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This study presents a generalised characterisation of the surface circulation over the northern shelf of the Gulf of Cadiz, based on 4 years of high-resolution satellite altimetry data from Sentinel-3A and wind model data. The altimetry-based surface zonal currents, adjusted for bottom-drag and wind effects, are compared with a generic CMEMS product and validated against in-situ ADCP measurements. The proposed altimetry product demonstrates superior performance than the CMEMS product, accurately reflecting surface circulation direction compared to in-situ measurements (r = 0.77, RMSE = 0.10 m/s, bias = 0.01 m/s). The use of the bottom-drag and wind-corrected/uncorrected altimetry product for spatiotemporal analysis of the shelf circulation revealed the distinct contributions of wind-driven and geostrophic components in different basin sectors. The results show that over the western basin, positive (eastward) surface currents were predominantly driven by westerly winds, while only occasionally, westward flows coincided with easterly winds, suggesting a higher control of the geostrophic component over the westward flows. In contrast, over the eastern basin, both eastward and westward flows were found to be primarily driven by favourable winds. Additionally, the analysis of Absolute Dynamic Topography (ADT) values along the whole basin showed the presence of ADT gradients both along-shore and cross-shore over the shelf, contributing to geostrophic flows. Finally, the seasonal analysis showed that eastward circulation tends to dominate during the spring and summer months, related to the upwelling season in the Gulf of Cadiz and associated westerly winds. Westward flows prevail during the winter months, related to easterly winds and the rebalancing of the along-shore sea level gradient during relaxed upwelling conditions. The findings demonstrate a significant improvement in the use of satellite altimetry data to study complex oceanographic dynamics in coastal areas, where both spatial and temporal variability are high. Moreover, the similarity of our results to those obtained from in-situ systems supports the use of altimetry data and publicly available wind models to support oceanographic studies in remote or resource-limited areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of both the latest LHCb measurement of R K ∗ and the new 2.7σ deviation reported by Belle II on B + → K + ν ν ¯ decays, we present a fit to the B meson anomalies for various one and two dimensional hypothesis including complex Wilson coefficients. We show in a model-independent way that the generic non-universal U(1)′ extensions of the SM, without flavour violation, fail to simultaneously fit those observables and corroborate that they can modify BR B + → K + ν ν ¯ up to only a 10%. In view of this deficit, we propose a new way in which those models can accommodate the data at tree level by introducing lepton flavour violating couplings and non-diagonal elements of the charged lepton mixing matrix, with implications in future charged lepton flavour violation searches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial restrictions to human activities such as bottom trawling are increasingly used to improve the ecological condition of disturbed habitats. Such management interventions typically have socio-economic consequences, which creates a challenge for those making decisions about which activities should be restricted and where restrictions should apply. We present an approach for predicting the effects of fisheries management scenarios in spatially delimited marine areas and ranking them—using a loss function—according to how well they achieve desired outcomes across a set of ecological and socio-economic indicators. This approach is demonstrated by simulating alternative fishing gear restrictions and zoning options within a hypothetical marine protected area (MPA). Relative benthic status (RBS; an indicator of ecological condition) and relative catch value (RCV; an indicator of potential economic cost) were estimated for the baseline environment and 21 potential management scenarios. The rank order depended on which indicator was prioritized (i.e. whether RBS or RCV was given greater weighting in the loss function), with the top-ranked scenarios in each case involving considerably different management measures. The methods presented can be applied anywhere using locally or strategically relevant indicators to help identify spatial fisheries management measures that minimize ecological and socio-economic trade-offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model with fermion and scalar fields charged under a Peccei–Queen (PQ) symmetry is proposed. The PQ charges are chosen in such a way that they can reproduce mass matrices with five texture zeros, which can generate the fermion masses, the CKM matrix, and the PMNS matrix of the Standard Model (SM). To obtain this result, at least 4 Higgs doublets are needed. As we will see in the manuscript this is a highly non-trivial result since the texture zeros of the mass matrices impose a large number of restrictions. This model shows a route to understand the different scales of the SM by extending it with a multi-Higgs sector and an additional PQ symmetry. Since the PQ charges are not universal, the model predicts flavor-changing neutral currents (FCNC) at the tree level, a feature that constitutes the main source of restrictions on the parameter space. We report the allowed regions by lepton decays and compare them with those coming from the semileptonic decays K ± ⟶ π ν ¯ ν . We also show the excluded regions and the projected bounds of future experiments for the axion–photon coupling as a function of the axion mass and compare it with the parameter space of our model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry is proposed, in order to generate in the Standard Model (SM) quark sector a realistic mass matrix ansatz with five texture-zeros. Limiting our analysis to Hermitian mass matrices we show that this requires a minimum of 4 Higgs doublets. This model allows assigning values close to 1 for several Yukawa couplings, giving insight into the origin of the mass scales in the SM. Since the PQ charges are non-universal the model features Flavor-Changing Neutral Currents (FCNC) at