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Following recent literature work, an interesting result on hydrogen sorption by Ag–Rh clusters was reported which do not follow the common understanding of hydrogen absorption in bulk alloys. Thus, nanostructured Ag–Rh films with a composition of 75% Ag–25% Rh were grown by supersonic cluster beam deposition onto microbalance quartz crystals in order to measure hydrogen absorption. The films were exposed to H 2 gas to study hydrogen absorption at different partial pressure. The Ag–Rh films were then characterized by XPS and AFM. The Ag/Rh atomic ratio was found to be 75/25 by XPS. Surface roughness was determined by AFM to be 3 nm RMS in all the films. In disagreement with the quoted literature report, no hydrogen absorption was observed in our Ag–Rh films up to 5.3 × 10 3 P a of hydrogen pressure. The response of the balance was checked and validated by measuring hydrogen absorption on 10 and 100 nm Pd films. The hydrogen absorption by Pd yielded an atomic H/Pd ratio of ∼0.65 in agreement with our prior measurements. • Films of Ag–Rh nanostructure grown by supersonic cluster beam deposition. • Hydrogen reaction and absorption by the Ag–Rh films measured with a quartz microbalance. • No hydrogen absorption by Ag–Rh films observed. • Correlation between mass increased and hydrogen absorption. • Ratio of hydrogen absorption by palladium films determined as a control experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of Ag NPs decorated ZnO tip-like nanowires was obtained by a combination of the chemical vapor deposition and the micro-spraying methods. ZnO growth was analyzed by a two-level factorial experimental design with temperature, pressure, and zinc mass as the main parameters. The process of Ag NPs synthesis by electrolysis and their transport to the semiconductor surface using micro-spraying is presented in detail. By means of electrical and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the potential of Ag NPs decorated ZnO tip-like nanowires to be used an active layer in gas sensor is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee (Coffea species) and Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) are important cash crops grown in the tropics but traded globally. This study was conducted to apply the ALMANAC model to these crops for the first time, and to test its ability to simulate them under agroforestry management schemes and varying precipitation amounts. To create this simulation, coffee was grown on a site in Kaua'i, Hawai'i, USA, and cocoa was grown on a site in Sefwi Bekwai, Ghana. A stand-in for a tropical overstory tree was created for agroforestry simulations using altered parameters for carob, a common taller tropical tree for these regions. For both crops, ALMANAC was able to realistically simulate yields when compared to the collected total yield data. On Kaua'i, the mean simulated yield was 2% different from the mean measured yield, and in all three years, the simulated values were within 10% of the measured values. For cocoa, the mean simulated yield was 3% different from the mean measured yield and the simulated yield was within 10% of measured yields for all four available years. When precipitation patterns were altered, in Ghana, the wetter site showed lower percent changes in yield than the drier site in Hawai'i. When agroforestry-style management was simulated, a low Leaf Area Index (LAI) of the overstory showed positive or no effect on yields, but when LAI climbed too high, the simulation was able to show the detrimental effect this competition had on crop yields. These simulation results are supported by other literature documenting the effects of agroforestry on tropical crops. This research has applied ALMANAC to new crops and demonstrated its simulation of different management and environmental conditions. The results show promise for ALMANAC's applicability to these scenarios as well as its potential to be further tested and utilized in new circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behavior has generated predictions anticipating an increase in suicidal tendencies. The aim of this research is to study its influence on the incidence of hospital-treated suicide attempts throughout the year 2020 in Oviedo, Spain. Methods. Data were collected on all patients admitted to the emergency department of Central University Hospital of Asturias in Oviedo for attempted suicide during 2020. Incidence rates were calculated for three lockdown periods. Suicide attempt trends in 2020 were compared with a non-COVID-19 year (2009) to avoid seasonal variations bias. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were performed. The influence of COVID-19 incidence in Oviedo was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results. The cumulative incidence rate of attempted suicide per 100,000 person-years was 136.33 (pre-lockdown), 115.15 (lockdown), and 90.25 (post-lockdown) in adults (over 19 years old), and 43.63 (pre-lockdown), 32.72 (lockdown), and 72.72 (post-lockdown) in adolescents (10–19 years old). No association was found with COVID-19 incidence rates (Spearman’s rho (0.222; p = 0.113). Comparing the years 2020 and 2009, statistically significant differences were observed in adolescents (Fisher’s exact test; p=0.024), but no differences were observed in adults (chi-square test = 3.0401; p = 0.218). Conclusions. Hospital-treated suicide rates attempted during the COVID-19 outbreak in Oviedo, Spain showed a similar trend compared with a non-COVID-19 year. In contrast, the number of adolescents hospital-treated for attempted suicide increased during lockdown, suggesting more vulnerability to COVID-19 restrictions after the initial lockdown period in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of death. Smoking leaves a strong signature on the blood methylome as shown in multiple studies using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Here, we explore novel blood methylation smoking signals on the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip (EPIC) array, which also targets novel CpG-sites in enhancers. Method: A smoking-methylation meta-analysis was carried out using EPIC DNA methylation profiles in 1407 blood samples from four UK population-based cohorts, including the MRC National Survey for Health and Development (NSHD) or 1946 British birth cohort, the National Child Development Study (NCDS) or 1958 birth cohort, the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70), and the TwinsUK cohort (TwinsUK). The overall discovery sample included 269 current, 497 former, and 643 never smokers. Replication was pursued in 3425 trans-ethnic samples, including 2325 American Indian individuals participating in the Strong Heart Study (SHS) in 1989–1991 and 1100 African-American participants in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy Study (GENOA). Results: Altogether 952 CpG-sites in 500 genes were differentially methylated between smokers and never smokers after Bonferroni correction. There were 526 novel smoking-associated CpG-sites only profiled by the EPIC array, of which 486 (92%) replicated in a meta-analysis of the American Indian and African-American samples. Novel CpG sites mapped both to genes containing previously identified smoking-methylation signals and to 80 novel genes not previously linked to smoking, with the strongest novel signal in SLAMF7. Comparison of former versus never smokers identified that 37 of these sites were persistently differentially methylated after cessation, where 16 represented novel signals only profiled by the EPIC array. We observed a depletion of smoking-associated signals in CpG islands and an enrichment in enhancer regions, consistent with previous results. Conclusion: This study identified novel smoking-associated signals as possible biomarkers of exposure to smoking and may help improve our understanding of smoking-related disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New anode materials beyond graphite are needed to improve the performance of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Chemical doping with nitrogen has emerged as a simple strategy for enhancing lithium storage in carbon-based anodes. While specific capacity and rate capability are improved by doping, little is known about other key electrochemical properties relevant to practical applications. This work presents a systematic evaluation of electrochemical characteristics of nitrogen-doped carbons derived from a biomass source and urea powder as anodes in LIB half- and full-cells. Results show that doped carbons suffer from a continuous loss in capacity upon cycling that is more severe for higher nitrogen contents. Nitrogen negatively impacts the voltage and energy efficiencies at low charge/discharge current densities. However, as the charge/discharge rate increases, the voltage and energy efficiencies of the doped carbons outperform the non-doped ones. We provide insights towards a fundamental understanding of the requirements needed for practical applications and reveal drawbacks to be overcome by novel doped carbon-based anode materials in LIB applications. With this work, we also want to encourage other researchers to evaluate electrochemical characteristics besides capacity and cycling stability which are mandatory to assess the practicality of novel materials. