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• Nursing home and assisted living residents are at greater risk for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). • Depressive and greater number of bothersome symptoms were significant predictors of EDS. • Interventions for managing EDS must be specific to the setting in which LTSS is received. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is prevalent in older adults; however, data are lacking that examine EDS across living environments. The aims of this secondary data analysis were to identify the prevalence and predictors of EDS among older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) in assisted living communities (ALCs), nursing homes (NHs), and the community. Participants (n = 470) completed multiple measures including daytime sleepiness. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify EDS predictors. Participants were primarily female and white with a mean age of 81 ± 9 years. The overall prevalence of EDS was 19.4%; the prevalence differed across living environment. Older adults in ALCs and NHs had higher odds of EDS than those living in the community. Also, depressive symptoms and number of bothersome symptoms predicted EDS. Upon admission for LTSS, evaluating older adults, especially those in ALCs and NHs, for depression and bothersome symptoms may reveal modifiable factors of EDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitable temperament disrupts physiological events required for reproductive development in cattle, but no research has investigated the impacts of temperament on growth and puberty attainment in Bos indicus females. Hence, this experiment evaluated the effects of temperament on growth, plasma cortisol concentrations and puberty attainment in B. indicus heifers. A total of 170 Nelore heifers, weaned 4 months before the beginning of this experiment (days 0 to 91), were managed in two groups of 82 and 88 heifers each (mean ± SE; initial BW=238±2 kg, initial age=369±1 days across groups). Heifer temperament was evaluated via exit velocity on day 0. Individual exit score was calculated within each group by dividing exit velocity into quintiles and assigning heifers with a score from 1 to 5 (1=slowest; 5=fastest heifer). Heifers were classified according to exit score as adequate (ADQ, n =96; exit score⩽3) or excitable temperament (EXC, n =74; exit score>3). Heifer BW, body condition score (BCS) and blood samples were obtained on days 0, 31, 60 and 91. Heifer exit velocity and score were recorded again on days 31, 60 and 91. Ovarian transrectal ultrasonography was performed on days 0 and 10, 31 and 41, 60 and 70, 81 and 91 for puberty evaluation. Heifer was declared pubertal at the first 10-day interval in which a corpus luteum was detected. Exit velocity and exit score obtained on day 0 were correlated (r ⩾0.64, P <0.01) with evaluations on days 31, 60 and 91. During the experiment, ADQ had greater (P <0.01) mean BCS and BW gain, and less (P <0.01) mean plasma cortisol concentration compared with EXC heifers. Temperament × time interactions were detected (P <0.01) for exit velocity and exit score, which were always greater (P <0.01) in EXC v. ADQ heifers. A temperament × time interaction was also detected (P =0.03) for puberty attainment, which was delayed in EXC v. ADQ heifers. At the end of the experiment, a greater (P <0.01) proportion of ADQ were pubertal compared with EXC heifers. In summary, B. indicus heifers classified as EXC had reduced growth, increased plasma cortisol concentrations and hindered puberty attainment compared to ADQ heifers. Moreover, exit velocity may serve as temperament selection criteria to optimize development of B. indicus replacement heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an approach to the energy management and control of the effective cost of energy in real-time electricity pricing environment. The strategy aims to optimise the overall energy flow in the electrical system that minimises the cost of power consumption from the grid. To substantiate these claims different cases of time-of-use (TOU) and renewable energy electricity tariff, i.e. in summer and winter seasons, and the robustness of system is analysed. A given energy demand for commercial usage in the city of Tshwane (South Africa) is used to investigate the behaviour of the designed method during low and high demand periods. As grid integrated renewable energy resources, photovoltaic (PV) is an important consideration in assuring excellent power supply and environmental issues in the commercial building. An adaptive optimal approach in the framework of model predictive control (MPC) is designed to coordinate the energy flow on the electrical system. The results show that the proposed adaptive MPC strategy can promote the new approach of an optimal electrical system design, which reduces the energy cost to pay the utility grid by about 46% or more depending on the set target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of rose wastes (stem) as a potential alternative and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of fluoride ions was studied. Rose stem (RS) was doped with aluminum or lanthanum ions (RS-Al and RS-La) to increase the fluoride removal efficiency from aqueous solutions. The effects on the structure and physicochemical properties of the RS-doped were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The best conditions to achieve an efficient adsorption of fluoride ions were evaluated in a batch process. A removal higher than 90% was obtained using a F– concentration of 5.0 mg/L and pH of 6.5. The sorption equilibrium was reached in 48 h and the kinetic data were treated with the pseudo-second-order model, the results indicated a chemisorption