the tree level. From the analytical expressions for the FCNC we report the allowed region in the parameter space obtained from the measurements of branching ratios of semileptonic meson decays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the effect of multivalent Cr-ion doping on the structural, optical, magnetic, and resistive switching properties of BiFe1-xCrxO3 (BFCO) thin films (where, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15). BFCO thin films were deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si (100) substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman analysis revealed the presence of a secondary phase in BFCO thin films, above 5% Cr doping concentrations. Enhanced magnetization was observed in BFCO films owing to ferromagnetic superexchange interaction between Fe and Cr-ions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements revealed the multivalent states of Cr and Fe-ions, where suppression of oxygen vacancies due to Cr-ion doping in BFCO films was discussed based on the defect chemistry viewpoint. Moreover, current conduction and resistive switching properties were studied and the dominant switching mechanism was explained in the light of oxygen vacancies assisted filamentary conduction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we apply the functional integral methodology to induce the Carroll–Field–Jackiw (CFJ) term in Horava–Lifshitz z = 3 CPT-violating QED, where Lorentz and CPT breaking for fermion and photon sectors is introduced, and show that the CFJ term is finite but undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the Lorentz-violating extended QED involving all nonminimal dimension-5 additive CPT-odd terms. For this theory, we investigate the generation of the Carroll–Field–Jackiw (CFJ) term and its higher-derivative counterparts of the first order in any of these nonminimal couplings. The CFJ term is demonstrated to vanish in the dimensional regularization scheme. We also study the question of higher-derivative divergent contributions and demonstrate that they can be eliminated by considering a given proportionality between the coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the new extension of the z = 3 Horava–Lifshitz QED involving a CPT-breaking term, characterized by the axial vector b 0 , i , and calculate the Carroll–Field–Jackiw (CFJ) term in the one-loop approximation. Explicitly, we use two regularization schemes and demonstrate that in our case, the CFJ term is finite but ambiguous, so that its exact coefficient depends on the used regularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ices are the dominant surface material of many Solar system objects, such as comets and trans-Neptunian objects. They are continuously exposed to ion bombardment by solar wind ions and cosmic rays, which trigger secondary ion emission, contributing to the exosphere formation. Laboratory studies demonstrated the effects of energetic processing of ices at low temperature, showing the production of molecules and free radicals of astrophysical interest. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the molecular species observed in star-forming sites, reason why it may be present in the ices covering some minor bodies in the outer Solar system. In the current work, N2O ice at 10 K was irradiated by energetic (MeV/u) multicharged heavy ions (e.g. 105Rh and 140Ba); the sputtered species were detected and analysed by the TOF-PDMS technique (time-of-flight plasma desorption mass spectrometry). Small positive and negative secondary ions were identified: N+, N2+, NO+, O+, and O−. The bombardment also induces production of ion cluster series: (N2) n R |$_{m}^+$|⁠ , (NO) n R |$_{m}^+$|⁠ , (N2O) n R |$_{m}^+$|⁠ , where R = N+, N2+, NO+, N2O+, O m + (n up to ∼ 10, m = 1−3). Their yield distributions follow the sum of two decreasing exponentials, one fast - F and another slow - S , suggesting a two-regime formation. Most of the yield distributions have the same pair of exponential decay constants, around k F ∼ 1.4 and k S ∼ 0.15 u−1. Based on this behavior, an emission description for aggregates is proposed, useful to understand the processes by which neutral and ionized molecular species are delivery to the gas phase in space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resources for development are used efficiently when social programs help to promote at the same time the sustainability of grass-root financial associations at the bottom of the pyramid. This study applies machine-learning to a worldwide database of grass-root associations in order to identify which social programs are good predictors of financial returns in the groups. The results indicate that education, income-generating activities and health programs are the most frequent programs provided by development agencies. Business training is not the most frequent intervention applied to grass-root associations, but it is in fact the most important social program to encourage financial sustainability, particularly after a development agency stops working with a group and leaves the community. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of a data analysis, we study and confirm that the complexity of Conway's Game of Life cellular automaton (GoL) is enough to reproduce the statistical universal properties of wealth distributions as they are observed in real economic data. In GoL's Economy, we interpret each rebirth of a cell as the event of an agent gaining a "monetary unit". We show that the GoL's "wealth distribution" generated in this way is compatible with the exponential/gamma distribution observed in real economical complex systems for the low and medium classes of the population of a country or a society (thermal class). Furthermore, GoL also reproduces the power law asymptotic behavior of real wealth distribution corresponding to the richest sector of the population (superthermal class). Analyses of Gini index and of the stationarity of GoL generated wealth distribution were also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurements of the through-thickness Young's moduli of composite materials are important, but they were not systematically reported because of the complexity. In this paper, a lower bound characterization approach for the Young's moduli using nanoindentation is proposed based on contact