogen protonation decreased electron donor properties of this fragment, and deprotonation of the hydroxyl caused the opposite effect. Substituents introduction in the phenyl fragment slightly affected hydroxyl group dissociation and nitrogen protonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic ligand complexes are essential to many technological developments from protein supramolecular assemblies to solvent extraction, complexometric titrations, and environmental remediation. We studied the chelating and acid-base properties in ethanol of two derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline (Q), 5-acetyl- 8-hydroxyquinoline (A) and 5-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline (F), of which applications as chelators are unknown. The ligands acidity followed the order F (pKa1 2.9; pKa2 9.5)> A (pKa1 4.8; pKa2 9.6)> Q (pKa1 5.3; pKa2 10.0) due to inductive effects of electronegative groups, formyl in F and acetyl in A. The higher acidity of F with respect to A was due to the higher electronegativity of the formyl group in F. This acidity order was reflected in larger formation constants of F-metal complexes with pKf values of 32 (Fe3+), 27.1 (Cu2+), 26.2 (Cu2+), and 24.9 (Pb2+), than with A, with pKf values of 31, 22.5, 21.4 and 21.2 with these metals, or the pKf values in the literature for Q. In summary, A and F resulted excellent chelators for metals in complexometric titrations with large formation constants; these large formation constants recommend the application of these compounds in masking, preconcentration, and titration of metals by complexation and oxidation-reduction reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the losses in the integrated buck–flyback converter (IBFC) used as high-power-factor LED driver. The aim of the study is to investigate the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of the IBFC converter. The procedure of the improvement is done by obtaining the equations of the current through each component in terms of converter parameters. The current is found in an average value or rms value, depending on the type of the parasitic component, whether it is modeled by a parasitic forward voltage source or by a parasitic resistance, respectively. Using these equations and the parasitic model, the losses of each element of the converter are estimated. This paper proposes a technique to increase the efficiency of the IBFC by redesigning the converter parameters. Furthermore, this paper presents a case of study with a step-by-step efficiency enhancement process of an existing driver. The driver is operating under universal input conditions, and 38 V output, supplying an LED luminary of 26.5 W. The new design shows an improvement of the efficiency from 82% in the old design to 89% in the proposed one. Moreover, the new design shows an improvement in the power factor and the THD and a 50% reduction in the output current ripple. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of components has been achieved, as it is found by the analysis that by adjusting the converter parameters, one diode can be removed. Finally, the presented methodology is explained in detail so that it can easily be applied to other dc–dc converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collective dynamics of liquid methanol-d4 is studied by means of molecular-dynamics simulation. The model potential is validated by means of lattice energy calculations and shows a very good agreement with the experimentally obtained crystal structure. Center-of-mass density and momentum fluctuations are investigated in the (Q,ω) region which is also accessible to inelastic neutron-scattering (INS) techniques. A simple viscoelastic model previously used for the analysis of INS data is tested against the dynamic structure factor computed from the simulation. A direct comparison with the INS results themselves is also made and qualitative agreement is found. Also, a tentative assignment of the peaks appearing in the current–current correlations is made on the basis of lattice-dynamics calculations for the polycrystalline low-temperature α phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of molecular liquids based on the extended reference interaction site model (RISM) equation is used to describe the intermolecular structure of a small hydrocarbon chain liquid like n-butane. The model treats the methyl and methylene groups as single interaction centers with pair interactions modeled by a Lennard-Jones (12:6) function and located at the position of the carbon nuclei in the molecule. The theory assumes that the equilibrium internal states distribution of nonpolar flexible molecules are determined primarily by the short range, hard repulsive portions of the intermolecular potential (see preceding paper). The molecular structure factor has been calculated from the theory, and the results are in good agreement with recent x-ray scattering experiments. From this structural information a perturbative scheme to obtain the thermodynamic properties is employed. The theoretical predictions compare favorably with recent simulation results, giving quantitative agreement with the equation state and the intermolecular energy. The effective energy difference between trans and gauche states is obtained from Van’t Hoff plots, giving a value of 0.486 