mechanism. The equilibrium of the process was modeled using the Temkin, Freundlich, and Langmuir isotherms, obtaining a best fit with the last one. Finally the thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption processes were determined and the results indicated that the adsorption processes were endothermic and nonspontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of drinking water were taken during a year from two wells; all samples were tested for pH, temperature, electric conductivity, dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, acidity, alkalinity hardness, chloride, nitrites, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, Ca, Mn, Mg, Na, K, and Si. The analysis showed that the concentration of manganese in one well was higher than the official regulations. Qualitative and quantitative models were applied to determine the stability of water and the corrosion indexes were determined; the results indicated that water was aggressive or corrosive. Manganese was removed from drinking water by using a sodium modified zeolitic tuff; the kinetic equilibrium was reached in 48 h. 10 mL/20 mg ratio was enough to remove the excess of manganese from aqueous solutions and 10 mL/60 mg ratio for natural water. This method is useful to remove manganese from drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark Septate Endophytes (DSE) is a diverse group of Ascomycetes that colonize the roots of a wide range of plants species. They can be found in all ecosystems, from deserts to the tropics, but also in agroecosystems associated to the crops. Despite the ubiquitous of these fungi, only a few major crops were assessed for this association in field conditions. In general terms, a complex consortium of DSE fungi were observed to colonize the roots of some crops. In this work we study the DSE community associated to soybean in the most productive area of this crop in Argentina. We hypothesized that DSE root colonization level, and the identity/frequency of the isolates switch according to the growth stage of the crop. A total of 34 dark fungal colonies were isolated from two growth stages, being only six isolates asyntomatic in the resynthesis assay. Some taxa as Boeremia sp., Cadophora sp ., Coniothyrium sp ., Corynespora cassicola, Peyronellaea sp. and Phaeosphaeria sp. were exclusively isolated from seedlings, supporting the hypothesis of DSE fungal consortium switching. The soybean pathogens Corynespora cassicola and Macrophomina phaseolina were isolated from young and mature plants respectively. Additional studies should focus on a fine analysis of the dynamics of these fungi, considering also the driving factors that could determine these changes. To understand these mechanisms may be fundamental for a better sustainable management of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Untreated and modified iron oxides from steel pipes of a drinking water distribution system have been used to remove fluoride ions from water. In this work the behavior of fluoride ions in the presence of calcium hydroxide-modified iron oxides was evaluated to determine how the fluoride ions could be removed by this material. The adsorption of fluoride ions was studied in a batch system using hydroxide-modified iron oxides (CP-Ca), and the adsorption capacity was determined. The effects of pH, contact time, and the dose of sorbent on the adsorption of fluoride ions were considered. The point of zero charge (PZC) was 12.25; there were more basic sites than acid sites in the calcium-hydroxide-modified iron oxides. The adsorbent showed a maximum adsorption yield value of 76% from a 5 mg/L fluoride solution at pH 10 and a maximum adsorption capacity of 0.55 mg/g. The adsorption equilibrium was reached in 48 h, and the kinetic and isotherm data were adjusted to the pseudo-second order and Freundlich models, which indicated a chemisorption mechanism on a heterogeneous material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collective cell movements drive embryonic development and tissue repair, and can cause disease. However, the mechanisms that coordinate the migration of groups of cells in vivo are unclear. Cells generate, transmit and sense mechanical forces to align their movements. Therefore, the machinery used by cells to generate force (cytoskeleton) and to transmit and sense mechanical signals (cell–cell adhesion) is critical for collective movement. Here, we review the components and organization of the cytoskeletal and cell–cell adhesive machineries, and how they are organized to promote collective cell movements in living animals. We discuss the signals that orchestrate molecular rearrangements necessary for coordinated cell motility, and we provide specific examples of movements both in the plane of the tissue (wound healing) and perpendicular to that plane (apical constriction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment represent a significant public health burden in terms of impaired quality of life, risks from untreated insomnia, and adverse effects from pharmaceutical insomnia treatment. To address current limitations in the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, we are conducting a randomized pilot study to test a brief (4- week), tablet-based, personalized, multicomponent behavioral sleep intervention (MBSI) for insomnia, compared to a sleep education control, in a sample of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control group. Both groups will complete three virtual study data collection visits: baseline, 4-week post-intervention, and 12-week post-intervention follow-up. Key components of the 4-week intervention include sleep hygiene education, stimulating meaningful activity during the day and promoting relaxation therapy at