mechanics and micromechanics analysis. This approach was applied to grid nanoindentation of a glass-fiber composite material system, and the estimated lower bound was around 40% lower than the directly measured Young's modulus of the same composite system using Hertz's contact law. Therefore, the proposed approach provides a conservative measurement if the actual through-thickness Young's modulus is not available. This approach is helpful for nanoindentation users without comprehensive knowledge of micromechanics and contact mechanics to conduct complicated nanoindentation experiments for composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully quantal scattering calculations are carried out for CO in argon using both the close coupling (CC) and coupled states (CS) methods. CC and CS cross sections σ(j→j[sup ′]) generally agree to within 15% or less with the exception of those corresponding to low Δj=|j[sup ′]-j| values at low j where differences may reach 50%. The discrepancy arises mostly from efficient collisions with large orbital angular momentum, where the rotation of the quantization axis can no longer be neglected. Then, the CC calculations were used to test a scaling procedure based on the energy corrected sudden (ECS) approximation: given a set of basic cross-section σ(j→0), is it possible to predict the entire σ[sup o](j→j[sup ′]) relaxation matrix? The ECS procedure yields reasonable agreement, on average, at the 13% level. However it fails at reproducing the Δj=1 cross sections in cases where the concept of a mean adiabaticity factor losses its physical meaning since the duration of the efficient collisions varies too much with the orbital angular momentum. On that basis, we have examined another question: the validity of an inversion procedure, based on the ECS scheme. Is it possible to determine the basic cross sections σ(j→0) starting from the knowledge of the easily measurable diagonal elements σ[sup o](j→j)? The ECS inverted basic rates agree with the CC ones to within about 20% up to j=15 and strongly diverge for higher j while the inversion leads to an overestimation of the mean duration of the efficient collisions. Then, using a high resolution Raman spectrometer, we recorded the Q-branch head of the fundamental band of CO in mixture with Ar at three temperatures, 87, 195, and 300 K, and total pressures up to 1.25 bar. Line-mixing effects in experimental Raman profiles are compared with CC theoretical predictions. Finally the close coupling results are also used to predict rotational relaxation times measured in free jets. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present measurements of Raman linewidths in the fundamental Q branch of CO for mixtures with Ar at temperatures of 77, 195, and 300 K, recorded using an inverse Raman spectrometer. Starting from a recent ab initio potential energy surface, theoretical values of Ar broadening coefficients for CO infrared and Raman lines (isotropic and anisotropic components) at temperatures in the range 77 to 1100 K are calculated via quantum-mechanical methods. The relative merits of the close coupling theoretical results over the coupled states results are underlined. Finally, a comparison of the calculated pressure broadening coefficients is made with the present experimental data as well as with recently available infrared data. There is general agreement between the calculated and measured values of the broadenings for all the temperatures probed. We conclude that the temperature dependence of the infrared and Raman broadening coefficients have been correctly determined theoretically and may be used to test a common temperature scaling law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to design a new heat treatment in order to improve the mechanical properties of primary 356 + 0.5 wt%Cu aluminum alloy. This heat treatment combines a multi step solution treatment with a quench and a multi step overaging treatment. It takes advantage of the evolution of the solubility limit of the matrix as a function of temperature in order to allow the appearance of successive precipitation sequences during excessive aging in several stages and leads to an increase in the volume fraction of precipitates. After T64 air quench, T6 air quench, T7 air quench and T7 water quench treatments and overaging 100 h at 150 °C, a secondary precipitation of Al 2 Cu particles is seen using conventional TEM, mostly after the T7 treatments. This secondary precipitation leads to an increase of the static mechanical properties. This dual-step overaging is then transposed to a dual-step aging T7 heat treatment, with aging 2h at 200 °C and 2h at 170 °C, and further compared to a classic T7 treatment with aging during 4h at 200 °C. Both heat treatments are also modeled using a KWN model. The model captures the secondary supersaturation of the proeutectic α -phase that leads to the secondary precipitation during the dual-step aging treatment. This translates to an increase of the mechanical properties by 6% and 3% for the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength respectively. The elongation decreases by 33%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetic treatments aim at improving skin appearance through vehicles of good sensory properties. Those vehicles are mainly emulsions and gels designed to deliver safe and effective compounds to skin. Creams and serums are widely used to achieve these goals, but recently a new type of formulation known as organogels triggered scientific attention, particularly in the design of both topical and cosmetic formulations. It has been established that the lipophilic nature of organogels makes it an excellent candidate for the delivery of cosmetic molecules through skin. In this review, we discuss the properties and characteristics of organogels and present the advantages of the application of these systems in cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ferroresonance can cause partial or total destruction of the Voltage Transformer. • Ferroresonance appears when capacities and saturable inductances are associated. • The paper is devoted to detect ferroresonance in a VT by analysing its vibration. • The ferroresonance detection is critical to ensure a reliable and safe power system. Abstract Steady state ferroresonances in isolated neutral electrical systems