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of subject-specific muscle volumes may be used as surrogates for evaluating muscle strength and power generated by 'fat-free' muscle mass. This study presents population-based statistical learning approaches for predicting 'fat-free' muscle volume from known anthropometric measurements. Using computed tomography (CT) imaging data to obtain lower-limb muscle volumes from 50 men and women, this study evaluated six statistical learning methods for predicting muscle volumes from anthropometric measurements: (i) stepwise regression, (ii) linear support vector machine (SVM), (iii) 2nd-order polynomial SVM, (iv) linear partial least squares regression (PLSR), (v) quadratic PLSR, and (vi) 3rd-order spline fit PLSR. These techniques have successfully been demonstrated in bioengineering applications and freely available in open-source toolkits. Analysis revealed that separating a general population into sexes and/or cohorts based on adipose level may improve prediction accuracies. The most important measures that statistically influence muscle volume predictions were shank girth, followed by sex and finally leg length, as identified using stepwise regression. SVM learning predicted muscle volume with an accuracy of 85 ± 4% when using linear interpolation, but performed poorly with an accuracy of 59 ± 6% using polynomial interpolation. The simpler linear PLSR exhibited muscle volume prediction accuracy of 87 ± 2%, while quadratic PLSR was slightly reduced at 82 ± 3%. For the spline fit PLSR, high accuracy was observed on the training data set (~ 99%) but over-fitting (a drawback of high-interpolation methods) resulted in erroneous predictions on testing data, and hence, the model was deemed unsuitable. In conclusion, use of linear PLSR models with variables of sex, leg length, and shank girth is a useful tool for predicting 'fat-free' muscle volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Does women's age affect the DNA methylation (DNAm) profile differently in mural granulosa cells (MGCs) from other somatic cells?Summary Answer: Accumulation of epimutations by age and a higher number of age-related differentially methylated regions (DMR) in MGCs were found compared to leukocytes from the same woman, suggesting that the MGCs have a distinctive epigenetic profile.What Is Known Already: The mechanisms underlying the decline in women's fertility from the mid-30s remain to be fully elucidated. The DNAm age of many healthy tissues changes predictably with and follows chronological age, but DNAm age in some reproductive tissues has been shown to depart from chronological age (older: endometrium; younger: cumulus cells, spermatozoa).Study Design, Size, Duration: This study is a multicenter cohort study based on retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data and material derived from healthy women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment following ovarian stimulation with antagonist protocol. One hundred and nineteen women were included from September 2016 to June 2018 from four clinics in Denmark and Sweden.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 118 healthy women with varying ovarian reserve status. MGCs were collected from 63 of the 119 women by isolation from pooled follicles immediately after oocyte retrieval. DNA from leukocytes and MGCs was extracted and analysed with a genome-wide methylation array. Data from the methylation array were processed using the ENmix package. Subsequently, DNAm age was calculated using established and tailored age predictors and DMRs were analysed with the DMRcate package.Main Results and Role Of Chance: Using established age predictors, DNAm age in MGCs was found to be considerable younger and constant (average: 2.7 years) compared to chronological age (average: 33.9 years). A Granulosa Cell clock able to predict the age of both MGCs (average: 32.4 years) and leukocytes (average: 38.8 years) was successfully developed. MGCs differed from leukocytes in having a higher number of epimutations (P = 0.003) but predicted telomere lengths unaffected by age (Pearson's correlation coefficient = -0.1, P = 0.47). DMRs associated with age (age-DMRs) were identified in MGCs (n = 335) and in leukocytes (n = 1) with a significant enrichment in MGCs for genes involved in RNA processing (45 genes, P = 3.96 × 10-08) and gene expression (152 genes, P = 2.3 × 10-06). The top age-DMRs included the metastable epiallele VTRNA2-1, the DNAm regulator ZFP57 and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) gene. The apparent discordance between different epigenetic measures of age in MGCs suggests that they reflect difference stages in the MGC life cycle.Large Scale Data: N/A.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: No gene expression data were available to associate with the epigenetic findings. The MGCs are collected during ovarian stimulation, which may influence DNAm; however, no correlation between FSH dose and number of epimutations was found.Wider Implications Of the Findings: Our findings underline that the somatic compartment of the follicle follows a different methylation trajectory with age than other somatic cells. The higher number of epimutations and age-DMRs in MGCs suggest that their function is affected by age.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This project is part of ReproUnion collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V ÖKS, the Danish National Research Foundation and the European Research Council. The authors declare no conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of an experimental study focused around CeNi5 in the CexGd1-xNi5 system. Pseudobinary bulk samples were prepared with concentration of x = 0:85, 0.9, 0.95, and 0.97 by arc melting method. The structural analysis confirmed the CaCu5 hexagonal crystal structure with P6/mmm space group and proved the existence of a single phase in all of them. The measurement of the magnetic properties shows that the increase of the Ce content leads to lower TC values. Above x = 0:9 spin fluctuations behaviour appears with a shoulder in M(T) around T = 130 K. Heat capacity measurements support these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART) is a new spherical machine that is currently under construction at the University of Seville aimed at exploring negative vs positive triangularity prospects in Spherical Tokamaks (ST). The operation of SMART will cover three phases, with toroidal fields B ϕ ≤ 1 T, inductive plasma currents up to I p = 500 kA and a pulse length up to 500 ms, for a plasma with R = 0.4 m, a = 0.25 m and a wide range of shaping configurations (aspect ratio, 1.4 < R /a < 3, elongation, κ ≤ 3, and average triangularity, -0.6 ≤ δ ≤ 0.6). The magnet system of the tokamak is composed by 12 Toroidal Field Coils (TFC), 8 Poloidal Field Coils (PFC) and a Central Solenoid (CS). With such operating conditions, the design of the central stack, usually a critical part in spherical tokamaks due to space limitations, presents notable challenges. The current SMART central stack has been designed to operate up to phase 2 and it comprises the inner legs of the TFC, surrounded by the CS, two supporting rings, a central pole and a pedestal. To achieve the plasma parameters of this phase (B ϕ =0.4 T with inductive I p up to 200 kA), the high currents required, combined with the low aspect-ratio of the machine lead to high forces on the conductors that represent an engineering challenge. The loads expected in the central stack are a centring force up to 1.5 MN and a twisting torque up to 7.4 kNm. This work describes the design of the central stack and its mechanical validation with a multiphysics finite element assessment. Using a combined electromagnetic and mechanical assessment, it is shown that the SMART central stack will meet the physics requirements in phase 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present an analysis of the convergence of the band structure properties, particularly the influence on the modification of the bandgap and bandwidth values in half metallic compounds by the use of the exact exchange formalism. This formalism for general solids has been implemented using a localized basis set of numerical functions to represent the exchange density. The implementation has been carried out using a code which uses a linear combination of confined numerical pseudoatomic functions to represent the Kohn­Sham orbitals. The application of this exact exchange scheme to a half-metallic semiconductor compound, in particular to Ga4P3Ti, a promising material in the field of high efficiency solar cells, confirms the existence of the isolated intermediate band in this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the nonequilibrium thermodynamic state of carriers in III-nitrides, and calculate the mobility of holes in cubic GaN layers under electric fields of low intensity. The contribution of different scattering mechanisms to the mobility is analyzed, and the relevance of each one is characterized. Satisfactory agreement with recently published experimental data is obtained.© 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the structural effects of the solvent composition in colloidal liquids. Preparation of the latex used in the experiments; Particle characterization; Structure factor determination; Testing of the reproducibility of the structure factors.