night. We will determine preliminary immediate (4-week) and sustained efficacy (12-week) of MBSI compared to sleep education on sleep related outcomes and health related quality of life. Additionally, we will explore mechanisms by which the intervention affects sleep and health related quality of life using standardized questionnaires and inflammatory biomarkers. (N/A). The findings of the proposed project will inform future, larger scale clinical trials and may provide a novel and innovative way for older adults with mild cognitive impairment to achieve better sleep and health-related quality of life outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of fluoride from water by aluminum modified iron oxides (CP-Al) using a fixed-bed column adsorption system was investigated. Fixed-bed column experiments were carried out at different bed depths, and flow rate of 2 mL/min. The Bohart–Adams model and the Thomas model were applied to the experimental results. The adsorption efficiency decreases as the bed depth increases. The adsorption capacity for fluoride ions by CP-Al is higher for fluoride aqueous solutions than well water. The regeneration was accomplished by eluting a 0.1 M NaOH through the fluoride-loaded CP-Al bed. Scale-up and kinetic approach methods were used to calculate the design parameters from the breakthrough curves of fixed-bed column experiments. The parameters calculated from both methods indicated that they were suitable for fixed-bed column design. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The cohesin complex has essential roles in cell division, DNA damage repair and gene transcription. The transcriptional function of cohesin is thought to derive from its ability to connect distant regulatory elements with gene promoters. Genome-wide binding of cohesin in breast cancer cells frequently coincides with estrogen receptor alpha (ER), leading to the hypothesis that cohesin facilitates estrogen-dependent gene transcription. We found that cohesin modulates the expression of only a subset of genes in the ER transcription program, either activating or repressing transcription depending on the gene target. Estrogen-responsive genes most significantly influenced by cohesin were enriched in pathways associated with breast cancer progression such as PI3K and ErbB1. In MCF7 breast cancer cells, cohesin depletion enhanced transcription of TFF1 and TFF2 , and was associated with increased ER binding and increased interaction between TFF1 and its distal enhancer situated within TMPRSS3 . In contrast, cohesin depletion reduced c- MYC mRNA and was accompanied by reduced interaction between a distal enhancer of c-MYC and its promoters. Our data indicates that cohesin is not a universal facilitator of ER-induced transcription and can even restrict enhancer–promoter communication. We propose that cohesin modulates transcription of estrogen-dependent genes to achieve appropriate directionality and amplitude of expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper experimentally considers the use of non-structured (i.e., flexible) metal foams as a way to increase the amount of water vapor recovered from a humidified air stream. For that, a dedicated experimental setup consisting of three sub-systems (i.e., air pumping, air humidification, and air dehumidification) was developed. In the dehumidification section, different test sections (condensation structures) were installed and the amount of water recovered from the saturated air stream was recorded and correlated with each of them. Four main types of test sections were tested: (i) bare copper tube (used as base line), (ii) copper tube assisted by metal foam, (iii) finned tube and (iv) finned tube assisted by metal foam. Refrigerated fluid was circulated through copper tubes within a close loop and served as heat sink, allowing vapor phase change. The results show that the amount of water recovered increases with the surface area of the test section and with the temperature difference between the saturated air stream and the cooled surface. Also, it was shown that, above a certain quantity of metal foam within the test section, the amount of condensate produced is basically unaffected. Differently, the results indicate that the use of fins, which were properly brazed to the copper tubes, increases significantly the amount of water recovered from the saturated air stream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The removal of fluoride ions from aqueous solutions and drinking water with aluminum and lanthanum modified natural materials was studied. Drinking water containing naturally 5.87mg of fluoride ions per liter was characterized. The hematite, zeolitic tuff and calcite were aluminum modified by an electrochemical method. Hematite and a zeolitic tuff were lanthanum modified by ion exchange. The results show that the electrochemical method is useful to modify these materials with aluminum. The presence of this element improves the sorption efficiencies for fluoride ions from drinking water and synthetic solutions. The fluoride adsorption capacities increase with increasing the concentration of the aluminum in the samples. The sorption capacities for hematite 3A-2h (containing 11.92% of Al) and hematite-La (containing 1.24% of La) with drinking water were 0.53mg/g and 0.36mg/g respectively and the sorption capacities for zeolite 3A-3h (containing 34.74% of Al) and zeolite-La (containing 7.15% of La) were 0.56mg/g and 0.36mg/g respectively. The aluminum modified hematite is more effective than aluminum modified zeolitic tuff, the presence of iron may be responsible for this behavior. The presence of lanthanum in hematite and zeolitic tuff improves their sorption efficiencies for fluoride ions, but they are lower than the