result in sustained abnormal system oscillations, which can damage inductive voltage transformers (IVTs) and other system elements. During this phenomenon, the IVT becomes saturated; consequently, the dimensions of the ferromagnetic material of the IVT change owing to magnetostriction. Because of this inherently nonlinear behaviour, the natural vibration modes of the IVT are excited. The aim of this study is to take advantage of these anomalous vibration modes to reveal the occurrence of ferroresonance in IVTs. The methodology for ferroresonance detection in IVTs through vibration analysis is described and demonstrated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Eccentric (ECC) contraction corresponds to when an active muscle is stretched. In particular, lowering a load, which involves mainly ECC contractions, has been reported as being more painful than raising it in individuals with impingement syndrome (Borstad and Ludewig [1]) suggesting that ECC contractions might bring specific biomechanical constraints to the shoulder complex. In the present study we used the synergy analysis to investigate the muscle activation strategies associated with the tasks of lifting and lowering a loaded box with the arms, which involve mainly CON and ECC contractions, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Telemedicine is increasingly applied in developed settings to facilitate transfer of information to and from burn surgeons across vast geographic areas. WhatsApp is a widely available and extremely user-friendly encrypted smartphone application that does not require the expensive physical and personnel infrastructure that characterizes many of these telemedicine systems. The aim of this study was to review the use of WhatsApp to facilitate paediatric burn injury consultations to a regional burn centre in a developing country, where burn care continues to be thwarted by administrative apathy, poor resource allocation and lack of attention to medical and nursing education at all levels.Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of all consultations using WhatsApp over an 18-month period, received by the burn centre's two senior medical practitioners. The specific origin and nature of the telemedicine requests for advice, transfer or follow-up were collected, as were data relating to the demographics of the patients, the aetiology, mechanism and extent of the burn injury. The impact of the system of communication in terms of reductions in admissions and clinic visits was assessed, and a cost analysis was undertaken. Feedback was also obtained from those health practitioners regularly using the service.Results: 838 communications occurred during the study period, which included 1562 distinct clinical queries. 486 interactions (58%) originated from within the hospital, the majority of which were initiated by surgeons in training or burn nurse practitioners. 352 (42%) consultations were from outside the hospital. Queries related to the full spectrum of burn care, including emergency management and stabilization, triage and transfer, the need for escharotomy, fluid resuscitation, wound care, the timing and nature of surgical intervention, as well as follow-up and rehabilitation. While no significant changes in the number of surgical interventions or admissions were observed when compared to the five years prior to the intervention, outpatient visits reduced significantly during the study period. It was estimated that over 150 unnecessary admissions were also avoided as a result of the triage made possible by WhatsApp, which translated into considerable cost saving for the institution.Discussion: Incorporating WhatsApp technology into the daily processes of burn care has significantly improved the quality of paediatric burn care referrals to specialist burn services. Specifically, WhatsApp has contributed to reductions in unnecessary referrals and outpatient visits, facilitated opportunities for continuing medical education, improved the care of major burn injuries through more effective prehospital communication, and enabled greater allocation of scarce specialist resources at the burn centre. This study motivates for the wider application of WhatsApp for burn care referrals, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance, an early clinical onset and a primary defect in β-cell function. Mutations in the GCK and HNF1A genes are the most common cause of MODY among Caucasians. The etiology of MODY in Tunisia stills a challenge for researchers. The aim of this study was to screen for mutations in GCK , HNF1A , HNF4A and INS genes in North African Tunisians subjects, in whom the clinical profile was very suggestive of MODY. A total of 23 unrelated patients, with clinical presentation of MODY were tested for mutations in GCK , HNF1A , HNF4A and INS genes, using Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC), Multiplex Ligation-depend Probe Amplification (MLPA) and sequencing analysis. We identified the previously reported mutation c-169C > T in one patient as well as a new mutation c-457C > T in two unrelated patients. No mutations were detected in the HNF1A and INS genes. Despite restrictive clinical criteria used for selecting patients in this study, the most common genes known for MODY do not explain the majority of cases in Tunisians. This suggests that there are others candidate or unidentified genes contributing to the etiology of MODY in Tunisians families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary outcome was survival and secondary outcome was gestational age at birth. To describe the incidence and survival rate of monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated with Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) between patients who underwent treatment by fetoscopic laser therapy versus delivery by Caesarean section after 26 weeks of gestation. EP21.02: Survival outcomes between Caesarean delivery and fetoscopic laser therapy for late Twin-twin transfusion syndrome after 26 weeks of gestation. [Extracted from the article]

There was a weak positive correlation between the anterior and posterior vaginal azygos arteries PIs ( I r i = 0.23; I P i = 0.04) and no correlation between the posterior vaginal azygos artery PI and the mean uterine artery PI (Figure 2c,d). We describe here the characteristics of the Doppler waveform of the vaginal azygos arteries1 during pregnancy and their association with the uterine arteries. [Extracted from the article]

