Topological thermalization via vortex formation in ultra-fast quenches

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Evaluation of dynamic explicit mpm formulations for unsaturated soils

Many applications in geohazards prevention involve large deformations of unsaturated soils, e.g. rainfall induced landslides, embankment collapses due to wetting etc. These phenomena can be investigated with multiphase implementations of the Material Point Method (MPM) able to account for the behaviour of unsaturated soils. This paper compares two formulations: (i) afully coupled three-phase formulation(3P)in which the governing equations are derived from the momentum balance and the mass balance equations of solid, liquid and gas phase assuming non-zero gas pressure,the primary unknowns are the absolute accelerationsof the phases (aS–aL–aG formulation); (ii)a simplified approachthatneglectsthe momentum balance equation of the gas(2P_s).Potentialities and limitations of these approaches are highlighted consideringa 1D infiltration problem.Despite the introduced simplifications, the simplified formulation gives reasonably good results in many engineering cases

Traveling wave enantioselective electron paramagnetic resonance

Producción CientíficaWe propose a novel method for enantioselective electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy based on magneto-chiral anisotropy. We elaborate a theoretical model to estimate the strength of this effect and propose a dedicated interferometer setup for its experimental observation.Agence Nationale de la Recherche (SECRETS, (ANR PRC 20-CE06-0023-01)Laboratory of Excellence NanoX (ANR-17-EURE-0009

A Review of Laboratory Cone Penetration Test (CPT) in Unsaturated Soil

Cone penetration testing (CPT) is a common site investigation method used to determine soil profiles and characterize in-situ soil properties. However, most of the existing interpretations of CPT data are established for dry or saturated soil. In recent years, studies have shown that ignoring the matric suction effect in unsaturated conditions during data interpretation could lead to biased soil characterization and soil property estimates. Still, due to the lack of fundamental understanding of the mechanics during cone penetration in unsaturated soils, accounting for the matric suction effect on the CPT data-soil properties/characterization is not clearly defined, and more laboratory testing in controlled environments is required to fill this gap in knowledge. Existing studies are different in terms of penetrometer diameters (dcpt), chamber dimensions, penetration rate, sample preparation, and suction control techniques. This paper first presents a review of the existing literature on CPTs performed in unsaturated soils in a controlled laboratory environment and discusses the effects of the aforementioned factors on the measured tip resistance. In addition, new results from centrifuge CPTs performed with controlled water levels in a rigid chamber are presented. For the purpose of such experiments, a 12.7 mm diameter miniature cone penetrometer was designed and fabricated to measure tip resistance values. Unsaturated CPT data show that the presence of matric suction in the soil tends to increase the tip resistance measurement during the cone penetration process. More tests are planned in the future to quantify this increase in CPT response with respect to other soil properties

MPM developments in soil-water-structure interaction implemented in Anura3D

Many geotechnical problems involve large deformations, non-linear material behaviour, soil-structure interactions, and multiphase (solid, liquid, gas) interactions, which poses significant challenges for numerical simulations. The material point method (MPM) showed to be well suited to study slope instabilities, such as landslides, earth embankment and levee failures, underground excavations, explosions, soil-penetration problems, such as pile installation, Cone Penetration Testing, Free Fall Penetrometer testing, etc. Moreover, erosion and sedimentation problems require considering phase transitions (from solid-like to fluid-like), and This contribution will show the latest numerical developments of MPM with respect to the above-mentioned aspects as implemented in the open-source software Anura3D. Particular attention is given to some geotechnical applications, such as the simulation of slope collapse due to earthquake or water pressure changes, erosion problems, porous sea defences, installation problems, and many more

Role of vitamin D supplementation in the management of musculoskeletal diseases: update from an European Society of Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) working group.

Vitamin D is a key component for optimal growth and for calcium-phosphate homeostasis. Skin photosynthesis is the main source of vitamin D. Limited sun exposure and insufficient dietary vitamin D supply justify vitamin D supplementation in certain age groups. In older adults, recommended doses for vitamin D supplementation vary between 200 and 2000 IU/day, to achieve a goal of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) of at least 50 nmol/L. The target level depends on the population being supplemented, the assessed system, and the outcome. Several recent large randomized trials with oral vitamin D regimens varying between 2000 and 100,000 IU/month and mostly conducted in vitamin D-replete and healthy individuals have failed to detect any efficacy of these approaches for the prevention of fracture and falls. Considering the well-recognized major musculoskeletal disorders associated with severe vitamin D deficiency and taking into account a possible biphasic effects of vitamin D on fracture and fall risks, an European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) working group convened, carefully reviewed, and analyzed the meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on the effects of vitamin D on fracture risk, falls or osteoarthritis, and came to the conclusion that 1000 IU daily should be recommended in patients at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. The group also addressed the identification of patients possibly benefitting from a vitamin D loading dose to achieve early 25-hydroxyvitamin D therapeutic level or from calcifediol administration