People aging with HIV face social stressors which may negatively affect their overall nutrition. Here, we assess relationships between self-reported measures of depression, perceived stress, social support, and food insecurity with diet quality in older adults with HIV. A retrospective analysis of self-reported data from parent study at The University of Alabama at Birmingham 1917 HIV Clinic was performed. The study sample consisted of sixty people living with HIV (PLWH) with controlled HIV infection (<50 copies/mL), aged 50 years or older who participated in a cross-sectional microbiome study. Dietary intake was measured using the NHANES 12-month Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and three Automated Self-Administered (ASA) 24-hr diet recalls to calculate diet quality scores using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS); alternative Healthy Eating Index (aHEI); and the Recommended Food Score (RFS) indices. Food insecurity was measured with the Food Security Questionnaire (FSQ). Participants completed the following psychosocial scales: (1) depression - Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ8); (2) perceived stress - Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10); (3) social support - Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Linear regression models were used to investigate relationships among variables controlling for gender and income. The cohort was characterized as follows: Mean age 56 ± 4.6 years, 80% African-American, and 32% women. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.4 ± 7.2 with 55% reporting food insecurity. Most participants reported having post-secondary education (53%), although 77% reported annual incomes <$20,000. Food insecurity was independently associated with measures of poor dietary intake: aHEI (β = −0.08, p = .02) and MDS (β = −0.23, p < 0.01) and with low dietary intake of fibre (β = −0.27, p = .04), vitamin E (β = −0.35, p = .01), folate (β = −0.31, p = .02), magnesium (β = −0.34, p = .01) and copper (β = −0.36, p = .01). These data indicate food insecurity is associated with poor diet quality among PLWH. Clinical interventions are needed to improve food access for PLWH of low SES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Different therapeutic strategies have been used with the objective of improve luteal function to reduce embryonic losses. The objective of this work was to study the effect of the administration of GnRH or hCG at Day 4 post fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) on reproductive efficiency in Merino sheep during the breeding season in North Patagonia. Estrus of multiparous Merino ewes (n = 288) was synchronized by two injections of prostaglandins (PG; 125 μg, Cloprostenol), 14 days apart. Cervical FTAI was performed 53–56 h after the second PG with a dose of fresh semen (100 × 106 spermatozoa) from five Merino rams. In all ewes body condition score (BCS) was determined at FTAI. At 4 days post FTAI ewes were randomly assigned into three experimental groups: GnRH group (4 μg, Buserelin; n = 99), hCG group (300 IU, hCG; n = 92) and Control group (1 ml, saline solution; n = 97). Pregnancy and pregnancy losses were evaluated by ultrasonography on Days 33 and 90 post FTAI. Additionally, embryo crown-rump length (CRL) was measured by ultrasonography (n = 12 single-pregnant ewes by experimental group) at the first ultrasound. Date of birth, litter size and lamb weight were recorded (n = 111 pregnant ewes). Pregnancy rate on Days 33 and 90 post FTAI did not differ among treatment groups (P > 0.05). Pregnancy losses at Day 33 post FTAI were lower in the hCG group compared to the GnRH and Control groups (0, 3, 7.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). Pregnancy losses between Days 33 and 90 after FTAI were negligible (P > 0.05). The embryo CRL at Day 33 post FTAI was not increased by the hormonal treatments (P > 0.05). Moreover, it was lower in GnRH group compared to Control group (P < 0.05). Litter size tended to be greater in the GnRH group compared to the hCG and Control groups (P < 0.1). The birth weight of twin lambs tended to be higher in the GnRH group compared to the Control group (P < 0.1). The birth weight of single lambs was not affected by treatments (P > 0.05). Ram fertility and BCS of ewes at FTAI influenced the effect of hormonal treatments on reproductive parameters. In conclusion, administration of hCG or GnRH at Day 4 post FTAI does not improve pregnancy rate but treatment with hCG reduces pregnancy loss on Day 33 post FTAI. GnRH treatment improves litter size and twin lambs birth weight. Highlights • We evaluate GnRH or hCG treatment post insemination on reproductive performance. • Treatment with hCG reduces pregnancy losses on day 33 post insemination. • GnRH treatment tends to increase litter size and twin lambs birth weight. • Rams fertility and body condition influenced hormonal treatments on pregnancy rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated negotiation plays a crucial role in the decision support for bilateral energy transactions. In fact, an adequate analysis of past actions of opposing negotiators can improve the decision-making process of market players, allowing them to choose the most appropriate parties to negotiate with in order to increase their outcomes. This paper proposes a new model to estimate the expected prices that can be achieved in bilateral contracts under a specific context, enabling adequate risk management in the negotiation process. The proposed approach is based on an adaptation of the Q-Learning reinforcement learning algorithm to choose the best scenario (set of forecast contract prices) from a set of possible scenarios that are determined using several forecasting and estimation methods. The learning process assesses the probability of occurrence of each scenario, by comparing each expected scenario with the real scenario. The final chosen scenario is the one that presents the higher expected utility value. Besides, the learning method can determine which is the best scenario for each context, since the behaviour of players can change according to the negotiation environment. Consequently, these conditions influence the final contract price of negotiations. This approach allows the supported player to be prepared for the negotiation scenario that is the most probable to represent a reliable approximation of the actual negotiation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which performed numerical calculations for the random field ferromagnetic Ising model in two dimensions. Methodology; Results; Discussion.