Silicates are the dominant surface material of many Solar System objects, which are exposed to ion bombardment by solar wind ions and cosmic rays. Induced physico-chemical processes include sputtering which can contribute to the formation of an exosphere. We have measured sputtering yields and velocity spectra of secondary ions ejected from nepheline, an aluminosilicate thought to be a good analogue for Mercury's surface, as a laboratory approach to understand the evolution of silicate surfaces and the presence of Na and K vapor in the exosphere. Experiments were performed with highly charged ion beams (keV/u–MeV/u) delivered by GANIL using an imaging XY-TOF-SIMS device under UHV conditions. The fluence dependence of sputtering yields gives information about the evolution of surface stoichiometry during irradiation. From the energy distributions N(E) of sputtered particles, the fraction of particles which could escape from the gravitational field of Mercury, and of those falling back and possibly contributing to populate the exosphere can be roughly estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Detection and labelling of an increment in the human stress level is a contribution focused principally on improving the quality of life of people. This work is aimed to develop a biophysical real-time stress identification and classification system, analysing two noninvasive signals, the galvanic skin response and the heart rate variability. Methods An experimental procedure was designed and configured in order to elicit a stressful situation that is similar to those found in real cases. A total of 166 subjects participated in this experimental stage. The set of registered signals of each subject was considered as one experiment. A preliminary qualitative analysis of the signals collected was made, based on previous counselling received from neurophysiologists and psychologists. This study revealed a relationship between changes in the temporal signals and the induced stress states in each subject. To identify and classify such states, a subsequent quantitative analysis was performed in order to determine specific numerical information related to the above mentioned relationship. This second analysis gives the particular details to design the finally proposed classification algorithm, based on a Finite State Machine. Results The proposed system is able to classify the detected stress stages at three levels: low, medium, and high. Furthermore, the system identifies persistent stress situations or momentary alerts, depending on the subject's arousal. The system reaches an F 1 score of 0.984 in the case of high level, an F 1 score of 0.970 for medium level, and an F 1 score of 0.943 for low level. Conclusion The resulting system is able to detect and classify different stress stages only based on two non invasive signals. These signals can be collected in people during their monitoring and be processed in a real-time sense, as the system can be previously preconfigured. Therefore, it could easily be implemented in a wearable prototype that could be worn by end users without feeling to be monitored. Besides, due to its low computational, the computation of the signals slopes is easy to do and its deployment in real-time applications is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The deficit of donor sites in major burns over 50% of the total body surface area has necessitated the application of methods besides traditional meshed autografting to achieve definitive skin cover. The Meek micrografting technique was introduced at this hospital in 2011, especially in the absence of a reliable source of deceased donor allograft skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this strategy with reference to its technical execution, efficacy and indications in the context of major paediatric burn surgery.Methods: A cohort study was performed of all paediatric patients with major burn who underwent Meek micrografting at a dedicated paediatric burn centre in a developing country over a five year period. Demographics, details of their burns, operative management and clinical course and outcomes were collected from patient records and operative notes and analysed.Results: Thirty-five patients were managed using the micrografting technique during the study period. The mean patient age was 4.1 years (range 3 months-11 years) and their mean total body surface area (TBSA) burn was 49.7% (range 15-86%). Eleven patients sustained inhalation injuries and five developed a re-feeding syndrome on account of delayed referral. The mean abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) was 8.5 (range 2-13). The hospital length of stay in the 27 survivors was a mean of 75.5 days, equating to 1.4 days per percentage burn. Eight patients died during the course of treatment, with a mean TBSA burn of 67.75% (range 38-86%). Graft take one month after surgery was documented to be more than 90% in 24 patients, of whom 3 subsequently died. Eleven patients had less than 90% graft take at this time, of whom 5 died.Conclusion: There is a considerable 'learning curve' associated with this technique. In order to achieve success one must ensure a completely viable, non-infected bed, obtained by tangential or fascial excision, followed by allografting as temporary coverage and to 'test the wound bed' for definitive coverage. Infection resulted in the majority of autograft loss in this series, and in addition to risk factors like burn size and inhalation injury, accounted for many of the deaths in this series. Meek micrografting offers high expansion ratios, thereby facilitating durable wound cover in the presence of limited donor sites. It is unlikely that a lethal dose, 50% (LD50) of almost 70% TBSA would have been possible in this context without the regular application of this technique. This study advocates for the widespread availability of Meek micrografting and deceased donor allograft skin in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effectiveness of laser surgery in fetuses with a cystic lung lesion with systemic arterial blood supply (hybrid lung lesion) at risk of perinatal death. Methods A cohort of five consecutive fetuses with a large hybrid