kcal/mol. Also, the effective difference of molar volumes between conformers is calculated from ln K vs P plot, obtaining a value of -3.1 cm3/mol, the same order of magnitude than the experimental value observed on liquid 1,2-dichloroethane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density functional formalism can also be profitably applied to the statistical mechanics of molecular fluids with internal degrees of freedom. The change of the intrinsic chemical potential for different conformers of nonpolar molecules is given by a zeroth order perturbation approach. This approach is applied to study the isomerization of n-butane in liquids, which models the neat liquid and CCl4 solutions. We find that a nonpolar solvent medium produces a shift in the conformational equilibria of model liquid n-butane from that found in the gas phase. The theoretical predictions show a good agreement with recent Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations results. Discrepancies with Jorgensen et al.’s data are explained in terms of the attractive intermolecular forces used in their MC codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic behavior of sputtered and pulsed laser deposited (PLD) FexAg100-x thin films with 27≤x≤55 has been studied by means of ac and dc magnetic measurements. Sputtered samples present a continuous decrease in the magnetization, down to 310 K for x=30, where a magnetic transition into a superparamagnetic state with the presence of dipolar interactions is observed. The ac susceptibility measurements indicate that this transition resembles that of three dimensional glassy systems. Sputtered samples with higher concentration of Fe present a similar but slower thermal evolution of magnetization. PLD samples with x≥50 show a Curie–Weiss-type transition above ∼200 K triggered by direct exchange interactions. As the temperature decreases, the system behaves like a ferromagnet and below ∼75 K, a transition into a cluster-glass state appears. As the composition decreases, these phenomena vanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a fast fuzzy logic control algorithm for a Takagi–Sugeno–Kang fuzzy controller, which is applied to integrated \textLED drivers with the purpose of getting a good dynamic response and the reduction in the low-frequency (120 Hz) ripple. The algorithm uses the high-speed mathematical engine of a digital signal controller \text(DSC) that is capable to achieve fast multiplications during a common one-cycle instruction. Therefore, the execution time of the controller is improved with the use of a \textDSC. A scaling procedure is included in the program in order to use and to improve the accuracy of the multiplications and divisions in the \textDSC mathematical engine. A low-range \textDSC was used to program the proposed controller; therefore, the cost is affordable for \textLED driver applications. The fuzzy control curve was approximated to the sliding mode control \text(SMC) curve with the purpose of getting some of the good advantages of the \textSMC strategy like a good dynamic performance. The proposed controller is used to regulate the \textLED current. Simulation and experimental results are shown [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary: Immunohistochemistry section staining is not always easy to interpret. Manual quantification of immunohistochemical staining is limited by the observer visual ability to detect changes in level staining. Hence, the quantification of immunostaining by means of digital image analysis allows us to measure accurately protein expression percentages in immunobiological stained tissues and ensures to overcome the visual limitations. We perform an experimental study to analyse the impact of folic acid (FA) deficiency into collagen IV and laminin‐1 expression in the embryonic mouse lens. The study starts with microscope images of embryos mouse lens whose mothers fed a diet deficient in FA during 2 and 8 weeks. A principal component analysis (PCA) image processing is used to analyse these images coming from control and FA deficit groups. The method permits to define an index of over‐ or infraexpression of collagen IV and laminin‐1 associated to different spatial organisation structures (PC processes). Additionally, it permits to determine in precise percentage the exact quantity of the overexpression or infraexpression and finally to comprehend molecular regionalisation and expression in both control and deficient groups. The results suggest that even with 2 weeks of deficit of FA the expression and distribution of both molecules is affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse osmosis efficiency depends on the precise prediction, among other factors, of membrane fouling. Although extensive research has been devoted to single foulants, rather less attention has been paid to simultaneous foulants which are more representative of real feed solutions. The main purpose of this research was therefore to characterize and quantify the fouling potential that results from the coexistence of simultaneous foulants. Silica and sodium alginate were used as respective models of inorganic and organic colloidal foulants. In order to understand the possible interactions, membrane fouling was first forced with a single foulant and the results compared to combined fouling. The