ABSTRACT: This essay will argue that the traditional opposition between narrative and theory in historical sciences is dissolved if we conceive of narratives as theoretical devices for understanding events in time through special concepts that abridge typical sequences of events. I shall stress, in the context of the Historical Knowledge Epistemological Square (HKES) that emerged with the scientization of history, that history is always narrative, story has a theoretical ground of itself, and scientific histories address the need for a conceptual progression in ever‐improved narratives. This will lead to identification of three major theoretical levels in historical stories: naming, plotting (or emplotment), and formalizing. We revisit Jörn Rüsen's theory of history as the best starting point, and explore to what extent it could be developed by (i) taking a deeper look into narratological knowledge, and (ii) reanalyzing logically the conceptual strata in order to bridge the overrated Forschung/Darstellung (research/exposition) divide. The corollary: we should consider (scientific) historical writing as the last step of historical research, not as the next step after research is over. This thesis will drive us to a reconsideration of the German Historik regarding the problem of interpretation and exposition. Far from alienating history from science, narrative links history positively to anthropology and biology. The crossing of our triad name‐plot‐model with Rüsen's four theoretical levels (categories‐types‐concepts‐names) points to the feasibility of expanding Rüsen's Historik in logical and semiotic directions. Story makes history, theory makes story, and historical reason may proceed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) with alkali activated persulfate has been tested for the elimination of HCH isomers and other chlorinated compounds in groundwater from Sabiñanigo (Sardas landfill), which was contaminated by solid and liquid wastes illegally dumped in the area by a company producing lindane. Due to the site lithology and the type of pollutants found in groundwater (HCHs and chlorobenzenes) alkali (NaOH) activated persulfate (PS) was selected as oxidant. The influence of variables such as PS concentration (42–200 mM) and NaOH:PS molar ratio (2:1 to 4:1) on chlorinated compound abatement has been studied and a kinetic model to predict the composition of all chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) in the aqueous phase with time was obtained. It was found that a fast initial hydrodechlorination reaction took place in which HCH isomers reacted to trichlorobenzenes (mainly 1,2,4 TCB) at pH ≥ 12. Mono-, di-, tri and tetrachlorobenzenes remaining were oxidized without producing aromatic intermediates. At the condition tested a first order kinetic model for COCs and PS concentration was obtained. Zero order alkali concentration was obtained while pH was being kept at 12 for the whole reaction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the effect of GnRH or hCG treatment on day 4 post-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on the formation of accessory corpora lutea (acc-CL) and on the concentration of serum progesterone (P 4 ) in sheep. Multiparous adult Merino ewes (n = 36) were synchronized for estrus using double injection of PGF2α agonist (125 μg Cloprostenol) with an interval of 14 days. At 53–56 h after the second PG application, FTAI was performed. On day 4 post FTAI, ewes were either treated with analogue of GnRH (4 μg buserelin; n = 12) or hCG (300 IU, hCG; n = 12) or saline solution (1 ml; Control; n = 12). Two laparoscopic ovarian examinations were performed on days 4 and 10 post FTAI. In the first observation, we determined the number of post ovulation corpora lutea (po-CL) and the site, number and diameter of follicles present in both ovaries. In the second laparoscopy, we observed the number of po-CL and acc-CL. The sizes of the follicles that generated the acc-CL were determined according to the position of the follicles observed in the first laparoscopy. Serum P 4 concentration was determined on days 4, 7, 10, 13, 17 and 21 post FTAI by chemiluminescence. A similar follicular population in size and number was observed in the three experimental groups prior to the beginning of treatments (Follicles 2 mm: 6.4 ± 3.7, 3 mm: 3.0 ± 2.3, 4 mm: 1.1 ± 0.5, 5 mm: 1.4 ± 0.8; P ˃ 0.05). The formation of 1.0 ± 0.4 and 1.1 ± 0.3 acc-CL was observed in the GnRH and hCG groups, respectively (P ˃ 0.05), but was not observed in the Control group (P < 0.05). Follicle sizes from which acc-CL generated were 3, 4 and 5 mm and did not differ between hormonal treatments (P ˃ 0.05). The hCG group had higher mean concentrations of P 4 on days 7, 10, 13 and 17 post FTAI compared with the GnRH group and the Control group (P < 0.05), while no differences were observed between these two latter groups (P > 0.05). Mean P 4 concentrations in ewes treated with hCG showed no differences according to the size of the follicle from which acc-CL were generated (P ˃ 0.05). In conclusion, administration of hCG or GnRH on day 4 post FTAI induced the formation of one acc-CL from follicles of 3, 4 or 5 mm, indistinctly. However, serum P 4 concentration increased significantly only in the hCG group. The serum P 4 concentrations of acc-CL that originated from different follicle sizes did not differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a bivariate Rician shadowed fading model where the shadowing is assumed to follow a Nakagami-$m$ distribution. We derive exact expressions involving a single integral for both the joint probability density function (PDF) and the joint cumulative distribution function and we also derive an exact closed-form expression for the moment generating function. As a direct consequence we obtain a closed-form expression for the power correlation coefficient between Rician shadowed variables as a function of the correlation coefficient between the underlying variables of the model. Additionally, in the particular case of integer $m$ we show that the PDF can be expressed in closed form in terms of a sum of $m$ Meijer G-functions of two variables. Results are applied to analyze the outage probability of a dual-branch selection combiner in correlated Rician shadowed fading and the evaluation of the level crossing rate and average fade duration of a sampled Rician shadowed fading envelope. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fiber bonded silicon carbide ceramic materials provide cost-advantage over traditional ceramic matrix composites and require fewer processing steps. Despite their interest in extreme environment thermostructural applications no data on long term mechanical reliability other than static fatigue is available for them. We studied the high temperature compressive strength and creep behavior of a fiber bonded SiC material obtained by hot-pressing of Si Ti C O fibers. The deformation mechanism and onset of plasticity was evaluated and compared with other commercial SiC materials. Up to 1400 °C, plasticity is very limited and any macroscopic deformation proceeds by crack formation and damage propagation. A transient viscous creep stage is observed due to flow in the silica matrix and once steady state is established, a stress exponent n ∼ 4 and an activation energy Q ∼ 700 kJ mol −1 are found. These results are consistent with previous data on creep of polymer derived SiC fibers and polycrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials development is driven by microstructural complexity and, in many cases, inspired by biological systems such as bones, shells and wood. In one approach, one selects the main microstructural features responsible for improved properties and design processes to obtain materials with such microstructures (continuous-fibre-reinforced ceramics, porous ceramics, fibrous ceramic monoliths, etc.). In a different approach, it is possible to use natural materials directly as microstructural templates. Biomorphic ceramics are produced from natural and renewable resources (wood or wood-derived products). A wide variety of SiC-based ceramics can be fabricated by infiltration of silicon or silicon alloys into cellulose-derived carbonaceous templates, providing a low-cost route to advanced ceramic materials with near-net shape potential and amenable to rapid prototyping. These materials have tailorable microstructure and properties, and behave like ceramic materials manufactured by advanced ceramic processing approaches. This review aims to be a comprehensive description of the development of bioSiC ceramics: from wood templates and their microstructure to potential applications of bioSiC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé La région palpébro-jugale est une région clé qui inspire tous les commentaires : de l’air fatigué à la bonne mine, en passant par l’aspect reposé, sans oublier bien-sûr le charme, la beauté, la jeunesse. Malgré une palette de techniques médicales et chirurgicales intéressante, le traitement de cette région est parfois difficile et les résultats ne sont pas toujours à la hauteur de nos espérances. La blépharoplastie standardisée de soustraction utilisée de façon abusive pour des indications souvent bien différentes a montré ses limites. La lipostructure a révolutionné la blépharoplastie et est devenue avec ses derniers raffinements une technique de référence. Les liftings centro-faciaux sous-périostés apportent des résultats incomparables au prix d’une agressivité technique certaine. La médecine esthétique propose des solutions alternatives ou complémentaires dignes d’intérêt. Nous avons passé en revue les différentes procédures à notre disposition avec leurs atouts et leurs limites et nous avons tenté de codifier les indications thérapeutiques. Le