lung lesion associated with hydrops and/or pleural effusion with severe lung compression was selected for percutaneous ultrasound-guided fetal laser ablation of the feeding artery ( FLAFA) before 32 weeks' gestation in a single tertiary national referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. The primary outcomes were survival and need for postnatal surgery. Results FLAFA was performed successfully in all cases at a median gestational age of 24.9 (range, 24.4-31.7) weeks. After fetal intervention, dimensions in both lungs increased and fluid effusions resolved in all cases. All cases were delivered liveborn at term at a median gestational age of 39.6 (range, 38.0-39.7) weeks, without respiratory morbidity or need for oxygen support, resulting in perinatal survival of 100%. During follow-up, three (60%) cases showed progressive regression of the entire lung mass and did not require postnatal surgery, whereas in two (40%) cases a progressive decrease in size of the mass was observed but a cystic portion of the lung mass persisted and postnatal lobectomy was required. Conclusion In fetuses with large hybrid lung lesions at risk of perinatal death, FLAFA is feasible and could improve survival and decrease the need for postnatal surgery. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of a nonuniversal and anomaly free U ( 1 ) X extension of the standard model, we examine the decay of a 750 GeV scalar singlet state, ξ χ , as a possible explanation of the observed diphoton excess announced by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations at CERN-LHC collider. The one-loop decay to photons is allowed through three heavy singlet quarks and one charged Higgs boson into the loop. We obtain, for different width approximations and for masses of the exotic singlet quarks in the region [ 900 , 3000 ] GeV , a production cross section σ ( p p → ξ χ → γ γ ) compatible with ATLAS and CMS collaborations data. We also include another scalar singlet, σ , as a dark matter candidate that may couple with the 750 GeV scalar at tree level with production cross sections in agreement with ATLAS and CMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new S U ( 6 ) ⊗ U ( 1 ) X GUT model free from anomalies, with a 750 GeV scalar candidate which can decay into two photons, compatible with the recent diphoton signal reported by ATLAS and CMS collaborations. This model gives masses to all fermions and may explain the 750 GeV signal through one loop decays to γγ with charged vector and charged Higgs bosons, as well as up- and electron-like exotic particles that arise naturally from the condition of cancellation of anomalies of the S U ( 6 ) ⊗ U ( 1 ) X group. We obtain, for different width approximations, allowed mass regions from 900 GeV to 3 TeV for the exotic up-like quark, in agreement with ATLAS and CMS collaborations data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a predictive model based on the SU ( 3 ) C ⊗ SU ( 3 ) L ⊗ U ( 1 ) X gauge group supplemented by the A 4 ⊗ Z 3 ⊗ Z 4 ⊗ Z 6 ⊗ Z 16 discrete group, which successfully describes the SM fermion mass and mixing pattern. The small active neutrino masses are generated via inverse seesaw mechanism with three very light Majorana neutrinos. The observed charged fermion mass hierarchy and quark mixing pattern are originated from the breaking of the Z 4 ⊗ Z 6 ⊗ Z 16 discrete group at very high scale. The obtained values for the physical observables for both quark and lepton sectors are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The model predicts a vanishing leptonic Dirac CP violating phase as well as an effective Majorana neutrino mass parameter of neutrinoless double beta decay, with values m β β = 2 and 48 meV for the normal and the inverted neutrino mass hierarchies, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was a component of a broader review to evaluate burn care in South Africa. A prospective audit of 353 children with thermal injuries admitted to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town was performed during 2012/2013. The audit was based to assess the adherence of initial burn management to the provincial policy guidelines on the clinical management of the burn wound. The community management of each patient prior to admission to a burns centre was assessed for the following: basic demographics, emergency home management, wound cover, analgesia and transport to medical facilities. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 14 years. The average total body surface area [TBSA] was 15% [1-86%]. Most of the injuries were due to hot water accidents [78.5%] followed by flame burns (9%), direct contact and electricity burns. Two hundred and twenty five children [63%] received first aid measures at home, including cooling with water [166] ice [30] and a cooling agent. No cooling was instituted in 130 and 65% of the patient's wounds were cooled for 10 min or less. Eighty percent proceeded to the referral centre or burns unit without their wounds being covered; with only 19 patients having any medical type of dressing available at home. Two hundred and ninety five children [83.6%] received pain medication prior to admission at the burns unit. Of the 316 patients not directly attending the burns unit, 137 received i.v. fluids of which 95 had burns greater than 10% TBSA. None of the patients were in shock on admission and all i.v. lines were functioning. Forty-four children with burns greater than 10% did not receive i.v. fluids. The audit identified six factors that were inadequately addressed during the pre-admission period: first aid, cooling of the wound, early covering of the wound, resuscitation, pain management and transfer. If these could be readdressed, basic burn care would be substantially improved in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions, their application to topical issues in high-energy physics phenomenology, and their theoretical connections with QCD resummation, evolution and factorization theorems. We illustrate the use of TMDs via examples of multi-scale problems in hadronic collisions. These include transverse momentum qT spectra of Higgs and vector bosons for low qT, and azimuthal correlations in the production of multiple jets associated with heavy bosons at large jet masses. We discuss computational tools for TMDs, and present the application