experiments were carried out under constant pressure and employed synthetic seawater with 32 g/L of NaCl in a pilot-scale reverse osmosis unit. A standard commercial spiral-wound thin-film composite membrane was used. The results showed a more aggravated permeate flux decline in the combined fouling experiments. An exacerbated synergistic effect on membrane fouling was observed when the concentration of sodium alginate was equal to or higher than the concentration of silica. In these cases, the permeate flux decline of combined fouling was more severe than the sum of flux decline of individual foulants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the deterioration of water resources is anthropogenically caused as a consequence of the incessant production of chemical compounds to obtain the quality of life that society demands today. This constant presence and harmful accumulation of these pollutants in different ecosystems have seen them emerge as a major concern both for human health and for environmental safety. Scientific advances have succeeded in legislating against, reducing and even eliminating priority pollutants, while new technologies are being constantly developed to identify and treat newly emerging pollutants. The objective of this work is the evaluation of the seawater reverse osmosis membrane as a method for the removal of an antibiotic present in seawater. The novelty of the study is that the tests were undertaken using water of high ionic strength. A critical selection of the antibiotic to be used in the study was carried out. The experiments were performed under constant pressure conditions, employing synthetic seawater in a pilot-scale unit with a commercial spiral-wound reverse osmosis membrane. Results are shown in terms of selectivity of the reverse osmosis process for antibiotic removal. The RO membrane element successfully reject most of the ciprofloxacin (removal rate >90%), with maximum rejection value of 99.96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an expedient and economical route to a new spiroketal‐based C2‐symmetric chiral scaffold, termed SPIROL. Based on this spirocyclic scaffold, several chiral ligands were generated. These ligands were successfully employed in an array of stereoselective transformations, including in iridium‐catalyzed hydroarylations (up to 95 % ee), palladium‐catalyzed allylic alkylations (up to 97 % ee), intermolecular palladium‐catalyzed Heck couplings (up to 94 % ee), and rhodium‐catalyzed dehydroalanine hydrogenation (up to 93 % ee). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an expedient and economical route to a new spiroketal‐based C2‐symmetric chiral scaffold, termed SPIROL. Based on this spirocyclic scaffold, several chiral ligands were generated. These ligands were successfully employed in an array of stereoselective transformations, including in iridium‐catalyzed hydroarylations (up to 95 % ee), palladium‐catalyzed allylic alkylations (up to 97 % ee), intermolecular palladium‐catalyzed Heck couplings (up to 94 % ee), and rhodium‐catalyzed dehydroalanine hydrogenation (up to 93 % ee). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Artisanal fishers of the upper reaches of the Amazon River use a variety of tactics to catch giant Brachyplatystoma catfish species: Brachyplatystoma vaillantii Valenciennes, Brachyplatystoma rouseauxii (Castelnau) and Brachyplatystoma filamentosum (Lichtenstein). These catfish are migratory, caught with different gears, by different communities, and influenced by temporal and spatial changes in river conditions. Facing these factors, it was hypothesised that the catfish fishery yields in the headwaters of the Amazon are determined by fishing tactics efficiency, riverscape features and governance basis. Data on catfish yields were collected from two contrasting riverscapes (rapids and floodplains) in the most important Amazonian affluent in Colombia—the Caquetá River. Results indicated that: (1) catfish yield was strongly associated with fishing effort in both riverscapes, (2) seasonal drivers play an essential influence in the high rapids reach, and river level in the low floodplain reach, (3) community strategies affected yield, although the effect is different depending on the gear used as the environment profile affects enforcement. Based on the results, it was concluded that efficient upstream management of these species should combine specific measures for each riverscape with an integrated approach to the river production system that considers catfishes longitudinal migrations and the growth overfishing occurring in the Amazon estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of management was evaluated to prevent leucaena becoming an invasive plant. For five years, the evolution of two systems was studied: 1) tree legume Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru in silvopastoral system, where it occupied 100 % of the area, associated with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú for cattle fattening; 2) tree legume Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru, where it occupied 100 % of the area, associated with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú without being grazed. A random block design was applied, with five replications. Indicators in the leucaena-brachiaria system with