efficiencies found for aluminum modified materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Corrosion problems having to do with drinking water distribution systems are related to many processes and factors and two of them are ionic acidity and carbon dioxide, which were considered in this work. The corrosion character of water is determined by the corrosion indexes of Langelier, Ryznar, Larson, and Mojmir. The results show that pipes made of different materials, such as plastics or metals, are affected by corrosion, causing manganese to be deposited on materials and dissolved in water. The deterioration of the materials, the degree of corrosion, and the deposited corrosion products were determined by X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. High levels of manganese and nitrate ions in water may cause serious damage to the health of consumers of water. Three wells were examined, one of them presented a high content of manganese; the others had high levels of nitrate ions, which increased the acidity of the water and, therefore, the amount of corrosion of the materials in the distribution systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Corrosion products from a hydraulic distribution system of drinking water were obtained, grounded and sifted to a particle size between 0.297 and 0.149mm. The oxides were modified with aluminum sulfate, calcium hydroxide and aluminum nitrate. The sorption of fluoride ions was studied in a batch system using aluminum and calcium modified materials and the sorption capacities were determined for each material. It was found that the adsorption capacities depend mainly on the content of aluminum in the samples. The kinetic behavior and isotherms were determined with the modified material that gave the highest fluoride sorption capacity using fluoride solutions and drinking water containing naturally fluoride ions. The sorption equilibrium was reached in 24h and the kinetic results were adjusted to the pseudo-second order model indicating a chemisorption mechanism. A typical isotherm was observed for drinking water, which corresponds to adsorbents that have a wide range of pore sizes. The adsorption capacities determined for drinking water and fluoride solutions were 7.45 and 9.75mg/g. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a novel time-adaptive quantile-copula estimator for kernel density forecast and a discussion of how to select the adequate kernels for modeling the different variables of the problem. Results are presented for different case-studies and compared with splines quantile regression (QR). The datasets used are from NREL’s Eastern Wind Integration and Transmission Study, and from a real wind farm located in the Midwest region of the United States. The new probabilistic prediction model is elegant and simple and yet displays advantages over the traditional QR approach. Especially notable is the quality of the results achieved with the time-adaptive version, namely when evaluated in terms of prediction calibration, which is a characteristic that is advantageous for both system operators and wind power producers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CONTEXT: Although several studies have evaluated the frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in general medicine, few studies have looked at the epidemiology of adverse drug events (ADEs) in oncology. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate how many hospital admissions in oncology are related to a DDI or an ADR. METHODS: All cancer patients admitted to an oncology ward during an eight-month period had their charts retrospectively evaluated for reasons of hospitalization, using a 4-point scale (definitely, probably, possibly, or unlikely associated) to classify admissions by their probability of being associated with either a DDI or an ADR. RESULTS: From September 2007 to May 2008, there were 550 hospital admissions and 458 were eligible. Among unplanned admissions (n=298), 39 (13.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4%-17.4%) were considered to be associated with an ADE, 33 (11.0%, 95% CI 7.7%-15.2%) with an ADR, and six (2.0%, 95% CI 0.7%-4.3%) with a DDI. The most common DDIs involved warfarin, captopril, and anti-inflammatory agents, and the most frequent ADR was neutropenic fever post-chemotherapy. Most patients were discharged completely recovered, but two patients died. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in 10 unplanned hospitalizations of cancer patients is associated with an ADE. Prospective and population-based studies are warranted to evaluate their magnitude in oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main objective of this work is to investigate the role of the plastic deformation of metal foams on the dynamic behaviour of aluminium foam-filled columns with respect to their energy absorbing capabilities. The influence of the cross-section shape as well as other parameters is thoroughly studied. A comparison with correspondent hollow-sections is performed concerning the dissipation of kinetic energy and the obtained deformed profiles. For this particular purpose, three-dimensional finite element modelling dynamic analyses are carried out using ABAQUS/Explicit in order to achieve an in-depth study of the structural crash behaviour, during which energy needs to be absorbed in a controlled manner. A comprehensive numerical study of the crush behaviour of aluminium foam-filled sections undergoing axial compressive loading is performed. The results obtained are also analysed with respect to the reduction in the length of the structural element and impact time, the effect of friction between the foam and the outer skin, the energy decomposition, the role of plastic deformation, the