of a new tool, TMDlib, to parton density fits and parameterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent changes in the US dairy industry include increases in herd size and the proportion of milk that is produced by large herds. These changes have been accompanied by an increased reliance on hired employees and an increasing role of immigrant labor to perform critical tasks such as milking cows. Thus, there is a growing need for training and education programs for dairy employees because many employees lack previous dairy experience and employee turnover rates are problematic on many farms. Although extension programs have played an important role in the education and support of dairy producers and allied professionals in attaining improved milk quality, dairy employees have limited access to educational programs. Additionally, metrics to assess employee learning are not validated and the ability to sustain work-related behavioral change has not been well described. In this article, we propose a model that may further our understanding of communication and cultural barriers between dairy managers and employees, based on a demonstration project in 12 Michigan dairy herds. As part of this demonstration, a pilot survey was tested to assess the management culture on dairy farms. Results from this survey found that only 23% of employees across all herds were able to meet with farm management on a regular basis, 36% of employees did not know somatic cell count goals for the farm for which they worked, and 71% of employees stated they primarily received training on milking protocols by other employees or that they learned on their own. Latino employees were more likely to not know farm goals or receive primary training on milking protocols from other employees or on their own compared with their English-speaking counterparts. The survey information, along with input from focus group discussions with participating dairy producers, veterinarians, and employees, suggests that extension needs to build capacity for on-farm training and education for employees to support their engagement within dairy operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which analyzes the effectiveness of fetal laser surgery in preventing in cases with bronchopulmonary sequestration. In this study, eight fetuses which underwent fetal surgery with full laser ablation of the feeding artery (FLAFA) were studied. The study concludes that FLAFA prevents fetal death and avoids the need for neonatal sequestrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the value of gestational age at birth and fetal Doppler parameters in predicting the risk of neonatal cranial abnormalities in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses born between 28 and 34 weeks' gestation.Methods: Fetal Doppler parameters including umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), aortic isthmus, ductus venosus and myocardial performance index were evaluated in a cohort of 90 IUGR fetuses with abnormal UA Doppler delivered between 28 and 34 weeks' gestation and in 90 control fetuses matched for gestational age. The value of gestational age at birth and fetal Doppler parameters in predicting the risk of ultrasound-detected cranial abnormalities (CUA), including intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and basal ganglia lesions, was analyzed.Results: Overall, IUGR fetuses showed a significantly higher incidence of CUA than did control fetuses (40.0% vs 12.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Within the IUGR group, all predictive variables were associated individually with the risk of CUA, but fetal Doppler parameters rather than gestational age at birth were identified as the best predictor. MCA Doppler distinguished two groups with different degrees of risk of CUA (48.5% vs 13.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). In the subgroup with MCA vasodilation, presence of aortic isthmus retrograde net blood flow, compared to antegrade flow, allowed identification of a subgroup of cases with the highest risk of CUA (66.7% vs 38.6%, respectively; P < 0.05).Conclusion: Evaluation of fetal Doppler parameters, rather than gestational age at birth, allows identification of IUGR preterm fetuses at risk of neonatal brain abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OC13.05: Flexible video fetoscopy for laser therapy in Twin-twin transfusion syndrome presenting with inaccessible anterior placenta Conclusions Flexible video fetoscopy for completion of laser coagulation of placental anastomosis is feasible and represents a good option for TTTS cases presenting after 20 weeks with inaccessible anterior placenta. To describe the technique, feasibility and outcomes of flexible video fetoscopy for laser coagulation in monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies with Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) presenting with inaccessible anterior placenta. [Extracted from the article]

To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes of late open fetal repair for open spina bifida (OSB) between 26 SP +0 sp - 27 SP +6 sp weeks with those intervened before 25 SP +6 sp weeks. Two groups were defined based on the gestational age (GA) at intervention (weeks+days): MOMS time window group: GA 19 SP +0 sp -25 SP +6 sp , and late intervention group: GA 26 SP +0 sp -27 SP +6 sp . OC09.05: Outcomes of late open fetal surgery for intrauterine spina bifida repair after 26 weeks: should we extend the MOMS time window?. [Extracted from the article]

Conclusions In Latin American centres, FETO was associated with a significant increase in survival among CDH fetuses with severe lung hypoplasia. To evaluate survival outcomes of fetuses with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treated with fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) in Latin American centres. Methods A retrospective cohort including isolated left sided CDH fetuses with severe pulmonary hypoplasia (observed/expected lung area to head ratio < 35% with liver herniation) treated with FETO in five Latin American countries. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract of the article "Impact of maternal obesity on operative times and perinatal outcome at laser therapy for Twin-twin transfusion syndrome" by R. Cruz-Martinez and others is presented.