positionnement du sillon palpébro-jugal clinique par rapport au rebord orbitaire inférieur influence notre stratégie quant au choix des techniques retenues. Summary The eyelid-cheek junction is a key area which generates many comments: from looking tired to looking good or rested, without forgetting charm, beauty, and a youthful appearance. In spite of many interesting medical and surgical procedures, treating this area is sometimes difficult and results are not always up to our expectations. Standardized blepharoplasty, which has often been improperly used, has shown its limits. Since the latest refinements, lipostructure has revolutionised blepharoplasty and serving as a reference, it has become an established technique. Subperiostal mediofacial lift allows outstanding results at the cost of a certain technical aggressiveness. Aesthetic medicine proposes worthy alternative and/or appropriate complementary solutions. Different procedures we dispose of have been reviewed together with their assets and their limits. A codification of therapeutic indications is proposed. The positioning of the eyelid-cheek clinical junction in relation with the low orbital bone rim influences our strategy in choosing the appropriate technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to substances of abuse during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on offspring. Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances of abuse that leads to the most severe consequences. Recent studies in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom showed that between 1% and 7% of all children exhibit signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Despite preventive campaigns, the rate of children with FASD has not decreased during recent decades. Alcohol consumption often accompanies exposure to such drugs as tobacco, cocaine, opioids, and cannabis. These interactions can be synergistic and exacerbate the deleterious consequences of developmental alcohol exposure. The present review focuses on interactions between alcohol and cannabis exposure and the potential consequences of these interactions. • Cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug among pregnant women. • Half of pregnant women who report cannabis use, also report the consumption of alcoholic beverages. • Early alcohol and cannabis exposure is linked to worse developmental outcomes than exposure to either drug alone. • Alcohol and cannabinoids exert a synergistic effect during early development through the endocannabinoid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Introduction L’ulcération neurotrophique (UNT) peut survenir après lésion du nerf trijumeau. Les étiologies sont dominées par les causes iatrogènes, notamment après ablation du ganglion de Gasser. Elle concerne plus fréquemment la population féminine d’âge moyen, et le diagnostic différentiel est difficile. Aucune thérapeutique n’est consensuelle. Nous décrivons un cas d’UNT consécutive à une alcoolisation pour névralgie faciale ainsi que les résultats d’une autogreffe de cellules graisseuses. Une revue de la littérature sur la prise en charge thérapeutique des UNT est également exposée. Présentation du cas Patiente de 88 ans présentant une UNT avec destruction totale de l’aile narinaire droite 25 ans après alcoolisation pour névralgie trigéminale essentielle. Devant les échecs itératifs des traitements médicamenteux, topiques et par neurostimulateur, nous avons effectué un lipofilling au niveau de cette lésion. Au troisième mois, nous avons constaté une diminution de 50 % de la taille lésionnelle ainsi qu’une disparition totale du prurit, permettant d’envisager une chirurgie reconstructive. Discussion Nous retrouvons dans la littérature 28 cas d’UNT après alcoolisation rétrogasserienne. L’âge de présentation varie de 49 à 88 ans, avec un délai moyen d’apparition de 2 semaines à 17 ans. Les récurrences sont fréquentes. La prise en charge des UNT varie énormément selon les auteurs (topiques, antibiotiques, lambeaux) cependant l’efficacité du lipofilling n’a pas encore été documentée. Conclusion La physiopathologie des UNT demeure incomprise cependant la prise en charge se doit d’être multidisciplinaire. Bien que non décrit jusqu’à présent, le lipofilling semble être un traitement intéressant des UNT post-alcoolisation rétrogasserienne. Summary Introduction Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) can occur after any injury on the fifth cranial nerve. The etiology is dominated by iatrogenic causes, especially after gasserian ganglion ablation. Middle-aged women are mostly involved and the differential diagnosis is vast. Presentation of case A 88-year old woman presented with TTS and destruction of the right nasal ala 25 years after retrogasserian alcohol injection for trigeminal neuralgia. Facing iterative failure of medical treatment, topics and neurostimulation, we performed lipofilling for the lesion. In the third month, we found a 50 % decrease in size of the lesion, as well as a complete disappearance of pruritus, thus allowing to consider reconstructive surgery. Discussion Our literature review reports 28 cases of TTS subsequent to alcohol injection of the gasserian ganglion. Age of presentation ranges from 49 to 88 years, with a time of onset between trigeminal injury and TTS ranging from 2 weeks to 17 years. Recurrences are frequent. The management varies a lot according to the authors (topics, antibiotics, flaps), however the efficiency of lipofilling has not been reported yet. Conclusion The pathophysiology of TTS remains unknown, nevertheless the therapeutical care has to be multidisciplinary. Even though not described yet, lipofilling seems to be an interesting treatment of TTS following alcohol injection in the trigeminal ganglion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium difficile is recognised worldwide as the main cause of infectious bacterial antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in hospitals and other healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to first survey C. difficile prevalence during the summer of 2014 at the Central University Hospital of Asturias (Spain). By typing the isolates obtained, it was then possible to compare the ribotype distribution at the Spanish hospital with results from the St Luc University Hospital in Belgium over the same period. The prevalence of positive cases reported in Spain and Belgium was 12.3% and 9.3% respectively. The main PCR-ribotypes previously described in Europe were found in both hospitals, including 078, 014, 012, 020 and 002. In the Spanish hospital, most of the C. difficile -positive samples were referred from oncology, acute care and general medicine services. In the Belgian hospital the majority of positive samples were referred from the paediatric service. However, a high percentage of isolates from this service were non-toxigenic. This study finds that the presence and detection of C. difficile in paediatric and oncology services requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their physico-chemical inherent properties, mangrove sediments may act as a sink for pollutants coming from catchments. The main objective of this study was to assess the distribution of some trace metals in the tissues of various mangrove plants developing downstream highly weathered ferralsols, taking into account metals partitioning in the sediment. In New Caledonia, mangroves act as a buffer between open-cast mines and the world's largest lagoon. As a result of the erosion of lateritic soils, Ni and Fe concentrations in the sediment were substantially higher than the world average. Whatever the mangrove stand and despite low bioaccumulation and translocations factors, Fe and Ni were also the most abundant metals in the different plant tissues. This low bioaccumulation may be explained by: i) the low availability of metals, which were mainly present in the form of oxides or sulfur minerals, and ii) the root systems acting as barriers towards the transfer of metals to the plant. Conversely, Cu and Zn metals had a greater mobility in the plant, and were characterized by high bioconcentration and translocation factors compared to the other metals. Cu and Zn were also more mobile in the sediment as a result of their association with organic matter. Whatever the metal, a strong decrease of trace metal stock was observed from the landside to the seaside of the mangrove, probably as a result of the increased reactivity of the sediment due to OM enrichment. This reactivity lead to higher dissolution of bearing phases, and thus to the export of dissolved trace metals trough the tidal action. Cu and Zn were the less concerned by the phenomenon probably as a result of higher plant uptake and their restitution to the sediment with litter fall in stands where