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The current study aims to analyse the vertical structure of the ocean during upwelling events using in situ and modelled data. Additionally, the influence of climate patterns, namely the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the East Atlantic (EA) pattern, on the vertical structure and their impact on the upwelling activity are assessed for a period of 25 years (1993–2017). The study focuses on the central part of the Canary Current (25–35 ∘ N) with persistent upwelling throughout the year, with an annual cycle and the strongest events from June to September. Upwelling is determined using two different approaches: one index is calculated based on temperature differences between the coastal and the offshore area, and the other is calculated based on wind data and the resulting Ekman transport. Different datasets were chosen according to the indices. Stable coastal upwelling can be observed in the study area for the analysed time span, with differences throughout the latitudes. A deepening of the isothermal layer depth and a cooling of temperatures are observed in the vertical structure of coastal waters, representing a deeper mixing of the ocean and the rise of cooler, denser water towards the surface. During years of a positive NAO, corresponding to a strengthening of the Azores High and the Icelandic Low, stronger winds lead to an intensification of the upwelling activity, an enhanced mixing of the upper ocean, and a deeper (shallower) isothermal layer along the coast (offshore). The opposite is observed in years of negative NAO. Both effects are enhanced in years with a coupled, opposite phase of the EA pattern and are mainly visible during winter months, where the effect of both indices is the greatest. The study therefore suggests that upwelling activities are stronger in winters of positive North Atlantic Oscillation coupled with a negative East Atlantic pattern and emphasizes the importance of interactions between the climate patterns and upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to analyse the vertical structure of the ocean during upwelling events using in situ and modelled data. Additionally, the influence of climate patterns, namely the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the East Atlantic (EA) pattern, on the vertical structure and their impact on the upwelling activity is assessed for a period of 25 years (1993–2017). The study focuses on the central part of the Canary Current (25–35° N) with persistent upwelling throughout the year with an annual cycle and strongest events from June to September. Upwelling is determined using three different approaches: One index is calculated based on temperature differences between the coastal and the offshore area and two based on wind data and the resulting Ekman transport. Different data sets were chosen according to the indices. Stable coastal upwelling can be observed in the study area for the analysed time span with differences throughout the latitudes and a time lag of four to five months between the wind and the temperature-based indices. A deepening of the isothermal layer depth and a cooling of temperatures is observed in the vertical structure of coastal waters representing a deeper mixing of the ocean and the rise of cooler, denser water towards the surface. During years of a positive NAO, corresponding to a strengthening of the Azores High and the Iceland Low, stronger winds lead to an intensification of the upwelling activity, an enhanced mixing of the upper ocean and a deeper (shallower) isothermal layer along the coast (offshore). The opposite is observed in years of negative NAO. Both effects are enhanced in years with a coupled, opposite phase of the EA pattern and are mainly visible during winter months where the effect of both indices is the greatest. The study therefore suggests stronger upwelling activities in winters of positive North Atlantic Oscillation coupled with a negative East Atlantic pattern and emphasizes the importance of interactions between the climate patterns and upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile salts (BS) are biosurfactants crucial for emulsification and intestinal absorption of cholesterol and other hydrophobic compounds such as vitamins and fatty acids. Interaction of BS with lipid bilayers is important for understanding their effects on membranes properties. The latter have relevance in passive diffusion processes through intestinal epithelium such as reabsorption of BS, as well as their degree of toxicity to intestinal flora and their potential applications in drug delivery. In this work, we used molecular dynamics simulations to address at the atomic scale the interactions of cholate, deoxycholate, and chenodeoxycholate, as well as their glycine conjugates with POPC bilayers. In this set of BS, variation of three structural aspects was addressed, namely conjugation with glycine, number and position of hydroxyl substituents, and ionization state. From atomistic simulations, the location and orientation of BS inside the bilayer, and their specific interactions with water and host lipid, such as hydrogen bonding and ion-pair formation, were studied in detail. Membrane properties were also investigated to obtain information on the degree of perturbation induced by the different BS. The results are described and related to a recent experimental study (Coreta-Gomes et al., 2015). Differences in macroscopic membrane partition thermodynamics and translocation kinetics are rationalized in terms of the distinct structures and atomic-scale behavior of the bile salt species. In particular, the faster translocation of cholate is explained by its higher degree of local membrane perturbation. On the other hand, the relatively high partition of the polar glycine conjugates is related to the longer and more flexible side chain, which allows simultaneous efficient solvation of the ionized carboxylate and deep insertion of the ring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of gravitational potential energy (GPE) in generating second-order (spatial scale ∼10 2 km) variations in the Iberia stress and strain-rate patterns. We present a new map of present-day strain rate field derived from the secular velocity field computed using all available continuously operating Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) stations in Iberia. The estimated strain rate field is generally consistent with the tectonic framework of the Iberian region, even though sporadic sharp local variations downgrade its correlation with the regional stress patterns. Many of the sharp spatial variations in the strain rate map are consistent with local changes of deformation style determined by prevailing faults. To obtain a more accurate estimate of GPE we use new data on the structure of the crust and apply a thin sheet approach using a 3-D definition of deviatoric stress. The GPE is derived from two isostatically compensated models (GPEd and GPEe compensated by density and elevation adjustment, respectively) and from the truncated geoid (GPEg). The GPE stresses are then summed with the first-order stress field due to the Eurasia–Nubia (EU–NU) convergence and the results compared with both the stress and strain rate data. In agreement with previous studies, we find that the GPE does not significantly change the NW–SE average direction of the most compressive stress (SHmax) imposed by the EU–NU collision, its main effect being to cause spatially changing stress regimes. From the analysis of the different GPE models we