An abstract of the article "Outcome and longitudinal changes in pulmonary growth, lung mass volume and intrafetal fluid effusions after percutaneous laser ablation of the feeding artery in fetuses with bronchopulmonary sequestration" by R. Cruz-Martinez and colleagues is presented.

The incorporation of Bi 3+ and Li + as co-dopants in Eu 3+ -doped aluminum oxide films deposited by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique and its effect on the luminescence characteristics of this material are described. Both Bi 3+ and Li + do not introduce new luminescence features but affect the luminescence intensity of the Eu 3+ related emission spectra as well as the excitation spectra. The introduction of Bi 3+ generates localized states in the aluminum oxide host that result in a quenching of the luminescence intensity, while Li + and Bi 3+ co-doping increase the luminescence intensity of these films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main objectives when designing welded products is to reduce strains and deformations. Strains can cause excessive angular distortion. This results in a welded product that does not meet acceptable tolerances. The geometry of the weld bead (height and width) depends on the input parameters (speed, voltage and current), and provides the welded joint with strength and quality. As welded products become increasingly complex, deformations become more difficult to predict as they depend greatly on the welding sequence. This paper shows how a combination of the Finite Element Method, Genetic Algorithms and Regression Trees may be used to design and optimize complex welded products. Initially, Artificial Neural Networks and Regression Trees that are based on heuristic methods and evolutionary algorithms were used in predicting the weld bead geometry according to the input parameters. Then, thermo-mechanical Finite Element models were created to obtain the temperature field and the angular distortion using the weld bead geometry that the best predictive models generated. Finally, optimization techniques that are based on Genetic Algorithms were used to validate these Finite Element models against experimental results, and to subsequently find the optimal welding sequence to use in the manufacture of complex welded products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the clinical value of third-trimester uterine artery ( UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small-for-gestational-age ( SGA) fetuses. Methods UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio ( CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery ( MCA) pulsatility index ( PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA-PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status ( NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth-weight percentile. Results Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings. Conclusion UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the interstellar medium, high-energy cosmic rays are able to penetrate deeply into molecular clouds, resulting in the ionization and dissociation of condensed molecules on ice-grain surfaces, which in turn leads to the desorption of a number of species. The interpretation of interstellar data requires qualitative and quantitative studies of the molecular species formed in several processes. In this work, the interaction of cosmic rays with CO−NH3 ice is simulated by the bombardment of ∼65-MeV heavy ions (masses of ∼100 u) on frozen gases. Positive and negative ions ejected from the ice surface as a consequence of the impact are analysed through time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The dependence of the ion desorption yield on the sample temperature (which varies/increases with time) has been used to discuss the emission process of the desorbed ions, especially near ice sublimation temperatures (∼30 K for CO at 10−8 mbar); at these temperatures, HCO+, NO+, NH3OH+ and NH3CO+ are formed and emitted. For temperatures in the 40 to 65 K range, mass spectra of positive ions are dominated by the NH4+ ion peak, similarly to what occurs for a pure frozen NH3 target. Concerning the mass spectra of negative ions, the total yield of negative ions at T = 25 K is found to be about 20 times lower than that of positive ions. Before CO sublimation, CN-bearing species are formed, among which the cyanide ions CN− and OCN− are by far the most abundant species. These findings support the idea that NH4+ and OCN− ions are efficiently formed by the interaction of cosmic rays with CO−NH3 ices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]