tidal flushing is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The above article, published online on 10 April 2015 in Wiley Online Library (), and in volume 66, pp. 1269-1278, has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors in Chief, Jürgen Mietz, and Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. The retraction has been agreed due to substantial overlap with a previously published paper, and without consultation of the co-authors of that publication: 'Investigation of Stress Corrosion Cracking Susceptibility of High Strength Stainless Steels for Use as Strand Material in Prestressed Concrete Construction in a Marine Environment', J. Fernandez, A. A. Sagüés and G. Mullins, Paper No.2686, 15 pp., Corrosion 2013, NACE International, Houston, 2013. References Fernandez, J. (2015), Stress corrosion cracking of high strength stainless steels for use as strand in prestressed marine environment concrete construction. Materials andCorrosion, 66: 1269-1278. doi: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The evidence of use vasopressin is limited in the pediatric population and therefore this study seeks to evaluate its effect on mean arterial pressure, hospital stay, mortality and tissue perfusion in children with refractory septic shock in the referral Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Materials and methods Observational, retrospective cohort study in children from 1 month to 18 years old with refractory septic shock. 129 infants are included, of which 70 received noradrenaline alone, and 59 received vasopressinnoradrenaline. As measures of association, relative risks, with their respective 95% confidence intervals, were estimated. Results The initial mean arterial pressure in both groups showed a significant increase, which was sustained for the following three hours (p<0.005). Mortality in the PRISM III low-risk group was lower with noradrenaline alone (p<0.005), but equal in both groups with moderate risk according to this scale (p=0.42). There were no statistically significant a difference in PICU stay (p=0.79) or total hospital stay (p=0.96), but there was improved liver (p=0.004) and kidney (p<0.005) function in the vasopressin-noradrenaline group. Conclusion Combined vasopressin-noradrenaline improves mean arterial pressure when the goals have not been reached with a single vasopressor in children with refractory septic shock. Prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which focused on the magnetization of yttrium[sub1-x]uranium[subx]palladium[sub3]. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Silicon nitride/silicon nitride joints with refractory metal (W and Mo) interlayers were vacuum brazed using an active braze, Cu-ABA (Cu–3Si–2Al–2.25Ti, wt%), and two interlayer arrangements in a double-lap offset configuration: Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA/W/Cu-ABA/Mo/Cu-ABA/Si 3 N 4 and Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA /Si 3 N 4 . Titanium segregated at the Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA and Mo/Cu-ABA interfaces, but not at the W/Cu-ABA interface. The room-temperature compression-shear strength values of Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA/Si 3 N 4 and Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA/W/Cu-ABA/Mo/Cu-ABA/Si 3 N 4 joints were 118±24 MPa and 22±5 MPa, respectively. Elevated-temperature compression tests showed that Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA/Si 3 N 4 joints had strength of 31±6 MPa at 1023 K and 17±3 MPa at 1073 K. Likewise, Si 3 N 4 /Cu-ABA/W/Cu-ABA/Mo/Cu-ABA/Si 3 N 4 joints had strength of 19±4 MPa at 1023 K and 13±3 MPa at 1073 K. Knoop microhardness profiles revealed hardness gradients across the joints. The effect of joint microstructure and test configuration on the mechanical behavior is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Introduction Le cas exposé est un cas unique du fait de l’apparition de nodules de perméation dans le champ d’irradiation d’un cancer du sein 2 ans après traitement chirurgical d’un mélanome. Il permet également d’apprécier cliniquement l’efficacité du vémurafénib. Cas clinique Nous exposons le cas d’une patiente de 47 ans qui a présenté un mélanome type SSM, Breslow 1,02 mm, sans ulcération et d’activité mitotique faible, sous-scapulaire droit, traité par exérèse chirurgicale avec des marges à 2 cm. Un mois après, un carcinome canalaire infiltrant du sein gauche était diagnostiqué. Le traitement a consisté en une tumorectomie, exérèse de ganglion sentinelle et radiothérapie de 50 grays avec un boost de 15 grays. Moins de 3 mois après la fin de la radiothérapie, la patiente a développé de multiples métastases cutanées sur le champ d’irradiation au niveau du sein gauche. Du fait de la présence de la mutation BRAFV600E et de l’échec du traitement par dacarbazine (décitène), un traitement par vémurafénib a été débuté. Nous avons constaté une régression notable de la taille des nodules de perméation sans aucune nouvelle lésion. De ce fait, une chirurgie carcinologique en marges saines avec reconstruction par lambeau pédiculé de muscle grand dorsal gauche a été l’attitude thérapeutique retenue par la RCP. Les résultats anatomopathologiques ont montré une exérèse complète des lésions métastatiques. Nous avons réalisé une symétrisation du sein controlatéral afin d’améliorer la qualité de vie de la patiente. Après un suivi de 2 ans et demi, la patiente ne présente aucun signe de récidive local, régional ou à distance. Discussion La rapidité du développement et la localisation des métastases cutanées dans le cas clinique présenté ici nous ont amenés à réfléchir sur les effets de la radiothérapie au niveau cutané. La radiothérapie entraîne des complications aiguës (radiodermite) et chroniques par des mécanismes cellulaires et moléculaires. De plus, un effondrement de l’immunité est retrouvé après irradiation. L’association de ces différents mécanismes pourrait expliquer l’apparition de ces métastases sur le territoire d’irradiation. L’efficacité du vémurafénib retrouvé dans notre cas clinique est en accord avec ce qui est décrit dans la littérature avec des réponses souvent rapides et une augmentation de la médiane de survie. Conclusion Ce cas unique dans la littérature montre les effets de la radiothérapie sur les tissus cutanés et l’efficacité du vémurafénib. Il souligne surtout qu’une étroite collaboration entre les différents praticiens ainsi qu’une connaissance des nouvelles thérapies contribuent à une meilleure prise en charge des mélanomes. Summary Introduction This article describes the unique case of a female patient who presented distant melanoma metastasis on the breast while having irradiation therapy for breast cancer. This happened eight months after the initial treatment for a melanoma of the back (under the right scapula). Furthermore, this case report demonstrates the efficiency of Vemurafenib ® as a treatment for late stage melanomas. Case report The patient was a 47-year-old female that had a superficial spreading melanoma under the right scapula (Breslow 1.02 mm) that was treated with 2 cm skin excision and sentinel lymph node sampling that was negative. The melanoma was positive for the BRAF600E mutation. One month after this incident, the patient developed breast cancer that was treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy. Three months after the end of the irradiation treatment, she developed multiple melanoma metastasis on the skin of the breast. Our multidisciplinary team decided to initiate a treatment with vemurafenib. The patient showed an excellent response, so the surgical team completed the treatment with a radical mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. The histologic report of the mastectomy specimen showed no sign of melanocytic proliferation, that demonstrates the efficacy of vemurafenib. The patient showed no relapse after two years of follow-up. Discussion The speed of development and location of cutaneous metastases in this case brought us to think about the effects of radiation therapy on the skin. Radiation therapy causes acute complications (radiodermatitis) by cellular and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, depressed immunity is found after irradiation. Association of these mecanisms could explain the appearance of these metastases in irradiation field. The efficiency of vemurafenib found in our case is consistent with what is described in literature, especially with the improvement in median overall survival. Conclusion This case demonstrates a unique case of distant melanoma metastasis on the irradiation field of a breast cancer. It also demonstrates the efficacy of vemurafenib as well as the efficacy of a radical complementary surgical treatment in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé L’injection de toxine botulique au niveau de la région axillaire est une procédure visant à traiter de manière temporaire l’hyperhidrose axillaire. Cette technique décrite en 1996 par Bushara et al. a fait la preuve de son efficacité et de sa tolérance satisfaisante. L’objet de cet article est de faire le point sur le traitement de l’hyperhidrose axillaire par injection de toxine botulique de type A, et de discuter la place des autres modalités de traitement de cette affection socialement invalidante. Summary Injection of type A botulinum toxin in the armpits is a temporary treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. This technique described in 1996 by Bushara et al., is known to be efficient and safe. The purpose of this article was to review the data concerning the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A, and discuss the other treatment modalities for this socially disabling entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulnar nerve entrapment is the second most common compressive neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. The accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle – present in 4% to 34% of the general population – is a known, but rare cause of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. The aim of this article was to expand our knowledge about this condition based on six cases that we encountered at our hospital between 2011 and 2015. Every patient had a typical clinical presentation: hypoesthesia or sensory deficit in the fourth and fifth fingers; potential intrinsics atrophy of the fourth intermetacarpal space; loss of strength and difficulty with fifth finger abduction. Although it can be useful to have the patient undergo ultrasonography or MRI to aid in the diagnosis, only electromyography (EMG) was performed in our patients. EMG revealed clear compression in the ulnar groove, with conduction block and a large drop in nerve conduction velocity. Treatment typically consists of conservative treatment first (splint, analgesics). Surgical treatment should be considered when conservative treatment has failed or the patient presents severe neurological deficits. In all of our patients, the ulnar nerve was surgically released but not transposed. Five of the six patients had completely recovered after 0.5 to 4 years follow-up. Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow by the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle is not common, but it must not be ignored. Only ultrasonography, MRI or, preferably, surgical exploration can establish the diagnosis. EMG findings such as reduced motor nerve conduction velocity in a short segment of the ulnar nerve provides evidence of anconeus epitrochlearis-induced neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Introduction La couverture des pertes de substance cutanée au niveau de l’extrémité distale du membre inférieur par un lambeau neurocutané sural à pédicule distal pose souvent le problème de l’impossibilité de fermeture directe du site de prélèvement ainsi qu’une rançon cicatricielle importante. Ainsi, nous proposons une technique opératoire permettant de diminuer la rançon cicatricielle tout en évitant une augmentation des risques de nécrose de la palette cutanée. Patients et méthodes Nous présentons une reconstruction par lambeau neurocutané sural à pédicule distal et greffe de peau totale d’un lambeau cutané prélevé lors de la levée du lambeau. Celle-ci était classique avec ouverture de la face postérieure du mollet et dissection de deux lambeaux cutanés de part et d’autre du pédicule. La laxité cutanée était testée avant de prélever définitivement un des volets cutanés. La fermeture du mollet était donc réalisée à l’aide d’un seul lambeau cutané, l’autre étant utilisé comme greffe de peau. Résultats Cette note technique est illustrée par le cas d’un patient ayant bénéficié de cette technique. Le résultat à 4 mois est satisfaisant avec une cicatrice sans signes de souffrance et une greffe de peau de qualité. Cependant, cette technique ne diminue pas les risques de souffrance veineuse du lambeau sural à pédicule distal. Cette technique a pu être adaptée au prélèvement d’un lambeau antébrachial radial. Conclusion La couverture des pertes de substance cutanée de l’extrémité distale du membre inférieur par un lambeau sural et l’utilisation d’une greffe de peau en peau épaisse du lambeau cutané prélevé permettent de réduire le nombre d’interventions chirurgicales, de limiter la rançon cicatricielle et donnent des résultats cosmétiques satisfaisants. Summary Introduction Therapeutic managements in losses of substance of the lower limb using sural flap give an important scar and, sometimes, an impossibility to close the flap donor site. That led us to think about an operative procedure that can reduce those scars without increasing the risk of necrosis of the cutaneous paddle. Patients and method We present this operative procedure which underwent in the plastic and reconstructive surgery service in our hospital. Classical flap procedure with two cutaneous parts was used. The cutaneous laxity was evaluated so as to close with one cutaneous part; the other cutaneous part was taken and used like a skin graft after the suture of the calf and the formation of a bursa on the donor site. The leg was closed with only one cutaneous flap. Results This technique is illustrated by a case report. Results at the 4th month are very interesting with an acceptable scar and a good result of the skin graft. However, with this technique, we don’t decrease the venous risk of this flap. We used this technique for an antebrachial flap. Conclusion This technique is an easy and reliable technique based on cutaneous laxity and that decreases scarring of this very useful flap: the neurocutaneous sural flap. We can have a diminution of the number of surgery, a diminution of the scar and good aesthetics results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated whether neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) play a role in the occurrence of gastric ulcerations induced by cold-water restraint. The first experiment indicated that bilateral N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) lesions of the LH (20 μg/1 μl per side) reduced the amount of gastric ulceration induced by cold-water restraint. In the second experiment, the NMDA antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV; 2.5 μg/0.5 μl per side) or its vehicle was microinjected bilaterally into the LH prior to the cold-water restraint procedure. APV did not induce gastric ulcerations but reduced the amount of ulceration induced by cold-water restraint. These results indicate that NMDA receptors in the LH play an important role in the occurrence of gastric ulceration induced by cold-water restraint. The participation of the LH and possible neuronal circuitry involved in stress-induced ulceration are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present an image reduction algorithm based on averaging aggregation functions. We axiomatically define the concepts of image reduction operator and local reduction operator. We study the construction of the latter by means of averaging functions and we propose an image reduction algorithm (image reduction operator). We analyze the properties of several averaging functions and their effect on the image reduction algorithm. Finally, we present experimental results where we apply our algorithm in two different applications, analyzing the best operators for each concrete application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past seven years, the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) and the Advanced Practice: Pediatrics and the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program at New York University College of Nursing (NYUCN) have engaged in a program of formal educational activities with the specific goals of advancing interprofessional education, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional strategies to improve the oral-systemic health of infants and young children. Mentoring interprofessional students in all health care professions to collaboratively assess, analyze, and care-manage patients demands that faculty reflect on current practices and determine ways to enhance the curriculum to include evidence-based scholarly activities, opportunities for interprofessional education and practice, and interprofessional socialization. Through the processes of interprofessional education and practice, the pediatric nursing and dental faculty identified interprofessional performance and affective oral health core competencies for all dental and pediatric primary care providers. Students demonstrated achievement of interprofessional core competencies, after completing the interprofessional educational clinical practice activities at Head Start programs that included interprofessional evidence-based collaborative practice, case analyses, and presentations with scholarly discussions that explored ways to improve the oral health of diverse pediatric populations. The goal of improving the oral health of all children begins with interprofessional education that lays the foundations for interprofessional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to compare the psychophysiological stress responses during an actual competitive game and a training session in a group of high-level young female tennis players. 