influence of the skin material and impact velocity, and the influence of the shape of the cross-section on the impact behaviour. A comparison with existing analytical expressions is made in order to corroborate the numerical results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are largely prescribed to children because their efficacy and tolerance are now well-established. One disadvantage resides in the absence of liquid form which causes problems for their administration in nasogastric tubes. Indeed, the absence of use recommendations involves many misuses responsible for inefficiency and/or tube obstruction. We tried to evaluate if PPIs can be administered through pediatric nasogastric tubes. We administered four PPIs (Omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole and lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet) through nasogastric tubes. For each PPI a study plan was drawn up to assess the influence of different variables: the volume of water to dissolve or put in suspension the PPIs (2ml or 5ml), the volume of tube flush-through water post-PPI administration (2ml, 5ml or 10ml), the length (50cm or 125cm) and the diameter (6 or 8 French) of the polyurethane tubes. For each assay an analysis of each active ingredient at the tube outlet by UV spectrometry was carried out. All 6 F tubes were obstructed by PPIs. Through 8 F tubes, we observed a mean recovery of active ingredient of 86.2% for lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet, 36.9% for esomeprazole but only 7.1% for lansoprazole and 3.9% for omeprazole. It is disadvised using omeprazole and lansoprazole through 8 F nasogastric tubes because no condition ensures the transit of an efficient concentration of active ingredient. For esomeprazole, the best conditions of administration were a water volume of 5ml and a rinse volume of 5ml but only a half of the microgranules administered were recovered. The most satisfactory results were obtained with lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablet. A 5ml volume of water diluent for suspension and a 10ml volume of flush-through water made it possible to deliver the full lansoprazole dose administered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology, in which sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) facilitate precipitation of metal sulfides, is a promising approach for remediation of sulfate- and metal-laden mine drainage. While PRBs are easily established, they often decline for reasons not well understood. SRB depend on or compete with multiple dynamic microbial populations within a PRB; as a result, performance depends on the changing PRB chemical composition and on succession and competition within the microbial community. To investigate these interactions, we constructed and monitored eight bench-scale PRBs to define periods of establishment, performance, and decline. We then conducted short-term batch studies, using substrate-supplemented column materials, on Days 0 (pre-establishment), 27 (establishment), 41 (performance), and 99 (decline) to reveal potential activities of cellulolytic bacteria, respirers, SRB, and methanogens. PRBs showed active sulfate reduction, with sulfate removal rates (SRR) of ∼1–3mol/m3/d, as well as effective removal of Zn2+. Potential activities of respiratory bacteria were initially high but diminished greatly during establishment and dropped further during performance and decline. In contrast, potential SRB activity rose during establishment, peaked during performance, and diminished as performance declined. Potential methanogen activity was low; in addition, SRB-methanogen substrate competition was shown not to limit SRB activity. Cellulolytic bacteria showed no substrate limitation at any time. However, fermenters experienced substrate limitation by Day 0, SRB by Day 27, and methanogens by Day 41, showing the dependence of each group on upstream populations to provide substrates. All potential activities, except methanogenesis, were ultimately limited by cellulose hydrolysis; in addition, all potential activities except methanogenesis declined substantially by Day 99, showing that long-term substrate deprivation strongly diminished the intrinsic capacity of the PRB community to perform. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes a phenomenological, stationary and dynamic model of a multiple effect evaporator for simulation and control purposes. The model includes empirical knowledge about thermophysical properties that must be characterized into a thermodynamic equilibrium. The properties selected evolved from an economical optimisation because of their influence on the temperature and concentration variations parameters. The developed model consists of differential and algebraic equations that are validated using a parameter sensitivities method that uses data collected in the industrial plant. The simulation results show a qualitatively acceptable behaviour. The values of the estimated parameters are physically appropriate for the process. The study of parametric sensitivity and more generally of the model sensitivity, with respect to variables has been judicious for the parameter estimation as for the choice of suitable data for model validation. This study shows also that the most important parameters of the process are the global heat transfer coefficient and the latent heat of vaporization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over a 3-year period, nine hemiarthroplasties were revised to total hip arthroplasty. The hemiarthroplasties were all performed for an original diagnosis of subcapital fracture, and the revisions were for a variety of indications including instability, loosening and acetabular erosion. Four of the revised prostheses