find: (1) in the Pyrenees, the tectonic forces have a secondary role when compared to the GPE. In this region, the model that best correlates with observations is the one emphasizing the role of surface elevation as a source of GPE (GPEe); (2) in the Iberian Chain and the Betics, the GPE imposes NE–SW extension consistent with a strike-slip regime and is equally (GPEe) or more (GPEg) important than the tectonic forces. In these regions, both deep heterogeneities associated with mantle convection and elevation are important sources of GPE; (3) in western Iberia, the GPE differences work against dominant tectonic forces by reducing the SHmax magnitude. The GPEg model is the one that best predicts the average strike-slip regime in Galicia; and finally (4) in the Gulf of Cadiz the gravitational potential stresses have a minor role and the style of deformation is clearly controlled by the tectonic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the Gulf of Cadiz the water/sediment load and the density contrasts between the continental and oceanic lithosphere are sources of vertical loading causing flexure. The main objective of this work is to investigate the relation between the bending stresses associated with flexural isostasy and the observed pattern of deformation and seismicity. For that we combine a strength analysis and finite element numerical modelling along a previously studied (Fernandez, M., Marzán, I., Torné, M., 2004. Lithospheric transition from the Variscan Iberian Massif to the Jurassic oceanic crust of the Central Atlantic. Tectonophysics, 386, 97–115) vertical section of the lithosphere, approximately perpendicular to the Africa-Eurasia convergence. We find that the flexural stresses are focussed in the ocean–continent transition, within a zone approximately 150km wide, between the base of the continental slope and the Horseshoe Abyssal Plain. We show that the flexural stresses are mainly supported by the upper mantle and predict their values for two different thermal scenarios. The compositional layering in the crust is shown to play an important role in the focussing of the strain energy along the crust/mantle interface. Finally, we observe that there is a correlation between the modelled strain energy and the earthquake distribution. The maximum compressive stress difference can be as much as 65% of the strength in compression. The maximum influence is observed at 10km depth near the Horseshoe Abyssal Plain. We conclude that flexural stresses alone are not enough to cause rupture or yielding in the Gulf of Cadiz. However, like plate boundary forces and inherited mechanical weaknesses, they need to be incorporated when assessing seismic hazard in this region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Research on climate-driven variability in the water and energy sectors is required to drive adaptative policies to climate change and boost cross-sectorial synergies. This study addresses the role of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and East Atlantic pattern (EA) on the water-energy nexus in southern Portugal (Algarve region) from the point of view of water demand, instead of the usual point of view of hydropower production. Water at surface reservoirs and aquifers and solar and wind energy potentials (SP and WP, respectively) do not share the same dominant variability scales, but their interrelationships have implications for leveraging the use of renewable energy in the water sector, particularly through water pumping efficiency gains. Water availability is dominated by interannual fluctuations (70% of the total variance), whereas SP and WP are characterized by seasonal variability scales (98% and 41% of the total variance, respectively). At interannual scales NAO is the main driver of low-frequency variability governing cycles in the 6–8 -year band, whereas fluctuations in the 2–4 -year band are mainly associated with EA. Coupling or synchronizations between opposite phases of NAO and EA correspond to extremes in water availability. Minimum water levels in the summer and during droughts, corresponding to maximum energy demand in the water sector, are clearly connected to synchronized positive NAO and negative EA phases in the preceding winter. Recent advances in the seasonal and long-term predictability of NAO and EA climate patterns can help to improve drought resilience and groundwater sustainability and have huge potential benefits for the water-energy nexus in the Algarve region. Finally, to decarbonize freshwater supply in the Algarve, policy instruments will need to account for unregulated pumping which enables conditions for groundwater depletion, encourage energy and water management integration, and explore innovative energy investments. • NAO (and EA) drive interannual variations with peak periods of 6.5 (and 3.5) -years. • Maximum energy demand in the water sector is expected for NAO+ and EA− phases. • SP is the most reliable renewable energy source for the water sector in the Algarve. • NAO+ EA− are associated with droughts raising implications for solar and wind energy. • Policies promoting solar based technologies should account for aquifer depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine, in children with congenital glaucoma, the surgical results, the quality of visual perception, the performance in vision-related activities, the level of participation and the child and parental level of stress. The study was designed according to the ICIDH-2/ICF (WHO) and functional vision was evaluated using Colenbrander''s visual ability scales. The functional results of the surgical treatment were measured and the assessment of functional vision pointed to the areas of abilities in need for rehabilitation. After the rehabilitative intervention the impact on the vision-related skills and abilities showed optimisation of visual capacities and greater autonomy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: The study evaluated the marginal vertical misfit of feldspathic ceramic crowns fabricated by the computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology and compared the two methods of scanning techniques: direct digital impression and indirect digital impression., Materials and Methods: The titanium specimens were divided into two groups: scanning with the direct digital impression (DDI) at the milled prosthetic abutment level and indirect digital impression (IDI) at the cast model and after milled feldspathic ceramics blocks. Vertical marginal misfit was analyzed. The t-test was used for the analysis of the comparison factor between the groups and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and post hoc Tukey test was used to compare the variance of crown analysis regions within the group. A significance level of 5% was considered for the analyses., Results: There was no significant difference in vertical marginal misfit between the groups of DDI and IDI ( p = 0.345). In relation to each region measured within the studied groups, it was observed the similarity between the six regions analyzed in the DDI group ( p >0.05) and IDI group, a significant difference between two areas., Conclusion: The vertical marginal adaptation was similar between digital scanning methods. Based on the data evaluated, vertical marginal adaptation indices were within acceptable clinical standards., Clinical Significance: The direct digital scanning in unit bodies was reliable, pointing that the coating of titanium dioxide in the titanium abutment did not negatively influence the vertical marginal adaptation of the feldspathic ceramic crowns.