12 players were monitored during one match and a training day (i.e., simulated match play). Measurements included salivary cortisol (SC), the revised Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Match day elicited higher SC levels for losers at all points in time when compared to winners. All players showed significantly lower SC levels during training when compared to the match at all points in time except during the evening for winners. Winners of match and training situations had significantly higher self-confidence and lower cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety scores than losers. Heart rate and RPE were significantly higher for losers only during the match (158.9±8.3 vs. 168±6.7 bpm; 12.9±1.2 vs. 15±0.8, for losers and winners, respectively). There were moderate to strong correlations between SC, self-confidence and anxiety scores, and match workload (i.e., HR and RPE) only during the match day. These results indicate that the interplay between psychophysiological responses, match workload and outcome was evident only under real competitive situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-rise buildings with a considerable number of elevators represent a major logistical problem concerning saving space and time for economic reasons. For this reason, complex elevator group control systems (EGCSs) are developed in order to manage elevators properly. In this paper, the first entirely dynamic fuzzy logic EGCS to dispatch landing calls so as to minimize waiting time is proposed. The fuzzy logic design described here not only constitutes an innovative solution that outperforms usual dispatchers but also an easy, cheap, feasible, and reliable solution, which is able to be implemented. This is achieved by an intelligent design that joins together the simplicity of fuzzy design with the performance of the most sophisticated controllers by considering the impact of landing call reallocations within the system waiting time scale based on the assessment of the landing call relative/absolute waiting time balancing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

CdS nanocrystals were prepared using a standard colloidal route (co-precipitation chemical reaction) whereas modulation of the optical and structural properties was realized via surface coating the nanocrystals with ethylene glycol molecules using an in situ procedure. The as-produced nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV-absorption measurements and photoluminescence. The nanocrystal quality was revealed by the spectroscopic data, though the final product presents a mixture of both zinc blende (cubic) and wurtzite (hexagonal) phases. The X-ray data indicated that the concentration of the ethylene glycol used during the synthesis process modulates the nanocrystal size and the crystal phase of the end material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the real-life outcomes of two sensor-augmented pumps (SAP) with predictive low glucose suspend (PLGS) function, Medtronic Minimed 640G™ with SmartGuard (MM640G) and Tandem T Slim X2™ with Basal-IQ™ (TTSX2), in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) patients.Methods: Observational cross-sectional study using data obtained from computerized clinical records. All T1DM patients on TTSX2 therapy were compared (1:1) with MM640G treated patients selected through stratified sampling. Primary efficacy outcome was to describe time in rage (TIR, 70-180 mg/dL, 3.9-10 mmol/L) interstitial glucose differences according to a non-inferiority hypothesis with TTSX2 compared to MM640G.Results: Forty-four patients were analyzed (female 66%). Mean age was 38.9 yrs. (range 23-59 yrs.) and mean diabetes duration was 23.4 ± 9.2 yrs. Patients treated with TTSX2 showed a numerically slightly lower, but non-statistically significantly different, TIR from the MM640G pump group (64.9 ± 16.4% vs. 72.4 ± 17.0%, P = 0.108). Similarly, we did no find differences in HbA1c between T1D patients treated with TTSX2 and MM640G (6.8 ± 1.0% vs. 7.0 ± 0.9%, 51 ± 11 mmol/mol vs. 53 ± 10 mmol/mol, P = 0.312). Moreover, rest of evaluated glycemic outcomes were similar between both treatment groups.Conclusions: Patients using two different SAP with PLGS automatic function showed similar glycaemic control in a real-world scenario. NCT04741685. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The problem of choosing an appropriate total order is crucial for many applications that make use of extensions of fuzzy sets. In this work we introduce the concept of an admissible order as a total order that extends the usual partial order between intervals. We propose a method to build these admissible orders in terms of two aggregation functions and we prove that some of the most used examples of total orders that appear in the literature are specific cases of our construction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present the concept of strong equality index, basing ourselves on the definition of strong inclusion given by Dubois and Prade in 1980. We develop different construction methods using implication operators that satisfy two additional properties. We make an exhaustive study of these two properties. We also show another two construction theorems for strong equality indexes, one of them making use of order automorphisms and the other using the parametric families of t-norms, t-conorms and strong negations of Hamacher. We finish with an analysis of different relationships between fuzzy entropies and strong equality indexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMMARY In the neck of the femur, about 70% of the strength is contributed by the cortical bone, which is the most highly stressed part of the structure and is the site where failure is almost certainly initiated. A better understanding of cortical bone remodelling mechanisms can help discern changes at this anatomical site, which are essential if an understanding of the mechanisms by which hips weaken and become vulnerable to fracture is to be gained. The aims of this study were to (i) examine a hypothesis that low strain fields arise because of subject-specific Haversian canal distributions causing bone resorption and reduced bone integrity and (ii) introduce the use of a meshless particle-based computational modelling approach SPH to capture bone remodelling features at the level of the Haversian canals. We show that bone remodelling initiated by strain at the Haversian level is highly influenced by the subject-specific pore distribution, bone density, loading and osteocyte density. SPH is shown to be effective at capturing the intricate bone pore shapes that evolved over time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective Studies suggest that diet may influence in skin ageing and skin appearance. However, the effect of diet in the elastotic changes of dermis, which is the main histological sign of ageing, has not been studied previously. The objective was to investigate if the dietary habits influence the dermal elastosis observed in BCCs. Materials and methods The 136 patients with facial BCCs, who underwent surgery, were interviewed to assess the consumption of fruit, vegetables, fat, red meat, coffee and tea. We reviewed 136 specimens of BCC to identify the presence of solar elastosis. We also analysed clinical variables such as gender, age, phototype and smoking. Results Severe solar elastosis was found in 22 patients (16%), middle reticular dermis in 37 (27 %) and 77 patients (57%) had abscence or light elastosis. Fat consumption was reported by most of participants from our sample, while fruit and tea consumption was less common. Intakes of fat, vegetables and coffee were not associated with the grade of elastosis whereas Vitamin E and C-rich fruits and tea were correlated with less risk of elastosis. Smokers showed higher grades of elastosis than non-smokers. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that the presence of dermal elastosis and cutaneous ageing may be influenced by the type of food intake: Vitamin E and C-rich fruit and tea are positively associated with less elastosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]