Diseases of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

36 páginas, 7 figuras, 4 tablas.Iberian ibex (Caprapyrenaica) is an ecologically and economically relevant medium-sized emblematic mountain ungulate. Diseases participate in the population dynamics of the species as a regulating agent, but can also threaten the conservation and viability of vulnerable population units. Moreover, Iberian ibex can also be a carrier or even a reservoir of pathogens shared with domestic animals and/or humans, being therefore a concern for livestock and public health. The objective of this review is to compile the currently available knowledge on (1) diseases of Iberian ibex, presented according to their relevance on the health and demography of free-ranging populations; (2) diseases subjected to heath surveillance plans; (3) other dis-eases reported in the species; and (4) diseases with particular relevance in captive Iberian ibex populations. The systematic review of all the information on diseases affecting the species unveils unpublished reports, scientific communications in meetings, and scientific articles, allowing the first comprehensive compilation of Iberian ibex diseases. This review identi-fies the gaps in knowledge regarding pathogenesis, immune response, diagnostic methods, treatment, and management of diseases in Iberian ibex, providing a base for future research. Moreover, this challenges wildlife and livestock disease and wildlife population managers to assess the priorities and policies currently implemented in Iberian ibex health surveillance and monitoring and disease management.Open Access Funding provided by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Part of the authors benefitted of the support of the Consejería de Medio Ambiente of the Junta de Andalucía (Spain) to the group RNN 118 through the grants 173/2009/M/00; 03/15/M/00; 861_11_M_00, 2016/00014/M. This review benefitted from funding of the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad through the grants CGL2012-40043-C02-01, CGL2012-40043-C02-02, and CGL2016-80543-P. Marta Valldeperes was supported by the pre-doctoral grant 2020_FI_B2_00049, funded by the Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Spain) and the European Social Fund.Peer reviewe

A multicenter comparison of quantification methods for antisense oligonucleotide-induced DMD exon 51 skipping in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell cultures

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal disease caused by lack of dystrophin. Skipping of exons adjacent to out-of-frame deletions has proven to restore dystrophin expression in Duchenne patients. Exon 51 has been the most studied target in both preclinical and clinical settings and the availability of standardized procedures to quantify exon skipping would be advantageous for the evaluation of preclinical and clinical data. Objective: To compare methods currently used to quantify antisense oligonucleotide–induced exon 51 skipping in the DMD transcript and to provide guidance about the method to use. Methods: Six laboratories shared blinded RNA samples from Duchenne patient-derived muscle cells treated with different amounts of exon 51 targeting antisense oligonucleotide. Exon 51 skipping levels were quantified using five different techniques: digital droplet PCR, single PCR assessed with Agilent bioanalyzer, nested PCR with agarose gel image analysis by either ImageJ or GeneTools software and quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Differences in mean exon skipping levels and dispersion around the mean were observed across the different techniques. Results obtained by digital droplet PCR were reproducible and showed the smallest dispersion. Exon skipping quantification with the other methods showed overestimation of exon skipping or high data variation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that digital droplet PCR was the most precise and quantitative method. The quantification of exon 51 skipping by Agilent bioanalyzer after a single round of PCR was the second-best choice with a 2.3-fold overestimation of exon 51 skipping levels compared to digital droplet PCR

Impact of dementia and mild cognitive impairment on bone health in older people

Mild cognitive impairment, dementia and osteoporosis are common diseases of ageing and, with the increasingly ageing global population, are increasing in prevalence. These conditions are closely associated, with shared risk factors, common underlying biological mechanisms and potential direct causal pathways. In this review, the epidemiological and mechanistic links between mild cognitive impairment, dementia and skeletal health are explored. Discussion will focus on how changes in brain and bone signalling can underly associations between these conditions, and will consider the molecular and cellular drivers in the context of inflammation and the gut microbiome. There is a complex interplay between nutritional changes, which may precede or follow the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, and bone health. Polypharmacy is common in patients with MCI or dementia, and there are difficult prescribing decisions to be made due to the elevated risk of falls associated with many drugs used for associated problems, which can consequently increase fracture risk. Some medications prescribed for cognitive impairment may directly impact bone health. In addition, patients may have difficulty remembering medication without assistance, meaning that osteoporosis drugs may be prescribed but not taken. Cognitive impairment may be improved or delayed by physical activity and exercise, and there is evidence for the additional benefits of physical activity on falls and fractures. Research gaps and priorities with the aim of reducing the burden of osteoporosis and fractures in people with MCI or dementia will also be discussed

Four-month incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among healthcare workers after the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic

[EN] Healthcare workers (HCW) are at high risk for suicide, yet little is known about the onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) in this important segment of the population in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study of Spanish HCW active during the COVID-9 pandemic. A total of n = 4809 HCW participated at baseline (May–September 2020; i.e., just after the first wave of the pandemic) and at a four-month follow-up assessment (October–December 2020) using web-based surveys. Logistic regression assessed the individual- and population-level associations of separate proximal (pandemic) risk factors with four-month STB incidence (i.e., 30-day STB among HCW negative for 30-day STB at baseline), each time adjusting for distal (pre-pandemic) factors. STB incidence was estimated at 4.2% (SE = 0.5; n = 1 suicide attempt). Adjusted for distal factors, proximal risk factors most strongly associated with STB incidence were various sources of interpersonal stress (scaled 0–4; odds ratio [OR] range = 1.23–1.57) followed by personal health-related stress and stress related to the health of loved ones (scaled 0–4; OR range 1.30–1.32), and the perceived lack of healthcare center preparedness (scaled 0–4; OR = 1.34). Population-attributable risk proportions for these proximal risk factors were in the range 45.3–57.6%. Other significant risk factors were financial stressors (OR range 1.26–1.81), isolation/quarantine due to COVID-19 (OR = 1.53) and having changed to a specific COVID-19 related work location (OR = 1.72). Among other interventions, our findings call for healthcare systems to implement adequate conflict communication and resolution strategies and to improve family-work balance embedded in organizational justice strategies.S