animal grazing were better, at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, with a decrease in the depopulation of 1 plant/m2 (P = 0.0012), higher grass population 11.2/m2 (P = 0.0014) and low presence of weeds 1 plant/m2 (P = 0.0039), which was better in the system without grazing. Leucaena component had a different performance, according to the studied system. In the system under grazing, yield of brachiaria base grass was always superior (2.2 and 3.0 t/ha DM) with respect to the non-managed system, at the beginning (P = 0.0028) and at the end of the experimental stage. The same happened with the presence of natural grass 0.40 t/ha DM (P=0.0011), which disappeared at the end. Weeds had a higher presence in the non-managed area 0.31 t/ha DM (P = 0.0101) at the beginning of the study. It is concluded that the technological proposal for the management of systems with Leucaena leucocephala in silvopastoral systems is a functional and feasible option to apply so that this species does not become invasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous adjoint method for the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations offers an efficient approach for computing gradients of a functional, particularly in high-dimensional design problems where gradient calculations can otherwise be expensive and difficult to obtain. Existing work has generally been limited to the use of a single, simple functional in the formulation of the adjoint. As a result, the full potential of adjoint-based design has not yet been realized. This work focuses on the derivation and implementation of an adjoint formulation of the RANS equations for generalized outflow-based functionals that allows information from external models to be coupled with the high-fidelity gradient calculation, and expands the range and complexity of objectives that can be used. As an example application this is applied to supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets), which have the potential to enable more efficient transatmospheric flight, airplane-like operations of launch vehicles, and defense-related applications. Challenges in their design can be addressed by optimization as well as by other gradient-dependent techniques. Optimization studies using the generalized outflow-based functional show that different inlet design results are obtained when incorporating full-engine performance as compared with an inlet-only objective, and illustrate a trade-off between inlet surface heat flux and thrust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desalination of seawater is presented as the solution to cover the demand for water in a future scenario of the climate crisis. Nevertheless, desalination also has environmental impacts, with the discharge of brine into the sea being the most worrying. For this reason, many projects seek technologies that allow desalination discharge to be transformed into a more sustainable activity. However, evaluating the sustainability of brine management strategies is a complex task that has not been developed until now. The article analyzes brine management from a holistic point of view and proposes establishing strategies based on sustainability objectives that may, in turn, be compatible with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a result, a framework of 7 Sustainable Brine Management Goals, 11 targets and 18 monitoring indicators is proposed. In addition, a practical case has been developed to evaluate with indicators the scope of these goals in the Canary Islands, Spain. • Sustainable brine management of seawater desalination plants • Environmental management strategies from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals • Brine management monitoring indicators [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercising in the heat induces thermoregulatory and other physiological strain that can lead to impairments in endurance exercise capacity. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide up-to-date recommendations to optimise performance during sporting activities undertaken in hot ambient conditions. The most important intervention one can adopt to reduce physiological strain and optimise performance is to heat acclimatise. Heat acclimatisation should comprise repeated exercise-heat exposures over 1-2weeks. In addition, athletes should initiate competition and training in a euhydrated state and minimise dehydration during exercise. Following the development of commercial cooling systems (eg, cooling-vest), athletes can implement cooling strategies to facilitate heat loss or increase heat storage capacity before training or competing in the heat. Moreover, event organisers should plan for large shaded areas, along with cooling and rehydration facilities, and schedule events in accordance with minimising the health risks of athletes, especially in mass participation events and during the first hot days of the year. Following the recent examples of the 2008 Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, sport governing bodies should consider allowing additional (or longer) recovery periods between and during events, for hydration and body cooling opportunities, when competitions are held in the heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercising in the heat induces thermoregulatory and other physiological strain that can lead to impairments in endurance exercise capacity. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide up-to-date recommendations to optimise performance during sporting activities undertaken in hot ambient conditions. The most important intervention one can adopt to reduce physiological strain and optimise performance is to heat acclimatise. Heat acclimatisation should comprise repeated exercise-heat exposures over 1-2 weeks. In addition, athletes should initiate competition and training in a euhydrated state and minimise dehydration during exercise. Following the development of commercial cooling systems (eg, cooling-vest), athletes can implement cooling strategies to facilitate heat loss or increase heat storage capacity before training or competing in the heat. Moreover, event organisers should plan for large shaded areas, along with cooling and rehydration facilities, and schedule events in accordance with minimising the health risks of athletes, especially in mass participation events and during the first hot days of the year. Following the recent examples of the 2008 Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, sport governing bodies should consider allowing additional (or longer) recovery periods between and during events, for hydration and body cooling opportunities, when competitions are held in the heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercising in the heat induces thermoregulatory and other physiological strain that can lead to impairments in endurance exercise capacity. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide up-to-date recommendations to optimize performance during sporting activities undertaken in hot ambient conditions. The most important intervention one can adopt to reduce physiological strain and optimize performance is to heat acclimatize. Heat acclimatization should comprise repeated exercise-heat exposures over 1-2 weeks. In addition, athletes should initiate competition and training in a euhydrated state and minimize dehydration during exercise. Following the development of commercial cooling systems (e.g., cooling vest), athletes can implement cooling strategies to facilitate heat loss or increase heat storage capacity before training or competing in the heat. Moreover, event organizers should plan for large shaded areas, along with cooling and rehydration facilities, and schedule events in accordance with minimizing the health risks of athletes, especially in mass participation events and during the first hot days of the year. Following the recent examples of the 2008 Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, sport governing bodies should consider allowing additional (or longer) recovery periods between and during events for hydration and body cooling opportunities when competitions are held in the heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The objective is to present a clinical case of a 38-year-old male with a maxillary unicystic ameloblastoma treated by means of tumor block resection followed by chin-harvested graft placement in order to place two dental implants for esthetic and functional rehabilitation. Methods. Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor characterized by local aggression and a high rate of recurrence; the latter partly depends on how it is treated. Complete resection of the tumor, which usually prevents recurrence, produces bone defects of varying size that must be reconstructed later on. In most cases this is done using bone grafts and implant-supported prostheses. Grafts harvested from the chin are relatively easy to obtain and enjoy a fairly uneventful post-operative with few complications; they are suitable for cases in which the defect generated by resection is of small size. Results. Functional and esthetic rehabilitation and the tumor has not relapsed during a 7-year follow-up. Conclusion. Tumor block resection followed by chin-harvested graft placement and dental implants is a safe treatment for patients with unicystic ameloblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work we use a monocular camera along with an electrically tunable lens (ETL) to acquire a multi-focus stack without mechanical displacements, avoiding vibrations and misregistration during imaging acquisition. It is possible to decode and reconstruct new images of interest (images that are not part of the original acquired stack) by digital processing algorithms with a physical basis. We show how Fourier domain operations along with the knowledge of the focal distances employed for sweeping the optical axis, enable the redistribution of the information encoded in the original stack. In this way, from the multi-focus stack, it is possible to refocus digitally the scene, with synthetically reshaped apertures (changing its shape and size), obtaining extended-depth-of-field as a particular case (i.e., as captured with a pin-hole camera). We can also consider displacements of the pinhole for shifting the viewer's perspective of the 3D scene and obtaining stereoscopic pairs of images (left and right eyes images) as particular cases. Finally, it is also possible to combine both implementations and reconstruct the scene as captured from a different perspective and with a different aperture at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]