subsequently dislocated, and one has recurrent subluxation. This dislocation rate of 50% is higher than previously reported. Factors contributing to this are discussed. These include: previous strokes, advanced age, difficulty complying with instructions, and a hip capsule not contracted by osteoarthritis. Preventative factors are discussed. It is imperative to treat this group of patients differently from those having other hip arthroplasties, and to consider prophylactic bracing post-operatively. The capsule or pseudo-capsule should be preserved wherever possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For the treatment of certain eye infections, ophthalmic solutions ‘laced’ with 25 mg/ml vancomycin are sometimes prepared. Their physical and chemical stability and the maintenance of their sterility were studied after deep freezing at −20±2 °C and thawing, followed or not by refrigeration for 48 h at 4±2 °C. Physical and chemical analysis comprised visual inspection turbidity, determination of pH and osmolality, and assay of vancomycin by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. For microbiological analysis a 25 mg/ml vancomycin ophthalmic solution was filtered through two membranes and cultured on trypticase-soy and Sabouraud-glucose solid media. Any colonies were then counted. These physical, chemical and microbiological analyses demonstrated the stability of 25 mg/ml vancomycin ophthalmic solutions in 5% glucose deep frozen at −20±2 °C for 3 months. The vancomycin concentration varied by no more than 5% of the initial concentration, and no breakdown product was evidenced. Neither pH (mean=3.8±0.1) nor osmolality (mean=318.3±5.6 mOsm/kg) varied significantly, and remained compatible with intraocular administration. No particle or bacterial combination was found in the course of the study. The thawing procedure (at ambient temperature or under warm running water from a tap) did not modify the stability of the eye drops. Likewise, storage in a refrigerator for 48 h after thawing did not modify stability. The advantage of storing vancomycin 25 mg/ml ophthalmic solutions for 3 months in deep freeze is that a stock of chemically and microbiologically controlled preparations can be held ready for administration to patients, thereby allowing prompter dispensing, as the eye drops are not made up extemporaneously, while the improved control over production ensures that patients receive solutions of constant quality, as every batch prepared is systematically inspected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic nonmalignant pain, sleep disturbances and sleep disorders are highly prevalent conditions among U.S. military veterans. Evidence summaries highlight the influence of sleep on pain outcomes in the general adult population but not for the military veteran population. This is a significant gap as U.S. military veterans are an exceedingly high-risk population for both chronic pain and sleep disturbances and/or disorders. We aimed to review the influence of sleep disturbances and sleep disorders on pain outcomes among veterans with chronic nonmalignant pain. A systematic scoping review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Twenty-six out of 1450 studies from initial search were included in this review resulting in a combined sample size of N = 923,434 participants. Sleep disturbances and sleep disorders were associated with worse pain outcomes among veterans with chronic pain. Treatment-induced sleep improvements ameliorated pain outcomes in veterans with sleep disorders and sleep disturbances. Research is indicated to address an overlooked pain treatment opportunity - that of sleep disturbance and sleep disorder management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pipeline from discovery to testing and then implementing evidence-based innovations in real-world contexts may take 2 decades or more to achieve. Implementation science innovations, such as hybrid studies that combine effectiveness and implementation research questions, may help to bridge the chasm between intervention testing and implementation in dementia care. This paper describes hybrid effectiveness studies and presents 3 examples of dementia care interventions conducted in various community-based settings. Studies that focus on outcomes and implementation processes simultaneously may result in a truncated and more efficient implementation pipeline, thereby providing older persons, their families, health care providers, and communities with the best evidence to improve quality of life and care more rapidly. We offer post-acute and long-term care researchers considerations related to study design, sampling, data collection, and analysis that they can apply to their own dementia and other chronic disease care investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used fixed-bed column experiments to examine the potential and effectiveness of modified magnetite with aluminum or lanthanum to remove fluoride ions from fluoride solutions and drinking water. A fixed bed column test was conducted to simulate the actual condition of adsorption in a continuous m anner in a filtration process. Fixed-bed column experiments were carried out at a bed depth of 1.3 cm and a flow rate of lm Lm in -1. The breakthrough curves obtained for fluoride ion adsorption from aqueous solutions and drinking water were fitted to Thomas, Bohart-Adams, Yoon and Nelson, and Yan models. The significant influence of bed height, flow rate, empty bed contact time, and initial fluoride concentration on removal were used for simulation of breakthrough curves. The impact of common ions present in drinking water on the adsorption of fluoride was investigated. The regeneration of the column was performed by eluting with 0.01 M Ca(OH)2, NaCl, NaOH or Na2S04 solution after the adsorption studies. Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Yan models were found suitable for the normal description of breakthrough curves in the experimental conditions, whereas the Adams-Bohart model was able to explain only the initial part of the dynamic behavior of the column system. Simulation results indicate that the breakthrough point (tp) decreases as the flow rate and initial fluoride concentration increase, and bed height is directly proportional to fluoride removal. It was concluded that modified magnetite can be effectively used as a sorbent for the removal of fluoride ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The research here presented is focused on the evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of a closed-cell aluminium foam using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. On a first approach, the influence of the material of the bars was studied and, as a consequence, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was chosen as the most suitable material to be used in the bars and striker to test the specific aluminium foam considered. This set of bars was manufactured and several dynamic compression tests were carried out. The corresponding stress–strain relation was obtained and the dependence of mechanical parameters of the aluminium foam Alporas 10% on the strain rate was thoroughly analysed. It was possible to conclude that the material exhibits significant strain rate sensitivity, within the tested range of strain rates. The range of strain rate values where the compressive behaviour of the foam is different was also determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Melanomas can have multiple coexisting cell states, including proliferative (PRO) versus invasive (INV) subpopulations that represent a "go or grow" trade-off; however, how these populations interact is poorly understood. Using a combination of zebrafish modeling and analysis of patient samples, we show that INV and PRO cells form spatially structured heterotypic clusters and cooperate in the seeding of metastasis, maintaining cell state heterogeneity. INV cells adhere tightly to each other and form clusters with a rim of PRO cells. Intravital imaging demonstrated cooperation in which INV cells facilitate dissemination of less metastatic PRO cells. We identified the TFAP2 neural crest transcription factor as a master regulator of clustering and PRO/INV states. Isolation of clusters from patients with metastatic melanoma revealed a subset with heterotypic PRO-INV clusters. Our data suggest a framework for the co-existence of these two divergent cell populations, in which heterotypic clusters promote metastasis via cell-cell cooperation. [Display omitted] • Cluster formation is a pro-metastatic phenotype associated with the INV state • PRO and INV cooperate in metastasis via heterotypic circulating tumor cell clusters • TFAP2 modulates PRO versus INV state, clustering, and metastasis Proliferative (PRO) and invasive (INV) cell states coexist in melanoma. Campbell et al. demonstrate that PRO and INV cells cooperate in metastasis via heterotypic circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters and identify TFAP2 as a key mediator. Their work highlights a role for collective dissemination in melanoma metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction et but de l’étude: Les préparations de mélanges nutritifs parentéraux sont des préparations magistrales et font donc partie des missions obligatoires des Pharmacies à usage intérieur (PUI). Le contrôle de la préparation finie n’est pas une obligation. Or, la composition propice à la croissance microbienne, la voie d’administration par cathétérisme central ou la cible thérapeutique (pédiatrique ou néonatalogie) imposent une vigilance sur la qualité des préparations. Le but de cette enquête est de faire un état des lieux des contrôles effectués sur les mélanges nutritifs parentéraux fabriqués par les CHU. Matériel et méthodes: Cette enquête prospective de pratique a été réalisée auprès de 30 PUI de CHU de Juillet 2006 à Juillet 2007. L’enquête a été menée par courrier, par télécopie, par courriel et par téléphone. Les questionnaires ont permis d’évaluer les contrôles microbiologiques (stérilité des mélanges et recherche d’endotoxines) et les contrôles physico-chimiques (concentration des électrolytes et du glucose, osmolalité et poids). Résultats: Le taux de réponse est de 93 % et 71 % des PUI ayant répondu préparent elles-mêmes les mélanges nutritifs parentéraux. Dans 90 % des cas, la stérilité des mélanges nutritifs est contrôlée soit par la PUI, soit par le service d’hygiène hospitalière, soit par le laboratoire de microbiologie. Dans 22 % des cas seulement, ces contrôles microbiologiques sont effectués sur chaque préparation. Les techniques d’ensemencement sont variables (ensemencement direct milieu solide ou liquide et filtration sur membrane) ainsi que les milieux de culture utilisés (R2A, trypcase soja, thioglyco-late, Sabouraud). 10 % des PUI effectuent un contrôle de la présence d’endotoxines pour chaque lot de préparations. En terme de contrôle physico-chimique, c’est le dosage des électrolytes qui est le plus souvent réalisé dans 70 % des cas. Le dosage du glucose est effectué seulement par 10 % des PUI, avec une sous-traitance au laboratoire de biochimie. L’osmolalité n’est mesurée que dans 40 % des cas, probablement en raison des difficultés de mise en œuvre et du risque de redondance avec la mesure des concentrations en electro lytes et en glucose. La pesée reste un contrôle de base pour la plupart des PUI (70 %), car c’est un paramètre facile à mettre en œuvre, rapide et peu onéreux. Enfin, les pourcentages de refus des préparations sont faibles puisque la moitié des PUI ont un taux de refus entre 0 et 1 % par an. Conclusions: Cette enquête révèle une disparité des contrôles effectués sur les préparations de nutrition parentérale. Ces différences se retrouvent à tous les niveaux des contrôles : type, prestataire et fréquence. De faibles moyens matériels et un manque de précision des référentiels pourraient expliquer cette disparité. L’harmonisation des pratiques de préparation et de contrôle déjà initiée à ce jour, permettrait d’obtenir une seule démarche de qualité au sein des hôpitaux. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The deployment of Smart Grid technologies opens new opportunities to develop new forecasting and optimization techniques. The growth of solar power penetration in distribution grids imposes the use of solar power forecasts as inputs in advanced grid management functions. This paper proposes a new forecasting algorithm for 6 h ahead based on the vector autoregression framework, which combines distributed time series information collected by the Smart Grid infrastructure. Probabilistic forecasts are generated for the residential solar photovoltaic (PV) and secondary substation levels. The test case consists of 44 micro-generation units and 10 secondary substations from the Smart Grid pilot in Évora, Portugal. The benchmark model is the well-known autoregressive forecasting method (univariate approach). The average improvement in terms of root mean square error (point forecast evaluation) and continuous ranking probability score (probabilistic forecast evaluation) for the first 3 lead-times was between 8% and 12%, and between 1.4% and 5.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance indicators, such as the SAIFI and the SAIDI, are commonly used by regulatory agencies to evaluate the performance of distribution companies (DisCos). Based on such indicators, it is common practice to apply penalties or grant rewards if the indicators are greater to or less than a given threshold. This work proposes a new multi-objective optimization model for pinpointing the critical assets involved in outage events based on past performance indicators, such as the SAIDI and the System Average Interruption Duration Exceeding Threshold (SAIDET) indexes. Our approach allows to retrieve the minimal set of assets in large historical interruption datasets that most contribute to past performance indicators. A case study using a real interruption dataset between the years 2011–2104 from a Brazilian DisCo revealed that the optimal inspection plan according to the decision maker preferences consist of 332 equipment out of a total of 5873. This subset of equipment, which contribute 61.90% and 55.76% to the observed SAIFI and SAIDET indexes in that period, can assist managerial decisions for preventive maintenance actions by prioritizing technical inspections to assets deemed as critical. • A multi-objective model for detecting critical assets based on large outage datasets. • Model goals: minimize number of assets and maximize contribution to SAIFI and SAIDET. • A decision-making process to select the preferred solution from the Pareto set [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the representation of wind power forecasting (WPF) uncertainty in the unit commitment (UC) problem. While deterministic approaches use a point forecast of wind power output, WPF uncertainty in the stochastic UC alternative is captured by a number of scenarios that include cross-temporal dependency. A comparison among a diversity of UC strategies (based on a set of realistic experiments) is presented. The results indicate that representing WPF uncertainty with wind power scenarios that rely on stochastic UC has advantages over deterministic approaches that mimic the classical models. Moreover, the stochastic model provides a rational and adaptive way to provide adequate spinning reserves at every hour, as opposed to increasing reserves to predefined, fixed margins that cannot account either for the system’s costs or its assumed risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(moroholinyl)methyl] pyrrolo [1,2,3-de]-1,4benzoxazinyl]-1(1-naphthalenyl) methanone mesylate (Win 55,212-2) is a synthetic cannabinoid classically classified as a potent CB1 and CB2 agonist with high stereoselectivity and a slight preference for CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Its vascular actions are not always explained by its binding to these cannabinoid receptors and new targets are being proposed. The aim of this study was to further assess the vascular actions of Win 55,212-2. Isometric tension changes in response to a cumulative concentration–response curve of Win 55,212-2 (10−9 M–10−4 M) were recorded in aortic rings from male Wistar rats. The involvement of the endothelium, cannabinoid receptors, vanilloid receptors, and the release of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) was tested. Win 55,212-2 caused a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in rat aorta. This vascular effect was significantly inhibited by endothelial denudation, inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, a CB1 receptor antagonist, a transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 antagonist, capsaicin desensibilization, and a CGRP receptor antagonist (P <0.001). CB2 and non-CB1/non-CB2 receptor antagonists only caused a slight inhibitory effect in vasorelaxation to Win 55,212-2. The present findings indicate that endothelium and nitric oxide-dependent vasorelaxation induced by Win 55,212-2 mainly involves vanilloid receptors while CB1, CB2 and nonCB1/nonCB2 cannabinoid receptors have a minor participation in its vascular effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]